Cumming, IA — This is a sketch of my mom’s artistic garden, which adorns the backyard of my parents’ home near Maffitt Lake.  This sketch was created in 2007.  This garden has been her multi-year project.  She has planted, transplanted, replaced, and removed many combinations of plants since then.  Every time I’m there I look to see what’s new.  She and I are cut from the same mold.  I acquired her love of natural lawn decorating.  Today is her birthday, and I want to celebrate by sharing this sketch with her.  I love you, mom.