Michele Jacoby

good news of great joy

2011-12-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

hello friends! how have you all been? we're doing well in the jacoby household. i'm sorry i've been absent from the blogosphere the last few months. a lot of life stuff has been happening, and i've meant to get on here to share and connect with all of you, and then more life happens... we've had work, and lack of work, a death of someone very dear to us, grief, healing, blessings, time with family and friends, holidays - halloween, and thanksgiving. and now christmas is upon us. i'm truly amazed at how fast the year has gone by.

i'm hoping to spend this season of advent (the four weeks leading up to christmas), re-centering my heart on Jesus. i was at a wonderful advent retreat a couple nights ago, and this quote was hanging inside the door of the room we met in.

Something in us always needs to be called home. We need to see what or who we lack inside. Advent is a time to reclaim what we have lost in our hearts. It is not meant to be a cozy, self-satisfied time in which we wait for "Baby Jesus" to be born. The birth of Jesus is a historical event. Advent focuses instead on our own place of exile and whether or not this Savior who was born and lived on our earth has made a difference in our lives.

Joyce Rupp

this quote really stirred something in my heart. especially the first part - "Something in us always needs to be called home" - and the last part - "whether or not this Savior who was born and lived on our earth has made a difference in our lives."

as things get busy over the holidays and everything winds down for the year, i pray that we would all take time to quiet our hearts and reflect on the fact that we are constantly being "called home" by the one who is Love. God's love for us is unconditional and everlasting. and, in my humble opinion, that Truth makes just about all the difference in the world.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

blessings to you this holiday season, dear ones! much, much love.

art fair this saturday!

2011-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

hi friends! i wanted to let you know that i'll be participating in the saline harvest of the arts oktoberfest again this year. it's this upcoming saturday, september 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if you're in the area and can stop by, i'd love to see you!

this is a great family friendly event. in addition to the art fair, the harvest of the arts will include a bier garten and german food favorites, fireman's chili challenge, baker's nook kinderplatz, culinary students' bake sale, hands-on activities for children led by the scrap box of ann arbor, adult hands-on art led by the two twelve arts center, all day live music on the main stage and local stage, and more!

well, i'm off to package up some prints, but i hope you're having a good week - and i hope to see some of you on saturday! much love!

2 months later

2011-09-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

hello! so, it's been two months since i've posted on here. where has the time gone? i've been busy with fun things - a sons of anarchy themed party for my sister's birthday, an art camp for kids at our friends' church, a trip to newburgh, NY with rick for a gig at the orange county choppers' headquarters... but there have also been some not-so-fun things going on, too.

ever since some health issues came up last fall/winter, i feel like the momentum i had been gaining regarding my art came screeching to a halt. part of the last 10 months or so has been me just figuring out how to get through the day. clearly, not every day is just about survival, but that's definitely been a piece of this season of my life. being in pain, being exhausted, feeling pretty awful - it's been difficult to feel very creative, let alone have the energy or motivation to do the work (like creating new art, updating my etsy, posting on my blog). treatment options are pretty bleak, and it's been hard to be hopeful about my health situation. there are days i feel fine, days i feel great, but there are a lot of days that i don't. rick's been gone a lot this summer with the band, and as thankful as i am that he's working, being at home alone this much when i'm feeling the way i've been feeling hasn't been the easiest adjustment.

i feel guilty when i look at my workspace, because it's been so long since i've created anything new, and i feel like there's so much i "should" be doing. as a friend put it the other day, "art has become very loaded" for me. i have an art fair next saturday (i'll post about that soon), and i'd hoped to have completed a lot of new work to share there, but that just hasn't happened. i've been looking at job postings, thinking that maybe if i had a day job (and income from it), i'd feel free to create, and it would become a joyful, pleasurable outlet for me again. with the way i've been feeling the last several months, though, i've been wondering if i can realistically work full time.

there are so many things to figure out. what do i do about my health situation? can i push through some of the pain and fatigue? what do i do about my art? do i get a day job? if so, what kind of job?

and then it hit me the other day - where's God in the mix? i've been trying to sort all this out on my own. i think about asking Him for help, but then i feel like i shouldn't until i've got my stuff together. until i'm reading my Bible more. until He and i are "okay." if a friend said the same thing to me, i'd tell them that that's not truth, that God wants them to return to Him, that He loves them, that He's pursuing them...

this past week i feel like i've been reminded that God meets me where i am. He's been reminding me of what is true. even in the midst of the hard stuff, there are joyful moments. time with rick. new friends. laughter. the beginning of fall. the desire to paint, not for the purpose of selling, but for my own benefit and expression. He blesses me when i'm not looking for or expecting it. He's patient and tender and gracious to me. i don't have all the answers to the questions i've been asking, but i have hope. and, at least for today, that's enough for me.

when doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
psalm 94:19

whatever season you're in right now, i pray that God would be your comfort, and that He would fill your hearts with hope. much love to you, friends.

9 3/4

2011-07-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

i can't believe that the last harry potter movie comes out in a couple days! rick and i are HUGE fans of the books - and the movies. the world created by j.k. rowling is just so fantastically rich. this week, in honor of the last film, i've been sporting the "dumbledore lives" pin my sister bought for me and drinking out of the fabulous hedwig mug friends brought back from me after their visit to "the wizarding world of harry potter" a few months ago. i've been meaning to share the video our super crazy talented friend made after their trip to the orlando park for a few months now. our friend's creativity - and all things harry potter - are such sources of inspiration for me. as you prepare for the final film, this glimpse into the "wizarding world" will definitely get you in the harry potter mood - if you weren't already. enjoy!

summer night

2011-06-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

i just got home from an evening walk with my 70-something year old neighbor. it feels like tonight was a little gift to me from God. He knew just what i needed. to get out. to have company. to see and hear kids on summer vacation, laughing and riding their bikes together. to smell the flowers in bloom. to see the beautiful sky as the sun was setting behind purple clouds. to watch the fireflies guiding me home. things that would shake off the weird mood i was fighting today. things that would make my heart feel full.

i'm going to bed tonight a thankful girl. i pray this summer holds more nights like tonight - for me, and for you, too, dear ones. much love.

fun times at the berkley art bash

2011-06-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

hi friends! how have you been? last week was a good one over here. things have slowed down a little after the berkley art bash last saturday - thanks to those of you who came out to visit me! even though it was supposed to rain and storm most of the day, we only had a few sprinkles, and it ended up being a really nice day. i met a bunch of super nice people (artists and customers), sold some artwork (yay!), and had a truly wonderful time!

a few pics for you from the day:

shoppers perusing handmade goodies

one of the ads w/ my "anchor" piece hanging in a local store's front window!

me, in my booth, waving at my cute sis =)

that's all for now, kids. hope you're all having a lovely day!

the two As: artwork and ABBA

2011-06-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

that's some crazy swedish goodness, if i do say so myself! the ABBA greatest hits cd is what i've been listening to the last few days as i've been busy preparing for the 10th annual berkley art bash this saturday. what can i say? it makes me happy.

hope you're all having a fabulous week! if you're in the berkley area on saturday, i'll be there from 10-6 - i'd love to see you!

much love, friends!

grandpa

2011-05-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

hello friends! how are you? did you have a nice holiday weekend? rick had gigs this weekend, so he stayed home busy with work while i went up north with my family to my family's cabin. my grandpa lives down the road from our cabin, so going up north also means spending time with him - something we all always look forward to.

we were all just up north at the cabin a few weeks ago in april to celebrate my grandpa's 92nd birthday (see cutie below). the person he is and the way he lives his life inspire me. he's almost a century old, for starters - and he still drives and lives on his own. he's irish catholic. a teamster and a WWII vet. he's loyal. he's tough as nails. he's survived things most of us couldn't imagine living through. he's a fighter. and a sweetheart. i love him dearly.

the weekend away with my family was a lot of fun, and i'm thankful to have been able to spend that time with them and my grandpa. now that i'm back home, i'm back to work, getting ready for the berkley art bash next saturday. i still have a lot to get done, but i'm really looking forward to it!

hope you all had a great weekend - and that you have a wonderful week! much love!

berkley art bash - june 11

2011-05-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

hey all! taking a quick break from reorganizing my art area to let you know that i'm going to be taking part in the 10th annual berkley art bash on saturday, june 11th from 10-6. i was really excited to be accepted into this art fair - and then when i saw the above ad with my "anchor" artwork on it, i was all smiles. i really hope you can stop by!

back to cleaning for me... and then, hopefully, some painting! hope you all have a wonderful weekend! much love!

sunshine days

2011-05-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

hey all! hope monday is being nice to you. feeling pretty good after checking some things off my list of to-dos. also - the sunshine the last few days has been so fantastic. i think the nice weather has definitely lifted my spirits. spring may have finally arrived in michigan - and we michiganders are loving it. everyone's outside, cleaning cars, planting flowers, walking, biking, bbq-ing...

on saturday, k and i went to plymouth's green street fair. lot of vendors selling or promoting green, eco-friendly, and/or organic goods. pretty fun. we didn't buy anything (other than chicken fingers and corn dogs), but just walking outside in the sunshine, chatting with a dear friend was wonderful.

mother's day was spent at my mom's. we all spent the day working in my mom's yard - raking leaves, picking up sticks, moving bushes. again, great to be outside, getting my hands dirty with the fam.

here's what i was up to a little earlier today:

planted some flowers

cleaned off my super-cute adirondack chairs

filled the bird feeder hanging on this tree - only a few weeks ago the limbs were bare

off to start dinner... maybe we'll eat outside in our freshly cleaned yellow chairs... probably safe to say that spring is definitely here.

easter saturday, easter sunday

2011-04-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

there are two videos that i've seen over the last couple of days that have really spoken to my heart. one has to do with easter saturday, a day when hope was seemingly lost, and one has to do with easter sunday, a day when hope reigns in the love and power and glory of Jesus' resurrection.

my friend, anne, posted this video on her blog, and it really resonated with me. it's about the silence of easter saturday. i love pete greig and his honesty.

they showed the following video at church yesterday.

here are the lyrics to the song by matt maher:

Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame

But fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to Him who showed great love

And bled for us

Freely You've bled for us

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin

You bowed to none but heaven's will

No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown

No burden great can hold You down

In strength You reign

Forever let Your church proclaim

O death, where is your sting?

O hell, where is your victory?

O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night

O death, where is your sting?

O hell, where is your victory?

O church, come stand in the light

Our God is not dead
He's alive! He's alive!

even when the world is dark, and things seem so bleak, there is always hope. He's alive. Christ is risen. God is love.

good friday

2011-04-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

“God so loved the world, ” John writes, “that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That is to say that God so loved the world that he gave his only son even to this obscene horror; so loved the world that in some ultimately indescribable way and at some ultimately immeasurable cost he gave the world himself. Out of this terrible death, John says, came eternal life not just in the sense of resurrection to life after death but in the sense of life so precious even this side of death that to live it is to stand with one foot already in eternity. To participate in the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ is to live already in his kingdom. This is the essence of the Christian message, the heart of the Good News, and it is why the cross has become the chief Christian symbol. A cross of all things–a guillotine, a gallows–but the cross at the same time as the crossroads of eternity and time, as the place where such a mighty heart was broken that the healing power of God himself could flow through it into a sick and broken world. It was for this reason that of all possible words they could have used to describe the day of his death, the word they settled on was “good.” Good Friday.

- Frederick Buechner

m.i.a.

2011-04-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

hey peeps! so, you may have noticed, but i haven't been on top of the blogging so far this year. i thought i'd share with you why that's been the case.

first, let's back up a couple of months to right after the last time i posted on here.

in february we had many birthdays in our family. lots of get-togethers and good times were had. then the end of february we took a trip with my mom, two of my sisters, and my sister's husband, to disneyworld. a very fantastic, crazy, magical, exhausting, fun time. we returned from florida, hoping to ease back into life, and focus on art, music, etc. that wasn't the case, though.

some health stuff happened that scared us both a bit. a couple trips to the emergency room, a hospital admittance, a slew of tests... march was off to a rocky start. things have relatively calmed down over the last month, but the health stuff definitely shook us up. it also helped us to put some things into perspective. basically, i went into protective mode, and anything or anyone that i felt was stressing rick out or not a healthy part of our life at the time was out. God gave me the strength to have some strong boundaries. boundaries to protect rick, to protect me, to protect our family. and it felt good to do that. to support rick and love him the way he constantly and consistently supports and loves me.

in the midst of all of that, though, some good things - things we love, people we love - were moved to the back burner. things went undone (blog posts, for instance). emails went unwritten. even all the art stuff - creating it, working on my etsy, taking prints to catching fireflies - it became less of a priority. rick and our family were the top priority. taking care of him and of us came first. everything else i'd just have to sort out later.

and here we are at "later." i've wrestled with guilt about not focusing on my art and the business the last few months. and not spending time doing it has led me to my share of doubts, too. "is art even what i should be doing right now?" "do i really want to be doing it?" "is this realistic?" i'd go to write on here and wonder if i should share the doubts - share honestly about where i was emotionally right then. but then i'd think that maybe i should wait until i had more encouraging, positive things to write about.

i was thinking about my desire to put on a happy face in the midst of my doubts and frustrations. in my experience i've found that it can be a little alienating and isolating when people only share about the highs (and never the lows) in their lives. i think sometimes the people who only share the good stuff are really positive, grateful people. sometimes, though, i think they're people who are afraid to admit how hard things can be. there's this unspoken lie going around that sharing your fears, doubts, and insecurities says something negative about who you are, and that you're the only one who feels that way. operative word here: lie.

the truth is, we all have those days when things seem so hard, when the world seems so dark, when anxiety threatens to take over. i've found comfort and encouragement in those times from people who are willing to admit they have days like that too. they're kindred spirits that i feel like God has given me to walk with along the journey, reminding me that i'm not alone.

the last couple of months have truly been a perspective check for me. three (of the many) things i've been reminded of through all of this are:

1) life has a way of interrupting our best laid plans (i.e. creating new artwork, getting together with friends, writing emails, posting regularly on a blog...)

2) when that happens, have grace for yourself - it's okay, and

3) i want to live my life honestly. this blog is a teeny-tiny glimpse into my life, so it makes sense that on days when i'm frustrated, my blog posts will reflect that. on days i'm encouraged, my blog posts will reflect that. and so on, and so forth.

all of that being said, i'm off to deal with another one of life's interruptions - a leaking kitchen ceiling.

hope you are well, friends. much love!

happy new year - about a month and a half late!

2011-02-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

hello, friends! i've been completely neglectful of my blog since before the holidays, and for those of you who check it (and have commented to me about how i haven't updated it in 2 months), i am very sorry!

that being said, i hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that your new year is off to a splendid start! did any of you make a list of new year's resolutions? i have in the past but didn't this year. i kept thinking that i'd like to - having goals is a good thing, right? but then i kept forgetting about it. fast-forward to february. and i'm beginning to think the resolutions may remain unwritten this year...

honestly, i found myself more reflective on my birthday this year than on new year's eve. my birthday was this past weekend, and i turned 30. 30. 10+10+10. 3 decades. in case you didn't catch any of that - i'm 30 now. crazy! of course, thinking about how my 20s were over made me think about what happened in my 20s. made me think of even what happened this past year. this last year, the last 10 years, the last 30 years, actually - have all had their share of ups and downs. seasons of joy, and seasons of pain. loss. death. but growth, too. new friendships. kindred spirits. and lots of blessings.

i'm not one of those people who will say that i'm thankful for all of it. because, to be perfectly truthful, there are things that have happened in my life that i don't think i'll ever be thankful for. i'm learning, though, that just because i'm not thankful for them doesn't mean that God can't redeem them. out of death and darkness can come healing. love. possibly, even, new life.

there's a thought. maybe this year, 2011, my 30th year on this earth, instead of writing resolutions, i'll keep track of redemption in the works. rather than writing lists of things i'd like to accomplish, i'll try to write down things i think maybe God is accomplishing. or trying to accomplish in and through me. notes of His faithfulness. of His character. of His love for me (even when i don't feel it - maybe especially then). Truths to cling to when my anxiety is high, and the darkness threatens to overwhelm me. reminders that there is always hope.

i'm curious to see what will happen as the year unfolds... i have a sense that this year is going to hold a lot of growth for me - and rick. i think there's a lot of hard work to be done (we're in the midst of some of it right now), and that some things in our lives will come to an end this year, but i think there are new beginnings and opportunities for new life on the horizon.

thankful to walk through this life (and all it's ups and downs), with you, dear ones. praying we will encourage each other with truth and love along the way. blessings to you, this new year!

it's the holiday season!

2010-12-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

our charlie brown tree. =)

carols on the radio, peppermint-flavored everything, christmas trees, advent wreaths... i love this time of year! in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's almost been a month since i last posted - bananas!

in addition to holiday preparations, there's been a lot going on over here. such as: thanksgiving with family (hope yours was wonderful!), rick was sick with a stomach bug (poor thing), visiting catching fireflies to drop off some more prints (it's still hard for me to believe my art is sold there!), preparing prints for a BIG order i received (17 prints all ordered from one person - such an amazing, unexpected blessing!), getting ready for a "holiday shopping mall" at a local business this past friday (i was SO encouraged! i sold several prints, bought some super-cute stuff, and met so many great people!)... and a whole lot more!

it's really hard to believe that in a few short weeks, 2010 will be drawing to a close. for the next couple of weeks, i'm going to try to slow down... to rest, to breathe. to be present. to spend time with God. to spend time with dear friends and family. to spend time reflecting on the past year (all the blessings, and the pain, the grief of loss, and the hope of new beginnings).

i pray that we all would take time to truly experience all the joy, beauty, and hope of the season. i hope to blog again before this year ends, but if i don't, i hope you all have a fabulous holiday season. thank you for your love, support, and encouragement over the past year. each of you have been such a blessing to me in so many different ways... much love to you, friends!

arise

2010-11-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

happy tuesday, friends! how are your weeks going so far? mine has been hopeful.

the art fair on sunday was such an encouraging time. it was great to see other artists' work, to connect with people, and, honestly, to be reminded of why i'm doing all of this - sharing the art i create with others. sharing the truths God has tenderly spoken to me. and realizing others need to hear them, too.

i want to share my most recent piece of art with you:

i really love this piece. it speaks right to the heart of where i am right now. things have been pretty difficult over here the last couple of weeks - dealing with a lot of strong emotions and grief. i'm clinging to hope and truth with all the strength i have in me. God keeps reminding me that, though i may not feel like it, i'm precious to Him. He's not going anywhere, and He won't give up on me. friends, today is a new day. and i am new with it. and so are you.

much love to you, dear ones!

art fair tomorrow!

2010-11-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

hello friends!

a friend of mine called me last week and asked if i'd like to take part in an art fair tomorrow, november 14th, at a local church. i jumped at the opportunity! if any of you will be in the area, i'll be at Trinity Church in livonia (34500 6 mile rd., livonia, michigan 48152 between farmington and newburgh), tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. there will be 9-10 artists with work in various mediums (including my friend - who invited me to take part in this great event - jennifer andersson). it's the church's first year doing an art fair like this, and i'm so excited and thankful to be a part of it!

i hope you all are having a fantastic saturday. much love!

goodbye october

2010-10-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

hello friends! rick and i had such a fantastic time on our mini-vacation to northern michigan last week. here are a few pictures from the trip:

BEAUTIFUL fall colors!

some new friends of mine =)

cloudy fall day on lake michigan

happy us =)

i can't believe that october is over in a few short days. so much has happened this month. a lot of ups - and if i'm completely honest with you, a lot of downs, too. along with new opportunities and unexpected blessings, there's been self-doubt, anxiety, and fear... however, in the midst of it all, God has been with me, speaking Truth to me (often through conversations with friends like you), reminding me of His love and faithfulness.

i pray that over the next month, as we walk through whatever season we're in the midst of, we'd all feel God's presence, love, strength, and peace in a very real and powerful way.

hope you all have a fantastic weekend! much love, dear ones!

EXCITING NEWS! =)

2010-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

i wanted you all to be the first to know - prints of my artwork are now being sold at the CUTEST store in berkley, michigan - catching fireflies! i met the owner at the saline harvest of the arts oktoberfest when i was in the art show/fair last month, and it's been so fantastic how everything has worked out!

i've actually been a HUGE fan of this store for quite some time now, and i never could have imagined that they would ask ME to sell my art in their store. it really is the cutest place, and they sell work by several other artists that i love. i'm going to go back up to the store to take some more pictures soon, and once i do, i'll post the pics on here!

also, i've been listing more prints in my etsy shop, so please continue to stop by over there often!

rick and i are going to take a mini-vacation up north for the next couple of days (yay!), so you might be seeing pics of some michigan fall trees on here in the next week or so. =)

today i'm feeling SO blessed - and SO thankful to God for His love and faithfulness.

still growing

2010-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

hello! well, my etsy shop has been open for a little over a week now, and i've already made a couple of sales - HOORAY! i was also featured in this fun fall treasury on etsy - so much cute stuff! i've been feeling so blessed and loved by all of the support and encouragement i've been receiving lately.

i wanted to show you a new piece of art i finished a couple of weeks ago. i hope to have prints of it for sale in my etsy shop this week.

so many exciting things have been happening lately regarding my art. in the midst of my joy, though, there is also the fear and anxiety about how much there is to do - how much more i have to learn. i'm so thankful for each and every opportunity God has been giving me. when i feel excited and when i'm overwhelmed, in all of it, i'm doing my best to constantly return to Him. to rest in His love. to take in the good. to have grace for myself and for the fact that i'm still growing.

praying this for you today, too... much love to you, friends!

my etsy shop is open for business!

2010-10-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

after months and months of preparation, my etsy shop is finally open! i'm so excited!

i've added a link to my shop on the right side of my blog - hooray! i really appreciate your patience as i continue to work on my shop (right now i only have one thing listed for sale!), and i hope you'll stop by to visit often!

thank you so much for your support & encouragement! hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

MUCH love!

the saline harvest of the arts art fair

2010-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

well, friends, i made it through my first juried art fair! saturday was an amazing day. God was truly with me, loving me all day long. i can't even begin to tell you how much fun i had.

after a super late gig the night before, my wonderful husband, rick, got up early to come with me to set up my booth. he had a gig on the west side of the state, so he couldn't stay with me all day, but having him with me in the morning was a blessing. friends and family stopped by throughout the day, too, which meant so much to me! my dear friend, rick's aunt, michaella, sat with me for a while to keep me company, and another dear friend, kathryn, sat with me most of the day. they were fantastic - bringing me pretzels from the oktoberfest food tents, getting me coffee, watching the tent so i could chat with some of the other artists. it was so nice to be surrounded by people who love and support me all day long!

after weeks of work, i was really happy with how my booth turned out - and i even received an "honorable mention" for best display! i was so excited. i received tons of encouragement from other artists and from those who visited my booth. one woman asked me which art galleries my artwork was in!

i'm so thankful to have met so many amazing artists who offered advice, or suggested other art fairs they thought i should be a part of. an owner of one of my favorite shops visited my booth, and she had such encouraging things to say about my art and display. at one point, i was literally jumping up and down in my tent (kathryn can confirm this)!

oh, and i should mention - people bought my art! something in my art (an extension of who i am, of my heart), connected with them. what a blessing! i couldn't stop smiling all day long.

here are some pictures:

my booth!

handsome shopper! =)

i received a ribbon for my booth display - hooray!

i was super encouraged by these nice ladies!

very happy girl!

towards the end of the day, one of the artists i met said to me, "you're really enjoying yourself, aren't you?!" and i really truly was.

the art fair is over, but there's still a lot to do! this week, after i catch up on laundry and other household stuff much neglected in the rush to prepare for saturday's art fair, i'll be working hard to get my etsy shop up and running. i'll let you know as soon as it is.

on sunday, when i was talking with rick about the art fair, i told him that i really felt like i was "in my element." being with people, talking with them about why i create my art, where the ideas and words come from - my heart is still full. i think that the entire experience may have been another step (maybe even a really big one), in claiming who i truly am - who God has created me to be.

blessings to you today, dear ones. thanking God for His love, encouragement, and faithfulness - and for each of you, too!

art fair tomorrow!

2010-09-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

hey friends! the last couple of weeks have been spent frantically getting ready for the saline harvest of the arts oktoberfest - which is tomorrow, september 25th! i'll be in cute, downtown saline from 10-7 selling my art. to be honest, i'm still a little nervous - but i'm also really excited! in addition to the art fair, there will be all the traditional oktoberfest german fun, craft activities for kids, live music all day, and much more! if you're in the area, please stop by and say hello. i'd love to see you!

after months of preparation, it's kind of hard to believe that this day has finally come. thank you SO much for all of your support and encouragement! i'll definitely let you know how everything turns out.

if you would, please pray that i'd be a glimpse of God's love, grace, and truth to someone tomorrow... because, when it comes down to it, that's what my art is really all about.

much love to YOU, dear ones!

something new

2010-09-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

in two short weeks, on saturday, sept. 25th, i'll be selling my art at the saline harvest of the arts oktoberfest. i'm really excited and thankful for the opportunity to take part in this event!

i wanted to give you a sneak-peek at a few pieces i've been working on (well, to be honest, working on, and off, and on again), for the last several weeks. i'm hoping they'll be completed and ready to sell at the art fair in saline.

three pieces of art... in process. like myself.

i'm really curious to see how they turn out. when i start working on the pieces in the beginning, i'm never sure what they'll end up looking like. sometimes i think i know, and i'll start guiding the piece in a certain direction, often to only end up painting over what i've done. funny how the more i try to force things or control things in my artwork, the more frustrated i become. when i feel "stuck" on a certain piece, having no idea what to do next, or having tried and tried again to get it to look a certain way, only to be unhappy with how it looks, rick's really great about reminding me that i can walk away from it for a while. sometimes i think a piece is done, only to come back to it a few weeks later to add something new.

it all sounds a lot like my life in general, actually. God is such a huge part of my art and why i create it - guess i shouldn't be too surprised when He uses the entire process to teach and guide, to remind me: that my value doesn't lie in what i get done or accomplish. that i don't always know how things will turn out. that i don't have to force things. that there is freedom in surrendering my plans and agendas to Him. that sometimes when a season, hope, or dream seems to be over, it might not be. He may have something new in store for me.

i think i'm beginning to realize that through this whole creative journey, as i embrace who i truly am in Jesus, surrounding myself in God's love, seeking Him and His Truth, creating and sharing all of this through my art, God's creating something new and beautiful where i least expected it - in me.

more on new art and my preparations for the saline art fair, soon... today, i am just so thankful and overwhelmed by God's love for me - and for you, dear ones.

an encouraging day

2010-08-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

this past weekend i went to the saline summerfest craft and art show. helen, the wonderful woman who planned the event, is also organizing the art fair that i was accepted into (the saline harvest of the arts), which will take place on september 25th. knowing that i'm new to the arts and crafts scene, she suggested that i attend some art shows to get ideas on how to display my art, organize my tent/booth, etc. i'm so glad i took her advice!

while looking at different artists' booths for ideas, i couldn't help noticing their amazing art and photography. i introduced myself to a few different women, told them that i really liked their work, and that i was an artist. one of these woman is scottie magro of seeds studio. scottie was super friendly and offered some ideas and suggestions about how to decorate my booth. i visited her blog when i got home and entered a giveaway she was having for the photograph below - which i won! can't wait to have this photo in our apt. now i just have to decide where to hang it...

photo by the talented & sweet scottie magro of seeds studio!

there is a LOT of work to be done before the art fair next month. i think that the gift of meeting a few women who are doing what i'm trying to do myself - and who were so friendly and helpful to me in the process - is going to help things seem more doable. yet another way God continues to encourage me on this artful adventure...

worth the fight

2010-08-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

as most of you know, my little sister got married at the beginning of july. it was a beautiful, fun-filled celebration. a good time was definitely had by all.

sisters picture!

after months of preparation, the wedding festivities are over, and my free time is just that again - free. rick and i gave ourselves a few days to ease back into "normal" life after the flurry of activity (one of the many blessings of being self-employed). but then it was time to get back to work. a very long list of things to do was waiting for me, and i no longer had my sister's wedding as a reason for delay.

the general theme of the last few weeks for me has been, "be proactive." nothing to do with proactiv, the jessica simpson, p. diddy endorsed facewash. everything to do with the not-just-sitting-back-hoping-things-will-get-done-and-work-out kind of proactive. as fearful as i often am, and as much of a procrastinator as i can often be, i've really been hunkering down and accomplishing things that i've been putting off for months. i've decided on a name for my art - my own! i've looked into tax stuff, insurance stuff, etc. i've pretty much been doing all the not-so-fun things that a person needs to do when they're self-employed and in business for themselves. it feels good to have these things completed (or at least in the works), to be able to check them off my "to-do" lists. to be "doing the work."

getting these things done is a huge victory, because even the smallest decisions or tasks to be completed regarding my art are often surrounded by fear and doubt. the only way i've been able to do any of this is by leaning into God, being brave, fighting the fear, and trusting Him.

the last few weeks i've been coming to realize that the fear, insecurity, and doubts are probably always going to be waiting for me. but there's hope. God continues to be patient with me, sending truth and encouragement my way on a daily basis (when my eyes - and heart - are open enough to see and receive it).
ultimately, i'm going to have to choose whether to give in to the fears as they come - or to fight against them.
i know that the fight is going to be hard (it definitely has been up to this point). but some things are worth the fight, aren't they?

today i'm praying that we would all have the courage and strength to be proactive, to fight for those things that are worth fighting for. much love to you, friends...

a month!

2010-06-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

has it really been a WHOLE month since i last wrote anything on my blog? wow.

culprits contributing to my online absence include:

- looking into applying for art/craft fairs... realizing that most summer fairs' applications were due in early spring. bummer. then finding art/craft fairs that take place in late summer and early fall - applying for one - not getting in - boo. applying for another, being accepted - YAY! (more info. to come...)

- times of frustration and discouragement, when i (once again), was questioning my art, my purpose, a lot of things...

- times of total encouragement and support - people emailing me about my artwork, affirming my heart.

- starting new art pieces!

- more research for the business side of things - such as determining shipping costs for prints and original pieces (another step closer to opening an online shop!)

- it's summer! which, for us has meant lots of plans with friends and family. also, because -

- my little sister's getting married! her wedding is this saturday. many hours, days, weeks of preparation have gone into this sure-to-be fantastic event...

- and, if i'm completely honest, buffy the vampire slayer. my sister let us borrow the first season, and now we're kind of hooked. it's very 90s, very cheesy, and SO great!

overall, it's been a month of progress, discouragement, hope, and encouragement... hoping this next month will include some of the same - but with a bit more time spent creating, an online store up and running - and season 2 of buffy. much love, dear ones!

boo, being sick!

2010-05-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

rick and i have both been sick for almost two weeks. though, we've enjoyed watching old episodes of LOST together during our days home on the couch, it's been frustrating not to be doing any art - or anything art-related. i think we're on the tail-end of whatever bug we've had, and i'm hoping to be creating again (as well as working on getting my online shop up and running), within the next few days. i've had some ideas about things i'd like to try in my art - and i'm excited to see how it will all turn out, going from my brain to the canvas, wood, paint, paper, etc.

more on the art front, soon. but, for now, it's back to the couch - and LOST, season 4 - for me. hope you are well, friends!

my first commissioned piece!

2010-05-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

my good friend in texas, melissa, contacted me a few months ago to make an original piece of artwork for her boys' room. i was truly honored that she asked me! she had a prayer that she had prayed for her boys for years that she wanted me to include somewhere on the piece, and she had some thoughts on the colors she might like. other than that, she gave me complete freedom. i had so much fun making it! here are pictures that she took of the finished piece.

cling to hope.

2010-02-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

while working on this piece, God was speaking Truth to me... for me. and also for a friend of mine who is in the thick of it right now.

love & prayers, dear one... take heart. cling to hope.
this is not the end.

house of love...

2010-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

i finished this piece a couple of weeks ago - i've been trying to upload the photo for over a week now, but for some reason, blogger wasn't allowing me to. i tried using a smaller file size today (note to self), and, thankfully, it worked.

my time-lines for things (like posting photos on my blog, opening a shop online to sell my art, etc.), have not happened the way i've planned or thought they would. i'm learning that with my art stuff - as well as with all the other areas of life - things don't always work out according to my plan. well, they usually don't. and that's okay. actually, it seems to often be better that way.

after several weeks of utter life craziness, i'm starting to work on my art again. i'm trying my best to throw my agendas and time-lines out the window. to just take my time with it - enjoying it. being fully present with it. it's such a life-giving, heart-filling thing for me...

the piece of art above was Truth spoken to me - a reminder (for all of us, i think), from the one who is Love...

YOU are always welcome, dear one.

for nancy...

2010-01-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

the main reason i haven't updated this blog recently (other than the holidays just being a wonderful, crazy, busy time), is that rick's mom died last week.

she was a lady who had a lot of pain, health problems, regrets, and despair in her life - but there were also jokes and laughter, her beautiful organ and piano music, and her absolute love for her son.

we're grieving our loss today, but we're also thanking God for the healing that took place the last few days of her life on earth, the Truth that was spoken and shared, and the fact that she's now experiencing true joy and peace for the very first time.

just for fun...

2009-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

christmas (and charlie brown)-inspired artwork... =)

grief, love, and mercy...

2009-12-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

my dad

my little sister, my brother, and me...

i've really been missing my dad and my brother lately. i always miss them, but when the holidays come, the ache in my heart for them becomes more intense.

if i'm honest, the last few weeks i've been frustrated with God. even though i love Jesus with all of my heart, i was telling a friend how i go from not wanting to talk to Him at all, to longing for His presence - like a child who is angry at her father, but then, a moment later, happily asks him to spend some time with her.

sometimes things seem so bleak, the world around us so dark, that i find myself questioning things in my heart, even though my mind knows them to be true.

today i read an entry from the advent devotional i've been using for many years. it's called, "the Lord is near," and it has scripture along with excerpts from the writings of one of my favorite authors, henri j.m. nouwen. i'm always surprised (though, i shouldn't be by now), at how God meets me head-on in the midst of my grief, anger, and frustration, with His love and mercy.

the following is what i read today:

Called Back
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
Matthew 9:27
O LORD, all you ask of me is a simple "yes," a simple act of trust so that your choices for me can bear fruit in my life. I do not want you to pass me by. I do not want to be so busy with my way of living, my plans and projects, my relatives, friends and acquaintances, that I do not even notice that you are with me, closer to me than anyone else. I do not want to be blind to the loving gestures that come from your hands, nor deaf to the caring words that come from your mouth. I want to see you as you walk with me and hear you as you speak to me.
Your heart is so full of the desire to love me, so aflame with a fire to warm me. You so much want to give me a home, a sense of belonging, a place to dwell, a shelter where I feel protected and a refuge in which I feel safe. You stand at so many squares and corners of my life and say with so much tenderness, "Come and see, come and stay with me..."
I trust in you, Lord, but keep helping me in my many moments of distrust and doubt. They are there and will be every time I turn my eyes, ears or hands away from you. Please, Lord, keep calling me back to you, by day and by night, in joy and in sadness, during moments of success and moments of failure. Never let me leave you. I know you walk with me. Help me walk with you today, tomorrow and always.

i pray that this speaks Truth to you, as it did to me.
praying for all those wrestling with grief, as well as joy, this christmas season... blessings to you, dear ones...

happy belated thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving! wanted to update you on the latest... got the test prints back last week, and i think they look AMAZING! it was SO exciting to walk out of the printers with them in hand, knowing that i'd accomplished one more step towards selling my artwork.

i was sick last week, having caught what my husband was sick with the week before. i'm still recovering, therefore, my productivity has been down regarding photographing my artwork, pricing it, etc. hoping to get this all done SOON! i'll keep you all posted along the way...

thanking God for all of his blessings... which include all of you. =)

don't give up.

2009-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

a few of my very close friends are going through really difficult things right now... my heart has been burdened for them and their situations... this piece was another way for me to express my love and support to them.

and, once again, God used my art to speak some Truth to me, as well.

much love, dear ones. you will get through this.

choose love.

2009-11-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

when i made this piece, i was thinking about two of my great loves... my love of the sky, and my love of mobiles. random, yes. but i like how the combination of the two turned out.

i'm constantly looking up when i'm outside... my friend, anne, is like this, too. "sky-watchers", is what she says we are. so often i'm overwhelmed by the beauty i see up there... day or night, there are glorious things to behold... i find hope and joy in the clouds and in the stars...

and the mobiles... well, they're just fun.

be present.

2009-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

each and every moment is unique.

be still. be present. listen. learn. grow. heal.

embrace the process.

2009-10-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

each little step, each roadblock, each victory, each detour, even each mistake... they are all a part of the journey... embrace the process.

one step...

2009-10-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

SHINE.

2009-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

i've really been amazed at how God has been speaking Truth to me through my art...

don't be afraid to let the true, hidden part of you shine...

trust that there are safe people out there you can be vulnerable with.

there's beauty and light within you... let it shine!

anchor for my soul...

2009-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

hello, dear friends!

i'm going to do my best to start updating this blog at least once a week. i've been busy the last few weeks with all things creative. rick and i went to ikea and bought some organizational stuff for my "art studio" - a.k.a. formerly, the kitchen table. michaels had a big sale on art supply stuff, so i spent an afternoon there getting a few supplies - SO great! we went to the home depot yesterday to buy some poplar wood for me to paint on. that was a lot of fun. i really do love the home depot. i told rick that i'd love to work there - if i knew how to do anything handy. =)

i've been spending time with God, seeking His will for my life - and for my art... i'm just really thankful to Him for where rick and i are in our lives right now. it's new and exciting - and scary and overwhelming, at times - but it's soooo good. =)

and on top of all of that - i've been making art! asking God to help me find my "creative voice." i've been trying new things - new techniques... and doing my best to enjoy each new step of this journey. (below is one of the pieces i've made in the last few weeks.)

more soon... much LOVE!

the first signs of fall...

2009-09-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

don't be afraid...

2009-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

this is a piece that i made on friday. i used some of the new techniques i recently learned about, and i'm really happy with the way it turned out. the computer cut off part of the right edge where i had the words "trust your love" in the upper right corner, but the rest of the piece scanned pretty well.

when i began working on this on friday morning, i wasn't sure what the final result would be. i smile every time i look at it, because i really think that God was speaking words of Truth and encouragement to me as i made this.

i pray that this brings a little bit of Truth, love, and encouragement into your day. much LOVE!

rise and shine!

2009-07-17T11:30:00.001-07:00

my mom was collecting roosters for a while, so i painted her this picture for christmas this past december... i'm thinking i might paint a picture of a cow - since i love them so very much - in this same style some day...

today i'm having a lot of fun trying out some new techniques i read about... i'll post the finished project up here when i'm done. i'm truly overwhelmed by God's goodness to me (and rick's!). i love art so much, and that's what i'm able to do for hours at a time right now. all while drinking coffee and painting in my pajamas. this is the life! much love, my friends!

Truth and grace for today...

2009-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

i saw this on anne's facebook, and my heart keeps coming back to it...

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.
1 Corinthians 12:7 MSG

this is Truth. what is that thing for each of us that shows others who God is? or is it not so much the thing itself, but rather us honoring who God has created us to be? our true self?

i haven't worked on any art in a while... my dear friend, rick's aunt, michaella asked me why i thought that was... i told her probably fear and my insecurities. what if people don't like it? what if they don't buy it? mainly - what if people reject what i've created - the expression of my heart?

i talked to anne this morning, and i felt like the Spirit was giving me Truth to speak to her - about how her gift of writing, her heart for prayer are from God, and how the broken people in her life who hurt her and let her down (or are just apathetic to her gifts), should not keep her from doing the things God had put in her heart to do - from being the person God has created her to be.

but, like most times when God gives me Truth to speak to my friends, i think it was Truth for me, too.

when michaella and i were talking the other day, and i expressed my fears to her, she told me that she thinks i should create, and do my art, regardless of whether people will buy it or not... to me, someone buying something i've created is validation. if they don't buy it (or don't respond kindly to it), it's rejection. on the surface, they are rejecting the product. but for anyone who creates from the heart, whether it be music, writing, artwork - it feels like rejection of our true selves.

michaella's point was that if God has put this desire to create in my heart, i need to honor that desire. whether people - whether the world - accepts or approves or validates it is irrelevant. i'm not doing it for them anyways, right? i'm doing it for me - and for Jesus. or at least i was when i first began...

Lord, thank you for speaking your Truth to me today. thank you for your patience, your mercy, and your grace. thank you for dear friends who encourage me. please help me - help all of us - to stay anchored in your love and Truth, in who you have created me and called me to be. protect my heart from false fears and insecurities... guide me always back to You.

a few unexpected visitors...

2009-05-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

yesterday was a lovely rainy, stormy day... and a few feathered friends stopped by my little tree outside our apt.

the geese only stayed long enough to let me take a couple pictures and to poop on the sidewalk...

then, i noticed a little green friend on the sidewalk leading up to our apt.

i was amazed at how close he let me get to him to take these pictures...

isn't he gorgeous? i love his gold eyes!
he stayed on my front walk for quite a while... i think he liked the attention i was giving him. he definitely needs a name... something regal and sophisticated... i think i shall call him giovanni. perhaps he's of italian descent. ciao!

a small glimpse of spring in michigan...

2009-05-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

i took a few pictures of the tree right outside of our apt. last week. all winter it was bare, and then a few weeks ago, almost over-night, it had the most beautiful pink blooms on it. this past week, the blooms turned into delicate white flowers.

the past few days the wind has blown most of the flowers off the branches... i felt like i was in a fairy-land every time i walked by the tree, white petals swirling around me, landing gracefully in my hair.

sad to say, i didn't get any pictures of it with the white flowers, thinking i still had some time before they would all fall off. last night we had a storm come through, and the wind blew all of the beautiful white blossoms to the ground. my mom said that the blossoms fall off, and then the tree will get berries and new growth. isn't nature amazing? God's creativity constantly overwhelms and inspires me.

the tree with the pink buds on it:

all the white on the ground is petals from the tree:

the tree this morning (with a few white flowers still holding on to the branches after last night's storm):

"dirty dancing" strikes again...

2009-03-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

rick's aunt gave us a painting of jesus she bought in poland when she visited there last month. it's about 5 inches wide by 7 inches tall, and it came with little wood pegs (like a stand, so that you can display it).

in our dining room, in the corner between two of the benches at our kitchen table, we have our nativity scene still set up (we kept it up all year in our apt. in austin).

the following conversation took place a few nights ago while discussing where we should put the picture...

michele: well, we could take down our nativity scene - it doesn't HAVE to stay out all year - and we could put the painting in the corner.

rick (in a voice, that i'm guessing was intended to sound like patrick swayze's): nobody puts jesus in the corner!

today was a day.

2008-12-18T18:52:00.001-08:00

i typed the following on december 18th, but i didn't post it. i've been doing that a lot lately. not sure why. maybe it's because i don't feel like i'm able to completely articulate the way i'm feeling through my writing, so i get frustrated - and then don't share what i've written. but since you are my dear friends, i know you'll have grace for this blog, for the fact that my ability to write my thoughts out in a way that satisfies me is a work in progress... mainly, grace for me.

currently, my eyes are tired and red and puffy from crying. i cried for a good hour tonight. it's been a while since i've cried like that.

my husband is sick. and i hate that. i hate not being able to make him feel better.

i miss my friends. i have good friends in michigan (namely, andi & brad), and i'm so thankful to be back with them and with my family. but i miss my texas friends. i miss my church. i miss my family.

i wonder why God has me in michigan. what purpose could my being here serve? being home all the time is beginning to wear on me. i'm lonely. i feel as if my spirit is weak. i tell rick, "i have to get out of here. i'm going to go to the store, or something." and he looks at me. we sit down on the couch, and i begin to cry. i tell him that i'm sad. that i miss my friends. that i feel overwhelmed by all of the nothing-ness in my life. i need out. my husband lovingly looks at me, and tries to comfort me, but i cannot be comforted. not at this moment.

and then God shows me love. shows me grace. shows me He's there.

the phone rings. it's mandi. and i cry to my friend. i tell her i miss her. i tell her that i don't know what's wrong, but that i'm sad. and she listens. she speaks truth to me. she loves me. and through her, Jesus listens, speaks truth, and loves me.

rick and i eat our ham and cheese omelets for dinner. i'm feeling strengthened. as i get ready to go to the grocery store, the phone rings again. it's anne. before answering the phone, rick says to me, "another one of your friends who loves you is calling to talk to you."

anne and i talk about what's going on with us... we laugh. i tell her that if she had called an hour earlier, i would have been crying. i tell her i miss her. i think i might start crying again, but she says something random, and i start laughing again. i talk to her while i drive to kroger's. we talk and joke and rant and laugh as i place the milk, eggs, mini-marshmallows, and bananas into my shopping cart. and the laughter is healing. what a gift.

and i realize that God is loving me through all of this... the entire day. even in my loneliness. especially in my loneliness. He is so good, so faithful. i love you, Jesus.

quote of the day...

2008-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

"aww! i didn't want to be famous for being mean... i wanted to be famous for catching santa claus!"

- homer simpson

a morning in the life...

2008-12-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

i woke up this morning with terrible cramps. i took some advil, sprawled out on our couch, and proceeded to watch "britney: for the record" on MTV. yeah, i don't know.

i looked out the window, watching the snow falling down, swirling around... and noticed some activity by the pumpkins that are still decorating our patio. a squirrel had gnawed his way through half of one of the smaller pumpkins. for almost an hour this animal gorged itself on the orange innards of the small squash, leaving a mess behind for me to clean up. i guess that's what i get for having pumpkins outside my front door in december.

2008-11-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe."

Psalm 61: 1-3

2008-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

what a blessing it has been to be back in michigan for the changing of the seasons. fall in michigan is SO beautiful.

this past week has been very cold and windy, and so many of the leaves have fallen off of these trees. winter is right around the corner. the changing of the leaves, the trees, the seasons are a reminder to me of God's goodness and His faithfulness.

the transition of leaving texas and moving to michigan has been more difficult than i thought it was going to be. i miss our texas family, our church, the city of austin.

i find comfort in God and in rick. truth is spoken to me. Jesus loves me and is with me. He does not disappoint.

though the trees will soon be barren, i pray that i'll find hope in their empty branches - that they will be a symbol to me of patience. of waiting. of trusting that new life will come.