13 August 2019
My brother Bill was the best uncle, always there, always loving. My kids were so blessed to have him, and we all miss him so much, but that Love he showed them continues, especially when it comes to our GrandPerson.
Make art about uncles, about why uncles matter.
4 March 2017
In many cultures, the teaching of heritage and cultural practices is carried out by members of the extended family, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. In certain cultures, this relationship and teaching is formally recognized, and in cultures with matrilineal descent is referred to as the avunculate, sometimes called avunculism or avuncularism, a social institution where a special relationship exists between an uncle and his sisters’ children. Several Native American tribes practice a form of this, where the uncle is responsible for teaching the children social values and proper behavior while inheritance and ancestry is reckoned through the mother’s family alone. Modern day influences have somewhat but not completely erased this tradition.
Thinking on this especially today, as I watch my sons interact with their sister’s baby son, my GrandPerson Max <3. Thinking on it too, as it’s the weekend of my lovely daughter’s birthday, and my own brother, Bill, now gone on to the next life, was present and there for her literally from the moment she first drew breath. He remained a constant source of Love and education for all of my kids until he left us. My daughter Lia couldn’t say ‘Uncle Bill’ when she was small; it came out ‘Opie Gill.’ So now her brothers are not just ‘Uncles’ to her son, but ‘Opies.” Important job they have ❤ And I have no doubt they’ll honor it well.
Make art about extended family, about aunts, or uncles, about those elders from whom we learn our culture.
5 March 2017
Spent the day with my sons, two wise and funny young men. The two things that impress me about both of them are: 1) their shared sense of honor, and 2) their shared insatiable curiosity. They are both always–always–learning something new, or seeking to learn something new, or thinking about how they can learn something new.
Make art about learning, about loving to learn, about the magic and mystery of curiosity.
Happy National Poetry Month! Another favorite poem from a favorite poet 🙂 And a Prompt at the end!
3 /4/2016
I have Complicated Grief-Related PTSD. Some days I’m okay. Some days I think I’m okay, then I’m just—not, not okay at all.
Make art about grief.
3/5/2016
The only way I have survived the extreme loss I’ve experienced in my life is by making a choice every day, sometimes every moment, to live not in grief, but in Gratitude.
Make art about Gratitude.
3/6/2016
Both my sons were home this weekend, and one of my greatest joys is to see them together as grown men, not just brothers, but friends. My best friend was my brother, and my oldest son once said, “How cool it is—to find your own best friend right in your family!”
Make art about siblings as friends.
So grateful to be blessed with good friends. Both prompts are inspired by the kindness of friends these last few days.
3/1/2016
My wise brother told me, in so many words, to remember that we can’t grasp the river.
Make art about letting it all flow as it will. Or about a river.
3/2/2016
A sweet friend arrived with her tarot deck in hand and offered to give me a reading.
Make art inspired by the tarot.
Thanks to Valley for including me at Life in 10 Minutes 🙂
http://www.lifein10minutes.com/your-10/2015/8/11/brother-bill
Mary Carroll-Hackett: Poetry and Prose 
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