Breaking Dawn

                                                                         36 x 36

I know the title sounds like one of those vampire books/movies, but this painting reminds me of a new day, and y'all know what a new beginning mean to me. Something I am forever thankful for. When I start an abstract painting, I never know what the end will be. My main objective these days is to try to achieve a painting that looks like it has depth and layers. I haven't quite figured it out yet. Being primarily self-taught, it's just trial and error for me. It's just a process, and hopefully one day I'll get it. When I look back from where I began 3 yrs ago, it's embarrassing, yet I do see improvement. I hope you do too.

My biggest news to share is that in a week, I am getting a puppy!!!! I feel as if I am adopting a child. I had to fill out a puppy questionnaire, have 3 references, and be interviewed. There was a long waiting list, but somehow, I was moved up the list, and I am going to Texas next weekend to get him. So, I'm sure you will be hearing a lot about the new nameless puppy. It is very hard for a family of 5, that all have strong opinions, to agree on a name!

Made In China

                                                                         24 x 24

                                                              Mixed Media Collage

SOLD

This is another collage I did last week.  The flowers are made from a Chinese newspaper I found.  Believe it or not, these paintings require a lot of work and thought.  It was a nice diversion from some of my sadness that seemed to linger on.  I know it isn't a great piece of art, but it was fun to do.

This is a verse I read this morning that I would like to share.  John 15:2  "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit."     What this says to me is, when we go through trials, God is pruning us to be better individuals for His glory.  He cares for us, therefore He allows us to go through rough times.  Like a flower garden, it must be pruned back in order for it to bring forth the beautiful flowers.  Left to itself, it would be over taken by weeds and would seem uncared for.  The pruning is necessary.  Just keep reminding yourself of this fact.  It is hard to do, I know, but without it, we are lost.

Sweet Heart

                                                                                6x6

                                                                              Collage

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This is just a little Valentine happy I did. It is pieces of old paper, letters, newspaper, etc. painted, then coated with a layer of beeswax. I love doing collages. That is what I am into this week. I'm sure I'll post more later.

PS.

I'm doing much better than I was the other day. Thank you to those that sent a caring email.

A Little Heart Ache

                                                               "Three In A Row"

                                                                       16 x 20

                                                                         $325

I'm not doing well this morning. It's 5:30 am, I can't sleep, so I thought if I wrote down what I was feeling, maybe I'll get a clearer view. It usually happens that way.

Often you've seen me talk about the consequences of our choices. I really believe I have accepted mine and have no ill feelings or resentments toward certain individuals and their decisions they made years ago where I was concerned. These actions have turned out to be consequences for me today. I was at fault. I hurt people I loved. I live with that reality every day.

What I am struggling with today are feelings of resentment and anger toward certain individuals that influenced me and so corrupted my mind. I am filled with so much self-loathing for being such a weak person and letting them control me as they did. But mainly, I feel such heartache for my children. They are innocent victims of my choices and the evil influence of others. My heart feel so heavy right now.

I know I am not alone in this pain. So many others, like me, carry around their own heartache after the choices they made years ago, and live in the consequences of being influenced by an individual that so twisted God's Word. So much evil. Such an unnecessary waist of lives.

Through writing this, and sharing with you my pain, a song comes to my mind. I know deep down, in spite of my feelings, this is what really matters. This has been my salvation and I wouldn't change the outcome. Here are a few of the lines that sum it all up to me. "My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, Amazing Grace."

So thank you for letting me share this and be open. I don't think I will post this one on Facebook. I'll just let you people that continuously check my blog for updates read it. I know that in spite of all the worldly things I may seem to miss out on, I am so truly blessed, because I am free, and my children are free.

Red Flowers

                                                                24 x30 Unframed

                                                                  Mixed Media

                                                                       $475

I know what you are thinking, "Red Flowers" is not a very creative name, but when you put so much into a painting, it's hard to come up with an exciting name. I usually ask my husband to name them, or I name a piece after a song that I played while painting it, but Tommy is out of town, so "Red Flowers" will have to do.

This was a fun painting to do, because it is out of the norm for me. I love doing texture, and elements of collage. Several of the flowers are pieces of old newspaper. One of the leaves has the name Primos on it, which was my maiden name. The red reminded me of flowers one might get for Valentines Day. Maybe Tommy will read this blog and get the hint!

On a different subject, I've been reading Colossians this week, and the verse that has stuck with me is in chapter 1, verse 10.  "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respect, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God".  As I look back on the week, boy have I blown it, especially where my children are concerned.  I have lost my temper, said unnecessary unkind words, let them get away with bad attitudes, etc....   Parenting is hard.  Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord when it pertains to them is hard!  I love them with all my heart, and they know I do, but these teen years are trying.  So, my prayer this week is for patience and self-control.  Once again, I think of my two favorite words.  Forgiveness and Grace.  Thank goodness we have been given that, (especially when we have teenagers!)

Be Still

Hidden Angels

Peace
8x8
(SOLD)
Sorry I've been away for a while, but I took another "girl trip" to Florida and just been a mom lately.  I've been playing around in my studio, painting fun whimsical pieces. However, a friend of my son looked at them the other night and said, "they just aren't you.  You are more abstract."  Hmmm!!  Don't really know how to take that.  It's been a fun diversion though.   The work I posted today are just some old paintings I did a while ago.  I guess they are more "me" because they are abstract.  In spite of what Scott said, I think I'll paint some fun hearts today.  After all, Valentine Day is just around the corner.

I came across this verse today and wanted to share it.  How different would our life and attitude be it we took it to heart?

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still."

Exodus 14:14