Amazing Grace

These sketches are of my friend, Ed Gabrielsen. I have known Ed for about 30 years. We grew up together in Houston, Texas and now we both live in small towns in Maine. He in Norway and I in Camden.

We first met in 7th grade. We were recruited by a mutual friend of ours to play in a band for the talent show. We played "My Love is Alive" by Gary Wright and won second place. (the link I added will take you to a You Tube video I found of Gary Wright singing this song on Midnight Special - remember that show? Anyway, I digress...)

Ed and I went on to become fast friends. Following high school, we both studied architecture and shared an apartment the first two years of college. Our paths parted after our second year at University. I continued on with architecture and Ed moved to Dallas to study music at Southern Methodist University and develop his voice. He is talented in many ways but his greatest joy has always been singing. It is a gift he was given and a gift he freely gives to others.

Late last year, as my mother neared the end of her battle with endrometrial cancer, I learned from one of my mother's close friends that my mom wanted Ed to sing her favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace", at her memorial service. When I heard this, I was hit with such a strong emotional bolt that I could no longer continue the conversation. Tears came to my eyes, my ability speak shut down. I saw myself there at the service and in my mind, I heard Ed's beautiful voice. That same beautiful, caring, gentle, deep voice that has been there with me for the past 30 years. It overwhelmed me that it was her wish that my friend Ed sing at her memorial service. I knew she loved Ed's voice but I can't help but think that a part of her also wanted to make sure Ed was going to be there for me at the time of her passing.

My mom went into the hospital on December 29, 2007. Ed just happened to call me while I was with my mom in the emergency room. I probably hadn't spoken with Ed in 2 or 3 weeks. He told me he wanted to come and sing for my mom while she was still alive. A week later, after it became understood that my mom might only have as little as a few more days to live, I asked Ed to come.

He sang for my mom at the hospital the next day.It was the last time my mom heard Amazing Grace.

Since then, Ed has started posting videos on You Tube. One song clips of him singing in different settings. Sometimes singing acapella, sometimes singing while playing the harmonium or piano.

In this one, he sings Amazing Grace.

Camden Deli

Another building across the street from my favorite eatery in town. Camden Deli makes lots of different kinds of sandwiches and has awesome views of Camden Harbor. It looks a little empty here - need to add the tourists next time.

At the Lake

This is the cabin across from the lakehouse. I drew it shortly after we moved in and just colored it this morning. This weekend, the owners moved back in for the Summer. Their dock is out now. The canoe, motorboat and rowboat are in the water. The man (I haven't met him yet) was out early this morning moving lawn chairs and talking to himself.

To remove the wooden shutters on the first floor windows, he had to set his ladder a few feet out into the water and then carefully climb up to unlatch the shutters and carry them down. Alex and I were afraid he was going to fall and enjoyed the most suspenseful moment of Summer at the lake so far.

Field Trip

Last week, I went on a field trip with Alex's class to Augusta. We visited the Maine State Museum, toured the Governors home (the Blaine House) and toured the State Capital. Alex and I drew together on the bus and I sketched a little bit during our time there. Riding on the schoolbus was like going back in a time capsule. The design of those hasn't changed a bit in the last 30 or 40 years. Although I do remember having more leg room when I was 10.