Yesterday I alluded to the fact that I have some fairly high standards for gift giving.  I’ve let them slide over the years.  Another thing that I’ve begun to do is give gifts that harmonize with my consistent ethic of life.  That is I try to find ways to give gifts that will be of benefit to others rather than just be trinkets that become an albatross about the recipients neck.

In recent years, the siblings and spouses of LightHusband have thrown money into a pot together and we give a goat through Heifer International.  We’ve given three goats thus far.   I can’t seem to rally my brothers and their spouses.  This is surprising as my family tends to be more socially conscious than LightHusband’s family.  Perhaps I have not been forthright enough when I’ve asked.  I have given gifts to each of them through Heifer before, then made small individual quilts depicting the animal they were (not) receiving.  This was the year we moved 10 days before Christmas.  Making small individual quilts and moving at the same time was heroic.  But they seemed unphased.

This year I decided to support a local artist and give them all gifts at the same time.  They were more appreciative and I was able to help a good friend.  She is my favorite artist at the moment.  If you click on this link, you’ll see a picture of her painting a mural in the front hall of my house.  I am fortunate enough to be the owner of this painting:

I gave Brother2 a print of this painting (which is owned by the BrickDude and GoldenGirl)

I gave a print of this painting to my parents, who were thrilled to have something by an artist that I know.  They love art with a story.  The LightDad said it would go on their eclectic wall … which is every wall in their house (as far as I can tell).

I love Becky’s work (who I refer to as Eldon in my blogroll because when she came to paint she came as a friend) because of the way she uses color and light.  Check out her gallery.  If you feel so inclined, I believe you can even order something from her.  Or just look at her wonderful use of color and admire it for a while.  It’s sure to make you smile.