Terabithia...?

Was blessed to be able to paint in a forest today with some friends!
The sweet green smell, the silence, the birds (and lots of bugs), the little streams, the community of trees, the light and shadow, it was wonderful.

Color Studies

 

 

I don't often listen to Pharrell, but when I do, darn it, I'm gonna do me some color studies!!

From his "Happy" music video. I'm not the best painter, many of my friends could do better- check out their links on the side of this blog! :)

Speaking of happiness:

"You have made us for yourself, God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
St. Augustine, (who lived a loooong time ago!) like most of us human beings, searched for fulfillment and satisfaction in other human beings, in his career and success, and in a decadent lifestyle, but when he finally listened to his deepest yearnings for truth and meaning, for real happiness, he found God. Have you ever felt that restlessness?

In my one little lifetime of trying to be a disciple of Christ, I can say clearly that it's worth it. Because being Christian means constantly working with God to train your mind and your heart- to maximize how much you're able to love, how much you laugh (often at your own self), how much you learn, and how much you can let go, or forgive. It gives color, flavor, aroma, clarity, enduring warmth, and meaning to life. May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all that anyone or anything could ever offer, become known to you . . . may it be yours.

Lady McDoodle

Quick one for fun!

She what?!

Inspired by a lovely catalog photograph from the store Petit Chic, as well as the humor of Norman Rockwell and the dreaminess of Peter Ferguson.
June was a beautiful and humbling month. Humbling because of the struggles and sorrows of friends, but made beautiful by the countless kindnesses of God, family, and friends through it all. Goodbye June 2014! Hello July~~ :)

And here is a quick painting/sketch of blogger and advocate for the homeless, Kevin Barbieux, who did me a kindness even in the midst of all his trials. This is a thank-you to him... hopefully he won't mind this very rough likeness of him.

Grace

Haven't posted in a while... this was done with black conte crayon on paper.
The world needs lots of prayers and grace. It is so overwhelming... !
http://divinemercyforlostsouls.blogspot.com is a wonderful blog (and Facebook group) that posts prayer requests for depressed souls or for those who have committed suicide. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, if I may I'd like to encourage anyone reading this to check in on this group and join your hearts and minds, even for a brief moment, with others going through very tough times. Solidarity with each other = humanity.

from the poet Alexej Mislovic:
You must not die/because you have been chosen/ to be a part of the day.

Found in the incredibly inspiring letter of one young woman, written in what was probably the lowest point in her life, in 1995. Please, share her letter if you think it could help someone you know!

Someone has to begin to break the chain of hatred that has always destroyed our countries. And so, I will teach my child only one thing: love. This child, born of violence, will be a witness along with me that the only greatness that gives honor to a human being is forgiveness.   -Lucy Vertrusc

Doop~

Little experimental doodles!  The one on the right was inspired by a funny look my dog gave me this afternoon XD

"I nothing lack for I am His, and He is mine, forever..."

(~from a beautiful and simple song inspired by the famous Psalm 23)

expresses my feeling right now. Good friends encourage

 and lift our spirits--I was a bit discouraged lately and several 

good friends and family helped me back up.

We should strive to be that kind of friend to all!

And may hurting families and people in Korea, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, America, and all over be blessed with peace and healing.

+

Cast

When I did this I was thinking about velvety, soft graphite drawings, though this is digital... ended up somewhere in between. :)