What do we call tonight's lovely Toil Girl? When she's traveling with that giant kitty cat of hers, we call her whatever she wants to be called. OK, so her name is Melissa and she's on a safari to steal your heart. Why? Because we're celebrating Valentines Day this month!! As kind and as loving as Melissa is, You'll definitely want to be caught in her target site.

I love a piece of art that tells a story--or one that compels the viewer to weave their own tale of what they're seeing. Melissa certainly gave me that opportunity with this theme. The Harley-Davidson canteen, the belly button tattoo, the hunting rifle--and that striped fur ball behind her! What the heck kind of life is Melissa leading--real or otherwise??

Who I am? I'm a southern girl. One day at a time. That's all we're really given. The next day is a blessing. The other saying I live by is be careful what you wish for, you just might get It. Well, we (my family and I) lived our lives one day at a time on pins and needles. Yeah, my dad had a heart attack and that was the scariest thing I could ever imagine. Sometimes when it seems like we've gotten into a comfort zone again, The Good Lord seems to remind us just exactly how quickly things can change.

My family and my boyfriend are my most valued possessions and the people I hold very dear to me. We all work together, everyday. I wouldn't have It any other way really. They are the only thing I'll commit myself to. I hate to see broken families or brothers and sisters that don't do anything but fight. It's as if they don't see that they are missing out on one of the best things life has to offer, your true best friends--and we could lose them at any time.

My "husband" is my boyfriend. We've been together for 9 years. He Is a construction worker and I don't see him all the time. We thought about getting married, but he didn't like the idea of leaving me in a house alone for 3 or 4 months at time while he was gone for work. I like my "freedom". LOL. We do what we want.

My concept. I've always wanted a big cat as a companion and not as a pet...LOL... like He-Man and Battle Cat, remember? I know it's crazy, but that's me. I love cats anyway. They are independent and I can relate to that. They don't like to be rushed and neither do I. They do things when they want, me also. My cat is the runt of the litter, but he's big and very smart. The way you drew the cat covering his eyes, I could see my cat doing the same thing...LOL. Kid Is his name, because he is the kid I want.

Now as for the rest of my portrait, it was something for my boyfriend and when he told me about you and your work he was so excited. I thought about it for awhile and looked at all the other Toil Girls and decided, why not? In all honesty it was the best thing I've ever done. I did it for him and in return I got the most out of it. It opened my eyes to see how I can be attractive and sexy and I don't have to be "small". For once I felt like a star and that I was "hot". LOL. He was very excited when he came home and I said," I have a surprise for you". When I gave it to him, it was "Wo baby!!". I couldn't help it and replied, "I know!". LOL.

My boyfriend rides a Harley and I ride with him sometimes. It's a free feeling to me. It's like being at the water side to take a dip after a long hot day. No commitments just you and the water and the breeze blowing. Living life one day at a time with a faithful friend at your side to protect you. He's my other half who loves me for me and my devoted family.

All that time I worked with Les on my portrait, well, I knew he is a man who sees beauty inside as well as outside and he shares compassion. You see It In his work. Les is excited about creating the art just as you are about how well it came to life--with each stoke of his pencil. Les, you really are amazing. Yes, you really did that! I cherished each moment that was spent and in my heart I do believe I made a very dear friend. Thank you for being you and for doing what you love, and for doing it so very well.

Wow. Before I write up these Spotlight/profile pages for my Toil Girls, I always ask them to email me a bit of info' about themselves that I can share with the viewers. Melissa went far and beyond the call of duty with her contribution. All I can say is thanks on sooooo many different levels, Melis'. As I mentioned to her earlier, her touching contribution to this page brought the quality of my gallery up another notch.

Your heart is bigger than your artistic vision, Melis'. I don't think I could have picked a more appropriate Valentines girl.

Love and peace to you, your sweetheart and your family (including Kid!).

ff