Creative Expression

I have been going through a rough time lately. Thankfully, I have God to help me through, and the love and support of a strong family and great friends.

There are times, however, when one needs a... creative outlet. You know, when sitting down to a cup of coffee or watching tv with Mom just doesn't cut it... you need to "get it all out". Ever been there?

Thankfully, I've learned all about art journals. What is one? Basically, it is a journal created for your self-expression. Not specifically for writing, per se, but more of an empty palette in book form... where you can use any medium to express yourself. Collage, illustration, paint, words, stencils, stamps... the sky is the limit. You can create layers of different colors of acrylic paint. You can write the words to your favorite song, then illustrate a face. You can incorporate ticket stubs or photographs. It is FANTASTIC.

It is also very personal. There is no right or wrong way to create your journal. I did a little research, then about 2 weeks ago, I ran to Michaels and grabbed a few basic supplies that I didn't have on hand, and began. This is what the journal looked like when I bought it:


This is what it looks like now:


Here is a close-up of one of the embellishments I used on the cover, along with stamp effects, archival inks, etc.

It is a very cathartic experience. I work in my journal somewhat every day. It helps, I can honestly say that it helps. Here, I will share with you two spreads that I've done... there are more, but I'm still experimenting.

As time goes on, I'm incorporating more and more into my journal, from stickers and candy wrappers to pieces of other art I've done... like I said above, the sky really is the limit. The only goal is to get out what's held inside... so put on some good music, sit back, and create. You'll be amazed how freeing it is :)

It's A New Season

It's a New Season! It's a New Day! Fresh annointing is flowing my way! It's a Season of POWER and prosperity! Let the weak say I am STRONG! Hallelujah!!!

All that was stolen is returned to me a hundred fold! I walk in VICTORY!

These aren't just words from a song... I have to confess them and believe!

Tried in the fire but I'm coming out GOLD!!!

I am a child of the King! His promises are yes and amen! Amen means Truth! God NEVER fails! God NEVER fails! God NEVER fails!

I HAVE the peace that surpasses all understanding! When I am going through (in the fire), I HAVE the peace of God and the joy of the Lord!

When I have no reason in the world to smile, when everything is coming against me, I dance before the Lord and I have the true joy that is stronger than ANY happiness this sinful world could ever give!

We are in the end times. It is imperative to STAND upon the ROCK of our salvation!

Just thinking about that word... salvation... it means I am SAVED! Saved from death! Saved from sin!

Hallelujah! I serve the one God, the One who reigns forever and ever! I AM a child of the King!!!

Thank you, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, for setting me free! I am here before You, Your humble servant, asking now... what can I do for You?

What can you do today, dear reader, for Jesus? He has done so much for you!

Life is Precious

He was only 25... he had a heart attack that no one expected. Several days later, he died. No one saw it coming. One day he was there, and the next, he was gone.

Life is precious. It is also short. We are not promised anything... so do not take one single second for granted.

Angels in Human Form

Look at this picture:


It's my baby girl, Jubilee, on Christmas morning. She is so small compared to all the presents she is surrounded by. The kind of picture that all kids dream of for their Christmas mornings... not that it's "all about the presents", but for a kid? Gifts mean A LOT.
Why am I showing you this picture? Because none of the gifts were bought by my family. You see, this year, we really didn't have money for Christmas... let me explain.

This is my son, Kyle:


He's going to be three this April. But he doesn't say a lot yet, so this wonderful woman Jen has been coming around to help him out with that. AND she's been doing a phenomenal job!! But I digress :)

She told us a few weeks ago that every year, she and her family have this thing that they do called "adopt a family". Yep, you read right... they actually choose a family who is in need, and they help them. Well, "help" is an understatement... they actually GIVE that family a Christmas. And this year, Jen felt led to choose my family. I can't write about it and explain properly how much of a blessing this was to us.

OK, so I'm trying not to cry as I type this.


As you can guess by the pictures thus far, Jen's "adopt a family" made a WORLD of difference for us this year. She basically asked us for a list of things we want/need. Just a ballpark list, to give the participants a general idea of what to get. Well, not only did her family get involved... but, let's see, a lacrosse team, teachers, local businesses... I can't even type here and give you an accurate picture of the scope of the kindness in people's hearts. Here, let me show some more pictures:



My Mom:







Jubilee and I:


My brother, Matt:












Not only did we get things we wanted, but a lot of things we desperately needed. Every one involved were truly angels in human form. The teachers in one school even opted to not do their own gift exchange and rather use the money to help US!!! They even included my Dad and our family dog, Skye... they were so thoughtful, they remembered the dog! Can you believe it?

This Christmas was a true miracle. I can not thank every one enough. I am still somewhat in shock when I think about it. I just had to share. I believe this last picture sums it all up perfectly:

Pacifica in Pictures

Following up on the post I made last evening, I present to you: the pictures I took while in Pacifica, CA. Not nearly as many as I would have liked... funny how, looking back on things, you always would have done it differently. I wish I had spent more time studying and enjoying my surroundings. These pictures are fond memories nonetheless...










And lastly... a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, just 10 minutes away!

Pacifica

No pictures this post, but I'll make it short and sweet.

For a brief time (3 months), I lived in Pacifica, CA? It's just 10 minutes outside of San Francisco. Anyway, the place has never left my heart. There is a certainn poetic grace, an artist's muse to it all, if you will. It is perpetually foggy, which adds to its unique charm. It rests directly on the beautiful coast of the powerful Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by a famous long, "L"- shaped boardwalk/pier where, on a good day, one might receive a visit from a San Fracisco seal, who swam a little to escape the tourists visiting Alcatraz and the Wharf.

My small literary soliloquoy here does not do Pacifica justice. It really is an amazing, inspiring ocean-side town well worth getting to know.

A Drawing Progression

So, for those of you who don't know, I'm a Home Health Aid currently. I work every weekend for a wonderful 98 year old woman, who is in great shape, despite her age.

But this past Saturday morning when I came in, she was in bed. Upon closer inspection, I found her foot was swollen. A LOT. So her granddaughter and I brought her in to the emergency department. Thank God, she was ok. They never found out why the foot was swollen, but it wasn't sprained, broken, or a blood clot, so they released her.

We were only there for a few hours, but while the granddaughter went back with her for tests, I stayed in the main area and began working on a drawing. I am becoming increasingly more interested in sketching, so I looked at some reference material and began this. A lot of it is improvised, and it is by no means perfect, but for a first attempt? I think it came out rather well. It should also be noted that I did it all in pen, without any preliminary pencil marks to erase. So any mistakes I made I had to work with. :) What do you think?



And I finished my painting for my son! Here is the finished product: