I am thinking of giving this blog a new title. I am not giving up on doing my painting, but if I were being honest with myself, painting is really not what my life is all about right now. I would like to still blog. i would like to blog about my day to day (or you know, week to week) life and it be relevant.
So, if any of you 13 followers have a title suggestion, I am all ears.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Update
Eva is two.
James Lee is 8 months.
Time waits for no one. Life is going by so quickly. People tell me, "they'll be 18 before you know it" as if I don't already know that! There are days when I see Eva and just want to cry. She is such a little girl now. I miss my baby girl. I am not ready for her to be talking to me! I miss carrying her around on my hip! Ah, I love her so much. And James, well James truly is my little man. He is a Momma's boy and I am loving every minute of it. He, too, is growing up too fast. Each day it seems he is advancing in some way. I love watching him discover things, but I hate that he does not need me as much.
Being Momma is hard.
I think my favorite things about them right now are:
-Eva is saying, "I love you" and "I miss/missed you" and she actually understands their meaning
-James just started clapping and trying to dance... so doing this baby bounce
Oh, they are precious.
James Lee is 8 months.
Time waits for no one. Life is going by so quickly. People tell me, "they'll be 18 before you know it" as if I don't already know that! There are days when I see Eva and just want to cry. She is such a little girl now. I miss my baby girl. I am not ready for her to be talking to me! I miss carrying her around on my hip! Ah, I love her so much. And James, well James truly is my little man. He is a Momma's boy and I am loving every minute of it. He, too, is growing up too fast. Each day it seems he is advancing in some way. I love watching him discover things, but I hate that he does not need me as much.
Being Momma is hard.
I think my favorite things about them right now are:
-Eva is saying, "I love you" and "I miss/missed you" and she actually understands their meaning
-James just started clapping and trying to dance... so doing this baby bounce
Oh, they are precious.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I think I can't, I think I can
Here's the thing:
I am absolutely terrible at keeping at anything. Seriously.I think the only way I could be committed to being a frequent blogger is if it was crying and needing a diaper change. Who knows. Sorry for the long period of blogging silence. I will try to try to do better.
I really don't know exactly what the point for starting this blog really was... but I do know that now,for today at least, it is going to be for my sanity. This has very little to do with painting, and everything to do with life.
My Eva baby is one year old. My son will be born in two months. ... Lord, have mercy. The question that circles my mind at 2 am is not, "can I do this?" but, "how am I going to do this?"... It is going to happen, so I know I can't waste my energy telling myself I can't. Can't isn't an option. At one point ,when I was in labor with my Eva, I started to give up, telling the staff, "I can't, I can't" and a nurse looked me dead in the eyes and said, "You HAVE to, so stop wasting your energy saying you can't."
That particular statement still resonates with me.
After Highschool, I spent a year going to a Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida. During my time there I was part of a traveling singing ensemble. When summer came, we traveled out to California. One day we made a day trip to hike up a mountain. Of course the hike in itself was an event to remember. The scenery was to die for(I mean, literally, ...you would not want to fall...) and the experience was so refreshing. We all knew that the reason we had to get to the top was to get a picture as a group. Every group from every year before us had done it. It was tradition. We had to.
However, what I remember the most about that hike... is how I hiked. For some reason I must have left my brain in Florida because I did not pack tennis shoes. Or, anything other than sandals, for that matter. Luckily, there was a girl who let me borrow her sneakers. Once we got to actually hiking, though, it wasn't long before I realized they didn't fit very well. We had only hiked about 5 inches when my heals were revolting in blistering rebellion. I was doomed.
Doomed I tell ya.
...I took my shoes off, tied them to my back pack and proceeded to hike... in my socks. Yes. My socks. If I had the option of not hiking, believe me... I would have gladly said, "Peace out" to the rest of the group, and caught up on a nice sun tan while awaiting their return. But, I had to. There was a ridiculous opportunity for a ridiculous, unnecessary picture waiting at the peak of that mountain. And, I was not going to be that "one girl" who just couldn't make it. I think deep down, even though the reason would have been my lack of shoes, I still felt like people would have blamed my lack of physique. And I definitely would not be "the fat girl" (like I haven't been fat for four years...) so, can't wasn't an option. Not for me. I HAD to. I couldn't sit there wasting my time saying, "I can't"...
I still keep that ridiculous picture in my Bible as a bookmark in Philippians.
There are times in this life when I just want to give up. My strength is failing me... and I just know I can't. But when you know you have to, "can't" doesn't really phase you. It is amazing the strength you find once you make up your mind that you will.
I know that having two babies will get easier as time goes on. I know things will start to fall into balance and sync. Just as they did with our first. I always told myself I would figure out how to cross each bridge out as I came to it, ... and I did. I know I can this time around too... with two...
Yet still, there is this feeling deep inside of me that I am about to drown.
The beauty of it all is knowing that I can't... and God knows I can't... but He can. I am doing a Bible Study right now by Priscilla Shirer. Many times she points out the fact that the enemy would never push us to a place in our lives in which we would need to depend on the strength of our Almighty God rather than ourselves. If we are at a point in life, facing a crisis knowing we can't do it... but we have to, we can be sure that it is God beckoning into us "our story". One day, when we come out on the other end of that trial, we can tell our story to others and encourage them. We can look back and know it was only by the strength and grace of God that we made it through.
I thank God that I can rest in this truth. When nothing else comforts my soul, this knowledge does.
I am absolutely terrible at keeping at anything. Seriously.I think the only way I could be committed to being a frequent blogger is if it was crying and needing a diaper change. Who knows. Sorry for the long period of blogging silence. I will try to try to do better.
I really don't know exactly what the point for starting this blog really was... but I do know that now,for today at least, it is going to be for my sanity. This has very little to do with painting, and everything to do with life.
My Eva baby is one year old. My son will be born in two months. ... Lord, have mercy. The question that circles my mind at 2 am is not, "can I do this?" but, "how am I going to do this?"... It is going to happen, so I know I can't waste my energy telling myself I can't. Can't isn't an option. At one point ,when I was in labor with my Eva, I started to give up, telling the staff, "I can't, I can't" and a nurse looked me dead in the eyes and said, "You HAVE to, so stop wasting your energy saying you can't."
That particular statement still resonates with me.
After Highschool, I spent a year going to a Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida. During my time there I was part of a traveling singing ensemble. When summer came, we traveled out to California. One day we made a day trip to hike up a mountain. Of course the hike in itself was an event to remember. The scenery was to die for(I mean, literally, ...you would not want to fall...) and the experience was so refreshing. We all knew that the reason we had to get to the top was to get a picture as a group. Every group from every year before us had done it. It was tradition. We had to.
However, what I remember the most about that hike... is how I hiked. For some reason I must have left my brain in Florida because I did not pack tennis shoes. Or, anything other than sandals, for that matter. Luckily, there was a girl who let me borrow her sneakers. Once we got to actually hiking, though, it wasn't long before I realized they didn't fit very well. We had only hiked about 5 inches when my heals were revolting in blistering rebellion. I was doomed.
Doomed I tell ya.
...I took my shoes off, tied them to my back pack and proceeded to hike... in my socks. Yes. My socks. If I had the option of not hiking, believe me... I would have gladly said, "Peace out" to the rest of the group, and caught up on a nice sun tan while awaiting their return. But, I had to. There was a ridiculous opportunity for a ridiculous, unnecessary picture waiting at the peak of that mountain. And, I was not going to be that "one girl" who just couldn't make it. I think deep down, even though the reason would have been my lack of shoes, I still felt like people would have blamed my lack of physique. And I definitely would not be "the fat girl" (like I haven't been fat for four years...) so, can't wasn't an option. Not for me. I HAD to. I couldn't sit there wasting my time saying, "I can't"...
I still keep that ridiculous picture in my Bible as a bookmark in Philippians.
There are times in this life when I just want to give up. My strength is failing me... and I just know I can't. But when you know you have to, "can't" doesn't really phase you. It is amazing the strength you find once you make up your mind that you will.
I know that having two babies will get easier as time goes on. I know things will start to fall into balance and sync. Just as they did with our first. I always told myself I would figure out how to cross each bridge out as I came to it, ... and I did. I know I can this time around too... with two...
Yet still, there is this feeling deep inside of me that I am about to drown.
The beauty of it all is knowing that I can't... and God knows I can't... but He can. I am doing a Bible Study right now by Priscilla Shirer. Many times she points out the fact that the enemy would never push us to a place in our lives in which we would need to depend on the strength of our Almighty God rather than ourselves. If we are at a point in life, facing a crisis knowing we can't do it... but we have to, we can be sure that it is God beckoning into us "our story". One day, when we come out on the other end of that trial, we can tell our story to others and encourage them. We can look back and know it was only by the strength and grace of God that we made it through.
I thank God that I can rest in this truth. When nothing else comforts my soul, this knowledge does.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Home Is Where Your Mom Is
Once upon a time, I kept up with this thing. My life has been feeling quite like a circus lately. It seems like I don't even have time to remember who I am. I use to journal a lot more, but I don't even make time for that now either. I feel like I am constantly on the move, trying to get something done... but I never feel I've accomplished anything. I've been painting, but not putting up pictures. I apologize. If you are reading this, you know I usually post in order to display my newest creation.
Today, however, I just thought I would emotionally vomit on the internet.
Sorry you have to deal with that.
My heart is really heavy for so much right now. I don't really understand where I am suppose to be. I literally feel torn... or scattered. It makes sense to be so many places... but I don't know which one is right. I know I am suppose to be by my husband's side... & that's where I am & will remain until God calls me home... I just mean where are WE suppose to be.
What are you suppose to do when your mother's health is going downhill right before your eyes... & she's so young? Where are you suppose to be when she is so far away? When do you decide to make the most of the time you have left?
I wish decisions could just be made & you didn't have to think about the details that go along.
but they can't, because you do.
Today, however, I just thought I would emotionally vomit on the internet.
Sorry you have to deal with that.
My heart is really heavy for so much right now. I don't really understand where I am suppose to be. I literally feel torn... or scattered. It makes sense to be so many places... but I don't know which one is right. I know I am suppose to be by my husband's side... & that's where I am & will remain until God calls me home... I just mean where are WE suppose to be.
What are you suppose to do when your mother's health is going downhill right before your eyes... & she's so young? Where are you suppose to be when she is so far away? When do you decide to make the most of the time you have left?
I wish decisions could just be made & you didn't have to think about the details that go along.
but they can't, because you do.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
'SIGN'ificant Difference
I am currently working on door signs for this Holiday Season. I am so excited about this. The wood is absolutely wonderful to paint on-just like canvas. I am having a blast painting these, and it's been a while since I enjoyed painting!
I am mostly excited about these signs because they have meaning. Not just because they are (hopefully) reminding people to be thankful & merry during the holidays. I think these paintings have value because 30% of the proceeds will be donated to my mother in order to help pay for her medicine.
Let me explain. My mom has a lung disease called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Basically, the blood vessels which take blood to her lungs do not dilate. She also has a hole in her heart the size of a half dollar. Needless to say... she is having a hard time. The medicine for her PAH costs $30,000 a year.... after insurance. So whatever we can do to help, we do!
The signs are reversible. One side (pictured) is for the Thanksgiving season. The other side will be navy blue with white lettering which reads, "Merry Christmas". I have not yet finished the Christmas side, so I don't have a picture to show for it. If a reversible sign is purchased, it is $50. However, you can opt to just get a Thanksgiving or just a Christmas sign for $25. I put this information up yesterday and have already made 5 orders! I am so excited to finish these & celebrate this season, merry & bright!
I am mostly excited about these signs because they have meaning. Not just because they are (hopefully) reminding people to be thankful & merry during the holidays. I think these paintings have value because 30% of the proceeds will be donated to my mother in order to help pay for her medicine.
Let me explain. My mom has a lung disease called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Basically, the blood vessels which take blood to her lungs do not dilate. She also has a hole in her heart the size of a half dollar. Needless to say... she is having a hard time. The medicine for her PAH costs $30,000 a year.... after insurance. So whatever we can do to help, we do!
The signs are reversible. One side (pictured) is for the Thanksgiving season. The other side will be navy blue with white lettering which reads, "Merry Christmas". I have not yet finished the Christmas side, so I don't have a picture to show for it. If a reversible sign is purchased, it is $50. However, you can opt to just get a Thanksgiving or just a Christmas sign for $25. I put this information up yesterday and have already made 5 orders! I am so excited to finish these & celebrate this season, merry & bright!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sewing Sweetness
So, my friend Joy over at The Goose Beary Shop (etsy) & Redirected Dreams (blog) helped me with a gift recently. If anyone actually knows me in real life, they know the idea of me sewing is as far fetched as the idea of Politicians telling the truth (ha). We have some friends who are expecting their very first child this winter. I wanted to give them something that really mattered. I would have painted something, but they are not finding out the gender... so I wouldn't really know what to do. I don't think anyone really wants a brown plaque that says "baby" on their wall.
I knew Joy could help me because, well, she's like my saving grace! Not only did she come up with some awesome ideas(... YES, plural.. because she just kept making more & more! Have I mentioned that she is my saving grace?) but she also *drum roll please* TAUGHT me how to use the sewing machine.
I don't know that you genuinely understand the seriousness of this issue.
It was like watching Chuck Norris bake a cake.
Anyway. So, I got the wonderful privilege of making a receiving blanket with two matching burp cloths. Joy, in all of her angelic kindness however, made: a sock monkey, a cell phone holder, a teething rag doll, & an infants ball.
So. Here are the pictures
& if you're interested in Joy's handmade work, please visit her etsy The Goose Beary Shop for more goodies & order something from this wonderful momma! (Sorry, Joy, I don't know how to link your pages, or I would have.)
I knew Joy could help me because, well, she's like my saving grace! Not only did she come up with some awesome ideas(... YES, plural.. because she just kept making more & more! Have I mentioned that she is my saving grace?) but she also *drum roll please* TAUGHT me how to use the sewing machine.
I don't know that you genuinely understand the seriousness of this issue.
It was like watching Chuck Norris bake a cake.
Anyway. So, I got the wonderful privilege of making a receiving blanket with two matching burp cloths. Joy, in all of her angelic kindness however, made: a sock monkey, a cell phone holder, a teething rag doll, & an infants ball.
So. Here are the pictures
& if you're interested in Joy's handmade work, please visit her etsy The Goose Beary Shop for more goodies & order something from this wonderful momma! (Sorry, Joy, I don't know how to link your pages, or I would have.)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Momma
Painting has been so slow lately. Life, on the other hand, has not. I am trying to find the balance of doing things I enjoy & enjoying the things that I do.
Does that make sense?
This weekend is going to be great. Dear friends of ours are coming from North Carolina. They are expecting so we decided to throw them a baby "party"... because that is more manly that a shower. Haha. My amazing friend came to my rescue & helped me with a gift. She taught me how to use a sewing machine! Oh my word... it has been a long time coming. I am so proud of myself, but mostly just thankful for her. She spent all day helping me make goodies. Truthfully, I only made a couple of the items, the rest was her. She is such a generous person. I thank God for her presence in my life.
I can't show you pictures yet, because I have to give it to the mother-to-be first! But I will, as soon as I can.
I do have one new piece of art to show you. I painted this for my mother. She doesn't get to see my daughter often & it was her birthday. It happens to be one of my husband's favorites so far. What do you think?
Pine frame. Acrylic paints. Gift.
Does that make sense?
This weekend is going to be great. Dear friends of ours are coming from North Carolina. They are expecting so we decided to throw them a baby "party"... because that is more manly that a shower. Haha. My amazing friend came to my rescue & helped me with a gift. She taught me how to use a sewing machine! Oh my word... it has been a long time coming. I am so proud of myself, but mostly just thankful for her. She spent all day helping me make goodies. Truthfully, I only made a couple of the items, the rest was her. She is such a generous person. I thank God for her presence in my life.
I can't show you pictures yet, because I have to give it to the mother-to-be first! But I will, as soon as I can.
I do have one new piece of art to show you. I painted this for my mother. She doesn't get to see my daughter often & it was her birthday. It happens to be one of my husband's favorites so far. What do you think?
Pine frame. Acrylic paints. Gift.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Lazy Love
I have had a lot on my heart lately. Since this is my blog... I feel like I can openly share my heart. Hopefully, out of respect for "mah personal space" random ugly comments won't show up.
I am just so tired of people being so lazy about Christianity. If you aren't a Christian-a true, believer that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, died for your sins & rose again that if you accept His grace & forgiveness, you will have a place in eternity with Him- then this does not apply to you. I am talking to my fellow body of believers, my brothers & sisters in Christ. My Spiritual family.
We have tapped into His grace, mercy, love & power... there is nothing to big for us to conquer with the King of Kings on our side. Yet, we struggle to find the energy to get out of bed early enough to read His word? We are so passionate in conversation about things that don't even matter. Petty drama is constantly on the tip of our tongues. Why? Why do we waste our precious time talking about such vain things? When believers are gathered together, we have such a beautiful opportunity to unite together. Sadly, lifting one another up & discussing personal growth are not the norm.
I can't stand it.
& I think that is because there was a time in my life when I knew that kind of relationship. I had a firm grasp on my faith. I knew what I believed and why. There was a time that I truly understood what it meant to be a PART of the body of Christ. A time when I called on a sister in Christ to bear my burdens with me. A time when gossip was far from my heart & mind. When love was real & evident constantly... When sin was bluntly called sin.
I look around me & into the mirror & I see the same sour faced "christian." Claiming that God is good with our mouth, yet anger is violently shaking our heart. We don't believe we are welcome into the arms of God, so we choose to suffer through it all alone. Holding on to some bitterness, hurt, lie, anger or whatever. Life overwhelms us & we don't even put up a fight. The thought of making the conscious choice to be joyful, or to dwell on truth doesn't even cross our minds. We are so consumed in the negative of life that we refuse to dive back into God's unfathomable love for us. He desires to take our pain & do away with it... FOR US. All we have to do is knowledgeably give the control of those issues over to God & the rest is taken care of.
But, No... we just hold on it, instead.
We see hardships coming & forfeit. Because we "don't want to fight anymore". We're tired of life being so challenging.
Woe is me.
As long as I am doing better than them.... right?
Wrong.
When we could be living life abundantly through the everlasting, we decide to merely get by through ourselves.
We trade the truth of God for a lie.
What does it take?
Jesus Christ never gave up on us on His way to the cross...
I am just so tired of people being so lazy about Christianity. If you aren't a Christian-a true, believer that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, died for your sins & rose again that if you accept His grace & forgiveness, you will have a place in eternity with Him- then this does not apply to you. I am talking to my fellow body of believers, my brothers & sisters in Christ. My Spiritual family.
We have tapped into His grace, mercy, love & power... there is nothing to big for us to conquer with the King of Kings on our side. Yet, we struggle to find the energy to get out of bed early enough to read His word? We are so passionate in conversation about things that don't even matter. Petty drama is constantly on the tip of our tongues. Why? Why do we waste our precious time talking about such vain things? When believers are gathered together, we have such a beautiful opportunity to unite together. Sadly, lifting one another up & discussing personal growth are not the norm.
I can't stand it.
& I think that is because there was a time in my life when I knew that kind of relationship. I had a firm grasp on my faith. I knew what I believed and why. There was a time that I truly understood what it meant to be a PART of the body of Christ. A time when I called on a sister in Christ to bear my burdens with me. A time when gossip was far from my heart & mind. When love was real & evident constantly... When sin was bluntly called sin.
I look around me & into the mirror & I see the same sour faced "christian." Claiming that God is good with our mouth, yet anger is violently shaking our heart. We don't believe we are welcome into the arms of God, so we choose to suffer through it all alone. Holding on to some bitterness, hurt, lie, anger or whatever. Life overwhelms us & we don't even put up a fight. The thought of making the conscious choice to be joyful, or to dwell on truth doesn't even cross our minds. We are so consumed in the negative of life that we refuse to dive back into God's unfathomable love for us. He desires to take our pain & do away with it... FOR US. All we have to do is knowledgeably give the control of those issues over to God & the rest is taken care of.
But, No... we just hold on it, instead.
We see hardships coming & forfeit. Because we "don't want to fight anymore". We're tired of life being so challenging.
Woe is me.
As long as I am doing better than them.... right?
Wrong.
When we could be living life abundantly through the everlasting, we decide to merely get by through ourselves.
We trade the truth of God for a lie.
What does it take?
Jesus Christ never gave up on us on His way to the cross...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Finally
I am terrible at keeping up with this blog lately. I apologize. Life has been happening, even when I didn't realize it. I feel as thought I woke up one day & noticed I had missed out on a lot. I hate getting into the motions of things & not putting my emotions into them. I hate that I have let time pass me by without acknowledging it. A good friend once told me about living your life with intent. I am trying to get into the habit of that.
Some things that have been long awaited how finally taken place. A few good friends have ended their journey as singles & tied the knot. I really enjoyed the past two weddings because I felt honored to be there. If anyone ever deserved a lifetime of love, these beautiful people do. It was such a beautiful reminder of why I am where I am. I have finally realized that I need to be where I am, in every way... not just physically. I feel like there's this big wall of selfishness that I have been looking at for a while. I've known I needed to begin conquering it for quite some time. I don't think one could ever actually overcome it... but at least, I have begun.
It's a really big wall. Really thick. Really high. & really uncomfortable.
But. In the end, it really is worth it.
On another note. I have been working on this painting for a while. It was a wedding gift. It had been the source of my frustration for quite a bit.... but I think I finally came to a satisfied end. Jess & (now) Jayne Kota are good friends of ours. We had them over for dinner before they got married. We had a really great time of genuine fellowship & encouragement. I knew then I wanted to paint something spiritual for them... not just "Mr. & Mrs. Kota" like I had originally intended. I found out their general color scheme for their future home & got busy busy the next day. I can't wait to hear back from them in a few weeks & see what they think.
What do you think?
Acrylic paints. Gift.
Some things that have been long awaited how finally taken place. A few good friends have ended their journey as singles & tied the knot. I really enjoyed the past two weddings because I felt honored to be there. If anyone ever deserved a lifetime of love, these beautiful people do. It was such a beautiful reminder of why I am where I am. I have finally realized that I need to be where I am, in every way... not just physically. I feel like there's this big wall of selfishness that I have been looking at for a while. I've known I needed to begin conquering it for quite some time. I don't think one could ever actually overcome it... but at least, I have begun.
It's a really big wall. Really thick. Really high. & really uncomfortable.
But. In the end, it really is worth it.
On another note. I have been working on this painting for a while. It was a wedding gift. It had been the source of my frustration for quite a bit.... but I think I finally came to a satisfied end. Jess & (now) Jayne Kota are good friends of ours. We had them over for dinner before they got married. We had a really great time of genuine fellowship & encouragement. I knew then I wanted to paint something spiritual for them... not just "Mr. & Mrs. Kota" like I had originally intended. I found out their general color scheme for their future home & got busy busy the next day. I can't wait to hear back from them in a few weeks & see what they think.
What do you think?
Acrylic paints. Gift.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Changes
Oh my goodness it has been so long.
I am so sorry. Thank you for not giving up on me!
Okay. So, before you read on.... find a way to listen to the band "Brown Bird"... I am serious. Don't read without doing it.. you'll miss the mood.
"I am a child without you near
my strongest love reduced to fear
for when you're gone
I'm a severed soul..."
Life is so full right now. I know God is at work in my life-everywhere I look. Inside of me & around me. I am feeling so overwhelmed- in a good way? I have never been so happy to be confronted with myself. I feel like lately I look in the mirror & see the need for change & I like it. I guess what I am trying to say... God is replacing my contentment with desire. He is reviving my heart for friendship & comradery. I didn't know my husband and I could be more in love... but I am falling more & more in love with him every day. I constantly find myself thinking, "we are having such a good day together" but the next day is even better. Sometimes I am amazed at the faithfulness of God... even in the little things. When I seek Him, I find Him... in everything. I am so excited to see where He is leading & how He will provide for my life.
On a "business" note. Things have been slow. I currently have about 4 or 5 gifts that I am working on. Each one will be a seperate blog, once I actually give them (don't want to spoil the surprise). Recently, a couple from the church I grew up attending contacted me. There has been a member of the church who has stepped in as the choir director until they found someone else to permanently fill the position. She did this for 3 years. Now, THAT is dedicated service. Not to mention, she was my dentist as a child :) It's a small world after all, isn't it? Any how, the couple asked me to make her an "award" with the church colors- navy, yellow, & white. It was to read, "World's Best Interim Choir Director" & have some musical-ness to it.
What do you think?
Acryic & latex paints. Sold.
I am so sorry. Thank you for not giving up on me!
Okay. So, before you read on.... find a way to listen to the band "Brown Bird"... I am serious. Don't read without doing it.. you'll miss the mood.
"I am a child without you near
my strongest love reduced to fear
for when you're gone
I'm a severed soul..."
Life is so full right now. I know God is at work in my life-everywhere I look. Inside of me & around me. I am feeling so overwhelmed- in a good way? I have never been so happy to be confronted with myself. I feel like lately I look in the mirror & see the need for change & I like it. I guess what I am trying to say... God is replacing my contentment with desire. He is reviving my heart for friendship & comradery. I didn't know my husband and I could be more in love... but I am falling more & more in love with him every day. I constantly find myself thinking, "we are having such a good day together" but the next day is even better. Sometimes I am amazed at the faithfulness of God... even in the little things. When I seek Him, I find Him... in everything. I am so excited to see where He is leading & how He will provide for my life.
On a "business" note. Things have been slow. I currently have about 4 or 5 gifts that I am working on. Each one will be a seperate blog, once I actually give them (don't want to spoil the surprise). Recently, a couple from the church I grew up attending contacted me. There has been a member of the church who has stepped in as the choir director until they found someone else to permanently fill the position. She did this for 3 years. Now, THAT is dedicated service. Not to mention, she was my dentist as a child :) It's a small world after all, isn't it? Any how, the couple asked me to make her an "award" with the church colors- navy, yellow, & white. It was to read, "World's Best Interim Choir Director" & have some musical-ness to it.
What do you think?
Acryic & latex paints. Sold.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Refreshments, anyone?
We headed to North Carolina friday night to surprise some old friends of ours. They recently found out they are pregnant & therefore were planning to move this past weekend. Good thing we did, because only two other people who had offered their help showed. That was so frustrating. What happened to people owning up to their word? That "grinds my gears". It use to be that a man gave his word with a handshake. Now, a man's word often doesn't mean anything at all. Doesn't it bother anyone? Does it not bother us that in today's society, honesty means nothing?
On the positive end of things... my wonderful husband IS a man of his word. I love him so much. He made me so proud the way he stepped in & took initiative. What wonderful ideas (& MUSCLES!) he has! It was so good to watch him from a distance. It reminded me to honor him. & at the end of each day, we had great,much needed time with our sweet, long time friends. It was so refreshing to have fellowship with believers who are also dear friends.
The ride home was great, as well. There was such a sweet spirit & bond between us. We had such a nice time talking & laughing together. Yes, I said it... my husband & I talk... & LAUGH together. We ACTUALLY like each other. I know, weird isn't it? :) I really felt like we got over a wall, conversationally, that has been building up for a while. We talked about some really important things & made some really productive conclusions.
& before we went to bed last night, we prayed together. I love praying to my Lord & Savior with the wonderful companion that He provided me with. I use to believe that marriage was all coincidence & that you just end up with THE someone that you really believe you can make it work with. But. it seems like I am constantly being amazed at just how perfect we are for each other. Maybe God does make someone for everyone? I don't know, because I am not God. What I do know is that my husband was,is, & always will be the one & only for me.
I love my life.
On the positive end of things... my wonderful husband IS a man of his word. I love him so much. He made me so proud the way he stepped in & took initiative. What wonderful ideas (& MUSCLES!) he has! It was so good to watch him from a distance. It reminded me to honor him. & at the end of each day, we had great,much needed time with our sweet, long time friends. It was so refreshing to have fellowship with believers who are also dear friends.
The ride home was great, as well. There was such a sweet spirit & bond between us. We had such a nice time talking & laughing together. Yes, I said it... my husband & I talk... & LAUGH together. We ACTUALLY like each other. I know, weird isn't it? :) I really felt like we got over a wall, conversationally, that has been building up for a while. We talked about some really important things & made some really productive conclusions.
& before we went to bed last night, we prayed together. I love praying to my Lord & Savior with the wonderful companion that He provided me with. I use to believe that marriage was all coincidence & that you just end up with THE someone that you really believe you can make it work with. But. it seems like I am constantly being amazed at just how perfect we are for each other. Maybe God does make someone for everyone? I don't know, because I am not God. What I do know is that my husband was,is, & always will be the one & only for me.
I love my life.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Candle Holder
Painting coffee mugs=epic fail
I was so bummed. I apparently need to really practice painting on different circular things... like basketballs, bowls, grapes or anything sphere for that matter. I really did not have the heart to give her coffee mugs that resembled a kindergarten arts & crafts project. I decided just to throw them in as a "hey, here's some cute coffee mugs" gift. So they were cute little white coffee mugs, which would actually make perfect espresso cups.
I did end up painting her something, though. Joy said she liked candles, so I dug up something special I've been just dying to get my hands on. The hubby found in a while back in the trash. It had this perfect little circle in the middle of this intricate design. To me, it just screamed, "candle holder"... & I think it turned out quite beautifully. I also had my first staining experiment with it, which was so much fun! It is nice to do something different every now & then. After the stain was dry, I got to painting.
It has been too long. I always forgot how much I enjoy painting. I need more orders. Cough cough.
Walnut. Mahogany stain. Acrylic paints. Gift.
So I just have to add.
Yesterday I went to Joy's to give her Marge's things. I was planning on just giving the plain mugs as a gift. BUT. Joy, being the little creative sewer that she is, thought we could make them into PIN CUSHIONS. How friggin' cute. We stuffed them with wool, cut fabric & then glued the fabric over top of the wool onto the rim. SO cute. I wish I had my camera with me because I want to show you so badly! I have a feeling that I will be attempting this again in the near future, & will definitely take pictures then!
I was so bummed. I apparently need to really practice painting on different circular things... like basketballs, bowls, grapes or anything sphere for that matter. I really did not have the heart to give her coffee mugs that resembled a kindergarten arts & crafts project. I decided just to throw them in as a "hey, here's some cute coffee mugs" gift. So they were cute little white coffee mugs, which would actually make perfect espresso cups.
I did end up painting her something, though. Joy said she liked candles, so I dug up something special I've been just dying to get my hands on. The hubby found in a while back in the trash. It had this perfect little circle in the middle of this intricate design. To me, it just screamed, "candle holder"... & I think it turned out quite beautifully. I also had my first staining experiment with it, which was so much fun! It is nice to do something different every now & then. After the stain was dry, I got to painting.
It has been too long. I always forgot how much I enjoy painting. I need more orders. Cough cough.
Walnut. Mahogany stain. Acrylic paints. Gift.
So I just have to add.
Yesterday I went to Joy's to give her Marge's things. I was planning on just giving the plain mugs as a gift. BUT. Joy, being the little creative sewer that she is, thought we could make them into PIN CUSHIONS. How friggin' cute. We stuffed them with wool, cut fabric & then glued the fabric over top of the wool onto the rim. SO cute. I wish I had my camera with me because I want to show you so badly! I have a feeling that I will be attempting this again in the near future, & will definitely take pictures then!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Recently
Things have been pretty crazy lately. I have not been doing much painting lately, but that will actually be changing... today. Marge's sister-in-law has asked me to paint some coffee mugs that will match her coffee sign as a surprise belated birthday present. How special! The other day I took my sweet sister, Sara, with me to explore the ever-so classy Goodwill. I found the most adorable little mug set! I can not wait to show you the before & after pictures!
On a personal note, I recently ended a very serious long-term relationship. My health has been jeopardized & harmed, so I decided to put an end to it.
I broke up with red meat.
& I am loving this. Who knew cooking could be so fun & adventurous? I'm not doing any of that soy nonsense (sorry for any 'soy-ers' out there). Just eating more fruits & veggies. If we do eat meat, it is chicken. I have to tell ya, the kitchen life of a vegetarian is very appetizing. I could get use to this whole easy clean up deal. I thought the hardest part would be getting my meat & potatoes husband to back me up, but he has been such great support! This past weekend, I made black bean burgers & he gobbled them up! They were so fun & easy!... & quite delicious, if I may say so myself.
I am so excited to try out more delicious things like this, & to invest in my future by changing my lifestyle. I know that I can't take care of my family if I don't take care of myself first.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully I will be posting some neat-o pictures tomorrow!
On a personal note, I recently ended a very serious long-term relationship. My health has been jeopardized & harmed, so I decided to put an end to it.
I broke up with red meat.
& I am loving this. Who knew cooking could be so fun & adventurous? I'm not doing any of that soy nonsense (sorry for any 'soy-ers' out there). Just eating more fruits & veggies. If we do eat meat, it is chicken. I have to tell ya, the kitchen life of a vegetarian is very appetizing. I could get use to this whole easy clean up deal. I thought the hardest part would be getting my meat & potatoes husband to back me up, but he has been such great support! This past weekend, I made black bean burgers & he gobbled them up! They were so fun & easy!... & quite delicious, if I may say so myself.
I am so excited to try out more delicious things like this, & to invest in my future by changing my lifestyle. I know that I can't take care of my family if I don't take care of myself first.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully I will be posting some neat-o pictures tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Simply Positive
I don't have any excited art to show you today. So sorry, dear friends. But, I have been thinking a lot so I have some things to share.. if you want to know.
I love to laugh. & I miss laughing. This weekend I went to Pennsylvania with my husband's family to visit his brother-in-law's family. I haven't laughed as hard as I did this weekend in a LONG time. We all rode together in a 15 passenger van. Yes. & in case you were wondering, that IS the formula for laughter. The trip was filled with lots of music, conversation & positivity. I loved it. I needed it. On the 4th, we went to watch my sister-in-law & her husband lead worship in a barn.
Yes, that's right. I said a barn. It was SO amazing. Everywhere you looked, you saw corn. & just as the sun was setting all the fire flies in the whole entire world (or so it seemed) gave us a natural fire works show. After the sweet time of music was over, they had square dancing. Again, believe it... because it really happened.
All of this, just to say... I miss simplicity. I had such a good time this weekend & it was all linked to such simple moments.
Walking with my husband next to a field of corn & watching the fire flies.
Square dancing with a ton of people I don't know.
Jumping on a trampoline until I was so sweaty I could have been swimming.
Smelling sweaty, like a fourth grader again.
Eating the biggest, juiciest piece of watermelon you can find & not caring if it gets on your clothes.
Walking barefoot.
Singing "Shout to the Lord" & meaning it.
Drinking root beer.
Petting a (man eating sized) dog.
But, you know what? It has nothing to do with what I was doing or where I was or who I was with. It's just me. My mindset has great power over my life because I have the capability to make to choice to be positive. This weekend has taught me so much about life & love. I want to live a life that is simply positive. I am so tired of over complicating things. I know that it can't just happen over night, but the choice has been made. The change starts now.
Life.laugh.love
I love to laugh. & I miss laughing. This weekend I went to Pennsylvania with my husband's family to visit his brother-in-law's family. I haven't laughed as hard as I did this weekend in a LONG time. We all rode together in a 15 passenger van. Yes. & in case you were wondering, that IS the formula for laughter. The trip was filled with lots of music, conversation & positivity. I loved it. I needed it. On the 4th, we went to watch my sister-in-law & her husband lead worship in a barn.
Yes, that's right. I said a barn. It was SO amazing. Everywhere you looked, you saw corn. & just as the sun was setting all the fire flies in the whole entire world (or so it seemed) gave us a natural fire works show. After the sweet time of music was over, they had square dancing. Again, believe it... because it really happened.
All of this, just to say... I miss simplicity. I had such a good time this weekend & it was all linked to such simple moments.
Walking with my husband next to a field of corn & watching the fire flies.
Square dancing with a ton of people I don't know.
Jumping on a trampoline until I was so sweaty I could have been swimming.
Smelling sweaty, like a fourth grader again.
Eating the biggest, juiciest piece of watermelon you can find & not caring if it gets on your clothes.
Walking barefoot.
Singing "Shout to the Lord" & meaning it.
Drinking root beer.
Petting a (man eating sized) dog.
But, you know what? It has nothing to do with what I was doing or where I was or who I was with. It's just me. My mindset has great power over my life because I have the capability to make to choice to be positive. This weekend has taught me so much about life & love. I want to live a life that is simply positive. I am so tired of over complicating things. I know that it can't just happen over night, but the choice has been made. The change starts now.
Life.laugh.love
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Orchids for Larissa
Today I put the final touches on Larissa's mahogany jewelry set. My husband stained these two lovely pieces of mahogany & I couldn't wait to put some art on them!
...Have I ever mentioned how good he is to me?
Larissa likes to make necklaces, so she quickly snatched up my offer a while back. I was excited to paint for her, but I had NO idea where to go with it. I couldn't figure out how to paint on stained mahogany without ruining it entirely. I asked Larissa what she was thinking. Name? Design? Not only did she want her name & a design SHE SENT ME A PICTURE. I love her for that.
Larissa was in the process of redoing her room. She said it was a mix between Victorian & Oriental (tasty). She sent me a sweet little picture of some white oriental orchids she liked. I was thankful for the picture, yet at the same time, horrified.
I have never painted flowers. I've tried before. Tried is the key word. I usually fail miserably. So, Larissa, here's to you. You gave me a challenge & have inspired me to keep trying for things that intimidate me. Thank you. I hope you love love love it.
I wanted to post a picture of the set before Dennis put the hooks on it for her necklaces & bracelets.
Mahogany. Red Mahogany Stain. Acrylic paints. Sold.
...Have I ever mentioned how good he is to me?
Larissa likes to make necklaces, so she quickly snatched up my offer a while back. I was excited to paint for her, but I had NO idea where to go with it. I couldn't figure out how to paint on stained mahogany without ruining it entirely. I asked Larissa what she was thinking. Name? Design? Not only did she want her name & a design SHE SENT ME A PICTURE. I love her for that.
Larissa was in the process of redoing her room. She said it was a mix between Victorian & Oriental (tasty). She sent me a sweet little picture of some white oriental orchids she liked. I was thankful for the picture, yet at the same time, horrified.
I have never painted flowers. I've tried before. Tried is the key word. I usually fail miserably. So, Larissa, here's to you. You gave me a challenge & have inspired me to keep trying for things that intimidate me. Thank you. I hope you love love love it.
I wanted to post a picture of the set before Dennis put the hooks on it for her necklaces & bracelets.
Mahogany. Red Mahogany Stain. Acrylic paints. Sold.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Negatron
Greetings, earthlings! I am not dead... just a little burnt out. Vacation wasn't exactly what I had been daydreaming about. I guess that is my fault. I often do that to myself. I will spend COUNTLESS hours thinking of how something will be, & then it ends up being completely different... & I am so disappointed. There is no one to blame but myself.
I am also a little... no VERY upset because it turns out, I got stiffed for my Father's Day picture frame for Connie. I guess I am now trying to resell it, as is or whatever. I just want to sell the danged thing. It is so frustrating to look at it, knowing I spent hours on it & she doesn't want it now, I guess. She is not returning any of my messages. I have learned a lesson from this, that is for sure. I will never begin work on something again until I have been payed for it.
Sorry, such a negative post. I'm not very much fun today.
On a better note, the band "Crooked Still" is rocking my socks off.
I am also a little... no VERY upset because it turns out, I got stiffed for my Father's Day picture frame for Connie. I guess I am now trying to resell it, as is or whatever. I just want to sell the danged thing. It is so frustrating to look at it, knowing I spent hours on it & she doesn't want it now, I guess. She is not returning any of my messages. I have learned a lesson from this, that is for sure. I will never begin work on something again until I have been payed for it.
Sorry, such a negative post. I'm not very much fun today.
On a better note, the band "Crooked Still" is rocking my socks off.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Mark & Christina
Right now I am packing up for the beach.
I am SO excited. I can't wait to get away from the city... for a WHOLE WEEK. Not to mention the fact that I get to see my family. My mom & dad, sister & brother-in-law are all coming! It would have been an amazing trip with just my hubby and I... but this is just icing on the cake.
The beach house, sadly, does not have internet. So I am leaving you for a week as well. So, I thought I would leave you with a blog about the last Father's Day plaque, because I sent it off, and it was beautiful.
Christina, my cousin, finally got her marine husband, Mark back. He had been over seas for several months. While Mark was gone Christina continued in her pregnancy with their second son, Gavin (LOVE love that name). Gavin was born in April. Mark came home in June. ....Get it? I can not imagine going through my pregnancy without my husband. Even more than that, I can not imagine going through labor alone. ... I am not half the woman that Christina is. I wasn't even there, and as unfortunate & sad as it is, i haven't even met Mark yet... but I would go as far as to say that time stood still for that moment when this precious family got their Daddy back. I am quite sure it did... how could it not?
So, for this beautiful family. I had the privilege of painting a FATHER'S day gift. Are you kidding?! Painting for a Father who sacrificed so much to defend our freedom... my freedom....It was such an honor. In a way i felt like i was saying, "thank you''
but somehow, there's no words for that. but these are the words Christina chose for the plaque...
walnut plaque. Acrylic paints. Sold.
it still brings tears to my eyes. That is the sweetest.. most honoring thing for a man... ANY man to hear. But for a marine... i can not fathom how those words will weigh on his heart.
Thank you for reading. i hope you all have a wonderful weekend & week. Talk with you soon.
I am SO excited. I can't wait to get away from the city... for a WHOLE WEEK. Not to mention the fact that I get to see my family. My mom & dad, sister & brother-in-law are all coming! It would have been an amazing trip with just my hubby and I... but this is just icing on the cake.
The beach house, sadly, does not have internet. So I am leaving you for a week as well. So, I thought I would leave you with a blog about the last Father's Day plaque, because I sent it off, and it was beautiful.
Christina, my cousin, finally got her marine husband, Mark back. He had been over seas for several months. While Mark was gone Christina continued in her pregnancy with their second son, Gavin (LOVE love that name). Gavin was born in April. Mark came home in June. ....Get it? I can not imagine going through my pregnancy without my husband. Even more than that, I can not imagine going through labor alone. ... I am not half the woman that Christina is. I wasn't even there, and as unfortunate & sad as it is, i haven't even met Mark yet... but I would go as far as to say that time stood still for that moment when this precious family got their Daddy back. I am quite sure it did... how could it not?
So, for this beautiful family. I had the privilege of painting a FATHER'S day gift. Are you kidding?! Painting for a Father who sacrificed so much to defend our freedom... my freedom....It was such an honor. In a way i felt like i was saying, "thank you''
but somehow, there's no words for that. but these are the words Christina chose for the plaque...
walnut plaque. Acrylic paints. Sold.
it still brings tears to my eyes. That is the sweetest.. most honoring thing for a man... ANY man to hear. But for a marine... i can not fathom how those words will weigh on his heart.
Thank you for reading. i hope you all have a wonderful weekend & week. Talk with you soon.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Liberation
As I write today, I sigh with such relief. I am finally done with my painting for Father's Day & for Marge. It feels so good to look at everything & be happy with the end result.
Marge's painting turned out just as amazing as I had expected. It is so rich & ...INVITING. It makes me want to sit down & have a cup of coffee RIGHT NOW. Marge told me she wanted a coffee sign for her kitchen. The colors she gave me to work with were brown, yellow & red (so cute!). That was it. She just let me roll with it! How fun is that?! I got to just... PAINT. It was so freeing & exhilarating, knowing I could do whatever I wanted. I hope she loves it as much as I do... otherwise, I may just buy it back from her. :)
Yellow Pine. Latex & Acrylic paints. Sold.
I also had a lot of fun experimenting with this project. After a great deal of frustration, I finally gave in.... & I bought a paint pen. I never wanted to use one before, because I kind of felt like I was cheating. So, I had just been using really skinny paint brushes... & carpel tunnel is real fun & everything, but I was just done. I went to Michael's & finally bought one.
BEST.DECISION.EVER.
It was such a breeze to do my main lettering with a PEN! Who would of thought! Er, Duh? It made editing an exciting process instead of aggravating.
I also did a little other experimenting recently. Thought I'd give you a glimpse.
Marge's painting turned out just as amazing as I had expected. It is so rich & ...INVITING. It makes me want to sit down & have a cup of coffee RIGHT NOW. Marge told me she wanted a coffee sign for her kitchen. The colors she gave me to work with were brown, yellow & red (so cute!). That was it. She just let me roll with it! How fun is that?! I got to just... PAINT. It was so freeing & exhilarating, knowing I could do whatever I wanted. I hope she loves it as much as I do... otherwise, I may just buy it back from her. :)
Yellow Pine. Latex & Acrylic paints. Sold.
I also had a lot of fun experimenting with this project. After a great deal of frustration, I finally gave in.... & I bought a paint pen. I never wanted to use one before, because I kind of felt like I was cheating. So, I had just been using really skinny paint brushes... & carpel tunnel is real fun & everything, but I was just done. I went to Michael's & finally bought one.
BEST.DECISION.EVER.
It was such a breeze to do my main lettering with a PEN! Who would of thought! Er, Duh? It made editing an exciting process instead of aggravating.
I also did a little other experimenting recently. Thought I'd give you a glimpse.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Just for Joy (The Goose Beary Shop)
I have something special for you, today. All I have been thinking about & writing about lately is Father's Day. So, today I am going to post a gift. I was reading a friend's blog today about where we were a year ago as opposed to where we are now. & I remembered, a year ago I didn't know her. She's a wonderful friend, mother & wife. & now, being in charge of The Goose Beary Shop, she is a sewing maniac!
When I had my sweet baby girl back in February, she came to the hospital with a BASKET full of handmade goodies. It was so thoughtful & encouraging! Some of the things she gave us are a part of my daughter's daily necessities. Once her birthday came around, I KNEW I had to make her something in return. So, I made her these blocks. They were specifically designed for her around her etsy site. I personally love them. They were so much fun to make & they turned out GREAT!
So, here's to you, Joy. Thank you for reminding me of all I have to be thankful for. This year has been good to me... & sometimes I forget all about that. I am married to my best friend, we have a sweet, sweet baby girl & I am selling my ARTwork. How awesome is that?!
& for the rest of you, my dear friends, like Joy asked, "what about you?"... what has this year brought into your life?
When I had my sweet baby girl back in February, she came to the hospital with a BASKET full of handmade goodies. It was so thoughtful & encouraging! Some of the things she gave us are a part of my daughter's daily necessities. Once her birthday came around, I KNEW I had to make her something in return. So, I made her these blocks. They were specifically designed for her around her etsy site. I personally love them. They were so much fun to make & they turned out GREAT!
So, here's to you, Joy. Thank you for reminding me of all I have to be thankful for. This year has been good to me... & sometimes I forget all about that. I am married to my best friend, we have a sweet, sweet baby girl & I am selling my ARTwork. How awesome is that?!
& for the rest of you, my dear friends, like Joy asked, "what about you?"... what has this year brought into your life?
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