On Earth as it is in Heaven

It's been so long since I have posted...not taking the time to write and visit others has become a habit with my blog. TODAY...as it will be in days to come...I hope to come here and say what I feel...give my VOICE a place and share what is inside...

I am thankful for ALL that I have been given...for ALL who have touched my life and who give me LOVE, strength, peace and understanding. Thoughts...ideas...THANKS that I am loved, that I know LOVE...the beauty that IS love...that guides me and shows me ALL that I should know.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVe to the family of Wayne Alan Hill, Jr.-a brave young man who left so soon but touched so many

LOVE to the soldiers who arrive home to longing arms of LOVE and tears of JOY...thankful for their safety for the LOVE they give to ALL and the unconditional strength and bravery offered by each one and by their families

HEALING thoughts of peace and comfort to ALL who suffer and endure PAIN, fear, loss

GIVE US HOPE...let your LIGHT shine!

LOVE to sweet new babies, mommies and daddies

LOVE to daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, grandmothers and fathers, friends, husbands, SONS, babies

SWEET sweet LOVE...PEACE to those who have lost their battle and to those who soldier on

LOVE that passes ALL understanding...GIVE me MORE...give me LIGHT...

Thanks be to GOD...for LOVE for LIFE for ALL that I am, for ALL that I will be.

For YOU Sammie!

In case you STOP by...sent with LovE and PRAYers for you and your best friend!

MCV-Massey Cancer Center-Thomas Palliative Care Unit

It's hard to believe that it has been 3 years since I painted the beach mural at the Thomas Palliative Care unit at MCV hospital. In November of 2008 I met Ellie Coyne at the unit...you can read the story here.
Fast forward...Tuesday, May 17, 2011...I got a call from Ellie. "Do you remember me Leslie?", she said. Of course! "You won't believe what your mural has inspired. Please come by the unit so you can see the out-pouring of LOVE that is the beach mural." "It's a miracle...it has helped so many people and I want you to see it."
So, today I made my way back to MCV and Ellie was right...I couldn't believe what I saw. It's amazing...so many people wrote, drew, painted and collaged on to the wall that was merely a beach scene before...blossomed into a wall of HOPE, memories, dedications and well wishes to ALL who have struggled, endured and some that have sadly succumbed to cancer. And it all started with a beach scene...a place to escape from the reality of the disease. At the end of May the wall will be painted over and I will begin a new mural...this time....BUTTERFLIES I can't wait to see the metamorphosis it brings!

BEFORE... November 2008 (below)

AFTER... May 2011

Casa de las Mariposas-House of the Butterflies-Aruba

I have been so blessed in my travels and in life to see so many of God's beautiful creations and I am thankful. Out of all of His creations...I am drawn to the butterflies, the birds, the animals and the flowers. Their BEAUTY is AMAZING! These photos were taken in Aruba at the Butterfly House...wonderfully beautiful...simply breathtaking!

i LoVe Virginia