Island Ladies 2

                                                                  16 x 14 Framed

This is another Island Ladies painting I did, but added a lot more texture to this one. These are fun to paint in the summer. I can almost imagine the warm breeze blowing their dresses. It's so much nicer than the reality of a hot, humid, Mississippi day.

New York In Spring

                                                                          36 x 36
                                                                            Sold

I've enjoyed painting cityscapes this week. This one is done in softer colors that reminded me of Spring. I actually haven't been to New York in about 11 years. I would love to go back, but only for a long weekend. I'm just not a big city kind of girl. When Tommy and I were first married, we lived in D.C. for three years. I loved my time there. We were childless, and spent every weekend finding wonderful places to eat of all different ethnic cuisine. Somehow, D.C. was managable to me. But today, in this stage of my life, I think I would prefer somewhere quiet and peaceful. I think an island somewhere sounds wonderful.

Beautiful Travels

                                                                             2 x 4

                                                          Available at VIEW GALLERY

                                                                             (Sold)

After reading my last post, a friend commented on my statement that I try to write my girls everyday. She assumed that I meant I text them everyday. No, I'm talking about the old fashion way of a letter with a stamp. (Cell phones are not allowed at camp. Thank goodness.) That comment got me thinking about how our generation has lost the art of writing as a form of communication. Yes, we do email, but that tangible letter has been so important to our civilization. Historians depended on personal letters to fill the gaps in studying our past. Letter writing was the only way people could communicate over distance. Thank goodness for those letters, and the people that lovingly took time to pen their thoughts. Just think, with out letters, we wouldn't have most of the New Testament.

Personally, I love getting letters. I love when I open the mailbox and I see an envelope that is addressed to me. However, I must admit, other than letters written to my daughters at camp, I very seldom write one. It is easier to email someone, rather than having to rummage through my drawers looking for a stamp. However, a written encouragement conveys a thoughtful investment of your time to someone. Some of my most treasured things are letters from a dear friend of mine from North Carolina, who wrote to me in hopes of encouraging me through tough times. They are something I can touch and reread today. Maybe we should think about taking time to write to someone and let them know that we care.

Blue Dancer

                                                                        10 x 20

                                                                 Acrylic and oil

                                                                         (Sold)

I have a case of blogger's block tonight. I have nothing interesting to write about.

The girls are gone to camp for a month and I try to write them almost every day. However, it is so hard to think of something new to say, especially when your day just consisted of cleaning the house, or painting all day. So, I am going to do tonight what I often do in my letters to them, share some of my favorite proverbs or sayings. Hopefully I'll have something better to post next time.

-A good name is to be more desired than great wealth.

-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

-The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Quotes from Artists

-"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." - Friedrich Neitzsche

-"You can not wait until you get better. Do the best you can now, today. And you will get better at what you want to create." - Robert Burridge

City Reflection

                                                                       36 x 36

With the girls being at camp, I've had the whole week to paint, and was able to complete several pieces. It's been very therapeutic. For some time, I've wanted to do an abstract city scene, and I achieved what I had it my head. It rarely happens that way. Phyllis Geary, owner of VIEW GALLERY, loved it, so you can find it there, as well as several others paintings I've done.

If you are not familiar with VIEW GALLERY, you need to stop by. Yesterday, I was impressed by the wonderful paintings and the artists she represents. I was surrounded by color, different styles, and most of all, talent. I felt humbled that she would even hang a few pieces of my work. To me, it is by far the most sophisticated art gallery in the area. I'm not saying that just because I show there, and Phyllis is a friend. (It took almost two years for her to say yes to my work.) View Gallery is located on Highland Colony at The Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland. You need to stop by.

Forgiveness and Grace

Today's post has nothing to do with my painting. It is just something I did today, after my sweet friend Lisa kindly helped me with the Island Ladies that she does, and I love so much. Today I want to write about forgiveness and grace.

The other day, a friend used against me something I had said and done a couple of months ago. I had done it out of anger, and I knew I was wrong. Feeling remorseful, I asked for forgiveness. Although things weren't quite the same, things did seem to be patched up somewhat. Then a situation arose, and I was expressing how I felt, and BOOM, it was thrown back at me to justify themself. I'm not saying I am faultless, because I'm not, but in reality, it had no validity to the point I was making. This person has no idea the magnitude of the pain I felt with that one little sentence. It brought to my memory, once again, the years I lived under constant condemnation from people I knew and loved.

So, why am I telling you this? I guess I am trying to remind us of a life lesson that we all need to remember. It's about forgiveness and grace. Each of us are human beings living in a fallen world. We hurt individuals, and we too are sinned against. However, so few of us are willing to look at ourselves and see what role we have played. Where we have been wrong in the situation. This is where we need to ask for forgiveness, and if they in turn do the same, move forward with out resentment. We do not need to keep reminding each other of our past sins. They were forgiven. I feel very strongly about this. The reality of forgiveness was a life changing experience for me. My light bulb moment.

It was after about the 500th time my sin was brought up, and told that one day I would be accountable for it, I finally said to myself, "but I've asked forgiveness for those sins. And doesn't the Bible say that once confessed, He puts our sins as far as the east is from the west, and remembers them no more?" That simple thought changed my life, and gave me the courage to begin fighting not only for myself, but for my family. There were many, many dark days ahead, but I had found grace and freedom.

This last painful situation has reminded me of how important it is for each of us ask forgiveness when we have wrong someone, and if asked, to give those that have hurt us the same grace. In reality, none of us deserve forgiveness, but because of God's unconditional love, He gives it to us through his Son. I'm glad I was reminded of this.

More Favorite Photos

Since I've been out of town, and didn't paint last week, I thought I would share some more of my favorite photographs that I've taken through the years.   All three of these received recognition as weekly "Editor's Pick" in an online photo site called Better Photo.  It is a wonderful site where you can take classes on line, share photos, and enter competitions.  Two of these are of my daughter Grace.  I must admit, that most of the credit goes to her, because she is so photogentic.   I miss those days when she and Gwynn were willing to indulge me with an hour or so and pose as I learned to use my camera.  Now, all they are interested in is texting and hanging out with friends.  But, then again, they are teenagers, and I understand.

Well, I'm off to paint, so maybe I'll have something to share tomorrow.

Friends

                                                              acrylic with collage

                                                                        8 x 8

What a great saying! "Friends are the family members we choose for ourselves." Not that I dislike my family, but some of my friends are like family. I did this piece during my folk art week. I thought it was appropriate to post it today, because today I am going to the beach again with two different women. After so many years of being estranged from friends (those of you that know my history will understand this), I feel so blessed to have the handful of people I call friends today. So once again, I thank all of you that prayed for me all those lost years, those that welcomed me back, and those that I have made since.

Bloomsbury Study

Mix Media

Bloomsbury was a group of controversial artists, writers, and philosophers that lived in the early 1900's in England. Some of the members included Virginia Woolf, E. M. Forster, Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Years ago, I became fascinated with the work they did in their home called Charleston. Charleston was formally a boarding house, and it became the site for their studios, and well as home for many of the artist. Although, I have never visited it, I became interested in it after purchasing some pottery of Quintin Bell, Vanessa Bell's son, in my 20's while on a trip to England. I love studying the paintings of Charleston. It seems that every mantle, bookcase, door was painted on with wonderful designs. One day I hope to visit it in person.