Abraham, Isaac and Elizabeth -Paint Party Friday

Good morning!  I am getting ready for a trip out of town, so didn't have time to draw something new.  Here is a doodle from my sketch book from long ago.  This is actually a drawing of myself, my husband and our little son back in the days we performed as those characters onstage.

For many years my husband and our family traveled from place to place performing Drama.  The play I loved best was about Abraham, Sarah and their son, Isaac.  I love the laughter in that story.  It is full of hope and human frailty.

Thank you for dropping by.  Grace, peace and hope to you, dear Friends.  You are a dear encouragement to this old lady.

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.

Family of Faeries -Paint Party Friday

Here is a little family of faeries.  I found them by the river after a wedding.  And such lovely folk they were.  It is fun to be able to see fairies.  

Of course, you know, I have a GREAT imagination!  (grin)  Above you can see my reference photo.  This is Jonny, Amanda and Sophia.  They are such a beautiful little family.

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

Celebration of Life

When we heard of the accident, my husband and I began to pray.  This is the drawing which flowed from my breaking heart and out of my pencil.  Daniel's grandparents are our best friends--they, their children and grandchildren are an integral part of our own family.

Daniel's Celebration of Life yesterday afternoon was beautiful. Especially touching were the cub scouts who were an wonderful part of the service.  I loved when we all did the wave...the message to live life to the max was poignant and inspiring...  Because of this small boy's sacrifice, four people were given life.  This is a comfort to us all.

I sat next to a boy who was just about Daniel's age. There were so many folks attending, we were seated in the foyer area, where it was tough to see. After they asked us to stand, join hands and pray, this little fellow glanced up with a shy smile. I was holding Daniel's picture in my hands, and I noticed the boy's gaze, so I kept it where he could see it. When the service was done, I turned to him and asked if he was one of Daniel's buddies. He gave that smile again and said yes. I grinned and said, "I'm so happy to meet you." And we shook hands. I felt that tiny moment cheered his young heart a bit--and his Daddy sitting next to him. So many beautiful moments. 

Afterward, everyone gathered in the Gym at the Elementary School. A choir of children sang so beautifully. There was food and banana splits available. There were quilt squares and markers so everyone could make a personal note or picture on them. There were legos at every table, children and adults busy creating. Crayons and big pieces of paper were in the center of all the tables, balloons floating overhead.

There truly was a spirit of joy there.

Daniel's family has been our family for over 20 years.  Our hearts break for them...They are beautiful and wonderful down-home folks.  Our prayers and love are with them always.

To Love -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another of my drawings on toned sketch paper.  Of course, there is a heart to be found in this drawing.

The title of this piece is to honor and thank those in my life, who's love, prayers and dear friendship have surrounded me all these years.  You know who you are.  

Have a lovely weekend 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.

Bev's Peacock -Paint Party Friday

This is a peacock commissioned by a dear friend of mine, hence the title, Bev's Peacock. I finished this colored pencil drawing a couple of weeks ago, and brought it to her just a few days ago.  I am delighted to say that she loved it.

Above you see my reference picture.  This is a beautiful table cloth hand embroidered by Bev's Mom, our beloved Grandma Gladys.  It is a privilege to be a part of the family, and to partner with Grandma to give dear Bev--my adopted older sister--something she loves so much.

 

Here is a peek into my sketchbook from long ago.  I created this abstract graphite drawing when I was just 18 years old. 

Have a lovely day and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Elves

Here is my sister, little girl and BroBriGuy. Today I get a new brother, my niece has her Daddoo, and my darling youngest sister is starting a new life.

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How grateful I am for their love. I pray their love for one another will last forever. God's blessings over these dear three.

Byron's Lessons

Even faeries teach their children a trade. Here a little faery Mom teaches her small boy how to scent a flower and put its colors into place. However, seeing that mischievous look, I'm sure when she's not looking, one might find a crazy pattern of pinks, blues and greens splashed across the flower's petals.

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Daddy Update: Dad made a breakthrough this morning! He actually got up and made coffee this morning. He was able to go outside with his walker yesterday afternoon--he even walked a few paces with his cane. Dad is healing faster than anyone could predict. Thanks to the prayers of people everywhere, I believe we are watching a miracle unfold! Thank you! Keep praying--Dad sees the neck doctors the first of September!

Fabric of the Forest

This is our darling Daka, who is a delight to our lives. When I created this picture of her, the name Fabric of the Forest popped into my head.

In the forested beauty of family, this wonderful woman is an intricate part of the very fabric of our lives. She is of the older generation---those who have been before---who are the fabric of that which holds us all together.

Treasure Within

This drawing is a reflection of the poignant memories of becoming a Mom for the very first time. The idea of a child growing inside is such a beautiful and intimate miracle. I am very grateful for the children God gave my husband and me. We have been immensely blessed to have them in our lives.