Merry, Merry Christmas!!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:14 (KJV)

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This will be my last post for a while as I make the big move to Houston. I expect to get settled in and set back up in a week or so. I will miss all of you! Blessings of the season to you, and may peace and good will rule in your hearts and homes. Thank you for your kindness these past few months - what a great blessing and encouragement you have been to me! May God richly bless you in the coming New Year!

With love,
Becky

Illustration Friday: Surprise

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:9-11

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What a lovely surprise for us all!

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(I always hear that verse in Linus' voice from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" :o)

12 Days of Christmas - What Was I Thinking?!

I really don't know what I was thinking when I had the crazy idea that I could post to my blog 12 days straight with new Christmas graphics and neat Christmas ideas to share. It was a noble thought, born out of a sincere desire to "deck the walls" of my blog and surround myself with Christmas cheer. But, look at what I'm in the middle of - packing and moving! I'm one week away from my move to Houston - and I STILL have more packing to do! What was I thinking when I thought that it would just take a couple of days to pack my studio!? Our upstairs hallway has become an impossible, impassable maze of boxes, and I still have much more to go.

I got off to a pretty good start with my 12 Days of Christmas effort - made it to day 5, but even at that I missed day 3 and had to post both day 3 and day 4 on the same day. But then, I happened to see that the Studio Friday theme for this week was: "What Was I Thinking?" - and suddenly, I knew I had to stop the madness. Sadly, I haven't been able to participate in SF for weeks now because of all that is going on in my life, but I saw a perfect opportunity with this theme to participate one last time until I get settled in Houston and get the studio up and running again. I even managed to pay a brief homage to last week's SF theme "Where the Wild Things Are"

Yes, those are all mine - yes I'm a grown woman - no, I do not have children. I guess even "What Was I Thinking" applies to this - how and why did I acquire all these stuffed animals - what was I thinking...?? Normally my critters are scattered strategically all throughout the studio, but as I gathered them all together to pack them, it seems as if they were crying out for a group photo - so there they are. And now as you can see they are safely packed away for a while until they get to their new home.

So, I still have a couple of ideas for Christmas posts, especially one I hope to finish by tomorrow for Illustration Friday's theme "Surprise"....shhhh, I can't tell you what I'm creating - it's a surprise.

It was fun to participate in Studio Friday again, to see how it's grown, and to look at all the awesome studios that so many of you are sharing now - what fun! Click here to see all the other great "What Was I Thinking" entries for this week. Enjoy! I hope to be participating again with all of you soon!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Late once again with one of the 12 days, but that's OK. The hustle and bustle of the season can really get to us sometimes and take our focus off the things that are truly important.

For day 5, I have a really simple saying that I think is fitting:

"The ornaments of a house are the friends who visit it."

I wish I could attribute that to someone, but I've only seen it listed from an anonymous author. For day 5, I wish for us all a home graced with the fine fellowship and warm laughter of friends and family this holiday season!

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The 5th Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

A house full of friends and family!

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Hopefully I'll post day 6 tonight - stay tuned...

12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

The 4th day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Something nice for every birdy

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Let's not forget our dear feathered friends out in the cold this winter.

Here are some great winter bird feeding tips:

http://www.birdsforever.com/winter.html

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Great bird feeders:

http://www.backyardgardener.com/store/feeder.htm

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Told you I'd keep it quick - see you tomorrow!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

It's actually the 4th day, but I'll do two short postings in one day to get caught up!

For this post, I'd like to keep it short and sweet and list a few family Christmas links that I think you and yours will like - Happy Surfing!

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Annie's Christmas Welcome Page
(assorted wonderful, inspirational Christmas goodies)

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Annie's "Christmas is for Kids" Page
(dozens of great puzzles, games, coloring pages, and much more)

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The 12 Days of a Romantic Christmas
(sweet, easy, inexpensive romantic holiday ideas for you and your spouse)

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More Meaningful/Less Stressful Holiday

(great ideas for happy holidays instead of humbug holidays)

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Christmas in Cyberspace

(tons of great Christmas links for th whole family)

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Good Christmas Fun
(easy entertaining ideas for the season)

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The 3rd Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Christmas Surfing for your Family

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Stop back by for day 4!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

For day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me, I would like to share my movie "review" and other thoughts about "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." Several days ago, I excitedly purchased my tickets online for the Friday release of the movie I've been waiting for most of my life. Since the 6th grade, when my Sunday School teacher introduced me to C.S. Lewis' classic children's fiction series, I've wished that I could see the stories come to life in some fashion. They have certainly been vividly playing in my head for years, but I think I always wanted everyone to be able to see them big and bold and appreciate them for all their power and beauty and majesty.

So, when I heard a little over a year ago that Walden Media was going to be working with Disney to bring at least the first book in the series to life in a live-action motion picture, I was thrilled. I followed the news about the movie on www.narniaweb.com, and watched their daily countdown till debut - 287 days, 286 days, 285 days...

So, was it worth the wait? Did they butcher or water down the incredible story line? Did the animals and other creatures, especially Aslan himself, look hokey and fake? The answers in my opinion are yes, no and no. It was well worth the wait - exceeded my very high expectations - they were incredibly faithful to the story line (which is really the most important thing), and the CGI creatures were stunning! The actors playing the Pevensie children were fantastic, Tilda Swinson was perfectly icy as the White Witch, and a new favorite character emerged for me - Mr. Tumnus, Lucy's friend the faun. I always liked him in the book, but his character in the film absolutely stole my heart. Any let down for me...? The only thing remotely disappointing to me was the size of Aslan - I always pictured him bigger - but he was still absolutely gorgeous and majestic and very, very life-like. The whole thing was just a great treat, a thoughtful and faithful adaptation, and a rare film that celebrates character and courage and loyalty.

So, if you're not familiar with the story line, you may be wondering what in the world this has to do with Christmas...? Well, Narnia is under a spell from the evil White Witch Jadis which keeps the entire country locked in winter, but a cruel winter without Christmas. No spoilers here, so I won't explain more, but that is why this is part of my 12 Days of Christmas.

I suggest you give yourself and your family a big Christmas treat and experience this joyous, beautiful movie together...and if you've never read the books - do it! C.S Lewis was a genius! Your whole family will love them!

Couple more Narnia links of interest:

www.narnia.com
(beautiful web site with clips, downloads, music, Chronicle synopsis, and much more - make sure you click on the "Enter Narnia" link - awesome Flash animation!!)

www.thenarniaacademy.org

(explore Narnia with 1000s of Homeschoolers and Youth Groups worldwide)

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The 2nd Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Don't miss the Lion's new movie

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Hope you'll stop by tomorrow - more pictures than words next time I promise. :o)

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

My heart is echoing the words of a familiar Christmas carol,

"I need a little Christmas, right this very minute!"

That is precisely how I feel. It's as though I have emerged from a long winter's nap only to suddenly realize that Christmas is but a few short weeks away, and I am far from ready. I feel an immediate need to "Deck the Halls" all around me. Alas, I cannot do it in my home because I am in the process of packing and moving back to Texas on December 22nd. Why I'm moving is a long story that I will share more about in the days to come, but the fact remains that I want to surround myself with the sights, sounds, and smells of this wonderful season.

So, I've decided the one thing I can do is deck the halls of my little blog. Beginning today, I am kicking off "The 12 Days of Christmas" at Just Bee 'Me. I will post a Christmas-themed entry every day from today, December 8th, until December 20th, when I'll have to unplug all my computer gear and get it packed away for the move. So, I hope you'll stop by when you can and join me beside the fire for a cup of hot chocolate and a touch of Christmas cheer...

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The 1st day of Christmas at
Just Bee 'n Me:

Hot Chocolate just for you and me
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I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for more Christmas fun..

Illustration Friday: Blue (and small)

"May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through."

(Irish Blessing)

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"He fills my life with good things..." Psalm 103:5

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I really hated missing last week's Illustration Friday theme, "Small", so I decided to combine small and blue and show you a few of my favorite small, blue things. Blue is such a wonderful color to work with; such a happy, peaceful color to me. I love the infinite variety of blue shades found in nature and repeated in man-made items. Blue makes me smile. Too bad "blue" is associated with feeling down. We should say we have the "grays" when we're feeling sad instead. :o)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanskgiving One and All!

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers..."

Philemon 1:4

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I'm heading to Houston for Thanksgiving, so I'll catch up with you all when I return Sunday. Blessings to you all!

Illustration Friday: Free

Free to be who you were made to be...

"Work like you don't need the money, love like your heart has never been broken, and dance like no one is watching."
Aurora Greenway

To live above your circumstances, to dance in the face of fear, to love unconditionally, to speak from your heart, to laugh at yourself, to be gracious under fire, to have patience for the intolerable, to have hope for the future when the present tells you otherwise - that is freedom!

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"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32

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"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8:36

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"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Illustration Friday: Strength

I'm always inspired by people who have a quiet strength. They face tough problems and painful situations with grace. They choose to laugh when others would be bound up in bitterness. Truly, the "joy of the Lord is their strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)

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"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever."
Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

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"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Psalm 118:14

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"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

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"But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

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"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13

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"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God."
Psalm 59:16-17

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I didn't have time for a drawing this week (I barely got this in before the next topic), but chose to do a little photo manipulation instead. Done in Corel PhotoPaint

p.s. So sorry I have not had time to provide comments to your fine artwork out there - but it has blessed me!

Hello Friends!

I really hate not writing on a more regular basis. I really do, but there is currently not much that I can do about it, but to take a couple of stolen moments and say hi when I can - like now.

So, I'll throw out a couple of my random photographic images to let you know I'm out here and wishing like anything that I could pull up a chair with you, enjoy some yummy coffee, and chat the afternoon away...


Thinking of you...

HUGS,
Becky

Illustration Friday: Night

The night sky never ceases to inspire me - the nightly dance of the moon and stars, choreographed to perfection by the Creator, delights and thrills me. Wonder and awe fill me as I gaze upward - how can it be that this masterful symphony of shimmering perfection is lavished on me...mere me? And I realize that the Father delights in delighting His children! He splashes sunsets and northern lights and shooting stars all across the vast canvas of the universe - and for all their beauty, they only HINT at the majesty of their Maker. WOW!

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

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Done in Painter 9 (click image to see a larger version)

Looking Forward - Looking Back

I think I've settled on a new banner for my illustration site. (click image to see a larger version). I have much more to do to get my site updated (I haven't even added this banner to it yet) but, at least I'm making a little bit of progress.

One thing that I'm excited to see after 5 months of blogging and participation in Illustration Friday, is the number of new designs I have for my portfolio. I printed out all my Illustration Friday entries since June and counted up 20 entries - 18 of which were brand new pieces. That was just what I hoped would happen when I started this. IF gives me the motivation to create on a regular basis, and that's just what I needed. Hopefully I won't always need IF to motivate me - but for my situation, working full time in a demanding non-artistic environment, it's just the push I need after hours to head to the computer or the drawing table and create.

Here are a few of my personal favorites from the past 5 months:

• My first IF entry is still one of my favorites - "Black & White" was the theme. I illustrated a black and white coloring book longing to be colored.
• Hardest IF entry had to be for "Heroes" - I chose to do a tribute to teachers and it was ambitious - took me forever - but I love it.
• Most commented on - that would be the painting I did in Painter 9 of the moon rising over a lake for "Reflection". It was fun to do something in a realistic style for a change.
• Most fun to draw - that would be the one I did for "Wisdom" - it was right up my alley - all my favorite things rolled up into one picture celebrating the awesome creative genius of God.
• Favorite "cut-out" style - I've been developing this cut-out style for a while now, but I had always used it for small little items like icons for my illustration page, etc - but during these past few months I've been using it for entire illustrations and I'm loving it. My current favorite cut-out is the one I did for "Float" of a mouse using a fall leaf as a sort of parachute. He was very fun and quick to do - which was nice. All my cut out design are done using Painter 9.

So, next steps are to add several pieces to my online portfolio from this new work I've done, and to overhaul the illustration site to better reflect my evolving style. And beyond that - who knows...? I still hope to be able to make a living as an illustrator/licensed artist some day and I'm excited about making slow but steady progress toward that goal. Meanwhile - I'll keep waking up on Friday and heading to my computer for the latest Illustration Friday topic - and in 5 more months I'll have 20 more new pieces to show for it. Not a bad plan.

Thanks for looking forward and looking back with me!

Illustration Friday: Broken

Beauty from Brokenness

No matter how big of a mess I might make of my life, there is One who is faithful to pick up the pieces and make something beautiful from my brokenness.

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"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

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"...he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory."

Isaiah 61:3 (New Living Translation)

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This is dedicated to my dear friend N, who knows a thing or two about brokenness and the beauty that can come of it when we give Him the pieces.

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Illustration is done in Painter 9

Illustration Friday: Remote

How can this remote place feel so much like home...??

That's the question I asked myself over and over again as I toured Israel last year. It was a wonderful journey in so many ways, but one of the most striking impressions that I still can't adequately describe is how it felt like a homecoming for me from the moment I stepped foot there, even though I had never been there before in my life. I can't begin to tell the story of my 11 day trip here, it would take an entire blog to do that - but I can say that the diverse beauty and awesome spirit of the Holy Land is in my heart and soul forever - remote no more.

(I tried to upload some photos from my trip, but Blogger would not cooperate - I'll try in a future post)

Illustration Friday: Cold

Well, another Illustration Friday theme is upon us - this week it's "Cold". I had to think about this one for a while, and I decided I really wanted to find a "cold" quote to help me out. So I turned to ThinkExist, my trusty quote-finder. I immediately loved this anonymous quote for its simplicity and its truth. "To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold." (click the image to see a larger version) I can really relate to this quote, because I am an ardent snowflake fan. Having grown up in Texas, my exposure to snowflakes was limited to picture books and the very rare once-every-20-year dusting that we would get. I also saw snow here and there on vacation , but not very often. So, when we moved to Colorado almost 8 years ago, I quickly made up for a lot of lost snow days. It snowed a foot on March 18, 1998, the day after we arrived. Our sweet neighbors (also Texas transplants) introduced us to the snow shovel, which of course we had never seen. Despite the jolting effect of that much snow at one time, in March no less, I was instantly hooked. I loved to watch it snow - and it still thrills me to this day.
As I went through several seasons here, I began to learn about types of snow. The snow that fell in the mid-winter season (December - February) was typically a dry, fluffy snow (not particularly good for making snowmen), and the spring snow season (March - May) brought the heavy, wet snow. It is the dry snow that is now my favorite because quite often you can see individual snowflakes falling, verses clumps of snowflakes. During such a snowfall, I will stand out on my back porch wearing a long-sleeved dark shirt and watch, for as long as I can stand the cold, the magnificent little works of art land softly on my sleeve. They are so incredibly delicate, etched with such detail and perfection. They last just long enough for me to delight at their artistry, then my body temperature gets the best of them and they're gone. This snowflake-watching ritual turns me into a giddy kid every time!

Becky's Big Day Off!

I had a rare and wonderful day today (Friday)...I had a day off from work! No real reason, other than I just really needed it. So, I set out to have my kind of day. I did a couple of days worth of the current Beth Moore Bible study we're working on (the Patriarchs). Then, I gravitated to the computer (I can't help myself) - saw that the Illustration Friday topic for this week is "Cold" - nothing came immediately to mind, so I shelved it for the moment. After I showered and got dressed, I took my camera to Lake Loveland, just a few blocks from my house. The recent snows in Denver coated the mountain tops with white, and the great fall foliage made a nice frame for the shot. I just love it that I can take my little van, drive for 3 minutes and see this...

Next I headed off to my favorite breakfast (or lunch,or dinner) spot, Mimi's Cafe. Without hesitation I can say that that was one of the finest breakfasts I've ever had - everything was perfect! I had the "Pain Perdu", which is petite french toast stuffed with cream cheese and orange marmalade - yum! The coffee was piping hot, the orange juice was freshly squeezed, the bacon was crisp and delicious. Fresh flowers, linen napkins - beautiful! What a treat!

After breakfast, I headed across the parking lot to do a little "market research" - in other words, I went shopping. But seriously, I was trying to get a feel for the dominant color palette for the season. I wandred over to Pier 1 first. I haven't been in a Pier 1 store in years, but I've always loved it. It was a riot of colors, textures and aromas, just like I remembered - only better now. I really liked these candle holders, fun accessories, great pillows, and beautiful Li Bien ornaments (hand-painted from the inside of the glass ornament - wow). I really love the colors that are prominent this year - teal, loden green, paprika, goldenrod, nutmeg, dk. plum, all shades of pink, mocha, espresso, black and white - gorgeous! These colors are everywhere. Same story when I went next door to Target. I was definitely inspired by all the color!

After Target, I headed to a flea market that I haven't been to for a couple of years now. It's a fun old place that looks kinda like a fort...

I perused the shelves there for about an hour, enjoying all the fun junk, and thinking to myself that there's not one thing in all the world that I need. But, one shy little bunny called my name, and I had to bring her home...I know, I'm hopelessly addicted...

I couldn't resist her little ribbon rosebuds and sweet face. She's now happily occupying a spot just to the left of my monitor. I know...I know...get help!

On the way home, I stopped to pick up our dry cleaning, and the clerk had it waiting for me by the time I walked into the door - she said she knows my face and name now, so when she saw me get out of the car she grabbed our stuff. It's amazing to get good customer service these days - made me smile all the way home.

Once I got the mail and pet the dog, I headed back out once more to go to Hobby Lobby to see what's new there. It's such a kaleidoscope in that store - it's hard to see for all the stuff. But I enjoy it - and I particularly love their sales. Check out the ministry projects they're involved in as a corporation - very cool! Then, on to Blockbuster to pick up a couple of DVDs for the weekend...

Once I arrived back home, hubby was home from work and was in the mood for Outback for dinner - so off we went. It was really nice, not too crowded for a Friday evening, and everything was delicious. We drove home under the constant shower of falling leaves and a view of the sun sinking low over the mountains. Magical!

So, after watching a little Friday night TV (league championship baseball and Hope & Faith), we decided we were too tired to watch a movie, so I headed upstairs to download the day's photos from the camera and draw a couple of pictures for this rather lengthy, rambling post about my day. It's soooo nice to be able to have the time again to blog more than once a week - I hope I can keep it up....

All in all, it was a pretty perfect day by Becky standards. Thanks for letting me share it with you...

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

New Links for You!

This and other free e-cards can be found at HUGS Online

Just wanted to let you know that I've been cleaning up my links a bit, and I've added several new favorites that I thought you might like to know about. They are listed here as well as in the sidebar under "Favorite Things:

• Bible Gateway: An awesome online Bible resource that I use for all my online scripture references. For something fun, you can click the sound icon at the bottom a reference and listen to the chapter being read by the most gorgeous British voice with lovely background music.
• Dayspring e-cards: Really beautiful animated (and free) e-cards for every imaginable occasion - or for no occasion at all.
• Heartlight: These guys have been around forever in internet years. They have a wonderful, wide and deep assortment of inspirational resources including but not limited to devotionals, study tools, inspirational articles, e-cards, wallpapers, and great online shopping.
• HUGS Online: A humble but growing selection of free inspirational e-cards that you can customize. I've done the photograpy and graphic design for most of these - and I hope to add Flash e-cards soon. (by the way, HUGS stands for Hearts United in Grace and Spirit)
• Annie's Homepage: I've been surfing through Annie's MANY sweet pages for years now. She's one of the best collectors of inspirational information and cutesy graphics I've ever seen. She is big into holidays, and her Holiday Page is a jump off point to information on every conceivable holiday - as just one example of the kind of goodies she provides.
• Women's Ministry Network: This is a great one-stop shop for all things women's ministry. Check out the extensive library of women's ministry ideas at the Idea Bank. Lots of good stuff if you are involved in any kind of women's ministry.

I'll continue to strive to bring you fun, inspirational, and informative links as I find them. Thanks for stoping by - I hope you find these useful!

Illustration Friday: Lost

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "Lost". I thought of a lost sheep right away. I actually call this image "Lost and Found". (click the image to see a larger version) Whenever I've found myself lost, wandering and afraid because of the poor choices I've made or because of circumstances beyond my control, I've been blessed time and time again by the tireless pursuit and comforting embrace of the Good Shepherd. He has always come to my rescue, shined His light into my scary circumstances, and loved me unconditionally. Just like the words of the old hymn, Amazing Grace, "I once was lost, but now I'm found...", I too have been found...and I am forever grateful to my Shepherd!

"Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, hugging them as he carries them..." Isaiah 40:11 (The Message)

Illustration Friday: Float

This week's theme for Illustration Friday is "Float". I had several ideas ranging from Noah's Ark to a float in a parade, but I settled on a mouse, floating down to the ground using a fall leaf as a parachute. I guess I've been inspired of late by the changing of the season. I love fall - always have. I guess my little friend here is jumping into fall feet first - I think I'll join him!

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree" Emily Bronte

It's beginning to feel a lot like Fall

Happy Fall Y'all!

The crazy work schedule I've been working (55+hrs. per week) is soon to get back to normal - and I hope to be able to blog more than once a week. In fact, I hope to be able to get back to a lot of the things I've been missing during the past 6 weeks:

• Early morning bike rides to see the sunrise
• Working out at Curves
• Quiet time
• Coffee on the deck
• Visits with my friends
• Drawing, drawing, drawing
• Taking photos
• Not eating fast food
• Writing
• Reading
• Sitting at the computer for fun instead of for work

Here are a few Colorado Fall photos (from seasons past) to start getting us (me) in the Autumn mood. I know it's still hot in lots of places, but maybe this will help us feel a little Fall, no matter the temperature...

My backyard Aspen tree...

Old fence near Meeker Peak...

Some kind of reddish leaves...

Golden hillside...

Illustration Friday: Fresh

Fresh is the theme for this week's Illustration Friday. I almost immediately thought about a trip that my husband and I made 2 years ago to Europe. During our stay in Salzburg, Austria, we just happened to be downtown on a Thursday which was market day. Oh, what a great treat for all the senses that was! It was so fun to see ladies of all ages riding their bicycles with their little baskets on the handlebars up to the market to do their shopping for the day. Fresh eggs, fresh fruits and veggies, and fresh flowers in abundance. It was so neat to see the women ride off with their wonderful fresh purchases tucked neatly inside their baskets. Much more fun than a trip to the boring supermarket.

I've included a few snapshots I took of the market and all the fresh goodies.

Here's a gorgeous pile of cherries...

And a random selection of eggs, jam, and flowers...

And such wonderful roses...

Lastly, my personal favorite - sunflowers...

"...for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
(Psalm 107:9)

Illustration Friday: Escape

No time whatsoever this week for anything new for Illustration Friday - so I pulled out an ancient charcoal that I did in art class 10 years ago - seemed to fit the escape theme and shows a quite *different* style for me. I'm sure it was some kind of commentary on the ubiquitous nature of technology and how it was imprisoning people...blah, blah, blah. I have no idea what I was thinking :o)


Meanwhile, my thoughts and prayers turn homeward to Houston and Beaumont Texas tonight as my entire immediate and extended family are in the direct path of Rita. Most are hunkered down fairly well inland with ample supplies, but it's sure to be a rough ride. Im praying that they will escape harm....

"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge."
(Psalm 16:1)

Illustration Friday: Depth

The depth of Daniel's convictions

got him into deep trouble with the king.

But a miracle kept Daniel safe,

the poor lions couldn't eat a thing.

Ok, a silly little poem to accompany this week's Illustration Friday design for "Depth". I couldn't help myself. This was a fun one to do, though it took me most of the week to finally get to it. To all those out there in need of a miracle, big or small, stick to your convictions and don't stop believing! The answer is closer than you think...

"Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition;
he got you out in the nick of time."
Psalm 107:13 (The Message)