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| Mary and her beloved "Tunes" |
Angels exist, but sometimes, since they don't all have wings, we call them FRIENDS.
This page is in honor of my beloved friend, Mary Santos. I am forever grateful for her encouragement, inspiration and generosity. Mary helped me through some of the hardest times of my life, and I hope I was able to return even a fraction of the support and kindness she gave to me.
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| Mary helping me stack my Finnish Spitz, "Mikey" |
Mary's love of all animals, most especially her beloved Dals, Ridgebacks and Poodles, was well known. This quote by Cheryl Zuccaro says it all: "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
Mary's heart was all dog.
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| Mary's painting "Castle Under Siege" |
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| Mary's painting "San Pedro Gold" |
Mary was the consummate teacher. Both students and colleagues were recipients of her essential kindness, attention to detail, and intuitive knowledge of what was needed in any given situation. She fought for what was right, not just what might be expedient. She cared, and everyone whose life she touched felt the warmth of her caring.
Mary's explosion into the world of art was actually the well-thought-out and well-planned execution of a talent and love for art that had woven itself throughout her life. I am honored to have two of her paintings, as well as several sketches she did of my dogs. She had the eye to see to the heart of the matter -- not only its essence, but the humor and comedic implications inherent in every situation. More than her own art, though, was her desire and ability to share her joy with others while teaching them the skills needed to create their own visions.
She said it best herself:
"Drawing is my Heart's Rhythm, the Tune: Design,the Pattern of my Soul's Dance, Steeped in evocative Color yet Painted with Joy and Peace."..................................santos
You can check out some of her other paintings at http://www.santosartist.com/
