Something new.....

As much as I love to paint and look forward to my evening glass of pinot grigio and a nice, quiet painting session, I also need a bit of a break between paintings.  I haven't picked up my paint brush since I finished the nativity scene, although I'm almost ready.  But I also don't like to be idle while I'm on my 'break'.   I like to write or make dolls or calendars......something totally different.  And lately, I've really felt like I needed a new 'line'.  So.....I took prints of some of my favorites and kind of did a 'half print, half decoupage' thing with them.  I like them.....I think.

I tried to find a verse that I thought correlated with the painting without making it just a 'story' or some silly cliche.  I wanted more of 'make you think' kind of thing.  But since I've never been accused of being much of a deep thinker....this was a bit out of my element.  Take a look.

Since this line is totally new, I'd love some feedback.  I get excited doing new things but nervous because just because I like them, that doesn't mean other people will, too.  And that kind of defeats the purpose when using scripture.  Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! 

Also, these are all mounted on sturdy wood and ready for hanging.  Each piece can be ordered by clicking here!

An unquiet mind.

I struggle with my thoughts.  I guess most people do.  But my thoughts are a little different than most peoples.  Sometimes my thoughts tell me things that aren't true.  Sometimes I get lost in those thoughts and get carried away.  I've been known to walk around talking to myself.  My darling husband is used to it.  But I hate it.

I used to think I was crazy.  I remember being 14 years old and meeting a friend at the mall and confessing to her that I really had fears that I was losing my mind.  That was 22 years ago.  My thoughts haven't let up a bit.

The difference now is that I know and accept (and even somwhat like) that I am purposely made a certain way.  I'm an artist.  I'm not a brilliant artist but I'm not bad, either.  And as the kind of artist God made me, my mind likes to take over sometimes.

But....

Other times it's my lack of self-confidence and self-esteem that makes my creative mind really get completely and utterly out of control.  There have been times I couldn't remember if I had actually done or said things or if my mind was telling me that I had.  I get lost.

So......think I'm totally insane yet?

Now, I say all this because I really have made peace (somewhat) with my sometimes 'insanity'.  It is what it is.  I am this way, mainly, because of the gift of creativity my God endowed me with.  The problem arises when I allow my creativity to control me instead of me controlling my creativity.

It is what it is.  I am who I am.  It took me a long time to accept that God thinks my mind is beautiful.  And so should I.

And luckilly, I still have friends who love me.  A husband who treats me like a queen.  Parents who tolerate and humor me.  2 fabulous little girls who tell me I'm the best Mommy in the world.  And a great group of supportive artists at my gallery who don't run away screaming when I enter the room. 

And that, my friends, is what keeps me sane.  Most of the time, anyway.

Good night.

Getting there.....

My love for all things biblical is what sparks my imagination the most. Nothing is more inspirational than the bible and there is more food for thought and amazing ideas oozing from it's pages than anything else I know. I love it. And I can honestly say that since I began painting biblical scenes, my ability has grown. I don't say this to be vain or pump up my work.....anyone who knows me knows that I am notoriously hard on myself and always complaining about my lack of training and talent. But I think when you are doing what God has put you on earth to do, things just start to fall into place. Slowly. I still stink at painting hands and feet!

Moo.

The name of this piece is 'Behold the King'.  This painting is also available on Christmas Cards!

Thanks for checking out my new painting! 

You Are A Work of Art

This is a poem I wrote for my sweet Lilly, who sometimes forgets how wonderful she really is.

You Are A Work Of Art

You are a work of art, you are.

Beautiful in every way.

A masterpiece created for a unique purpose.

The color of your hair, 

the sound of your voice,

the way you laugh.  

Every aspect carefully chosen for you

before you were even born.

You are a work of art, you are. 

Extraordinary and precious.

In all the world, there is noone else like you.

You are one of a kind

given as a gift to the world

with distinct talents and personality

that can come only from you.  

And what you have to offer 

is indescribable.

You are a work of art, you are.

Down to the shape of your toes

and the color of your skin.

Your likes and dislikes, your loves and hates.

What makes you smile and what makes you cry

are all part of a glorious design.

It makes you who you are,

and you are amazing.

You are a work of art, you are.

More meticulously designed than the Taj Mahal.

More delicately crafted than a butterfly.

You are wonderful.  

You are irreplacable.

You are incomparable.

You are a work of art.

You are.

This poem available here!

All Used Up....

I worry.  I worry that I'm not doing enough.  I worry that I'm doing too much.  I worry that I'm doing the wrong things or even the right things at the wrong time.  And I worry that I'm wasting good things.

I don't want to waste anything.  Time, talent, love........    

There is a great quote from a little girls that reads:  

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"  -  Erma Bombeck

Now that says it all.

I want to be known as a person who is gentle and kind.

I want to be brave enough to give everything I am.

I don't ever want my kids to wonder how I feel about them.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us."  -  Marianne Williamson

Let's not waste anything....and let's not be afraid!