Often times we are given gifts for celebrations throughout our lifetime. They are meant to represent or capture the emotion of any given milestone - sad, happy, funny and many more emotions.. Some gifts become treasured keepsakes that remind us of those very moments in time and if we're really lucky, they will stand the test of time.

This beautiful piece of art was given to us as a wedding present almost 30 years ago. It is an original oil painting completed by a dear family member that found it most appropriate to gift his natural talent to our newly bliss-ed matrimony. He of course, attended art school and graduated top of his class in a widely accredited European University. However, at the time, I don't remember what I thought when I look at this piece. I am sure we liked it, and enjoyed it but I didn't nearly think to put thought into the many layers of this piece.

Now looking at it in my home on a daily basis - I know that I could not adore it anymore. The rolling hills and captivating valleys are only broken up by the post-storm brightness in the sky. Today, this piece of art represents everything life in fact is. It is moody, unpredictable, complicated, yet beautiful - powerful, uplifting, and most importantly, hopeful. The colors, the scenery.. really are the making of a piece that stands the test of time.