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My dad's LSU ball cap has been hanging on the door to my art studio since he passed away last year on my 24th wedding anniversary: Feb. 14, 2006, Valentines Day. My husband, daughter and I previously celebrated this day with all the hoopla that comes with Valentines Day - chocolates, balloons, cards, roses, a candlelit dinner at Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse. Last year was the first anniversary that I did not celebrate and hardly remember anything except thinking how sad it was that daddy had died on my anniversary and was buried on my brother's birthday. I’m happy to say that my father would not want me to remember this as a bad day, a day that used to be such a celebration. I’ve resolved it in my heart that my daddy is in a better place and lives in my heart, as my king of hearts.

In tribute to him with the anniversary approaching, I bought a 10x13 white shadow box, the kind that opens like a display case. I bought some puff LSU stickers with the tiger jumping through the stadium and the LSU helmet and the LSU letters. I placed the LSU hat in the box, along with the stickers, and secured the hat with white hat- pins. I had 2 great photographs of my dad on the patio from the previous Fathers' Day, and guess what he was wearing (his LSU hat)? Perfect, so I printed them out and trimmed the edges and pinned them into the shadow box with more white hatpins. Using Word Art I printed out Joseph Earl Irby in purple and gold about 2”x12” and posted it under the photos, On the photos with Word Art I wrote "Daddy on Fathers’ Day 06" and printed that across the bottom of the photos in white ink. The shadow box is just beautiful and fit for a King – my King of Hearts.

I actually have plans to make more shadow boxes. One with a duplicate flag and since my father was a pilot I want to make one with his flight logbook. I believe these are perfect tributes to a life well lived. They will adorn my walls amongst my art and be a pleasant reminder of my father and his life. This year I will celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary by eating chocolates and celebrating with my husband. I will also celebrate my father's life by remember fond loving memories of him.

Link up with me and let me know what you are doing, and what is going on in your art world.

Happy Painting