Lyla Draws, I Eat Lunch, and Patty Needs Prayers!

Lyla is six years old. I know, she looks significantly older in my drawing of her done from a recent photograph, however, she's only six. She is my first cousin's grand daughter. And apparently she looks up to me as an artist. We've drawn together twice. The most recent time just a few weekends ago when she was visiting her great grandpa here from Colorado. After the visit her mom sent me that photo on facebook telling me that Lyla now takes her drawing pad with her everywhere she goes.
How great to start drawing seriously at six instead of at seventy as I did.


Yesterday I drew both drawings, the second one over lunch at Tacos Jalisco. Carlos was working. He gave me two Tacos Jalisco T-Shirts (black with V necks and white writing which includes the chili pepper icon he designed for the shirts front and back) Now I can be a walking bill board for TJ's!

I drew this group of women and men eating lunch together at  two tables pushed together. I think one of them is Carlos' sister. She's way prettier than I was able to draw her. Another woman on the left sat alone. "The Couple" came in with their daughter and grand son, Mike shouted out to me across the room; "The Floor Guys" were there too. It felt a little like old home week.

And now for a huge plea. Some of you know I have a very best friend Patty. VBF is an understatement. We have literally been friends since birth. My family moved into 1203 Amador Street when I was about 3 months old. Patty and her family lived across the street at 1220 Amador Street. We aren't sure at exactly what age we met and started playing with each other. I am guessing at around 3 or 4.

Because Joann moved in and I remember photos of her and she was really young and she was younger than me and Patty. Patty was the oldest by 6 months. Marion might have already been there, we aren't sure. But we all four grew up playing together. In the 1940's and 1950's kids were allowed to play outside by themselves from morning till dusk. And we did. Our memories recall playing in each others back and front yards, riding trikes and bikes down the street and way further, roller skates, kick the can, hide and seek,

dress up, doll houses, later movies at the El Rey theather, dancing and acting lessons, and well I could make a really long list here but I won't.

 

We grew up together. Marion died over ten years ago. Joann died maybe five years ago. That left me and Patty. We continued to play together. This is a collage of photos from one of my last birthdays.

Patty on the right, me on the left center. Those are our favorite cookies and gellato from the bakery

where we'd go for lunch. This year I planned to make some healthier treats, as my birthday is

coming up again real soon. And we always celebrate it together!

 

But Patty is in the hospital. She's in ICU. She has lung cancer.

Two days ago she had a blood clot (less than a week after her first chemo treatment)

and that caused her to have a heart attack.

 

I am asking for your prayers, positive thoughts, energy to be sent her way.

I love this friend more than you can imagine. We have been there for each other

our entire lives, through thick and thin. I cannot imagine life without her in it.

She is a fighter. A survivor. A believer. She appreciates all the prayers and good wishes

that have already been sent her way.

But she needs MORE NOW!

Please!!!!

Thank you from me and Patty. I love you Patty. Please get well. I love you so so so much!