I love the early morning when stillness reigns. A heart so full of happiness temporarily sliced with worry for one's offspring does not even a robber make. For the early morning is God's domain. He whispers through dreams filling mind with lofty thoughts of longings coming true. Awakening to write them down is also His …
A Time for Taking Inventory
As I look towards the New Year and coming decade, the desire to take a personal inventory prevails. My burgeoning artistic projects and passions have become unruly. Like a plant that outgrows pot and climbs up and over the garden wall; runners stretch out in all directions while roots dig deeply firmly into my life's soil. So much to …
A Texas Christmas
Big, bold, and beautiful! Apt words to describe Texas where I celebrated Christmas with Justin's family. From homes to shopping and eating, this "Lone Star State" is expansive and welcoming! The past week has been filled with fun activities. We enjoyed fabulous times together eating and visiting. One of the highlights was meeting a new addition to the …
In Between Places
I just returned from taking my husband and stepson to the airport. They fly out to his family in Texas while my stepdaughter and I will follow in two days. The house is hushed save a faint ticking from the living room clock. I am alone. Yet in this silence, an irresistible "in between place" …
Selah
Off to the editor! There are solemn moments in a writer's life requiring Selah, pause and calmly think of this. These moments request a photograph in order to preserve for remembering. Yesterday culminated in such an amazing moment. After years of gathering life experiences into a loose leaf manuscript, I ceremoniously wrapped the bundle with …
Real World Creativity
Bonding through Creativity Last night, I awakened thinking about my students. Teaching has been rough this year. "In your face" defiance, disruptive behavior, and verbal outbursts occur daily. I understand that many of them suffer from the ill affects of gang violence, foster care, and other challenges; but, knowing this does not make my blood pressure lower. Nevertheless, hopes to provide artistic opportunities …
The Scary Stuff!
          There is no race with writing. We plant ourselves beside the fountain of God's inspiration and drink deeply. Whatever flows from head and heart through pen is enough for the day.            At least this is what I tell myself when feeling poetic, inspired, and scared. To be perfectly honest, I procrastinate like the …
Life’s Little Delights
             There is something soothing about coming home to a quiet house; especially after a full day of raucous teens milling around the classroom. Upon arrival, I go about my simple rituals: brewing a cup of de-caf; preheating the handcrafted mug bought at a Renaissance Faire (Coffee seems to taste better when the mug …
Christmas Came Early this Year!
           Yesterday was a hard day for writing after coming down from my "creative high." Having pushed several projects forward, the inevitable plummeting into a slump had to do with the unpleasant stuff: paying the bills, finishing manuscript edits, and sending for use permission—all tedious and uncreative. By afternoon, I was depressed. Add to this, mismanagement …
JoDee Luna Art 