Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it! ... Robert Motherwell
"All great art is expression of man's delight in God's work, not his own." John Ruskin

Monday, February 25, 2008

I've Been Tagged!!!!

Recently, I was tagged by Doudy over at Doudy Sketche. I consider it quite an honor, since I don't see myself as being in the same class of artist as Doudy. He's wonderful. Wow! Thank you. I'm supposed to share 5 things about myself and then tag 5 other people.

1. I have been painting watercolors for almost 2 years.
2. I just recently moved to the southern Oregon coast, where painting fodder is always plentiful!
3. My favorite authors are God (The Bible), Jan Karon (The Mitford Series), Charlene
Baumbich (The Dearest Dorothy Series), Laura Ingalls Wilder and Francis Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden).
4. I am the daughter of a preacher and a school teacher.
5. I am the mother of the most wonderful son.

Now, on to my tag selection!

1. Catherine @ In and Out of the Studio
She is a wonderful artist who's style I just adore! She also offers classes and is just a wonder-
ful friend, full of encouragement and inspiration. Thank you, Catherine!
2. Carol @ Paris Breakfasts. Now this is
a woman who has created a career out of what she loves ... painting, traveling, & Paris. Very
inspiring!
3. Jenny @ Jenny Davis Watercolors I don't know much about Jenny, but I know that I just drool whenever I visit
her blog. Wow! to paint portraits like this artist does! Very nice.
4. Michael @ Painting the West I just recently
found Michael's blog and I found it fresh, inspiring, and a place I will visit regularly.
5. Joanna @ Higglety Pigglety
Absolutely adore Joanna's work! And who couldn't love Captain Rupert. Joanna has made
her love of art and a rabbit a lifestyle. Wonderful!

Okay, it's your turn! Each of you, please share 5 pieces of info about yourself and then tag 5 other people. Enjoy!

If I Keep Walking West, My Feet Will Just Get Wet!

After weeks of "disconnect" from this blog and other areas of my life, I have come to a point in my life, once again, where I can take a deep breath and look toward the things I enjoy most. One of them is posting and networking with my friends here on the web. Many of you have been patiently awaiting my return after our move. Thank you!
The move? I recently stepped out of my familiar life (a comfort zone, to be sure) into a new venture. Yes! It was a somewhat scary decision to make. For years now we have looked for a new opportunity; a new job that we could do. And God, being who He is, answered my prayers. One day, out of the blue, we were asked if we would be willing to manage a motel! We thought about it, prayed about it and well, here we are!!
So far, so good. We are in a lovely little community on the southern Oregon coast...Gold Beach, Oregon. Gold Beach is home of one of the most scenic adventures in the Northwest. Since 1895, mail boats have delivered mail and packages up-river to Agness and still do today. Loads of fun and unsurpassed beauty can be had and seen on the Rogue River Mail Boat Hydro-Jet Trips!

Though I have been very busy and focused on the details of running The Sand Dollar Inn, I have managed to do a bit of painting. Actually, just a few watercolor sketches. I will try to get them posted as soon as I can get MY computer set up. I am also looking forward to getting out and about in the art community here. There are 6 galleries here and many artists, so I'd better get my brushes wet and start creating again....oh! how I miss it!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I'm Back!....almost.

After 3 weeks away, I am ready to be back! I have really missed blogging and I have missed the contact with friends I have met here! Let me tell you, the last few weeks have been non-stop and exhausting, to say the least.
Almost 3 weeks ago, we loaded up the moving truck with all of our belongings from our 4 bdrm home and headed down the road to Gold Beach, OR. When we arrived we unloaded the truck and attempted to arrange our things in our new home ... a 1 bdrm apartment! It's really not as bad as it sounds!
We have taken over the management of a local motel. Lots of work ahead of us and the summer season will be fast approaching, but just wanted to let you know that I am still here. I unpacked all of my art supplies today and arranged them in my little corner of the living room (lovingly, of course). I really have missed painting!!!! I need the therapy.....maybe, after a nap.......
P.S. Check back soon for more updates.