Another step toward the dream...and WOYWW!

Happy belated WOYWW and Thanksgiving!

 

I know I'm late! I just decided to participate and rejoin the artistic community. My dear hubby went home to be with the Lord on November 19 and six of my seven children have been here for the funeral. They are all so supportive and such a blessing! I'm trying to get back to something that feels more normal after months of hospitals and nursing homes. I know my husband and best friend of 33 years is in heaven-healed and enjoying the company of his Lord and all those family members and friends who went before him.

 

I don't have a desk picture because Blogger seems to be having trouble uploading pictures from my computer!

 

I just purchased this book to help me in my painting journey. I've come to the conclusion that I like to draw and paint animals and nature, so I'm going to concentrate on that. My son suggested finding someone who purchases stock illustrations. I'm also exploring places to purchase artist grade watercolors and brushes that I can actually afford. I probably need to get some good materials if I'm going to think about selling stuff.

 

 

 

Anyway, just a step! It may be a long journey, but that's part of the fun! I'm hoping that I'll be able to semi-retire (read that "work part-time") in 3 years (when I turn 60) and have more time for this, but I'm going to make a start.

 

Working on some ATC's featuring birds. I'm going to give myself the assignment of doing ATC swaps that include animals for more practice. As a single person now I have to keep after myself so I don't just sit and watch TV. I'm finding that I actually enjoy turning it off and reading or doing art.

 

Time to learn to get out of my introvert box. I'm going to try to spend some time helping my daughter find some resources to learn more about photography, which is her dream. I also have a couple of  friends who have also lost their husbands in the last few years who may want to visit back-and-forth, though I don't want to spend too much time concentrating on "being a widow". God has things for me to do that don't revolve around that, but we can support each other and encourage each other in new dreams.

 

God bless you all and hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

 

To see some fabulous work spaces go to  Julia's Stamping Ground blog!

To do lists...

Lots of business to attend to today such as getting car titles, insurance and other sundries changed into my name. I really should be getting myself organized instead of reading blogs, but I came across a Facebook post about Sandra Bennett at Thistle Cove Farm and found she has a blog about widowhood, so, of course, I had to go have a read. I'm hoping our situation isn't quite as complex as the picture she paints, but I'll find out as I go. I thank God for children to help me along the way!

My younger step-son, Trevor, presented me with a Keurig coffee maker when he was here for the funeral. I've never been a coffee drinker, but I am enjoying becoming one on a limited basis! The yummy creamers help a lot...along with added sugar. Off to have a cup and plan my day!

Shalom and hugs to all!

My honey is with Jesus...

Bob took Jesus's hand and walked into Heaven on Tuesday November 19. I envy him! We cannot even imagine the wonderful things God has prepared for us, but Bob is seeing them right now. Thanks to all who have been praying for us and expressing such wonderful support. Bob has never been better and I look forward to seeing him again and growing closer to the Lord as I continue this earthly journey with the rest of you! :)

Six of our seven children were here for the funeral and they are such a blessing! We had a wonderful reunion! Bob would be proud of the way they're taking care of me. I would love to post a photo, but the downloader doesn't seem to be working.

Shalom for now!

Some ATC's I forgot to post...

Just an excuse to post something since it's been a while. I see I've forgotten to show some of my ATC's here.

These were for the "Coffee" swap...

This next group was for a swap called "Wonderful Waterbirds of the World".  I think I enjoy drawing/painting animals most of all!

And then there was the "Pointillism" swap! For this swap I loosely slopped some watercolor on each card and then, when it was dry, I "found" a picture and added the dots.

a flower

 

a huge pumpkin

 

 

a pear at sunrise

 

 

a loon at...sunset...

 

 

Okay, we're caught up with those!

 

I had a blast babysitting the grandgirls. They sure are smart...and CUTE! I'll be watching them tomorrow, as well. Micah's babysitter decided she couldn't watch them anymore, so I'll be filling in on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. until their daddy gets home.

 

Things are quiet at the nursing home with Bob. I just keep him company and help him to eat. We watch a lot of HGTV together, but I don't think he really understands a lot of what's going on. He's been such a blessing to me as a husband. Here are some photos from a happier time.

 

 

Visiting my folks in 2012. I'm so glad we got to take this road trip to Texas together. It was so much fun!

 

 

 

A year or so ago. There's nothing he loves more than being Grandpa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of my favorites. Bob and I were watching our youngest during a taekwondo exhibition. This was a few years ago.

 

Just wanting to think of some happy moments. Bob may be losing track of who we all are here on earth, but the best is yet to come! We will spend eternity together and there will be no more pain or sorrow there! Thank you, Lord, for preparing a place for us!

 

 

"Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Cor. 4:16-18

 

Shalom!