Saturday Art Smorgasbord - Warm Memories

Greetings!  Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Advent, a season to reflect, pray, and open our hearts to the coming of the Messiah.  With this in mind, I am dedicating this post to all the warm memories brought about by the blessings I've received throughout my life that never cease to inspire my artwork.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
First of all is the memory of my parents, whom provided me with unconditional love and support.  No, they were not the most righteous people, but they provided a home where acknowledging mistakes, rectifying them, and moving on was a way of life.  It is one of the best ways I know of to live in harmony.  The couple in the photograph above is of my parents in the "Music" inspired tag that I did for Tag Tuesday the week before last.
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Secondly, is the memory of holidays, and the small but thoughtful gifts we give each other.  The first photograph is of the beautiful chocolate dipped strawberries that my oldest daughter made for my birthday last month - they were delicious!  Some may think it's not much, but it's the time and love that she put into  them that was most important to me.  (I am submitting the strawberry photograph to Orange You Glad It's Friday and Mandarin Orange Monday.)  I tried to put the same time and love into the origami hat tags on the 3 gifts for my wife and daughters in the second photograph.  I am also making other origami tags, such as the one with the stockings, for gifts to other friends and a less fortunate family we're adopting for the holidays through our church.  These will bring new warm memories.  (These tags were done this week for my designer team entry at Tag Tuesday - Warm.)

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Last, but not least, rather it be during a quiet walk, a relaxing spot at a public place, or time spent in my studio, my artistic gift has provided me with a plethora of warm memories.  Thank you, Lord!  I took the photograph of the ceiling and sky during a walk at A&M, in College Station, Texas, during a visit with my daughter during my birthday last month.  I loved the contrast between the classic architectural detailing of the building and the soft blue hint of the clear morning sky.  (I am submitting it to 52 Photo Project and A Rural Journal.)  As to the free style art journal entry, it is a type of meditative exercise I enjoy doing from time to time.  (I am submitting this to Artist Playroom, Artists in Blogland, Illustration Friday - Stretch, Sunday Sketches, and Paint Party Friday.)

The Romeros
Christmas 2011
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
In closing, I want to wish everyone an enlightening season of Advent.  May we "not neglect to do good and to share what we have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God," as stated in Hebrews 13:16.  Blessings!

Comments

GlorV1 said…
Blessing to you and your family as well. A beautiful post and very heartfelt. Thank you.
Happy Holidays
Christine said…
Thoughtful post in the season of Advent, have a wonderful week!
Anonymous said…
Oh, what a lovely family! :) I enjoyed reading your description of the photographs. I think the strawberry dessert looks wonderful--a very thoughtful and delicious gift.

I agree that this is a great time for reflection. Those tags are awesome and inspiring me to make some pretty tags for my presents this year. Thank you for sharing a piece of your holiday with us.

(I found you through Sunday Sketch)
Aloha
A said…
wspaniały post Arnoldo :)) pozdrawiam!!
stefanie stark said…
Your post is wonderful. I love your little warm-hearted stories about life and family and relationship. And I love the little packages you did for your ladies as well. They look so cute!
ASHISH BARDHAN said…
Nice Artwork .. Great Creativity ..
Take a look at min artwork ..
ashbeezone.wordpress.com
Netty said…
Beautiful post and thank you for sharing. Happy PPF, Annette x
Anonymous said…
Beautiful post. I love all the memories and thing you did.
Thanks for sharing!
Nora
Unknown said…
There is nothing more precious than a handmade gift, especially from our children... :).. love the tags.
Your art this week is heart-warming as always, but I'm just really loving your awesome family Christmas photo, Arnoldo. What a beautiful family God has given you. Cherish your time together, count your blessings every day, and keep the art coming! I always love to see it, and appreciate how you share with us at WAW so faithfully. And....thanks for sharing this lovely photo!
Blessings,
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
carol l mckenna said…
What a wonderfully creative post and photos with you 'attitude of gratitude' ~ you are blessed ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Anne Manda said…
Lovely art and those strawberries look fantastic, awesome gift! :)
Linda W. said…
What a nice family photo. Great post.
Your posts are always so heartfelt and moving! Wonderful photos and always wonderful inspiration here! Merry Christmas!
Lisa Carroll said…
Gorgeous tags! Love the origami embellishments.. just adorable! :) Thanks for playing along in the "Anything Goes" challenge over at the Simon Says Stamp challenge blog this week! xoembellishments.
Winnie said…
What a lovely advent post! Your daughter's gift of hand dipped strawberries was so very thoughtful and special. i love your tags, what special pieces for the recipients. Have a blessed season!
Unknown said…
Arnoldo, it is a wonderful tribute to your parents and all your writings are inspirational. Thank you for linking with us at WAW.
Psalm 103 Blessings,
Carole Robb Bisson,
Word Art Wednesday
lorik said…
Interesting post with great pics. Thank you for being part of Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Ritu Dua said…
Absolutely beautiful post ...creative and awesome :)
a good way to end and start,images say a lot.
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...beautiful post...beautiful family...beautiful tribute to your parents and all those things that inspire your art. :) Thank you for sharing your work with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Anna-Karin said…
Lovely projects and very fitting for Advent. The first of Advent was always such a special day for me. Love the tag you made with your parents, the little heart is precious. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Maria @ LSS said…
That's a beautiful tribute to your parents. Happy MOM.

Orange Bike
Bettey said…
Thank you for your participation in Orange You Glad It's Friday. Hope to see you back again this week!!!

Sarah
Hood Photo Blog
Ileana said…
Beautiful photos and artwork. I really like the ceiling shot and the FREEDOM drawing. So inspirational. Enjoy this wonderful season with your loved ones!
Gemiel said…
Another awesome smorgasboard! Your daughter's strawberries look yummy and you have a beautiful family!!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday this week. Blessings!
Bella Cirovic said…
What a thoughtful post. Thank you for sharing this week!
Your gratitude shines through in this post. So heartfelt. Thanks for sharing! I love the tags!