Flowers of Life

On Earth as it is in Heaven

2011-11-19T15:33:00.010-05:00

It's been so long since I have posted...not taking the time to write and visit others has become a habit with my blog. TODAY...as it will be in days to come...I hope to come here and say what I feel...give my VOICE a place and share what is inside...

I am thankful for ALL that I have been given...for ALL who have touched my life and who give me LOVE, strength, peace and understanding. Thoughts...ideas...THANKS that I am loved, that I know LOVE...the beauty that IS love...that guides me and shows me ALL that I should know.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

LOVe to the family of Wayne Alan Hill, Jr.-a brave young man who left so soon but touched so many

LOVE to the soldiers who arrive home to longing arms of LOVE and tears of JOY...thankful for their safety for the LOVE they give to ALL and the unconditional strength and bravery offered by each one and by their families

HEALING thoughts of peace and comfort to ALL who suffer and endure PAIN, fear, loss

GIVE US HOPE...let your LIGHT shine!

LOVE to sweet new babies, mommies and daddies

LOVE to daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, grandmothers and fathers, friends, husbands, SONS, babies

SWEET sweet LOVE...PEACE to those who have lost their battle and to those who soldier on

LOVE that passes ALL understanding...GIVE me MORE...give me LIGHT...

Thanks be to GOD...for LOVE for LIFE for ALL that I am, for ALL that I will be.

For YOU Sammie!

2011-08-02T19:22:00.002-05:00

In case you STOP by...sent with LovE and PRAYers for you and your best friend!

MCV-Massey Cancer Center-Thomas Palliative Care Unit

2011-05-19T19:00:00.010-05:00

It's hard to believe that it has been 3 years since I painted the beach mural at the Thomas Palliative Care unit at MCV hospital. In November of 2008 I met Ellie Coyne at the unit...you can read the story here.
Fast forward...Tuesday, May 17, 2011...I got a call from Ellie. "Do you remember me Leslie?", she said. Of course! "You won't believe what your mural has inspired. Please come by the unit so you can see the out-pouring of LOVE that is the beach mural." "It's a miracle...it has helped so many people and I want you to see it."
So, today I made my way back to MCV and Ellie was right...I couldn't believe what I saw. It's amazing...so many people wrote, drew, painted and coll aged on to the wall that was merely a beach scene before...blossomed into a wall of HOPE, memories, dedications and well wishes to ALL who have struggled, endured and some that have sadly succumbed to cancer. And it all started with a beach scene...a place to escape from the reality of the disease. At the end of May the wall will be painted over and I will begin a new mural...this time....BUTTERFLIES I can't wait to see the metamorphosis it brings!

BEFORE... November 2008 (below)

AFTER... May 2011

Casa de las Mariposas-House of the Butterflies-Aruba

2011-05-15T20:29:00.012-05:00

I have been so blessed in my travels and in life to see so many of God's beautiful creations and I am thankful. Out of all of His creations...I am drawn to the butterflies, the birds, the animals and the flowers. Their BEAUTY is AMAZING! These photos were taken in Aruba at the Butterfly House...wonderfully beautiful...simply breathtaking!

i LoVe Virginia

2011-05-06T19:40:00.007-05:00

In His Hands

2011-04-28T21:35:00.004-05:00

Making the left turn up the driveway home this evening was not the same. Branches, leaves and twigs lined the road. As I approached I saw more evidence that something had happened here today in my absence.

Trees were snapped in half. I continued up the hill and stopped. All around me there was a YELLOW tint. I went inside and grabbed my camera and started a walk around the exterior of our house...

Our backyard hut was still in tact...I couldn't believe my eyes...a HUGE tree down, broken and layed down. It was as if each segment had been placed neatly on the ground just shy of one of our favorite places to relax.

Amazing! Each massive piece in its place. I saw the path that the wind? tornado? had made...and yet everything was safe...everything had been protected...everything was just as it should be.

And I looked up and said out loud...Thank you God, thank you...I feel your grace upon me. I stand amazed! It was ALL in your hands.

Thursday's Gift

2011-04-16T19:31:00.018-05:00

There is an average life span of a butterfly - it is usually about one month. Thursday after work I came home to this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. BEAUTIFUL! A wonderful gift of beauty...for me to see! Thank you God, thank you. In that moment...I forgot all about my work day and how tired I felt.

Did you know? Butterflies can see red, green and yellow.

The top butterfly flight speed is 12 mph.

Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86*

Many butterflies can taste with their feet.

There are estimated to be 24,000 species of butterflies.

Snow in SpRiNg!

2011-03-27T10:39:00.003-05:00

A dusting of SNOW in the Spring! Daffodils look up to the Sun for warmth from the cold, wet blanket that has covered them. And so many feathered friends have stopped by for breakfast-black oil sunflower seeds!

So much trouble

2011-03-23T21:43:00.003-05:00

I am a positive person. I think positive thoughts and I try to make a difference by doing positive things. I am struggling today and many days as of late to understand and imagine why there is so much sadness, destruction and unimaginable pain in our world. It seems that our world is changing daily.

I am not afraid...but I feel a sadness deep in my soul.

“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.”

I must remember...we must remember!

Happy Birthday Bob!

2011-02-06T11:18:00.006-05:00

HaPPY BiRtHdAY bOb mARleY !!!... One Love Bob

"love the life you live. live the life you love."

— Bob Marley

Bob Marley~6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981

Bob Marley reminds us ALL that we need to LIVE together...spread LOVE, help each other, and... DON'T WORRY "bout a thing 'cause every little thing is gonna be all right.

A Million Places

2011-02-01T11:40:00.003-05:00

My mind is rushing everywhere, flitting about like a...

So many different directions...places...all about creating! Being creative lends itself to wonderful ideas and thoughts...it's how to take the mind's ideas and bring them to fruition!

Introducing my new photography website-LR Photography! Please come by and check me out!

Excited to see what this new year brings my way!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, felice anno nuovo, feliz año nuevo, heureuse nouvelle année, ,שנה טובה ומבורכתKalendis, bhliain nua sásta, สวัสดีปีใหม่, glückliches n

2010-12-31T21:02:00.003-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, felice anno nuovo, feliz año nuevo, heureuse nouvelle année, ,שנה טובה ומבורכתKalendis, bhliain nua sásta, สวัสดีปีใหม่, glückliches neues Jahr, gelukkig nieuw jaar,明けましておめでとうございます, 新年快樂

TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Traveling Painting

2010-11-22T22:22:00.002-05:00

I am 1 of 10 Artists from across the United States that will participate in a collaborative effort to raise money for homeless Veterans. This fantastic idea is from the heart of Carrie Joy Byrnes, a lovely artist who is inspiring and spiritually uplifting! Her charity, Veteran's Leadership Council Cares , will benefit from the sale of the painting once it has made its rounds...each artist contributing 7 painted squares.

The original photograph- "14-yr. old striker, Fola La Follette, and Rose Livingston" circa 1910 and 1915 is located in The Library of Congress.

Carrie Joy transferred the photo to canvas, squared it off, painted her 7 squares and sent it off on its journey. I am so honored to be a part of this special project and look forward to contributing once it has made its way to me.

A lovely idea, a wonderful opportunity and the chance to make a difference! How awesome is that!

Mahekal Resort...Playa del Carmen, Mexico

2010-11-05T21:29:00.016-05:00

Back from a recent trip to the Mahekal Resort in Playa del Carmen, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico...READ more here about this Caribbean get-away in my article on Active Woman Traveler Magazine!

Mahekal Resort is a Magical place that you will want to visit sometime soon!

Flowers,цветы, Fiori, Fleurs,פרחים Flores, Bloemen,λουλούδια

2010-10-23T22:31:00.021-05:00

Jamaican Sunset

2010-10-14T08:34:00.014-05:00

Thinking about this beautiful sunset on the island of Jamaica and how I was given this magnificent gift, at this very moment....allowed to capture something so beautiful to share with all!

...the countless times I am afforded the opportunity to witness the incredible beauty of nature, of life...and I give thanks and all the credit to Him!

Sweet Little Hummingbirds

2010-08-15T08:41:00.008-05:00

I feel so blessed! Hummingbirds are so illusive buzzing in and out like tiny helicopters through the air. Today there were 3 taking turns at the feeder. I have tried to capture their beauty before through photos, but can never usually "click" quick enough.

But today was my lucky day. Thank you God for your beautiful creations, and for allowing me to be able to photograph the moment...a gift that I will always treasure!

S.P.C.A.Calendar Photo Benefit Contest-Help Me Help Them

2010-07-10T09:29:00.005-05:00

Her name is "Pretty" This is "Joy"

And....who can forget the sweet and playful "Hope".

My three entries in the S.P.C.A. Benefit Calendar Photo Contest. Sweet sweet animals...all of them. You can vote for your favorites by becoming a fan of Amber Dawn Photography site. Next click on your favorite photo in the album and hit the "like" button underneath. Voting ends on Aug 16th at 10am EST. Best of luck to all entries...so many GREAT photos!

Pray for America-July 1, 2010

2010-06-28T19:17:00.004-05:00

Flora at Bonehead Studio is inviting us all to pray for America. ALL denominations, ALL religions, ALL people...EVERYONE...EVERYWHERE! WEDNESDAY, July 1, 2010---

8pm Eastern time

7pm Central time

3pm Pacific

5pm Mountain time.

God hear our Prayers!

Mexico-Yucatan Peninsula...ahhh...Cenotes, Flowers, Casa De Las Mariposas

2010-05-28T19:09:00.011-05:00

Gifts from God

2010-05-02T17:45:00.003-05:00

Feeling grateful for the many gifts that He gives. These are just a few from my backyard. ENJOY!

sNOw MuCH fUn!

2010-02-13T18:16:00.012-05:00

I made these snow kitties after one of the many snow storms we have had here in Virginia. We don't usually get a lot of snow in the South, but this year it has poured down. All together I think we have gotten around 52" of snow.

I have so enjoyed each snowfall. It's so pretty and fun to play in. I purchased an old inner tube tire to sled with, and it has worked well for me. The dogs love the snow too...running, playing and rolling in it.

Have a look at my snowy pictures taken right here at home in the quiet town of Montpelier.

The snow kitties were a first for me...I usually work with sand, but snow works too.

I used some Luma dyes (they don't make this brand anymore, but you can use Dr. Martins) to color them. The dyes are concentrated and water based so it only takes a few drops to get alot of color. I used an old window cleaner bottle as my sprayer.

Snow in Virginia, what a wonderful thing! The birds enjoy it too!

Help Haiti!

2010-01-14T15:07:00.006-05:00

I see so much dispair, anguish, and oppression in this photo from a Twitter taken from Mashable.com. I can't even imagine the grief and total desperation that the Haitian people and her communities feel at this moment. Can you imagine not being able to locate a family member after a crisis like this, or walking down a street in your town that is lined with dead?

This imagery is stunning, shocking and it permeates my mind.

Can I make a difference at all? What can I do?

What I will do.... with your help and with the help of others...

If you purchase any item from my shop at ZAZZLE http://www.zazzle.com/leslielovinlife (also see left hand side of blog for link), I WILL DONATE ALL PROFIT FROM ANY AND ALL SALES TO THE RESCUE AND RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HAITI. (I will keep this donation going until I achieve at least $100...hopefully more!)

I hope YOU will donate. You will receive my original photographs on a nice button, print, poster or card for doing so! Please donate if you can and THANK YOU if you do!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-17T21:18:00.004-05:00

December 2009

Merry Christmas to one and ALL!

To all of my friends/artists old and new... Please forgive my absence from this space...I have been dealing with a few health issues...pray for His guidance and direction of my care.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Summertime gifts...

2009-08-01T21:09:00.016-05:00

Backyard Butterflies

2009-07-14T20:07:00.004-05:00

Even though I have been absent from this space...I have been enjoying all the beauty that God has to offer.

In Honour of Mothers...

2009-05-10T17:12:00.005-05:00

I have to say...until becoming a Mom myself, I never really understood all that a Mother is. And I say THANK YOU!

Thanks MOM... For being my friend, for providing a HOME.

For all the LOVE that you give... not only to me but to others... children, family, animals, friends and those less fortunate.

For staying up late and waiting in line.

For always attending recitals, rehearsals and plays.

For putting me ahead of yourself.
For picking me up and for taking me HOME.

For letting me grow... make my own mistakes and loving me even more when I do.

THANK YOU MOM...for your support, LOVE and respect.

Mommies deserve to be honored today...they make the world a better place!

Spring flowers

2009-05-03T20:32:00.016-05:00

Spring is so beautiful this year.... these beauties are all from my yard!

Please forgive my absence from blogging...once warm weather hits...I'm outside. I will be taking some time away from blogging for a little while...but I will be back with more LOVE to share soon!

Making A Wish Come True for Alan

2009-04-08T20:18:00.019-05:00

I got a phone call on Wednesday afternoon from Dr. Matt Bitsko with ASK (Assistance Support Kindness). ASK is a non profit organization that provides financial, spiritual, social and emotional support for children with cancer and their families. Matt told me about Alan Hill who is the recipient of a room makeover from Make A Wish Foundation.

Alan's mother Laurie wanted Alan to have some special designs painted in his room. Alan aspires to become an entomologist (a branch of zoology that deals with insects) and loves bugs, all types, kinds, sizes and shapes.

So, on Saturday morning, I made my way to Alan's home. Alan is a wonderful 16 (soon to be 17) year old. He is smart and kind, and Alan has a pure zest for life.

Alan has been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor and has been in a tough battle with this relentless disease since 2005. Alan forges on. He does not feel sad or sorry for himself. He LOVES life!

So, after speaking with Alan and his Mom, we decided on several different bugs.

And a special request from Alan's Mom; "Can you paint Wayne Alan Hill, Jr. P.H.D., Entomologist on the wall?" Well of course. I painted each dragonfly, butterfly and beetle in its place.

It was such an honor to meet Alan and his family. It was such pleasure to be able to paint in Alan's room and to know how much he appreciated it. In fact, he told me so.

On Saturday, I learned something I've always known... A mother's love is GREATER than any love there is!

Happy Birthday Alan! Prayers and blessings are being sent your way!

Progress @ the Autism Clinic

2009-03-28T17:53:00.021-05:00

You remember my start for this mural... Anyway, I got ALOT done today.

What do you think about my creation today?

JOy

2009-03-22T20:37:00.002-05:00

Such A Sweet Face.......

This is Joy, one of my new puppies (previous post), she is so very sweet and loves affection, but she is also a preditor and a hunter through and through. I won't go in to details and spare you of her recent kill. Needless to say my world has been very interesting since the adoption of the 2 sisters.

Mural Beginnings for VCU Child Development/Autism Clinic

2009-03-08T13:28:00.011-05:00

The clinic is huge...probably 4500 sq. ft. at least. I started this 3 weeks ago before our big snow with the sun painting.

Yesterday I continued with the fish, waves, more color. This project will be on-going...could take months. There's alot of wall space. I'll update you on the progress.

I am also painting a train on 1 of the walls and haven't even started that yet!

Wish I had better photos...the flourecent lighting isn't so great for getting good pics! :)

It's Snowing & Snowing & Still Snowing in VA!

2009-03-01T20:07:00.016-05:00

It's been snowing since 1pm today! Yippeee, I love SNOW!

How do you like our snowman? Nice looking fellow, huh?

Let the snow continue through the NIGHT... Because tomorrow there will be more FUN in the snow :)

Hope & Joy...our new Additions

2009-02-25T20:38:00.012-05:00

Friday, February 20th started out like any other work day, but Friday changed everything for me...

As you can see, we have 2 new additions to our home. I received an email from my friend Simone. She volunteers a long with many other kind animal lovers to rescue animals. Emails are sent out weekly with photos of dogs and cats, all kinds, shapes, sizes, and ages. These wonderful animals are in shelters that are over capacity, and they are slated for euthanization. They are there either because they have been surrendered or they are strays.

The email I received contained a photo of these 2 sisters...surrendered by their owner and whose fate was certain death...euthanization at 5pm.

I responded at 4:30pm that I would adopt the 2 of them.

From there, volunteers worked out how they would transport the pups from South Carolina to Virginia. It took 3 different volunteer transports to get them to South Hill, Virginia where we met Elvis and Trish (also rescue volunteers) for the final leg of the trip.

Susan Ward and Tracy Morgan (and so many others) are instrumental in arranging the adoptions, rescuing the animals and sometimes taking them in until a permanent home can be found.

All of the volunteers are TRUE animal lovers and ask for nothing in return. They are overjoyed to bring these sweet souls to their new owners. I cannot say enough about how truly giving all of these folks are...of their time, energy, finances and efforts to find homes for these animals.

Jean Schnurr, also a volunteer of MAMA's (Mary Ann Morris Animal Society) coordinates the transports. In this particular rural area in S.C. their are little funds available to the shelter. They operate on an annual budget of $20,000 and rely on donations for all the rest of the money needed to feed, shelter, transport and care for these animals. If you would like to make a donation to help with their efforts please send to:

MAMAS

P. O. Box 1511

Bamberg, SC 29003

If you would like to adopt an animal, please send me an email and I will be happy to put you in touch with these folks.

Hope and Joy...that's what we named these 2 beautiful sisters...because Friday was THEIR day...filled with HOPE and JOY!

1-2-3 Dozen Red Roses

2009-02-16T19:16:00.006-05:00

Since Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday this year...my sweetheart was way ahead of the game and had this beautiful bouquet of 3 dozen gorgeous red roses delivered to my office on Thursday.

It made me very happy and put a big smile on my face. Needless to say, I got a lot of grief from the guys in my office...why so many flowers, what did you do to deserve all this?

I've got to say, I didn't do anything at all...my honey just knows how to make a girl feel special. And that I did...who gets 3 dozen flowers delivered? Not me...there is a first time for everything and I've got to say, I felt like a movie star! I love my sweetheart so very much!

This photo was taken at a slower speed and made the red look pink.

February 3, 2008~ A Snowy Virginia Morning At Home

2009-02-08T17:47:00.018-05:00

Angel Shortage

2009-02-06T21:36:00.019-05:00

I sent a package out today with these inside. Remember Chemo Angels? Of course you do! I know that many of you have become angels too.

I am Ted's angel. Marcia, Alex and Anderson are Ted's family.

I'm sending some LOVE their way! If you are able...please volunteer today to become someone's angel.

I learned on their website today that they are experiencing an angel shortage...and they need your help! Please volunteer today.

Random Photos

2009-02-01T11:25:00.012-05:00

I took a walk on a cold winter day around our house with my new camera...here are some shots.

Good Karma Sox & My OBGYN

2009-01-25T20:02:00.011-05:00

I debated about sharing the story of my day on January 22, 2009 at 3:15pm with you, but what the heck- all you ladies will be able to relate.

Let's go back to December 25, 2008. I received these socks from my daughter. At the top of the socks they say Good Karma and on the bottom...well you see, they have smiley faces.

On Thursday morning after I took my shower and in anticipation of my annual pap smear; I was so excited when I put these on.

I came up with the idea the night before, knowing that it must be somewhat of an unfullfilling duty that my obgyn does each day.

Imagine if you can...I'm on the table, stripped down with nothing on but a sheet and my socks...feet in the stirrups...my doctor talking about the upcoming examination and then..." Oh Leslie, I just noticed your socks...haha".

That's when I told her about my decision the night before...that I had thought about her job, the view she has and wearing my socks.

She had a big smile on her face and said that noone had ever done that before. She got a big kick out of it, and so did I. It made the exam all the better!

Luna~Moon~Mahina~Lune~Amar~ Mond~Tsuki

2009-01-22T00:04:00.030-05:00

One Moon... For Us All

I got an award...

2009-01-18T17:56:00.006-05:00

...Well, actually I received several and although I feel honored to have received these awards, I find that it is very time-consuming to do all that is necessary and comes with the acceptance of the awards.

But, I'm going to have a go at it here. I must say again, that I do feel very grateful for each one and the love in which they were given. I have met so many kind and loving people here in blogland that are very inspirational and accepting of me, my art and the things I believe are important in life.

Thank you to all of you who come to visit here and for all the lovely comments and kind words that you have offered me. I truly appreciate each one.

This post on awards will be my last...on awards that is... and if I am to receive others, I will kindly accept them and post them on my sidebar but I will not be able to participate in the challenge of posting each one and all that goes with doing this.

So, here goes...

Kreative Blogger Award-Thank you Lisa Cole at Seeing Stars. The rules...State 6 things you LOVE and pass the award on to 7 others.

I love my life

I love my God

I love flowers

I love my friends

I love my daughter & my fiance

I love to love

And I am passing this on to~ Amy at The Heart of a Seed, Vicki at Nollyposh, Sweetmango at Sweetmango, Belle at Fawty, Serena at Dream with the Fishes, Liz at Mad Bush Farm, Bindu at Transient Lives.

The Lovely Heart Award from Ronnie at Biddy Brain

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

And the award goes to: Alberta at Amusing Muses, Amy at The Heart of a Seed, Pink Dogwood, Painter Girl at Art & Life, Shelagh at Alice Loves Tea in Paris, Kimberly at Kimmi's Attic, Bev at Bev's Jewelry, Karin at Beyond Words, Viki at Nollyposh, LadyRoots at Voice of Jamaica, and Serena at Dream with the Fishes.

One Lovely Blog Award from Serena at Dream with the Fishes

The rules are as follows:

1. Add the logo to your blog.

2. Link to the person from whom you received this award.

3. Nominate 7 or more blogs.

4. Leave a message on their blog, letting them know they are “One Lovely Blog”!

And the award goes to: Renie at Renie Burghardt's World, Jacky at Art4Moi,
April Jarocka, Leslie at Hillbilly Heaven, Lakeland Jo at Life in Windermere, HippoChick at Pam's Ponderings, Marinella at Il posto del cuore, Cinzia atPistacchio e Nocciola, and Dzintra at Queen of the Armchair.

Ok, all done, hours later...and Thank you again for the awards, I'm honored!

Ted Art 2009-Chemo Angels

2009-01-14T20:46:00.012-05:00

Ok, so I told you all about Chemo Angels in a previous post. I was so excited that many of you left comments stating that you were signing up to be Chemo Angels too...it just warmed my heart!

I am sending this off tomorrow to Ted for whom I am a Chemo Angel.

Gods Love Protect Us...I got this idea from Bob Marley. In his song Positive Vibration (you can listen to it on my blog) he sings "Jah love, Jah love, protect us".

I often listen to Bob on my drive home from work. Yesterday was no different except the words really spoke to me.

So as soon as I arrived home, I took out my watercolors and completed this for Ted. I decided to change the word Jah to God. I hope Ted enjoys it and his spirit is lifted!

March of the Koi

2009-01-12T21:41:00.011-05:00

Ok, so I've been watching the koi in our fish pond for several years now. At one time there were only 3 and then one Spring there were 9. Before we actually noticed the 6 babies, several weeks before that there were lots of white, foamy spots-they sort of looked like spit-but apparently the foam spots had something to do with the fish spawning process-of which I know nothing about.When winter comes each year, I look at the pond and all the fish have gone down to the bottom in the middle where it is the deepest. They hibernate here all winter with very little movement...well except for when they all take turns moving toward the middle of the group.

It wasn't until after several winters of observation that I noticed how they all take turns having their time in the middle of the group. The outer fish move toward the middle and they all shift. I assume it is warmer in the middle...that's what I think anyway. They take their time about it and the movements are very slow. They're hibernating... we stopped feeding them as soon as the first cold day hit...and they don't want to eat either.

Here they dance and move, shifting and changing positions in the cold cold water. It's really quite amazing and beautiful to watch.

Seahorses

2009-01-08T20:58:00.006-05:00

I did this watercolor for my friend Brenda for Christmas this year. She has been very patient in waiting for me to paint something for her... you see; I have known Brenda for 30 years now.

We went to high school together and have been able to stay in touch throughout the years even though we haven't always had the daily kind of friendship that we have now. She has often asked if one day I would make some art for her.

Finally this year I surprised her with this watercolor. She specifically requested seahorses awhile back when I asked what kind of painting she would like and, she was thrilled to receive it. I had it framed for her so that she could hang it up right away.

She is a wonderful person, very caring, gentle and loving . She is also a single Mom to 4 boys. I am not sure how she manages to do everything that she does, and work full time too.

In a thank you card I received from her several days ago she wrote... "I am so grateful God blessed me with you as a true life long friend. You will never really know how much you mean to me." I was touched by her words and I am grateful to have a friend in Brenda too.

These photos of the watercolor aren't so great. I took them at work with an inexpensive digital camera after she opened the present. I'll have to make a trip to her house sometime soon with my new camera for round 2!

Sharing Christmas...New Year's

2009-01-04T20:15:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm excited to share some of my Christmas and New Year's pictures with you...with my new SLR Digital SONY 350K. (Thanks to my special honey :) for this fabulous Xmas gift)!

I am starting with Christmas~random shots...

~me with Santa sox on that I won in a gift swap~they have a furry cuff on the top and they're oh so warm-love 'em.

~Christmas was spent with family and friends...

~ grey and white kitty and Christmas paper

~my fabulous Tippy cat-she weighs in at 20lbs

Jackie (my gorgeous honey) and I rang in the New Year with my gf Amy and her hubby Phil in Colonial Williamsburg.

Back in October I donated a mural to a silent auction benefit and we bid on and won a week (12/31/08-1/6/09) to a resort in Williamsburg. We toured Jamestown while we were there and took a few strolls around town... my photo journey...

Ahhh...The gifts have been given

2008-12-28T09:57:00.009-05:00

I finally get to show you the collage I made for my daughter for Christmas. Because I became inspired by all of you folks who cut and paste, paint and draw the beautiful journal pages and colorful collages, I decided that I would make some collages too. I made two, one of which I shared in a previous post, and both made for the daughters in my life...Maria (my daughter) and Tabitha (my fiance's daughter). They are both lovely young ladies and in their early 20's. I wanted to do something special for them. A gift that they would have for a long time-something more meaningful than store bought gifts. I think they turned out well, what do you think?

Here are a few details of the Maria collage. I used oragami paper, magazines, watercolors, glue and a few sparkles. I included a quote on each collage that seemed perfect for that particular daughter. The words that I used on each collage were descriptive words-qualities that each of the young ladies has. I found a neat internet site where you could look up names and their meanings.

In case you didn't see the post of the collage I made for Tabitha...here are the photos of it again...

Joy To the World!

2008-12-24T10:03:00.005-05:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2: 1-14

Merry Christmas to you All and Blessings of Joy, Hope, and Peace today and Always!
Joy to the World...Christ is Born!

Leslie

Many Christmas postcards later...

2008-12-21T19:54:00.006-05:00

Here are some more postcards that I have been working on for presents. I've already given away 5 and whoops, I forgot to take photos of them~ oh well. So, here are 3 more ready to wrap. I've photographed them all together so you'll get a better idea of their size-they really are the size of postcards.

And here they are close-up. Wish the photos were better and showed all the sparkle that they have.

Soooo, if you're still hard at work in your studio, at your kitchen table or in your workshop~here's to you-we all deserve a round of applause!!!!!!

Christmas Give-Away

2008-12-18T11:53:00.005-05:00

My dear, dear friend Amy over at The Heart of A Seed, an absolutely wonderful and talented artist is having a Christmas Give-Away! Believe me when I say that her work is beautiful and any one should be so lucky to purchase, have or win one of her pieces. The angel above is a piece I purchased from her earlier this year and have it hanging in my living room year round-everyone needs an angel in their living room!

The portrait below is another piece she did. An oil painting of 2 of her children. I would liken her painting style to Mary Cassatt or Jesse Wilcox Smith. Her brush strokes are magical and she is an artist through and through.

Please visit her site and you can win one of her wonderful handmade ornaments by putting your name in the comment section. You'll be sorry if you miss out on this give-away!

LOVE YOUR LIFE

2008-12-17T13:29:00.009-05:00

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

Mother Teresa

Everyone is so busy getting ready for Christmas-I know I am. There seems hardly enough time to do everything before the big day.

And so I was thinking that we should all just stop for a moment with the hustle, bustle, hurry and rush and just remember...

Love Your Life

Love One Another

and Believe that you can make a difference, no matter how big or small in someone's life, in your own life, by spreading LOVE everywhere you go. It's easy to do, and it doesn't cost a thing...

Give someone a SMILE, or even a HUG and let them know that you care!

The print above is by artist Catherine Andrews

I am an Angel...

2008-12-12T13:59:00.022-05:00

Not Really! Here is a photo of my watercolor... Peace and Faith with 2 birds. I know the photo sucks, but here is what it's all about...

A while back I wrote a post on Chemo Angels, but when I went back to look through my old posts, it wasn't there anymore. I'm not sure what happened to it, but none the less, I'll tell you about it again.

Chemo angels is an organization that supports patients going through the cancer treatment process. Anyone can sign up to be a Chemo Angel. Your comittment will be to send a weekly letter a long with some little trinket, art, poem, or whatever you feel so inclined, to the person that is assigned to you. You will receive the person's name, a little bit about them, their family, and their interests through an email once you have signed up. It is your job to make sure that you lift them up and provide encouragement as they go through this difficult process.

My person is Ted, and he has stage 3 pancreatic cancer. He is having a tough time of it. He has a wife and 2 boys that are dealing with his illness too. I am leaving out the personal information to keep this confidential, but you will recieve the patients full name, address and any other relevant information that you might need in order to begin your angel journey.

The watercolor that I did last night for Ted is in the mail today. I ususally write a typed 1 page letter to send with my gift and I almost always include a prayer in closing. So far I have sent, 3 pieces of art, some mardi-gras beads, a jamaican woven bracelet, a small book of encouraging thoughts and prayers, some Halloween candy for the 2 boys, a Virginia is for Lovers bumper sticker, 3 Christmas ornaments...you get the idea. Each week I write about something different...things happening in my life with a focus on the positive.

I will not hear from Ted or his family unless they so choose, as it is not a requirement for the families when they sign up ( Can you imagine all that they are going through?). I do get emails from Chemo Angels and they give me updates on Ted's progress and sometimes notes are included in the email from his wife expressing her gratitude and appreciation to the angels and all they are doing to add joy to her life. I began this process in May and continue to send my weekly package.

So, if being an Angel is something you would like to do than just click the link in this post or on my side bar for Chemo Angels. You can be an angel too! It's a wonderful way to help someone feel good and it makes you feel good too!

Here is the 1st piece I did for Ted!

Thanks for signing up if you do! Help spread love and joy throughout the World!

All About LOVE

2008-12-09T21:33:00.006-05:00

Dear God:

The person reading this is beautiful, classy and strong and I love them. Help them to live their life to the fullest. Please promote them and their cause, help them to excel above their expectations. Help them shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love. Protect them at all times, lift them up when they need you the most and let them know when they walk with you, they will always be safe.

I Love You!

I received this beautiful prayer via email and I want to share it with all of you. Please feel free to pass it on to others and spread the love.

I also want to share this bible verse because Love is really what life is all about.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Oh, and one more thing...

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile.~Mother Theresa

My Attempt at Collaging-Another Christmas gift

2008-12-06T09:43:00.006-05:00

I have been inspired by so many. The beautiful collages and journals that embrace color, images, drawing, painting and design on the many blogs that I love to visit, well I'm impressed. Soooo, I decided to make my own collage (it's been since grade school that I used scissors and magazines to create art), and I had a great time creating this piece for a beautiful young lady for her Christmas prezzy!

I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it. Today I will create one more for another lovely young lady-another Christmas gift.

Yippee!!! I'm off to begin my day of creating. Joy of joys-I love to make art!

Wooden Christmas Postcards

2008-12-04T20:12:00.012-05:00

Full steam ahead on getting some Christmas presents completed.

I painted these last night. They are painted on small wooden plaques and remind me of postcards. I painted directly on the wood and I'm not sure that was the best idea-so next time I think I will try some gesso first and then do the painting.

You can't really see the sparkle they have, but I used a new glaze on them in certain spots and it really makes them shiny! They are very Christmasy-is that a word?

MERRY CHRISTMAS :)

All The Little Birds

2008-12-03T14:44:00.016-05:00

"Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them." Matthew 6:26

These 2 pics are of my desk at work (yes, this is how I earn a living) so that you can see my view each day. It's a perfect view for having to work inside crunching numbers all day on a computer. And because I am lucky enough to look right outside the window, I put a bird feeder there so that I could see all my little birdie friends all day long!

I quoted the verse above because it says so much about trust. If we just TRUST- All things will work out just as they are supposed to.

You see...the little birds outside my window don't know that I'll be filling up the feeder, yet they still come each day!

Firefly FUN

2008-11-29T08:50:00.009-05:00

Growing up in a small rural town back in the 70's, my family lived in an old farmhouse. My brother and I each had our own bedroom. Our house was set back off a winding road in the mountains of Virginia.

The stained wood floors creaked when you stepped on certain boards. There were all kinds of noises that the old house made on it's own.

My bedroom; upstairs, had a secret closet with hidden nooks and crannies. It was a wonderful room with large windows that stretched nearly ceiling to floor. The thick panes of glass had bubbles in them- a method of making glass from a time in the past. Inside the window casings were bricks and ropes that allowed the windows to be lowered and raised.

It was a nice room and a nice place to live. I was a lucky little girl to awaken to a view of mountains and trees from every window.

But when the sun went down and bed time was upon me, my room took on another dimension. It was BIG, DARK and SCARY to me. I imagined ghosts and witches hiding in my closet and under my bed. My room was the perfect spot for the "boogie man" to reside. There were no street lights to light up an outside view. I was scared and felt so small in my bedroom all alone.

On one particular Summer evening as I frolicked outside, I had a fantastic idea. I would collect fireflies, as many as I could possibly catch in the old mason jar my Mom let me use. I filled it up with the glowing creatures and secretly hid them away in my room.

After the bedtime stories were read and I was all tucked in for the night, I quietly tip toed to my hidden glowing treasure and opened the jar. Each wonderful glowing bug flew out into the room, flashing, glowing, flashing, glowing. I had finally found a way to overcome my fear of the dark.

So, here is the watercolor I painted to commemorate that wonderful glowing night in my bedroom where I was set free by the little night lights from above.

Colours For Children Christmas Give-Away-I NEED YOUR HELP!

2008-11-24T09:58:00.011-05:00

Sooooo, do you want to win some original Art? Well, here's your opportunity! I am proud to announce an Art give-away that starts today! COLOURS FOR CHILDREN CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAY. All you have to do is click on the hummingbird and you could win weekly prints and an original watercolor in the final week of the give-away!

All of this came about because of my LOVE for the island of Jamaica and her people! FOJ- or Friends of Jamaica is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities and medical care for the children of Jamaica.

I am a member of a message board called Negril.com. I was led to their site and have come to know many members. During one visit to the board I read about a benefit that was taking place in Illinois to help the children of Jamaica and I inquired if I could donate some art for the silent auction. This is how I came to know FOJ (Friends of Jamaica). Marcia, the director has done so much to raise awareness and raise contributions for the children of this third world country.

If you read some of my previous posts you will find out more about my connection to the island and how I try to make a small difference there!

And I have a SPECIAL FAVOR to ask of anyone that comes to my site... Would you please copy and paste the hummingbird at the top of this post with the link to the FOJ website and put it on your blog where it will be seen for the next 5 weeks? I need all the help I can get in trying to raise awareness and donations for the Jamaican children. You can enter the give-away too! A donation is not required in order to participate but for $5 you can get a really nice print or an original watercolor painting.

I would like to THANK YOU and THANK YOU again if you do put this on your site and PLEASE leave me a comment to let me know that you did. I appreciate your help with this!

Please enter as many times as you want! Remember the give-away is FREE to enter but you can also enter by making a $5 donation!

The Spirit of Christmas Continues...

2008-11-23T19:52:00.010-05:00

Here's another watercolor I completed last night!

And another from today... I'm calling this one " A Cardinal Day" ! What do you think?

I'm in the Spirit

2008-11-22T12:41:00.008-05:00

The digital camera I am using to photograph my Art isn't the best, but I'm hoping Santa might bring me a better one!

We'll see... Anyway, here are some recent watercolors that I have completed for Christmas so far!

More are on the way...

Well Wishes to Lady Roots-Voice from Jamaica

2008-11-19T12:39:00.006-05:00

I love my LadyRoots-my beautiful and soulful friend that lives on the island of Jamaica!

I have been traveling to Jamaica since 2000. I fell in love with the island and her people on my first trip there and continue to return year after year. There is something about Jamaica, her people, the music and the spirit of this place that touches my very soul.

Prior to my most recent trip (July 08), I was searching the Internet and was led to "Voice From Jamaica". As Lady Roots later reminded me this was not a chance encounter my stumbling across her blog, I think she said something like "The student is always led to the teacher."

I started to communicate with LR via email, asking questions and probing her for information. She was always gracious in her responses but was equally direct with them.

We actually got to know one another fairly well from these emails and felt comfortable in our Internet friendship.

Long story short, prior to my trip, we decided to meet while I was there. She lived nearly 5 hours away from where I would be staying and I had no transportation. She was willing to come to me so that we could meet. I was so excited about this and so was LR, even though our husbands were somewhat reserved about the idea. We (LR and I) both knew why; being cautious was most of it but, what it was more about was that neither had ever developed Internet friendships before and really couldn't get a grasp of that whole concept.

That didn't deter LR and I and we met on that beautiful day in July. We shared a meal together and a wonderful swim in the beautiful warm Caribbean.

During my visits to "Voice from Jamaica", I was amazed at all of the beaded creations that LR made. I stopped by my local beading shop and selected some beads to bring LR as a small gift for taking the time to talk to me and for believing in our destined friendship.

One day, I received this beautiful gift from LR-made from some of the beads that I had given to her. I was so amazed at the beauty of the gift but more importantly at the beauty of the giver.

Lady Roots is my soulful friend forever and I love her for her thoughts, beauty, inspiration and the very kindness she exudes in just being herself. As I write this, I would like for all of you, my friends, to say a prayer for LR as she has most recently broken her ankle and will require surgery next week. You can also visit her blog and lavish well wishes, love and prayers on her there!

"Bless up" as she says and "Heal up" as I will say now! LadyRoots-you sweet and lovely soul-my friend FOREVER! I LOVE YOU! xoxoxo

giRLS NiGHt

2008-11-18T19:20:00.002-05:00

And this is the cast of characters for our Girls Night 11/14/08.
We met after work and headed out to the country for the evening. My girlfriends-artists and women that I have known for 20+ years.

We had a wonderful meal, great conversation, a few brews and a lot of laughs.

After dinner we made some yummy coffee drinks and spent some time soaking in the hot tub.

It was an excellent evening together, just girls-fun, food, and friendship. An evening shared together as women, artists, sisters in LIFE.

Last Saturday-This Saturday-MURAL Progress!

2008-11-15T20:34:00.010-05:00

What Do You Think?

The Marie Antoinette Award

2008-11-13T21:38:00.011-05:00

The Marie-Antoinette -A Real Person, A Real Award

I'm so excited! My first blog AWARD- The Marie-Antoinette, A Real Person, A Real Award. It was bestowed upon me by Art Lover

I'm not really sure why I deserve this award other than I AM REAL and I always will be-shootin' straight from the heart with loads of LOVE!

So, the rules for winning the award are as follows:

1. Please put the logo on your blog

2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award

3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs

4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog

5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

And my 7 Awards go to:

1. My wonderful friend Amy-The Heart of A Seed-The best artist I know

2. LadyRoots-Voice from Jamaica-My soulful friend forever

3. Bev at Bev's Jewelry-A very sweet and kind jeweler

4. Faye at Blogging Women-An advocate for Women

5. Carolyn at The Wild Gypsy-An insightful passionate Artist

6. Pam Warden at Pam Warden Art-An inspirational & kind artist

7. Nolly Posh-A lover of life & Art

So, that's my list. Thanks to all of YOU for inspiring ME!

Ginkgo Biloba

2008-11-11T11:35:00.014-05:00

This is the wonderful BRIGHT YELLOW Ginkgo biloba tree outside the front door where I work. You can't tell by these photos just how bright yellow this tree is.

The Ginkgo biloba tree is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. What does that mean? Well, it is a living fossil. Some fossils of the ginkgo dating back 270 million years. Why? Because it is the only species within its group. For centuries it was thought to be extinct in the wild, but is now known to grow in at least 2 small areas in Eastern China. (Well, we have 1 right here in downtown Richmond, Virginia)

Ginkgos have a resistance to disease and have insect resistant wood giving them the ability to form aerial roots and sprouts making them very long lived trees-some specimens lasting for 2,500 years! WOW!

These trees are dioecious (separate sexes) some trees male and some female. This is a female tree just outside our front door. This tree produces seeds that are encapsulated inside a brownish fleshy outer covering. And get this-they SMELL absolutely horrible. You wouldn't believe it if I told you-they smell like dog poo!

As I mentioned, this tree is just outside the building where I work, and about this same time every year it produces its fruit. Folks walking by always step on the seeds causing them to burst and let out their terrible smell. Whenever this happens, the people look on the bottom of their shoes thinking they have stepped in a pile of poo, but NO, it's just the annual droppings from the ginkgo tree. Apparently these seeds have a chemical called butanoic acid (which is also found in rancid butter and feces) that causes them to smell this way. Poor ginkgo tree-no one really likes it because of the SMELL! Well, I do- like the tree that is, not the smell.

Every year our employees look up at the tree noticing its fruit that will be dropping soon and they dread it-the smell that is. We call it the doo doo ball tree-that's sad, isn't it? It really is a LOVELY tree in spite of itself!

Something else to note about the Ginkgo...the extract from the leaves contain flavonoid glycosides & terpenoids which are used as a memory and concentration enhancer. According to some studies Ginkgo can significantly improve attention in healthy individuals and the effect is almost immediate after intake. Ginkgo shows promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. *(all of this information taken from Wikipedia)

So, even though our Ginkgo is a very stinky tree. I still LOVE her just the same!

Beach Escape-Thomas Palliative Care Unit

2008-11-09T08:32:00.026-05:00

And this is how I started my day yesterday...with a very large blank wall-my canvas-where to begin?

The Thomas Palliative Care Unit located at MCV Medical Center Massey Cancer Center has a unique, home-like environment. There are volunteers throughout the unit and many more dedicated people making a difference for patients and their families struggling with cancer and the many effects it has, emotionally and physically.

I was provided with this great opportunity to paint "something beachy" in the family room. The unit had collectively decided on the theme. Let the painting begin...

I sketched a palm tree and a FLOWER on the wall and prepared my pallet. Ellie Coyne is the kind, calming and gracious lady that I initially met with to discuss the project. She is very much aware of ALL that is needed to restore the soul during one's battle with the "BIG C".

I also met 2 young college students, Salima & Tran (each studying and working toward medical school) volunteers; that give their time to make a difference on the unit. I could tell that they wanted to help paint the mural-and that they did, adding seashells, a sailboat and a starfish! Perfect!

I will return next Saturday to complete the beach escape. I hope that this gift will allow those coping with the difficult task of healing, an escape if only for a moment, to get away to another place that is peaceful, soothing and comforting.

Praise be to GOD who is the ultimate healer and allows each one of us to become an instrument in His grand world of LOVE!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE MASSEY CANCER CENTER... Please click on the yellow link, top left side on my site!

Victoria's Room

2008-11-06T10:35:00.009-05:00

This is Victoria's room, and is one of the first murals that I painted. It was so much fun to do! Her parents allowed me Artistic freedom but with a particular theme in mind. The wall colors were already in place. The division of the green and blue made a perfect line for me to paint directly on to-creating a border.

I enjoyed painting each flower, ladybug and butterfly.

The dandelions that blew through the air made this room especially whimsical and the dance of color, shape and detail transformed the blue and green walls into something quite magical!

I just LOVE painting murals and bringing life to an otherwise plain wall!

What A Wonderful Night!

2008-11-05T20:46:00.004-05:00

LeT tHe CeLeBraTions BeGiN aNd CoNtInUe FoR dEcADES to CoME!

AND THe Winner iS...

2008-11-04T23:14:00.012-05:00

THE WORLD, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE EARTH, THE ENVIRONMENT, MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN AND ALL PEOPLE EVERYWHERE, THE ENTIRE NATION UNITED TOGETHER, ALL CULTURES, ALL RACES INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hummingbird Complete

2008-11-02T20:38:00.007-05:00

The hummingbird is complete. What do you think? Can you tell a difference from the previous post?

I started 2 new watercolors-they're different than what I have been doing so I'm not sure I like them or not yet, and there's more work to do on both of them. More to come later...

Watercolor In Progress

2008-11-01T10:41:00.004-05:00

I am currently working on this watercolor. I started it last weekend and haven't had a chance to work on it more until now. I will complete it today and get started on a new one! I just love hummingbirds and of course FLOWERS always! I'll post the completed painting later.

Here are some details of the work in progress! Enjoy! I JUST LOVE MAKING ART!

Love Is Colorblind

2008-10-30T20:14:00.010-05:00

"In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love." --Marc Chagall

Spreading The Wealth

2008-10-28T09:50:00.007-05:00

"Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours."

...C.S. Lewis

I have debated on whether or not I should post anything at all that has to do with the upcoming presidential election. And I am still torn about it. However, I do feel that a CHANGE is what is needed in America.

When I think about "Spreading the Wealth", I think about giving and making a difference for others. I am interested in both of these ideas and I try to do my part.

The world needs more people who care for and about others. Americans need to care more about one another. Let's remember the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty...

"Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breath free; The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, Tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" ...Emma Lazarus

We have so much in this country to be thankful for, and so why not reach out and give to someone else who has less? Can you make a difference in someone's life? Why not start now?

Thoughts On Mom-A Flower of Life

2008-10-22T19:25:00.011-05:00

"And so, I believe, it is with your life: you are a flower, needed for a
moment and maybe nothing more. But in that moment, you make the
all-important difference. If you were not there, the day would not be the
same. You are important; you must believe that."
... Linda Hager
This quote that I took from my mother's book of poetry, Children Of The Mind, is part of a story that she told about picking a flower to take to a friend who was having a hard time. How, if the flower hadn't been there, she still would have visited the friend, but the flower added something more to the visit, something that she alone would not have been able to do.
At 58 years young, my Mom had accomplished so much. She was an author, a photographer, a journalist, a wife and mother to 2 children. She had been an advocate for women's rights, civil rights and a lobbyist at the Virginia General Assembly. She had been the editor of a small newspaper, a columnist, a reporter and a speaker. She published several children's books and wrote a play about the life of Jefferson Davis for which she was honored with a medal by the D.A.R. So many accomplishments for such a short lifetime.
So, after I picked up her book of poetry again recently, and read the words that I have quoted above, they rang so true for me. As if she had written those very words just for me. Because I believe now like she did then, that I am a flower and I am here to share with others, however brief, and I will make a difference.
I miss my Mom and I love her so much. I am thankful that she made such a difference for me and for each person that shared a moment with her.

Recent Watercolors

2008-10-19T15:51:00.006-05:00

I painted these flowers about 2 weeks ago.

The first photo is a detail of the original below it. The dimensions are about 5" x 12".

The next watercolor is about 5" x 10".

I must start working on some more soon!

School Supplies for Blueaurie Primary

2008-10-16T22:06:00.017-05:00

Basic school supplies that are plentiful in classrooms here in the United States are lacking in Jamaica's classrooms. Many children in Jamaica are unable to attend school because of the poverty that is prevalent throughout the country.

This week I packed a box with pencils, sharpeners, pens, flashcards, coloring books, crayons, history books, a doll baby, and a letter. I sent them on their way to Blueaurie Primary School, Friendship P. O., Jamaica. Almost all of the items were purchased at the dollar store.

My first hand written letter for Danielle (see previous post on Making a Difference... for reference) included a photo of me. I complimented her on her writing skills and encouraged her to always do her best in school. I described where I live and work and how important her education is.

Along with the school supplies I included a doll and some hair bands for Danielle. I want her to feel special and know that I care about her.

I am anxious for Blueaurie Primary to receive the supplies. It will take 10 days for the package to arrive. I am encouraged by Danielle's letter to me and I know that not only can I make a difference for her but for other children in Jamaica if even in a small way!

Making A Difference for Danielle

2008-10-11T22:18:00.021-05:00

The opportunity to make a difference for Danielle was all a part of His plan.

Months before my trip to Jamaica this past July, I was on a mission to sponsor a child to go to school. Even though attending school is offered to all children of Jamaica, you must have the means to purchase uniforms, books, supplies and school lunches that is required. Many families in Jamaica struggle to afford this very basic opportunity for their children.

All of my efforts through emails, message boards and even folks I had met on prior trips to Jamaica to send a child to school just weren't working out. At one point I thought I had finally found someone who could help me accomplish my goal, but in the end I resigned myself to the fact that on this particular trip, it just wasn't going to happen.

I wasn't giving up, but I had decided that if it was meant to be than, with time, it would happen. I had so hoped to arrange a meeting with the family and child that I would sponsor so that it would be a more personal experience for both of us.

Now I know why I couldn't make it happen! God already had a plan in place.

During our trip we had made arrangements to visit Mayfield Falls, a beautiful sanctuary of nature in the mountains of Jamaica. On the 2 hour drive to Mayfield, we passed through many small towns and rural areas that were absent of all modern influence.

Our driver, Patrick, noticed a lady standing on the side of the road and asked if we would mind if he gave her a ride. Because we had hired and paid Patrick for our transportation, our ride there and back was chartered. Essentially this meant Patrick was our private guide for the day. Clearly Patrick was a giving person and his genorosity was apparent in his desire to offer a "free" ride to this lady.

Paulette stepped into the van. She was well dressed and soft spoken. She informed us that she was walking (in 97 degree HOT sun) to a teacher's meeting at the Blauwearie Primary School and she very much appreciated the ride.

Paulette and I spoke, exchanged addresses and telephone numbers and made big plans. I explained my goal of sponsoring a child in Jamaica. Paulette had the perfect candidate... 7 year old Danielle. Danielle was a student in Paulette's class at Blauwearie Primary School, but was only able to attend school part time because, like so many families in Jamaica, her family was not able to afford all of the uniforms and books she needed to go on a full time basis.

Joy of joys-I could help her go to school everyday!

The letter and photo you see here I recently received from Danielle. In her letter, 7 year old Danielle writes... "I am in the 3rd grade. I would like to thank you for the kind gesture to assist me in going to school. I'll make the best of this opportunity and make you and my mother proud."

God really does work in mysterious ways. That hot hot day in Jamaica on a trip to the mountains proved just how glorious He is. How He has all the plans in His hands and how if we just trust Him, it will all work out.

I cried tears of joy in the van that afternoon when we dropped Paulette off at the school. I knew right then and there just how much God loves me and loves us All. He's always got our back and He always has our best intentions in mind!

Thanks be to God for all of the blessings that he provides!

Natural Things

2008-10-09T20:09:00.015-05:00

Nature is all around us. If we just STOP and take a look.

Throughout our daily lives we are offered so many natural and beautiful things. How is it that we don't see them?

Taking time to observe, watch and notice nature is quiet and reflective.

A child notices natural things right away. Why? Because they take the time to. As adults we get so caught up in life and living that we fail to notice the natural things.

...And they are provided to us all daily; free of charge, free of stress, and waiting there for us to notice.

Take the time today to look, notice, watch and observe. You'll be surprised just how much you will see and how wonderful you will feel once you do!

Muralistic-Giving And Receiving

2008-10-03T08:22:00.026-05:00

Making art is a Passion. Not only does it allow me to express myself; it also allows me to share with others.

During my college years when I was learning all about Art; painting, drawing, design, and color; it was all about me! I believed that I would paint and draw, and this is how I would earn my living. People would purchase my Art and in turn I would earn money and be noticed in the Art world. It was all about me!

Now that I am older and have learned quite a bit about life and living; I know that my art is a gift. A gift that I am blessed to have, one that I must share with others. This talent I have is not for me or about me. It was not given to me so that I can boast about it or receive recognition. It wasn't even given to me so that I could earn a buck. My gift is truly that. A Gift! One that I must use not for my benefit but for the benefit of others.

Recently I have come to this realization. Once it took hold, I learned exaclty how my gift can benefit and help others. A million opportunities to share my gift have suddenly presented themselves to me. What a wonderful thing! The cards and flyers contained here were designed and printed by Andy Thompson at Keith Fabry Reprographic Solutions. This will allow me to share my gift with others by being able to pass on my information.

This week I met with Ellie Coyne with the Pallative Care unit/Massey Cancer Center at the Medical College of Virginia who has great plans to utilize my gift in her unit. I am donating wall murals and art that will dance on the walls and allow others to receive the gift that has been bestowed on me. And for that I am truly grateful. I truly am lovin' life!

More Lovin' Life - Neptune Festival

2008-10-01T19:09:00.012-05:00

L I V E

L O V E

L E A R N

SHARE

L O V E
G R O W

G I V E L A U G H L O V E

E N J O Y THANK

C A R E

L O V E

S M I L E

L O V E

Neptune Festival 2008-Sand Sculpture!

2008-09-30T20:07:00.032-05:00

Virginia Beach hosted the 35th Annual Neptune Festival, featuring the East Coast Sand Sculpture contest September 26-28th.

Last year was my first time attending the festival. There is something for everyone. The boardwalk comes alive and is lined with arts and crafts of all kinds. There is live music playing all day and into the night-beach music, blues, reggae, country, disco-all kinds of music. There is a carnival with a ferris wheel and a big slide for kids. There is food and drink and there is the sand sculpting competition.

There are different divisions in the sand sculpting contest. Masters/professionals that compete for cash prizes. Sand sculptors from all over the world. They also have a division for amateurs-freelance and business.

This year I made up my mind that I was going to enter and compete in the freelance division. I was doing it for fun and to overcome a fear. I asked my best friend Amy if she would help. Of course she would and she did. Our theme... Virginia is for Cat Lovers. She would carve out the letters and I would work on making sand cats everywhere. The competition started at 8am on Sunday-an alarm signaling to all participants to begin. We had 6 hours to complete the sculpture and we finished up at 1:23pm-just a tad ahead of the 2pm deadline.

We had so much fun making the sculpture, learning and pushing our limits, working together and all the while folks strolling past asking questions, taking pictures, and admiring our efforts.

The whole weekend was a blast. Saturday morning started with the Neptune parade and later that night a spectacular fireworks display. We all had so much fun and were loving life for sure!

Children's Murals

2008-09-27T07:09:00.022-05:00

I love to paint on the walls of children's rooms! This particular mural was done for twin baby girls. It was my gift to the new Mom to be who was carrying twins. I started and finished it before the baby girls arrived.

I am usually able to complete a mural like this one in the course of a weekend. I try to get started early on a Saturday and depending on the detail and size of the room, I am able to complete it once Sunday evening hits.

I start by doing a pencil drawing on each wall. From there I mix the colors I will be working with and I begin to paint 1 color at a time all over the room. For this room I was given the color palette to work with and the design. This design came directly from the bedding, curtains and general theme that the Mom had already selected for her twin girl's room.

I enjoyed painting this mural and although the theme was already in place, I was given the freedom to paint and draw as I wanted. The twins are now 2 years old. They wake, sleep and play with FLOWERS dancing on their walls.

More Watercolors

2008-09-23T20:07:00.012-05:00

I'm really enjoying working with watercolors. I like the way I can manipulate the color. And so, more flowers for me-they make me happy! Most of these pieces were donated to non-profits except for the daffodills- a present for a special Mom for her birthday.

This month I have donated to Friends of Jamaica (helping children, schools and communities in Jamaica, Last Kiss of Summer (benefiting battered women), and St. Frances Home for Adults.

I hope to donate even more art in the coming months.

Watercolors

2008-09-15T19:57:00.014-05:00

I have been working with watercolors lately.

Painting with watercolors is new to me. Of course my subject is FLOWERS-I just can't help it! They are a part of my life and I love each and every one that I see. God's creations are so beautiful.

The digital camera that I am using doesn't quite capture the color, but for now this is what I have. The second photo is a detail of the painting above.

I painted these flowers on 9/11/08, and the next day I gave them to a friend for her birthday.

Precious Gift

2008-09-12T14:47:00.010-05:00

Children are gifts from God. This is my precious gift, Maria. She is the greatest gift I have ever received. She is such a beautiful person, and I am so thankful for her. I never knew that I was capable of loving one person so much. It's really quite amazing!

She will always be my baby, and I will always be her Ma. We have a special bond that endures all of life's tests and even our own. Being a Mom is the hardest job I have ever had in my life. There could never be a book written or words to explain what being a Mom is all about.

A Mom must be self-less at times, providing patience, guidance, encouragement, attention, respect, courage, discipline, kindness, understanding, caring, consideration, and as much as is humanly possible-unconditional love.

I love my Maria, she is my heart!

"Quotes From Women"

2008-09-04T20:10:00.008-05:00

"Who so loves, believes the impossible."

...Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

...Helen Keller

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand."

...Mother Theresa

"Nobody sees a flower really, it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time – like to have a friend takes time."

...Georgia O'Keeffe

"To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage."

...Georgia O'Keeffe

"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances."

...Martha Washington

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature."

...Helen Keller

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be."

...Grandma Moses

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."

...Eleanor Roosevelt

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live now."

...Joan Baez

"Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."

...Sister Corita Kent

"We can only learn to love by loving."

...Iris Murdoch

"If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people."

...Virginia Woolf

"Where there is great love there are always miracles."

...Willa Cather

All Creatures Great and Small

2008-09-03T21:52:00.027-05:00

I am constantly amazed by God's creations! I am an artist and I know that I have a vivid imagination, but I can't even begin to imagine how He came up with all of the different creatures on our earth.

Not only are they Great and Small, they come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, textures and designs.

Just imagine how much fun it would be to create a bird, a cat or a butterfly. In addition to creating each creature to be unique; he created the process for how each one will come to be, how they will behave, live, grow and die.

Each creature an integral part of the next. Each creature living, breathing, dying and giving birth to new life.

I can only imagine painting black and white stripes on a horse to create a Zebra, deciding that a caterpillar in its early somewhat dull colorless form will metamorphosis into a beautiful, fragile and dazzling Butterfly. What about the creatures that blend in to their environment and we barely notice they are there?

Just in case you weren't quite sure... the photos above were taken at the Aquarium in New Orleans and are in order... the foot and eye of an albino crocodile, the face of a stingray sucking on the side of the tank, the body of the albino croc., and down below, a very colorful jellyfish!

God truly is amazing in all of His glory, wonder and creativity! I am grateful that He has given us all so much to be thankful for.

And we too are all part of
His creation-Great and Small!

City Of New Orleans

2008-09-02T14:39:00.016-05:00

The City of New Orleans is a place like no other. If you have a chance to go, it will be an experience you'll never forget. It's almost like being in another country; especially on Bourbon Street. The shops, sights and sounds will tempt, tease and delight. Live music rolls out of open bars with each step you take. Rock, blues, funk, soul, zydeco and more-it's all there!

Culinary delights abound as well. Crayfish, gumbo, red beans and rice, oysters, shrimp, po-boys, mufelatta sandwiches, etoufee, jambalaya, not to mention cafe au laite with beignets at the world famous Cafe Du Monde.

A stroll down the French Quarter and French market-a living breathing work of art, the Warehouse district, Uptown and the Riverwalk. Walking about and looking down side streets-each one unique with it's vines and ironwork, colors, decorative plants and flowers. It's like walking through many paintings at one time.

Hurricane Gustav cut our trip short, but we had 3 good days in NOLA filled with sights, sounds, food, drink and fun!

Hand Carved Haile Selassie Bowl

2008-08-25T19:25:00.025-05:00

I purchased this piece in Jamaica. Well of course! It was being used as a bowl to eat from by a local Rastafarian artist. I looked through his small shop at all of his wares. He was a wood carver and had many pieces to choose from.

I kept coming back to the bowl and finally, I asked if I could buy it. He hesitated. He was utilizing the bowl and he liked it a lot. It was one of his prized pieces. Hand carved on the outside of the bowl was a portrait of His Majesty the Emperor of Ethopia-Haile Selassie I. I was amazed at the detail and equally amazed at how the portrait was achieved on a round object.

We spoke for a while and later he agreed to sell it to me. I know it was hard for him to part with it because I have felt this way before about certain pieces that I have created. I have it hanging on my living room wall and I must confess, I've never used it to eat from.

Amy's Angels

2008-08-24T07:47:00.005-05:00

Angels are all around us. They come in so many forms. There are people in our lives that we consider to be angels. I also know of Angel animals and saints that are angels. We see angels in art and hear angels in music.

Angels watch over us and they protect us. I like to think of them as our Lord's helpers.

Angels are so beautiful and graceful. They almost take on a magical quality. Throughout my life I have experienced friends that I would call "Angels". The compassion and caring that they have shown to me and others can be likened to an angel. I suppose they are earthly angels.

"Morning Glory", the angel above, is a beautiful and magical painting that I recently purchased. The photo really doesn't do it justice. The peace and warmth that comes from this angel amazes me!

My life long friend, Amy, is the artist that paints these wonderful angels. Her art is amazing! She is so very talented and it shows in each piece that she creates. Please visit her site where you can see all of her wonderful work and make one of her angels your very own.

Loving Our Animals

2008-08-23T13:39:00.015-05:00

My kitties are such an important part of my life. I love them both so much. My older kitty, Tippy (calico with white) was rescued from the local SPCA. She was just a kitten when I got her and was the only kitten left from her litter. For some reason no one wanted her. Maybe because she looked "different" than the others. We named her Tippy because of the two white tips on the top of her ears. She is a sweetheart and has a very unique personality, as all kitties do.

My other kitty, Patience (calico with black) was given to me by my dear friend Amy.

At Amy's home she was one of several kitties and she craved love and attention all of the time. She just couldn't get enough so she whined and cried alot. When she arrived at our home we changed her name to Patience from whatever it was before (her previous name escapes me) because we knew that we would need to have "patience" in order to tolerate her constant demand for attention.

When she first arrived, I understood what Amy meant. We loved her, patted her and talked to her and after some time she became content that she was receiving just the right amount of attention and soon stopped with her whining ways.

Animals, like humans, need love and affection. They are just as happy to provide us with the same. I love my kitties and really couldn't imagine my life without them.

Flowers in my Art

2008-08-21T19:16:00.023-05:00

I love flowers so much. I've said this before already. I'm so excited about the flower possibilities I have coming up. Here is the most recent flower art I have made. The Ted painting is one I did for a buddy I am sponsoring on http://www.chemoangels.net/. Check it out, you too can become a chemo angel.

Before the Ted painting I did Catcha Falling Star for the resort where I stayed in Jamaica on my last trip there. If you ever get a chance to go there-you'll be happy you did.

Two of my favorite things...

F
L
O
W
E
R
S

&

S
U
N
S
E
T
S

Passing of a Flower

2008-08-20T19:50:00.006-05:00

Today I learned that LeRoi Moore ,the saxaphone player with the DMB, has passed away. So sad, such a young person-1961-the year I was born. I went to Jr. High School with LeRoi and got to know him through marching band class as I too played a woodwind instrument.

I have not kept in touch with him over the years but have become and will continue to be a big fan of DMB. I have been to many of the band's concert tours and I enjoy so much of their music.

Thanks for the great music LeRoi and God be with you, your family, friends and the DMB.

Flowers in my Blog

2008-08-19T20:13:00.012-05:00

In my travels I have been drawn to the island of Jamaica. It is a place where I feel free, where I learn the simplicity of life and where I nourish my soul. I continue to go to Jamaica year after year because I feel so connected to this special place.
I am also a member of a message board where others who love Jamaica-(Negril, Jamaica in particular), come to share their thoughts and experiences, ask questions, plan trips, share pictures and learn about the island.
The flower photos on my blog were taken from my list trip there in July. I have provided a link so that you can visit the board. This particular link is to a post that I made and you can view more photos from my trip. You will see others comments about my post in the link:http://www.negril.com/discus/messages/103/141291.html?1217433285 Keep scrolling down on the page and you can view all of the photos that I posted there. My posting name is irievibes123. More about that another time...

Thankful and Grateful

2008-08-18T14:15:00.005-05:00

I must say to all that read this that I am thankful and grateful to God for always providing for me and never putting a load on me so heavy that I can't carry it.

I have so much to be thankful for... a good job, a nice home-so beautiful peaceful and private, for my fiance, my daughter and my friends, for the love that they give me, for my eyes so that I can see the beauty that God has created, for my health and ability to take care of myself each day, for my kitties-Patience and Tippy, for memories of my Mom, for giving me a heart that LOVES others and is open to learning and sharing, for all the wonderful birds of nature-most especially for the hummingbirds that come to my feeders each day, for laughter, tears, sadness, frustration, humility, honesty and for the unconditional love that I feel from Him. For all of this and more I am thankful!

Thanks be to God whose never ending love, peace and understanding lights my path of life and shows me that LOVE is what it's all about!

Flowers

2008-08-17T11:14:00.001-05:00

I love flowers. Who doesn't? They are a perfect creation of beauty. They live and die during their brief cycle of beauty; all the while they provide us with vibrant color, bold design, effortless beauty and perfection.

Flowers are universal. Flowers can be given as tokens of affection. They can be given to those who are grieving, to celebrate the union of two people, to beautify an environment or to add color to a space. They are painted, drawn, cut, planted, dried and displayed in so many different places including gardens, landscapes, restaurants, hotels, homes, cars- inside and out. They truly are universal in so many ways.

In my travels through life I have always noticed and loved flowers. In my colorful imagination I have decided to be a flower when I complete my human life cycle. Inside my seed, I will push up through the earth, stretch and grow, reach and burst into a bloom and I will provide beauty to my surroundings and those who notice that I am.