I want to start by sharing this piece of art, an oil pastel by my mother, Patricia Haynes McReynolds.  It is one of a series depicting a mother’s devotion to her children and of her own spirituality; she created these for all 4 siblings.  This image is of me as a teenager in the 1970s (the original was destroyed in a flood).

style art muse lamb pony cloud closeup

I see the magnificence that she imagined for me in my youthful innocence.  She gave me the freedom that the horse represents.  She put me in robes and in the clouds, holding the lamb close – all divine symbolism.  Her vision and style reflect gentleness and peace.  I can picture her intently working, knowing that she kept me in her heart and mind as she executed this art work – she serves as a muse for me.