Take the risk and dance........

Journey's Rest.....

When you begin to ask for direction...for the next step in your journey...the answer can be such a gentle whisper and seems to need the quietness and stillness of your heart to be heard. I have not been on line for a few weeks and letting my heart be present and attentive to some issues and circumstances that required heart reflection and prayer. It seems its been awhile since I have let God become as real to me as He has been these last weeks. I have just returned from a beautiful weekend with some of the most caring and wonderful women I have had the priviledge of meeting. I wanted to share the unique hearts of three of them, their gifts of words, music and hospitality for the souls of wounded women were a breath of healing air. Below is the lovely brochure for the home we stayed in here locally in Battleground, Washington. Florence McDavid and her husband Maurice have such an amazing story and ministry to share. Out of a journey through their own pain, they felt led to build and decorate this warm and inviting home for the purpose of offering shelter to women who were traveling some of life's most difficult journeys...who needed a place to rest, to breathe and to hear from God. It is truly a story of beauty from the ashes. Each room of their haven, "Journey's Rest", is filled with the presence of God and is a welcome refuge into the quiet where your soul can be nurtured, received and cared for. There was abundance of chocolates, decadent cookies and tea in every nook and cranny (I thought I was in heaven). If you are in the area, call Florence ahead to arrange a sweet time of refreshment and you will be deeply blessed. The collective wisdom, experience and tender hearts of the women who gathered this past weekend will forever have impacted my life and perspective on my own calling.



I was truly honored to share the artwork of Healing Expressions and some of my own story with the ladies. Many of those in attendance were counselors, woman who work and minister to hurting woman or those who experience a deep calling to come along side the wounded with compassion, transparency and authenticity. It was such a meaningful afternoon as I took them through a therapuetic collage exercise and we talked and shared about what the process revealed to us about ourselves and our own personal journeys.


Our retreat speakers were two woman I am blessed to know. Meg Wilson is author of "Hope After Betrayal". Her honesty and tender account of her own story and the betrayal of sexual addiction in her marriage is changing lives and offering hope to many marriages that are being devastated by pornograghy addiction, adultery and our culture's distortion of our God given sexuality. Her words of hope and redemption speak to those who have experienced betrayal of many kinds...sexual, physical and emotional.

Kate White is a concert and recording artist whose most recent CD is filled with the most beautiful and moving songs that sooth and call the heart home to the Father. She is a gifted worship leader whose music ushered us into the healing presence of God. Kate's own journey of recovery from abuse stirred me in the deepest places. Both of these women were so incredibly real in what the they brought to the weekend. It was a gift to be along side each other and take this "snapshot" of hope, vision and healing for the wounded and heartbroken souls of women.

The weekend reminded me that we can each be used in another's life no matter how weary or broken we may feel. When a hand is offered that holds no judgment or condemnation...one that is safe and real...the holding on can be life-altering. Times like these give us vision beyond what we might normally see...and courage to take the next step. I recently took my first class at the University in hopes of working towards a Master's in Counseling and Art Therapy. We'll see where God leads...thats one thing about listening for His leading...another door can suddenly appear and require we be flexible and open. So I encourage you to just take the next step...do the next thing that is beckoning your heart to do....and see how your story unfolds.

Finding my way.....

Trying to get back into the routine of everyday life after returning from a relaxing and memorable trip to the Oregon Coast. One of my most favorite things in the world is to sit quietly and watch in awe and wonder as each wave rolls in one after the other. It is always an experience that brings me closer to God..and to remembering how deep and wide and neverending is His love. Find myself in a familiar place of deep reflection. The ocean does that to me. I feel so small next to the grandness and unending power the waters bring. Heartaches and worries...for a time...feel weightless. So I am slowly making my way back into my routine and listening for direction...hoping to continue to find my way on this journey....

Family Holiday Fun!

Just a quick peek in from our family vacation over the holidays! Spent some wonderful time up in the snow at Mt Hood with our dear family friends in from Atlanta and now getting ready to head to the Oregon coast! Making lots of memories and just enjoying our time together! Hope everyone is having a safe and Happy New Year!!!

To thine own heart be true....

I have been slowly working on this piece for awhile and she is finally done. New shadowbox assemblage that can be found on ebay today!

Acts of Kindness........

"She felt the searing heat reach for her
through the door of her past...despite her fear,
she knew the only way was through the fire"
Sharing a few more thoughts on art cards. I often think of those for whom the holidays can be so difficult. My heart always feels a bit heavy amidst all the Hallmark moments filling our television screens and the endless stream of commercials depicting overabundance and excess....heavy for those that see these images and feel pain, lonliness, sadness and loss during the holidays. The seasons of the year find so many of us at different stages of life... going through different experiences, challenges and even wonderful victories as well. My own journey has led me to have eyes that long to see the truth of a soul and a heart that can't help but want to pray for those who struggle. I am able to see the warmth and the goodnesss of this glorious season of Christ's birth but grateful God has allowed me to experience the pain as well...for it reminds me there are others who need to be carried and encouraged this season. So I thought I'd just encourage anyone who stops by to reach out to someone in need, share an act or word of kindness, remember to listen...I mean really listen....when you run into a long lost friend and ask how they are doing.....just slow down and remember that God may want to use you in someone's life...in that moment...for such a time as this....to bring light into a life that might be struggling in the shadows.

Congratulations Patricia Mosca!!!

OH Goodness.....Almost fell asleep and bolted up when I realized...EEK! Its Wednesday night...time for an art blessings drawing! I love reaching into my little basket...OH the anticipation of who I have the honor of blessing! Congratulations Patricia! What fun it was to discover your blog...or should I say many blogs! You'll have to check out Patricia's wonderful inspirational words and artwork! Check out her blog and take at a peek at several others she has going as well! I can't thank everyone enough for your wonderful comments. They truly have blessed me and confirmed my heartfelt calling to create art that weaves words and images that whisper authenticity and transparency! We all have seasons where we wonder if we make a difference...if our small part in the larger story really matters...the thoughts you have all shared with me were truly an encouragement! Creative blessings to each and every one of you!

Holiday Art Blessing Giveaway!

I hope you'll join me in the fun for a holiday giveaway! I have assembled a little goodie bag of greeting cards and ATC magnets that will come all nestled in a pretty organza bag with some holiday treats for one special winner whose name I'll draw on Wednesday night, Dec 12th! If you'd like your name put in the drawing just leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win! Just my way of saying thanks for all your wonderful and encouraging comments about this artistic journey I have been on! Thanks so much for sharing it with me! I also posted a few more pics of some art cards that listed on ebay today!

More Art to Share....

Just a few more pieces to share with you this week! I am continuing to enjoy the release that art cards have been bringing my heart. I also listed a couple new holiday ornaments. All of these are on Ebay. Stayed tuned for a holiday giveaway! I look forward to putting together some treasures to bless one of you with so check back on Friday and join the holiday fun!

In the Christmas mood.....

Feeling such a sense of joy this week! The family headed out for our annual cutting down of the Kent tree. The manly right of passage (the saw) was handed down from the older boys to their younger brother this year. He gave it a good first try! We bundle up, bring lots of favorite holiday CDs for the truck, pack up fresh baked Chocolate Kiss cookies and hot chocolate with marshmellows and away we go! Even though it was a rainy, muddy slush fest we had a great time!! I think this is the earliest ever I have had the house decorated and tree almost up....and I am not even drinking any Starbuck's Mochas these days! I guess its just genuinely feeling the Christmas spirit!! That and there is just nothing like playing holiday music around the house 24/7!! I feel such a deep sense of hope for this season. There is so much to be thankful for and wonderful memories to make with the kids. I am looking forward to seeing what the season brings!!!

New Original Art Cards.....

Its been awhile since I have played on the small canvas of art cards. I was reminded how much I love this size...these little bursts of creativity where a thought can be explored and brought forth from the inside where it has been ruminating...to the outside in a miniature visual, tactile form. Art cards are like small journal entries for me...a moment in time I can mark and remember...honoring where my heart was traveling and the inspirations and reflections that were stirring. I am so grateful today for the freedom and release that art brings into my life. These cards were listed on ebay this evening!

Altered Journals on Etsy....

Finished a series of colorful and inspirational altered art journals that I thought would each make wonderful holiday gifts for someone special. You can find the majority of these on Etsy and a couple are auctioning on ebay as well. Remember to take a moment to look to the heavens today and whisper something you are especially grateful for this holiday!

Ashes of Pain.....

"From the ashes of her raw pain rose the haunting melody of her true voice"

It takes great courage to allow your heart to sink into the music of grief and pain...to appreciate the dissonant chords and difficult harmonies. I believe some of the most deeply beautiful music in this life comes to the heart when it embraces loss and tragedy...even the most painful of our wounds. Although it doesn't have to define us it can bring a richness and depth to our voice that we had previously not known. In these seasons there is a unique opportunity to move with the music of pain and receive its gifts....to hear our true voice rise from the ashes.

This new work is on Ebay this evening. Thanks so much for stopping by!