My Beloved is Mine, and I am His... Song of Solomon 2:16

My husband and I are coming upon our One Year Wedding Anniversary {9/26/2009}

I remember fondly the months of planning and preparing for our ceremony.
The excitement of finding my $4.00 dress, making my flower arrangements, planning the menu, adding tons of vintage flare, and I can't forget to mention handsewing my darling Lily's (our shih-tzu) matching gown. These memories only begin to tell the story that created 'our day'.
Of course the handwritten vows, prayers, musical selections, and the counseling provided us with the most important aspects of what a marriage is based upon...the union of man and wife under God's will.
During the months prior to 'the day', I was also painting away to give my husband a most treasured gift. I worked diligently, putting so much love and emotion into this watercolor. (Keeping this piece a surprise was also a lot of work)

I thought this would be the perfect time to post the bluebird painting titled "My Beloved".

Gone is the boyfriend, the fiance', and soon to be the 'newleywed' title. I thoroughly enjoyed all if these...and saying 'my husband' still seems new to me...as it should.

To celebrate this once-in-our-lifetime occassion, we have decided to take a series of long weekend vactions throughout the September and October months.
Hightlights of these trips will be posted together at the conclusion of our journies.

I Hope you Dance

I have been enjoying this piece so much that I don't want it to end. As with many new paintings, I am learning a lot... mood, feeling, and yes, even two new colours in my palette.
Though it is halfway complete, and I am conceptualizing my next work... I have picked the title to which it will hold.
I feel as though it doesn't need further explanation... the lyrics to this song say it all so well

I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

Time is a real and constant motion always
Rolling us along
Tell me who
Wants to look back on their youth and wonder
Where those years have gone

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

~ Lee Ann Womack

Hershey Ballet

A dear artist friend of mine let me accompany her to a local dance studio in Hershey.
We were able to take tons of pictures of their talented students as they danced and posed during ballet class.
The first piece in my painted series deplicts a young dancer lacing up her pointe shoes.
This is my completed drawing...next comes the watercolor...

Longwood Lily

My second lotus flower in my 'Longwood Lily' series.
Reproductions now available.

Backyard Beauty

Photography of a leaf arrangement taken from things in my backyard; maple tree, sand cherry, and kiwi vine.

Nature's Bounty

I've been working on several pieces, but none of them are ready to be posted.
So I thought I would show some of the beauty I've photographed on recent kayak trips. Look closely at the tree in the swamp. No, this was not done using photoshop...

Sold at Auction

My original watercolor painting simply titled 'The Porch', sold at auction this weekend. As a member of the Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA) I donated this piece to the Rotary Club of Hershey for their annual fundraiser/dinner.