Fall... ahhhh

Has it really been since August 4th that I posted last? Where does time go? These last couple of months have flown by in a whirlwind. Four commissioned art pieces and a massive website design, plus two weeks in another state, have made it seem like yesterday that I was telling you my in-laws had moved out. At least I have a little something to show for my time away. :) Here are some samples of artwork I have been doing...

Commissioned Work - Austin, TX

Commissioned Work - Dallas, TX

Commissioned Work - Enfield, CT

Commissioned Work - Chicago, IL

Commissioned Work - Thomasville, AL

And I must tell you that I am really excited about the new website I am designing for a friend and songwriter in the Christian music industry, Nancy Gordon. I have so enjoyed getting to know her through our phone conversations and e-mails. I hope that once her new site is live, you will go and visit. It is a really extensive site design, so I have been sucked far, far down into web code & design world. I am loving that I am getting to do this for someone whose business is writing praise and worship songs and lullabies. The neatest thing is that she found out about me and contacted me through a "friend of a friend," though she didn't really know much about me. But, I knew about her and actually sang her lullabies to my children while rocking them when they were babies. It just amazes me how God brings people together for His purposes. And if you have ever sung "Firm Foundation," then you have sung a song she wrote.

Lastly, I will share a couple of paintings that I have done in my painting class:

"Chateau" - oil on canvas (my attempt at really, REALLY loose)

"Blue Autumn" - oil on canvas

Well now you know what's been going on with me. I'd love to hear what's been going on with you!

Blessings,
Christi

Fresh Perspective from a Little Time Away...

Isn't it wonderful to get away? Even with all that goes along with being the mom in charge of all the laundry, packing, reservations, tickets, schedules, etc. involved in taking a vacation (?), it is still a wonderful thing sometimes to just get that change of scenery.




The sunset over the water paints a picture more beautiful than words can describe. It is refreshing down to the very depths of the soul.




The reflection of these beautiful flowers along the shoreline says everything about the flowers' health and vigor... health that is largely due, I am sure, to the fact that their roots are constantly nourished and watered by the life of the spring by which they are planted.




The hollyhocks were seemingly so happy to greet us in their fine ruffled, flowing pink skirts.




Though we were definitely not in paradise, there were many beautiful things to feast our eyes upon. And, this gorgeous bird of paradise was no exception.

It brings to mind this quote from L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables:

"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?"

A change of scenery often does bring that scope for the imagination and a renewed energy to tackle the day to day tasks waiting patiently at home for our return. Two weeks away has left me a lot of "day to day" to accomplish, but how wonderful that I have new scope for imagination to keep those tasks from being mundane.