27 Apr “Eli” – An Original Oil Painting and Poem – From “Lucas Life in Chicago – An Exhibit at Bottles Up!” – JUNE 2026
Welcome to a Little Preview of Each Oil Painting and Poem in:
“LUCAS LIFE IN CHICAGO – AN EXHIBIT AT BOTTLES UP!” – JUNE 2026
HOLLY’S GARDEN CHICAGO
An Oil Series depicting scenes and themes from the sacred garden of remembrance named for our first Collie and comprised of plantings lovingly brought with us from Virginia to Charleston, SC and now lovingly tended here in Chicago, IL
ELI
14×11 Framed Oil on Canvas – NFS
“Eli”
Holly’s Garden Chicago
Painting and Poem by Rina Lucas
For our Eli
November 3rd, 2012 – October 23rd, 2024
From the first moment
I saw you
It was
Through rose colored glasses
So in love
I fell…
And like a shooting star in summer
Filled with fire and fury
And sunlight
That both brightens and burns
You landed
In my lap,
And since that second
Life took on a Pink hue…
In a flash
We learned together
That even utter adoration
Is often complicated
Especially when
It’s been injured,
So we found
Our own meter
To match the musical meteor show
That brought you
And what a bond
We forged
Like no other
You were an Enigma
Since rarely does
A luminary
Allow an earthly embrace,
Our journey carried us
Through many more solstices
Along oceans and
Over mountains
To the edges of
Great Lakes,
And each experience
Trusting our travels
Increased my certainty
That you were as much
My teacher
As pupil,
Celestial lessons were
Kindled with
Wisdom and
Healing
Crafted by
Our connection
Paw in hand…
And oh how we laughed!
And yes, we cried…
Especially on that dark day
Your brilliant glow
Streaked across the sky
For what seemed like
The final fall…
And I thought my arms
Would never stop aching
From the inability to catch you
To keep holding you
Here…
But you
Our Beloved Mystery
Came from the Heavens
Where human hearts dream
And many times you meet me there…
As I cradle you close
Your fur
Against my face
Once again
I know
You are always with me
Your ethereal illumination
So evident
Still…
Even more so
Little Sunshine
As you watch over us
From above,
Our family fell for you
When you became ours
And forever we
Have that feeling…
Knowing this tumble
Through space and time
And tenderness…
Will always lead us
To you.
Many thanks for sharing this preview of the exhibit with me! I look forward to seeing you at the opening reception!
“LUCAS LIFE IN CHICAGO – AN EXHIBIT AT BOTTLES UP!”
Original Oil Paintings and Poetry
Featuring Artist: Rina Lucas – staffandpalette.com
Including Wine Tasting Reception
June 5th, 2026: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
BottlesUp! https://bottlesupchicago.com
3164 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
FIRST FRIDAY EVENT
If you are interested in purchasing any of these original oil paintings, each accompanied by poetry, please contact me at:
(Please note that this original oil painting “Eli” is not for sale, but giclee prints may be ordered of this very special piece.)