"The View"

"The View"

6" X 6" Oil on Raymar Panel

Available at Basketkases Gift Shoppe

2009 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714

(812) 491-9799

As Nancy packed the bright pink plastic bins with her homemade chocolate chip cookies and Katie’s favorite pretzels, she desperately missed her daughter.  Shipping packages to Katie, a 29 year old single neo-natal nurse, had been difficult due to her remote location as a missionary in Africa.  A team from Crossroads Church had offered to transport this “care package” to Katie on their short-term mission trip, along with their own personal belongings.

Meanwhile, half way around the globe, Katie, an Evansville native, had committed 3 years of her young life to the physical and spiritual care and development of the Massai tribe in Narok, Kenya.  Unable to visit home, she was alone, missing her family, and anxiously awaiting the team’s arrival.

As they came in to view, she noticed that everyone was toting two blue storage bins, except for one “macho-looking young man” (in Katie's words, and, yep, that would be my son) who was carrying two pink bins with his name on them.  (Somehow, John had been assigned to the care of these ‘girly’ bins – maybe because he was the youngest?…….or because they drew straws?)  And, oh, how she appreciated that little act of kindness!   While her family hadn't been able to visit, her church family was the next best thing, and just eyeing those tubs from her mother felt like a bear hug to her!

As John saw it (and I'm pretty sure that he didn't know about the chocolate chip cookies!) - the view from his window was just a little slit in the blinds.  The gesture was such a small thing – something anyone could do…. and would do.  It didn’t take any special skill, or a lot of money – and it really didn't even inconvenience him.  (Well, maybe he did have to shrug off a few smirks from onlookers every now and then.)

However, the view from Katie’s window had a much broader expanse:

 Her view was beautiful, sunny, warm, and fragrant – 

and it smelled like home!

She saw the hands and feet of Jesus in these missionaries as they, too, answered God’s call to serve. 

What act of kindness can you perform today to change "The View"  from someone's window?

Or, if you've been a recipient, please encourage us all by sharing how you've been blessed in the Comment area below!

"Oh, Is It Raining?"

"Oh, Is it Raining?"

6" X 6" Oil on Raymar Panel

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My mind's eye captured this little princess one rainy afternoon in Brooklyn.   Rick and I found shelter in a quaint Italian restaurant with a glassed storefront on Court Street, perfect for people watching.  The sidewalks were crowded with aptly attired residents clearly used to braving the elements, and this little girl was no exception.  But she was different........

She was pink.....and purple, and teal, and navy...... in her own little world, moving at her own little pace, wearing just what she wanted, and pleased to be doing it.   I LOVE that about her!!  Is she anyone you know?  She reminds me of my granddaughter who wanted to wear a dress to her soccer game, and one of my sons who insisted on wearing cowboy boots every day for at least 2 years of his life!  Or maybe she reminds you of you? 

She is unique.  Unique.....as we all are in our own special ways.  Pick a day to just be content with yourself, accepting the gifts God gave you - no comparisons, no masks, no expectations......no make-up!!!  (Well, that might be takin' it a little too far for some of us :)))

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you......" 

 Proverbs 4:25

"Beauty Pageant"

6 X 6 Oil on Raymar Panel

SOLD
at Basket Kases Gift Shoppe

2009 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714

(812) 491-9799

Ladies and gentlemen, these young ladies have been working hard all week in preparation for tonight's pageant.  I must say, they are quite a competitive bunch......er, bouquet, as they each continue to fight for the limelight in various categories.  They are vying for titles in the areas of fitness (Miss Strong Stem), music genres (Miss Heavy Petal), fragrance (Miss Scents-iality), and of course, the grand prize (which is a self-portrait suitable for hanging), Miss Indiana Wallflower!!!  And the winner is..........

Art in the Park Recap

A big thank you to all who came out to see us Saturday at "Art in the Park" - and a very special thank you to those that were unfortunate enough to be there at the beginning of what seemed like a downpour and helped with packing up - Jamie, of course, and her friend Janet, Becky Hostetter, Brenda and Fred White, Kathleen Boink, and my supportive husband, Rick, who was a bit under the weather that day!  Although the event was cut short for some of us (I think there were a few brave souls that waited it out), it was well attended and a successful effort.  I enjoyed talking with friends who stopped by, as well as making some new ones. I planned on taking a picture of our booth, but my good intentions were thwarted when the moisture began :))


And now, (drum roll, please).................... For the moment you've all been waiting for.............. the recipient of the drawing for "First Breath of Spring" is...............................


                                                        Misty Thomas Embry!!!!!!

                                                               Congratulations :)))

White Peony

"Emergence"
8" X 8" Oil on Canvas, Framed
Available


“He reveals the deep things of darkness, and brings deep shadows into light.”

 (Job 12:23)

"Peach Tea or Lemonade?"

6" X 6" Oil on Raymar Panel
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It's spring and the blooms on your favorite flowers (what are they?) are bursting with colors you haven't seen all winter!  There's just a slight breeze in the air and it's the first time in months that the weather has been suitable to sit outside.  Hmmm........two chairs.  One for you and one for your best friend.  And an endless afternoon ahead of you with no commitments or responsibilities.........


Back to reality!  Today begins the countdown.   Weeks of planning and painting will soon come to fruition.  I am praying for a delightful day Saturday, visiting with friends and family, and meeting new people :)  

The above painting is a sample of my 6" X 6" Art in the Park Specials.  They are priced at $75 unframed.  I had some awesome floater frames made especially for these little gems.  Painting + frame = $115!!!

Okay, as I had mentioned, there will be a "give-away" in conjunction with the Show.  It is a 6" X 6" painting of dogwood blooms.  (Scroll down a few posts and you'll find a photo - "First Breath of Spring")  You have two options to enter the drawing.  The winner will be posted here on Monday:

1)  Enter at the show by giving me your e-mail address.

2)  Enter online by subscribing to my blog.  (The subscription box is located at the top right hand side of this page.  This means you will receive an email with every new post/painting/photo.)

So you want to enter more than once?  Well, there's a couple of ways you can do that.

1)   For each person you refer that subscribes to my blog, your name will be entered!  

      (You'll have to let me know who you've referred as I don't have a way of tracking that).  

2)  For each comment you leave on my blog, your name will be entered.

3)  For posting a link on your facebook page, your name will be entered.

I'm not all that computer-savvy, so get creative - we'll work something out!

I so look forward to chatting with you Saturday!  (P.S.  Rain date is Sunday.)

Art in the Park!

Fellow artist, Jamie Fritz, and I will be sharing a booth at Art in the Park art show and sale on Saturday, June 25 from 11-4 P.M. at the Boy Scout Center.  It is located behind the State Hospital, on the south side of the Lloyd, just east of Vann Ave., and is accessible both from the Lloyd and from Lincoln Avenue. 

We'd love for you to stop by and see what we've been working on - plus it sounds like there will be lots of artists represented, as well as other activities. 


In addition, I'll be giving away a painting - details to follow, so stay tuned!!


Hope to see you there!!!!