 Transformation I was incredibly honored last month to win my third award for Transformation, a 24" x 50" oil painting I created in college when I was 21 years-old. It came in Third Place ($200) in the Oakton Foundation Spring 2019 Visual Arts Competition. I'd like to share the original sketch as well as some insight behind the painting.  Original sketch, self-portrait, 1986 Like many, depression runs in my family. As a teenager I was caught in a downward spiral of anxiety and depression, and after a life-threatening crisis at age 16, I was briefly hospitalized and started getting treatment. A few years later on my first day of college I met Sarabeth, a born-again Christian, who invited me to the Christian Fellowship group on campus. I went on and off, but mostly did my own thing for the next few years. But I became good friends with her and had many other Christians reach out to me. Even though I had been raised in church, it took me a long time to believe that the Heavenly Father really loved me and that all my sins were forgiven through the work of His Son, Jesus. It was difficult for me to grasp that Jesus bore the punishment for my sins, wanted to wash me clean with His blood and make “all things new” in my life. It seemed too good to be true! But in 1984 I cried out to the Lord and received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and a journey that I look forward to continuing for all eternity! (To learn more about God's gift of salvation, click here.) This painting reflects the transformation that took place in me. He brought me out of a dark place into his marvelous love. Colossians 1: 13 AMPC, "[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." A book I'm currently reading which addresses healing in our hearts and I highly recommend is, Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey.  Standing next to "Transformation" at a Warren County Arts Show in 2012.
 My poem "Your Love Heals Me" was published in the Churches of God General Conference weekly publication, "The Gem"! Early last year my dear friend Carolyn told me she thought some of my writing would be perfect for the weekly inspirational handout she got at church, "The Gem" a publication produced by Churches of God General Conference. I finally submitted a few pieces in March. Two were rejected, but I just received confirmation that this one made it in! I received some copies and a check for $10.00 yesterday! What an honor-- Praise you, Jesus!
For my writing friends, here's a link to their submission guidelines. They are always looking for new work. Check it out!  Sleepy, stretched-out Mac enjoying a festive Independence Day!
 I made this to celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary today!  For recipe click here!  June 30, 2007, One of the best days of my life When Evan got home from a walk this morning, he saw what he thought was a worm crawling in our front yard. Upon closer inspection, it was hundreds of what we've come to identify as a "swarming mass of larvae." Ewwwwww!!!!! (Click here for more info) By the time I took this video, they were crawling into the dirt. Update! 7/17/19These two collages as well as the "Flower Field 1" painting were purchased by AtlantiCare Foundation, Egg Harbor Township, NJ for their Maternity/OB ward!  "Flower Lady", 19 x 24, paper collage  Another recently completed piece, "Child and Butterflies" mixed media, 24 x 12
This was submitted to a "Call for Entry" for Maternity and OB spaces at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ This mama and her fawns came to graze in our yard last evening
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