Dear Beloved Daddy

Two days ago, Daddy had a major stroke.  Sissy and I held him as Mom called 911.  He is in the hospital now.  Though his mind seems sharp, he can't speak.  He can nod yes, or no.  He can't move his right arm.  He isn't able to swallow and has refused a feeding tube.

I believe heaven is very close right now.  Please pray Dad will feel God's presence there with him and sense God's tender mighty arms wrapped around him, so he won't be afraid--and especially that he will not suffer. 

Ah, our hearts are breaking.

Sissy Clytie said it best,  "So many people from around the world are directing their thoughts and prayers toward Dad and Mom; and our entire family. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you."

His Smile -Guest Heart Thursday

I remember the first time I saw my husband.  I was sitting at a table (Clytie was there--do you remember, Sissy?) filled with friends at Sunshine Pizza Parlor.  He came in out of a rainstorm.  He wore a red plaid shirt and his cheeks were ruddy with the cold.  His clear blue eyes sparkled with humor.  He had gone to Seattle on his motorcycle.  He saw his roommate's car outside the restaurant and came in to greet his buddy.  He sat at the end of the table next to me.  I remember greeting him for the first time.  He had such attractive dimples when he smiled.

Alan says he fell in love with my smile the moment he saw me.  I thought he was kinda cute, but didn't think anymore about it.  He told me he knew right then he thought he'd found the girl of his dreams--and he wasn't going to look any further.  He worked hard to win my heart.  I have never regretted choosing this wonderful man as my Beloved husband.  We have had such an adventure together.  Good, bad, incredible, amazing, sad, happy, hilarious, sometimes difficult--but what a wonderful adventure. 

I'm still in shock.  Monday we learned that my beloved husband has cancer.  We go to the doctor's office on Monday to discover what our options are.  I do not know what the future will be, but I do know Who holds the future in His hands. My prayer is that our adventure will continue for many more years.

"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for good and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.'"  

Jeremiah 29:11-13  There are a few hearts hidden in this drawing, but also--as you read above, there is much about hearts in these words of hope, too--I am so grateful for God's heart of love for Alan and me as we go through this fearful time.  I am also grateful to each of you who pray and send warm loving thoughts our way. 

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

My Tears

Tonight I cannot sleep.  It is already tomorrow.  This afternoon, we will learn the results of the biopsy my beloved husband had last Monday.

I confess a disquiet in my soul.  A grief, a fear.  It seems, so far, as though anything that could go wrong has done exactly that.  What would I do without my Beloved?  I can't even begin to imagine life without him. 

Yet, I trust in God.

I trust Him.  Even though there are those who have mocked my prayers in the midst of this darkness, I know God hears me. Thank the Lord for you dear ones who have prayed for us.  And I thank the mighty Creator for you precious ones who, though you do not believe the same things I do, have always treated my heart's love for God with deep respect--who have lovingly sent warmth, light, and kindness our way.

The prophet Zepheniah writes these powerful poignant words, "The Lord Your God is with you.  He is mighty to save.  He will delight over you.  He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

I trust in the Creator Who sings and in His Son who weeps with us.  Ah, in these are difficult, dark days...May His light shine through my tears--and yours.

Snap Dragons -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a piece of artwork I did in the Spring of 1980 for a children's book Mumsie was submitting in a contest.  We didn't win the contract, but I came away with some wonderfully imaginative drawings.

The reason I remember the year and time so well, is that it was right around the time Mt. Saint Helen's blew her top in Washington State.  I was in the park sitting at a picnic table.  As I was drawing I heard a kind of soft pattering on the paper.  It was dust from the volcano landing on my artwork.  It seemed quite proper at the time--as I was drawing dragons.

Yes, even back then, I hid hearts in my drawings.  How many can you find?

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

Snuggle Bug

Monday, while my husband was having a biopsy done I sketched this little darling from an advertisement I found in the waiting room.  I find when I am uneasy or a little worried I doodle--somehow it makes whatever is happening a little easier to bear.

Thank you to those who have been praying for my Sweetheart.  We will hear what the results are on  Friday.  God bless you and have a perfectly lovely day!

Blanket of Leaves -Guest Heart Thursday

Fall has arrived.  She isn't peeking from the shadows these days--she's gathering the trees to her heart, turning their leaves to crimson, brown, oranges and bright yellow.  I delight in Fall.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.

I have hidden many hearts in my drawing--can you find them?  I am excited about adding ink and color to this picture.  I will post it when it is done!  Have a lovely day, everyone.

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

Autumn Birch Trees

There's an old 1970's song by Mark Heard called Appalachian Melody.  My favorite line is, "How peculiar liking old dead leaves against the sky..."    And then in the chorus, "Funny how I sit and watch these leaves come falling down... but these things are music to to my eyes...

I began painting this watercolor yesterday late evening, finished it when awoke and I couldn't get back to sleep early this morning.

Those words fit this painting so well.

Have a lovely Autumn day, everyone!

Rose Heart Logo -Guest Heart Thursday

I was going through all my old sketchbooks and scanning them into the computer, when I found the first creative sketches of a lovely heart logo I created in 1994 for a radio talk show back East.  I had forgotten all about that!

It seemed the perfect thing for today's 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!
 

Grape Arbor Dryad

This lovely lady was hiding in the grape leaves which hang down into my garden from the neighbor's hedge. I think she might have been up to something.

I know, I know...I have a GREAT imagination!

Have a lovely day everyone.

I'm In Love With My Car -Guest heart Thursday

My first car was a 1964 Volkeswagon Bug.  Her sturdy engine was manufactured in Germany and she sported a Porsche distributor.  I was 19 years old and she was the apple of my eye.  I remember going up into the mountains with a friend of mine to learn how to stop and start on hills.  What a fun time in my life.  She was almost a real person to me. Her name was Pepi le Piu Flea Longstock, Jr. (aka stinky little furry feet, the second).  She was named after a puppy I loved.

I still miss that little car.  Remember the old song by Queen--I'm in Love With My Car.  I could so relate.  She and I shared so many adventures together.

This picture was drawn a'way back when, from an old, OLD sketchbook of mine.  As you can see this scan wasn't perfect and the sketchbook was very old.  I was feeling nostalgic this morning and thought you would enjoy seeing one of my early doodlings.  Have a fabulous day, everyone!

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

Peachy Keen

Today I painted this little water color in honor of the Harvest.  There are groves of peaches near here which are are just coming into season.  How lovely to drive past and see that beautiful, bright fruit hanging so lusciously in the trees.  Makes my mouth water, just thinking of it.

The title Peachy Keen was inspired by my darling husband, who often uses the term.

Have a lovely Fall season.

Making Mermaids

This is a little pencil doodle I was inspired to draw last week.  I thought you'd enjoy the idea of Making Mermaids.  My love for fairy tales is once more evidenced in this drawing.

I apologize for being a bit out of touch this summer.  It has been a difficult three months.  It looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel now.  I hope to be around a bit more in the days ahead.

May life's best blessings be yours.  Have a great evening!

Hope Bringer -Guest Heart Thursday

"The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them."  Psalm 34:7  "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 37:18  I think sometimes we are unaware of the angels who are sent to bring hope to those who's hearts are broken.

This is a doodle I did a week or so ago--of course there are hearts hidden in the picture.  Have a lovely week's end, everyone!

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

Flower Face -Guest Heart Thursday

A few years ago, one early morning in Spring, I came across a tree which reminded me of a faery with long tresses of flowers.  I photographed those blossoms with the idea of using it in a drawing someday.

Here is the springtime faery who's pink tresses were inspired by a springtime tree with flowing beauty.  I've never seen that tree in bloom since--she seems to have vanished.  But, then--that is the way of fairies.

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

Lady in Red -Guest Heart Thursday

Here she is, the Lady in Red standing with her blue unicorn friend.  I put color to the lineart drawing (posted earlier) whilst staying at my parents' home to help watch Dad while Mom was attending a writer's conference.  Daddy seemed to enjoy watching the colors and drawing take shape.  Though it was dreadfully hot, I loved staying for a few days in the home of my childhood.  Sometimes it seems as though I see the past and the present superimposed upon one another here...it is a strange feeling.

I get to go back for a few days next week.  I am looking forward to it!  Yes, there are hearts hidden throughout this drawing.  I LOVE hiding hearts for you to find!

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

Celtic Princess -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a recent doodle--in fact, the swirls in the dress this lovely Celtic Princess wears, are all made with one single line.  I have hidden quite a few hearts in this one--how many can you find?

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

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

Lady in Red -Lineart

Well, she will be the lady in red once I add color.  I haven't decided whether to do this piece in watercolor, or colored pencil yet.  We shall see!  A big thanks to my lovely model, Rena.  She is a real-life fairytale princess.

Have a great weekend everyone.