(Four whack-o images, and one photo---these are very large! If you can, please hit "Open Full image" and click...just to see them full view) Dec 14th was Ute's birthday (UteBigSmile). Please note that I've been healing from physical therapy, so I did these images in bed...so they're wild and untamed. I wanted to do something in Ute's style, but I can't---I can't even get close. So I had to do what "I" do. Hope it's not too crazy. (They're based on my skyline.) The 5th image is just for fun: Chicago after a blizzard! (See that snow flying in the background? That's a snow blower. A Schneefrase, ja?) Ute creates tons of scenes from every walk of life---today, centuries ago, with playful and joyous people, people searching and yearning, people crying-out for humanity, people in peace, people dancing and singing and celebrating all over the world, with families, musicians, children and grandparents and so on. She does them with great love and lots of style (and many styles too)---a carnival of the soul. I've loved her work ever since I found it years back, and seeing it is like traveling every corner of the globe. And she does it with health problems, pain and so on. Not an easy task. I send all my blessings and healing wishes and inspiration to you, Ute...and I hope your next year brings great relief from your health struggles, and more of your terrific inspiration. Happy Birthday and happy holidays, with love, healing and peace, from that cold icy city on the lake! Mark (hey, today is Beethoven's birthday: So it's not so terrible that I'm late!) ------------------