WOYWW? The Letter K

Having Spring Break, I was able to keep-up with my family, as well as utilize my creative energy in the arts.  Although I've learned to work very well under stress, I recognize that the usual multitasking I live with drains the time I can spend with the latter.  This week, I played homage to the letter K on my workdesk through…

"Before the rooster crows twice, you will disown me 3 times."
Acrylic Paints, Micron Pen, & Gelatos painting over Tissue Taped ATC
Moo Mania & More - Poultry
Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #10 - Birds of a Feather
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 3 Year 5
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #135
Kate's Express Your Creativity - Week 13
The knowledge of my human iniquities vs. the Lord's grace;

{Peace} - Isaiah 11:6
Micron Pens, Calligraphy Pen, Caran D'Ache Watersoluble Pastels, & Prismacolor Pencils Illustration
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Lions & Lambs
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Piarom's Mix It Monthly - Angel/Saints
The kindheartedness that will embrace all creatures on Earth someday;

Masculine Birthday Cards
Various Papers, Dies, Paints, Stamp, Ribbon, & Label Maker
Freshly Made Sketches #178
Order of the Opus Gluei - Black and Other Color
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #176
The birthday celebrations of those kin to me by marriage;

Spring Retro Camper
Die, Various Papers, Micron Pen, & Markers
Tag Tuesday - Spring Is In The Air
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spring Pinterest Inspiration
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #303
A practical use of kraft paper scrap to make a door;

St. Patrick's Day Tablescape
iPhone Shot Digitally Enhanced
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday - Week #168
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - K is for Keen Eye
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Week 47 {Liquid} Vessels
And the admiration of my daughter's keen eye for decorating our St. Patrick's Day dinner table, as well as my wife's exquisite culinary know-how.

Tomorrow, I go back to work and to my graduate studies, so God willing I'll be able to carve a little time to regenerate through the use of my creative energy in the arts.  Thank you for stopping by and leaving kind words.  Blessings!

J is for Journey

An artist's journey can lead to a jolt of energy that erupts into the creation of amazing pieces of art within you.  This eruption is a juxtaposition of everything you know, love and care for.  It's not always easy, but when the time and mood are right, it happens.

Jessica's Wedding Shower
Tim Holtz Sewing Room Die, Rulers Embossing Folder, Distress Inks, Copic Multiliners, Lace, & More
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challege - B is for… Bride to Be
Freshly Made Sketches - FMS 177 (A sketch by Karen)
Try It On Tuesday: Pearls For Girls
Sometimes the jolt is like a game of Jeopardy, where you have to take a risk and use everything you know, believe and care for to stay on the game.  It's a creative, problem solving experience with much at stake.  However, if you risk it all and get it right, you can easily be the joyous champion.

Bendita - Blessed
Mixed Media Collage
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Things That Fly
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #175
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #134
Kate's Express Your Creativity - Week 12
The journey can sometimes lead you into a jam, or what's worst, lead you to a judgmental entity that doesn't understand or acknowledge your artistry.  This junction in the journey makes you feel like an old jalopy.  The best thing to do in these instances, is to lick your jabs and move on.

Spring Shower Discoveries
Mixed Media Tag
Although an artist's journey can run into dangerous jungles, these can also be very rejuvenating.  Hence I keep the Lord's words in Psalm 46:10 close to my heart, "Be still, and know that I am God."  May your artistic journey be a blessing!

I is Ineffable Woman

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online, ineffable is defined as "to great, powerful, beautiful, etc., to be described or expressed."  That is a very appropriate adjective for my mother, whom I'm dedicating this post to on this International Women's Day.  She's truly a #MakeItHappen type of woman.

Angel With Sacred Heart & Dove Drawing
FaberCastell PITT Artist Pens, Gelatos & Colored Pencils
Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #10 Birds of a Feather
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Art Journal Journey - Things With Wings
Piarom's Mix It Monthly - Angel
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #301
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday's 4th Anniversary
No, she never earned a degree, but she is well read, well traveled, and highly intelligent.  Because my late father was elected the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Mexico back in the 1960's, my mother became the perfect bishop's wife.  She was a role model for the women in the diocese, a flawless hostess for international visitors that came through the diocese, and a servant leader for various committees she served on during my father's tenure.  She always looked flawless too.  As they say, next to every great man, there is a great woman!

Monogrammed Easter Gift Pillow Boxes
Tim Holtz Dies, Amy Tangerine Embroidery Kit, Flowers, Yo-yos, Buttons & More
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Just A Hint of Clover
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Special Lady/Girly
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #174
As a mother, she has been superb!  Although she counted on a maid to do the cleaning, she did all the child caring and cooking.  I don't know how she did it, because although she was involved in my father's professional life, my brother and I were never neglected.  Even when we went to church or trips, she made sure we had books, pencils, crayons and tablets to keep us entertained.  When my father was out on business trips, she kept us busy with all kinds of educational and entertaining activities.  She was the heart of our home.

Selfie With Mom
iPhone Shot
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #166
Denise, Roger, & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - I is for Ineffable Woman
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Week 45 {One Woman I Love}
I am immensely grateful for the intelligent conversations, artistic inspiration, and the positive influence my mother still has in my life.  Thank you, Lord.  May you all have a blessed International Women's Day!

H is for Harmonious

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online, harmonious has three definitions: it can relate to music being concordant; having parts that are combined in a pleasing way; or marked by accord in sentiment or action.  Although I love harmonious music, I especially relate to the last two definitions, since they are the key to my way of life.  I thrive in leading a harmonious life personally and artistically.

Psalm 25:1-2
Pitt Artist Pen Sketch & Gelatos Collage
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - No Rules
Pia Rom's Mix It Monthly - Angel/Saints
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday: Week 52, Year 4
No, my life is not perfect.  In fact, it is far from it.  I  constantly invest in my relationships with family and friends; deal with the daily stresses brought about by daily life; and have to balance my finances to meet my needs and fulfill my wants.  It's not always easy, because my natural human frailties sometimes get in the way.  However, by putting my trust in the Lord, I am able to cope with anything that comes my way.

Mo Ranch Tag
Marker Sketching on Tim Holtz Die & Lettering
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes!
Luke 9:23
Doodling & Lettering Journaling Inspired by Lindsay Ostrom
Art Journal Journey - March {Things With Wings}
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #165
Handmade Mini Journal Inspired by Paula Beardell
Paint Color Swatch, Holtz's washi tape, Stewart's Gem,  & More
Freshly Made Sketches - Jen B's FMS175
Rhedd's Creative Spirit - March
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday - Week 132
My artwork is naturally harmonious, because it is a blend of my whole being.  Nature, believes, relationships, education, cultural exposure, politics, social/economic status, and all my other life experiences are naturally reflected through my personal aesthetics.  Therefore, although I  borrow techniques and styles sometimes, I make a conscious effort to harmonize them with who I am to create original pieces of art.

SMASH Book Pages for Thanksgiving & Christmas (I'm catching up!)
Photographs, SMASH Products, Holtz's Products, & More
Try it On Tuesday - Tic-Tac-Toe (Punches/Bling/Cardboard)
Tag Tuesday - In The Style Of
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - H is for Harmonious Life
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk?  Wednesday #300
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #173
I believe if people made a conscious effort to live in harmony, we would have a much better place to live in.  We need to stop focusing on the negative sides of life and people, and focus on the positive.  Let us live in harmony, no matter what our differences are.