Nouveau Baby - Guest Heart Thursday

This is my beloved Sister Clytie and our youngest Sister.  The drawing was done in the style of Art Nouveau, which I love.  It was last year's Christmas gift--of course both sisters received a print. 

My inspiration was a small black and white photograph of my sisters when they were small.  I was a freshman in high school when our youngest sister was born--as a teenager, though I liked her, I wasn't as interested in a little one.  So, our baby sister became Clytie's delight.  Over the years the friendship between us has grown.  Our sweet baby Sis continues to be a blessing to this day--she is a lovely young woman--all grown up with a little girl of her own.

I love being a big sister--I am indeed rich in love and family.  How I thank God for them both.

There are hearts hidden in this picture, of course!

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

Blue Flowers, Gorgeous Sunset

I have been longing for Spring...in our part of the world, the fog has descended and we haven't seen the sun for ten days!  We are used to the rain--but this freezing grey fog has been a little tough to take.

Yesterday was a bright day, as I spent time with my darling niece.  We had a wonderful time painting with watercolors.  This is an ACEO I painted.  I adore this color of blue--the color of forgetmenots.

The painting above is only 2.5x3.5 inches and was painted by my talented niece.  She says it is a sunset.  Pretty amazing work for a five-year old!!!

An Angel's Prayer -Guest Heart Thursday

This drawing is only 2.5x3.5 inches big--the size of a baseball card.  It fits right into the palm of my hand.

I love the idea of angels praying over those whom God loves.  Angels come in all shapes and sizes--I believe some are buff warriors who not only watch over us--but who are charged by the Creator to protect those He loves from evil.

Of course, I have hidden hearts in this drawing--just perfect for 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.
 

Glorious Day Lily -Guest Heart Thursday

Day Lilies come in Summer heat.  There is a whole forest of them outside my office, and in the garden out back.  My darling little niece was over one warm afternoon, and we commenced to paint--this is what my paintbrush revealed when the paper gave the brush its way.

Of course there are hearts to be found.  I have hidden four of them in this painting.  Have a LOVELY day!  Summer is just around the bend.

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

Happy Dance -Guest Heart Thursday

What a happy heart this little girl has--she loves to come to my house and play dress up!  With all the costumes I have, the selection is endless.  As you can see, the leaves are in the shape of hearts, just perfect for 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.
 

Faery Dress Up

This little faery fae visited my home a few weeks back.  I could not help but to draw her picture.  She is the dearest of all little faeries and I love it when she comes by for a visit.  We do many things together.  We paint leaves, dig in the garden, gather flowers, play games and, of course, dress up is a big favorite.

Have a lovely New Years' everyone!

Birch Grove -Guest Heart Thursday

Now that the holidays are nearly over, I find myself longing for the tender green of Spring.  This is a drawing I envisioned last summer.  A dear couple who are close to my heart.  (No pun intended!  lol)

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

Baby Evi's Night Out -Guest Heart Thursday

This is Baby Evi's first night out.  She and her lovely faery Mother are out for a stroll in the midnight woodlands.  It is a crisp winter night and the stars sparkle overhead like jewels.  Yet in this magical place tiny glowing snowflakes flit through the air to land softly on all who would walk this magical path.

Of course I have hidden several hearts in this drawing.

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

Beaded Beauty

We had a tremendous windstorm come through last night.  I could not sleep for all the tea in China.  So I doodled.

Here's another little doodle--I found a photo of this lovely lady and was inspired.  I like the idea of a springtime tat with a bit of liveliness.  Have a lovely day! 

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. 

Rapunzel

This is a lineart drawing from around 2003. The border was inspired by an old Art Nouveau rose design I found years ago.

I love the way this piece turned out.  There's such an endearing beauty and grace about the girl in this piece. 

Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Hubby Update:  The surgeon believes he was able to get all the cancer.  Tests results this week should confirm that fact.  My dear husband has been home since Friday and turned a corner last night--He's doing MUCH better this morning!  I'm so grateful for your lovely thoughts and powerful prayers.  (hugs)

Butterfly on Kitty Nose

Today the sun is out.  The funny thing is--it's raining at the same time.  Just now, it seems--we are in someone's rainbow.

I felt the need to lighten the air with a little humor.  When I saw this little watercolor ACEO I'd painted a few years ago, it made me laugh out loud.  SO--here's my small smile for you today. 

May joy and laughter color your day! 

Arise My Son -Guest Heart Thursday

These are the words Mumsie read to Dad, just before he flew away to heaven.  It is a paraphrase from the Song of Solomon.  Here I sense the beauty of God's immense Love for us, I feel the Lord's great joy as He leaps and runs to meet Daddy, to hug him and to lead him into heaven. 

Our Lord comes

Look! here He comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills.

Our Lord speaks to us.

He is like a gazelle or a young stag!

Look! He stands behind our wall gazing through the windows,

Peering through the glass.

Our Lord speaks  to you:

"Arise my darling son, my precious boy and come with me

"See! Your winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

"Flowers appear on the earth; the seasons of singing has come.

"The cooing of doves is heard in the land whence I come.

"The fig trees forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

"Arise, come, my darling son, my beautiful one.

"Come with me!" 

~ A Paraphrase by Eva J. Gibson 

To see Dad's Memory Book, please visit Peake Funeral Chapel.

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

Into Heaven's Sunrise

Ten days ago, Daddy left us at Sunset--here he is, joyfully stepping into heaven's sunrise.

This is the final effort of one of my first attempts to meld my own artwork into a real photograph.  The actual photo is very small.  I'm so grateful for this wonderful scanner.

May God be gracious to you 

And bless you 

And cause His face 

To shine upon you.

The Good Shepherd

This is another commissioned piece.  I love The Great Shepherd who watches over us.  I have often sought the comfort of His Presence these past few weeks.  How grateful I am for Him Who loves and understands my heart.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  

He makes me lie down in green pastures; 

He leads me beside quiet waters.  

He restores my soul; 

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I fear no evil for You are with me.  

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.  

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

You have anointed my head with oil;  

My cup overflows.  

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~ Psalm 23, penned by King David of Israel

 God bless you, dear ones.  May the Good Shepherd watch over you and keep you safely in His arms.

Joy of the Angels

Saturday, December 17th, just before six, I was in the middle of setting up the stage for yesterday's drama.  Suddenly I became so dizzy I had to sit down.  It was the strangest feeling--as though a part of me was suddenly missing. 

Miles away, at the VA hospital, Mom had been holding Dad's hand praying.  Then his fingers gently cradled hers--a moment later he was gone.   He flew away at 5:45--exactly when the dizziness overcame me.  I know Dad tenderly carries a piece of our hearts with him always--we who are left behind grieve, yet we have hope.

I can only imagine the joy of his Shepherd and the angels, as Daddy arrived in that beautiful place prepared just for him.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers over these difficult weeks.  Please continue to hold Mumsie close in your prayers.  She will be walking a different path now--one without her best Friend and lover--as Mummers has always said--he was the wind beneath her wings.  Also, pray for my sweet sissy Clytie, who has always been such a great gift and help to my parents and the twins. Sissy Leigh, who will be helping with all the arrangements and her family, our brother Mark and his family and Darren and his family will all welcome your prayers.

Take time with the ones you love.  Work can wait.  You'll never regret spending those precious moments.  Life is fragile. God bless you--every one of you dears out there--with abundant life, extraordinary love and amazing joy. 

Welcome Home

Thursday I lost my breath and my heart started to beat so hard, I could not even stand to wash the dishes...my knees were weak and I was shaking.  So, I sat down and drew the artwork which is incorporated into this picture for Mom. As I was drawing my heart slowed, the shaking stopped and my breath returned.

This is is an old picture of Dad hiking along a trail.  He loved to hike and explore.  Mom says that's Mt. Jefferson in the distance.  I still have to figure out how to make the drawings more detailed in the photo. I'm also not sure I will be using the fiery sunset clouds from a photo I took in the back yard.  Nonetheless, I thought you would like to see my first attempt at melding art and photo.  It isn't very good yet--but it gives an idea of what I'd like to do.

Daddy is headed for heaven any time now.  He will be soon clasped in the gentle arms of the Great Shepherd Who loves him.

 Thank you for your warm thoughts and continued prayers.

UPDATE:  Daddy left for heaven at 5:45 p.m. today.  He is out of pain and I know he is in a much better place.  We will miss him SO much.  Ah, our hearts are breaking.