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NOVEMBER After 6 1/2 years of keeping them separate, we opened the borders between Mac-- our bunny, and Purr-Tater and Hobbs-- our cats. They both sneak in and out of their spaces so much, one day we decided to let them stay together and see what happened. We watched them for days, and pretty soon it became clear they all liked the arrangement! We'll continue to monitor, but so far so good-- They are non-stop entertainment!  Purr-Tater and Mac-- friends at last!
 Mac and Hobbs aren't as cozy, but they have an understanding, lol DECEMBER I'm fortunate to be a part of an amazing small group of local artists, The Springboarders. We had a show this month at the Glen Rock Public Library in Glen Rock, NJ. It was my first in-person show since 2019, and great to be showing work with these other fabulous artists and friends! I've been developing a studio habit and have enjoyed more studio time this past year than any other year. We plan to have another, larger show at The Stable Art Gallery in Ridgewood, NJ next November. Stay tuned.. :-) (Not pictured Joy Yoo.)
 Artist Jennifer Merz  Me holding glossy metal print, "Land of Milk and Honey" [Reminiscing Throwback!] New Year's Eve 2021 is the 15th Anniversary of Evan's proposal and our engagement. Here's a photo of us young-uns back on New Year's Day 2007!  Lastly, I wanted to share a daily email resource that I LOVE. Morgan Harper Nichols is an incredibly gifted singer/songwriter/poet/artist/writer. She's inspiring in so many ways and her words encourage me daily! You can receive her material through her app (Storyteller). That's how I began receiving her "daily reminders". Or if you'd like to subscribe to her email list, you can send it to yourself by clicking here.  A portion of one of Morgan's "Daily Reminder" emails Thanks for reading my blog!
Any big plans for 2022? Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year! :-)
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  "It's Such A Good Feeling" (Fred Rogers), 4.5 x 4.5 art in 10 x 10 matted frame, Paper collage and quilling My friend Emily Gilman Beezley suggested our art group participate in this Inside Small "The Color of Music" show. I'm pleased that my piece was accepted! The requirements were to produce a piece of art smaller no larger than 10" x 10" (total) inspired by a piece of music. I recently saw this PBS broadcast, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" about Mr. Rogers, and was blown away. I don't remember being that interested in Mr. Rogers as a child, and unfortunately knew more about the mockeries of him than the man himself. After watching the documentary and learning more, I now LOVE and greatly admire Fred Rogers and everything he devoted his life to, namely... helping children feel loved and special. I wish I had watched more of his shows as a youngster. But one of my new favorite sayings is... Better late than never!
In 2005, an album of his songs by various award-winning artists was produced, "Songs from the Neighborhood" and earned a Grammy for Best Children's album. The songs are amazing and I'm so delighted to find them. Their tender message of love is so uplifting, especially during this difficult time. Here's another link to a video of the performers on the album. I especially like "It's You I Like" and "It's Such a Good Feeling" by B.J. Thomas (what a throwback and amazing voice!) My piece (above) was inspired by Mr. Rogers' fun, loving, friendly songs, and a nostalgic 1970's vibe. Hope you enjoy! Please visit "The Color of Music" Online Show for more amazing pieces and to vote for your favorite piece!! This piece is available for $225.00 plus shipping.  "The Nurturing Heart" Brooch by Joy Theda Bjork (approx. 2.25 x 2.5 inches) I met the lovely artist and author, Joy Theda Bjork in the Created to Thrive Mentoring Program, and purchased this beautiful handmade brooch from her. The card that came with it says, "You are His Beloved. Take care of yourself first, then others. Psalm 139" Joy lives in Sweden now, but used to live in NJ! I met her in person recently at the Gathering of Artisans Conference. Contact Joy on Facebook if you're interested in your own 'Nurturing Heart' brooch-- she creates it with your color preferences. She also has a wonderful book, "After Divorce, You Can Live Again" which can be applied to recovering from any traumatic experience. I highly recommend it! My friend Antonina recently shared this powerful quote with me from Brennan Manning's book, The Ragamuffin Gospel. What if you discovered that the least of the brethren of Jesus,
the one who needs your love the most, the one you can help the most by loving, the one to whom your love will be the most meaningful-- what if you discovered that this least of the brethren of Jesus… is YOU?  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.
Update! 7/17/19This top piece was purchased by AtlantiCare Foundation, Egg Harbor Township, NJ for their Maternity/OB Ward!   Recently completed, "Flower Fields #1 & #2" 12" x 24", acrylic
These were created for submission to a "Call for Entry" for Maternity and OB spaces at AtlantiCare Medical Center, Egg Harbor Township, NJ Here are links to a few things I've been enjoying lately. :-)
Please share any recommendations YOU have in the comments. Podcasts Grit-N-Grace: Good Girls Breaking Bad Rules Podcast - Incredible conversations, insights, and support for those dealing with perfectionism, performancism, and HSPs. "We believe every good girl can grow her grit, embrace God's grace, and learn to break bad rules." The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast - Encouragement, great information, and resources for artists of all kinds. Books / Audiobooks Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert The Artist's Journey: Bold Strokes To Spark Creativity by Nancy Hillis Recipes I tried all of these and they're 'keepers'. Let me know any recipes YOU recommend! Meals Five Spice Park Lo Mein (Evan LOVED this!) Cauliflower Fried Rice Taco Pasta Salad Mexican Cornbread Casserole No Boil Baked Penne with Meatballs Baked Goods Baked Cake Donuts Polish Coffee Cake (very similar to my polish grandmother's coffee cake!) Honey Wheat Rolls Real NY Jewish Rye Bread No-Knead Cottage Cheese Dill Bread Treats Edible Cookie Dough Cookie Dough Energy Bites (soooo delicious AND "good for you"!) Chewy Raspberry Meringues Photos from my recent art demo at Raritan Valley Arts Association-- What a great group of artists and art lovers!
 Me and RVAA President Margaret McGovern
 Having fun creating paper collages! Thanks to my immensely talented, kind, and creative friend, Diana Patton for taking these pics!
I recently came across Matt Tommey's podcast while searching for Christian artist resources. He offers a boatload of free resources that I have just begun to explore! His outreach is to creatives of all kinds including writers, musicians, crafters, and artists.  Below are free links to an awesome "Gathering of Artisans" Conference held last week in North Carolina, that Matt broadcast Live on Facebook. (I don't think you need to have an account to view.) He offers many more free resources you can access on his website, including his podcast. Click here. Enjoy!!
https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/videos/320083972134773/ https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/videos/1931739053786867/ https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/videos/2265851443648769/ https://www.facebook.com/matttommey/videos/10215117647389179/  4" x 4" Quilled Christmas Tree 'ornament' for Forks Area Art Society Fundraiser
 The last, and most fun project in the paper creations class at church-- paper flowers!
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Thank you for landing on my blog! It’s an honor to have some of your time. This a collection of photos, art, poems, and other stuff on my creative life journey. I’m thankful to have this visual diary, and if it blesses YOU, that’s even better!
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