This is a portrait of our beloved Holly that hangs in our family room.  She went to the Rainbow Bridge in May and in June, I asked one of our local artists on Cedar Key if she could do a painting for me.  She did and I gave it to Ray for Father's Day this year. 

This artist had never met Holly in person.  So she asked me to give her some photos and to tell her about Holly.....what she liked, what her personality was, etc.  I did.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to tell you, when I saw this painting it blew me away!  Any of you that has met Holly in person will see what she captured on canvas is beyond incredible.  It borders on eerie.  It looks identically like our Holly.  Not only did she capture her physically......she captured her soul.  Every time I glance at that painting, I feel Holly is right there with me.

And so....I had to say to myself.....how can such an artist with such tremendous talent be hidden away here in Central Florida?  How can somebody with such potential not be known throughout the country?  I have no answers for that. 

But it does get me wondering, how it is we have so many creative people in our midst and yet....most of us aren't even aware of the gifts they have.  Why is that?

Have any of you ever heard of the singers Armand and Angelina?  No....probably not.  I had the wonderful opportunity to meet them in person and attend one of their incredibly powerful concerts about 6 years ago.  They were going to perform at a small New Age shop in New Port Richey that I liked to frequent.  I purchased crystals, gemstones, books, etc. there and was told I really wouldn't want to miss this couple.  So I bought a ticket....it was held in the back room of the shop with only about 15 people in attendance.

The moment Angelina began singing Amazing Grace, I felt like I was being transported out into the Universe.  Her pure, vibrant voice brought shivers to my body and tears to my eyes.  I could not believe this young woman with such profound talent was somebody I'd never heard of before.  And when both her and Armand (they're married) sang together.....it bordered on mystical.  I bought two of their CD's that evening.  And since then I've bought two others and just recently purchased their latest....Singing The Secret, based on the book.

I paid them a visit last week on their website and was thrilled to see that they're now touring not just in Florida, but up the east coast, out west and even into Mexico.  But as I said.....have you ever heard of them?  Like you've heard of so many others?  They're brilliant singers and when you attend their concert or listen to their CD.....their gifted voices and positive energy flows over you, just plain making you feel better.  And yet....I'm wondering, why doesn't everyone in the country know who they are?  Why isn't Armand and Angelina a well known singing duo?  I have no answers for that.  But do yourself a favor......go visit their website at this link.  You'll get treated to a bit of Angelina singing Amazing Grace when the site loads.

And now....you tell me.....why is it that we have so much creative talent in the arts and yet....most of it is unknown to you and me.  This still leaves me wondering.

See you here next time......