Sunday, February 23, 2014

Quiet Moments

This February has brought quiet moments.

Those moments allowed me time to create...  
 














time to seek new inspiration...













 time to look up...


 





                                                                     


and time to rest.


Hope February has brought you some quiet moments too.


Will see you all in March.   God Bless!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Working with Ink

 When I want to relax I often choose working with ink.  It is fun to just take a crow quill pen and some ink and doodle across a page and splash some ink here and there.
  
Inspiration for me often comes from nature.  What inspired this drawing was seeing dried weeds growing above the snow.   They lend a certain beauty to the white landscape.   In spite of winter's winds many of them still have seed pods and bits of leaves clinging to their stems.  

I have a great respect for that kind of tenacity.

It is marvelous to see how nature reminds us that even when life seems overwhelming if we hold tight to the Vine we will remain strong and bear fruit.

Hope all of you are holding on tight tonight.    God Bless!    

Sunday, February 16, 2014

"Heavenly Sunlight"

An old hymn "Heavenly Sunlight" came to mind yesterday as we walked outdoors.      

The chorus begins with " Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight, Flooding my soul with glory divine."




My soul certainly needed flooded with some of that glorious sunshine.














I think these two were in need of it too.











Ever notice that when the sun is shining life takes on a different perspective. It makes us look up and rejoice.   I know I did.    Hope you will too.



Have a wonderful Sunday evening!   God bless.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Flowers

Around Valentine's Day retail stores begin displaying flowers.   Mini Roses,  primroses, cyclamen and all manner of spring bulbs decorate the shelves near the front entrance.   Their bright colors clamor to be seen.   After a long winter they are such a temptation to a gardener.  One can hardly resist.     




These beautiful red tulips were a gift from my Mom.   They are such a welcome sight.    Their blossoms whisper " Don't give up hope.  Spring is just around the corner".   

Tonight it may be cold and snowy outdoors but in  my heart a garden of flowers has started to bloom.  May some be blooming in yours as well.    Have a wonderful evening.   Thanks for taking time to stop by.


    


   

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Fresh Snow and the Birds

 Morning brought us another fresh covering of snow.

This little Sparrow didn't seem to be bothered one bit.    He patiently was waiting his turn to eat.








The backyard restaurant had a stream of patrons all afternoon.  The lines were long.  It was so busy at times I had to keep restocking the buffet.

Mr. Cardinal claimed his place before Ms. Blue Jay arrived.











 Later they had quite a discussion over the cracked corn dish.












As the day faded into evening one by one they left.


It was time to go home.  Time to get some rest.













 
Tomorrow they will be back.   Hope you will too.
Have a wonderful evening.   God Bless!
           









Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Work In Progress

As an artist sometimes I will share a work in progress.  
WIP
The painting is not finished.   It may just be in
the beginning stages or almost complete.   It may need more contrast, deeper values, or a few more details.   There are times though when I am uncertain what is needed or how to finish.  In my eyes there is something missing.  It doesn't meet my expectations.      


 Similarly I also am a work in progress.    The difference is that my creator knows exactly what  He must do to finish me.  He may soften some edges... 
               wipe out areas that need to be brighter... deepen values to show contrast between dark and light.    There may be places where my composition needs to be stronger or unnecessary clutter that leaves no place for the eye to rest.   Whatever changes He makes will refine me and bring me to a good finish.

If there is any one of you who like me might be a work in progress take heart..."being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Phil. 1:6 (NIV).   Please have a wonderful evening - God Bless!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Celebrations

This first weekend of February was one of celebrations.   Both were milestone birthdays.

Hubby's sister turned 65 and my Dad 80.
In honor of these two special people there were surprise parties given.

There is such joy to see the look in someone's eye when they realize that friends and loved ones have gathered to say you matter.  You are important.  We are celebrating your life.

 Birthdays are wonderful times to celebrate.    Other occasions are lovely too...wedding anniversaries...retirement...moving into a new home...a great job offer or promotion.    All are worthy of recognition.

Time's way is not slow.   It rushes quickly by.   Maybe we don't need to wait to celebrate only those milestone moments .   Wouldn't it be nice if everyday we told someone they are important...I am glad you are my friend...you really matter to me.  



 Let's just celebrate because we have this day!

 God bless each and every one of you because You are important and you matter to me!

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...