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!

Comments

debby4000 said…
That quote is so very true, like you I like to be in control. Love your banner for Lent and Easter.
Thank you for joining us at Simon says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Luv
Debby
A wonderful page ! Thank you for linking it to Art Journal Journey - and a beautiful banner! Love the swan photo!
Good luck for the process regarding your future.
Blessings!
Susi
Meggymay said…
It was a wonderful quote to add to your page, I think meaningful for many of us.
The banner looked lovely as did the beautiful photo of the swan.
Thank you for joining my theme once again at A.J.J. with this special post.
Yvonne
glitterandglue said…
Hi Arnoldo. Some beautiful pictures today - love the swan - my husband's favourite bird. I also love the sentiment at the top. How true, waiting isn't easy - we want God to show us the answer NOW - if not sooner! I do trust that Father God will indeed make His way clear to you and your family. He knows the plans He has for us, plans to give us a hope and a future. Plans to do us good and not harm!!!!!!!!!!!! How wonderful to know Him, and to trust Him.
Take care. God bless you and your family at this time.
Margaret #5
Sarah Brennan said…
What a fabulous quote and a great page to go with it. Happy WOYWW Sarah #25
Shoshi said…
What a beautiful journal page, Arnoldo, and a lovely quote too - it is along the same lines as what I've been thinking about over the past few days regarding my art - I jotted down some thoughts on a recent Zentangle post. Thank you for your lovely comment - and yes, thank you, I'm feeling very much better now! As for the iPad Pro, it's possible to shop around and avoid paying the silly prices Apple wants - I got mine on Ebay as a reconditioned one but when it arrived, it was clear that it was brand new and unopened, and I got the Apple Pencil half price because it was without a box or charger. It's such a fun device, and also proved itself invaluable in hospital as it was so compact.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #32
Neesie said…
A beautiful quote and artwork Arnoldo, the words have comforted me today.
That swan is stunning, so majestic and your banner perfect for Lent.
I hope everything works out well for you. Blessings to you
Happy WOYWW Neesie #34
MelodyK said…
Lovely j's Arnoldo... and although I don't know what is going on right now I am very pleased (and it reliefs me to) to read that its something good instead of bad.

Wishing you all the best and wisdom to make the right decisions so no anguish will come to you

Have a nice ABC-day / -week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc-w-team)
http://melodymusic.nl/20-j/
carol l mckenna said…
What a wonderful post filled with creativity as always ~ love the banner you created for your wife for lent ~ very beautiful ~

Transitions always have that time that one has to just 'sit with the unknown' ~ and trust is a big factor ~ with your faith I am sure you will be able to discern the direction you want to go ~ plus you have your art to 'process' each moment ~

Wishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^

Anonymous said…
Happy WOYWW. Wonderful photo of the swan. Your journal page is fabulous too. Ali x #27
Hi Arnoldo, you sound a bit happier this week. Your photograph of the swan is lovely they are such an elegant bird. Our two in the park look as though they are nesting. Thanks for the visit to mine and happy crafty woyww, Angela x19x
Joy said…
Apt quote, words often appear when we need them, beautiful interpretation on your journal.
April said…
I wish you the best of luck in making a decision that you are happy with. I know your faith and love of the Lord will guide you to the right decision.
April #29
Julia Dunnit said…
'Trust the Wait'..gosh that really resonates with me..it really helps you see more clearly when you do that.
Trubes said…
It fills me with Joy Arnoldo to know you
are feeling more settled and I love the quote.
Good to go walking with your daughter,
A good walk often reaxes and clears your head.

Blessings and all Best Wishes for whatever you
decide,
Di.
ABCW team.
Lindart said…
I love the quote you found, and how you used it in your journal! I'm feeling quite like that myself these days as I am trying to redefine myself after retirement. Thanks for sharing! Lindart #39
What a terrific quote - it's so beautiful, as is your page. You've done a marvellous job of illustrating what must be a challenging time for you, Arnoldo!
Su-sieee! Mac said…
Have faith and believe. Yup. I'm glad I popped in to read your post today. It speaks to where I'm at, too. Thank you, Arnoldo.
BrownPaperBunny said…
I'm a big believer that if you don't think about where you want to go and plan for that...you'll wind up somewhere else. ;) Good luck with the decisions and Happy PPF!
Christine said…
Lovely work and all the best going forward. Congrats on your PPF win, it must be a sign of good things to come !
Giggles said…
I love your gorgeous art with the quote, one of my favourites! While deciding don't forget to completely believe in yourself too! All the best on your journey whether it be new or old! Great photo and banner art too!

Hugs Giggles
Valerie-Jael said…
Lovely post.Happy PPF, Valerie
Clare Lloyd said…
Great bunting and journaling
sirkkis said…
It's pleasure to visit your thoughtful and beautiful post.
Thank you for great art and touching thought of life.
Your Jounty Swan photo is so so beautiful.
Have a peaceful journe to Easter xx
Linda Kunsman said…
what a beautiful page and banner Arnoldo. I can hear your faith and confidence in your words. And congrats on winning the Dick Blick GC at PPF!!! I couldn't think of it going to a nicer person. Enjoy, and happy PPF!
Great art and musings. :) Congrats on the PPF win!
Anonymous said…
Your quote is perfect for any decision that needs to be made. Lovely page and gorgeous swan.
Anonymous said…
glad that things are working out and well done for winning the ppf prize too..thoughtful post happy ppf
JFM said…
Beautiful banner!!! It caught my eye and my heart as soon as I saw it!!!
Your journal page is lovely, as is the quote.
I enjoyed your post very much~
Annie Claxton said…
HI Arnoldo. I love that quote and the way you've written it in different fonts, it makes a beautiful inspirational piece. Good luck in your decision making :o) Annie C #16
Faye said…
Always such an inspiring post. Great journal page. I know your wife was pleased with the surprise gift. Have a great weekend.
DVArtist said…
So very true. Congratulations on your win with Paint Party Friday. Everything looks so wonderful on your post, but I have to say that photo is striking of the swan.
I have pneumonia AND the flu! So much for MY plans this week! I sort of know what you mean.
ROG, ABCW
Art is such a gift. It really helps us and heals us, doesn't it? I feel blessed that I have it in tough times and even in good times. I love your pieces again this week, hope your troubles may be small in the big scheme of life and days bright. Hugs-Erika
stefanie stark said…
You have my full understanding! For me it's also not easy to take decisions. What I do is reading a lot about the subject concerned and writing down my thoughts in a diary to clarify the topic and ask myself what solution would fit best for me as it is always also a matter of individual needs. I love it how you have made this wonderful design from the great quote and your photos are so charming! Good luck for the decision and the planning process!
Studio Kaufmann said…
I don't mind not being in control of my destiny...but I understand what you are going through. May the outcome be a positive one.
Unknown said…
Lovely images, as always. Bet your wife was thrilled with that banner.
Fallingladies said…
The swan photo is just stunning, great capture!
Your artwork is so inspiring and full of thought. I walk away from your blog with some new things to think about and I really like the quote you highlighted here. In your artwork, I love how you used a combination of such different fonts and colors. This is stunning, both in content and aesthetic value. I also enjoyed the photo and the accompanying story. There are many things in nature that remind us that beauty always exists! Good luck as you continue to work your way through some soul-searching and in the meantime, thank you for sharing such a thought-provoking piece with us for this week's Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
Your swan photo is indeed glorious! As is your attitude. :D
NatureFootstep said…
I wish you the best for the future and I love the mute swan :)
TRUST is exactly what we've been having to do this past week as well. Not always easy. Certainly glad to hear regardless of what you choose, there will be no negative impact. Continuing to pray for you! :)
Irene Rafael said…
Hello, The quote is soothing. When anything is possible, you cannot go wrong. So often being in control is an illusion but allows us to sleep at night :) Best with your decision making.
~~ Irene
Jennifer Rose said…
really great journal page :) the banner looks very nice, you can tell it was made with lots of joy and love :)
Amazing lettering - so inspirational!