Courage. It is often something that we associate with battlefield of war- It is a term equally applied to the battlefield of our health. The last 3 weeks have presented the health battlefront for JoAnn & her family/friends.

In a blinding, surreal turn of events this past week she went from fighting pneumonia to wrestling a surprise attack from an aggressive/inoperable cancer. It came swiftly with a battalion of offensive cancerous cells that were too great to repel. JoAnn showed incredible courage. As always, she sought the truth. Even with the knowledge of the grim prognosis, JoAnn showed astounding courage & will to fight. And yet, her courage was also clear in her instructions of how she was to live- or not. If we could all be so elegant with loving family who understand our truth…

JoAnn lived the truth and on many occasion brought sanity to a situation by simply relying on the truth she was to live. The rest of us gladly followed. I remember framing a painting of hers, just after opening our store in 2003. The artwork had an incredible power. It was an abstract piece that had elements of apparent danger and yet an energy of hope. Later I found out it was her response to 9/11/2001. It was my first real introduction to the truth JoAnn used to guide her life. She set a wonderful example of leadership with her unwavering confidence in her path and dedication to her art and to our community. JoAnn understood people and was able to keep a sense of humor about it… Her life story is filled with interesting turns and lessons. Her wisdom was apparent in her eyes, her smile and her art. JoAnn was the driving force behind the Petaluma Arts Association (PAA) “Spirit of Color” event sponsored by the Bank of Marin & benefiting the Petaluma Arts Association & Petaluma People Services. She worked tirelessly to ensure an outstanding experience for the artists, the sponsors & the collectors. She was a bridging energy between the Petaluma Arts Association & Petaluma Arts Council, always finding ways to help the 2 groups work together.

I am extremely thankful to have had the honor of knowing our friend,
and mentor for many artists in Petaluma, JoAnn Naylor. JoAnn died this
afternoon, Thrusday, March 12th, 2009. Our community is better for having had JoAnn Naylor as one of its citizens. I’m sure many of you, as I, will surely miss her. We love you JoAnn, rest in peace & love- & truth…