Find more celebration posts at Ruth’s blog.
For the last 13 years my father has created a drawing for my parents’ annual Christmas card. In 2013, I published a small chapbook of his drawings along with poems that I wrote. The book, Illuminate, seems to still be available on Amazon.
Earlier this week I visited my parents and talked to my dad about this year’s card. This summer, my husband Jeff was building a pirogue in our carport. When he was close to finishing, I took a picture and posted it on Facebook.
The artist in my dad saw this image.
He emailed me and asked for the picture. Then he blew it up and printed only the trees from the background. These are crepe myrtle trees that are actually on the front of our house.
The photograph became the inspiration for his abstract drawing. My dad works with pen and ink in pointillism. Each drawing is a miracle. I celebrate this creative gift.
John Gibson, 2016
Haiku #31
Happy New Year’s Eve!
Even trees have a party.
Sparks of light illume.
Thanks to Mary Lee Hahn for the haiku-a-day challenge. I celebrate:
- We lightened the world with our words.
- We grew as a community of writers.
- We made it.
Reflections on the Teche 
Such an interesting story as all the different parts came together. Happy New Year!
A wonderful collision of talent — a book, a pirogue, a photograph, an abstract drawing, a blog post, a haiku. Thank you for sharing your beautifully crafted celebration! May your heart overflow with peace and joy in 2017.
So enjoyed reading your post!
Your father’s work is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your celebrations. I enjoy learning along with you. Happy New Year 🙂
Love this! You are a fortunate daughter
Love so much. Your father’s art is amazing. Here’s to 2017 being filled with Haiku.
Great to see the images and read your celebration. The haiku even put celebratory images in my head. Happy New Year.
This story is a perfect example of the fact that inspiration is everywhere. It’s up to us to be on the lookout for it. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Your father’s work is extraordinary as is his process. As Catherine said, inspiration is everywhere. You are a master at it!
This is so fascinating, Margaret – art is seeing the world in a way that’s unique. Beautiful work by your dad…plus, Jeff’s boat looks great, too!
Yes, we made it through the month of December as a band of committed writers. We shared our thoughts; lifted lines; spread #poetrylove. Kudos to your Dad for his beautiful artwork to illuminate our hearts, Margaret.
Just lovely! Thanks, Mac
Sent from my iPad Mac Stearns
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I love to read about others’ processes. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Not sure whether I love the card, or the story behind the card, or the haiku more. Beautiful! And holy cow, everyone in your family is talented!!!!