So my mother-in-law’s caregiver quit without notice, the minivan required several hundred dollars worth of tinkering and I’ve somehow ended up with three extra children to watch for the weekend, but it’s still been a blessed week. And although sundown is still hours away, I must bid y’all “Shabbat Shalom” before my charges burn down the house.

Please enjoy this watercolor by Washington state artist Shelley Skoropinski – it truly captures the exhale of relief I experience every time I light the Shabbos candles. (Larger view.)

The rest of Skoropinski’s work exudes the same quiet reverence for Jewish life; I just love “Friends” and the one of the men playing chess. Should you have a blank wall begging for color and talent, her paintings are available as 11×17 prints for $30.