Her name was Elizabeth Skinner. She was one of my childhood inspirations. She taught me how to take a small idea and brainstorm it into something big--something that challenged all previous ideas. Something that could make the impossible possible.



She lost her battle with cancer when I was in junior high. I remember her struggle, but I don't remember her ever being weak. I remember her covered in paint, and helping us church kids with our crafts, and encouraging my creativity.



Shortly before her death, she found some old chairs, stripped them down and painted them with whimsical images that may have meant something profound to her. These chairs are a small memento of a truly, wonderfully, creative person. The sight of them brings back so many memories.



She donated them to a church auction. My mother won them. I don't know what the final bids were. It doesn't matter. They were worth every penny.



Thanks for inspiring me Elizabeth.



I hope they put you in charge of zebra stripes up there. And giraffe spots.