Thursday, August 19, 2010

Hibernating in Summer


Formula for "Summer Hibernation":
99 degrees and 95% humidity
Yes, it is hot and humid here in the Houston area, and if you're like me, the relentless muggy heat drives you indoors for keeps, and like Winter in parts North, one turns to indoor activities to pass the days.

So, I've been snuggled up at the computer creating illustrations for my "Between us Bunnies" Calendar for 2011. The above design is for August, and is a tribute to my dear Colorado friend Sue C., who happens to be celebrating her 10th Wedding Anniversary today! Congratulations Sue & Bill!! Sue is one of the most hospitable, generous people I know. Our sweet friendship began over shared cups of coffee on Sue's deck after our morning workout at Curves, and grew into one of the most endearing and enduring friendships in my life! Love you and miss you Sue!! (wow is this a fitting Scripture for you!)

"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed"
Proverbs 11:25
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With the AC cranked, and the three Summer months of designs completed, I decided to pretend it was cold and motivate myself to create the January bunny design....
This is a tribute to another dear Colorado friend of mine, Nancy M. Nancy is a real nature lover and is most at home hiking in the gorgeous Colorado wilderness, so she became the inspiration for this cozy Winter design. Girl, I wish I could lace on some hiking boots and hike with you up there in cool Colorado, but I'll have to settle for hiking to my mailbox in the heat right now :o)  But someday...someday...we'll head for the hills and enjoy God's glorious creation together! Meanwhile, this Scripture has "you" written all over it - you are the most tireless servant of God I know. You don't need the reminder- you already live it out every day! Bless God for you my dear friend!

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Hebrews 13:16
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So, my blogging has been quite sluggish in the wake of this "frozen" Summer. I've been able to dedicate myself to the calendar illustrations, but not a whole lot else. In discussions with my ever-so-smart Texas friend Connie (who will be the inspiration for my next design for February), she gave me some great insight into my current state of molasses-speed activity - I'm in the process of "decompressing". With the exception of a short period of time in 1995, I have been working non-stop since I was 15. When I was outsourced from my full time job in early 2009, I kept busy remodeling our mobile home, then an intense time of illustration for Universal and Aimee Asher, then preparing and filling my studio, then preparing for opening a space at Whispering Willow, then working at the Willow and maintaining our large space...  and now, suddenly, with the Willow space closed, most all my external obligations are gone for this season. Thus, I am now apparently in decompression mode...it makes sense. I am unwinding after being wound pretty tight for the past 35 years...and I need it. I take naps, I read, I pray, I move slowly and if I manage to defeat the guilt I feel from "not doing anything", I actually enjoy myself...

 I know this slower pace will not last forever, but if I am wise, I will learn and take to heart the valuable lessons from this season of slow, and invest in guilt-free rest when I need it. It is as necessary as food and water and air... Even God Himself rested...and He not only invites us to rest, He commands it! With the busy back-to-school time upon us and the new projects ramping up for the Fall, I pray that you will find (and take) the rest you need when you need it...

"For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall."
Hebrews 4:10-11

6 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness~ Two illustrations~! And both so perfect. Love the color (wink, wink, nudge, nudge :)

    Love you much~

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  2. Happy anniversary to Sue and Bill! Special friends are such treasure in our lives.

    Your illustrations capture the verses so well. I have been in resting mode too. It will end soon, but it has been wonderful and guilt free!

    XO,
    Lallee

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  3. Becky~

    How have I not found you before? I THINK I might have visited you a while back but I can't be for certain! :( Love your blog...love your style...love your passion and your faith.

    God Himself just must have directed me to you. I'm happy to be your 100 follower.

    I'll be back soon. Promise.

    Love to you~

    Rebecca (Love your name, too!)

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  4. Hi Becky! It's so nice to meet you. Thank you for stopping by my blog today and becoming a follower. It blessed my socks off! he he

    What wonderful talent you have. I have always loved creating but really put in on hold for many years. Finally this last year I decided to make it a part of my everyday life. I'm loving every minute and also love meeting other artists. It's such a wonderful community to learn from. I also took a look at your new studio. Wozie! You are a lucky girl. Loved it!

    I'm your #101 follower now.

    Lee Ann

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  5. Pardon my interruption, but I am looking for folks that have either "Retro Sewing Blogs" or "Nostalgia Blogs" for an article I am working on . Please send your suggestions to me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com THANKS


    Dianne
    kitsch n Stuff

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  6. Hi Becky,
    I haven't visited for awhile and needed to catch up and see what's going on with you!
    I see that you are not selling at the store and will be trying the other venue and I'm sure that will be awesome for you! Still some work though :)
    I hope your weight journey is going well...I've not done anything and now with the fall coming...it's time to rethink, AGAIN, and eat better!
    I sure enjoyed seeing your "booth"..your displays are so wonderful!
    Warmly,
    deb :)

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