Monday, February 17, 2014

Random Thoughts on a Monday before Tuesday.....


Portrait 15 of the 29 day portrait challenge

I went to a funeral today of a marvelous man.  He and his wife were very nice and welcoming to me as a member of our church, St. Thomas More Catholic Community.  I learned some great lessons as I listened to his son Brother John Eustice deliver the Homily in remembrance of his Dad.

First, Bob (that was his name, Bob Eustice) used a quote that I learned a few years ago and use quite often , "Bloom Where You Are Planted.".  These few words say so much about accepting life as it is exactly where you are.  I have had to call on this often in the past few years as I have tried to embrace the aging process.

Second, Bob was a treasure hunter, he enjoyed the process and it did not matter if he was successful at finding the treasure, the thing that mattered most was having fun.  As I listened to this in church today I thought about my art.  I post items on Facebook and in groups hoping that I will get comments or acceptance.  Sitting in that pew this morning I learned a great lesson.  It does not matter if I get approval, it does not matter if no one leaves a comment.  What does matter is this....how do I feel about what I have done?  The picture above Brings a smile to my face.  In fact I LOVE it.  I really do and that is what really matters.

Third and most important, be able to play and get along with everyone.  When what you do in life 
brings joy to you and to others, when you can all play in the same sandbox and get along....your life has been successful and that is my answer on how I want to spend the rest of my life.
I may not sell one painting, I may not paint or draw as beautifully as many of the paintings that I see, I may not even get it right, but as long as I am having fun, that is all that matters. 

So, I thank Bob, for his friendship, the words of wisdom that impressed his son so much that he shared them with us today.  I thank God for the privilege of getting to know Natalie and Bob
But most of all I am thankful that my ears were open to hear the words that spoke to my heart today and made it smile.

I think I am going to frame the picture above, it is calling me and I am going to answer.

Until next time..... 

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Week 4 lifebook

image by momoo50
image, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

I am participating in lifebook again this year.  This is a painting from week 4. Tried a new technique I learned from Donna Downey.  The flowers were originally white.  I painted them with gesso, then saffron yellow acrylic paint and covered with Utee embossing powder.  I really liked working on this page.