Bubble Dancer -Paint Party Friday

There is magic to be found in a bubble dancing over the flower garden.  Here you see a bubble dancer.  I would SO love to be able to hold a bubble in my hands as she is doing--to marvel over its' rainbow hues and upside down world.

It is Memorial Day weekend here in the United States.  Monday we celebrate the lives of the men and women who served this country and have passed away.  Dad, Uncle Jody and Uncle Kelly are all at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.  I am very proud of them.

Above you see a picture of Dad fishing.  He LOVED to fish.  He was a wonderful man.  Though I knew Dad fought in WW2, it wasn't until I was an adult I learned he had been captured in the Battle of the Bulge and spent time as a prisoner of war in a Nazi prison camp, specifically Stalag IX-B in Bad Orb.

Conditions were terrible and Stalag IX-B was ranked as one of the worst of the Nazi camps. Dad was a boy of 18 years old when he was drafted.  He nearly died there.  He was one of only three in his unit who survived. I'm so grateful that my gentle, yet strong Daddy came home safe and sound to meet Mumsie and make a family.

Thank you for dropping by.  Your visits are so encouraging to me.  Blessings and hope to each of you dear ones, and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Bird Watch -Paint Party Friday

This lovely girl loves birds.  She often walks through the woodlands to visit her sweet feathered friends.  When I was young we roamed miles of woodlands, complete with creek and moss covered trees.  It was a wonderland for kids.  We built forts, caught crawdads, played with the fish which were spawned in that small stream.  I love the forest--the animals living there were special friends.

Above you see my exquisite reference model, Heather.  She is the dearest, sweetest young woman.  I am blessed by her friendship.

Thank you for your encouraging comments.  Your visits make my day!  Blessings and peace to you dear ones.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Hush my Darling

Above you see one of my latest pieces.  I've called it "Hush my Darling."  My beautiful reference model is a young lady by the name of Paige.  This dear girl has been an inspiration to me for many years.

Here she is walking through a bower of morning glories looking for her feathered friend.  She is hushing us because she doesn't want to frighten the tiny bird--who, as you can see, knows exactly what she's doing and is going to surprise her any minute.

This drawing will be included in my newest coloring book.  Have a GREAT day!

Birds and Berries -Paint Party Friday

The drawing above is a sketch/doodle, which I inked in a few days ago.  As you see, there's a story here.  Yes, the little bird in the middle has two suitors.  One seems taken aback, and the other is pretty sure of himself.

There are so many birds around this time of year--they flock into my garden where I watch them flirt, eat and sing.  Spring is such a delightful time of year.

Here's an extra for you all!  Because it is so close to Mother's Day I'm also posting this colored pencil drawing I drew of my sister and her little girl when my niece was a tiny baby. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  Your visit has brought joy to my heart.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  Happy Mother's Day and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sending Hope -Paint Party Friday

This week I have been pondering over the story of life and the intricate bends and turns of each person's journey. Every single life story is unique and precious and each of our steps on life's path leaves a footprint.

I am grateful for the friends God has led into my life.  So often they send hope when I need it most, sometimes when no one knows I am struggling.  Their footsteps have joined onto my own path and have left footprints of hope next to mine.

Here are some of God's sweet promises, found in Psalm 18:35, 36. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped. 

It is encouraging to read these beautiful verses. God is my protector. He cares so much about me, He gives strength and guidance with His own hand.  He is gentle and kind and He makes the often difficult path I tread wide, so I do not lose my step and tumble down.  I believe Friends who encourage are often those whom God brings alongside on the pathway of our lives, so we do NOT slip, or fall. 

I pray the footprints I leave behind are ones which bring hope and strength to others.

Today my heart is inspired and I am looking into the future for what God has for me and excited about the work He has called me to do. I hope you are all having a beautiful morning. God is good.

Above you see my beautiful reference models, Heather and Rena.  They are the sweetest of friends and I love them dearly.  It is a privilege to share them with you!

Blessings and peace to each of you dear ones.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Your visit has brightened my heart.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday!