She's Gone Abroad

Howdy!  My eldest daughter is a student of architecture at Texas A&M, and is currently on a 6-week study abroad in Spain.  Although my family and I miss her, we are very excited about it and proud of her as well - she earned a $5,000 scholarship to help with the course expenses!  I am dedicating the following post to her.  (Since she usually only reads my blog when I point something out to her, I'm not concerned about her seeing the last photograph - LOL!)  I hope you enjoy my creative spurts.

Sacred Heart
5"x7" Canvas - Acrylic Painting
The Three Muses - Some Like It Hot
Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #95
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #134
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 12 Year 4
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #92
Jenn's Artist's Playroom #108
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
The painting above is part of a Sacred Heart series I worked on a couple of years ago, but hadn't posted in my blog.  I used different medias and techniques in each of the pieces in the series, so it was a lot of fun.  You may recall the one I posted about a month ago, which I donated to my wife's civic organization.  During my daughter's stay in Spain, she will be visiting a distant cousin of ours who lives in Barcelona.  My daughter chose it and will present it to her as a hostess gift.  I hope she likes it!

Love
iPhone Photograph
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #125
Denise, Rodger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - T is for Typing Touching Thoughts
Bella's 52 Photos Project Gallery 4 - {Talisman}
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #260
Jen's In the Studio
Congratulations and Thank You, Julia,
for 5 years of allowing Bloggers to share their creative spaces.
Blessings!
Bella, the host of 52 Photos Project, asked us to reflect on something that we kept with us that brought us comfort and good things.  Other than my grandfather's gold cross, which I wear close to my heart as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice, I always wear my wedding band.  Not only does it remind me of the comfort I've had in my lovely wife for over 20 years, but how this commitment blessed us with 2 sweet, smart, and beautiful daughters.

She's Gone Abroad
Greeting Card
Freshly Made Sketches #137
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Vacation/Travel
Craftitude Challenge #65 - That's Die-licious

I made the card above for my daughter's 21st birthday celebration, which will take place during her stay in Spain.  I used a miniature tag that I designed last year as my focal point, which was cut using a Tim Hotz Tiny Tabs & Tags die.  I also used Kraft papers, Tulip fashion bead paint, and a strip of jute cord, as well as various prints and dies from the K&Company Par Avion series to complete my card design.  The tag has miniature pages where my wife, youngest daughter, and I wrote special sentiments for her.

I hope you enjoyed my humble spurts of creativity.  I also want to thank everyone who is following my blog, as well as everyone who took the time to leave a comment during my last post.  In closing, I'd like  to leave you with a Memorial Day prayer found in the 1928 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer:
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

Comments

Laura Sterckx said…
This card is so pretty. Love the colors and the mix of patterned papers. The flowers are gorgeous. Thank you so much for joining us at the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Blog.
Lisabella Russo said…
Beautiful art and words! Congratulations to your daughter. I love what you made for her!
Leovi said…
Maravilloso el diseño de esa etiqueta! Saludos.
Linda Callahan said…
Your tag is lovely! Thanks for sharing it at FMS!
Unknown said…
I am so glad to hear about your daughter. She must be a really talented person to get such an exciting honor.
Winnie said…
Congratulations to your daughter! What an honor! Your card to her is just lovely and I know she will treasure it. I feel the same way about my wedding band, it is a prized possession. A daily reminder and comfort. Enjoy the week ahead!
Jane said…
Congratulations to your daughter what a wonderful experience! I really like the sacred heart painting- the colors and composition really help create an expressive, meaningful symbol.
Wonderful post, Arnoldo. Loved reading about your wedding band and the comfort of your lovely wife. So very happy for you. And congratulations to your daughter on the scholarship with the opportunity to study abroad! :)
Belo trabalho...Espectacular....
Cumprimentos
GalleryJuana said…
How exciting for your daughter and nice for you to be able to stay in contact easily with modern technology. Beautiful dedications to those you love. I am sure they appreciate and are touched by your creative expressions honoring them!
I wish I typed better!
ROG, ABCW
Borqna said…
Wonderful post, Arnoldo - Thank you for sharing your art with us!
Congratulations to your daughter!!!
Your tag is lovely!
Have a nice day!
Jackie said…
Thank you for visiting me already ... I so hope your daughter has a lovely time in Spain working/studying. I love you thoughts on your wedding ring! Made me look at mine and be thankful
Jackie 26
Jingle said…
Great card! You may want to check out the winner's post! http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/travelvacation-winners-post/
Sue said…
Happy WOYWW 5th Anniversary.

Very pretty card.

I hope you have a good WOYWW. Sue 59
Unknown said…
The Sacred Heart art as a hostess gift, WOW does it get any better? Thank you so much for taking time to post this wonderful art with us at Word Art Wednesday. Blessings, Carole
Unknown said…
Your work is beautiful. Happy 21st to your daughter. 317
April said…
As always your art is lovely. The prayer was so touching - thank you for sharing. April #93
Unknown said…
Such a lovely post and pretty card.Happy Anniversary Karen #101
Debbie Rock said…
Your artwork is just amazing Arnoldo and how proud of your daughter you must be ... huge congratulations on all her achievements. Thanks so much for popping by my blog and for your kind comments on the heart I made ... wish I'd gone with something different now but at least I have managed to record a little achievement of my own. HAPPY WOYWW 5TH ANNIVERSARY. Best wishes from Debbie #54
Chrysalis said…
Your daughter is a very blessed young lady - such an opportunity in Spain, and having such a lovely, loving family! Have a good week, Chris # 15
Bit late posting this week, hope you are having a great WOYWW anniversary week.
What a great experience for your daughter.
Happy crafting, Angela x 40
lorik said…
A lovely tribute to your daughter:) And Spain!! How perfect a place for a student of architecture. Proud Dad indeed:) And I my son only reads posts that I point out to as well:))
Thanks for being part of Mandarin Orange Monday.
Laura said…
Congrats to your daughter. A lovely post full of love and emotion. Fabulous artwork too.
Anonymous said…
Oh, congrats to your daughter, she's happy to spend time in Spain! It's such a beautiful country.

Your post and works in it are filled with love and caring.

Netty said…
Beautiful words and artwork Arnoldo.Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Laila said…
Beautiful card for your daughter, and how nice that all of you wrote her something special. That's a lovely gift on its own when being abroad. Your sacret heart painting is beautiful and will be a lovely gift as well.
Seems like you've had a busy week with all your artmaking. Have a lovely weekend!
Valerie-Jael said…
You have been very creative this week! Valerie
stefanie stark said…
I love the coast to coast greeting card! All the details you put together look so beautiful! Your daughter must be very happy to have a daddy like you loving her so much! It's not easy to let them go. Your wonderful words on my last post where I wrote about my son's move helped me so much! Many thanks! I am sure your daughter will be happy in Spain and will make some wonderful experiences. And I am sure she is always connected to you and your wife spiritually.
Abela said…
Congratulations for your daughter, a lovely message. Saludos
Linda Kunsman said…
your daughter has been given an incredible opportunity with a generous scholarship to boot-congrats! I'm sure the beautiful painting she chose to take as a gift will be cherished. And the card you made for the sketch and esp. for your daughter is really fabulous! Have a wonderful weekend.
It's lovely to see your creativity Arnoldo. Congrats to your daughter on her visit to Spain, I hope she is thoroughly enjoying her time there.
bellefrogworks said…
I love your painting - I'm sure it will be a very cherished gift. How wonderful for your daughter to be studying in Spain. I know she will love her card - but I am sure you will all miss having her home.
how exciting for your daughter! what an amazing experience for her!! love the sacred heart against the gorgeous green background. a beautiful piece! your thoughts on your wedding band... precious. and the card for your daughter, i love it! so happy you shared with us 'in the studio' this week!
Lmkazmierczak said…
What a wonderful family you have...congrats to your daughter and her accomplishments. Your talents underscore your love and pride for them.
http://lauriekazmierczak.com/backstop/
Tracey FK said…
you must miss your daughter terribly, but I am sure that would be tempered by pride... what a fabulous opportunity...and the card will be treasured I am sure...xx
Cristina Pop said…
Congrats to your daughter!
As Always Arnolodo:
Beautiful art and words!

Congratulations to your daughter.

xoxoxo
Susi
DVArtist said…
I know you are a proud dad. As always your post has inspired and blessed my heart.
Nicole/Beadwright
Gloria j Zucaro said…
Really like the heart, and I am sure they will, too. The tag is super! I love the way you put things together. I hope your daughter has a wonderful time and learns a lot.
Saskia said…
Beautiful blogpost.. in words and in pictures! Good luck for your daughter!

Smiles, Saskia :)
Victoria said…
Gorgeous and so deeply beautiful, the sacred heart is such a powerful symbol..ad your art is inspiring! Wonderful about your daughter, I hope she has a fantastic time!
Wonderful creations Arnoldo, always a joy to visit your magical world!
Victoria
Giggles said…
Good for your daughter venturing out and getting that scholarship! That sacred heart is gorgeous. Your wedding band says "Artist" all the way, not to mention commitment!! Love it! Your card is lovely too..I hope she has a trip filled with loads of joy and adventure!

Hugs Giggles
Best wishes to your daughter and her studying abroad. How exciting for her! You must be so proud! :) Love your sacred heart and the precious going abroad greeting card. Happy Sunday!
Ginny said…
Your art and your words are always so peaceful and celebratory at the same time. Thank you for sharing both with us.
505whimsygirl said…
Hi Arnaldo,

How very cool that your daughter is studying in Spain! My aunt, who lives in Atlanta, GA, spent a year in Spain when she was in college studying. Can you imagine speaking spanish with a southern accent! She absolutely loved it and has been back several times since.

I'm sure her hosts will love your painting; what a lovely gift. Also, the birthday card you made for your daughter is great. I love the use of the tag and the papers you've chosen are great.

I can't believe it's Sunday already and almost time to start WOYWW all over again!

Peace,
Kay (89)
Alice said…
oh, what a special birthday card!!! she's going to cry - you know she is. you're such a thoughtful dad!
Christine said…
congrats to your daughter, bittersweet too. Lovely creativity this week!
carol l mckenna said…
Loving post and so creative and congrats to your daughter ~ xoxo ~ Happy Week to you ~ xoxo

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Donna B. said…
Wow, that first painting is amazing!! And I love your take on the sketch using a tag. I hope your daughter has a great time in Spain.
Jo Ann said…
Your artwork (heart and card) are both wonderful. Not many guys are as paper savvy/crafty as you are and your family is blessed to have such a thoughtful father like you. I can only imagine how proud you are of your daughter and how she will be delighted to receive that handmade card from you. We are blessed that you joined us at our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday. Leaving you with God's Word in Psalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Have an awesome day!

JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com
Unknown said…
Congratulations to your daughter!
Lovely card
Jen Price said…
What an awesome opportunity for your daughter! And I love the wedding band photo. Such greatness!