P is for Pleasantries

Since I don't have any serious topic to present, I'll just share some pleasantries - LOL!  I had an extremely stressful week, so I'm kind of brain dead.  It won't get better anytime soon, since in addition to work and my postgraduate studies, I have short trips during each of the following 4 weeks - Yikes!

A Rich Man
Original Ink & Pastel Illustration With Calligraphy
Art Journal Journey - April {Favorite Quote}
Piarom's Mix It Monthly - April {City}
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Julie's Art Journal Everyday
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #173
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #308
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday - Week 8 Year 5

Anyway, Kristina Werner used this anonymous quote recently to model brush lettering, and I LOVED IT.  I can relate to the quote both as a father and an educator.  I may not be financially wealthy, but children do make me feel like a rich man.

Happy Birthday, Patty!
Die Cuts, Jute Cording & Hand Lettering
Freshly Made Sketches #183
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Clean & Simple
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #181

This week we celebrated a colleague's birthday, so I decided to make her a quick birthday card.  She loved it, and so did my other colleagues.  The problem is that they all want me to make them one for their upcoming birthdays too - LOL!

School Secretary's Day!
Tim Holtz Die Cuts, Ribboned Paperclip, Flowers & Hand Lettering
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Due Date

I made sugar cookies for my school's secretaries and attached ATC-tags to the gift bags.  They're a diligent group, who greet everyone with a smile, regardless of all the due dates they need to meet.  They love my artwork, but were impressed that I could bake as well, so I confessed they were made from frozen dough - LOL!

Art Studio Green Eyed Girl
iPhone 4S Photograph
Sue's Image-in-ing
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - P is for Pussycat
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Gallery 52 {Like Silk}

In closing, I'll leave you with a shot of my sweet and silky tortoise coated cat lounging in my art studio - LOL!  Thank you for your visit, and be assured that I'll reciprocate if you leave a comment.  Blessings!

O is for Outstanding

"Do you believe?" is a new movie directed by Jon Gun, which was written by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon.  It features a stellar cast, which includes Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin, Cybill Shepherd, and many other accomplished and actors.  Although it's only received 1 to 2.5 stars out of 5 by many movie critics, I believe it's an outstanding movie about what it means to believe in the Cross.

Do You Believe?
Mixed Media Tag
Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2015 - April
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - In the Middle
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Make Your Own Background

According to the movie's synopsis, "When a pastor is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action.  His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches."  That's exactly what the movie does, ignite you.

All American Turkey
Gelatos Mixed Media - Canvas ATC
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Denise, Roger & Leslie's Word Art Wednesday - O is for Clear-Obscure (Chiaroscuro)
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday Week 7 Year 5

One of my favorite lines is by the street-corner preacher who asks the pastor, "What are you going to do about it?"  Anyone can talk about being a Christian, but being a Christian takes action.  Unfortunately, sometimes those actions may take leap of faith and not always reap the benefits we wanted.

Baby Hankins' Shower
Hand Lettering, Die Cuts & Rub-Ons
Scrapping Everyday Miracles: April's Sketch
Moo-Mania - Feelings of Spring
Try It On Tuesday - New Beginnings
Addicted to CAS - Challenge #61 Showers
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 307

It also means to give unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness to everyone.  This includes our enemies, as well as those whom we may  consider "different" or who make choices that we may not agree with.  As Jesus said in Matthew 5:46, "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?"

My Garden Visitor
iPhone Photograph
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday - Week 172
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Gallery 51 {Simplicity}
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday

There are one or two scenes that may be considered a bit contrived.  However, overall it is a very well done movie, and its message about what a person is to do as a Christian is very clear.  Therefore, I highly recommend it.

Psalm 126:3
iPhone Photograph - Pixelmator
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #180

Easter Memories 2015

I had a marvelous Easter weekend, which included family, friends, art, food, and Church services.

Miniature Pink Rose
iPhone Shot
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Gallery 49 {Pastel Colors}

It all started with this miniature pink rose which bloomed in my garden.

Goose ATC
Acrylics, Gelatos, and More
Try It On Tuesday - They Who Have Wings
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Happy Birthday… Greeting
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - A is for… ATC

It reminded me of God's magnificent creation, which includes all creatures in the animal kingdom.

Easter Baskets
Various Die Cuts, Candy, and More
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #170

Aggie Egg Tags
Wooden Shapes, Acrylic Paint, & Charms
Tag Tuesday
Moo-Mania - Eggs
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday - Week 5 Year 5

Lollipop Bunny Covers
Tim Holtz Baroque Die Cut, Pipe Cleaners, Micron Pen, Lollipop, & Jute Cord
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #178

Of course, I was also mindful of others, through handmade gifts for my daughters, work colleagues, and neighbors.

Smash Book Pages
Photographs, Die Cuts, and More
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday - M is for Memories
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #305
Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday #137

To capture my Easter memories, I created 2 more pages for my Smash book.  I hope you all had a meaningful Easter weekend as well.  The Lord is Risen, Alleluia!