I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the men and women that stand between us and danger, evil and the powers that destroy.
Last October we stood on Omaha Beach in France, the site of one of the D-Day landings.
In its current tranquility, it’s hard to image the carnage that took place on June 6, 1944 when the liberation of Europe began. In the conflict 100 German soldiers killed 2499 Americans and 1915 of their allies.
The Battle of Normandy lasted from June through August 1944 with over 425,000 Allied and German troops killed, wounded or missing. Even the son of President Teddy Roosevelt was not exempt, General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. died of a heart attack after fighting and is buried in Normandy next to his brother Quentin who died in WWI.
83,045 of the casualties were from 21st Army Group: British, Canadian and Polish ground forces. 125,847 from the US ground forces. About 200,000 German troops were killed or wounded. The Allies also captured 200,000 prisoners of war (not included in the 425,000). During the fighting around the Falaise in August 1944, the Germans suffered losses of around 90,000, including prisoners. This was the beginning of the liberation of Europe.
One battle of one war of far too many. War is hell; some march bravely into the valley of the shadow of death never to return.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Holy Bible, KJV
I say it every year, but I am so very grateful for my wonderful mother. She inspired my creativity, love of family, good grammar and every lovely thing in my world.
The following is an art installation I created that lists just a few of the things Moms (and Dads) do for their children.
175,200 hours
175,200 is the number of hours parents are on duty
for the first 20 years of a child’s life.They are responsible for 21,900 mealsand 52,000 pieces of clean clothing and accoutrements,
plus 6,378.5 diapers.A parent will offer 51,100 prayers for a child,send them to 2,340 days of K-12 educationand spend approximately
$241,080.00 to rear each child.
Here are 552,927 reasons to call home on Mother’s Day.
McMurtry Creative Media is hosting a fine art sale of handmade paintings and drawings by artist Pam Layton McMurtry. These works of art have been featured on design websites such as Behance and Dribble. Pam’s A Harvest and Halloween Handbookwon a “Hot New Picks in Design award” on Amazon.com.
“Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.” John Lubbock (1834-1913).
Buy affordable art from an emerging artist and enjoy supporting the arts and creative minds. Enjoy this original fine art in your home, workplace, classroom or gallery with free shipping.
This 14″ x 11″ watercolor on paper was inspired the pastoral art of French artist William Bouguereau. Over a dozen watercolor techniques were employed in the creation of this painting.
Price $75
This colorful collaboration by 2 artists depicts a still life positioned in front of a mirror. 16″ x 20″, it is an oil painting on canvas.
Price $300
A graceful Japanese Noh mask is draped with pearls and nestled in chiffon in this 19.5″ x 25.5″ pencil and Conte crayon drawing on gray paper.
Price $75
A collection of vintage items are artfully arranged in the 24″ x 20″ oil painting on canvas.
Price $300
Old-school favorites are affectionately remembered in this 24″ x 19″ charcoal drawing on paper. Stuffed Raggedy Ann and Andy are poised for adventure on a vintage wooden rocking duck.
Price $45
This cheerful still life would look amazing in a Tuscan-inspired kitchen. A 24″ x 18″ oil painting on canvas was one of the first paintings by the artist.
Price $350
This charcoal drawing on paper features an antique chair affectionately known as “Old Ugly.” The sketch is 23.5″ x 18″.
Price $35
Here are just a few pieces, there is plenty of fresh art where these came from! Check out my gallery on Deviantart and email me for prices and availability. Free “regular” shipping available; rush orders have a premium added.
Thank you for supporting the arts!
P.S. Here is a fun little summer story for the mermaid-lovers in your family. It is an ebook available on Amazon and BN.com.