New Beginnings

This month marks the opening of my new etsy shop, Lazy River Arts.  I've put together all of my favorite artistic pursuits in one place and I'm adding more all the time.  What an incredibly exciting time, what a crazy time...change.  It's funny how change can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. From full time career to full time artist and business owner. There are lots of cliches about change, and for good reason.  It's, well, different.  I find it so funny that as human beings we are always longing for change, praying and wishing for some new excitement; a new get away, a new career, house, etc.  Then, when the change finally arrives we find ourselves exhilarated at first, and then uncomfortable and questioning.  

I find I'm no different.  On one hand I am absolutely thrilled, pumped even, to get to wake up every day and do what I love to do - take care of my family and make stuff!  It's every artists dream!  But then there's the side of me, that "sensible" side telling me that (1.) Work isn't supposed to be this fun (2.) Shouldn't I be doing MORE to bring in income for my family?  What was I thinking? and (3.) Wow, this really is a whole lot of work building a business - what was I thinking?

Would I trade this time?  NO WAY!  But I am surprised at how I've had to really shift my thinking away from the guilt of not bringing in a stable income and the fear of the future to remind myself of the reasons I am doing this in the first place.  I am learning and growing as an artist - and, hey, my house hasn't been this clean in a long time.  Instead of focusing on the fears that sneak into my conscious and subconscious thoughts, I must purposely hold them hostage, examine them and then remind myself of how glorious it is to be free to explore and to stop wasting my time in worry.  After all, I don't know how long/if this time will last.  The sensible side with budgets, bills, and family dreams may have to outweigh my dreamy side and I might have to once again squeeze in those moments of creative bliss.  For now, I prefer to try to help myself remember the joy of that creative bliss and the blessing it is - and remember to stay sharp when it comes to the thoughts I choose to let dominate my thinking.  One fact in particular I choose to remember - though life may change, my Father never does.  He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow.  His love never fails. He will be with me through it all.  Praying you find comfort in that today as well.

Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Not Going to Church

There are many so-called church affiliated groups in the news whose main function and focus seems to be telling other people why they believe God finds them unacceptable and unworthy of love - the second message being that if they would just get with the program they too could be a squeaky clean near perfect Christian complete with church certified seal of approval.  God would then find them acceptable.  Worship this way, align your political views that way, either do or don’t do this or that and you too will be given the golden ticket to heaven.  The truth is, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Then, there’s Set Apart Church.  The name says it all.  Here the invitation comes with no strings.  You don’t have to change a thing to show up.  Come in your pajamas, your shorts, your favorite t-shirt.  It won’t matter.  Come ready to hear exactly what Jesus said about God’s love for His children with no political slant, no judgment, and no request for money.  Just come.  Here you’ll find a welcome invitation from your Heavenly Father.  You’ll learn through a series of online sermons and devotions exactly how He feels about you.  The answer may surprise you.  If you just need someone to pray for you, you will find a place for that as well.  All of it in church online. 

At Set Apart Church it’s God meeting you wherever you are.  It’s a church without walls where the door is always open.  There you’ll find a passion for Christ that comes from true relationship with Him and a deep desire to share the forgiveness of God, His love and His heart for you.  Whatever your reason for not going to church, here is the answer.  What do you have to lose?  You never know what you might gain.

Photo courtesy of freedigitalimages.net "Old English Church on a Sunny Day - Stuart Miles

Changes - A New Leaf

It has been such a long time since I put brush to canvas.  This painting represents the change that is going on in my life right now and the beauty of possibility within that change.  I've heard it said that God loves His children too much to let them stay the same.  I do believe He likes to see us grow and move forward.  Stagnancy is never good.  I suppose that's one of the reasons I have enjoyed teaching for as long as I have - each day is filled with new challenges, new material, and new lessons for both teacher and students.  My change at the end of this school year is to begin pursuing both my writing and my art full time.  I am ecstatic, frightened, energized, and I feel like a new student at the first day of class.  This is life class.  And like my students I find myself wondering if the "teacher" will be kind, strict, forgiving.  I'm wondering if she'll have a sense of humor. I'm wondering about the new friends I'll meet and the adventures I'll have.  I am a student again.  

This last year has taught me that there is much listening I need to do.  I have a long way to go.  I feel as if I've left the close companionship of Christ to venture out on my own.  I'm ready to be a student there as well.  I'm so thankful that while I change, and need changing, He never does.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  His love never fades or grows weary.  He never gets impatient with His students.  He applauds our efforts, cheers our successes, celebrates each tiny victory from a glance His way when it's needed to a blessing shared, a life changed, or a comfort given. And His correction is gentle.  What a teacher. What a Savior.    

Blessings!

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26  NIV

Lilly

This is my girl, Lilly.  She is deaf.  It's a good thing she has a kitty friend to guide her around.  We adopted two cats at the same time from a shelter a few years ago. Lilly loves to be near people but prefers to be ON them.  Her partner in sweet crime is a  big fan of my crochet projects.  When the yarn comes out, he takes that as his personal invitation to stretch out on my pattern book and go to sleep.  The calm, peace, and joy they give humbles me.

I talk to my students often about the beautiful variety of creatures God created.  Why did He do that?  Because it pleased Him to do so, and I dare say, He knew it would please us.  I love that He bothered to put such sweetness into the creatures He asked us to care for.  Many of us have had a special pet that we really seemed to connect with.  Do you really think that's an accident?  I love how God truly does keep in mind all of our needs...and He fills them so tenderly.  I hope you enjoy this picture of one of my precious gifts. I pray God would help us all to have eyes to see the blessings He has given us, and that this knowledge would lead us to stronger faith in Him.
God's blessings.

L'il Ol' Sheep

 

5 x 7

Acrylic on canvas

 

 

This little guy is more a representation of me than anything else.  Sheep are not the brightest creatures on earth.  Sometimes it seems it takes quite awhile for God's truth to sink its way from my head into my heart and out into my life lived out.  I seem to have to relearn God's truths over and over.  Can anyone relate?  Sheep must rely on their shepherd for everything.  They are not meant to be self-sufficient.  Still, I often try.  I'm always thinking I have to be the one to plan, to see ahead, to think through and be prepared for things - what a joke.  Only God has access to the future, has an awesome plan, and the power to carry it out.  The question is, will I go my own way trying to see ahead to things I cannot see or relax and let the Shepherd take over?  Will you? 

 

"To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling...be glory and majesty."  Jude 24-25

Lucky Red



acrylic

4 x 4 gallery wrapped canvas

Happy New Year!  I pray you all had a Merry Christmas!   

 

This is a painting of the Lone Cypress Tree of Carmel that I finally painted for my dad.  He and my mom visited that spot on a trip to see my younger sister.  I confess I have feared that photo for four years or so now.  It was never that I didn't want to paint it, rather, the photograph was so breathtaking and I had absolutely no idea how to capture it.  I felt completely inept every time I looked at the picture.  You feel a metaphor coming on, don't you?  I absolutely love how God uses events in our lives, the simplest of things, to remind us of His truths.  I was focussing on the wrong thing. 

How many times in life have you looked at something and felt completely inept?  Completely NOT up to the task at hand, and you wondered how in the world you were going to manage it?  I had a wonderful conversation recently with a dear sweet lady about letting go of control.  How do we function as children of God and completely trust?  How do we tell the difference between our striving and taking things OUT of God's hands (and trying to manage it on our own) and just taking care of the responsibilities God gives each one of us?  I believe it is a moment by moment thing.  Just as you do not eat the food you'll need for the whole day in one meal, God does not give us all the strength, direction, guidance, peace, hope, etc. that we'll need all at once for the whole day.  It is a relationship where we continue to seek Him and He gives.  He continues to show me that my place is at His side; trusting, reaffirming His promises to me, looking for Him in the day's events, and in the faces of the people I meet.  He demands silence from me - not as a cruel taskmaster, but as a loving Father who asks me to turn away from the noise of the world and cover myself in silence so that He may be found by me.  That is our special place.   I look at this tree surrounded by water, high up on a hill and it reminds me to wait.  To wait in silence for my God, my Savior, my Lord who promises to never leave me or forsake me.   He promises that He will be found by those who seek Him.  Seek Him today.  Not just once, not twice, but all day, and watch Him change your life.  "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with your whole heart." 

 Jer. 29:13 NIV



White Wagtail

This little guy is a White Wagtail.  I love the name of this bird.  It sounds like a spunky little thing.  Also, being a fan of Chickadees, I love the black markings on its neck and head. It has been awhile since I painted a bird.  I forgot how much I enjoy it.  These days I am a fan of just about anything peaceful.  My husband and I sat out on our little deck the other night and looked up at the clouds as they rolled past, listened to the wind in the trees and pretended for a little while that we were somewhere far away from the suburbs.  It was quiet.  It was peaceful.  It was bliss.  School is winding down and I find my students are in just as much need of quiet and opportunities for creative expression as I am. 

All of this got me thinking about the quietness of spirit that Christ can bring to an unsettled soul. Through my own choices in life, I have created in the past some difficult situations for myself, very unsettling situations.  I've read about the "peace that surpasses all human understanding" and listened to the pastor bless the congregation.  I've felt His love settle my heart and my spirit time and time again when it made no sense for me to be calm, and I've observed Him doing this in others as well.  I told my students recently, "Jesus will give you as much of Himself as you ask for."  What amazing love is that.  Never intrusive, never forcing Himself on us, just waiting....waiting to offer His peace and rest to weary hearts longing for a safe place.  But more than that is joy, unspeakable joy.  It's the joy of knowing that  there is One who knows every thing we've ever done, heard every word we've ever said, every thought we've ever entertained and STILL chose to die to take our punishment upon Himself so that we can live in peace with our heavenly Father.  And He longs to go deeper with us.  He offers truth in His sweet intimacy.  His love is not dependent upon our right actions.  He loves because we belong to Him.  There is no love like that.  Don't know Him?  All it takes is an invitation.  Invite Christ into your heart, sincerely, honestly.  He knows you through and through anyway...even if you've refused to see Him again and again.  He is waiting.  He is willing.       "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."  John 14:18

Patience

This is my current project - an afghan for my son's room.  I made it way too long...so now it will take extra time to finish it.  I like quick projects.  Ha!  What was I thinking?  I've come to understand the value of crochet.  Not just for its usefulness, which is something I appreciate, but because of what it creates in the one doing the crochet.  I'm learning patience.  They say it is a virtue.  It is also a fruit of the Spirit.  I'm expected to exhibit it, learn it, show it, use it.  Yikes.  Thankfully, God is more patient than I, and He is happy to help us in our weakness.  Crochet is helping, I think.  There are no shortcuts unless you want things to fall apart or look terrible.  Kind of a metaphor don't ya think?  We rush things in life we make mistakes, we screw up, things can fall apart or go off in the wrong direction.  My devotions have been talking a lot lately about how God is in control of our lives and is quite capable of planning and taking care of things - but only one person can drive a car.  If I grab the wheel, well...you know.

My family and I just returned from a quick trip to Chattanooga.  Thanks for a great time, Chattanooga!  I drove.  Ever driven for a long time and then had the luxury of someone else taking over the wheel?  Feels good, huh?  I started thinking about the times I grab the wheel away from God.  "Lord, umm...I know You are my Creator and you promise "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose"  and I gave you my life, but, umm...it doesn't look like you're doing it my way?  I would do it much different.  Couldn't we go a little faster?  What if there isn't a rest stop up ahead?  I'm going to be exhausted.  Watch out for that!  Oh, I thought we would take an exit here.  What if there aren't any opportunities up ahead to eat?  Have you been on this road before?"  UGH!  So.  Here I sit with my crochet by my side just home from a road trip.  On the horizon I see three separate things about which I could very easily scream, "Watch out, God!  Are you looking?  What if....."  But, I will say a prayer instead, thank Him that He is the driver, ask Him to help me enjoy being a passenger, put my trust in His promises to get me there (wherever the THERE is that He's taking me next), and crochet, breathe, crochet, breathe, crochet.  Here's to getting out of the driver's seat and enjoying the ride.

For Addison

It's been far too long since I've posted.  I've kept my hands busy and let my mind rest lately by making my first baby afghan.  It was a different kind of bliss than paint and canvas.  I wonder at our God-given senses sometimes.  Soft skin of newborns, scrunchy soft fur on my sweet friend's puppy, the feel of sand in your toes, gravel's sound on the tires as you drive to a loved ones home, the feel of your child or spouse's hand in yours.  Our senses are amazing.  Why did God bother?  Why did He bother to let us feel the difference between a cat whisker and a fly or a piece of wool yarn?  Why not just see or hear or taste?  Why all five senses and in such depth?  Any dog lover can tell you there is another sense.  Spend time with a well adjusted pooch and feel your stress drain away and a calm, a peace fill you.  How?

  And another thing.  Why did God bother to make Jesus come as a baby?  Couldn't he just zap Him to earth to let Him fulfill His purpose?  He had to feel what we feel - a mother's love, a father's tutelage, the sting of betrayal, cool water on a hot day, the need to have a need met, suffering, betrayal, being let down, judgement, hunger, thirst, the death of a friend, the joy of a hug, the feel of  a sting.  All this.  This is my comfort.  He knows.  He knows me.  He knows me personally.  He was there.  He spoke and I became.  He planned it.  He planned me - quirks and all, all uniquely mine.  Why bother?  It pleased Him to do so.  Think about that.  It pleased Him to create us knowing full well all that it would cost Him.  He still did it.  Still bothered.  Still suffered.  Still died.  Ever held a baby?  Ever looked into that sweet face and lost yourself in the tiny exquisite design?  Imagine Christ's face on that baby.  For you.  Now imagine your face - Christ enamored with you.  That's why He came.  Not to the perfect...to the needy. It pleased Him to do so.  We needed Him and He came.  He knew we couldn't manage it without grace.  He knew we couldn't figure it out on our own or ever be "good enough."  He paid the price for us.  I don't know about you, but I sure need Him.  Happy soon to be birthday little one!  Here's to discovering New Life with Christ.  He says YOU are worth it.

An Old Friend

It's been months since I've touched a brush to canvas.  It felt good tonight to paint again.  I've been working all summer on moving my classroom from one location in the building to another and planning for the year ahead.  It's funny, I always forget how long things take to do in the beginning, always underestimate the time involved in learning procedures, getting through lessons initially, and beginning to feel that rhythm that comes after getting to know each other for a few weeks. Once that is established the real fun can begin.

I've been thinking about my "Old Friend" today - about how incredibly well He knows me and how thankful I am that He has good plans for me.  I love that He knows what tomorrow holds and promises to walk right through every moment of  it with me.  I love that He sings over me.  He sings!  The Bible says so!  And I love that no matter what He never stops loving me.  He can't.  It's physically impossible because He IS love.  Crazy wonderful isn't it? Sometimes I don't notice Him, forget to talk with Him, forget that He already knows the stuff I'm worried about and has a solution and a plan.  I'm glad He forgives that too.
God's blessings everyone.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Ah, Sweet Colors of Childhood

I saw the idea for this crayon wreath, as yet unfinished (needs a little somethin' somethin') on the site Pinterest.  I'm afraid it has become a bit of an obsession for me.  I've spent most of July browsing and filing things I've found there - diy crafts, classroom crafts, home decor, cooking.  Ugh.  It's endless joy.  As is like me, though, I have found meaning (or imagined it, however you choose to view it) in the lowly crayon.  I cannot explain to you how ridiculously restless I was once I saw the perfect little crayon wreath example.  I just HAD to make my own.  As is my way, I had to turn the crayons the opposite way, use a different fabric and leave off the flowers.  It still seems to be missing something, but anyway.  On to the metaphor....

I have to say this children's wreath is a symbol of all of the "playing" I'm ready to do now that I'm (just) over 40.  I had a fantastic conversation with the mother of one of my former students.  I think there is a certain fearlessness that you reach once you get to 40-something.  I LOVE that I can go to the pool and not care that all in attendance must wear sunglasses because I am so noticeably white (no tanning bed for me, thanks).  I love that I can be slightly over my comfortable weight and still feel ok...and actually enjoy myself.  I don't worry how loud I laugh when my son says something funny.  I don't care if someone shows up in the same dress.  I can make a fool of myself for the sake of a few little kids who need to get excited about history and love every moment of it.  There is freedom in 40.  Sure things begin to sag like they never did before.  My husband says, "What, so everybody should age except you?"  I love that guy.  Yes, these things may sound trivial, but freedom should never be discounted at any level.  My point?  Well, if there is a point to these ramblings it would be this.... play with your kids, find simple joy in sunshine and salt water (whether pool water or the actual ocean), and for goodness sake, go color something!
God's blessings everyone.  Happy "playing."

A Day For Nana

I laugh as I write this.  If anyone would've told me I'd be a grandmother at 35 I would've laughed in their faces.  I love how God is absolutely full of wonderful surprises, things we'd never expect yet things that bless us immensely.  I am now no longer 35.  I am actually 41.  It is a fact my students know well. (It's very important when you're 8 to know how old your teacher is!)  I am, in truth, a "step-gran," a.k.a. "Nana."  This fact makes me the wonderful beneficiary of sweet hugs, giggles, funny stories and all of the delightful chaos that goes along with a sweet little pairing of two little girls.  As a mom to a 10 year old boy, I admit it's sometimes a bit of a culture shock at first, but big joy nonetheless.  Today our little girls came over while mom and dad were out looking at houses.  We made this awesome recipe from Libby's for Pumpkin Cranberry Bread.  All three kids took turns pouring in the ingredients and making it all come together.  It brought back wonderful memories of cooking with my mom, my son, and watching my grandmother pour handfuls into a big bowl (she never used a recipe).  After the bread baked, which is delicious by the way, I had some quiet time to reflect on the morning's events.  I was reminded, by my husband's wisdom and my own reflection, that it is the small moments in life that we treasure most.  I would trade in some of the crazy theme-park moments in life to have five more minutes with my grandmother.  I would pay more attention.  I would listen more and talk less.  I would sit in silence and soak in the joy of those moments.  They are indeed a gift from God.  So tonight, here's to life - unscripted, unspoiled, beautiful, simple, and unexpectedly sweet.  God's Blessings everyone!

Morning Canopy

12 x 16

acrylic on canvas

This is the view out my sunroom window.  One morning, early, I sat alone and just enjoyed the quiet, the coffee, and the prayer time.  Such an amazing thing - starting the day with the knowledge that Christ is present and will, if I allow Him to, direct each step that I take.  If I let Him, He'll guide, instruct, redeem, energize, heal, and restore me through His presence.  That is the real and promised result of worship, of simple awareness (acknowledgement) of His awesome presence.  I think that's where being a visual learner really helps.  If I close my eyes and talk to Him, I can see Him there with me.  When I look outside my window and see all the beauty He created it just overwhelms and amazes me that I am witnessing the actual character of my Creator - strength, depth, gentleness, beauty, grace, sacrifice, provision, presence.  Wow.  Praying you will find quiet moments to gather strength, courage, and direction in His amazing presence.!
God's blessings.

Sing!

This was an early morning piece.  The house was quiet except for the birds chirping outside. "Sing" came to mind after I finished painting.  Guess I was more conscious of the birds than I realized.  Funny, people think of singing only when you're happy.  It's the times I need Jesus most that I sing.  It's like thanksgiving - a willful act, a choice to praise when things aren't going the way you've planned.  I think THAT is what singing is for - to lift us up and out of the "right now" of life, to make us stand firm, to remember in Whom our feet are firmly planted.  "The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." Psalm 37:23

We sing when our "plan" isn't lining up with God's - when His way seems a hard way...but we're choosing trust, choosing faith, choosing to persevere and hold onto Him until the end, until He sees us through.  Then our songs become those of joy because we held on.  We trusted.  Today I'm thinking of my sister whose husband is serving overseas.  I've seen her stand firm in her faith and watched as the two of them maneuvered through the difficulties of military life with humor, determination, and a deep dedication to one another.  Today we sing as a nation - a song of remembrance and of thanks for the freedom to say what we feel, to live as we believe,  to serve God and live our lives enjoying our freedoms.  For those who have served, those overseas now, and those who died serving... thank you, and may God richly bless you and your families.  Happy Memorial Day.

Reaching

12 x 12

acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

This one is in honor of my nephew, Tyler and his Confirmation today. What an awesome and Holy moment - a young man confessing his faith in his Savior, professing his beliefs, and making a choice to follow Christ on what is definitely NOT an easy path, but so worth it. I am so proud of him. Witnessing that moment brought back so many memories - huge failures and the harsh consequences from choices made out of desperation instead of strength, times of forgiveness, tears, and heartache...and much healing.  And grace.  God's incredible grace.  As I sat in the church service this morning I wanted so badly to tell those boys all the lessons I'd learned, the hard lessons I could've avoided if only I'd listened, believed, asked, waited, hoped, held on, and loved myself more.  I thought of all the hard choices they have ahead, the mistakes, the fears...life. Then there was that phrase, "With the help of God."  What more could we ask for?  Those boys stood and promised to follow Him....with the help of God. And I felt peace realizing yet again that He knew us in advance, before our birth, before our first breath.  That's the point.  He went to the cross knowing us, knowing what our choices would mean for Him.  Yet He went.  And He comes.  He comes to each of us.  Quietly, gently, beautifully.  Are you reaching for something more?  Be assured that He is reaching for you.  Ask Him to make Himself known to you. Invite Him in and watch Him do something amazing in you.  God's blessings.

Collage

8 x 8

 acrylic on canvas board

Contentment.  That was my pastor's sermon today.  He spoke about contentment and learning to be happy with "enough."  That really spoke to me today.  I'm so full of striving.  I strive to be so much better at just about everything I do.  While it's so good to continue working toward a goal and learning, is it possible to continue learning without striving?  I've always heard that to strive to do more and be more is a good thing.  I'm not so sure sometimes.  I get so busy pushing myself harder and harder that I forget to stop and be in the moment I've been given.  I hold myself up to some standard that is only reflective of my own expectations ( many of which cannot be met ).

This painting is titled "Collage."  It is an assemblage of previous paint palettes,  a great shade of green and some cool acrylic medium.  It has great symbolism for me today.  It reminds me that God can take the bits of my life, good and bad, and work them into His perfect plan.  He can use it all and make it into something good.  Where I fall short, when I really mess up, and when I'm completely at my best - He takes all of that and is able to turn it into something worthwhile somehow.  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28 What an amazing God.  How cool is that? Just goes to show...He truly IS "enough."
God's blessings!

Two are Better

This painting was submitted late for the Paint and Draw Together painting challenge.  It is listed under "recent paintings for previous challenges." I really enjoyed working on the light/dark areas in the shadows and highlights in this one.  It was my last chance to paint before going back to work.  We've been off for a nice long Easter break.  Tonight I'm busy getting ready for the school week ahead.  God's blessings to everyone! Hope you enjoy.

8 x 8

acrylic on canvas

His Beloved

The school where I work has weekly worship services and collects offering to support various missions throughout the school year.  Jesus spoke often about taking care of the poor, the widows, and the orphans.  Last year our little school raised $1000.00 to purchase a "Jesus Well" for Gospel for Asia ministries.  The need for these wells is so incredibly urgent and dire.  The "Untouchables," as their called, are often shunned away from wells that the higher-ups in society gather water from because they are considered worthless, unclean, an abomination. These women must walk for miles in hopes of getting water. Their stories will change how you feel about your everyday life.  Hopefully, it will inspire you to do more, to see more clearly how your life, your struggles, your resources can be a blessing to someone else. You can read these stories and many others about how Gospel for Asia ministries is changing lives through Christ at http://www.gfa.org/.

The portrait is a blend of a few photos I researched on line.  After reading again yesterday how GFA is working to address the great needs of people in Asia, I felt compelled to do a portrait.  Here is my attempt at honoring the women of courage who fight daily to provide for their children, overcome abuse, and merely survive.  May God show us all how to use the resources He has given us to reach out to others for Him. God's peace.

8 x 8 acrylic on canvas



Stir Fry

I took a picture of these peppers one evening before cutting them up for stir fry.  The painting began as kind of a different approach for me...more like an experiment.  I worked with some acrylic medium I'd never used before.  I didn't love the transluscent effect it gave the paint and ended up feeling as if I'd overworked what began as a nice free piece.  I'm going to try it again with a bigger brush and allow myself less brush strokes.  It was a fun nights project.

I am determined I'm going to begin doing some experimenting with different tools and mediums which means getting away from the idea of a finished piece and allowing myself to mess up a lot in order to learn.  Will be worth it though.

8 x 8 Acrylic

God's blessings everyone.