Peace and This One-Trick-Pony

A gathering of artists inside eBay toss out a blog topic each week - this week it is “Peace” … I am trying to exist there continually.
Peace…

A very, very cool place indeed…
We can either visit or take it up as a permanent address…

"One Trick Pony"
By MERCY ME

I'm a one trick pony, if you will. I got a one track mind with a heart that's real. And don't forget I've got tunnel vision for something much bigger than superstition. Call me hard headed for the One that changed me. Say what you will, it will not phase me. No need for anything up my sleeve. There's just one thing that I'll ever need.

You are my one and only. You are my one and only... Oh, I'm a one trick pony.

If I hear just one more time that I should try and be more open-minded - I think I just might scream. The world says this is all there is...Yet I believe the One who says there's life after this. Now tell me how much more open can my mind be?

You are my one and only. You are my one and only...Oh, I'm a one trick pony

Colossians 3:14-16
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

~ colored pencil on canvas ~

Peace is much like joy - is a state of being regardless of circumstance. I can be sad, yet still exist in joy. I can be upset, yet still know peace. These are solid assurances I have in knowing who I am, where I am going, and that I am completely forgiven in spite of who I am. It isn’t about me, it is about Him.

… because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7:24-28

Featured Art (available on eBay) - see my link on the upper left of this page - thank~you
~ Joy in the journey,
Katey-D
Psalm 103

~*~PRaY ~*~

IF YOU PRAY FOR ME
If you pray for me, tell the Lord I need him, I need to know he hears my prayers and that he cares for me
If you pray for me, tell Lord that I love him, Even though it's hard sometimes for me to see the light
Lately I have faced the darkest places I have ever knownWell I hate to say it, lost my way found myself alone'Cause I forgot that I have friends like youOh, who know just where to go
So, if you pray for me, tell the Lord I need himI need to know he hears my prayers and that he cares for me
Oh, I guess I've tried to hide this lonliness I'm so afraid to come around here'Cause you might see right through me, yeahYou know my heart feels like an empty nestA little help and understanding is what I'm so ready forDon't let this hard expression fool ya anymore
If you pray for me, oh, If you pray, pray for me
If you pray for me, tell Lord that I love him,Even though it's hard sometimes for me to see the light
So if you pray for me ... If you pray for meTell the Lord I need him, need him ... Tell the Lord I love himI need to know he cares and that he hears my prayersAnd that he cares for me"
(song lyrics quoted: by BRYAN DUNCAN)








WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE PRAY
"Trouble knockin' on your window pane, stormy weather at your door. And the outlook for the day ahead like the day before. People tell you prayin' changes things, but the words don't stop the fear. A prayer is only pious rambling without the Father's ear. He will not turn away when His people pray. When God's people pray, and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracle's you can't explain away. When God' people pray...Hopeless situation turns around, dilemma passes by and by. Look, there's a never-ending field of blue past your clouded sky. He alone can know the need in me before a single word begins; The Holy Spirit intercedes for me. I will trust in Him! No, He will not turn away when His people pray. When God's people pray, and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracles you can't explain away. (When God's people pray!)When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracles you cannot explain a wayWhen God's people pray and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's People pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven"
(song lyrics quoted: by Wayne Watson)





Be Still and Know That He is God
" Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is holy.Be still, O restless soul of mine. Bow before the Prince of peace.Let the noise and clamor ceaseBe still Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is faithful.Consider all that he has done. Stand in awe and be amazed.And know that He will never changeBe still Be still and know that he is God. Be still and know he is our Father.Come rest your head upon his breast.
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of loveBeating for His little ones. Calling each of us to comeBe still "

(song lyrics quoted: by Steven Curtis Chapman)









I have recently returned to a favorite creative outlet - altering real dominoes into wearable art. I have made dozens and dozens of necklaces (and have many in the studio at the moment in various stages of the process). Currently at auction (and later available in my eBay store) are these DOMINO BROOCHES. This is a series on prayer.



Please visit me on eBay for more information about my affordable domino jewelry ~ thanks

joy in the journey,
katey-D

~starting at only 9.98 while at live auction!!!!~

A KeePeR of the DooR

"I dreamed I saw my name in lights and spoke Your Word for all to hear. I dreamed my name was recognized by people far and people near. But I have come to understand like David long ago, that humble service in Your house is still the greatest dream a heart can hold. Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door. My heart is only longing to see forever more. The glory of Your presence; the dwelling of the Lord. Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door.
The One who was no less than God, took on the flesh of lowly men. And came to wash the feet of clay because it was Your holy plan. And I, no greater than my King would ever seek a place of humble service in Your house to gaze into the light that is Your face.
Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door. My heart is only longing to see forever more. The glory of Your presence; the dwelling of the LordOh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door" (by Twila Paris)

~~ This ART is on eBay right now (the week of April 20th) starting bid 99 cents! ~~

http://stores.ebay.com/Blueyeduck-FOLK-ART-PAiNTiNG-ETC_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZQ2d1QQftidZ2QQtZkm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A dear sister-friend ~ see her art here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZthecreatorspalette shared this Oswald Chambers quote with me today (see below) - perfect timing as I have been wrestling with this very thing and needed the encouragement ... (don't you love when that happens?)

~joy in the journey,

katey-D

(a super loving special hello to Nicole & prayers for good health for her & the entire family xo)

"Our Lord's first obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of men; the saving of men was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father.If I am devoted to humanity only, I will soon be exhausted and come to the place where my love will falter; but if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity though men treat me as a door-mat. The secret of a disciples life is devotion to Jesus Christ."

FiSH & FRiENDS

This is a simple salute to friends - though friends are not a simple event in our lives! My best friends are my men: my hub & sons! I have many fabulous art friends who pick me up and inspire me with their own struggles and giving spirits. My Church friends who are far and wide - are living lives that teach and bring light to my life.

A COLLABORATION of CREATIVY

among FRIENDS

Several of the immensely talented artists in studio33* have, over the last year, worked on some small collaborative pieces. I cannot tell you the incredible -almost holy - experience it is to touch and work on someone else’s art!

* see the sidebar to visit studio33

Here is a delightful ATC Artist Trading Card sized piece that I collaborated on with the nationally renowned artist Amy Weber (orion713 on eBay).
Artist Trading Cards are baseball card sized art that are traded among artists. Their counterpart, the ACEO, are a version that gets sold.
This ACEO is ‘mechanical” and has moveable parts (the jumping fish).
(ACEO = Art Cards, Editions, Orignals. Always 2.5" x 3.5")

Amy created this wonderful red panda on a branch in her signature style of intricate detail and superior watercolor technique. I was completely intimidated. Out of a need to not actually paint ON her work, I devised a plan to layer my own work onto hers and create a mechanical toy of sorts. I enjoy creating mechanical pieces and have done several (I will showcase those another time). It was the perfect solution to my intimidation response! I created three separate layers as shown above.

WATCH THE FISH JUMP!

~currently available in my eBay store~

" Ooh you make me live…whatever this world can give to me. It's you you're all I see - Ooo you make me live now honey. Ooo you make me live! Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had. I've been with you such a long time. You're my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true, I really love you - Oh you're my best friend. Ooo you make me live. Ooh I've been wandering round, but I still come back to youIn rain or shine, you've stood by me, girl. I'm happy at home. You're my best friend. Ooo you make me live!

Whenever this world is cruel to me. I got you to help me forgive. Ooo you make me live now honey. Ooo you make me live! You're the first one when things turn out bad, you know I'll never be lonely. You're my only one. And I love the things…I really love the things that you do. You're my best friend. Ooo you make me live! I'm happy at home. You're my best friend.

Oh , Oh you're my best friend "

~Queen~

As part of the two-way effort of the above collaboration which I finished - in the one below, I created the large lower fish head and Amy finished the piece… adding tiny fish, the crab & the gorgeous blue water. This piece is sold.

UnHappy Anniversary

Memorials & Memories…

I would be remiss to not quietly acknowledge that each of us has been touched in some way during this week of deep sorrow and unspeakable pain. We collectively add Virginia Tech to other such grief-laden words like Oklahoma City and Columbine.

Evil is NOT the opposite of God.

Evil is the ABSENCE of God.

When you find yourself saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, remember that removing God and closing the doors to His presence invites evil.

Still - He seeks us and waits for us, and loves us…

FORGIVES US...

As small children, He is our superhero … as troubled teens He is a secret friend… As new parents He holds us when we struggle. And when we are ready to leave this life He is there to comfort & keep us…

~joy still,

katey

I Am

(by Nichole Nordeman 2002 Ariose Music)

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall

You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed.

You watched my team win, and watched my team lose

Watched when my bicycle went down again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Elbow Healer, Superhero, come if you can

You said, I Am

Only sixteen, life is so mean

What kind of curfew is at 10 pm?

You saw my mistakes and watched my heart break

Heard when I swore I'd never love again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper, be my best friend

You said, I Am

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight

I said 'forever' to what lies ahead

Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream

Too much it might seem when it is 2 am.

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

Oh, Shepherd Savior, Pasture Maker, hold on to my hand

You said, I Am

The winds of change and circumstance

Blow in and all around us

So we find a foothold that's familiar

And bless the moments that we feel you nearer

When life had begun I was woven and spun

You let the angels dance around the throne

Who can say when, but they'll dance again

When I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak, still I will call You by name

Creator, Maker, Life SustainerComforter, Healer, My Redeemer

Lord and King, Beginning and the End

I Am, I Am

Featured Art: original Domino Pendants by Katey-D

INSPiRaTiON

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

~Charles Spurgeon

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Many of the artists who gather in special, small groups on eBay to support one another are a community like no other. They are chosen family. I have chosen them, and to my great delight, they have chosen me. Oh, we have our odd ‘uncles’ and wacky ‘aunts’, but we are caring and understanding and the support is quite comforting.

Several of the more ‘with it’ artists blog more regularly than I do. Many of them have my blog linked on their blogs (something I will reciprocate soon - I promise!).

***

Each week they blog one entry with a theme.

This week it is ‘inspiration‘.

I skipped right over the theme of “organization” (ha ha ha).

INSPIRATION

All my inspiration is spiritually motivated...at least I think it is... Really, I do!

This morning... Easter morning… I was at church an hour early as another family member had technical commitments that took all of us there extra early. We drove in one vehicle since there happened to be an odd snow storm this lovely Resurrection morn!
I sat with my drawing paper and pencil and got lost in the music in my head. I draw when I worship and pray (if I am able - which rarely happens in church by the way [the drawing part that is!] - but as I said, I was early). The church band was practicing, but I had my own tunes playing in my head…

I was thinking about what an incredibly tough few months it has been with what has seemed like a barrage of continual insults and arrows aimed at my heart or the heart of my sons (which is the same as my heart to me)…
We have become something like a family walking around with our skin burned off so that even comforting one another hurts and can cause the other one pain. So, where is my inspiration in such a time?

Often it is in music, and the promises I already have hidden in my heart. AND, I am reminded: it is in FORGIVENESS.

Recently I revisited an old album by Steve Camp -- particularly the song : Forgive Me Forgive You.

I have been thinking of this CD lately while I draw and pray...and when I am driving....although I ALWAYS sing & pray while I make art... and well, also when I drive!

When I searched for the lyrics online (so as not to have to sing and type at the same time from memory) - I came across Steve Camp’s blog with a wonderful teaching on the Resurrection by John MacArthur…

An inspirational find! I needed these good, solid promises today. No sugar water & no tap dancing… just solid food and a full orchestra.

Inspiration can happen at any moment.

http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/

Domino Collage Pendants

I have been reminded again (and again, and again) this Easter of the indescribable gift given to me - that all I have ever done (or will do) is forgiven (and there is nothing I have done to deserve such a gift - yet, there it is - right there, for ME)… [[and YOU too]]

So, how willing do I need to be to forgive those who offend me?

No matter if they ever change?

That is not the question… the question is do I forgive anyway?
I have been forgiven more than I will ever need to forgive.

“I don’t know if I can forget… All the pain that you caused me. How do I deal with this bitterness that lies deep inside of me? To turn the other cheek is so hard, when the other cheek is already bruised. I want to be whole again (I’m so tired of feeling used). Forgive me, forgive you. Forgive the hurt that we put each other through. I know the Lord can heal the deepest wounds - but He begins with: forgive me, forgive you.
Love must be tender. Love must be strong to make it through the storm. We can’t trust in our feelings - we must stand in the Lord. For love is a choice that we make. A vow of our wills - forever to take… (I’m tired of hurting you - for hurting me) so I humbly come to you (yes, I come to you) Forgive me, forgive you…forgive the hurt that we put each other through…” *Lyrics by Steve Camp ...typed while singing from memory afterall !

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working on it...

trusting...

joy in the journey regardless of the circumstance...

~ katey

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I must post script this entire 'post' as I post script the entire day - with one of my LIFE SONGS:

Take My Heart ~ by Phil Joel

(from THE most EXCELLENT CD: Bring it on)

***********************************************

Today’s another day. Let’s forget about yesterday. Tomorrow’s another wayto distract us from now. So here we are. The day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride!

Take my heart! Take it all! I lay my life down at Your feet ‘cause I want what You want for me. Take my heart. Take it all.

Today’s another day. This tomorrow’s yesterday is now. We’re only one breath away from it all falling down. So, let’s scatter those dreams. The ashes of our own opinions! Here’s to good health, selfish ambition - creates our own custom religion. I’m so tired of myself.

Here we are the day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride.

Bring it on! Bring it on! Oh, Lord, I want what You want for me. Whatever it takes. Whatever You want - Bring it on!

SiMPLy BLuE...

TuSCaNy SKiES...

I was struck by an unusual color in the sky in March. It was an intense blue not often seen in the Great Lakes region this time of year… it was Tuscan Blue. It was amazing to think it had been hiding behind the gray all along.

I was so motivated that while I was hanging out on a small wood step stool at Border’s Books, I started looking at travel guides on Tuscany to look for more of this magnificent blue. While my son searched high and low for more books worthy of reading, (he inhales them like air) I inhaled images of Tuscany.

When we got home I decided to create my own naïve view of Tuscany and the elements my eye found the most lovely… the blue sky, yes, but the terra cotta roof lines and the antiqued and aged mustards of all the stucco walls…

It is simple… it is my TuSCaNy SKieS…

joy in the journey,

katey

It is for sale on eBay incredibly cheap - as is all my art there!

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsassZblueyeduckQQsbrsrtZd

Today's Music: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra

Sun is shinin' in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight. It's stopped rainin', everybody's in a play, and don't you know, it's a beautiful new day.

Runnin' down the avenue, (Pant, Pant, Pant) see how the sun shines brightly. In the city, on the streets, where once was pity, Mr. Blue Sky is living here today.

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why, you had to hide away for so long - where did we go wrong.

Hey there Mr. Blue, we're so pleased to be with you. Look around see what you do, everybody smiles at you.

Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race. A celebration! Mr. Blue Sky's up there waitin' and today is the day we've waited for !(Chorus)

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why,You had to hide awayFor so long where did we go wrong.

Mr. Blue you did it right, but soon comes Mr. Night, creepin' over, now his hand is on your shoulder ... never mind I'll remember you this way.

Persecuted & Afflicted

"When the morning falls on the farthest hill I will sing His name, I will praise Him still. When dark trials come and my heart is filled with the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still. For the Lord, our God, He is strong to save from the arms of death, from the deepest grave. And He gave us life in His perfect will and by His good grace I will praise Him still"

(song lyrics by Fernando Ortega)

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:24

I have created this painting completely out of my comfort zone and typical genre to illustrate a point...to myself.
I remember a time when my son was a small boy. Being such a sweet, sensitive creative spirit lead to him wanting to wear something a bit odd one day.
I understood his sensitivity and love of people, and appreciated that his choice of clothing was based on his own aesthetic sense and not peer direction...nor my own preference. I permitted him to wear this odd little outfit he put together. In certain circumstances maybe it wouldn’t have been odd, but where we were headed I knew there would be kids who would probably tease him because they were proud of themselves or maybe even jealous...or simply because he looked different...and because it had happened so many times before...maybe it was a habit. It would have been easier for my little guy to specifically NOT choose the clothing he did, based on this previous harassment, but he had thought it through and his clothing was his own choice. We certainly didn’t look like we belonged together or were headed to the same place. I was in proper mommy-wear. I knew his heart, and I was a witness to the love and care he felt for his friends - his clothing did not matter to me.
Sure enough, we walked into the event and immediately someone condemned my son for what he was wearing. He was asked many times times why he wore what he did. Somehow, surface issues were being equated with heart issues. My son had been trying to rehearse positive answers prior to arriving there, rather than the sarcasm that would have been so much easier. After a couple repeats of “why? Why? WHY?” - I walked closer and leaned in to whisper “I wanted him to wear this because it matches the clothes I picked out for myself that are just like these...unfortunately they didn't have my size."

Silence.

A nice little story about Mommy & her little boy…except that my little boy is 15 and this happened recently.

It wasn’t an odd outfit, it was an all-black outfit…with a skull motif on the pants pocket (oh my).

This boy-in-black knows his God and serves Him with all his heart. He leads a pure life and knows he is called to be a Light in a dark world. He has learned to be in the world and not of the world. His Lord has taught him to ‘go therefore, making disciples of all nations…’ and as a young man he is seeking the lost and meeting them where they are at. He often wears black, and his face shines bright with the light of Christ. Those who dwell the culture of darkness are his ‘all nations’ where he seeks to make disciples...whatever they look like. It is all a matter of the heart.

"Romans Raven": I stepped out of my whimsical and bright paintbox and created a piece I love tremendously. It is dedicated to all who are judged and criticized unjustly. You are loved with an ever lasting love - no one can separate those who respond to the love of God from the love of God. ~ xo

pressing on, pressing in ... even when it hurts so much

~katey

Please see my current eBay auctions to see more photos of this painting: this auction ends March 27th

http://cgi.ebay.com/NFAC-Raven-CRoW-PoE-Goth-Dark-ART-original-PAiNTiNG-sfa_W0QQitemZ160098388167QQcategoryZ20158QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

One thing I know...

March is a month that is much like waiting in a line. We're not quite "there" yet, but we are not way back (turns around and looks over shoulder) over "there" either.

So while we wait... for better weather... or better health... or for a circumstances to change... or for a heart to turn towards home... or to hear "I'm so sorry, forgive me" ... or whatever the next need of the moment is...

There is one thing I know.

"I'm not alone, I really believe, You never go, You never leave. Here and now, You always stay. “I love you” could not be said a better way. It's everything You've promised. (There's no greater love than this.) From prophets until today. (A man laying down His life for His friends). Your sacrifice has spoken. (You gave everything) And “I love you” could not be said a better way. I am forgiven, I clearly see. It's why You came to do all you did for me. Trading earth with heaven, You took my place. “I love you” could not be said a better way. Because You redeem, I know what's to come. Everything I could lose here, You've already won. So You have my surrender, with passion obey. “I love you” could not be said a better way."**

No matter where you are today… this is completely trustworthy. No matter where I am today - this one thing I know.

~resting, katey

Featured Art: (sold) "Rumplestiltskin" 4" x 4" prismacolor pencil on hot press black stock

**song lyrics:
Downhere - "A Better Way" from the album Wide Eyed and Mystified

(see my jukebox to the left for more info on this band with vast vocal talent. You may think you are hearing Freddie Mercury...)

"It's always something" Rosanne Rosanna Dana

Have you ever heard a cell phone ring in church? Of course you have…
I think the recipients of those calls are most often mortified that they forgot to turn off the ringer…and I do think people are getting better at cell phone etiquette in church (at least where I’m at). Inappropriate cell phone use in other places...well, that’s a whole other banana. People can be amazing.
Imagine my surprise when I heard a cell phone ring in church last Sunday…human nature captivated many of us as we turned to see a woman racing out the back doors as she reached to hush the ring by answering. The number on her screen surely indicated is was worth an answer and a quick scurry out of the sanctuary indicated this to those of us who were now completely ignoring the pastor. Actually, by that point he was watching her flight out the back as well.
It was at that moment I had that cold chill of realization that my phone might well be turned on. I searched my brain for the file that told me where the phone was in the first place and then I could look to see if it was indeed on. My brain quickly let me know I left it at home (whew!).
After church, the “phone” lady came over to a few of us who were still lazing about (we laze about after church - no one is any hurry to leave… we make lunch plans…laugh…talk serious, and talk fun). She did in fact have an important call. We were each rather happy for her to have had the ring and the chance to answer.
When I got home I found my phone had a message - an URGENT message. It would have rung during church! - I, too, would have had to scurry out the back doors upon seeing the number! Did I miss some great and lofty opportunity to be reached on an important matter?
The message: “We have an emergency! The cat went down the ball return - I’m sorry! Can you get over here?”
*sigh* I was so glad I had left it at home! Ha Ha! Long story short - a friend has a residential bowling alley - and a house cat - and well, that is obviously not a good combination. Fast forward: the cat is fine - and banned from the bowling alley. And, well… maybe I will continue to leave my phone at home.

joy in the journey,
katey

Feature art: completely irrelevant to today’s story…

"FLYiNG PoRK"

A 2.5” x 3.5” watercolor art card with applied wings.

visit my eBay link to see this and MORE of my art for sale...

Cats...Cellphones...Flying pigs..."It's always something" ~Rosanne Rosanna Dana

Evening Prayer...

"Evening and morning and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

Psalms 55: 17

I was playing around with putting vintage photographs on transparency sheets. I messed them up big time - the color was all wacky and I was discouraged. I set them aside - a bit frustrated at $1 a pop to run a hi-quality transparency sheet through the printer - and $75 to fill the cartridges is never pleasant… and that doesn’t even address the expense of art supplies and time - blah blah blah-- whine whine whine.

Sometimes things are right under our nose - and we miss them for all the sniveling and carrying on we do… if only in silent (heart attitude is everything). Having set the botched transparencies aside I moved onto other things. Last week I returned to the transparencies and looked at them as exercises in just creating and dancing with what I was partnered with. It didn’t set the music or the rhythm - it just began to happen. Expectations were not high. I painted some wood - applied the transparencies - painted some more - gathered some other treasures - and there began these series of little square prayers and dreams to hang on the wall and remind me yet again, it is not about me - it is about Him. Without the sniveling as background noise - I heard that still small voice leading me. The transparencies became “beauty from ashes” and I was able to let go of this “waste” and freely meditate on the message while the art just made itself.
A portion of scripture kept playing in my mind as I noodled with my project without pressure and without care - a song we sang in church long, long ago - from the Psalms: "Evening, and morning and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
An old prayer book from the late 1800’s - already falling apart - gave me freedom to tear it into more scraps... as did an old song book. I have created many of these square art treasures - which will be in my eBay store though out the coming months.

http://stores.ebay.com/Blueyeduck-FOLK-ART-PAiNTiNG-ETC_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ2901718QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Joy in the journey,
katey

PS ~ Yes! Those are REAL water spigot handles!

Adoption and Pink Things

I stepped out of my area of comfort and personal taste to create in a genre and color pallette somewhat foreign to me. Pink & sparkly makes me want to run to the garage and cut wood and paint things deep red or forest green.
Have I offended myself in feeling this way? Laugh!
No, it has been an exercise to let myself create out of bounds… for the sheer delight of creating. The result has been a series of whimsical fairy creatures. They recall, to me, beautiful little pinecone men with German glass glitter sprinkles I remember being brought out at Christmas.
I struggled with frilly pink things on my kitchen counter all week - all clashing with my antiques and the deep tones in my live world. I look at them now in my presence (as they have not been shipped out to their new owners at this moment though they have each been adopted into the appreciative loving care of those who know about things pink & sparkly)…and they are most definitely strangers and aliens in a foreign land here. But I love them so much.

(the art auction on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/FAiRy-FoLK-aLTeReD-aRT-DoLL-PiXiE-VaLeNTiNE-ooak-sfa_W0QQitemZ160081157465QQihZ006QQcategoryZ84626QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem )

Ephesians 2: 18-22
For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

When Love Takes You In…
I know you've heard the stories, but they all sound too good to be true. You've heard about a place called home, but there doesn't seem to be one for you. So one more night you cry yourself to sleep and drift off to a distant dream.Where love takes you in and everything changes - A miracle starts with the beat of a heart.When love takes you home and says you belong here - The loneliness ends and a new life begins. When love takes you in.And somewhere while you're sleeping someone else is dreaming too.Counting down the days until they hold you close and say I love you.And like the rain that falls into the sea in a moment what has been is lost in what will be…
When love takes you home and says you belong here - The loneliness ends and a new life begins. When love takes you in.When love takes you in everything changesA miracle starts with the beat of a heartAnd this love will never let you goThere is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its holdWhen love takes you in everything changesA miracle starts with the beat of a heartWhen love takes you home and says you belong hereThe loneliness ends and a new life beginsWhen love takes you in it takes you in for goodWhen love takes you in
~ lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman

To learn more about ADOPTION
Check out http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer
(Shoahannah’s Hope “mobilizing the body of Christ to care for orphans)

Move...or Move Me

"I can't find the words to pray…I'm a little down today. Can You help me? Can You hold me? I feel like a million miles away…And I don't know what to say. Can You hear me anyway?
What I need is for You to reach out Your hand ~ You have taught me no matter what You'd understand.

Lord move in a way, that I've never seen before. Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door. I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore. So Lord move, or move me.

I've looked every where to find a simple peace of mind. I can't find nothing on my own, so I got to leave myself behind. Take up this cross of mine - Give away everything I hold onto Lord.
I know the only way is through this. Lord I know I need You to help me do this.

Lord move in a way, that I've never seen before. Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door. I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore. So Lord move, or move me.…
Out of this place of complacency to a place of fellowship with thee.
Cause I am weak but Lord You are so strong - and You know it's been way too long...

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before. Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door. I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore. So Lord move ..." ~ (lyrics by FFH: Far From Home) http://ffh.net/music.asp

Some days are hard. Some weeks are hard. It can be minutes or years… but that feeling of restless energy that seeks a place to land can be exhausting...

Feelings of indecision and feelings of huge decisions!

How? When? Where?

I said... HOW?!?

When God calls you He will not leave You stranded. If you feel like you’re drifting or you feel like all the doors are barred shut - look again…God will move.

joy in the journey,
katey

THE ART: a watercolor & ink titled "The Hands of an Artist" (showing only one hand)

Strollin' On the Water

The snow in our area is like sugar frosting... delightful for the eyes ~ wicked to drive in.

Water can be like that - lovely to behold, but dangerous for those who are not careful...or for those of little faith...

Bryan Duncan (see My Juke Box to the left to learn more about his music) paints a great picture in song with "Strollin' On The Water".

Open up my eyes, I pray Lord, for just a little glimpse of you ~ That's all I need, it's all I've ever needed ... to see beyond myself, beyond this tiny, little world. All your hands have made with beauty and strength alone ~ I can see you comin' to me now. Oh, like a shimmerin' light - Shimmerin' light on an open sea...Barefoot on the water - Laughin' at the ocean like you were old friends...Callin' out my name - Saying join me now!

Strollin' on the water... High over every care! Strollin' on the water ...Sinking no longer! Let me rise above the high tide... I can do it, I'll do it, yeah, I know where my strength comes from!

Help me cut these bonds where I keep my spirit tied all safe and dry...Safe and dry, but so afraid ~ let me come to you! Let me run to you with my heart still beating ~ Beating in my throat with my sweaty palms and mouth so dry ~ Shakin' 'til I can't stand still! All I'm askin' ... All I'm askin' is to let me cross that great divide between you and I. Only you can take me there ... So take me there, yeah!

Strollin' on the water... High over every care! Strollin' on the water ... Sinking no longer! Let me rise above the high tide I can do it, I'll do it, yeah, I know that you said, "follow me".

Just let the water flow - Let it go! Oh keep your eyes on me - Do you feel alive?Try turnin' circles, yeah - Bend your knees! And hold your hands up high - Can you feel the wind in your hair? With your eyes closed - Take a breath of fresh air! Feel the mist on your toes - Look where we are!

The thrill of knowing that complete TRUST is exhilerating. Peter was so thrilled to see the Lord and so exhilerated - he stepped out of the boat and was strollin on the water before he realized what he was doing and his doubt returned (even so, Jesus saved him)! I so want to be THAT thrilled and THAT exhilerated and THAT trusting I forget all my cares and just stroll! *

Featured Art: ATC (artist trading card) sized original watercolor and Ink (2.5" x 3.5") - in my eBay store now.

strollin',

katey-D

*Matthew 14:25-33