If I had 3 weeks to live

Watched the Queen Latifa movie LAST HOLIDAY with a friend.

Latifa had a disease and 3 weeks to live. She blows all her savings on

a trip with enough experiences and adventure for a life time.

Thus the obvious thought for me: WHAT WOULD I DO WITH ONLY 3 WEEKS TO LIVE?

Here is a beginning list:

• more time with my family


• more time with friends


• more time in prayer and mediation


• more time in nature


• more time in my art room


• more time listening and learning


• complain less


• grumble less


• appreciate more


• share more


• laugh more

It doesn't have to be filled with jumping off dams in a winged suit, eating gourmet foods or meeting new people. It should be about being with and enjoying those in your life. Those kind of memories would last eternally.

I'd make each day count for something!

How about you?

The image is some of my watercolor greeting cards, now available at http://www.artellawordsandart.com/

De Christmasing thoughts

After a rainy stay inside morning (although I did manage my morning walk) I began the deChristmasing of the house. I go for the main living areas first and then branch out. Trying to organize and clean as I go, moving some furniture to new places too, it becomes very tiring and seems endless but I will succeed. Will attempt finishing Monday. Doing all this makes one realize the many blessings for there are so many gifts to put away, old items to move out for new, and some things you just can't decide what to do with them.

I know that I have 52 years of stuff myself, 27 years of married stuff, my husband's 56 years of stuff and a 23 year old son's collection minus what he has at his apartment. One does not rid and organized all this stuff in a matter of moments. It takes time, effort, and thought. Like moving my old desk from my son's room back into the den where my soon to be retired husband (and I) can be a little more organized as we start the new year. That alone means a new path for each item that moves to accomodate a new place.

Little by little it will all happen or be put on hold for regular routine stuff. I can't help but think about how empty my house seemed when we moved in. We actually have two homes full of stuff. We still own the house my husband grew up in, along with stuff his parents and he collected part of those years. We would like to eventually build a new house. Maybe by then I can be rid of some stuff I no longer use and can part with. Admittedly a pack rat, I am thankful for all I have but I have to change my ways and give it up. I cannot bear the thought of something happening to me and my husband or son being left to deal with all the clothes, junk, art etc. I saw a neighbor recently cleaning out his mother's house. I saw boxes in the yard or probably treasures to her but junk to those left to sort.

Maybe this will give you something to think about yourself as the new year begins. May we all deChristmas our houses but not our lives. The Christmas spirit must remain with us each and every day throughout the year.

The image is one I took recently of a blue bird enjoying the pyracanthra berries on my deck.

New Year's Resolutions?

Just start each day with prayer!
Close each day with prayer!
Be verrrrry THANKFUL in between and open to God's leading hand!

Christmas time

Christmas time is a joy to behold.

It's a season of remembering days of old.

Giving gifts around the tree

Laughing and talking and telling stories of the gospel of Thee.

Finding a reason for the season here.

Our purpose for living through the year.

Knowing and sharing a God's true love,

Given to us from His throne above.

He loves our celebrations of His Son's birth

For it adds much to our Christian worth.

The holidays soon pass the calendar

But we've no reason to forget and meander.

With God's love in our heart each day

We can show a hurting world a better way.

To live a life of meaning

And share its faith's gleaning,

Christmas joy is meant to share and not just keep;

There's much to celebrate and more to reap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
one and all!

Perfect time of Year - A Personal Revelation

Slowly the list is being checked off for the Christmas tasks…I read an article yesterday, forget where or I'd link to it. The emphasis was on simplification of the holidays versus creating a perfect illusion fantasy (an obvious misnomer). Fantasy is make believe and the only way to reach perfection. The holidays must be about family, love, peace, sharing - humans are not perfect so we must not fake it. I must admit that I've always had a struggle with perfection. I've tried and found it impossible yet people like the Martha Stewarts of the world influence us otherwise. I have continued in strife and finally realized it is impossible and wrong to even attempt it. Ridiculous as it is many still waste a lot of effort, energy and money on the fantasy. The perfect life was lived by only one and that one is the real reason, meaning and belief behind Christma, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate at this time of year.

On a different theme and yet the same, I was watching Dr. Zhivago recently and realized the story is of a man in love with two women, certainly no a perfect situation but despite it's conflict of split love, Russian war and human struggle, happiness is found. We too can find the perfect happiness available to all during Advent by realizing the true meaning of Christmas. We don't have to wait until everything is in place and like we want it. We only have to be open to true happiness, bliss, or whatever word you choose.
That is the way to real perfection, a reality version.

Image is an ATC made with cut up bits of dried acrylic paint. Don't waste a thing!

What to do for Anyone who has Everything

It gets harder each year to find creative gifts for people like parents and grandparents who have so much and need so little. I had mentioned this before and told about the idea I got from another artist (don't remember who) to give a box of wishes. I posted the tags I made with 55 wishes for my parents 54th wedding anniversary. Well, here is the finished gift ready to wrap.

Variations on a theme

I love this clip art image of the Madonna. Forgotten where I got it.

If you know tell me and I'll post it.

I usually make my own Christmas cards but most people get the duplicate version.

A few get original designs. Here are those for a dear friend or two and my

dear parents, husband and son. The greeting inside will simply read REJOICE!

I hope you rejoice as well this holy season of Advent and Christmas and into the New Year and everyday of the years to come. Christ is the best gift of all. Spread His love and joy to all you meet along the journey.

Christmas spirit

Sunrise, morning light

God reminds us, "all is alright"

He tells us to follow his lead

we'll make it to heaven indeed

seek His face

in the human race

share your gifts

other's spirits you'll life

ABC sampler, watercolor, color pencil and packing tape transfers

Gratitude Journals and other good ideas

We've all heard it!

• keep a gratitude journal


• give back


• pay it forward

The list goes on and on but do we stick with it? We write resolutions and make New Year's promises. We try to start fresh but we keep going back to square one! Let's take a new challenge:

1. Spend one day a week immersed in only GOOD NEWS!

2. Give presents to others on your birthday.

3. Take personal days when YOU need them.

4. Visit the elderly and lonely. Make them smile.

5. Pray. Meditate. Commune with God daily as much as needed.

6. Spend time in the great outdoors daily.

7. Each day ask youself:Am I happy? Why or Why not? ONly YOU can choose to be happy.

8. Don't let troubles get you down. They are of the temporal world.

9. Find your purpose for living.

10. Never stop dreaming, believing and hoping.

Erase the negative and behold these ideas for peace and balance during the busy holidays and everyday!

Family Christmas

Christmas is a time for family.

Gather where you can as many as you can.

Mix with laughter and fun.

Share some homecooking.

Remember.

Relive.

Cherish forever.

another free link to goodies

http://www.ragtagsf.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Sarah Fishburn

and a little clip art from me from my vintage Christmas ornament selections.

another generaous artist

http://artist-how-to.com/Christmascountdown07.htm

hosted by Diane at artist-how-to.com

Thanks Diane!

The Season for Family

I love when I come up with a good idea for my parents, you know how hard it is to find creative and thoughtful gifts for parents. They will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks and so I not only have to do Christmas gifts but anniversary as well. Christmas is the usual things except for one of the new digital picture frames which I'm really psyched about but for their anniversary, I got a great idea from another artist whom I forgot but if you are reading this and it is you please come forward and take a bow. It's a box of wishes. I purchased a photo box, the kind you can put photos in the top and inside will be the wishes. I'm hand cut 55 (1 for each year and the coming year) tags from different color card stocks, attached hearts punched from various art papers some handmade and printed 55 words from the computer and attached to each, then distressed it all with distressing ink pads to make it look vintage. I plan to have them laminated and then either tie together or attach with a binder ring.

Please look at the layout of the multiple colored tags. It was so fun and fairly quick and easy. choosing the 55 words was the hardest part. I will list them below and attach a photo of the tags.

Christmas is EVERYDAY!

Nothing is Impossible

The last of the autumn leaves
Glitter my yard
Each one unique and special
Reminding me of the fragility of life
They say
Life isn't as good as you think
It's better
That which does not kill us makes us stronger
Cliches come and clichés go
But God promises to never leave us
Nor forsake us.
He is the alpha and omega
He is the beginning and end
He is all powerful and
Omnipresent
If we don't find Him
It's because we moved
Nothing is impossible with Him
Glory be to God.

Image is cover of an altered book I am making as a gift for a GWTW fan.

Christmas is in the air

Here is another link to a great site for free images: http://www.karenswhimsy.com/

Please continue to inform me of other favorite sites. Many just ask for a small donation or a link provided on your blog or website.

It seems to me that artists are some of the most generous folks in the world. I know so many fine ones who literally give their fine work away just to have it appreciated and enjoyed. I've been guilty myself.
I would gladly rather give a finished piece to someone that really gets it than to have it piling up in the corner somewhere. How do you feel about that? Are artists more charitable at Christmas or are artists just more charitable period? I think the latter is just about right.

Whatever your thoughts, I do hope you remember to share your abundance with others this Christmas and all through the year.

Image is a watercolor I used on my Christmas card several years ago.

Once again Christmas is a Charitable Time

Here are a few links to wonderfully generous folks giving of their talents for your Christmas cheer:

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/index.html

http://faithsisters.com/shop/

http://www.clipsahoy.com/

http://www.mayang.com/textures/index.htm

There are dozens more. Feel free to share your list in a comment and I will post them all here. Feel free to copy and use the attached images of some of my own original angel images. Thanks and blessings to all!

Christmas Cheer

How to keep it:

• focus on true meaning


• give to others


• expect nothing but the miracle of the joy fo the season


• listen to lots of good holiday music


• believe in the Christ child, virgin birth and star of bethlehem


• attend church


• sing loudly


• smile at everyone


• let someone in front of you at the checkout


• look at children's faces


• look at the elderly's faces


• look up


• listen for bells


• take long walks


• sleep enough


• eat healthy


• share your abundance

Please add your own thoughts to the list of ways to spread the holiday magic!

Image is from last Christmas's family gathering.

Another day closer

Each day I know Christmas is one day closer. The joy and anticipation of the season is the best part. Once the day is here, it is gone so quickly. So we should take each day beginning December 26 and with great excitement and anticipate the Savior's coming. The family gatherings. The cheer to spread and the amazing feeling of peace on earth. Many times we think there can be no peace with war, sickness, failures etc. but I read somewhere that true peace comes in the midst of strife. So seek it out. Even if it's a mere few minutes. If you just have to draw away for a few moments alone with yourself and God. Feel His love and embrace and know that each day we are one day closer to fulfillment of life.

Image is another Christmas card design from my kid's classes. Hope it inspires you to take out the paints and paper and paint some original cards for the special people on your list.

Rainy Days and Mondays - Guilt Free?

So much to do and just wanting to relax and enjoy the quiet day....is that bad? I need to finish decorating for the holidays, bake, shop, wrap, clean, make art, mail cards and art submissions and the list goes on and on and on just like yours I'm sure. Please share how you take advantage of rainy days just for you and not feel guilty. I find myself going from task to task, saying, "I'll just do this and then take time for me." BUT after an almost entire day of little chore to little chore, the day is gone and I took no time for me. I am a firm believer in taking time for me to be better for my family. When I don't for weeks on end, I often get resentful and turn out to be a not very "nice" person to live with....so share your thoughts on how you make time for you and not feel one bit bad about it!

Image is a card idea for my kids class. It's just little strokes from various paint pens to make the tree shape.

A Season to TRUST

TRUST

• the reason for the season


• peace on earth


• glad tidings


• joy to the world


• shopping will be finished


• baking will be finished


• good will toward your fellow "artist"


• the smile of a child


• time with relatives


• safe travel


• a kiss under the mistletoe


• a white Christmas for some

Add your own thoughts of things to trust at this wonderful season of the year! Please share with us!

A Good Artist is Easy to Find

As I was visiting a local art gallery and holiday sale yesterday, I took time to once again look at the work of a favorite local artist's exhibit. She died a couple years ago and her work has been on display since then. I own a few small pieces but was considering a larger purchase.

The thought came to mind that we have so many fine artists come and go. They are talented and and prolific but once they are deceased, their work is either in high demand or forgotten. I'm afraid that is what is happening with this fine artist's work. My work is not nearly as fine but will soon be forgotten and discarded once I am gone. I wonder how much great art has ended up in thrift shops, basements, attics and worse yet the local land fill. Which also makes me ask many questions. Are we too prolific as artists? Are we wasting money, time and supplies? Can we limit creativity? Should we? What is the answer? I'd love to hear your thoughts on these questions and ideas.

Image is one of my vessel images done in relief on a canvas board.

Thanksgiving is more than

Thanksgiving is more than
sitting around the same dinner table
being in the same town
eating turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie
watching football and parades
planning for holiday shopping and sales events
Thanksgiving is about a heart bursting with appreciation for the gifts God has given us all year.
We should celebrate that every day of every year we breathe.

Blessings to you all!

It's my BIRTHDAY!

I am 52 today!

It's not too painful!

I counted my blessings this morning first thing...not what I wished or wanted.

I already have everything I need and most of what I want...

• a happy loving family


• 2 homes


• transportation


• clothes and food


• skills


• a loving SAVIOR!


• and so much more!

We are here to serve

We often hear only the negative about computers....malfunctions, people doing bad things to systems, people leaving their families for other lives...the list goes on but I'm here to say computers do good too. I have a whole network of friends that are there at the click of a button to pray for needs, friends to keep in touch with during busy times, inspirational sites continually feed my spirit and my artistic endeavors. Other people's blogs tell me that we are all in this world together. We all have similar problems and goals and needs and like the old song goes...people need people and people need the Lord...we're all in it together so let's help each other out at every chance possible.

May you know many blessings this Thanksgiving season and share them with many!

Image is a digital collage of my shadow with fall colors and computer text.

All Children are ARTISTS!

Picasso said it best "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." This was so evident with my kids yesterday. Painting their self portraits, they abandoned all fear and jumped in with both hands. Laying down bright colors, imaginative backgrounds, changing their hair color. What beautiful work! Not labored or filtered. Why can't we maintain that enthusiastic manner when we grow up? Here are their efforts!

How to spend a day off

Imagine a beautiful fall day to yourself. A rare gift. How will you spend it?

These are possibilities; which will you choose or add?

• clean


• sleep


• watch tv


• shop


• create art


• look at art


• visit


• decorate


• launder


• go to a park


• go to a museum


• organize


• pay bills


• meditate


• practice an old skill


• exercise


• relax


• go for a drive


• all of the above

Sleep can be evasive

Despite not sleeping well the night before and being exhausted last night, I was wide awake at 2:30 this morning. I just decided to get up and get busy. I will crash and burn later. My mom said I didn't like to sleep as a child but I sure wish I could now. Ah, to sleep perchance to dream...

Image is from a journal project I am doing for a Serendipity artist.

See others work here: http://serendipityart.squarespace.com/10-day-journal-project/

Spinning Wheels

Seems the faster I go the slower I get anywhere....Morning is mid gone and I only got prep for class and apts made. How can that be?

Time is my most precious asset and fiddling with all the little details of life gets in the way of just living it.

Guess I'll just make art, take care of family, spend time with God.......and forget the unimportant details

digital collage.

Holiday Season already!

How do I let it get here and not be ahead of the game every year? I have bought a few presents and plan to start baking and freezing this week! I've even thought of putting up the tree early since my son will hopefully be home for Thanksgiving for a couple days. He loves Christmas as much as I do. The Southern Christmas Show comes to town this week and it always puts me in the spirit and gives me lots of ideas. I really like a simple holiday with family. I have a small family but it always amazes me how much there is to do. I love it but if only I could do on 4 hours of sleep a night. Not possible.
I also think it's time to start those gratitude lists and let the rest take care of itself.

I am thankful for:

• God, my heavenly father



• Christ, my Savior



• super husband



• dear son



• wonderful parents



• dad didn't break his knee when he fell



• home



• friends



• art



• a good life

Have you started your list?

Image is from a beach journal started with a friend. We are the alias mermaids, Maggie and Mia.

More blessings

I spent the day with my parents yesterday. Dad had fallen a couple days ago and had doctor apts already lined up. He only went to the ER after he decided it was serious. No broken bones but his arthritic knee was messed up pretty bad. He's diabetic and on cumaden (not sure of spelling) so they have to be cautious of what they do. Despite it all we had a fun time going together and enjoying the time together and fall color on the ride.

I realized once there the same stretch of high 70 goes to where my son lives. It felt good to know we were connected by that road even though about 400 miles apart. This short verse came to mind.

A span of Hwy 70 connects the state end to end
as our hearts connect our love and care for one another.
I can never know the depth an volume of this love without
knowing the importance of God in it all.

Blessing on you this day! Enjoy the wild altered me photo. Altered by scratching out the background and adding prismacolor and Elmer's paint pens to the remains.

When is too much too much?

I finally got good at saying NO, but still find myself with too many projects, commitments and dreams. I just want to make art and share it the best way I know how. Seems this blog is the way. I've tried to start a new blog at Artella but I seldom get my self on there to do it. How do those of you who keep several blogs going do it? I have dial up internet service so loading and waiting is so slow for me. Maybe that's one reason I often fall short. I do find a little time for art almost every single day. I do several swaps. I still take care of my husband and grown son and parents and some friends. I'm not old by any means of today's standards (52) but I do get tired easily and chase various aches and pains around. 24/7 never seems to be enough time! Please share you ideas with me. Blessings to you who do it all and do it well.

Check out my weak blog and other GREAT blogs at http://artellacafe.com/blogs/creative_inspirations_2/default.aspx

Until next time....here's a little wc palmetto tree from my Kiawah week.

Always a Down to counter the Up

Worn out....guess the hyper last two weeks finally took its toll. Just vegged out with TV. Went to bed and finally slept about 1:30 AM. No energy for the days list of to do's. Hate to post downer blog entries so I'll counter it with an art image I did at the beach week before last, when I was carefree and creative. It's the letter A for a vintage alphabet swap. I send in the A's and receive back a batch of each letter from different participants. Lots of great places to do online art swaps. It really does help your creativity to do someone else's idea and then see all the varieties. (I received my batch of DOD and Frida tags from that swap and WOW were they great!

Doing another complete alphabet set in this fashion to submit somewhere. By the way the technique was paint a piece of matboard with the vaseline crackle paint technique from Claudine Hellmuth. Dry. Remove vaseline. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. Layer with Prismacolor Art Stix. Then add packing tape transfer letters. Voila! Coat with gel medium.

Did a few mixed media sketches this AM to rev me up but I think it's going to take a decent night's sleep to do the trick completely.

Blessings to all...and get your sleep or the creative muse will nap and you'll miss out on something GREAT!

Fall is such a special time

I love the crisp air and blue sky. I love the fall leaves and changing shadows. It feels like a time for people change too. Maybe an easier time for resolutions. Although I seem to make resolutions every day cause I break them everyday. Maybe today will be different.

Image is a digtal collage from my Kiawah trip with original poem written while walking one morning on the beach.

Life is full of BLISS

when you take time to expect it... I had such a beautiful weekend with my husband and son celebrating the son's 23rd birthday.

Children bring such joy and happiness to us from the day of conception. It's unfathomable.

They are such sponges when little and then when they become adults we are so proud, the sponge just explodes with beautiful memories and times. There's a verse in proverbs, not taking time to look it up, but it simply says (train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it)! How true! I think we tried to raise our son to be smart, thoughtful, responsible and dedicated to his Lord. He's all that and more. I only hope I can be a little like him when I grow up!

Ah, the beauty of LIFE!

A wonderful week on the coast last week and now a weekend at another coast (New Bern, NC) to celebrate my son's 23rd birthday! Blessings abound and I try to count them daily.

I suggest you do the same. The more you count your blessings the more you forget your troubles. It really does work! Try it next time you feel kinda down, blue or just our of sorts.

Here's another little inspiration from last week!

AS THE SUN RISES

After the walk along the shore

Inspiration is everywhere!

If you just keep looking and reading and thinking and waiting and expecting....be open to it. Let the creative spirit within you reach out to the spirit of all creativity (God for me) and let the wisdom flow.

I just finished reading a wonderful book called The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland. If you like to paint, you like nature and the two combined, you will love this book and receive much inspiration for your own creative endeavors. I highly recommend it. Here is a quote from the book:

"You who dwell in the forest," Emily murmured..."You have given me the longing to paint...give wisdom to my eyes to see into the soul of this land. Though I will walk through this valley of the shadow of afar and lonely wilderness, help me to hear a spirit song. Give power to my brush so I can create something true and beautiful and important."

My image for this post is a little different from what I usually share. It shows my workspace while at Kiawah. The lovely glass top dining table became my studio away from home and here you see lots of my favorite paints and tools I travel with.

images first

I have downloaded images but haven't gotten poems and thoughts from journal....I will get to them eventually. Enjoy this moment captured. Take yourself there in your mind. Relax and leave all your cares behind....

The vacation glow is back!

I can't wait to download my pictures and share my trip. It was a perfectly wonderful time of relaxation, art, and time with hubby. Kiawah Island for a week does me more good than almost anything in the world when it comes to putting things in perspective. I realize that I am truly blessed and have more than I could ever dream possible to be thankful for. I hope to be able to hold on to the glow that is around me right now through the rest of the year and my life. I always think "what if it's the last time I get to go there..." Well, once should be enough but I've gone over 20 times and it gets better and better. I am fortunate to have gone twice this year.

Thanks to the good Lord and my wonderful husband.

Image is from Kiawah past....sunset over the marsh....

Family-Nothing Compares

I had the good fortune to celebrate my Mom's 78th birthday yesterday along with my Dad and husband. If our son could have been with us it would have been complete. We laughed, ate, talked, and had such a wonderful time at a favorite restaurant. Took photos, opened her gifts and cards and enjoyed it so much. It made me wish for days like on Walton's Mountain when the whole family lived under one roof. Everyone worked close to home and were always together for family celebrations.

On a sadder note, I heard of a lady losing her husband in an accident. How sad for her and her children. It made me value my special family time even more.

I'm heading to Kiawah Island, SC with my husband for the week so I'm checking out for a while from blogging but hope you will check back with me on my return. I should have some great photos and new art to share.

Blessings dear readers and thanks for sharing your wonderful comments. God loves you!

Photo of Mom (Vember) and me.

Pain is NOT my friend

After two nights of pain keeping me from sleep, I have to ask how does someone with trully painful conditions survive. When 2400 mg of ibuprofen doesn't help, where do I turn?

I hate the idea of more wasted doctor visits and meds. Plus I'm leaving for a week at Kiawah in 2 days and want to feel like enjoying it! Do I just smile and keep making art?

ART has always been my mental therapy. Maybe it can be my physical therapy also.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Praise and glory to God the Father, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit.

Image is of acrylic textured ATC's.

God is with us

Where do you draw the line?

between stating your own beliefs in your own words for no one to read unless they choose and being considered intolerant. I happen to believe I am extremely tolerant of other's beliefs. I also feel that my blog is as my personal hand written journal, a place where I can be completely honest and who I am...a Christian.

I certainly respect other's beliefs and do not feel I have ever shown any disrespect to any one in what I write here. I apologize if it has come across to someone in that tone. Blogs may be written as the writer wishes and no one is made to read them, as far as I know.

I do plan to continue to express my beliefs about God and Christ and the Christian way of life. I suggest that if my words upset you, then just don't visit my blog. I usually invite others to view images on my blog and I do use many Christian ideas and symbols. If you see or read somthing you disagree with, you are certainly welcome to express your own opinion in the comment section but please do not suggest that I do not tolerate others ideas. I happen to admire many other religious groups for their consistency in their practices. I think Christians are often not that consistent and we could certainly learn from others.

It is my sincere desire to express my own thoughts and ideas and images in this blog and NOT to offend or upset anyone.

Comments are always welcome and you may wish to comment on other's comments as well.

Image is a pencil sketch of Mary and Jesus.

Trying but ....

It seems I am always trying to do what it is right but the older I get the harder it gets. I continue to come up short. I say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, think the wrong thing. I just want to live peaceably and happily, love God, produce art, and be with my family. I want to find comfort in my Lord and Savior, offend no one, worry less, strive to be the person God made me to be....but I continue to fall short. My prayer is this...as a Christian lady whom I admire once said...

"God let me be who You want me to be this day;

God help me do the things You want me to do this day;

God make me who You made me to be this day."

I believe

I believe in

the Trinity- Father, Christ and Holy Spirit

TRUE LOVE

dreams and wishes

family

friendship

sharing your gifts

creating art

Prayer

What do you believe in?

image is from Frida Kahlo ATC series

I wish...

Life was simpler

Pain didn't exist

Your best day lasted forever

You could keep those you love close

No one was hungry

Everyone loved everyone

War could end

Happiness and contentment reigned

Wishes came true

What do you wish?

image is a real ATC with wish added digitally

A Message from God

If you are reading this and don't live in the piedmont of NC, you may not realize but we are in a severe drought. Only a trace here in Alexis for nearly 3 months. We have had teeny tiny showers the last couple days. I've prayed for rain. I even told God I wouldn't complain about my frizzy hair when it rains. I wouldn't complain if it rained everyday we are at Kiawah week after next but....we need rain. I miss the sweet smell of the earth after a good rain. I miss the droplets hanging on to leaves and branches. I miss the swirly Payne's gray skies. I miss RAIN!

Well, while walking this morning in the early light as the sun was rising and the mist was in the air, my husband pointed out a rainbow in the sky. I've never seen one in the sky with so little light and so little rain and no storm. I took it as a personal message from God. He was reminding me that He was still there and it would rain again! What a sweet answer to a heartfelt prayer.

The photo is from another rainbow day!

Favorites

Thought it would be fun to list favorite things....

• Spiritual life


• family time


• creating art


• studying art


• sharing art


• movies - Moonstruck, Steel Magnolias, Sleepless in Seattle, any Nicholas Sparks movies, any Sam Elliott or Keven Costner movies


• books - Bible, art books, Nicholas Sparks novels


• music - christian, pop, jazz, James Taylor, Carpenters, Eagles, America, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Michael Buble


• photography, digital art, quotes


• icons-hearts, crosses, ferns, mountains, angels, vessels


• corny jokes


• chocolate


• grilled cheese sandwiches

There are lots more but that is enough for now.

Here is another set of Zine images.