Papa's Little Darling in Color! -Paint Party Friday

Hello, sweet Friends.  Here is the finished drawing for dear Papa.  This is his sweet little Great Granddaughter.  I scanned it into the computer, and there's a slight pink to the background I wasn't expecting.

You can see my original model and sketch here.

Today is a melancholy day.  I'm not sure why, but sadness tinges the hours.  I'm alone for the second day after having friends and family here for over three weeks.  I think I miss all the wonderful activity and sounds.  I will feel better soon--with the sun shining so beautifully, it will be hard to stay melancholy.

Happy Paint Party Friday, sweet Friends--thank you SO much for dropping by.  Your comments are so encouraging to my heart.

Flight -Paint Party Friday

Somehow there is hope and beauty in this drawing.  I love how this turned out.  One can almost feel the wind whispering through her hair as she watches the flight of the geese.

Hope.  It is the best of things--What blows me away is that God is called the God of Hope.  I don't know what I would do without hope in my life.

Blessings and peace to each of you dear ones.  Thank you for your wonderful comments.  You make my day every time.

Just Out of Reach -Paint Party Friday

A friend of mine who struggles to find words asked me to draw them as birds, just out of reach.  She describes the feeling of being on the edge of knowing what to say, but the words allude her.  I was once terribly shy--and in some circumstances, I still am--so I understand this helpless feeling of wordlessness.

This is the first of four drawings.  She gets to keep the one she likes best.

Have a great weekend, dear Friends.  Thank you for dropping by--your visits and comments are such an encouragement to my heart.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Safety in the Storm -Paint Party Friday

I finished In the Storm for my sweet brokenhearted Friend.  At first I was not sure about the storm clouds--but I loved them after they were colored in.  In this drawing a broken heart is given into the hand of One who understands heartbreak and who is our refuge, strength and is always close in times of great distress.

David, the gentle Psalmist writes, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging..."  ~ Psalm 46: 1-4

Psalm 23 describes the Good Shepherd who loves and shelters his sheep.  I am so grateful for His love--and that he is near to me when my heart hurts the most.  In Psalm 34, the Psalmist sings these encouraging words, "He is near to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit " 

This morning a storm has blown in.  The day started with a beautiful sunrise, too!  Thank you for dropping by, sweet Friends.  Your comments brighten my entire day!  May blessing, joy and peace be yours.

Comfort in the Storm -Paint Party Friday

This is a gift I have been working on.  It is for a precious Friend, a little sister--who's heart has been broken.  I feel so helpless...   There is nothing I can do, except to pray for her. 

The Psalmist wrote, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit."  This is my prayer for my sweet Friend and for all of you whose hearts have been broken.  That you would not feel abandoned.  So often when stricken with grief one feels so alone.  But we are not.  The Shepherd who loves us always lingers near. 

I love the Shepherd.  It is He who watches over me and my heart.  I have learned to trust the Shepherd with heartbreak--He is near to the brokenhearted.  He understands like no other.  "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." ~Matthew 5:4

Please click on the thumbnail to see the drawing closeup.  The thumb pic doesn't do it justice!  :D  Thank you for dropping by.  Your comments and sweet words mean so much to me.  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones!

Chelsea Elf -Paint Party Friday

This is a drawing of my sweet Friend Chelsea.  She's had an extremely difficult life, yet despite that, her heart and attitude inspire everyone around her.

Here is my reference photo--you can see how the courage and sweetness shines from her face!  I count it a privilege to be this wonderful young woman 's Friend.

Happy Paint Party Friday, dear Friends.  Thank  you for dropping by--you are such an encouragement to me.  I LOVE PPF!  :D

Papa's Little Darling -Paint Party Friday

This is Papa's very first Great Granddaughter.  Sweet Daka asked me to draw this little one for them.  I am not finished--this is the first full sketch of her--she'll likely be sitting on a mushroom--or in the middle of a fluffy flower by the time I am done.  :D

Here's a glimpse into my sketchbook--above are my preliminary sketches of this darling little one.  That first full sketch is only about 2 inches in height.  :D  As you can see, I didn't get her face, or feet right the first time through...

Above is my reference photo.  What a dear tiny girl.  Children are such beautiful beings!

Thank you for visiting, dear Friends.  Your comments always brighten  my day!  Blessings and hope to you and Happy postcard Friendship Friday! 

Cat on a Wire -Paint Party Friday

Hello sweet Friends.  I am re-posting this Cloud Painting from long ago--I haven't posted one of my photomanipulations in awhile.  It has been so busy this week, I decided to repost this one--mostly because it is one of my happy memories.

My husband and I were driving downtown one stormy afternoon. We pulled up to a stoplight and I happened to catch sight of this amazing cloud cat on a wire. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had my camera out as always and clicked her picture through the windshield. I only had an instant, then the light turned green and she was gone. I'm not sure what she was after--perhaps that's a mouse creeping along the wire there to the left? What do you think?

As you may guess, I was astonished to see this cloud so well formed, a cat cloud actually sitting on the telephone wire. This is the original, untouched photo. It was one of those miraculous moments when I happened to be at the right place at the right time.

Thank you for dropping by, sweet Friends.  I appreciate your visits and comments more than you know.  Blessings and peace to you, dear ones.  And Happy Paint Party Friday!

Springtime Snowstorm -Paint Party Friday

I heard on the news, that in addition to damaging tornadoes and storms, there was a springtime snow storm in Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins!  What a surprise.  This morning some folks awoke to temperatures in the 20's. A lot of records were broken--I wonder what it would be like to find snow on the ground the end of May?

It is beautiful and mild here in Oregon's mid-Willamette Valley.  There are blue patches between puffy clouds--some of them are quite dark!  I keep hoping for a thunder storm.  I adore them.

I looked and looked for the reference photo I used for this drawing--it was inspired by a magazine ad!  When/if I find it, I will add it to the post later.

Here in the United States, it is Memorial Day Weekend.  I will be going with my family to the Willamette National  Cemetery to visit Dad's brothers; Uncle Jody, who fought in Vietnam and Uncle Kelley, who fought in the Korean War.  And especially to honor Dad, who fought in World War II.  He's been gone almost seven years ago, and I miss him So much.

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  Your comments are a bright bit of sunshine in my day!  Blessings and hope to you, and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Crocus Baby -Paint Party Friday

Hello, sweet Friends!  This is a little drawing I created while on my trip to Idaho.  Isn't he cute?  I can't decide whether he's an elf or a fairy!  What a dear little fellow.  I am suddenly inspired to add ladybugs.  What do you think?

I hope you are having a wonderful day.  Here in the mid-Willamette Valley the sun is trying very hard to break through the clouds.  Such a beautiful day!

Thank you for dropping by, dear ones.  Your comments always bring joy to my heart.  May God bless you with peace and laughter, and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Chasing Bubbles, Happy Mother's Day!

This is a drawing I completed in 2010.  I had my dear son, now in his late 20's, in mind.  It is hard to believe ten years have passed since I created this piece.  Seems like my son was born just yesterday!

You can see these sweet fishies are his baby sitters.  They're having a marvelous time distracting the little fellow with lots of bubbles!  I just love the look in his eyes.  Heehee

Happy Mother's Day, dear Friends! 

Forest Greetings -Paint Party Friday

This little sketch is another I completed on my trip away from home.  When I draw deer--I always think of my sweet Mumsie.

She loves the forest and the deer.  She's the one who taught us how to forage in the forest for good things to eat.  She taught us what NOT to eat, too.  She is such an amazing lady.  I sketched this piece for Mumsie's birthday.  She will be 80  years old on the 18th!  I know it's a little early, but....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMSIE!
And Happy Mother's Day, my precious Mom!

I am SO blessed by my dear Mom.  She has always been my biggest fan.  And I am one of her biggest fans!  We have a mutual admiration society!  :D 

Thank you for dropping by--your comments always make my day!  Blessings and joy to you dear ones--You are an encouragement and a delight to my heart.  Happy Mother's Day and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Startled Woodland Fae -Paint Party Friday

I have been on quite a trip.  Thursday I left for Kamiah, Idaho.  A few days later, I drove to Spokane, Washington, then it was off to The Dalles, Oregon.  I arrived home in the mid-Willamette Valley late the following Thursday afternoon, just in time to dash out for an important meeting in Salem.

The next day I spent time with my precious little Buddy--who had chemo for the first time last Monday.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, she's doing extremely well!

Then Friday afternoon it was off to a special Historical Preservation Commission Meeting concerning historic signage.  It was a fun meeting--though a few fireworks went off!

This drawing was one I fashioned whilst on the road.  I spent time drawing this piece at the Kamiah Victorian Spring Fling Crafter's Fair where I offered my coloring books and prints for sale.  Though not many attended, I did make a few sales.

Best of all, I made some new wonderfully talented friends.  I had a delightful time interacting with them--and though bartering, I acquired some beautiful items for my home--with sweet memories attached to each item.

Thank you for dropping by--your comments are so encouraging and you  always make my day!  Blessings and joy to you dear ones--and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Hospital Fairy -Paint Party Friday

Hello!  I had the privilege of being the designated driver for my sweet Friend Theresa as she faced surgery on Monday.  She asked me to draw a pretty picture while I was waiting, so I sketched this little fairy.  Her wings are from a picture I took of some leaves--and the rest of her is from my imagination.  She's hugging a flower, and when I get the chance I'll add the lovely design of the curtains in the hospital room.

My dear Little Buddy begins cancer treatments next Monday.  There's a year of such difficult things ahead of her.  She is brave and wonderful. I would appreciate your prayers for this precious gifted woman.

Theresa is not only my dear Friend, but she's often modeled for me as you can see when you click on her name in the list below.

Thank you for dropping by--you always, always make my day!  Blessings and peace to you--and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Good Friends -Paint Party Friday

 Best friends--friendship itself is worth its weight in gold.  I think of all the friends who are in my life and I am overwhelmed with the treasure of their love.  What a blessing they are to me!

Friendship--our Friendship

is like the beautiful shadows of evening,

Spreading and growing til' life

and its lights pass away.

~Michael Fitkovics

I found the above poem in a poetry book from the late 1800's.  My sweet friend Marian gave it to me years ago.

She wrote, "Beth, I do hope you enjoy this little book.  It was given to my Mother long before I arrived on the scene.  So it is very old, but it had the sentiment I wanted to share with you...We are the kind of friends who, at any time or any place can say, "and... & then go on." 

She is in heaven now, and I will miss her always.  Her piano is in my house and I often play it in the night time...

Above are my beautiful models, Heather and Rena.  They are sweet daughters to me--I am SO honored by their friendship--hence my title of "Good Friends."  I am so proud of them.  They have become best friends and continue to be a blessing to me and so many others.

Thank you for dropping by.  I always look forward to your visits! Happy Paint Party, and Happy Easter!  May the joy of Springtime be yours. 

Why?

This drawing was wrested from my broken heart two years after my Beloved flew away to heaven.  A little over two more years have passed since then and today is his birthday...

So many questions still remain--I am nearly overwhelmed with grief today.  Grief is complicated, there are so many mixed emotions... Yet there IS hope.  The Lord said it best, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  (Matthew 5:4)

God is good.  He IS our God of hope.  Paul writes, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

David the sweet singer of the Psalms wrote of his God, "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy."  (Psalm 30:11)

 He is also the one who penned these words of hope.  "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 236:5)  

God understands grief and sorrow as no other.  Through the Prophet Isaiah God sent this beautiful message to those who love Him.  "To comfort all who mourn,  to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  (Isaiah 61:3, 4)

Sadness and grief are not comfortable emotions--a lot of folks don't know what to do or say, when confronted with them.  And that's alright. When someone you love is grieving, all that's needed is your presence.  You don't even have to say anything.  You are a precious gift, because those who mourn often feel totally alone.  

For those of you, who's hearts have been broken, there is hope.  The Psalmist wrote, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  (Psalm 34:18)  

We are not alone, dear ones and that is a comfort in itself.  May God bless your life with beauty and joy.  

Plumage -Paint Party Friday

Here she is, my lovely Melissa.  She is as kind and sweet inside as she is beautiful to look upon.  She's one of my adopted girls and I love her dearly.

Here is my reference photo.  Isn't she lovely?  I'm so blessed by this wonderful young woman's friendship.

As you can see, I am posting an older drawing again.  I am still struggling with this illness and am having a hard time completing all the things I need to do before I leave for Idaho next month.

April is a difficult one for me.  It is my Beloved's birthday next Wednesday.  He would have been 75 years old.  This May we would have been married 36 years.  I have been missing him a lot lately.

Still, there is joy to be seen in the sunshine, friendship and family.   God has put so many good things into my life--I have only praise and thanks that God has walked this heartbreaking journey with me every step of the way.

And there is His promise, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they WILL be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

Thank you for dropping by and thank you for your good thoughts and prayers.  I am sorry I took so long to post this week's artwork.  Dear ones, you are always a big encouragement--I look forward to your visits here! May the joy of Springtime be yours.