Why didn't I think of that?

We hosted an extended family dinner Saturday. A sister-in-law walked in and handed me these.


It was such a thoughtful gesture. I wish I would think to do things like this.

This morning, long after the company has gone home, I found this.


Why didn't I think to look for cobwebs before the company came?

The latest in the guerrilla art series.


No, I didn't think of guerrilla art either... but I'm so glad that someone shared the idea. I'm having a great time with it.

O God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:2

You see what?

So, today, I finished my next guerrilla art piece and took it to my in-house critic for an opinion. Before I tell you his exact words, let me explain that the original version that he saw had 3 flowers...

Kinda' like this...


He says, "That's nice. A dog, right?"

Well, after he said that, he was right! Cute little button flowers faded from view and a dog appeared in their place. *sigh*

Back to the work table. More color, more glue, more buttons, more "pearls "... Ah, flowers once again.


Amazing what fresh eyes will see.

... Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9

Guerrrrrriiillllllaaaa!

I'm back in the saddle again...

Note: one of the advantages of a blog is the need to confirm things before actually putting them out there. "I'm Back in the Saddle Again", redundant as that is, is the correct title.)

... and yes, I'm back in the workroom again. One guerrilla project completely ready to go.


Another one in the works.

And next week holds haircut day. What great timing. *smile*

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us... Ephesians 5:1,2

I feel ok...

I'm concerned. I don't know what happened to me today.

I baked bread.


While that cooled, I made granola. (New recipe. Jury is out.)


I read and answered emails, worked on an art project, cleaned, and did laundry. And through it all, I prayed (probably for you), pondered the significance of OT incense, and here I am... blogging.

If I keep up this pace, I'll be 80 before I'm 65!

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 20:13

New project complete

Finally finished - the first print project of 2011.


After the final "t" is crossed and "i" dotted - guerrilla art again.

Yesssss!

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart... Psalm 9:1

The letter "P"

December and the letter "P"?

Yep! Take a look.

Projects...


Programs and practices...


Presents...


Phunny people...


There are more examples, but the picture loader got tired and quit.

We had a great month of celebrating. Hope your Christmas is a happy memory and that you're ready for a new year to begin.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Cards, coffee and peace on earth

Why is it that December, a month with 31 days, feels like a week? A short week, at that!

This week, I'm in the process of making Christmas cards. Last night, I debated the age-old question... coffee on the work table or as far from the project as possible?


I chose not to put it on the table. And then proceeded to splatter paint everywhere instead. *sigh*

In the wee hours of the morning, I painted the last little house and went to bed with nighttime neighborhoods drying all over my living room.


Today? Another coffee decision. Yes, I'm sticking to the safe route.

Your card? It's in the mail... soon!

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

Ornaments

I really don't like Santa. I think he detracts from everything that Christmas really is.

But, I love this guy...


So many memories are wrapped up in his bumpy shape and fading paint.

The day he was born, my kitchen was a floury disaster. My 5 kids (3-8 years old) lined the counter, each with their own clump of salt-dough. Cookie cutters were traded back and forth. Rolling pins rolled and flour flew. It was a mess! A noisy, disorganized happy mess! The kids made stars and trees, circles and canes. We pressed initials into the back of the soft dough so that each person could decorate his own creation. Finally, everything went into the oven and we waited...

We learned a variety of lessons that day.

• Patience is a virtue when working with wet paint.
• Kristy was an artist.
• "I can do it myself!" is a sentence learned early in life.
• Flour isn't any kind of mess compared to 5 kids with paintbrushes and ideas.

Every year for the last 33, all of these salt-dough ornaments have hung on the tree. We laugh and remember that day of rolling and baking and painting.

When I look at my santa and all of the other stars and trees, circles and canes, I'm glad we made the mess. Turns out, my younger son's ornaments outlived him. Precious, tangible treasures.

Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20