Dad’s Letter refers to John Bernard Myers: “Tracking the Marvelous” A Life in the New York Art World

Today Feb.1, 2013, I celebrate my Father, Herman Louis Betschen, who was born 101 years ago. Dad passed through The Celestial Gates on May 27, 1992, but his legacy and his influence live on. I found his letter a few days ago and I definitely will re-read: “Tracking the Marvelous.”   Here’s to you Dad.  I miss you so ( I am teary-eyed ). But your letters not only give me comfort: they continue to inspire and motivate me.

Herman Louis Betschen in the 1930′s

Bobbi Mastrangelo and her Father in the 1980′s

One of the greatest joys in the world is being a grandparent. Besides sharing art with our four grandkids, I encourage them to learn greetings and the cultures of many other countries. Max and Sophia each have “Passport to the World” (Your A – Z Guided Language Tour) by Craig Froman.  ’Passport’ features  a bit of culture, a map and basic greetings from Armenian to Zulu. I started them on little personal note books with headings for 70 top languages of the world. They fill in basic greetings for hello, goodbye, thank you and peace, draw and color a map and add details. It is a daunting task, so I said I would pay them $1.00 per country.

 Here is a delightful response from Sophia (age eleven):

Nona,

I have finished Armenian and Bangladesh. You don’t have to pay me because I’m doing it for the fun of it.

This is a line design I made last year when I was ten years old.  

Love,

Sophia

Sophia’s Design

Sophia will be surprised to see her art on line.  She would probably love your comments also.