Their Guardian Angel -Paint Party Friday

When I was a little girl, my Mother gave me a beautiful painting for my bedroom.  "It's your little brother and you," she would say.  I loved that picture.  I would often fall asleep looking at it--knowing in my little girl heart that my own Guardian Angel was there beside me.  That print still hangs in my office today. 

This past week, inspired by that wonderful vintage picture, I drew my own version--only with sisters crossing the bridge.  I have the sweetest sisters in the world--and this is for each of them.  I love them dearly and I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Above you see the wonderful artwork which encouraged me for so many years.  I did some research and I discovered there's an interesting backstory to this painting.

In the 1800s artists across Europe began selling paintings of guardian angels watching over young children as they traveled perilous pathways along dangerously high cliffs.

In 1900, a German postcard maker broke that tradition and published a painting by an unknown artist featuring two children and their guardian angel watching over them as they crossed a precarious bridge over treacherous waters

The postcard found an especially receptive audience in the hills of Appalachia, where just about every family used a broken-down, dubiously safe bridge to get home.  Those bridges were built over  steep valleys where flash floods and swift waters were common.

Over time, people associated the painting with God's protection in all of life's hardships.  Mothers and Grandmothers across the mountains began hanging this picture in their living rooms. Today the painting is recognized world wide.

Thank you, dear ones for reading this fascinating bit of history and for dropping by!  It is a happy treat when you visit.  I deeply appreciate your encouraging comments.

May God protect your dear ones and bring hope to your hearts.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Life's Sweet Sadness

The drawing above is a draft of a card from our family, to be sent out at Christmas in the early 1990's.  I see the bright happiness and sweetness of our family reflected in this graphite sketch.  How life has changed since those long ago days.

Three years ago, right about this moment, Alan was being rushed to the hospital to take his last breaths.

That day is emblazoned upon my heart and into my eyes.  I miss my Beloved.  There is a certain heart hunger for his presence which will always be a part of my life.

I am SO thankful to have shared this great adventure with my husband.  What wonderful fun we had.  Such tussles we had--a great love with all the ingredients of life--laughter, tears, sweetness, anger, work, companionship, love.  My family and I have been blessed.

I am grateful to God for bringing Alan into my life.  My Beloved put the flavor into living.  I grieve, I always will.  But there is so much for which to be thankful.  Blessings to you all, dear ones.

Bachelor Button Faery -Paint Party Friday

This is a drawing from my mind.  The model here is my little niece--who shows up in my artwork all the time without my thinking about it.  This is a Bachelor Button Faery.  I love those flowers with their cheerful sky blue color and how they love to dance in the wind.

I have been away from my computer, on the road.  I have missed you all!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Art in Tiny Rounds -Paint Party Friday

One night last week I could not sleep.  So I started to draw on these tiny little slices of wood.  I had purchased a bag of them at our local craft store.  drawing on them was so much fun, I didn't stop until each round piece had a drawing...  These little bits are the size of a penny, to that of a 50 cent piece.

Here is a closeup of some of them.


Happy Paint Party Friday.  Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  Happy Easter and thank you for dropping by.  ((Hugs))

Little Winged Lion -Paint Party Friday

Here is a lineart drawing which will be published in my first coloring book for adults.  This is a sneak peek for you dear Friends.  My little niece posed for this drawing--she and I are sure when dandelions are out and about in a special garden like mine--they might look just like this little winged lion.  

Today is the three-year anniversary of my Daddy's "Heaven Day."  We all miss him so much.  Dad had an imagination just like mine--he saw things in his mind's eye.  His stories were wonderful--I can still see the places he spoke of--magical, imaginative places full of color, elves, fairies and fanciful creatures.  

We were blessed to have such a dear loving Father.  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people.  God bless you, dear ones--have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((hugs))

Grandma and the Girls -Paint Party Friday

This drawing will be on the dedication page of the Children's book, Christmas With Grandma, which I'm doing for my Friend Lorie.  To work with Lorie is one of the delights of my heart.  It certainly distracts me from the terrible sorrow of losing my Beloved.  

The photo above is my reference for the drawing.  I am so blessed by my dear Friend and am SO honored she would ask me to illustrate this book.  She tells me this is one of her dreams come true--and to tell you the truth, it is also a dream come true for me.  I've always wanted to illustrate children's books.  What a blessing! 

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. God bless you, dear ones.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Pouting Cutie -Guest Heart Thursday

I had such fun drawing this pouting little girl.  I have always had SUCH a hard time not laughing when the wee ones pout.  They're just SO cute.  She's not as pouty as I'd have liked, but you get the idea.

Have a lovely day and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Mommy's Laughing -Guest Heart Thursday

There is nothing so lovely as the laughter shared between Mom and child.  That early bond is so very precious and they grow up quickly.  Enjoy every moment you can.  Of course, there are hearts hidden in this drawing!  Have a fabulous day!

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Bless the Little Children

Our hearts are breaking as we hear reports of a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Connecticut.  I can't wrap my mind around what happened there this morning.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people touched by this awful tragedy.  They will never be the same.  None of us will.

May God's strength, comfort and compassion surround this community--especially the parents, families and friends who've lost their loved ones. 

Saturday Morning

When my children were small, Saturday mornings were a celebration--Bugs Bunny ruled the television set, and a myriad of toys covered the floors, draped across the coffee table and over the couch. I would sit in the midst of it all and sip my coffee, my face wreathed with smiles at the children's funny antics.

They are nearly grown now--In another year or so, we will experience what is fondly called an "Empty nest." Those years went by so quickly.

I am not sure I enjoyed my children as much as I could have. In the meantime, I smile remembering.