Sweet Butterfly Fae -Paint Party Friday

Here she is!  The tiny springtime faery who often comes to visit the flowers in my garden.  She is very happy the sun has been shining this week--you can tell by the sparkle in her eye.  I am SO glad the warmer weather and sunshine has finally made its appearance. 

I often draw my niece in my artwork.  Sometimes she leaps unbidden from my pencil all on her own, other times I am inspired by a reference photo.  This time she appeared as I was doodling one late night.  She is such a lovely young lady.  I am VERY proud of her.

Thank you so much for dropping. You are an encouragement and an inspiration.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Flower Gather -Paint Party Friday

Hello sweet Friends!  Once it is all inked in--I think this drawing is good enough to go into one of my coloring books.  It is another midnight doodle inspired by a vintage postcard from the early 1900's.  I love that period of time--a lot of my artwork is in that style.

Spring is here--the sun is shining and I am feeling better than well.  There's something about Spring and awakening to sunshine streaming through the windows that is so hopeful.

Thank you so much for dropping by dear ones.  I am so grateful for your visit!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Forest Moon -Paint Party Friday

Today is Friday the 13th.  Many folks believe it is an unlucky day.  Rather than cowering from the day's bad reputation, I have chosen to honor the beauty of dawning Springtime.  The drawing above is of a sweet deer who, a couple of nights ago, haphazardly wandered through the woodlands of my heart onto my sketchbook.

There is so much to see and experience...so much for which to be thankful. And the greatest blessing of all?  Not just the loveliness of Spring as it unfolds, but life and love.

Thank you so much for dropping by sweet Friends--your visits are another reason to be thankful!  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Springtime Apple Blossoms -Paint Party Friday

Here is yet another midnight sketch which somehow turned into a full drawing.  I will one day include her in a coloring book featuring Spring and flowers.

Above you see my beautiful reference model Rena.  Her grace and beauty translate well into this springtime maiden.  

Spring has arrived here in the Pacific Northwest.  The Mid-Willamette Valley is filled with flowers and blossoming fruit trees.  The apple blooms are just now beginning to bud.

It is raining hard, the fire is merrily lit, and we are expecting a wind storm tomorrow morning.  I am such a kid.  I LOVE storms, as long as no one is hurt and property damage is minimal.  I hope the power goes out!

Thank you so much for dropping by--your visits bring my heart a sparkle of happiness!  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

 

Mourning into Joy

Above you see an enhanced photo of a heart I saw in my old wood stove.  It was beautiful--and seems like the perfect beginning to share the wonderful thing that happened on my way home from church  Easter Sunday afternoon.

Above is the original photograph.  

After Easter services, I stopped for takeout from My Beloved's favorite restaurant. He was on my mind so much yesterday--and I wanted to celebrate his life this way. Haha--he really, really loved good food.

As I was waiting in the darkened room at the counter, with its lights beaming down upon me, the young man behind the counter came up to chat. I shared why I was there and who's life I was celebrating.  I noticed then his eyes were full of unshed tears. I was touched--there was something about that kid. So I gave him the bit of "napkin art," I had drawn of Alan as I waited.

Out of the blue he introduced himself  and confided he had just lost his cousin--a dear brother to him. He had returned home from the memorial the day before.

Then Daniel asked how I was able to get through the sorrow, the grief--and I told him. It was a long conversation...and when we were done speaking together, Daniel placed his hand over his heart and with tears sparkling in his eyes he said, "Thank you. You have brought me great comfort today."

I was so moved. To think the awful grief I have been working through would have been such a help to that dear young man...It was a gift--SO sweet to my heart.

I felt God's power in sharing my journey. The words I said came from Him, not me.

Praise to God for His loving kindness and sweetness--for His comfort, that I have the privilege of sharing the comfort with which I have been comforted...God truly does bring joy out of mourning.

He is Risen!

This is a page from a Children's book I was commissioned to illustrate last year.  My niece was reference for the overhead angel and buddy Christopher was my reference for the angel who's moving the stone away.  It seemed the perfect thing to post for Easter.

Today I thought about how grateful I am to have a personal relationship with the Son of God, Maker of the World.  I am astonished that the One Who died and was raised from the dead, loves me.  He was victorious over death and is risen for all people, for all time.  The Good Shepherd walks with those who seek Him and love Him -- even to the end of the age.

How amazing to realize because the Lord conquered death itself, I know I will see my Beloved Alan, my two precious babies, our dear friend Dan, my Daddy, my younger brother Dow, Uncle Jody, Grandma and Grandpa, Sweet Geri and Mr. Earnest again...along with so many others who have gone on before me.

Happy Easter dear friends!