Last week I was discouraged, but this week I feel hopeful. I think this blogging thing is just what I need to stay committed to the pursuit of being an artist here on the farm. No, I didn't actually paint anything yet, but does it count that my outlook is positive? Yes! Inside, something is stirring. I feel like God is saying, "Go ahead and trust Me. See what happens." I don't have any new shed progress pictures to show today, because all the stuff is still in the same place. But....Bill finished the gate. He did a great job like he always does, and now he said the windows are next. So maybe next week I'll be able to put some new pictures up of the shed's transformation. I did, as a matter of fact, accept an invitation for the 2013 Kanapaha Gardens Paint Out coming up on Sept. 13 - 15. Their website is www.kanapaha.org. Plus, I was invited to teach at JC Campbell Folk School next August. (Today I HAVE to get that paperwork in the mail.) The website for the folk school is www.folkschool.org So here's to moving forward!

Standing

Obviously it's been a long time since I have mentioned art in a blog. There is always a reason to put it off, always a reason to get something else done on the farm. I didn't know that embracing this dream of farming would endanger my other life as an artist. It's easy to get overwhelmed, to complain, to give up. But just this morning I was reading in my Bible about the armor of God. Ephesians 6:13 (Amplified Version) "Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]." Maybe I'm overly spiritualizing my personal struggle to keep art in my life, but I feel a connection. Do I have a crisis? It feels like one to me. Standing my ground means not letting go. Standing my ground means not giving up. My faith shield has been full of holes and needs repaired. I can start there. I know my Father is on my side. He has put this creative spirit inside of me and He keeps letting me see the possibilities of working together with Him. I can close my eyes and see a finished studio and artwork that comes from my fingertips. When I open my eyes I see an unfinished shed, a pile of dusty paint tubes, and an empty canvas on my easel. Here's a picture of the shed where my new studio will be. I am so grateful to have it. It was a gift from my parents. The inside is full of stuff from the kids, extra junk we don't have a place for and of course, feed. (Who can just let a shed sit there empty?) My wonderful husband has promised to work on putting in new windows to let more light in right after he finishes putting in the gate on the fence. My job is to get it cleaned out. I promise to keep you posted on our progress. I think it will inspire me and give me a creative outlet while I wait, and of course, STAND, keeping my joy and not losing hope.