Throughout life, we always have someone we consider our heroes. Most heroes are people who we look up to as people we want to be.

Right off the bat, my parents are my heroes in the sense that they brought me up without forcing their beliefs on me, but that I should believe in what I think is right. And of course I am lucky that they always show their love and support in everything I do.

Then of course their are millions of artists that always inspire me to always strive to do better than what I did previously. Be it my friends or artists I admire from a far.

But today, I'd like to take the time to show my appreciation for someone who has made a huge impact on my life. That person is someone I work with who I call, "Miss Zenzi"!

You know how when you were a kid reading fairy tales with the wise old woman who helps the protagonist of the story? I believe that Miss Zenzi is the embodiment of that character. This year she is 70 years YOUNG. And it shows.

Miss Zenzi always has a warm air around her. She is caring, hard-working, strong, energetic and the list goes on and on. She is always positive when I see her. When you're feeling down, she is always there to pick you up and remind you, "Everything is gonna be alright!" Everytime I've had a bad customer, she's always there "I'm ready to take my jewelry off and step outside with them for you!"

Zenzi is the person I want to be like when I reach her age. Wise, healthy (she hasn't been sick in decades!), constantly on the move, and always helpful with a positive attitude.

This watercolor is my gift to Miss Zenzi. We are both Taurses and Zenzi always reminds me of that fact.

A depicted the woman in this piece with the horns of a Bull like the Taurus. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders to show that she is caring and wants to do whatever she can to help everyone. Her right-hand is open to show that she is comforting and welcoming. Taurus is considered to be ruled by the planet Venus, a girl's got to show her sensual side. And since the colors associated with Taurus are supposed to be earth, I stuck with a palette that reminded me of Earth. Her skin tone is warm, her clothing is green and wavy blue hair like the ocean.

Ok, I'll quit yammering on. This is for you Miss Zenzi! Thank you for being a positive force in my life.

-Michelle