I lived in Detroit for a few years where, as you would imagine Aretha Franklin is an institution. An associate named Cynthia came into my office one Monday morning and said "Linda you will never guess who was at church yesterday......Aretha Franklin! She came in wearing a gorgeous hat and she sang with us!" I asked Cynthia how it was. "Linda, she ROCKED the house!" How wonderful that she returns to the church she once attended in her youth and still sings with the congregation.
Just a little pair of antique baby shoes. I guess these were worn by several babies, walked on until half the sole separated from the shoe. These old shoes are always mysterious. Makes you wonder about who wore them. The light blue is a new color called "Yves Klein Blue" from http://www.blueridgeartist.com/oilpaintcolors.html
Krista saves abused dogs. She rescues them from abusive homes, people that can no longer take care of them, and so on. She told me that recently the heartbreak for the dogs and the owners is foreclosure. People that have lost their homes sometimes must give away their pets because rentals do not allow animals. So sad. Nice to know their are people like Krista doing all they can to help find these animals a new home. The entire proceeds from the sale of this painting will go to http://www.aussierescue.org/
The mosaic bottle is from Pier One Imports. It holds a fragrant oil. The little flowers are a little sprig of Shooting Star Hydrangea. Pretty little flowers with blue centers. 
Lucy was rescued from a shelter. She was lethargic and appeared to be the runt of the litter. There was something about her so home we headed with Lucy in a cardboard box. She's ten years old now, and spent much of her life just soaking up the sun, as she was this day.
