A few days before Christmas I gave up on beading and resorted to painting- something I do much better than bead work. These are the paintings that I did. Most are small- 11x14 or 12x16, but the wolf is a bit larger.

For years, Susie and her children treated me like family. They still invite me to spend the holidays with them, but it is not the same. The Florida Seminoles now own all of the Hardrock Cafes and Casinos. Each Seminole receives a monthly dividend from their profits, between 8,000 and 10,000 per family member/registered Seminole- per month! The Seminoles have changed since they became wealthy. There was a time when those of us who were long standing friends of tribal members were included in the gift exchanges, raffles, etc. Not any more. Now, they only include tribal members. Even Susie's daughters treat me differently. Her sons have not changed, but her daughters are more distant. I really felt that distance this Christmas.

The good thing is that it reminds me that they are not my family. I have a family and I need to make the effort to spend the holidays with them. Traveling is expensive for me. I have to kennel my dogs and pay for parking at the airport as well as pay for my flight, but I have got to find a way to make it happen. Oh, how I wish I could sell my house!