On Easter Sunday, a friend posted on Facebook an image of Lithuanian dyed Easter Eggs that are 40 years old.  I was delighted to see this post and I thought maybe this friend like me was also a Lithuanian. Turned out she isn't but I like her anyway!!  She cannot help her heritage. (Ha Ha!}

This painting Moon Spirit was inspired by a trip we took to Lithuania in 2013.  It is a small country and driving from the capital Vilnius to the Baltic Sea is like driving from Chicago to the Twin Cities.  We spent a week in Lithuania, eating ethnic food and drinking their famous beer and vodka.  I always admire foreign countries for saving their ancient buildings and protecting their heritage and language. While we were there, we took a tour of the University grounds one evening after a wonderful dinner.  We were astounded by the requirements necessary to study there. The students were obligated to learn three languages including Russian. The moon was spotlighting a statue outside one of the university buildings that night.  It gave me the impetus to go home and paint Moon Spirit. We would love to return to the Baltics for another trip someday.