I threw my mom an 80th birthday party in Minocqua, Wisconsin. The location of the hotel is in the lakes region where my parents have a cabin. I wanted the party gifts to be as special as my mom, so I planned to hand-paint images of native Mid-western flowers and put each one in a small, metal frame. With little time to do this before departing for the Northwoods, I packed my art kit and pulled it out during the flight. (See my cramped studio above.) I painted 20 little images — one each to be given to guests at the end of the night. And, what a night it was. The banquet room was beautiful as it overlooked Lake Minocqua. Guests arrived at 5pm and soon we were surrounded by three generations of family and friends. Just as the sun set a double rainbow came out to greet the birthday girl. Mom was so happy, it was a magical evening.