Confetti: Dog and Cat

Confetti: Dog and Cat This was a painting that I struggled from beginning and stayed with the struggle until I picked up my brush. I fought again against: the idea of domesticated animals versus wild life, which species of domestic dog and cat etc. I just had to have faith in the author’s visions and go and paint in the flow meditating on the theme. Remarkably, this painting took every little time. There are times when it feels like the painting is meant to be and I just happen to be the one painting it. This is one of those paintings. I am still joyful about this painting and for me whenever I look at this painting: spontaneity and following my passion joyfully is very much the theme. This was a painting for the theme of: Spontaneity/ act now. How do I follow my passion? Original painting size: 50cm/100cm Robin

Last Straw

Last Straw: Donkey Sometimes I laugh so hard while I am painting. This painting is one of those times. This poor little guy was pushing it up the mountain with this heavy load and he was not happy about it, neither would I in fact. Anger and frustration are often emotions people do not want to express. These emotions are huge motivators to move us forward and change that which is not working. Hence in the end, it is a positive thing. It just doesn't feel good in the moment. But moving forward is moving forward, and sometimes these things have just got to be done. Robin

Fox and Armadillo

Fox and Armadillo This is one of the few paintings that to me remind me of an Aesop's Fable. I still feel like in the future this painting will go through a metamorphosis but we will see. The purpose of this painting was for the book and the Author's wanted to communicate: Whom do I associate with?, networking, rejection or approval, do I sometimes wear my armour out loud, how this all effect my relationships. This was a huge theme process. I think the painting does provide for all these topics of discussion. Yet, in the future I still see a metamorphosis coming..... Robin

Construction Zone: Ants

Construction Zone: Carpenter Ants We have these ants everywhere in Ecuador. I see them a lot especially in the jungle. They are trodding across the hiking trails to home base and do whatever it is that ants do. In fact, the jungle is an insect place. Amazing, and here there is such a diversity of "bugs". I am always so aware of these little ants, I don't want to ruin their destined path, and actually it is more of a highway.... Robin

Art Group: Otters

Art Group: Otters When I was still living in Canada, I was involved in an art marketing group. I miss them all so much. There were serious times of planning, marketing research, goal setting, practicing talking about the art etc. to help us understand the more commercial part of the art process. However there was also time spent making jokes, laughing and supporting each other. Art is way more than just the end result, it is connecting with others. You can be a teacher and help other growing artist, you can be in a show and communicate with others as they ask questions or just sit back and observe, whatever. But at the end of the day my perception of art is connecting with others and expressing yourself sometimes when words just can't do it for you. Robin

If Jackson Pollock was a Fish: Salmon

If Jackson Pollock was a Fish: Salmon This was so much fun. I can see the fun when I look at it. I was dribbling paint remembering and honoring the time when I watched Jackson Pollock paint many years ago. He really was an artist who when painting, flowed and lived in the moment. Living in the moment is very difficult but when I paint I have to be very present and yet not. I have to become the painting or paint or process whatever it is you desire to call it. When this happens for me, you can really see it in the painting. The painting is more natural and intense. The feeling during and after is .... Incredible. When you look at paintings this way and you will learn so much more from art. We had spawning salmon pass by our former house across the street in Enderby. They were so interesting and incredible. They are so much a part of the environment and so much depends on them, I am glad when I see the environmentalist finding ways to make their life process easier and more fruitful. Protecting them helps to protect the entire web but other parts of the web need protecting and help also. Robin

Rachelle

Rachelle Here is one of the few paintings that I have done of real people. My daughter asked for a painting of herself for her birthday one year. I think it was an actual challenge to see if I could. Remarkable this painting took very little time and was highly successful. It was a fun process. And I proved to her that yes I can paint people also. In my family, we make each other gifts and buy presents, this came from when we were in a more financially challenged time. The custom is still very much alive, and I prefer it, even if it so much more works. I love to see what these children of mine come up with. Creativity needs to be nurtured. Robin

Play Date: Penguins

Play Date: Penguins To any parent who has been there, there is.... the play date. The parents are providing a supervised play time with other kids, especially young children. I was one of those especially cautious mother bear types. After all my partner is a full out male bear type of guy. So we would be this kind of match. I look back at it now and know that I couldn't do it now like I did then. It is what you do for your children. So for all those parents and one that will become parents, Play Date is a hat off to you all and me too. Love your children endlessly. Robin

Meditation: Coyote

Meditation: Coyote This painting is of how meditation can affect our lives in a positive way. The coyote is often known as the trickster but it is also a wise and knowledgeable spirit. In this moment it is being wiser. Unfortunately, there are people who are for some reason not comfortable with meditation, I find it a moment in time put aside for me to center myself and bring my energy to a more focus less scattered position. I value meditation and I like many forms of meditation and meditative exercises. I am often sad when a person does not truly understand its reality and are confused with unrelated prejudices. Oh well, I guess that is a part of the exercise: allowing for all beliefs. Robin

Dolphin in Light

Dolphin in the Light I had originally done these dolphin more stylized and yes, it was interesting, but.... I was unsatisfied with it. And the original went to a magical person who it seemed that it should belong to. I was asked by the authors to have this painting ready for the Cover of the book, Yikes. I had allowed this painting to disappear to another country for its new home without photos of it. So back to the drawing board I went. This turned out well for me as I painted these dolphins in a more natural way. Both are interesting and I enjoyed the chance to compare with both concepts. They both are successful and both have value. Oddly enough I have no preference, accept the first painting if for the book as the second painting in the best home for it in United States. And for now is not available for reproduction. Things are as they are meant to be, sometimes there is no point in fighting it, letting go is more natural. Robin

Magic is Everywhere: Raccoons

Magic is everywhere: Raccoons These animals are quite successful living in human environments, often much to the distress of humans. They are clever and can adapt oh so well. There is nothing like finding that a raccoon has entered you house and shown you how curious he is in locating interesting things to explore, tearing the house up to find it and explore. These animals are so adaptable you can also find these animals throughout the Americas. Here in Ecuador they are called Mapache. Originally this painting was to be called the Alchemists but this title just couldn't cut it. The purpose of the painting is: What is my perception of reality/truth is different for every person. Every person has their own perception. Each of these raccoons is seeing the event differently, on the creating end or observing end of things. When I look at each raccoon, I can almost hear what each is thinking. I think that this painting allows you to bend you mind to look from other points of view. These highly intelligent animals are terrific in representing the intelligence of a thinking mind. Robin

The Secret of the First Snow: Coyote & Raven

The Secret of the First Snow: Coyote & Raven Here is another paint that I just love. It is playful and fun. I am a "Dog" person and love it when dogs smile at you as this coyote in the painting is doing. The canine family of animals have more body language cues similar to human body language. We as humans can associate with them more easily because of this. Hence it was easy for me to enjoy this painting. So that said you can see in the painting that I am a dog person. This is the other painting that I gave the authors as an option for: creativity/perceive new ways to do things, and How resourceful am I. Although, they did not choose this painting for this theme, I still prefer this painting. I love the flight of the raven and the joy in the coyote. The coyote and raven both play roles in "First Nation" legends, and both are intelligent and also the tricksters. Because of this I wanted a more playful interaction. I think that the authors may still use this painting, I know that I will. Have fun and laugh daily. Robin

The Secret: Coyote & Raven

The Secret: Coyote & Raven The next two paintings are both of a coyote and raven. I researched and found different characteristics for both of these to creature. This painting is somehow more serious and intimate. Although the coyote is in a play bow, the interaction between the two of them is more intimate. It does look like there is more of secret information being passed. The purpose of the painting or theme of this painting is to be: Creativity/ perceive new ways in doing things. How resourceful and I? There is a natural relationship in the wild that can form with coyote and ravens. They are both highly intelligent animals, you can often see them both at kill sites interacting. They are both very clever when hunting or savaging for food. These animals are unfortunately stereotyped with cartoons for children with Wiley Coyote and Heckle and Jeckle. We need to look beyond our ideas of these animals and respect them all the more for surviving and adapting successfully in our modern times. Robin

The Honey Makers: Bees

The Honey Makers: Bees This was an awesome painting to do. It was geometric in all kinds of directions. It was fun, challenging, colorful and a learning experience. I love how the honey came out in the comb and the dancing bees communicating to the other bees. Although this is a smaller painting, it took as much time as any of the larger paintings due to all the detail. The theme that the bees are representing is: "organization/prepare what you need. What can I provide or do?" This is not a surprising choice but the job of illustration is to emphasize the topic and provide a visual impression. I think I was very successful in achieving this. I can still see the bees in front of me and making me almost dizzy with detail. Still it was fun. Robin

Looking From a Different Perspective: Cows

Looking From a Different Perspective: Cows This painting created a lot of agony for me. I have said in the past that I am a wild life artist and sometimes that can be a confusing term. Technically, cows are domesticated and breeding controlled to where they are not really part of the natural ecosystems and are no longer wild life, to no fault of their own. The cow/bovine has been an integral part of human civilization and has helped to mold our evolution. This said they deserve respect as well. I started this painting but in the first draft you can really see my lack of love for the painting. I had to shift my perspective and acknowledge my personal limitation of my thinking to realize how disrespectful and prejudiced I was being. Once I did this the painting took on a new and kinder feeling. This painting is much more cohesive with the background while still focusing on the relationship with the mother and babies. Fortunately, the authors insisted on pursuing their animal representation of the ideas of: "Abundance and wealth, do I see what is available to me" as being cows. This painting again challenged me into opening my heart and mind to the real wealth that these animals represent. Robin

Fresh Start: Snake

Fresh Start: Snake Now, I am not a fan of snakes for whatever personal reason that turns me off. Snakes are like any part of the animal world; they are an integral part of the ecosystem and deserve respect. They are in no way evil, just our interpretations of them are. What I love about them is they get cranky for a while, shed their skin and continue on without missing a beat. We can learn a very good lesson here. Robin

Jaguar woman

Jaguar Woman This is one of the paintings that got repainted because for some reason the older one was not photographed or lost in the move from Canada to Ecuador. What is interesting is if you look on the official web site and the one now you will be huge leaps forward in technique and ability. It is like walking through time and grading me on growing as an artist. My perceptions have also changed a lot since then in what makes for a better painting. Don't be afraid to grown, then quickly glance back and keep moving forward. Robin

Seeing into Your Future, Looking into You Past: Moth

See into your Future: Look into Your Past: Moth When asked to do a painting of Butterflies for the theme of Role modeling/being an example to others, my researches lead me to look more into the colorful moths than butterflies. This is a painting of the caterpillar and adult of the Hummingbird moth. This is when a stereotype is not as interesting as something unusual. I found the moths much more interesting than the butterflies. When you are young, you look to adults for your future in anticipation, when the adults are looking at the young they remember their childhood with past thoughts. It is a real paradox. Robin

Balance Over Thrown: Lionfish

Balance Over Thrown: Lionfish I have to be honest and say that this is not one of my favorite paintings. There are many reasons for this. The primary reason is that it is toxic. This painting is representing where humans have intervened and placed an animal from its normal balanced environment into an area that is not capable of dealing with it. As we all know, the oil spill on the East Coast of the US. has created permanent irreparable damage, add into this mix the Lionfish, which is beautiful in where it should be but killing everything out of its perfect environment, the same East Coast. I normally try to paint to inspire people, but this is where attention should be put to clean up a serious mess. There is no nice way to represent these irresponsible acts. I can find nowhere in my soul to find the positive in this problem, accept action. In regards to the fish, it is not its fault; it is the fault of people thinking they are smarter than nature. Robin

Neoscona Cooksoni: Zigzag Spider

Neoscona Cooksoni: Zigzag Spider This is a spider I found in my garden. It is the common Ecuadorian Zigzag spider. The make these terrific webs with these interesting gauzy zigzags in them. On close inspection they are wonderfully colored and brilliantly designed. so when the authors of the book wanted a spider, I went to the garden, literally my back yard. It took me quite a while to find this creature on the internet but when I discovered its name I was even giddier. I would love a name like that. So the purpose of this painting is to represent "Oneness/know that everything is interconnected. What impact to I have? I put the water drops in to represent every drop in the bucket of life, captured in your web to contribute to the world. Yeah big concept and hard for me to express, but there you are. Robin

Choice and Destiny: Shark

Choice and Destiny: Bull Shark This paintings purpose was to be: Integration/Know that there are many paths. Do I have a chosen path? This was one of those painting that was extremely difficult to ensure the theme went with the meditations/ideas of the authors. This is a very difficult set of questions/statements but this is actually quite in tune with the shark. The shark is very misunderstood. Their purpose is clear being on of the most efficient hunters on Earth, but they are not evil, and clearly they are following their path no matter what humans say. Actually it is not the saying of humans but the actions. Humans are quite willing on any spare occasion to hunt these perfect balance beings to extinction. If we get out of our own self destructive way, our path will become clear. We often use our thinking brain to guide us and not our feeling, intuition brain to move forward. When this happens the natural turn of events is destroyed and we become out of balance and we follow paths that are not natural to use and end up being dissatisfying. A very wise woman had this sticker on the back of her car, "Don't believe everything you think". Interesting, hmm.... Robin

Magic in Wings: Black Necked Swan

Magic on the Wing: Black Necked Swan Well this is a painting that was created for the book to represent: Humility: Know where you are great. How important am I? The first choices were Trumpet or Whistling Swans. I was still geared to try and paint as many Ecuadorian wildlife as possible. I think that this painting was where my mind opened up to other animal life worldwide. Yes, this is an Ecuadorian/South American animal but it let me realize I still want to paint as many animals as possible in my life, everything deserved attention. In my research for a swan from Ecuador so many other animals also showed up on my screen. It was like the wings were casting a spell to opening doors for others that want to be represented also. The painting background let me play. I applied the background paint like water color and let it mix and flow as it liked. Then we everything had dried I followed it with more dense color. The shapes that have been created were from the flow, I only instinctually followed. Again the subject, the animal was happy to be there: the background seemed to naturally do what it was meant to do to enhance the painting. Don't get in the way of your life. Robin

Trust in Your Next Step: Polar Bear

Trust in Your Next Step: Polar Bear I absolutely love this painting. I often do fall in love with paintings but I can easily let them go. This painting, for me is just so interesting. I allowed the background of the painting to flow and move and in fact I just let it take me where it wanted to go, and I tell you it was an amazing journey. This is absolutely the perfect demonstration of when a painting was meant to be. How can anyone plan this? The color and light and imagery were all preplanned but not by me. I really worked closely with the authors and often they meditated and I meditated and then on occasion plans and direction were made. The Theme of the painting was to be: Trust in your next step, clarity/know with certainty. Do I understand what is needed? So that said, we were all on the same page. I actually, in the beginning, thought that maybe a frog in a precarious position of reeds might be interesting but I decided to have faith and follow our hearts and let it flow. And boy did it flow. I kept my heart and my intention on the main ideas and meditations that we had all had and made the wet paint flow. I just love this painting. Just as I am making my first steps back into the art world, this is one painting that I might not be able to let go, so that it keeps me on having trust in my first steps. Have faith in yourself, Robin

+- your decision: Turtle and Hare

Dancing in the Dark: Blue-footed Boobies

Dancing in the Dark: Blue Footed Boobies Okay, this painting was done just for me. I had had such a fun time photographing the Blue Footed Boobies on Isla Plato that I had to do something. These little fellows are whistling and dancing around all day long. Now in reality, they are posturing and establishing dominance and such but we as humans can put our own bent on things. So with artistic license, I did. I travelled back in times to my own youth and there you have it. I am embarrassed to say that I have been there, and there are actually some of my old friends from college there. By the way you can't even say the name of this species to my photographer without him giggling like a little girl. Nuff said. Robin

Ember: Horse

Ember: Horse Just before we left the Okanagan area, the Kelowna area in British Columbia Canada had experienced horrific out of control forest fires. We who were all living in the area were ready for evacuation if needed be. There were many experiences of people losing their livestock and having to shoot them as mercy killing as the poor animals ran still burning from the fire. We were beyond saddened at all this. Although forest fires occur regularly you never really are ready for them or what the damage that they can do. This was painted on a night where someone was reunited with their beloved horse, knowing that they would be survivors. Robin

Fluidity: Dolphin

Fluidity: Dolphins I love the dolphins. I have not had a lot of opportunity to be one on one with them. When I was a child, my family went to Sea World in San Diego, big trip since we were living in Canada at the time. I was a thinking kind of kid and I saw a pool of dolphin, at that time the pool was built in such a way that petting could happen if you were just so. So I fit in just so. There was a dolphin waiting for me, so naturally I started petting it. I was kind of like a wet watermelon in texture as I recall, but then I was a kid at the time. I looked into its eyes and had a connection, I could have stayed there all day and just touched it, with all the love that a young kid can give and it was quite willing to be there also. Of course this was a busy park and another child ran noisily over and popped our intimacy bubble, to where the dolphin snapped at the intruder. But as my parents called me away, I looked back and we connected again to say good bye. That was when I became hooked on loving wildlife. So yes, this painting is called "Fluidity" but it also expresses the love that dolphin are. Robin

Hookah monkey: Spider Monkey

Hookah Monkey: Spider Monkey This monkey is in the zoo in Banos. The Banos zoo is really amazing in its construction. It is built on a rock cliff face viewing the Pastaza River. Although this is not the San Diego Zoo where there are entire staffs of people looking for not only the physical health of the animal but the emotional, they are trying. As time progresses, I hope that they deal to a huge extent the happiness of the animals in all regards, but they are in process. That said, this very regal leader of this clan of monkeys behind a fence just posed for me while I took pictures of his regal self. So when it came time to paint him, he just dictated to me the royalty he desired. His air was one of great dignity and pride. So the colors behind him, I hope illustrate who he seemed to me to be. I do like to paint animals in their natural environment, but I also like to paint the feeling of who they are with color and shape. To me this is just as valuable as their environment. So there you have him, regal on a beautiful silk pillow with golden tassels. This is how we should treat them, wild life our noble neighbors. Robin

Above it All: Tropic Bird

Above it all: Tropic Bird While I was on my solo adventure (I was told by my partner to leave, get some rest and take a break) around Ecuador, I went on a tour to Isla Plato. It is also called the poor man's Galapagos. In many ways this is true. This Island is protected and is more or less a bird’s sanctuary. However the sea life is not only of birds but they do dominate the place. As we were hiking around the island there was a particularly interesting cliff and I kept seeing this white with red bits dodging around in the air above a violent and stormy looking rocky coastline. I kept clicking like crazy with my camera trying to capture it on photo to see what it was. I thought maybe one of the other birds, like the Nazca Boobie or an albatross or whatever, I had to look it up and there it was a Tropic bird with beautiful beak and elegant tail. This was a great place to take photos and look around, but remember bring water and good walking shoes. The authors of the book used this painting to express: Awareness/see for the first time. Can I see the bigger picture? I think that they chose well. Robin

Pelican on the Ocean

Pelican on the Ocean: This painting came from some photos that I had taken from the beach in a tiny ocean village off the coast of Ecuador called Mompiche. It was our last day there, after our family had spent the Xmas holidays there and it was kind of sad to leave. The weather was overcast and wet. The wind was blowy and a little angry, even the birds were not that interested in flying. This village is wonderful in that they are one of the few areas left on the coast that still has jungle close to the ocean and the community is determined to preserve that. They still have some cloud forest there, and because of that the local flora and fauna are still there as well. I had had some good experiences taking photos and had a few adventures along the way, wonderful long walks on beaches but these pelicans on the last moments of our visit were really the best. This particular fellow really caught my emotions of leaving but also knowing that he will continue on his path even when we are no longer there to witness it. The Authors of the book used this painting for the theme of: Intuition/Check within, How do I know what to do. The original idea for this theme was to be deer: stags and doe in a green field, but I painted this painting for my own satisfaction (even though I was supposed to be working on the book project) and showed it to them anyway. They fell in love with this painting and the rest is history. This painting can inspire a great many emotions and directions for you to think and feel, enjoy the process. Robin

Traffic Jam: Turtles

Traffic Jam: Turtles Hi there All: This painting was of some local turtles, floating and generally being lazy in the warm jungle. This was professionally photo’d the painting for me by Trevor Lawrence of Irelephant62. And although the purpose of the painting was to fulfill the need of the authors of the book for: How can I lead, Stand up for what is important. When I went into my thoughts and meditated and such about it: in my mind, up came a dear, dear friend and fellow artist when she painted some turtles in Canada. Her name is Val Rogers, who is a terrific water color artist. She also has a web site and it is under her name. She was in my art marketing group that I was in for about 1 year. Through her, I found a gentle yet firm leader. She is humble, confident, talented and kind. She is one of those people who have inspired me in my life to be a better person. So, with her in mind but still with my desire for an abstract influence, here are the turtles. I love the pushing and shoving these little guys are doing it reminds me of Vancouver British Columbia traffic in the morning. This is one of the blessings that I don't have to partake in much anymore, thank heavens. Honor those who inspire you. Original painting size: 50cm/100cm Robin

Spring Cleaning: Cougar

Spring Cleaning: Cougar As you have already figured out, I love the cat family. In this case also known as Puma. We also have this animal in Canada, and I was surprised to see this cat also here, looking very much the same in size and color. What kind of shocked me though was while I was at the zoo observing and taking endless photos was this cat corkscrewed its tail. I stood agog with still taking photos of a crazy tail. I don't know if it was annoyed or what but for photographic evidence I have the proof. Normally, in Canada, we are not able to get as close to these cats either in the wild or even zoos, but here the rules can be somewhat flexible and the details of photos are much more easily achieved. In this photo and the resulting painting, I got the opportunity to photograph the details of the teeth and tongue while it was lazily grooming itself in the afternoon sun. Even while in captivity, it was still giving me the feeling of its confidence and strength. In Canada, we still have quite a few of these great animals and here in Ecuador there is less of a respect for these creatures. These animals and their environment are well worth protecting in its many locations in the Americas. Protect those who have no voice. Robin

Starry, Starry Flight: Spoonbill

Starry, Starry Flight: Spoonbill Hi there: I don't know if you recognize the reference and some of you will say "of course", but it refers to Starry, starry night from Van Gogh. It has been said that he was painting from his point of view, some people say that he had epileptic seizures and this is what he remembers from the. There are many interpretations. No one will ever know and that is the intrinsic value of it. You must explore the art for art’s sake. The spoonbill is a unique bird in that it is not a swan, a crane nor a flamingo and instead of an elegant ending of the bill there is a spoon. For the spoonbill it is an efficient tool, but for others it might look clumsy and odd. For me, it is amazing and unique. The plumage alone is dynamic and brilliant, stark against the surroundings of marshy, swampy, mangrove areas, with pink. The bill is efficient and purposeful. The reason for the starry night style background is to honor the unique animal with a unique artist, both equally beautiful if you look closely. I also thought blue not quite right for the pink.... warmer, kinder, and gentler. Honor your uniqueness. Robin

Underfoot: Flamingo & Blue Footed Boobie

Underfoot: Flamingos & Blue Footed Boobie I love Flamingos. So the last and now this one is also flamingos. It is a two panel piece and it is called: "Underfoot". Yes, that is a little Blue Footed-Boobie underfoot. And Yes, Trevor at irelephant62 giggled like a little girl every time he said the name when he took the photo. He still does. He is actually a fully formed adult male, but honestly.... Anyway this was a fun painting to do. I took more photos of flamingos that you can imagine here in Ecuador. Since these birds can't help but be who they are and very entertaining the whole time, my camera was flashing away. I have hundreds of photos of them and enjoyed them the whole time. The photos of the Blue-footed Boobies were taken on Isla Plato on the Ecuadorian coast. I went there on a tour and could have spent days taking photos. These little guys were always doing there “Boobie” dance and I am glad that my auto advance on my camera was a blazing. Please stop giggling at the name; it wasn't my choice no matter how amusing the name is. The paradox of the two opposites on the dance floor made me think of junior high school and since I am so tall for a female (just under 6'), it just brought back all kinds of memories, including the boys that were late bloomers. Be kind to each other and enjoy life Robin

Family of Three: Flamingos

Family of Three: Flamingos I have to give credit where credit is due. Last year, a terrific professional friend with camera in hand took a number of professional photos. Irelephant62. You can see his work on twitter and such. He endured a 2 day session, and he stayed with us in Ecuador for too short of a time. He was awesome. So I will plug him whenever it is one of his photos. I could not post anything of the new work as it was a bit of a contractual secret and so now it is the unveiling. Yahoo! The story behind this one is that it is a remake. The authors wanted this painting but I could not get the original to them or the copy of it to them for some reason or another so, I re-did it. Here is where you can see that I kind of grew up in style and technique. You can go to the web site under birds and there is the old version. Needless to say it was interesting to see for myself what has happened to me over time. Name of the painting: Family of Three. There were a couple of remake paintings and I will point them out, for s--ts and giggles. I am not afraid to show growth.... even if it shows my fragile beginnings. This painting was used in the original book for the cover; we shall see where it goes in the future. There are a lot of changes happening with the book but all the more fun for those that watch that process grow and develop. Keep growing. Robin