When I retired the weekly Straight Talk Advice column after 12 years, I was so excited to return to art (it turned out there was another career detour first, involving a record label, but I didn’t know that at the time) and for my first painting back, I wanted a new rose as guardian of my studio. What a thrill to blend paint on the canvas and watch each petal and shadow unfold. The sparkling raindrops symbolize my joy to be painting again! I have so much gratitude to the Rose for its energizing, soothing and healing qualities — and this painting is no exception. This spectacular piece is done on 1.5-inch wrapped canvas and arrives ready to hang.