Have you ever loved someone so much that your heart hurts when you part? You know they need to be free and immeasurable love asks you to release them so your own pain does not hamper their joy. I took my daughter to the airport early yesterday morning so she could travel throughout China and …
Vintage Purse Strings
A small, worn travel suitcase with the silver strings of a vintage purse draped over the side appeared in my dream as if a photo shoot. The image captivated me—camera shot hugged up close and angled towards a vanishing point. I rolled over in the dark and groggily sketched a crude reproduction onto journal pages. …
Gratitude for my Son, Josiah
This morning gratitude nests in my soul as I remember my son’s entrance into the world 29 years ago. I ponder what possibilities await his life, this magnificent young man who lights up the world with his smile. I also remember the words of wisdom my great-grandma spoke: “The first step your son takes will …
The Heartbeat of His Love for Me
Have you ever grown weary from trying to figure it all out? I'm so directionally driven. In fact, I often wake up with these words on my lips, "Lord, what is your direction for my life?" And then I knit my brow in consternation because I still haven't a clue as to what God would …
Pencil-Thin Purposes: When Dreams Disappoint
I peek through a windowpane on this frosty February morning in anticipation of a velvety blanket covering the road to work. Yet last night’s weather broadcaster’s boastings of severe snow conditions fell far short of my expectations; in fact, not even a pencil thin layer of puffiness materialized. “No snow day.” I pout. My husband …
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Paint My Life with Color by Elya Filler
Paint My Life with Color is a themed collection of paintings that my daughter, Elya, assembled on Etsy. Elya admired the work of these artists and featured their paintings along with hers. Elya paints my life with color, and I wince every time I think about her move to Thailand in a couple of weeks. She will be …
Find the Music of Your Heart: A DIY Mixed Media Project
The music of my artistic heart is mixed media. Here’s a diy post to show you how to make a mixed media piece using plaster cloth, pressed flowers, and rice paper. Texture a canvas with gesso and let dry. Then paint with soft pink and yellow ochre acrylic paints. Cut hearts out of plaster cloth and …
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My Funny Valentine
It is rare in one’s lifetime to meet someone with whom your soul feels safe; someone who enlarges your heart and diminishes your fears and makes you laugh until your sides ache. We are two imperfect people, my Valentine and I, stumbling along life’s path with clasped hands. Sometimes we wrangle over home décor (both …
Kindred Hearts: Inspire, Delight, Sustain
I am a mother most blessed to have two daughters with whom my heart feels safe and my artistic spirit inspired. We are kindred hearts. Elya and Andy returned home last weekend and we snuck away to create in my art room. Andy painted masks… while Elya began a new painting… and I crafted my …
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