Almost over

2011 GOODBYE! This was a difficult year, especially since September (glad I had that trip to Germany). My faith has not faltered and I am ever in awe of God who is faithful beyond any expectations. HELLO 2012! New blog coming!

Christmas is coming

I've been reading a great deal of Joyce Meyer books regarding faith and life and they have had tremendous impact on my life. I look forward to this Christmas and beyond. New things coming in 2012.

Recent work in Photoshop painting.

Veteran's Day

Dad, thank you for all you did for our family, for our country and for me. I miss you and love you.

Finished

Cardinals are done. Onto a book, calendar and flash movie with them! Christmas presents!

11!

So much to do....

10 so far

Tough when you are SO close!

Time to Start Again

I have been so busy with numerous projects at work, that I haven't kept up with my painting goals! I think it's time to start another year at painting everyday. The discipline was so good. At least I only have a few more cardinals to go!

Female Cardinal

Cardinal 8

For Marianne.

Germany

My trip to Germany was a challenging rest. I walked miles (sorry, kilometers), ate wonderful food and saw everything I could including Dachau. It was a trip not to forget.

Cardinals Five and Six

Six to go to complete a calendar and the book!

More Sunflowers

I feel more coming on.

Sunflowers

I love painting sunflowers because of the color yellow. On my way to a great adventure this week. I hope to get some good paintings out of it.

Cardinal Four

Getting there.

Finished

Ugh. I have been working on this painting for a while. I lost interest in it, but felt I had to finish it, so finish it I did. On to new paintings.

Cardinal Three

Another Cardinal done. Five to go!

Cardinal Two

I am excited about the new book I am working on because the words are so meaningful to the woman I am creating the book for. She is willing to face another round of chemo (number 3) in her battle with cancer and her faith and courage are inspiring to both my sister and me. She is my sister's close friend and their friendship has taught me a great deal. There are some very good people in this world.

Peonies

Another project I am working on is a calendar for 2012 of a variety of flowers. Here is image one of 12.

Moving On

Creativity is flourishing so I have decided to continue this blog until it is time to begin a new one.

I am working on several projects, one of which is a book for my sister's friend who is battling cancer and must face new challenges and chemo options. She loves cardinals, so I am painting several variations of the bird to put into an inspirational book. This is the first.

I added a potential layout for the book but it's not set in stone:

Day 365 - Finale

This is it. 365 Days of painting, drawing, creativity and reflecting. I can only be grateful for what this past year has meant to me and what this process has done for me. This is not the end, but just the beginning. The journey has brought me home and back to my roots. I think of my husband every day and will continue to keep him in my heart. My son is my greatest joy on this earth and without my past, I would not be the person I am at this moment. We are a culmination of our experiences, passions and gifts. I have been given much and to whom much is given, much is required. 2011 is filled with anticipation for me. I have many projects planned and my heart is with my family and the valleys they are traveling through. I hope to be an inspiration to them and others through what I've gained this past year. I will end with one of my favorite verses:

Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Day 364 - JFK_MLK

I have been working on a series of posters for Black History Month at my job and this is the last image. I hope to get it into a poster by Friday.

"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him." JFK

Day 363 - Inspirational

Cheryl Richardson suggested to resolve to do things that fill your mind with exciting new ideas and inspirational messages that motivate you to act.

She suggested the following:

Read - Take a good book out to lunch rather than the co-worker who's made "woe is me" his or her personal motto for life.

Connect - Decide to take a workshop, attend a lecture, or enroll in a course that will stretch you, inspire you, and connect you with like-minded people whose good stuff will rub off on you.

Happy New Year!

Day 362 - Affirm

from Louise Hay:

"Every thought you think and every word you say is an affirmation for your future."

If each of us spent one entire day noticing our thoughts and words, chances are we'd be a little concerned about the future we're creating. For most people, negative thinking and talking is a way of life.

You train your mind to look for what's good and you end up drawing more good toward you.

You feel better emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

You stay focused on the specific areas of your life that most need your attention and they improve.

You begin to see evidence that your thoughts really do have power.

You develop an unbendable faith in the power of your thoughts to direct the course of your life. As a result, you no longer feel like a victim to outside forces.

Day 361 - Perspective

Perspective is a powerful force. When we shift the way we look at something, a new door is opened to all kinds of possibilities. If you see something as an opportunity instead of a problem, new insight is gained. Moving toward a passion in your life puts a new perspective on old issues. The new year is a great time to find unexpected joy in changing an outlook.

Day 360 - Future

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.