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!