Pleasant Journies

                                                                         24 x 36

                                                                     Mixed Media

                                                      (Available At VIEW GALLERY)

Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4)

Hello friends, I'm back! I took the month of December off. I didn't even pick up a paintbrush until the week of Christmas, when I was asked, on the 22nd, to paint a large painting for a young man that needed a present for his wife. So, I thank those of you that continued to check my blog, looking for updates, but found none.

December was a good month, but it wasn't without it's trials and heartache for friends. I traveled some, being fortunate to visit with old friends in California, and I took a wonderful weekend trip with my husband, who hadn't taken a vacation in 2 yrs! The children were home on break and that's always fun. We celebrated my parent's 60th wedding anniversary. We also had a wonderful Christmas, spending a lot of time at my parent's with my siblings and their families.

There was also heartache. A friend lost her 2 month old son, and another lost his dad. Also, my heart felt very heavy for the Madison families that lost their 3 boys this Fall. What I am thankful for is that all these individuals know the Lord, and though they still may ask "why", they hold tight in their faith and trust the Lord in His wisdom and love. They are true inspirations to those whose lives they touch.

Painless Christmas Cards

                                                                        Photos by
                                                          Aaron Phillips Photography

If you are like me, you dread taking photos of your children for a Christmas card.  I haven't done it in a year or two, because I hated dealing with uncooperative teens with bad attitudes.  The photo session usually ends with me in tears and a headache.  But not this year!  I hired my friend Aaron Phillips to take on my three.  I must say, it was worth every cent I paid for, which by the way was very reasonable.  I told Aaron I wanted shots that captured my children's personalities, and not the typical posed shots.  These photos I'm showing aren't even the best ones.  I'm saving those for my Christmas card.  I couldn't have been more pleased with the photos I got back, however, the greatest part of it was that I never once lost my temper, and they had a fun time as well.

Aaron@aaronphillipsphotography.com  601-954-6539

After The Storm

                                                                 Acrylic on Paper

This morning, I read a legend about a German baron, who at his castle, stretched wires from one tower to another in hopes that the wind would make them into a harp, but when the gentle wind blew, there was no music.  Then one night, there was a huge storm.  When the baron looked out with terror at the mighty winds, he heard the music from his harp, which rose above the sound of the storm.  It needed the tempest to bring out the music.

If you keep strong in your believing, you can always count on God to make the aftermath of difficult times, a thousand times richer than it was before the storm.  I know this to be true from personal experience.    I have several friends that are going through hard times right now, and I want them to remember that “Weeping may last for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning.”

After the rain comes the flowers.

Winter Rain

                                                                       
                                                                   
                                     

                                                                      24 x 48

                                                                  Mixed Media

                                                                       (Sold)

With this week being Thanksgiving, people give a lot of thought to the things in their lives that they are thankful for, and since I just talked to one of my best friends on the phone, I'm saying I am thankful for friendships.

Although I have many good friends, and many casual ones, I am very fortunate that I can say that I have two or three true committed friends, who sacrificially give to our friendship.  There is no manipulation or self-serving attitudes between us.  Through many trials, our relationships have remained secure and steadfast.   The Proverbs sums it up.  "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  They know who they are, and I am thankful this day for each of you.

Angel On Plexiglas

                                                                           8 x 10
                                                                Acrylic on Plexiglas

I subscribe to Penelope Trunk’s blog.  The other day, she had a link to a site where you could take a free personality test.  It was the Jung Typology Test.  Not only did it tell you your type personality, but what job best fits you.  I was skeptical, but I took it.  It said I was an ISFP (introverted, sensing, feeling and perceiving).  A description of this according to Keirsey Research was that of an Artisan - Composer.  According to Dr. David Keirsey, a “Composer are in tune with their senses, and so have a sure grasp of what belongs, and what doesn’t belong, in all kinds of works of art......Composers have an exceptional ability- seemingly inborn-to work with subtle differences in color, tone, texture, aroma, and flavor.”  It also said that Composers were impulsive, sensitive to the pain of others, and have a hard time expressing themselves verbally, which I do.  I am much better at writing it down.  That’s why I blog.

I wont bore you with the rest, but it described me almost perfectly.  Among other professions, it said I may be a painter or chef. (I love to cook.)  It also said I could be a legal secretary.  I was a Paralegal for 9 years before I had children.  

If you want to take the test go to www.humanmetrics.com.  It was fun.

Update on Disrespectful Child:  She had to wear sweats to school because she “has no blue jeans”, (she does).  Still no remorse!!!!!

Thankful

                                                        ( I don't remember it's name )
                                                       Available at VIEW GALLERY

I am in a major conflict with one of my children.  She was disrespectful to me, so I took away the items that I had just bought her.  We had not even left the store’s parking lot, and this disrespectful attitude, that has become more prevalent lately reared it’s ugly head.  The war continued this morning when she wanted to wear what I bought her to school.  I stood my ground and said no.  So, we drove to school in silence.  What upsets me is the fact that there is no remorse, and as I drove home, I found myself feeling more and more down.  I hate when I am at odds with anyone, especially my children, but it is my responsibility to discipline them, and shape them to be functioning humans in society one day.  The easy thing would be to give in, however, I have an obligation to teach them certain standards to live by and how to treat others, at least as long as they are under my roof.  Each of them are a gift to me, but with this wonderful gift comes this responsibility.

So, as I drove home, I thought,  in spite of the fact I have a child that is being a “butt” right now, I have so much to be thankful for, and I was going to focus on that.  Each of my children are healthy and as a whole, very good kids.  I have a husband that works hard, and provides for us.  I have wonderful friends that care for me.  I am home with my parents and siblings after so many years of being estranged from them.  I have the privilege of being able to stay at home and do what I love to do, paint.  It is the season to be thankful, and for me, I know that I am truly blessed.

Three Dancers

If you are in Oxford this weekend, stop by and see my latest work at Nella on the Square.  On Thursday, they are having their Fashion + Art Series from 4:30 - 7:30.  It should be a lot of fun!

Getting Rid Of Clutter

                                                           
                                                                     "African Woman"
                                                                       14 x 26 Framed
                                                                               Sold

There is something in my life that I haven’t wanted to give up.  It’s been more of a longing for a certain thing.  I’ve been able to put it aside for a while, yet the longing returns at times, almost to the point of obsession.  I woke up this morning with it on my mind and I knew the time had come for me to put it to rest, but I needed God’s help.

I picked up a book and read these words.  “I am working My ways in you: the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being.  My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.  Collaborate with Me in this effort by being willing to let go of anything I choose to take away.  I know what you need, and I have promised to provide all of that abundantly.”

My sense of self worth must not depend on others, as it so often does.  By not getting the object of my desire and the positive feelings that would come along with it, God has been teaching me to depend on Him for my fulfillment.  This means I need to be satisfied with much or with little, accepting either as God’s will at the moment.  I guess “at the moment” is the key right now.  I don’t know what tomorrow, a year or ten years will bring, but I have to keep my eyes focused on what is right for me today.  I am not naive enough to believe that this longing will be gone simply because I have written these words, but I am willing to surrender it, and I know God will be faithful in this as He has been in so many other areas of my life.  I just have to do my part.

Anytime

                                                                              36 x 48
                                                                          Mixed Media


Why does it often take the loss of someone we care about to remind us not to take those we love for granted, and that life here on this earth is a gift and in reality, just a brief moment compared to eternity?  My friends, my son, my city, and many across my state are mourning the death of three young men that were killed this Sunday in an automobile accident.  For many of our children, it is their first experience with a death of a peer, and a shocking look at their own mortality. 
I've had to take a quiet distance with my son, knowing that he doesn't need a "life lesson" right now, yet letting him know that I do understand his pain through my personal loss of friends when I was young. 

It shouldn't take a tragedy such as this to remind each one of us to live our lives in accordance to God's standards.  None of us will escape death, and when our time comes, I believe each of us will stand before The Father.  The question is, will He say, "well done my good and faithful servant"?  For me personally, I wonder.  There are so many areas of my life that I know are not pleasing to Him.  Some I don't want to change.  It is sad that it takes an incident like this to get your life back on track and your eyes focused on where they should be.  But most importantly, being thankful for the grace and forgiveness He extends to us when asked. 

Dancer in Black

                                                                           16 x 20

                                                                       Mixed Media
                                                                           (SOLD)

I've been told that the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over, and each time expecting different results". As I lay in bed last night, I came to the conclusion that I am indeed insane!

Sparrow

                                                                            8 x 8

                                                                             Sold

It's been over a week since I last posted a painting. It isn't because I haven't been painting, because that's all I've done this week. It's because I have writers block again, and I don't know what I feel like talking about.

I've picked up a book a dear friend gave me 5 years ago when my life was in such turmoil. It's called "The Ragamuffin Gospel". This book is all about God's grace. We always seem to see God as one that always remembers our past sins and failures, but in reality, He gives us His grace, willingly, no matter what we've done. We come to him as "ragamuffins", dirty and beat-up, and when we come to Him, He smiles at us with unconditional love and forgiveness.

This thought then led me to my "Sparrow" painting that I am donating to a fundraiser for Jackson Prep, my old high school. It reminded me of the verse: “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7) So now, I have a wonderful message I want to pass on today, God's amazing love for us and more important, His grace.

Water's Edge

                                                                           36 x 48

                                                                      Mixed media

This is another piece I painted for the Portico Art show that is being held at The Mississippi Museum of Art tomorrow night from 5 until 8. I would love to invite any of you that are from here to attend. Nine other artist will also be showing their work.

I named this painting "Water's Edge" because it looks as if a frog has just jumped into a pond, making a splash. It's funny how after going through so many different styles of paintings, this type has more less become my signature style. My white paintings have sold the best at VIEW GALLERY where I show. As I have mentioned before, I guess it is because so much of my feelings go into these paintings. I am so thankful for my life today and the wonderful grace and freedom I feel. A friend told me this week how it seems that my life is so full of drama, in spite of the fact that is not my personality. Yes, as a very involved mother of 3 teens, it does seem that way. But to me, it's the life God has so graciously given me, and although it is far from perfect, I am indeed thankful for it.

New York In Summer

                                                                           36 x 36

                                                                           ( Sold )

Why is it that when you try to do the right thing, take a stand in defense of an individual or cause, you come out looking negative and judgmental? That was never in your heart, and your intent was simply to bring everyone together and make a wrong right, yet you come out "the bad guy". This is what happened this week, and it is very discouraging and upsetting.

Trust me, I wish I was a person that could sit back and let others fight the battles, but that is not the personality that God gave me, especially when it has to do with a child. Do I like having to do this? No. Do I like the way it makes me feel? No. But I know the injustices in life and the pain that each of us feel, so I would do it again, in spite of the way it has made others feel about me. All I can do today, is trust God in this circumstance, and know that He knows the intent of my heart.

My Aunt Gwynn

                                                                           "Peace"

                                                                           24 x 30
                                                                           (Sold)

                                                       The world is so beautiful today

                                                        I want to put it in my pocket

                                                       And carry it like a charm -

                                                       But my pocket is small

                                                       So I open my eyes and ears

                                                       And fill my heart to capacity

                                                                      By Gwynn Jacobs

Today my family celebrated the life of my aunt and namesake Gwynn Jacobs. Cissy is a nickname, while my real name is Katherine Gwynn. I was named for two women my mother loved, her cousin Katherine (Cissy) and her sister Gwynn. What an honor to be named after such a lovely, creative, talented and Godly woman. (My daughter is also named Gwynn.) She was an unassuming woman, who never called attention to herself, but was able to inspire in each of her loved ones the assurance that they were uniquely cherished.

As a child, I will never forget the playful make-believe world of fairies and trolls she conjured up to entertain us. I remember visiting her studio, and being in awe of the countless ways she expressed her talent. Her paintings and sculptures will help those that loved her, remember her unique view of the things she loved.

Stepping Stones

                                                                            10 x 10

                                                                  Acrylic and Charcoal 

All of us make mistakes in our lives, so why is it so hard for us to extend grace to others? Why do we love to "share" with people a little bit of information about someone that they really didn't need to know? Is it because we like to be "in the know", or is it just to make ourselves look better? For whatever reason, it is simply unnecessary gossip and damaging. We can never get those words back. They will forever be branded in the mind of the person told. When they think or see the person talked about, it will always be in their mind, an unnecessary negative. It can just as easily happen to us. Something in our lives that we wish was buried or not made public.

So, next time when we feel the urge to share something negative or juicy about someone, let's ask ourselves, "is this really necessary for others to know, is it for the betterment of God's kingdom".

A New World

                                                                         20 x 24

                                                                     Mixed Media

                                                                         (Sold)

This is one of pieces I painted for my first art show on October 11th at the Mississippi Museum of Art celebrating Portico Magazine's 10 rising artist. I feel truly honored to be picked as one of these artist.

While painting this piece, I really wanted to focus on texture. My goal was to create a look of concrete. I think I accomplished it, although the photo does not do it justice. So, I guess you'll just have to come to the show and see for yourself!

One of the questions asked by Portico for their article was "what gives me inspiration". My answer was simply that my paintings are statements evolving from personal experiences in my life. I try to communicate through my work, my feelings, gratitude, faith and my past. I guess that is why I seem to gravitate towards white in a lot of my paintings. I try to express a sense of freedom, cleansing and a new life. I often want it to be soothing, without any of my past turmoil. As I have said before, my art is so healing for me. Thank you for letting me share it with you.

Summer Haze

                                                                          24 x 24

                                                                    Mixed Media

                                                                         ( Sold)                                              

Why are we always wanting validation from someone, be it a parent, sibling, friend, or social circle to be OK? Why can't we be comfortable in our own skin and not give a flip about what they think? When will we grow out of this and just not care? That is the question of the day.

It use to be my personality that I worried about, but I think for the most part I've just accepted that is how God made me, and He can use my openness, sometime volatile behavior, or even my Eeyore days for His glory. It is other areas in my life that I struggle with today. I know the answer is spiritual, but I am simply not there yet.

On a different note, for those who know my daughter Gwynn and the migraines that she suffers with usually during the Fall, and that continue for months, even to the point she has to be hospitalized, please pray that this cycle will be broken early. Thanks.

Homecoming

                                                                       Eric Nix

                                                               U.S. Marine Corps

My blog is a journal of everything I love, and since I love my friend Sue Nix, today I am celebrating the homecoming of her son Eric from Afghanistan. He will be arriving in San Diego today, and then from there he will be headed to Shreveport, but Sue is hoping for a few minutes with her precious son sometime in the next few days.   I, along with her many friends am so thankful for God's protection over her son while he was serving our country.

"I Love The Rain"

                                                I Love The Rain The Most...When IT Stops

                                                                          20 x 24

                                                                            Sold

I thought I would share the latest "Graceism". Last night on our way to dinner, Tommy was giving Grace (14) a life lesson. Her response was "Dad, you just need to listen to me. I've had more experience than you, so you just need to watch your tongue and listen to my words of wisdom!". His response was "sweetheart, you're a cocky little thing, so just remember, when you fall, we'll be here to catch you".

When she just saw what I was posting, she told me "no one understands my humor".

Summer's End

                                                                         48 x 36

                                                                          SOLD

Do you ever wonder why God put you in a particular place for a time? It could be a recent move, or a brief one in the past. That is how I felt about my two years in Oklahoma. After leaving North Carolina, why didn't He just send us straight to Mississippi where I have friends and family, instead of a place where I didn't know a soul, and was often very lonely. In hindsight, I know it was because I needed a place to be still and heal. I needed to learn the Truth again, before I went on to the next stage of the journey of my life.

One way God healed me was through my art. I remember one day feeling so beat down and hopeless, and while listening to "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shusts, I was struck by his words and felt the need to express what I was feeling onto a canvas. By no means was it a great piece of art, but I incorporated part of the lyrics into the painting, and it hangs in my house today, as a constant reminder of God's wonderful grace.
"I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at His right hand, stands one who is my Savior...Yes, living, dying, let me bring my strength, my solace from this spring; that He who lives to be my King, once died to be my Savior".

September Morning

                                                                          24 x 30

                                                                     Mixed Media

                                                         Available at VIEW GALLERY

                                                                      (SOLD)

Recently, I read a story of a lady recounting how she once saw a man draw some black dots. She couldn't make rhyme or reason out of the irregular assemblage of the dots. The man drew a few lines, put in a few rests, then she realize they were musical notes. Sounding it out, they sang "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below".

There are many black dots and black spots in our lives, and we cannot understand why they are there, or why God permitted them to come. But if we let God adjust the dots His own way and draw the lines He wants, then out of the black dots and spots in our lives, He will make a wonderful harmony.

Last week was hard at the Prewitt household. There were broken hearts, hurt feelings, and a concern, angry mom. Finally, after I quit trying to fix everything that was out of my control and turned things totally over to God, it was amazing how things started to fall into place yesterday. I had to let Him arrange the black spots His way, and as always, His arrangement was much better than mine.

Remembering 9/11

                                                           "Early Morning Haze"

                                                                       24 x 36

                                                     Available at VIEW GALLERY

Cissie Graham Lynch is the daughter of Franklin Graham and the grand daughter of Billy Graham. She is married to Cory Lynch, who is in the NFL and plays for Tampa Bay. Her family lived down the road from me when I lived in Boone, NC. She has become a beautiful young lady that is following in her family's footsteps. Today, I am giving you the link to her blog. What she says is everything I wish to say, but so much better than I could ever express..Can You Remember Where You Were? http://cissiegrahamlynch.com/2011/09/can-you-remember-where-you-were/.

Texting

                                                                     "Everlasting"

                                                                         24 x 24

                                                              Mixed Media on board

                                                                           Sold

Texting. I like it, yet hate it too. I confess, I text. I do it for convenience, to communicate something quick and short, but also when I don't want to talk to someone on the phone. However, I also believe it is inhibiting our children in learning the necessary skills of communication. They text to "get to know" someone, to ask someone out, to break up.... They text instead of talking. They are missing so much of the developmental process of becoming functioning individuals in society today. By not talking face to face, they are not learning to read different inflections in a voice or body language. Teens today will have an ongoing text for hours, instead of just dialing a number on their phone and have a normal chat with the person.

I also believe they often hide behind texting and often do not own up to the noncommittal, insinuated words because they were never spoken. It upsets me, and today because it has brought on heartache in my household, "I'm spitting mad about it" (as only a southerner would say). But, I have learned that I need to calm down and not spout off something I'll regret later, so that may just have to be a post from another day. So, for today, I DO NOT like texting, even though I have already done it 3 times this morning.

Someone Like You

                                                                          16 x 20

                                                               Acrylic and Charcoal

                                                                          (Sold)

Labor Day Weekend in Mississippi means opening day of dove season, Ole Miss football, and the official end of summer. (Even though it is usually still 98 degrees.) This year it included rain, rain, and more rain. Also, for me, it brought a lost kitty. Winnie has been a part of my family for about 10 years. She is an indoor cat that must have felt adventurous when a door was inadvertently left open. I am very, very sad because I know she must be scared out there somewhere in the rain. George, her soul mate, is roaming the house looking for her. (When the girls where young, they dressed them up and preformed a marriage.) I just pray that she finds her way home.

The weekend also brought an old friend to town along with his wife and son. My friends, the Garraway's, invited several of us that have been friends since the 7th grade, if not longer, to visit with Lyons and Kate. We stayed there almost to midnight, laughing and telling stories of the things the guys did through the years. Stories that my children will never hear! I believe I would rather them think their dad has lived a dull, boring life, never getting into trouble!!

Oh well, I hope you have had a nice holiday. I'm off to look for Winnie again.

Let's All Celebrate

                                                         Mixed Media with collage

When I was 8 years old, I came home from school and confessed to my mother that I had lied to my friends. She said, "Oh Cissy, what did you lie about?". I replied, "your age". All my friend's mothers were much younger and I was embarrassed. My mother was 38!!!!!!

Well, today I turned 50 and I can't imagine what my children think about a mother who is half a century old. Grace, my 14 yr old told me last week that I use to be cool, but not any more. Actually, she doesn't know how cool I really am!!!

My wonderful friends gave me a party this past weekend. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by so many people I love and care about. God has been so faithful since I've returned home to Mississippi, restoring old friendships and bringing new people into my life. I am indeed a very happy, fortunate 50 year old!!

My Children's Art

                                                                    Grace 2nd Grade

                                                                 Dixon 9th Grade

                                                             Gwynn 3rd Grade


This weekend, both Grace and Dixon were into painting.  Grace was painting an Audrey Hepburn face for her room, while Dixon has decided that he wants to try to sell some art to make money for college.  I love it when they are creative, and spend time in my studio instead of watching TV.  All three of my children are very artistic.  When they were young, I home schooled them for 9 years and art was a big part of their lives.  Every year, Tim Miller, a local business man and frame shop/gallery owner would have a competition for all the public schools in the Boone and Blowing Rock, NC area.  He allowed the home school students to be involved.  Through the years, each of my children won first place for their age group.  He would then generously frame the winner's work for them to have.  Grace's "Matisse" and Gwynn's "Van Gogh" both were winners.  Of course being their mother, I think they are outstanding for their ages.  Dixon's was done later, when he went to "real school".    I think it is also very creative and I have it on my studio wall.

Thank you for letting me share their work.  Maybe, I'll post Grace's Audrey soon.

Another Day In New York

                                                                             30 x 48

                                                                                Sold

Goodness! It's been a week since I last posted. It's not that I haven't been painting. Actually, I've simultaneously been working on three different ones, but none are ready to post, so I'm showing you another cityscape that is at VIEW GALLERY.

As I was driving home from taking my daughter to school, I was thinking about what I wanted to talk about today, but once again, I sounded like such a Debbie Downer. I wish I had something happy and fun to share with you, but things have kind of been the same around here. Either the children are fighting, someone is heartbroken, or Dixon always reminding me that it's OK, and that he loves me. You know, the typical teenager stuff. I wish I was always positive on my blog like my friend Ruthie. So, if you want to visit an uplifting, fun site, you need to follow ruthiecarlson.blogspot.com. Ruthie is a wonderful artist from Alabama. I especially like her latest mixed media piece. Her outlook on life really reflects in her work.

This, then led me to think about how my friend Phyllis described me weeks ago. She said "you are just kind of melancholy". I thought "great, just what I want to be known as, an Eeyore". So, I didn't talk to her for a while!!! No, not really. We were on a trip together, and I just laugh about it, and thought, "well, my nickname my friends gave me in Italy last year was Lolita". I know you are wondering why Lolita. All I can say is the over used saying "what happens in Italy, stays in Italy!!!". (Now, if it was really that bad, would I be sharing it on my blog for my my husband and mother to read?) So, if I had to pick between an Eeyore personality or a Lolita one, I think I would pick Lolita. A rated PG Lolita, of course!