Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Esperanza

Esperanza in spanish means Hope.  She is my Aunt, my Mom's sister and such a special "lady" who I love and respect.
When baseball season comes around, she is glued to the television always wearing her Philly's hat...and yells at the T.V. if things don't go the way she wants.   On December 18th , she will
turn 103 years young !!  Amazing, right?  Imagine the stories she can tell you.   She loves and embraces life everyday!

139 comments:

  1. This is a fabulous portrait! Love the story that goes with it. I can just see her getting into her baseball!

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    1. thank you so much KIMBERLY! she's a sweet lady!! I appreciate you stopping by.!

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  2. I adore the expression you have caught in her eyes. I had seen the same one in my mothers so this one brought a lump to my throat.
    103 - how special is that! I have never even met anyone who has led the good life that long. Let her know I am an admirer.

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    1. thank you JULIE! I felt the same way when I was painting her..she looks so much like my Mom!! and she still has her memory which is wonderful!

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  3. Une femme fantastique et irrésistiblement jeune !... Ce portrait est d'une grande beauté. Je pense que tout l'amour qui est en toi rejaillit en lui.
    Elle peut être fière de sa nièce et toi fière d'avoir la chance d'avoir une tante extraordinaire.

    Gros bisous.

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    1. She definitely is a fantastic lady, MARTINE! I am very proud of her!! Glad you stopped by.

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  4. Hallo Hilde,
    Ik vind haar fantastisch ,mooi gemaakt
    Groetjes Marja

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    1. thank you so much MARJA! I appreciate your kind comment.!

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  5. Hilda, this is such a beautiful portrait of a wonderful woman! You painted with love, and have surpassed all you have done before. BRAVO, my friend!

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    1. thank you SO much KATHRYN for your kind comment!!! I'm glad you stopped by!! and wish you can meet her as well!!

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  6. How beautiful to be turning 103! Your painting of her is beautiful and she has a look of contentment on her. I love the picture I have in my mind now of her in her baseball hat shouting at the TV. Makes me :) great big!

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    1. thank you so much LISA! She loves life so much ..I think that's what keeps her so healthy!!

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  7. Imagine 103! It is very good to have such longevity in your family. Beautiful portrait...she has a lovely face!

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    1. thank you CELESTE!! Longevity is definitely in my family...should I invest in more pastels? LOL

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  8. She is an inspiration , if anybody is !!! Wow, you made an awesome portrait of her, great post Hilda !

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    1. thank you so much JANE for your very generous comment! She is such an inspiration...everyone loves her.!

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  9. Dear Hilda a beautiful portrait that your words make it alive: an example of life and a hope for me:! I love and admire this portrait and this life.
    I was born on December 20 ... I wonder if there is hope to me to get so much life, so YOUNG as this LADY!!?

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    1. thank you RITA for your comment. I hope that we ALL have a long and happy life..we need that extra painting time!LOL
      Glad you stopped by!! Enjoy your day.

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  10. Wow, I thought my Mum-in-Law was doing well at 94 years young ... but she's a mere baby by comparison with Esperanza!

    Beautiful portrait

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    1. thank you SUE for stopping by and for your lovely comment! 94 is young in my family..My Dad was almost 99 when he left us..Mom was 86. Esperanza is the winner!

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  11. Félicitations Hilda, ce portrait est vraiment magnifique et émouvant...

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    1. thank you SO much for that comment, OLIVIER!! I appreciate it! Enjoy your day!

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  12. Un trabajo precioso, una dulzura difícil de describir, solo admirar lo que puede lograr con su arte.
    Un afectuoso saludo.

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    1. Gracias, RUBEN por tu comentario. Tu trabajo ultimo es magnifico!! Un abrazo

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  13. She is beautiful Hilda! Look at how unlined her face is. I too yell at the tv when I watch baseball...or hockey. The only two sports I really enjoy watching for any length of time.

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    1. thank you so much SHERRY! Her skin is really beautiful for her age...and I can imagine you yelling at the T.V.!! LOL

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  14. Oh I can tell from the way you drew her that she loves and embrace life! You caught a wonderful expression dear Hilda!
    Couldn't say though that she would be 103 in just few weeks, wow!! That's special and made me want to meet Esperanza and maybe listen to a story or two :)
    Hugs and Smiles.

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    1. thank you KONSTANTINA for your lovely comment. It's not everyday when someone celebrates 103 years old. Recently, she wasn't feeling well and said that its time for her to leave!! then, she felt better and said "never mind!"!!

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  15. God bless her, Hilda.....and, what a lovely portrait.

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    1. thank you so much CAROL!! Have a wonderful day!!

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  16. 103???? Oh my! What a lovely lady she sounds - and beautiful too. You really have captured such character in your gorgeous portrait too :0)

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    1. thank you SANDRA!!! 103! She is a lovely lady and her love of life makes her even more beautiful! Glad you stopped by!!

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  17. Oh Hilda, what a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman. That is exactly what I want to be (if) at 103!

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    1. thank you so much CAROL!! You are an amazing woman now! If I'm in good health THEN I want to reach 103...just as long as I can hold a pastel in my hand, I'll be happy.LOL I enjoyed painting the sweater!

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  18. I forgot to mention your wonderful portrait. The sweater is a masterpiece alone!

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  19. Es una pintura maravillosa de tu tía, fantástica, es asombroso cumplir 103 años y que puedas verlo en tu familia.

    Un abrazo

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    1. Gracias ROSA por tu comentario. Me alegro que te guste la pintura de me tia!!
      un abrazo

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  20. What a lovely story to accompany a lovely piece of art. Your post really touched me today. Thank you. :)

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    1. thank you so much PRABAL!! She's such a sweet lady!! Enjoy your day, my friend!!

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  21. 103, did you say?!She looks amazing and you make her sound like a very interesting sort of a person.Your portrayal of her is beautiful as always.Cheers.

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    1. thank you ARTI for your very generous comment! I try to visit her as often as I can..when I see her I see my Mom so she's even more special to me. Enjoy your day!

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  22. At 103, she looks like she knows the secret of getting the most out of life: involvement, passion and a sense of humor. You caught it in the twinkle in her eyes. Lovely portrait of a lovely lady.

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    1. thank you so much LINDA for stopping by..She's a wonderful lady and hopefully we'll see her with her Philly's hat in the Spring! Glad you stopped by!!!

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  23. Hello, Hmuxo, you're very lucky to have an aunt as tantoa years maravillasa that continues to have enthusiasm for their hobbies.
    regards

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    1. thank you so much AMPAROC for stopping by and commenting..so many years, and to be healthy..life is good!

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  24. Hi Hilda, are you very well? i hope so!
    Aunt Esperanza is so tender and lovely lady!
    Big hug.

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    1. thank you CAROLINA! Yes, thank God things are starting to be normal..my neighborhood still is bad and will be for a long time but they are so positive and will re-build! Thank you for commenting on Esperanza..and a big hug to you!

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  25. Dear Hilda, what a beautiful portrait and what a nice story that of your Aunt. I wish to Esperanza all my best, hoping to see more and more portraits of her. Hugs!

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    1. thank you so much TITO for your nice comment on Esperanza!!! hugs!!

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  26. Wat mooi Muxo zo'n lieve uitstraling je hebt het heel goed getroffen lieve groetjes Danielle

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    1. thank you DANIELLE for your nice comment. I enjoyed painting this very much!!

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    1. thank you so much ASHOK!! I appreciate you stopping by!!!

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  28. Hilda--lovely portrait. I'm so sorry you've had a tough time of it because of the hurricane. So sad for those who have lost their homes and all. Guess I can't complain about our weather. Blessings!

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    1. thank you SO much STEPHANIE for your comment on my Aunt! East Rockaway is still suffering because of this Hurricane...this is the first time we had such a bad storm that has destroyed our small community. I feel for all these people .. I hope you don't live near water! thank you for your concern...

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  29. Que dulce y adorable retrato. La expresion muy bien realizada. Que dulzura. Felicidades

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  30. Muchisimas gracias EVA por tu comentario muy amable! Esperanza es una persona muy buena y me dio mucho gusto pintando este retrato..
    un abrazo

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  31. This is an incredible painting, Hilda - and I loved reading about the woman you painted. Beautiful!

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  32. thank you so much CLAIRE for such a generous comment. I appreciate you stopping by!

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  33. What a cool lady and a beautiful portrait. You'll have to do her with her ball cap on, lol.

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  34. OMG...I regretted not doing that!! Thank you so much BARBARA for stopping by!!

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  35. Con tu pintura describes una mujer muy dulce, llena de vida y con ilusión en los ojos. Creo que has hecho un gran retrato!

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, TINA por tu comentario! Mi Tia es muy dulce y muy conforme con su vida!! Un abrazo!

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  36. Beautiful!!! Sounds like a great lady. My grandmother used to sit in front of the tv watching of all things wrestling, and yelling at the screen. lol

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    1. that's a funny visual, JOAN!! We have so many wonderful memories, don't we? thank you for stopping by...I appreciate it.

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  37. What a lovely lady. According to me she is a person to have as an example. Nice sporty of spirit despite being over the 100 years!!!! Great. You have created a beautiful portrait of her Hilda! My compliments. Big hug:)

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    1. thank you so much RENATE for stopping by and for you comment!! She's such a positive lady! Enjoy your weekend, friend!

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  38. Magnifico retrato..,muy expresivo :)

    un saludo.

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, VERONICA!! Lo agradezco tu comentario..

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  39. She is very beautiful, and reminds me of my own grandmother, who died-(
    You paint her very nicely, and i see your love into your work
    congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
    many kisses
    Christa

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    1. Thank you so much CHRISTA! I appreciate you stopping by!! After showing this to my cousin, she told me that she looks so much like my Mother. I did enjoy painting her!! hugs!!

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  40. What a lovely lady and portrait Hilda. What a joy to have both in your life. Maybe as we get older us ladies just start yelling at the TV. My mum does it all the time. :-)

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    1. thank you LAURA! I'm so glad you like Esperanza!! a sweet lady...and you're right! We can do anything and get away with it when we're older! LOL Have a good weekend.!

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  41. me alegra mucho tu comentario en mi blog, porque me ha dado la oportunidad de conocer tu pintura-
    gracia por tus palabras y enhorabuena`por tu pintura.
    saludos

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    1. Gracias, AURORA por tu comentario!! Era un placer mirando tu blog!!
      saludos...

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  42. Dear Hilda,

    First and foremost, I am so happy you and your family are okay. My thought and prayers were with you, like so many other blogger friend you have. We were all so worried.
    I have been so busy with my family and I haven't been able to get to you, also I looked for your phone # you had given me at the Conklin House and couldn't find it, not that I would have gotten through during the storm.

    As for you portrait of Esperanza how beautiful, and to be so active at such an age gives us all hope at longevity. Your work is truly amazing and I am sure Esperanza will be very pleased with this portrait.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

    Joan

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    1. thank you so much JOAN for stopping by and for your concern! I wasn't able to communicate with anyone for 12 days. I didn't have a computer, phone or cell ...I thought I would be able to call my family with my cell phone..but no connection! very frustrating. But now things are back to norm..for me, not for my neighbors...
      I'm so glad you like Esperanza. I hope to be giving it to her soon.! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!

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  43. Wowo 103? That is incredible!! You painted this beautiful lady with amazing skill Hilda. She looks regtal and elegant.

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    1. thank you CRYSTAL for your comment!! You just made my day with your Wow! She truly is a beautiful Lady!! Enjoy the rest of your day!

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  44. Hilda!! How lovely this is! You have painted her with such sensitivity and beauty - your strokes bring forth her wisdom and vitality. Wonderful!

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    1. thank you so much SUSAN! I enjoyed painting her so much..I would have loved to have painted more "lines" in her face but she didn't have any!! LOL she still looks wonderful for 103!

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  45. Great story, great portrait.
    I hope your family is recovering from the storm damage.

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    1. thank you JILL for stopping by and for your very kind comment! I really appreciate it! Thank God things are well now...still getting flash backs!!! Hopefully that will pass!

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  46. Hilda, what a beautiful portrait painting of your aunt. 103 and rooting for a baseball game...she's my idol!

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    1. thank you so much PAT!! Glad you like my Aunt!! She's my idol as well!

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  47. Hilda, you are an inspiration and now so is your aunt! A beautiful portrait- she's great :)She has a peachy complexion at 103!!

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    1. thank you so much MARY for your very kind comment! She has such beautiful skin for her age, doesn't she?! I'm glad you stopped over!

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  48. You have wonderful pastels! I am your new follower! :-)

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    1. thank you so much SUSANNA for your kind comment! I appreciate it!!..Welcome to my blog!

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  49. I can see the love you put in this portrait, Hilda!

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    1. thank you JUDY! She's a wonderful person! Enjoy the rest of the day!!

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  50. Magnificent..she is deeply soulful and so very beautiful...kind eyes...I have always loved that name and the meaning! You constantly amaze me Hilda with your brilliant talent! how awesome it would be to see you create and visit your studio!
    Victoria

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    1. What a nice comment, VICTORIA! I wish you can visit as well! I feel the same as you...to see you create your magical paintings would make my day.!

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  51. Hi Hilda! Touching portrait of your aunt! She reminds me of my mom whose gonna be 95 in two weeks. A wise woman also!
    She looks kind of dreamy. I love the sweater with all the details of knitting. It must be her favorite.
    I can see you've got a very strong moral. Sending you lots of love and wishing you the best.

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    1. thank you so much HELEN!!! Enjoy every minute with your Mom! I enjoyed painting her sweater..You're probably right...maybe a favorite of hers.. Have a wonderful day!!

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  52. Hilda, me gusta mucho este retrato de tu tía, se nota el cariño con el que lo has echo.
    Esa mirada perdida y la expresión son fantásticas.

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, PEPE, por visitando mi blog...Lo agradezco tu comentario de mi Tia! Un abrazo!

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    1. thank you SO much NORA!! You're always so kind!!! Glad you stopped by and commented!!

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  54. Both she and your depiction of her touched my heart!

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  55. thank you SO much PADMAJA !! You're so kind!!
    Have a wonderful day!

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  56. This glowing portrait emits the soul of a blessed lady, Hilda! And she has blessed all those around her.
    An early Happy Birthday to Esperanza!!

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    1. thank you DEAN for that gracious comment. I will give Esperanza your Birthday wishes!! Enjoy the rest of the day!!

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  57. Wow such longevity in your family, how amazing, she looks great in your lovely painting.

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    1. thank you so much DIANA. I hope the longevity in my family continues...LOL Glad you stopped by!!

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    1. thank you LIANA for your comment!!! I can't even imagine 103! and she still looks wonderful!! glad you stopped by.

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  59. Hilda!
    Esperanza is so very beautiful!
    Your love for your aunt is obvious by this very touching and heartwarming work of art. Your words are loving and sensitive.
    This is one of favorite portraits!
    Bravo Hilda and God Bless You Esperanza!
    I wish everyone hope and peace and this Thanksgiving. Especially those affected by Hurricane Sandy!

    Michael

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    1. A lovely comment! thank you so much MICHAEL! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  60. Hola Hilda, un retrato maravilloso para una señora que merece todo nuestro respeto.. Un abrazo !!!

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    1. Gracias MARI por tu comentario muy genial! Lo agradezco!!

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  61. I love that portrait! I didn't know the meaning of Esperanza! But I always thought it was a really great name. It kind of floats off the tongue. You did such a wonderful job of capturing this woman's strength and beauty. And it's going to be a tribute to her memory some day as well. You're a very special person for having done that!

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    1. thank you KATHERINE. I appreciate your very sweet comment! It does float off the tongue, right? Glad you stopped by!!

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  62. Hi, Hilda,
    The portrait is a master piece! Your work, any subject, shows something humane, heart warming and charming!! It's your personality!
    Please pass my best wishes to your aunty (*I LOVE baseball,too!! ...perfectly understand your aunty's feeling.)
    Best wishes, Sadami

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    1. Thank you for your beautiuful comment.!! I can just see you at a baseball game sketching.. and talking to everyone around you!! I'm so glad you stopped by SADAMI and will pass your comment to my aunt. So glad your hand is getting better..

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  63. Great painting, Hilda! It's just beautiful!

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    1. thank you so much HEATHER...I'm so glad
      you like it! Enjoy your day!!!

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  64. thank you so much KAREN!! You're so nice!
    Have a wonderful day!!

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  65. goodness gracious, you have a zillion comments on this portrait! Well, deservedly so...had to come back and have another look at it. Everything is so good about it...the expression ........and the sweater!

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  66. thank you SO much CELESTE!!! You're so nice!!! Glad you stopped by again!!!

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  67. Muy bien hecho este retrato, refleja la ternura y experiencia de los años-Un placer visitarte. Besitos.

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  68. Muchisimas gracias CARMEN, para la visita y por tu comentario.!!! Lo agradezco.
    Un abrazo!!!

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  69. Muy bueno este retrato, sus ojos dicen tantas cosas.

    Un saludo

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    1. Gracias OLGA por tu comentario!! Lo agradezco!! Un abrazo!

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  70. Fantastico questo pastello, complimenti!! Felice week end...ciao

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    1. thank you so much GIANCARLO for your very nice comment! I appreciate you stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  71. Wundervoll gemalt Hilde. Sehr ausdrucksstark;-)

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    1. thank you so much JANINA for stopping by and for your kind comment!! I appreciate it!!! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!!

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  72. One hundred and three is pretty amazing!

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  73. thank you so much DIANA for stopping by!!! Yes, I can't even imagine...but at 103 she's still an amazing lady!! I just spoke to her today ..I wish I can visit her but Philadelphia isn't around the corner...maybe for her Birthday!!

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  74. Wow! You really captured her spirit well. She looks like a sweet lady.

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    1. thank you so much ANGELA!! She is such a sweet lady..loves conversation!!!

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  75. Está pertinho do aniversário da sua tia, Esperanza. 103 anos, e linda!Pergunte a ela, por favor, qual o segredo para chegar a esta idade, com tanta energia para torcer nos jogos de beisebol, rss...também ela deve ter muita sabedoria...

    Abraços...

    Nil

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  76. thank you for your comment, NILCELI!! Esperanza is very very close to 103 ! She's a beautiful lady. She's always had a love for sports! (I, on the other hand, don't like any sports...only ice-skating..LOL) I'm about 2 1/2
    hours away from her so I hope to see her soon.
    I as well want to know her secret!! Hugs!

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  77. Beautiful painting of a spirited lady. Wow, 103! It sounds like she still enjoys life very much.

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  78. She really does love life, NANCY! A little over a week and it will be official! 103 ! I still can't believe it!!

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  79. Me encanta!, excelente retrato de una bella mujer.
    Abrazos

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  80. Gracias, CARMEN...Esperanza es muy dulce y nadamas 5 dias mas para su cumpleano!!

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