This is a painting of my dad's favorite chair. He was sick almost all of 2001 and died almost exactly one month after the 9/11 attacks. That year is still pretty much an unhappy blur to me. But this chair, which sits in my studio where I can see it and use it every day, and think of my dad, makes me happy.

Sometimes a painting brings back only happy memories and sometimes the sadness that comes with real life seeps in and through it. But I believe that memories are a good thing because having them reminds you to appreciate what you still have. I am hopeful that my art can sometimes bring back good memories for others as well. What do you think?

Go give someone you love a call or a hug - you won't regret it.