She makes sandcastles, finger paint, mold playdos, cut paper dolls, make bling blings, pretend to be a hairstylist and play 'fashionista'. She amazes me. But, that's probably typical of every grandmother with every grandchild. So, i dot on mine like crazy. I'll spoil her anytime, bankrupt grandpa to give her the best of everything. He must be praying a lot! It drives my daughter insane with jealousy because she thinks i didn't do as much for her. But, then again, that's just the way it is with everybody in our shoes. We mom's of course know better. Wasn't it Sam Levenson who said, "The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy"? I also agree with Gene Perret when he said, "What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure". Reality is, parents have the job of raising our grandkids, and be 'party poopers', and we get to play Mr and Mrs Clause all year round!

As incredible as she is, we are careful not to make our Lil Princess and Miss Congeniality, to be some kind of 'child prodigy'. To do so, we feel, is to cause her undue stress, which can harm her beautiful normalness and being. No doubt she is intelligent and quite gifted. When she was a year old, while visiting with some friends, and we took her to a bedroom that resembled 'ToysRus', we were surprised she ignored everything and went straight for the books. At three, she showed interest in Chess and learned to identify every piece. Her grandpa bought her a Chess program not realizing it was for eight year olds, but that's what she has been playing since. In her first month in Kindergarten, she was given the Star Award for excelling, complete with a Certificate and a luncheon. We're we proud!

Ever since she was born, i have been called a 'grammy-paparazzi', and now that she is five, i still am. That really doesn't set me apart among grandparents, except photography and art happens to be my 'business'. Children is tops as my favorite subject, and my granddaughter is my number one model. But of the many interests we share, art is where we connect the most. I don't know if she will actually become a painter or an artist. She also likes dancing, singing, piano, violin, books, swimming, fashion and so on. If you ask her what she would like to be when she grows up, she will tell you she wants to be a doctor, a singer, ballet dancer and an artist. I guess we can tell she will be a multi-tasker. Who knows, she may decide one day she wants to be the first woman President in America.

If we are to go by genes, there is definitely a lot to work with. Our families are so diverse. Her daddy plays jazz (Bass and Drums), mom sings (but is also an interior designer), a set of grandparents are educators, and there's business and politics in the blood as well. My genealogy shows my family is linked to National hero Jose Rizal, a genius martyr.

Meantime, we give her all the freedom to be herself. No one has to force her to draw nor paint. The moment she comes in from school, she's eager to paint and goes for her supply of colors, and drawing paper. She will always invite me to join her, and she'll say, "C'mon grammy, paint with me". She loves drawing hearts, flowers, rainbows and abstracts.

I have always said that my art continues to evolve, and learning from a great art teacher has made me more aware of my journey. I had no idea i would become a mentor to our little artist.which is just precious. Mind you, i am learning from her. There is something about innocence, and that boldness, free of fear. When she asks me, "Do you like it?", i can affirm her authenticity and uniqueness. Sometimes when we are painting the same theme, we like to paint by the garden and she tells me my painting is much nicer than hers, that's when i am able to explain, artists interpret life in many ways, and no interpretation is bad. I have taught her the use of different brushes, strokes, styles and mixing colors. She even impressed her art teacher last summer with her skills and knowledge. She loves acrylic and we had to give her, her own little set. If i give her mine, she will polish it off. It's bad enough she knows where to grab a canvas, and she will always go for the biggest one. Whew!

Watching her move from coloring books, and using Crayola's, to washable watercolor has been so 'cool'. She was fortunate to attend a pre school that encouraged her talent, and almost everyday, she would surprise mom and dad with her delightful work. Some have been featured during School's open houses and public displays in the community.

I can see her interest in art remain strong, and her work getting more intense, and somehow, maturing. She is a young geek too, and let me say, she's already delving into digital art. She leads the computer class in school! Art awareness and appreciation is within our plans for her, to travel and see the expanse of a world of which she may choose to thrive. Already she's very kin about it's many forms, and so very curious. It thrills me when she say's she wants to be like me, and have her own gallery. She has to settle for the refrigerator door and 'stealing' walls in mom and dads house to post her stuff. What joy!

It comforts me in a big way that her little soul finds meaning and happiness in the exercise. The world will not always be kind, as we know it. No matter, it is my prayer that, the same way art has been good for me and to me, it will be, even more, wonderful for my precious grandchild.