This painting is in loving memory of our dear friend Brian who just passed away unexpectedly due to complications with surgery. He leaves behind three gorgeous children and a very heartbroken wife.
Total sadness.
My way of knowing Brian is a little unusual. For one week, for the last ten years, we have vacationed together. I can’t say I know all of his trials and tribulations. The man I knew was always happy, relaxed, and enjoying life. That’s what one does on vacation.
For one week every year, we meet up with my best friends. It just so happens that for many years before that, their family always planned a week in Block Island where cousins, siblings, friends aunts and parents could all descend to the island for one week and play together. This is how I came to know Brian. He was part of the family and they all let us tag along. Each individual family has their own cottage, but meals, beaching, hiking and window shopping are all ways we gather. My first years out we were young and dating our significant others, but as the years passed, weddings were thrown and families were started. We all have kids the same age now which has added a whole new dynamic to the vacation.
Brian was the fisherman. Up at the crack of dawn, chartering trips to sea and later on enjoying his own little piece of heaven. I always think of my friend’s mom who was always brave enough to venture out so early, dressed from head to toe in rain gear. They would make their way back in the afternoon, with tall tales of their fishing exploits and always something for the grill.
This is what I envision. A salty dog friend enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
So to our dear friend Brian. The clouds have just parted here in Rhode Island. The rain has stopped. The waters have calmed.
Set sail my friend. Head on out into the great unknown.
You will be missed.
We will look for you off the cliffs of Block Island, way out there on the horizon.
Be Creative Mary 
Awesome tribute to B ! We miss him so much.