"Retreat"
12 x 24
Oil on Canvas
NFS
In 2011 I began my blog vowing to post every day. I soon realized that it was an unrealistic goal and settled for posting when I had something to say. On this third anniversary of my beginnings I am posting the first painting in a new series that is near and dear to my heart. It is a depiction of military life. I grew up as a military brat and then continued my life as a military spouse. Military life on base/post is unique. This is my first story:
On a military installation the first note of the "Retreat" song is significant. It occurs at 5 PM or 1700 hours each evening. That first note means that all movement on base stops and everyone faces the flag...hand over heart...as a show of respect. We would stand motionless until the music stopped and then resume our activities. Fond memories include racing over to the flag pole to watch the flag being taken down or...racing inside so I didn't have to stand still till the flag was lowered! If we were in the swimming pool everyone vacated the pool and stood, hand over heart, until the music stopped and then we all jumped back into the pool. It didn't matter whether or not you could see the flag...you stood facing the general direction with hand over heart.
This painting is my Grandson, Jayden. Without prompting as soon as the music started he stood up and placed his hand over his heart and looked up at the sky in the direction of the flag. It touched me and brought back so many memories. I knew this would be part of my military series.
This is absolutely beautiful. I know boys don't like being called beautiful but I can see the love. It is very touching and I thank you for sharing a piece of you.
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