More silliness and challenges

This collage is called "Queen of Travail."
I just accepted a poster commission to do a watercolor for the holiday concert sponsored by the United Arts Council in Gaston Co. I hope I can do it in 2 weeks?! Yikes!
I am still doing my funny little collages of people and it is so much fun and relaxing. I may even try a collage for the poster just to warm up!

been to the mountains

A retreat in the mountains is a wonderful way to revive your spirit and refresh your energy for your work, whether your work be making art, writing novels, teaching, or digging ditches. I always seem to find my heart and voice in the mountains or at the beach. My two very favorite places for each of these retreats are Kiawah Island if it's the beach and Jonas Ridge if it's the mountains.
Here is a photo from Jonas Ridge that I took this week. The mountains raising through the fog look like little mountains in the ocean.
There was much solace and serenity there for me and my husband.

Brain Alive

I am definitely not brain dead. I have woke early the last two mornings, earlier than usual because my brain is alive with "to do" lists, ideas, chores, errands and everything under the sun to worry about...what I really wish I could do is be a full time artist. I sneak into my studio off and on finding inspiration and spilling it out onto anything and everything standing still.

Today I keep finding references to "light" in quotes, emails, lyrics on the radio and in my morning Bible and Prayer devotions.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 and
...that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 56:13

I love that "walk before God in the light of life."
(scripture for Matthew’s email today)

Much gratitude to you, those that nurture you and the incredible moonlight that has been illuminating our night sky.

(from The Spiral Muse Newsletter)
Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your innovations
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book beginsT
he rest is still unwritten...Natasha Bedingfield

What is the message for me? Seek the light, follow the light, be illuminated, get out of the dark, the dark is over…)
God please do lift the dark cloud I seem to huddle under and illuminate my life.
I feel so close to happiness and worry free but I just refuse to grab the bright illuminated brass ring of the rest of my life.

I'm doing lots of collage, with layers of paint and ribbon and images.
Here are the latest art pieces.

Given by God

My devotion booklet "Given by God" is barely finished and I have words to start a new one. I have combined the words with a recent photo.
Despite a restless sleepless night, I will face the day's errands and challenges with peace in my heart and praise on my lips

Reconnections

I heard from a friend from the past yesterday. She was my best friend and roommate in college. We talked for an hour catching up on the happenings in our families. It was nice. I suggest you contact an old friend today. Life is short and we should never forget the
good folks we have known.

Here is a recent wishful self portrait. I'm hoping to submit it to skirt magazine.