When life is circling the drain or feels as if it is, it's so easy to focus on the drain. We all know the story of the storm coming up while the Lord slept and the disciples worried. I'm one of those worrying disciples. And we all know the story of the Lord walking on the water when Peter had the faith to join Him and Peter walked on the water as well — for a minute or two. He got in big trouble fast when he started looking at the drain. That's not in the Word for nothing now is it?
A few days ago, my mother brought Nan a bouquet of wonderful flowers from my sister's garden. Included were a lot of colorful daylilies. As my grandmother sat at the breakfast table yesterday morning, she noted that some of the flower combinations were unlike anything she would ever put together. We had fun looking at them with fresh eyes and imagining God at the workbench of Heaven designing them.
Then we decided to paint following a formula/guideline that A Woman Who Is shared in a post titled "I'm Still Here." Neither Nan or I are artists, but we had fun.
Now this is the thing about withering and I learned it some time ago from Karen who always reaches out in times of stress. Withering and circling the drain is NOT for me. So, I am going to reach a bit further in a couple of ways. First, I'm going to add any blog to my blogroll if you have been reading and commenting here. (This was first learned from Kim at Daisy Cottage.) All you have to do is email me and let me know that you'd like your blog to be included. Please also include the link to your blog. (I'll be letting some go, too. It becomes obvious after a while when bloggers have moved on. I understand. If I "let you go" and you want to be back, just let me know as well.) Now this could take some time, but I'll get there eventually.
This morning, directly after posting, I'll add my followers to this page. And I'm going to visit each and every one and thank him or her and become a follower there, too. Copying Penny with this one. Edited to Add: Okay, I'm three minutes in or so and I already have concerns. Guess that we'll amend this to read "like-minded" blogs. ;>
Happy Tuesday, my friend!
I totally love the artwork!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your new blog project.
Cool way to spend a few hours!
Becky K.
You and Nan's artwork is beautiful! What a precious memory you have made together. Cherish it!
ReplyDeleteI have made some changes myself in the blog world. Now I feel as if I am starting over! Not sure if that's good or bad though! We soon shall see!
You know, I LOVE the artwork..it looks like a greeting card front that I would buy in a heartbeat! I LOVE it..
ReplyDeleteThat said, sure, I'd love to be on your blog roll..and thank you for doing this. I need to learn sooo much about blogger...LOL
PS - your artwork, like what I did with Emily this past week, is a precious gift..a memory no one can take from you about sweet time spent together..
Hi Becky, Lisa, and Colleen. Colleen, you're on my blogroll and have been forever! :D
ReplyDeleteKeep me on girl. I am public now so you can add me back in on the public list!
ReplyDeleteI think your artwork is lovely. I think it would make beautiful notecards. Or, even a blog header!!
Your artwork is beautiful and I'm going to explore that link after commenting here.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be on your blog roll. I feel like I know you a little even though we've never met.
I love the artwork that you and Nan made!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my favorites, consider you a friend and would love to be on your blog roll. :-)
Y'all's artwork, Vee, is simple, refreshing and inspired! Love it! And it was a good moment spent with dear Nan.
ReplyDeleteCount me in on your blogroll. I'm going to visit you everyday anyway whether you do or not! I've grown quite attached to you, dear Vee!
Vickie
The artwork is WONDERFUL. Seriously. It's very light and lovely.
ReplyDeleteAhh, the drain. Yes. The other day I called my sister and said, "I just want MY house and MY life." She understood what I was saying. I know you do too.
Suzanne
The painting you did with Nan is so pretty! It resembles a Matisse work of art. I think you should frame it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I ahd time and energy to do some blog fluffing, too, but I've bene withering in the heat and humidity of July and now that it is a little cooler I find I have so much "catch up" to do around the house. I spent the morning re-potting many of my houseplants that were getting root bound. I just love to have my fingers in the dirt...lol..it must be my ancestors farmer/miner roots :)
I hope I'm still on your blog roll, Vee.
Hi Vee, I love your blog...and love the way you write! I will be a frequent visitor and I'd love to be on your blogroll.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork is very beautiful. What a wonderful memento!
Have a great day.
~Cheryl
Your art is beautiful! I'm going to follow the link...I need some help! And I sure hope I am part of your favorites....you are certainly one of mine! Enjoy your day! ♥
ReplyDeleteSweet Vee! I love what you and Nan did for your precious grandmother. The paintings are fabulous! What a great idea. What a Creator-God we have. And to think we haven't begun to enjoy all the creating He will yet do for us and IS doing at this moment...preparing, preparing...Wow! You are not withering but you keep blosoming and I for one, thank you so much for being here!
ReplyDeleteYou did well Vee, I love the simple and uncluttered strokes.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee,
ReplyDeleteWhat do mean you are not artists. I think you are. I can only draw stick people really I'm not kidding.Your flowers are fun and creative! You and Nan rock..... I am working on my blog right now and so its a bit of a mess. I changed to the new blogger and things aren't the same.
You are on my side bar and have been for a very long time... I heart you and your blog...
Have a sweet day,Elizabeth
I love your artwork Vee and I know those precious moments spent with your grandmother will be a blessing to you. Flowers have a wonderful way of making a day bright and picking up your spirits.
ReplyDeleteI personally find your attitude refreshing. You have a lot on your plate and look at all the positive you try to add to you days!
I hope you have enjoyed your visits and "friends" today.
Jen
I'm new to your blog but already I think you are amazing and can see your faith. I will be praying for you and your loved ones. Please keep me on your blog roll.
ReplyDeleteVee,
ReplyDeleteWould love to be on your blogroll. I make a point of checking in regularly, and your posts are a blessing.
I enjoy your blog whether you add mine to the list or not. The way you share your heart is what draws me to the pages of your blog. Cheryl
ReplyDeleteI love your artwork! I think it's amazing for not being artists! When I have time I'm going to re-do my blog list and have it on it's own page. Some people have made their blogs private and some just haven't posted in forever so I think it's time to update it too!
ReplyDeleteManuela
Vee, I don't have a blog, but I will continue to visit with you and travel with you down the road of life.
ReplyDeleteVee,
ReplyDeleteI do hope you will frame that marvelous painting! I don't see that you are circling the drain but making a beautiful memory. Your ability to see beyond your circumstances is clouded because you are in them. For those of us on the outside looking in we see the beauty in the labor of love in caring for your loved ones. Know that I am caring for you with many many prayers and He is carrying you cradled in the palm of His hands. Withering? No, dear Vee, you are most definitely blooming.
I love the flowers you and your Nan created....that will be one of those special memories.....
ReplyDeleteI am a follower - though I have always have stopped by...
Hugs,
Penny
Although I can imagine how things must really be right now, the minds picture of your mom bringing flowers from your sister's garden and then you and your Nan sitting together painting them is a lovely one indeed. (Hope that long sentence made sense :). I think your paintings will become real treasures to you in the years to come. As for not being artists ~ you could have fooled me. I think the painting you showed is lovely. I think it would be so nice framed.
ReplyDeleteI would be honored to be on your blog roll.
Vee, I love your writing and the way you look at the world.
ReplyDeleteAnd your artwork is good too!
that painting will be one of your most
ReplyDeletecherished possessions someday. it is
so beautiful, and i love the notion of
you and your grandmother together
painting it.
whew! you have your work cut out for
you, if you are going to accomplish
all those plans. you coudn't shake
me off, if you tried.
love,
lea
Vee, the painting that you and Nan did is precious!!! I love the simplicity and colors that you both used. Frame it and cherish it forever. So sweet, so sweet!
ReplyDeleteIt can be very time consuming, this blogging thing us girls do. I always feel bad when I don't make my rounds - but there just are soooooo many. If only everyone could hear me thinking about them, then they would know that everyone is carried in my heart. Please keep me on your roll. I always enjoy visiting with you!
God Bless You and yours,
Becky
www.sweetcottagedreams.blogspot.com
xo
What a wonderful memory you will always beable to cherish of a day spent drawing with your Nan ♥ The art work is just beautiful. I love that you included a butterfly. I would love to be included in your new blog roll. You know where to find me :>)
ReplyDeleteI love the airy free spirit of your artwork! See you are both "real" artists for sure! We love your blog --it is always an interesting and enjoyable visit--and very honest! Hope you'll keep us on your rolls!
ReplyDeleteOne of your readers stopped by to let me know what you were up to...so glad you and Nan had some fun. I picked up my brush this week too. Every time I think why don't I do this more often, such therapy!
ReplyDeleteVee,
ReplyDeleteI was out all day yesterday lost in wonderful old bookstores in search of treasures. I can always lose myself that way....but I missed this post.
I love your painting, and what a lovely image of you and
Nan looking at all the different views and combinations of the flowers. Do you think that God does that sometimes to show us how great He is that He can create these amazing things of beauty to reassure us that He is there for us too? I thought that when I was in that gorgeous white garden the other day.
Thank you for saying such a nice thing about me in your post. I love Kim at Daisy Cottage, I still get so many people who come to me via her list of blogs.
Oh yeah never leave here without a giggle. Adding links on blogger does take long. I wish we could just copy our follows into a file with the touch of a button.
Karen
Your picture is really good Vee, I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteI noticed you joined my blog yesterday...what a good idea!
Happy Thursday....
The internet in my neck of the woods is tempermental and doesn't work in stormy weather. I had a nice comment written last night and lost it all. That said, I am one of your biggest fans, Vee. The list of comments shows I am not alone in my affection. It would be a privilege to follow you and stay on your blog roll. Once I add mine back, you will be at the top of the list. Oh, and the art is precious. I am always touched by the special moments you share about your Nan. Fondly, Kathy
ReplyDeleteI think that is what is happening to me too, at 72 I feel like I am withering. But it is withering time. I had to change Queenmothermamaw for security reasons. I am now at Day of the Lily. Just wanted you to know who I am.
ReplyDeleteStill QMM
Oh my! What a beautiful creation! That looks like it could be on a greeting card or framed on a wall! Just gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would most honored to be on your blogroll, my dear. Sorry that I am running a bit behind on visiting. This has been a busy working week for me, and I keep getting shortchanged on the hours in a typical day, LOL.