Pete and Adele

I don’t remember ever being too hot to play outside, or too tired to run all the way home from a friend’s house and then jumping that ditch in the nick of time. I had to jump that ditch. That ditch had things in it that crawled and had legs with claws. Turns out they were crawdads. I think some people call them crawfish. Nevertheless, I thought they were just about the scariest things I had ever seen and ever hoped to see in the future.

That ditch was to be avoided at all costs, which took a little doing since it ran all the way across the front of our house and it rained a lot in our area. Heavy rains brought that ditch even closer to the house. I know because I watched it. Our front yard did have a place of great safety…..the swing hanging under the giant oak tree. If I could get to it during high tide without encountering one of those crawling things, I would jump onto it and look down at the water with a smug sense of security.

Some people said that Pete was a rat terrier. That seemed OK to me. I figured that the name had something to do with his size, until someone else told me that rat terriers are very, very good at finding rat holes and digging out the occupant. Good grief! Not my dog! I forgot Pete’s calling in life until the day my Daddy said that the neighbors down the road from us wanted to borrow Pete to help get rid of some rats in their barnyard. That was almost more than I could stand, so I went in the house and hid. Of course no one was looking for me, but for some reason it was comforting to hide.

Quite a while had passed as I huddled in the dirty clothes hamper, in the dark, when suddenly I heard a dog’s yelping coming closer and closer.

I ran out in the yard just in time to see Pete arrive back on our property and run under the house. Obviously, he also found it comforting to hide. Later Daddy told me that Pete had found the rats, got a good look, then ran for home. So much for names.

To read earlier blogs about Pete and me, go here:

Me, Pete and the Chickens

Trapped in the Doghouse

See you next time,

August 11, 1985 was a long time ago….I realize that…..in fact, a few friends have reminded me of that fact.

But the lives of our entire family changed that day….and forever.

Our handsome, wonderful, Christian son, Kevan, went home to the Lord in heaven on that day.

David and I want to recognize such a day with this tribute to Kevan.

“There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.”

(Written by Sanford F. Bennett)

‘Til He Shouts!

1 Thessalonians 4:16

Today I’m continuing with a selection from my short story, “The Country Girl”.

To read the first selection from the story again, or for the first time, click here:

Me, Pete and the Chickens

Once, I got stuck in Pete’s doghouse. It wasn’t big enough for the both of us. For a fleeting moment, I wondered what my life would be like spent entirely in Pete’s doghouse. I think that was when I first began to develop a touch of claustrophobia. It didn’t occur to me until several years later that my parents could have simply removed the top of the doghouse and set me free.

Our home was on several acres surrounded by beautiful piney woods. I enjoyed imagining we were way out in the country, but the truth was, we were only a few miles from a major metropolitan city. Still, my parents had a vegetable garden, cows, chickens, turkeys, ducks, cats, and of course, a dog.

Although the youngest child, I was the only one of we three who could milk a cow. I was so proud. In later years, my brother informed me that he, too, had milked the cow on occasion. I never knew. How could I have not known, he asked, about the time the cow put her foot right in the fresh can of milk he had just labored so hard to acquire? Beats me. But my ignorance of such a catastrophe was probably due to the fact that I rarely stayed in one place for very long. Things had to hold great promise for adventure for me to spend much time waiting.

Life was carefree for me, there on the “farm” especially during the wonderful summer months. Going barefooted was one of my true joys. The only drawback that I could see was what I came to call “summer toe.” After just a few weeks of running, jumping, sliding, swimming, and climbing, my big toes would develop a flap on the bottom. Actually, it was a little painful, but nothing that I couldn’t endure. Soon the flap would heal and the toes would toughen up.

Mama would make me wash my feet as soon as I came in the house after a day of playing. I remember my method: I’d stand in the bathtub with the cold water running, then wash the bottom of one foot by rubbing it on the top of the other.

Not the best way, but I was always in a hurry when it came to what seemed to be work. However, frequently I had to return to the tub with a rag and some scrubbing cleanser, to scrub it clean. Mama had inspected the tub.

 See you next time.

Pete was a lively little Terrier, solid white. I don’t remember where he came from or when we got him. I do remember having great times with him. We had a lot in common; we liked to run and play, didn’t mind getting dirty, were picky eaters, were always too loud, and loved to be around friends.

However, there was a difference: Pete liked to work and I didn’t. I took advantage and showed Pete how to help me with my chores. Pete quickly learned to herd the chickens back into the chicken yard at the end of the day. He did it well. Each evening I stepped out the back door of the garage, slapped my leg and shouted “Shoo chickens!” That was Pete’s cue to action. He darted out to the back yard, barking wildly as he rounded up all the chickens. The chickens took it well. They didn’t seem to be afraid of Pete, though they did hustle themselves into the chicken yard. It was fun for me, too

I felt like a country girl. Pete had a great attitude about his work. When duty called he answered immediately. I admired that in Pete. No nap in the sun was ever too important to cut short if he was needed elsewhere.

Pete was my constant companion, as long as I was outside. Dogs were not allowed in our house. He slept in the garage or with me when I camped out in our backyard. He ran along beside me as I rode my big brother’s bicycle. Pete and I had a hideout under the house. There was plenty of space for play. When I discovered that spiders liked it under the house, too, we never went back.

I’ll tell you more about me and Pete next time.

Wet-On-Dry Watercolor Technique Class

                     is in session!

     “Self-Portrait”

The instructor (me) has painted almost exclusively in another medium, acrylic and an occasional oil. Yikes! But, hey, I know a little more about watercolor painting today than I did last week. In my small world that makes me an expert.  By the way, my self-portrait showing me wearing my wings is NOT a watercolor. I know, I know…my waistline hasn’t been that small since elementary school, but the wings are real. I did this illustration with fine art markers on marker paper. I love, love, love fine art markers. I learned to use fine art markers in art school; until then I thought markers were made to write the kids names on their lunch bags for school…you know, a different color each day to add variety and excitement.

Back to watercolors. Referring to my earlier blog, “Odd Paper” (July 20, 2015), my technique of choice was wet-on- wet…meaning I would dip my brush in water, dampen an area of the paper, then saturate my brush with the color-of-choice and lightly touch the dampened area. Magic! The glorious color would spread and float in interesting directions….but still controlled by me.

My painting, “Natural Beauty”,  is an example of wet-on-wet on regular 180 lb. (or was it 300 lb.?) watercolor paper. The ink stays right in place, never smearing.Click here for information about “Natural Beauty” fine art print.

However, with my new watercolor journal containing 24 pages of this very odd paper, the color didn’t know when to stop creating magic….here, there and everywhere.

Determined to take charge of this process, I opened my journal (yes, the one with the odd paper) and did a quick ink sketch and started to work….wet on dry.

With no wet pathway to travel, the color stayed in place. I learned I could use much richer, high-value color with this technique. I enjoyed it. I used to wonder how some of the great watercolorists such as Winslow Homer, achieved such rich colors. At last I have at least one little hint.  No, goodness no, I’m not comparing myself to Winslow Homer…. but maybe in a year or so. Grin!

Many thanks to one of my favorite people for giving me permission to paint from a beautiful photo she took of flowers in her backyard. Thanks, Lyndsay.  But please do not tell her that I painted it first, then asked permission. No, I wouldn’t post it without her permission which she graciously gave. Photographers are artists, also, and have copyrights.

Now, give it a try.  You know as much about wet-on-dry watercolor technique as I do. Maybe teaching a workshop is in your future.

They’re back…

…and we are very grateful to have them back. Our daughter, Karen worked in Kolkata, India with a team from their church. As a professional dance instructor, she had the joy of teaching dance to some ladies there as well as sharing the gospel of Christ with them. Judging from listening to a few of her stories from the trip, she had a wonderful and fulfilling ministry. The Lord even provided business class seats for the entire team on the 16 hour trip back from Dubai.

Julia worked as one of the adult leaders (she is 19) from their church, responsible for sixty-six middle school students on mission in Montana for a week. She has served there before, as well as in other states, and twice in Nicaragua. She is in her second year at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, Texas and a year-round Intern on staff at their church. She regularly teaches Bible classes at their church among her other responsibilities.

How did I handle all this travel and “far-away-ness” of our loved ones? Barely. Lots of prayer and claiming of the Lord’s promises got me through this month. David always seems to do well with these tests; you know, the strong, quiet type. Of course, he is busier than I, working almost all day, every day as an online missionary  for Global Media Outreach. To say he takes his ministry very seriously, would be an understatement.  Along with the trips of our world-traveler son who works in the oil and gas industry, we have had experience in this area. But it never gets……ordinary….it is never taken for granted.

Once a long time ago, our eldest son, Kevan, told us he wanted to apply to serve in the army band in Seoul, Korea. He was in the Army.  At that time there had been a major international incident on the DMZ, which threatened world turmoil. I protested to him. I can remember it so clearly…..our tall, handsome son leaning against the kitchen bar and calmly saying,  “Mom, Jesus Christ is in Korea, also.” What more could I say? Outcome? He was assigned to a different band, in the States, but I’ll never forget being corrected by him. He was right and I needed his words.

But soon they will all be home. Our eldest Granddaughter, Emily and her husband Alex are in London where she is completing graduate work at the London School of Economics. They should be back  in the USA this fall.

‘Til He Shouts!

“Seagulls”

Hi There,

I just uploaded my painting, “Seagulls” to Fine Art America (I call FAA my “Print Shop”). Here is an example of  my painting, “Seagulls”, all printed and framed by Fine Art America. There are many choices of sizes, papers, mats and frames. Or you may choose to have the image printed on canvas. In fact, FAA offers prints on tote bags, throw pillows and other surfaces.  FAA does beautiful work. FAA ships directly to you.

Click Here For Information About “Seagulls”

Back to the drawing board to create more! Hope you wonderful friends are having a great day!

It all started when I saw the sketch book of an artist I admire. I liked the idea of something unusual to spark my summer 2015 watercolor project and ordered what she was using; a hard-cover journal of handmade paper.

It arrived and I took a good look…….the paper was beautiful and new to me…..I stared at it wondering what I had done. The paper is handmade and has deckle edges…a work of art in itself.  I wondered and stared at the lovely paper off and on for a few months. I know….strange, but I was intimidated and hesitant to ruin its beauty with my artwork.  Finally when time to begin  my second annual Summer Watercolor Project was upon me, I needed to use this paper or buy another kind.

I took my own challenge and have completed ten sketches so far in this journal and soon discovered it was more of a challenge than I had expected. The paper is bumpy, stringy, and highly absorbent.

“Blue Evening”.…….No pencil, no ink, just watercolor.

My favorite technique for watercolor/ink sketching is to first do a very light pencil sketch then add the watercolor and carefully erase the pencil. With this paper that technique is not recommended unless you are intrigued by little strings of paper catching lots of the color and adding strange unidentifiable objects here and there in your art. Therefore I changed my technique; no pencil sketch…just go straight to watercolor. By the way, this is considered THE PROPER WAY to watercolor..if that is important to you.

 About The Highly Absorbent Part

Little stringy things scattered throughout my artwork was not going to be the only challenge; don’t forget I said highly absorbent. In the world of watercolor art there are generally two basic techniques; wet on wet, (the paper is dampened before adding the watercolors) and wet on dry (the paper is left dry as you add the watercolors). Of course, there is always dry brush, but I’ll leave that for another blog. I like wet on wet but gorgeous, odd, handmade paper doesn’t!

“Seagulls”…….The seagulls were actually two of those little stringy things. Worked well. I added a little ink for emphasis.

Detail of “Seagulls”. In painting bodies of water, usually in the distance the horizon line is straight. Forget that if you are using this paper. Of course, I can always call it Impressionism, can’t I? The watercolor bleeds up, down, sideways; it is in control, not the artist.

I Could Always Quit

But I won’t. I’m already working on the next one using a free-hand ink sketch first, then wet on dry. I’ll let you see how that turns out.

I’m sad, I’m disappointed, I’m angry, I’m discouraged, I’m disgusted, I’m exhausted, I’m shocked,  I’m fatigued and I have only myself to blame. Why all this whining and angst, you ask?

The reason is I’ve been faithfully reading my Facebook News Feed.

Oh sure, occasionally I come across a post that I find entertaining or encouraging, but by that time I’ve trudged through post after post of very negative thoughts and images.

An Easy Solution

Get off Facebook…once and for all. This is not a new thought. I’ve experienced the “I’m” statements above for quite a while, but have done nothing to change it. Instead……….

• I would grieve over how much I would miss all my Facebook friends.
• I would rationalize Facebook provides a way to show my art.
• I would not be able to brag about my Grandchildren as easily or show their adorable photos.

Bullet Point One: The truth is I would much rather have lunch out with a friend or invite a bunch over to our house for sandwiches and a movie than just read about them on Facebook.

Bullet Point Two: The truth is  I have a website for selling my original art and another  website from which to sell my art as fine art prints. Each one gets large numbers of unique visitors (meaning first time visitors) and regulars. Sales are good in light of this current art market.  I have a blog, (as you  are aware); I can advertise my art there if I choose. Then of course, I exhibit my newest art at art shows, mostly local…….and everyone is invited to attend. I’ll announce the art shows on my blog.

Bullet Point Three: Now this is a hard one. Maybe I’ll just post their photos and activities on my blog.

An Unexpected Blessing From A Friend

Why now? What has changed or happened? A few days ago a sweet friend sent me a book as a surprise (Thank you, Debbie!) and I read it all the way through without stopping except for necessities.  I desperately needed this book and knew it immediately. It held a mirror up in front of me and said “SEE!..That’s You, Adele!” and I did not like what I saw.  The book challenged me, taught me, shamed me, and gave me specific instructions on what to do about it.

I Will Follow The Instructions and Take Action

Oh yes, the book is “The 4:8 Principle” by Tommy Newberry.

You have probably recognized the meaning of 4:8 as referring to the Scripture in God’s Holy Word, Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

Through the years this powerful Scripture had already changed many of my habits, the books I read, the movies I watch, how I talk about others, on and on…but I still had more to consider; how I spend my time and how it affects the way I think about things.

Not For Everyone

In this blog, my intention is to speak about and to myself only and how the Lord has been directing me. I’m not speaking for or to anyone else. We Christians are all His children and in His loving care and direction. I will post this blog on Facebook for a while in order to let my Friends know where I am.

Subscribe To My Blog

If you are interested in little ‘ole me, my art, my family, and my cats, please subscribe to my blog, right here on this post. I would love to share my stories and read your comments. Then of course, there is always email.

‘Til He Shouts! (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Most evenings David and I settle down in our comfy recliners to watch a movie. Tomboy Cat curls up in David’s lap and Abby Cat in mine…..a sweet little family scene. However, every night Abby Cat finds it difficult to curl up and go to sleep. After all, she has to watch the angels.

Yes, she watches the angels up above our heads in the corner of our den; she watches them as they move across the den, totally unafraid and undisturbed. Friends, before you offer an explanation let me make a comment. If she saw a bug, she would not remain calm, but vigorously pursue it, leaping to catch it if it came into reach, which has happened. It is not dust in the air; nothing new there. We have dust in the air all the time and she ignores it. Good thing!

Any friend who has known me at least a year or two, has probably heard my stories about how our three babies watched the angels. They did a little more than watch them….they “communicated” with them….with little arms stretched out toward them, waving slightly, and saying darling little baby words and smiling. This happened at different times with each of the three children. I loved it.

Yes, of course, I believe in angels; our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of them frequently, they are mentioned hundreds of times in His Holy Word. By the way, Our Lord spoke about heaven, also, and that’s all the proof I need or will ever need that heaven exists. Even a causal word search through the Holy Bible will confirm the existence and ministry of angels. Who am I to question it?

Why shouldn’t our babies believe in the angels, just as their parents do? One of the songs, I sang to them almost every night of their lives before they fell asleep spoke of angels. I confirmed their faith in God’s Word and His protection of them over and over again.

“All night, all day.
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day.
Angels watching over me.

Sun is a-setting in the West;
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Sleep my child, take your rest;
Angels watching over me.

All night, all day.
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day.
Angels watching over me.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Angels watching over me.

All night, all day.
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All night, all day.
Angels watching over me.”

(ANGELS WATCHING OVER ME…..Author unknown)

“Are not angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14

‘Til He Shouts”

(Oh my, even the verse I use to sign off in my blogs and emails mentions angels.)

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the arch-angel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Now that’s something to look forward to; in fact, it is referred to as “the blessed hope.” Can’t wait!