Skeptic? Me?

Here's a question to ponder. How can you tell when an email is real or a hoax? I admit I now have my artwork on several sites and get some occasional nice comments but when you receive an email out of the blue inquiring about purchasing art and then giving you a huge price range, well you see my dilemma. I did send a nice reply with a few questions of my own. Where did you find me? Where are you located? AND I even told her it sure seemed like a hoax of some kind. It would be great to make a huge sale but is it real? What would you as an artist do in this case?

Image is a digitally altered, prismacolor enhanced photo of me. Only wish I looked so good!

The Journey

In this journey called life

It is easy by no means

Filled with simple joys and bits of strife

We persevere and survive

Counting our blessings and not a loss

Good fortune or mishap

The journey is more than a mere coin toss

Holding our own destiny in our own hands

Free choice we are given each day

The ability to decide, the freedom

Knowing we choose whatever we may

How the hours and moments are spent

Work or play, hate or love

Along this journey on earth

Passing time till we turn above

Our choices dictating our ultimate direction

Right or left each turn we make

By the grace of God we go

Labored steps we take

How much is providence?

Image is a digital version of a sketch in a new altered book I'm working on called birds. It's actually part of a round robin I am doing with a group on Yahoo.

Easter Reflection-Hope

Easter is a time of hope, new beginnings, renewal and rebirth. We give up our old selves to a new spirit created by Christ's resurrection. A new start to a freer life. Free from worry, pain, sorrow and bondage. Christ has not let the stone stay lodged nor should we let the stone in our hearts lodge. We are to give ourselves to Him in a fresh new life with love in our hearts and peace in our souls. Allow those you meet along the way to see Christ on your face. Point the way of the cross. Know that suffering comes to us all but in the end, it's all about our relationship with Christ on a daily basis that gives us continued hope at a better life to live.

Happy St. Patty's Day to all

I don't exactly believe in luck but I do think there's a spirit of good that happens to us that is brought about by being attentive to others, caring about other's needs and seeking a relationship with the Heavenly Father. If the life we live is lived for Him, then we find a life worth living. This does not mean we never have any problems or illness or unhappiness. Living with Christ gives us the strength and endurance to persevere and get past the bad days. Having been sick for over a week has me weak and tired but I know it will pass and even if it didn't, I still have Christ. I love the verse from Isaiah that says "With His stripes we are healed" and from Proverbs " A man's spirit sustains him in sickness." With this being holy week leading to Easter and remembering the awful death Christ paid for me, I believe miracles are everywhere and I will be healed.

Find time on this St. Patrick's day to count your many blessings and know that Christ is only a word away.

Only the Lord

It's been a long rough week with this cold, allergy, flu, whatever I've had.

No energy. Not able to sleep. Ready to get over it and on with life.

But God reminded me through these words..........

Lord, only you

can supply all my need

Lord, only you

can hear me plead

Lord, only you

can fill my empty soul

Lord, only you

can make my life whole

Lord, only you

can show me relief

Lord, only you

can strengthen my belief

Breathe

l

I've been stuffy all week and thought I had a really bad cold or virus but the doc says it's allergies. The pollen count is just now rising! I haven't slept in 4 nights and now I just want to collapse but I have so much to do. Maybe I'll sleep tonight and be energized tomorrow. Believing it! Our breathing is something we take for granted. Don't. I saw my father in law labor with it. I've labored with it all week. I've seen my son's allergies give him fits of congestion and sneezing.

God gave us a wonderful gift when he invented breathing, oxygen, air, clear skies....thank Him for it! And miraculous sunrises!

ASAP

Always Say A Prayer

And always count your blessings.

It's been a tough week. My husband and I both sick and now my son too. He's 5 hours away and I can't pop in with the chicken soup and quilt.
Being sick and not doing your regular routine is no fun! But it is a time to really reflect on life's many blessing. I try to list 5 things I am thankful for several days a week in my journal. It's a great way to get perspective on what's important and really matters.

Image is a recent sketch in graphite.

In the wee hours...

The quiet house is where I find God best.

He helps me sort through the rest.

My spirit, He lifts.

My mind, He sifts.

To Him I happily surrender.

In Him, I hopefully render.

He knows my whole heart.

He is my best friend apart

from all life's trouble and woe.

To Him I always go.

Image is gel pens and black sharpie words from my art journal.

BELIEVE

I sometimes think people must think I am a fuddy duddy. I just don't understand some people's ideas of fun. I like silliness. I love to have quiet time too. I don't understand why people think drinking makes like fun. I don't understand why people think believing in God (not god) is uncool. I see people bending time tested truths from the Bible and thinking nothing of it.
I believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe in monogamy. I believe in abstinance.

I believe in sobriety. I believe in marriage. I believe in the 10 Commandments. If any of this makes me a fuddy duddy then so be it. I was once accused of pushing my beliefs through this blog. Well, it is my blog and if you are reading it and it makes you angry, then stop. If you are willing to be challenged then keep reading. Don't dis my beliefs and I won't dis yours but I will tell you loud and clear what I DO BELIEVE!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

more free stuff

cut and paste these links and download to your heart's content for collage, atc's, scrapbooks and more.

http://www.doverpublications.com/sampler/0307a/

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/

It takes your whole being

You can't go through life just getting by. It takes all you've got and then some. Don't just glide by doing what has to be done, accepting what is and settling; give it all you've got and then see if things aren't better. You will certainly know it's good and can't say this is all there is. Here are other ways to push the envelope.

• pray and really expect miracles


• follow your heart's desire and expect to get what you want


• trust your own instincts


• believe in a higher power to put you in the right place


• never give up

Hope these words inspire you to go out on that limb.

Alphabet for free

Here is a little alphabet piece I made as a result of teaching an Adinkra printing process to my children's art classes. You simple take a piece of non hardening clay, roll into a cylinder and flatten one end. Then with a stick, pencil or other tool carve a design into the clay. Brush lightly with paint and print. It's fun and the designs are neverending.

Right click and enlarge this image and then save to your computer to cut and use or size the whole for a background in a collage or altered book.

every day is a layer

Every single day is a layer of our life. We choose how to spend it. There are so many tasks that must be done and so many choices of how to use a day. I say "do what you must but also do what you love." Take time for you as well as you take time for others and you will be a better person for all.

___________________________________________________________

Wandering in the desert of life
Faith in God's guidance
To lead me out of strife
Taking me through anything

Lost and scared of life's demands
Help from my Savior
To protect me from fears at hand
Showing me a better way

Calm and peaceful despite worry
Saved through the spirit
Father and son's love
Leading me to a holy life in a hurry

Image is a collage on canvas, using found and decorated papers and even a strip of cork. Titled "earth's layers."