The Lord Is My Shepherd

Hello!  ¡Hola!  It continues to be a busy summer, but my wife and I are helping care for our grandson's this week, so we're happy.

 

For my first project this week, I did my first ICAD (Index-Card-a-Day) ever!  Daisy Yellow, the group creator, posts a chart with daily prompts for the month, and you choose your media.  I love the idea, but my schedule doesn't really allow me to do that, so I decided to do one per week.  Elephant was the prompt for June 18, so I drew this folksy elephant using markers, and wrote a short poem for it.  I'm also linking this piece to Crafty Catz Challenge 716 - Anything Goes and Friday Face Off 6/26/26.

   

For my second project, I have an ATC I did inspired by the colors of {Pin}spirational Challenge #338 June Blue and Green (Thanks for featuring my art journal page), Try It On Tuesday - In the Garden, and The Little Things Challenge #05 Anything Goes. (Thanks featuring my ATC!)  I used an ATC card; Spellbinders Alex Syberia Kokeshi Dolls die set & a greenery die from the Parcel & Post Mailbox set; a Rubber Stampede Asian Symbols stamp; and a hand carved Hanko stamp of my last name.  I used origami paper and cardstock to cut out the pieces. 

My third piece was inspired by Just Add Ink #788 Colour & Inspiration, SUYP Cat Lovers Challenge 124, and Inkspirational Challenge #370 - Leftovers.  For my design, I used a Sizzix Tim Holtz Mischievous Thinlits set; a Simon Says Scalloped Circle die; a Zeong Prayers Die; a hand punch; scraps of cardstock and a black foam sheet; and various types of markers.

       
The photograph above is of a flock of juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Herons that have been hanging out by our swimming pool.  Although native to the American coastal areas, they can be found in the south-east inland of the United States during breeding season, which explains why they're in my backyard.  It takes about three years for them to acquire the full physical appearance of adults.  They eat mainly crustaceans, but will also feed on snails, insects, worms, rodents, and lizards... so I hope our lizards are well hidden!
   
Last, but not least, I have a photograph of my Church office desk for T Stands for Tuesday 6/23/2026, Word Art Wednesday Weeks #758-759, and What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 890/110.  I used to have a plaque with this verse from Psalm 23, in my childhood bedroom.  Hence, it's always brought me comfort.

Thanks for visiting!  ¡Gracias por su visita!  I hope you'll leave a comment, so I can reciprocate, and we can get to know each other.

Shalom,
Arnoldo+

Comments

Helen said…
you have another busy week. I don't have time for daily challenges either. Happy WOYWW Helen #1
Lunch Lady Jan said…
I enjoyed seeing your icads and atc, you’re very wise to enjoy doing what you can rather than fret if you can’t complete the whole challenge! Also what an amazing pic of the three birds by your pool, that really made me smile, it would make a great card with some sort of caption lol!
Hugs LLJ 4 xx
ukmaryanne said…
Dashing around quick before the heat builds...
You are like me - too many challenges, too little time! Love the ICAD and your elephabt is just too cute.
Happy far, FAR too hot WOYWW
Mary Anne (2)
Hi Arnoldo, we have herons here too and I had to get a scarer as we have Koi in the pond which you can imagine they are very interested in despite the fact that Lincoln (Uk) is surrounded by lakes, they still like to visit the gardens. Hope you're managing to keep cool. Enjoy the time with you grandson. Happy woyww with hugs Angela x8x
Elizabeth said…
Hello Arnaldo, your artwork is all very lovely and I like the little poem for the elephant. I'm very fond of elephants and herons too. Coincidentally, yours is the second mention of Psalm 23 in two days for me. Have a great WOYWW, Elizabeth #10
Conny said…
Amazing artwork, Arnoldo - really wonderful! I didn't even know ICAD existed..
Thanks so much for joining us at The Little Things!

Hugs,
Conny
BJ said…
I think it goes without saying that I am really struggling with this heat. Even with the air-con 24/7 in my craft/bedroom the temp has climbed up to 24 degrees today and at that temperature I stop functioning at the best of times. The rest of the house is way hotter so I'm only leaving my room for food/drink and very quick bathroom breaks today. Roll on Sunday and hopefully a break in the weather. Great desk shot and oh to have a swimming pool let alone a siege of herons next to it. Adore your Asian ATC what a super diecut. Hugs Bj#10
DVArtist said…
It does sound that you are quite busy. Taking care of the grand kids is such a joy. Your art is always so thoughtful and beautiful. I do like the herons. Thank you for sharing all of the beauty with FFO.
Aritha V. said…
What a lovely mix of creativity, family life, nature, and faith. I enjoyed seeing how different your projects are, each with its own style and story. And how meaningful that the verse from Psalm 23 has stayed with you since childhood. Thank you for sharing so many little pieces of your week.
I like the painting of the elephant. You're very talented.

We don't have exotic wildlife in the UK. Over here we get pigeons in our garden, a few sparrows, robins, blackbirds and the odd seagulls.

It's refreshing visiting here. God bless.
You certainly pack a lot in each post. I was thrilled to see you joined ICADs, even if you only play once a week. You draw so well. I decided a long time ago I couldn't follow Tammy's daily or weekly prompts. I can't do that because I already spend about two hours a day working on each of mine. However, I will let others know you are making these and I will post it on my blog each Friday.

Since I introduced you to ICAD, I want to thank you for introducing me to SUYP Cat Lovers Challenges. I love the die cut cat you chose.

I thought the herons were sculptures. I was amazed to read they were real.

I was delighted you shared your drink mug with us for T Tuesday. It certainly is special and I love the color and "message" on it. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful ideas and art, as well as your mug with us for T this Tuesday, dear Arnoldo.

So great to hear from you and see that you are still at it! I am sure you are super busy so it's wonderful you still make the time for your Art. I love the doodled elephant on the index! Great pictures too. So jealous of a grandson. Enjoy every minute.
Barb Finnical said…
Wonderful artistic creations, Reverend Arnoldo! How special that you and your wife get to care for the grandsons this week-and you still have time to create! I love seeing the herons by the pool too! Thanks so much for just at Word Art Wednesday and for sharing your desk and story along with our scripture. That is a comforting one for sure! 😊
Anonymous said…
wow you have been busy, fair play on taking on the ICAD as well, I know a few crafters that do that every day. thanks for visiting my desk already, kyla
Great ICAD and ATC. I think it is wonderful to see such birds in your garden. Angela
Iris Flavia said…
Great art, Arnoldo - I love the cat the most!
Shalom. Wish I could talk to you in person.
Tom said…
...you accomplished a lot in your busy week, Stay well and enjoy your summer, peace!
Gene Black said…
I love the elephant card. It makes me smile.
Sarah Brennan said…
Enjoy the grandparent duties Arnoldo. Another lovely array of art! Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah
I'm loving all this art today Arnoldo. Thanks for joining Try It On Tuesday with that cool Japanese lady in her garden. She's perfect. And Elephants are very good animals that people should be more like I think. And wow, that's so cool to have those herons hanging around. Or maybe not, if you're a lizard. And maybe not if you want to swim in your pool too. :) Happy early T day, and have a super FRiday and weekend ahead.
Carola Bartz said…
You did some beautiful art again, Arnoldo, and I see that Elizabeth got you into ICAD. I love the Japanese card. But even more I love the photo of the three Yellow-crowned Night Herons and I'm quite jealous that they hang out at your pool. We have Black-crowned Night Herons here, they happen to be my favorites, and the young ones look very similar to "yours".
Psalm 23 has always been my favorite, since I was a child. I prefer it in my native language (the translation by Martin Luther), it somehow sounds "warmer" to me than the English translation.
DVArtist said…
Well the elephant made my day. All of your art is always so clever. How fun to have the Herons out by the pool. Thank you for joining FFO and have a fabulous weekend.
Jan, great idea, I should turn my picture into a meme, by adding a catchy meme!
Angela, when I texted the picture of the birds to a family group, my brother-in-law suggested that I stock my pool with fish. LOL!
Iris, may the peace of the Lord be with you.
I grew up in Mexico, in a bilingual home, so mostly heard Psalm 23 in Spanish. Hence, I can relate to what you mean. As a matter of fact, the plaque in my bedroom was in Spanish.
wonderful series of art works~ My favorite is the Asian ATC ~. sweet in its simplicity ~ Hugs ^_^
Julia Aston said…
Another lovely visit to your blog Rev. Arnoldo! I came to see your Inkspirational/Leftovers challenge card - Love the strips of DP behind the circles in blue and the funky cat - bringing prayers to the receiver! Also LOVE the herons at your pool - what a blessing to have them come by (hope they don't mess up your pool?!) Julia xx
Sharon Madson said…
Your projects are beautifully done, the elephant is my favorite. Ihave mever done ICADs. You did great getting so many projects for as busy as you are. 23rd Psalm is a favorite of mine. I used to say it all









Your projects are beautifully done. The elephant is my favorite. I have never done ICADs. I am surprised you were able to create these lovely projects as busy as you are. The 23rd Psalm is one of my favorites as well. Thanks for your visit to my blog. I am always happy to see you have stopped by for a visit.

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