Checkmate

A poem that explores the dark side of human nature using the analogy of a game of chess. https://youtu.be/TKHkaT7w1oQ Do you ever feel like life is similar to a game of chess in which the cunning always come out on top? I sure have! I often find myself trusting in the goodness of others never …

Courage is Accumulative

I believe that courage is accumulative. The more we make decisions to overcome our fears and do what we know is right, the more our minds and spirits increase in strength and resolve.  Small courageous steps take us a little bit further down the path of our destiny. Yet although they are necessary, they are …

The Longing

Have you ever longed for something so intensely that your heart hurts? What's worse is when the longing creeps into you, and you don't know what you're longing for but just feel this emptiness inside. Call me crazy or maybe it's what my mother explains when I tell her I'm out of sorts: "Us artists …

The Dark Side of Destiny During Covid-19

As a painter, I understand how contrast brings a painting to life when dark shades of color enhance their lighter counterparts called tints. The same is true in nature. So it is with life. Destiny has a dark side, and we never know when that dark side will appear in our life's painting. Non of …

Leaving a Legacy

With the start of the New Year, I’ve been thinking a lot about leaving a legacy. If I've got a limited number of days upon this earth, how do I want to spend them? Could I make someone’s life better because I’ve been, their faith stronger because I’ve believed, their creativity blossom because I’ve shared …

Fresh Starts

There are times when you find yourself facing a fresh start, a new beginning, a chance to do things differently. It's as if the canvas of your life gets to be reworked, changed, or created anew. Maybe you’ve graduated from high school or college, gotten married or divorced, lost your job or changed jobs, moved houses …

The Importance of a Creative Space

Having a creative space is essential for an artist's creative expression. It's been 8 months since I had to pack up my art room due to a roof leak that resulted in a home remodel. After that, my husband and I sold our house and relocated to another city. Retirement from a career in education …

Trip to Maine: Finding My Path of Peace

Grace arrives for the moment, direction comes for the day, a path of peace unfolds in the present. Last summer, my husband and I took a trip to Maine. We traversed the coast with cameras in hand, capturing beauty and contemplating quality of life. During those magical days, we determined to take more trips like …

Broken Vessel

Broken Vessel reminds us not to lose heart when life causes us to crack. For it is through our broken places that the glory of God shines. A broken pot in my garden inspired Broken Vessel. One day while I was out gardening, I noticed the unique weathering and cracks on one of my garden …