Today I got to paint.
Today my sister, Megan, and Mom joined me. 🙂
Today, my “painting studio corner” in an unfinished section of the basement, became artistic.
If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’
then by all means paint,
and that voice will be silenced.
– Vincent Van Gogh
More to come…
Filed under Family Times, Paintings, Uncategorized
Hi everyone!
I just finished posting more paintings to my Etsy shop. Below is the link. 🙂
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BrushstrokesbyMel
More to come…
Filed under Paintings
Hi everyone. 🙂
Can I just say for a Monday, today was good! I read Psalm 23 this morning in my study of finding the phrase “steadfast love” within the Psalms. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” I never took note of this before, but today I read the numerical at the bottom reference to the word “mercy.” It says, “Or steadfast love.” So I noted the verse in my notebook.
I found Psalm 23 exactly what I needed to read after getting through the rest of last week and the weekend. God’s mercy and goodness was evident, but I cannot say that I held on to the steadfast love in all areas like I should have–instead I chose to cling on fear to a few health related issues…forgetting the peace and calmness of the still waters; forgetting how He restores the soul.
I am entirely grateful to my family who put up with my frazzled grumpiness and helped me immensely in the preparation (writing the price tags, putting in the thumbtacks and twine on the back of the paintings for hanging), set up/take down of my booth on Saturday and stayed all day with me at the festival. I could not have done this without them!!
I will say though that overall I was better prepared this year than past year, including getting a better nights sleep. It is interesting to see the difference one year can make, even within my painting style. As Mom and I were pricing on Thursday, I took note of my work: focused on smaller paintings, more abstract and ones with media. I stretched myself last year in my paintings to paint detail and broad themes; some of my best work is from last summer.
But over the year much has changed and I can see the paintings this year represent my style of what I am comfortable with and best at painting–a more relaxed approach yet detailed in its creativity. I would be lying to say that I don’t miss details, because I do. But sometimes even painting my “Mel” at the bottom corner is enough detail for me. I am just thankful that I can still paint!
So how was the art show? Fantastic! It was a LONG day…I could have gone for a second round of coffee, but the day could not have been better. We were blessed with beautiful weather and my booth sat right in front of a huge tree, which offered pleasant shade in the afternoon. In conversation, I did fairly well. It is hard for me, because I talk more than I listen just because I can’t hear…but as time went on, I felt more relaxed–enjoying watching people point to paintings they liked and meeting people or talking with the friends who came to my booth too. At the end of the day, I survived staying awake through dinner but then fell asleep on the drive home (last year I fell asleep AT dinner).
I want to say a thank you to the staff at the Village Artians, who coordinated this event. They went above and beyond making sure that the vendors’ needs were met. I can’t say that I will be in next year’s festival (who knows what another year will bring), but if the door is opened, then I would love the opportunity to participate again. Either way, painting this year will not stop for five months as it did last year–doors continue to open and I am ready to restart on the journey through art.
Creativity takes courage. ~Henri Matisse
Filed under Adjusting to NF2, Family Times, Paintings
For my birthday this year, my sister sent me a flower muffin mold, icing, sticks, and edible markers. Although I had good intentions to use these, they sat on the cupboard shelf unused until a few weeks ago. My first attempt at the flowers was using brownies. The brownies were delicious~but they looked like they had been trampled upon in the garden. 😉
Since Megan was coming to visit, my next idea was cupcakes since I still had the unused frosting and markers. Last night we made our Funfetti cupcakes, added the frosting, and set them to dry. We colored them after lunch today, but in doing so it became quite clear: Mel paints on canvas, but cannot color cupcakes.
Yes, sad to say…these are mine.
It must be something about coffee mugs. At least I had one that turned out somewhat artistic.
Now that we decorated them, we get to eat them. And I don’t think taste buds hold regard for outer appearances. 🙂
Filed under Family Times
The biggest gig these days for creative thoughts and stuff you like is Pinterest. I have been on the site a few times, but find it somewhat a bit of chaos, so I prefer magazines. 🙂 Needless to say, sharing creativity and what you like is splendid. Over the past week, I have been collecting “creative” thoughts. Some are more classified as a “Cool beans!” category. So this is my unofficial “pin” post of my interests. 🙂
Yes, there is a way to keep chocolate around a bit longer!! My good friend who runs Street Church sure knew how to make a volunteer’s day during the stressful weeks right before finals. We would gather in the kitchen to go over the plans for the evening–the lesson, games, who is taking prayer requests, etc.–and then before you know it, someone has opened the freezer! We all knew what was coming next. CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a dandy idea! No, it is genius!!! Buy an extra bag of chocolate at the holidays, put it in the freezer and a few months later, pull out a few handfuls of the delicious treat!!!
There are several things in this category. First, if you have limited bookshelf space or just want a different way to display your books, try putting a stack underneath your lamp. I have a small lamp that is sort of dull, because you can’t use a high watt lightbulb. I would make it shine a bit brighter just by putting it up higher. I am sure you have seen pictures of this…it is not an original idea. 🙂 The books I put underneath are usually ones that I have read, or that have a cool cover. (Never judge a book by its cover, LOL). My mom gets little books from the different places we travel. It is fun to sit down and read a few different ones when you have nothing else to do. You can also display them in a basket or on the coffee table for when company comes over–excellent conversation starter!
Take advantage of your library’s book sale. Be selective…maybe know what areas you are interested in and aim for those kinds of books. I got Homer’s The Iliad for 50 cents at our library’s book sale. “Cool beans!!” 🙂
Every reader needs a bookmark! My sister got me a magnetic one, which I think is a lot better than what I used to do: turn down the corner of the page I just ended. I like to get to a page that has a period at the bottom. It closes the train of thought. I am such a nerd. 🙂 Anyway, the magnetic bookmarks are neat, because if you want to finish just a paragraph then you can mark the line by putting the bookmark on the outer edge of the book, instead of on top like my picture shows below. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.”
This is the time of year that I start drinking tea more than coffee. My favorite is Snapple brand. Every cap has a “Real fact” and when you finish the bottle, you can recycle it or make it into a flower vase. 🙂 I also like the idea of putting a tea packet in a card to a friend. A lady in town sends me encouraging cards and adds a tea bag. I think it is special.
3-2-1 cake!!!
Our family friend, Denise, shared this “recipe” with my mom. Even I can make it! 😀 Trust me when I say, “It is so simple!!”
Ingredients:
1 Angel Food cake box
1 box of another cake (our favorites are Carrot cake or Chocolate cake)
water
Directions:
Mix the two boxes of cake in a Ziploc bag or container.
Using a 1 Tb measuring spoon, put 3 scoops of the cake mixture in a microwaveable mug. Add 2 Tb of water to the mixture.
Next, whisk the mixture until it is blended well and looks something like a frappachino.
Put it into the microwave for 1 minute. There you have it! So easy AND delicious!!! It looks like a sponge when it comes out. 🙂
Speaking of sponges: next time you are in FL, you should tour Tarpon Springs! It is a Greek cultured town with cute shops and they give tours of how they dive for sponges. It is like seeing an astronaut dive in the sea. 🙂 Very neat place! I visited a few months before my trip to Greece. So, my first gyros was from the states, but still delicious!
http://www.spongedocks.net/default.htm
Another neat place in FL is the historical Ponce de Leon lighthouse (hence the mug). We went there as a family and climbed the 203 stairs to the top. There is also exhibits and a museum in which you can see up close how a lighthouse works. Very interesting!
http://www.ponceinlet.org/index.cfm
I finally bought a flashlight. But it is like a lantern! I tested it in my bathroom. I set it on the counter and could see great all around. Great find from Target for around $10.
I opened the Cheerios box to find an Obi-Wan pen inside. 🙂
Reuse gift bags that have been given to you. When I find things that I am not wanting or using anymore, I set them aside. If it is books, movies or nice articles of clothing, I first think if I know of a friend or relative that would enjoy them. It is a great way to give presents, get well/just because/encouraging gifts, and it is a way for the items to continue to be used instead of sitting on a shelf in the closet. 🙂 Thus, my recycling tip of the day!
I use my flower clips not only for use in my hair, but also attach them to my sweaters like a pendant. It gives a little spunk to your outfits.
And last, best thought of the day!!! I was cleaning the bathroom and decided that I am tired of staring at my bathrobe that hangs on the outside of my door (which faces my room). I went on a fashion show business hour using the clothes in my closet and redecorated the hook with spring attire. It was so fun and now I have something like a “shopping” experience to stare at each morning when I enter the bathroom!! Fun!!!
To close, I will share my favorite “It is the month of April” joke. Ready? April showers bring May flowers, but what do Mayflower’s bring?
Did you guess??? 🙂 It is “Pilgrims.” Get it!?! HAHA. Happy end of April! More to come…
Filed under Books and Movies, Random, Uncategorized
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My Life with NF2 