Portrait of a Lady

On Saturday Charles and I attended a celebration of our friend Perrietta's 80th birthday given with love from her three adult children. It was one of the most tasteful and beautiful events I've ever experienced. Perrietta is an artist and art instructor of reknown, especially here in San Diego. She is a woman of wit, wisdom, creativity, deep spirituality, and adventure. I want to be just like her when I grow older!!

Her children chose the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art as the setting because at one time she taught art lessons there and just beyond the property she and her family lived in a small house that is still there. Her daughters and son attended Bishop's School and they all went to St. James Episcopal Church in the early days. So this was familiar territory for Perrietta, one rich with memories.

Her children also put on a Power Point slide show–complete with captions–of her life over the last 80 years! What fun it was to see her in the various stages.

Her three older sisters were at the party, as well. Perrietta refers to them as her best friends. Imagine the joy of being the 'baby' of the family at age 80 and still having all your siblings alive to celebrate with you. It was breathtaking to see them all together--so well, still so attractive, and 'with it.'

Perrietta's life has not been easy. She raised her children alone after a divorce and she experienced the ups and downs that are part of any life. But what I love about her most is her willingness to live forward instead of backward. She paints and travels and enjoys her children and friends and has a loyal group of art students who have studied with her for years.

Charles and I attended one of her shows at a gallery in San Diego just a couple of months ago. Perrietta is as active as ever in a variety of expressions.

I feel so blessed to know her and to hold her in my life as a model of elegance, confidence, and humility. And she is such fun to be with!

I love and admire you, Perrietta.