Anniversary Gift

I made this painting for my brother and his wife.  My friend Beth did the writing because my handwriting is awful.  (Thanks Bethy!)  I am in love with the cute little female birdy!  Text says, "Near or far, together wherever we are."  A similar version without the writing is available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/listing/465305671/together-or-apart?ref=shop_home_active_5

Autumn wood and hidden field

Not sure where the writing for this post went, but this is available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/listing/240261817/hidden-autumn-field?ref=shop_home_active_10

Bubbling stream

I was really disappointed in this one.  The stream is a little too bright.  It actually looks way better in person.  Got to keep workin!

Update:  I added some blue to the stream.  It looks better, still not my favorite.

Into the Mountains

I took a painting class today online. This was the outcome.  I didn't like it while I was working on it, but now that I am finished and done, this is one of my favorite pieces yet.

This is available for purchase at https://www.etsy.com/listing/239551205/midnight-mountain?ref=shop_home_active_9

First Musical Blog- Running Home

For those of you (Hayden) who have been requesting some music, here is a song I wrote last year.  The chords are still a work in progress.  This was also my first time recording anything with my computer so the mic was too close.  I apologize, but just try to keep your sound low.  It seems to help.

I've been trying to put this as a video onto the page, but after two days it wasn't happening, so it is now on youtube.

 I wrote this song last fall when I was in a dark place.  I was struggling with completing my year of teaching while watching my friends move to California or New York in pursuit of incredible dreams.  It was hard watching people chasing their dreams while I felt trapped.  A few months before, some mistakes a friend had made came into light.  She is closer to God now, but I remember her being so scared I would judge her, but that isn't my place.  I struggle enough to tell black and white from gray without having someone else's choices to judge.  This song came from a time when I finally just gave up and gave it all to God.  It's a lot easier when you don't have to worry about writing your own life's story and knowing that "no matter how much we mess up, God will always put us right where he wants up." (Mark Christian)  

Piano buddy

If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram you already saw this.  I just couldn't help but repost this cutie.  Since I practice almost everyday, this is our new routine!

Last art class of the year

Well this was probably a month or two ago now, I just hadn't posted it.  I wish I had gotten more classes, but we just never had time.  This is from my final art class.  Clearly, I need to practice more.  I haven't practiced my drawing much lately, but hopefully I can get back into it.  I've been practicing my piano and guitar 30 minutes almost everyday.  I am finding piano much simpler to grasp than finger picking on guitar.  I would like to add drawing and writing to my regiment.  I'll get there eventually!