"Treehouse"

Happy Thanksgiving!  This painting was inspired by a home I photographed while taking a walk with my mom through her neighborhood.  It was a gorgeous fall day, perfect weather, beautiful colors.  The tree was not a part of the actual yard.  It was born out of my frustration.  I rather like it though.  I started to pitch the whole painting and then decided I WOULD make something out of it.  It's pretty cool when you can make something positive out of a frustrating moment.  It's about choice, I suppose.  I'm learning that choice is one of the aspects of painting (and life) that is both exciting and a bit frightening for me. Recently my class and I shared a devotion about the decision to be thankful.  I'm (re)learning that it starts as an intentional act before it becomes an emotion.  Actually, it produces the emotion.  It involves discipline, choice, and intention.  The coolest part about the attitude of thanksgiving is how it links us up with the Giver of all good gifts.  God has really been opening my eyes lately to all of the amazing blessings He has given me.  Nothing has changed, really.  Just my attitude. Seems the more blessings you count, the more your list expands, and expands, and expands.  Try it.  God's blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

6 x 12 Acrylic