K is for Knack, Knowledge, and Kinks

I was blessed to be born with a natural artistic knack, so I have always enjoyed music, dance, and the visual arts.  The latter was always encouraged and supported by my parents, and enhanced by the environment in which they reared me in.  Piano lessons, dance groups, and art lessons were all part of my upbringing.

80th Birthday Collage Card Design
Tim Holtz Classics #11 Stamp Set & Label stamp, Tattered Leaves Die, & Numbers Embossing Folder; Paper Scraps; Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils; Stamp Pads; Pens; K&Company Die; and Adhesives.
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Layer It Up
Karen's Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #274-275
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday Week 273

Dad's 80th Birthday Collage Card Design
Tim Holtz Numbers Embossing Folder, Tattered Leaf Die, & Label Stamp; K&Company Dies; Dymo Labeler; We R Memory Keepers Stapler; Pens; Paper Scraps; Baker's Twine; and Adhesives.
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #407

Although I still enjoy all these endeavors, I developed a special affinity to the visual arts early on.  Ever since I was a child, I remember being drawn to pencils, crayons, paints, papers, scissors, and other artistic materials and tools.  Even boxes, cans and other odd materials made it into my stash.  (I was re-purposing before it was in vogue!)  My mother even had me carry a few art supplies with me to keep myself entertained where ever we went.

Rick's Western Birthday Card Design
Tim Holtz Wild West Stamp Set & Scrollwork Die; Stamp Pads & Spray Inks; Wood Print Paper; Mini Brads; Yute Cord; Assorted Papers; Pens & More
The Male Room: Challenge #56 - Stash (Wood)

I learned a lot through my childhood art experimentation, which developed a thirst for knowledge in me.  I started of with children's art books, art classes, and even a correspondence course during my teenage years.  (The latter were the precursors to today's online classes.  Yes, I'm old.  LOL!)  When I went to college, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a major in Advertising Art.  I even earned an art teacher certification eventually.

St. Patrick's Day Irish Blessing
Markers & Water Colors
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday: Week 3, Year 7
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Bit O' Green

A Kink In My Artjournal - Aargh!
Pastels & Charcoal
Denise & Roger's ABC Wednesday - K is for Kink

Today, although I get occasional art consignments, I'm not working in an art field.  However, the skills I learned in art are an integral part of my daily professional life.  Creativity, planning, visual communication, and other skills I learned through my art training are part of my life as teacher.  Even when encountering kinks, I can rely on the problem solving skills I acquired.  Mistakes are made to embrace, as opportunities for innovation, or to learn from them.

Fruits, Flowers & Fire Arrangement
iPhone 6s Shot
Sue's Image-In-Ing

Therefore, I firmly believe that our knacks, knowledge, and kinks in our life's journey can most certainly help mold who we become.  This, of course is an ongoing process.  I even believe that the day I stop this process I'll probably die either spiritually and/or physically.  Anyway, I want to thank my followers, as well as everyone who takes the time to leave a comment.  Blessings!

PS - How do you like my new blog's look?  Any suggestions?  I'd love to hear what you think.

J is for Judicious, Jotted, Joy, Jaunty, & Jovial

As I mentioned during my last post, I am going through a judicious decision making process regarding my future.  Fortunately, there are no possible negative outcomes, I just like being in control of my life, and that's what is difficult for me.  However, I am surprisingly calm.  I know my family's support and prayers have been extremely helpful, but your gracious comments last week really helped too.  Thank you.

Anything Is Possible
Art Journal Page Using Sharpie's, Pens, and Oil Pastels
Lynn's Paper, Paint, Pencils, & Pens
Art Journal Journey - Out and About
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 406
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday

Curiously, I found this quote last weekend, which I jotted down a while back, when clearing my desk.  It reads, "Trust the wait.  Embrace the uncertainty.  Enjoy the beauty of becoming.  When nothing is certain, anything is possible."  It's attributed to Mandy Hale, but may be anonymous.  It reminds me of Jesus' advice found in Mark 5:36, "Don't be afraid; just believe."  It certainly addresses my current life journey.

IC XC Banner
We R Memory Keepers Banner & ABC Punchboards, Elegant Font Punch, tissue paper; Martha Stewart Fringe Cutter; Tim Holtz dies, tissue tape; American Crafts Tangerine Embroidery Kit; assorted cardstock; glass beads, ribbon, jute twine, and more.
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Handmade Flowers
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - For a Special Lady
Karen's Word Art Wednesday

I have also been praying and meditating through my artwork, but I do that regularly.  LOL!  I am blessed to have my artwork which brings joy to my life through all situations.  I made this banner with the monogram IC XC, which is Greek for Jesus Christ.  I surprised my wife with it to decorate our home during this Lent season and the upcoming Easter season.

The Jaunty Swan
Nikon D3300 Photograph
Denise & Roger's ABC Wednesday - Letter J

Therefore, I'm moving on forward with a jaunty attitude, just like this swan jauntily gliding through the water.  Strong, self-confident, and distinct.  Isn't it glorious!  I took this shot during my last trip to Austin, Texas, at Lady Bird Lake.  My daughters took me walking there, and we were thrilled to find this beauty.  I was glad I had my Nikon with me.)

Anyway, have a jovial week, my blogging followers and friends!

I is for IDK

In texting, IDK stands for "I don't know," which is exactly how I feel these days.  I am in the process of discerning possible changes in my life, but there are so many variables to consider.  What makes matters worst, as is often the case, there are some that I have no control over.  Aargh!  That's what makes it even more difficult, since I am a perfectionist.  The latter doesn't only stifle me at times, but may cause some forms of anguish.  LOL!

I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." - Van Gogh
Pastel & Charcoal Painting and Pen Lettering
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Make Your Own Background
Word Art Wednesday: Challenge # 272-273
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday Week 53 Year 6
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday

I am blessed and very thankful to have a loving family and friends that are supporting me through the whole process.  My wife and mother, as well as my daughters and priest, have been extremely helpful.  I don't know that I would be able to handle the whole process without them.

Treat Bag
We R Memory Keepers 123 and DIY Party Punch Boards, Basic Font Punch; Paper.
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 405

Of course the presence of Lord has been eminent.  As found in Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."  He's been a part of every major change in my life, and I will continue to include Him until the day I die.

Sunrise At Corpus Christi's Shoreline
iPhone 6s Shot Edited on iPhoto
Denise & Roger's ABC Wednesday - I is for Inspirational

How do you go about making decisions about major changes in your lives?  Anyway, I want to thank all my followers, as well as everyone who takes the time to leave a comment.  Blessings!

H is for Heartfelt

Last week my wife and I went to Corpus Christi, Texas, and stayed at a hotel by the harbor.  There, we attended the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas' 113th Council.  I was a one of the 3 elected delegates from my church, so it was a true honor, especially since I got to participate in the election of our new Suffragan Bishop, The Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson.  The theme for this year's Council came from Revelation 21:5, "Behold, I make all things new."

Blue Heron Spotted During Morning Walk
Pencil Sketch
Art Journal Journey - Out And About
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #404
Kristin & Eva's Paint Party Friday: Week 52, Year 6
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday

The theme was chosen by our Bishop Coadjutor, David Reed, because he interprets "behold" as a word of hope and call to action for the Church in church matters and in the world.  He sees Revelation as a call for us to seek "real life and peace and healing" during our times of "pain, sin, confusion, division and hopelessness."  "The future fulfillment envisioned and promised in Revelation bends back upon present times, shedding light, transforming lives, sending us into our communities and our culture."

"Real isn't how you are made.  It's a thing that happens to you."
From THE VELVETEEN RABBIT By Margery Williams
Tim Holtz Mini Bunny & Oval Dies, dotted lines embossing folder, & distress ink pads; ATC Card; Pressed Petals Cardstock; Ribbon, Pompom & Bead; Micron Pen
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Based On A Book
Karen's Word Art Wednesday - Weeks #272-273

Therefore, although they were long days of meetings, reports, elections, and other church business, I found comfort and strength in the underlying message.  I realized that even if it's not much, my humble words and actions to benefit others can make a difference.  Rather I share inspirational posts and artwork through social media, take communion to the sick, work with my students, help with community events, etc, I can contribute to the welfare of my family, community, and the world at large.

Corpus Christi Harbor
iPhone 6s Shot Edited on iPhoto
Denise & Roger's ABC Wednesday - Letter H

I hope this summary of my experience inspires you to take charge and make a difference in this world, no matter how small a task that may be.  A simple smile can make a world of difference, so pass it on.  Anyway, I want to thank all my followers, as well as everyone who takes the time to leave a comment.  It truly means a lot to me.  Peace - Paz - Shalom!