Watercolor Fox

As much as I try, I cannot bring myself to think of a fox as “bad.” I know they often appear in literature (specifically, even in the Bible) as something other than sweet, little cuddly fur balls; nonetheless, I just think of them as beautiful creatures.

There are several Scripture passages about foxes, but the one that came to my mind as I was thinking about this “little fox,” was the reference to “little foxes” in Song of Solomon. This information is taken from one of my favorite resources, GotQuesions.org.

In Song of Solomon 2:15 the speaker says, “Catch for us the foxes, / the little foxes / that ruin the vineyards, / our vineyards that are in bloom.” It might seem strange that, in the middle of a romantic, tender conversation, the matter of a fox hunt should arise. As with much of the imagery in this beautiful poem, the foxes are symbolic.

Solomon’s readers considered foxes to be destructive animals that could destroy valuable vineyards (cf. Judges 15:4; Psalm 63:10; Ezekiel 13:4). As the Shulammite and her beloved verbalize their love for each other, we are suddenly confronted with the need to catch the foxes that spoil the vines. If the blossoming vineyard spreading its fragrance (Song of Solomon 2:13) refers to the growing romance between the couple, then the foxes of verse 15 represent potential problems that could damage the relationship prior to the marriage (which takes place in chapter 5). The command, in essence, is “Take preventative measures to protect this love from anything that could harm it.”

In the Old Testament, foxes are mentioned in Judges 15. Samson ties torches to 300 foxes and releases them to destroy the grain fields of the Philistines. In Nehemiah 4:3, the evil Tobiah mocks the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, saying, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

Okay, I get that. And as the reference notes, “Solomon’s readers considered foxes to be destructive animals…” Writers need to know their audience. 

For me, if I’m the “audience,” and someone wanted to warn me to “beware” of a potential danger, whether in a relationship with another person, or in my relationship with God (?), it might be well to warn me that little soft furry creatures may not always be what they appear to be. 

But when I paint a little fox, I choose to think of him as just another of God’s beautiful creations—and I’m especially fond of furry ones.

#foxesintheBible #watercolorfox #watercolorpractice #watercolor #MariaRaczynskaInspired #littlefoxes

Fruit of the Spirit and Self-Reflection Questions

When I paint fruits, I often think about the Scripture passage in Galatians that describes, really, what my life should exhibit.

 Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” If I want my life to be “Spirit-filled,” those characteristics should be not only present but descriptive of me.

As I was pondering that thought, my weekly Devo in “As Long As I Have Breath” expanded on this same concept (funny how that happens sometimes).

Bruce Gordon says, “Self-reflection can give you the insight you need to adjust your thinking and your actions…setting your mind on the things of the Spirit means being influenced by the Spirit who lives inside of you. It means aligning yourself with the Spirit.”

These self-reflection questions are posed by Gordon:

1. What are you doing well that you can leverage?

2. What isn’t working that you need to change?

3. What is missing that you need to add?

4. What is confusing that you need to clarify?

5. How can you be influenced by the Spirit? What would this look like in your life?

Good questions. I recorded my answers (reflections) in the study book. 

Happy Autumn!

#AsLongAsIHaveBreath #fruitoftheSpirit #watercolorpear #selfreflection

Autumn

I came across a book published by “Focus on the Family.” I can’t remember how I discovered this particular book (God?), but it is an encouragement to me so far. The book, “As Long as I Have Breath: Serving God With Purpose in the Later Years,” by Bruce Gordon, is divided into 52 very short daily devotionals, one for each week of the year. It takes me about 10 minutes to do the weekly study each Monday. It’s a brief time to direct my attention to this topical study, thus allowing plenty of time for my other Bible reading/Bible studies.

I may share portions of what I read, throughout the year, with a hope that it may encourage others as well.

In the introduction, the writer says, “I have a couple of strong beliefs about getting old. I believe that aging matters. I also believe that God’s Word is not limited by age.” (AMEN!)

He goes on to say that there are many examples in the Bible where God directs someone to great things, in what we would refer to as the AUTUMN or even the winter season of life. Abraham at age ninety-nine is an example.

Hmmm… Autumn… the season of the calendar year that is on my mind (and on my art “plate”) right now.

Watercolor using Holbein professional watercolor paints and Arches Cold Press watercolor paper, inspired by my favorite teacher, Maria Raczynska.

(Maybe at this point in my life I should stop avoiding the thought of “autumn” or winter of life, and start to embrace it?)

Gordon reminds me, “Our later years are the best time to find newness of purpose, a revitalized zest for living, and a worthwhile mission to accomplish.”

Closing thought from the introduction: “As long as you have breath, you can serve the Lord with vigor and purpose.”

#watercolorleaves #watercolorpractice #watercolor #AsLongAsIHaveBreath #successfulaging #servingGodwithpurpose #52devotionals #autumn #autumnoflife

Rest, Relaxation and Renewal

I feel sure that I have written before about how much I love the word REST. It’s one of those words that sort of evokes the feeling that the word describes, just in the hearing of the word.

For me, rest has not only a physical aspect, but most definitely an emotional one as well. “Rest” is not only something I want to DO (verb) but also a physical and emotional state I want to BE IN (noun).

REST is a necessary element of quality of life, for me.

We just completed several months of high stress. Everyone knows that on the charts of “high stressors,” MOVING is near the top of every list. We didn’t just move, we completely uprooted from Missouri, gave away or sold about 85% of our belongings, and pulled two UHauls (one loaded and pulled by our son and grandson, thank goodness) full of our remaining “stuff” a 32-hour-drive away, to Washington state, where, thankfully, we already owned a home (that had been our “second home” for about 3 years). 

Oh, by the way, it was already fully furnished, as we didn’t plan for that home to be our only home. So, now, where to put everything from those trailers, into a house that was already pretty full…. Challenges. 

It was by choice, of course, as we decided we wanted to downsize (from a 4,296 square foot home PLUS a 2,250 square foot home, to ONLY a 2,250 square foot home) and relocate to where our son’s family lives.

But just because you decide you want to do something does not mean the “something” is easy.

At about the same time we were selling the big house (not without a couple of crises during the process) and giving our furnishings to 8 different family members, packing up the rest, my husband and I were both dealing with medical issues (I say “medical” rather than “health” because we are both fine, but the issues were very demanding and without immediate solutions). 

Practically before the last box was unpacked, we decided to purchase a travel trailer to park on some land we co-own with our son and his wife. The property is located a little over two hours from our home in Washington, in the country, in the foothills of the Simcoe Mountains (on the dry side of the Cascade Range), a place where our family can go for a climate break from where we live (when it’s rainy for the thousandth day in a row, we can escape to the property), in a peaceful setting.

So, yes, we were ready for some rest, relaxation, and renewal!!

Our son named our place “Higher Ground,” as the old hymn came to his mind every time he drove up here. “Heaven’s table land.”

Hubby and I are here as I write this. Very quiet. Peaceful. We have been able to rest and relax and renew. 

I have made progress in my Bible studies. 

I am celebrating because I am finally caught up in the One Year Chronological Bible—I started it last January and got as far behind as 28 days, and it was VERY hard to catch up, but I DID IT!

I also am totally enjoying reading “Woven, Understanding the Bible as one Seamless Story” by Angie Smith. I highly recommend it!

We have been missing our wildlife from our Peaceful Acres woods in Missouri. Here on Higher Ground we have a lot of deer that come very often, so we have enjoyed watching them.

It is so pretty here. We can see Mt Adams and Mt Hood. Mt Adams got a covering of snow last night.

Some of my favorite Bible passages about “rest.” 

• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
• Truly my soul finds rest in God;
  my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1
• Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

#rest #relaxation #renewal #Biblestudies #WovenbyAngieSmith #chronologicaloneyearBible #higherground #JoyisaPersonbyRobinMeadows #drysideoftheCascades

Changes (Seasonal, etc.)

This is me: I love the seasons. And I love the changes that come with each season. Through the years, I have learned this about myself: I like change.

Now, hubby always raises his hand when he hears me say that. “I hope you don’t want changes in ALL areas!” Obviously, there are many things that I DO NOT want to change. I also love stability and the familiar. But I like change more than most people do, I believe. 

Some say, “I will never move again.” Having just finished a very difficult and complicated move (in so many ways, not just physical and not just emotional), this might be a logical time for me to say that I will never move again. But even now, I don’t feel that way. While I don’t like all the work involved, and the emotional “tearing apart,” there are many things about moving (changing houses, changing towns, changing states…) that I do like.

Back to the topic at hand, I love seasonal changes (would probably not be thrilled to live where there are no seasonal changes), and always, through the years, no matter my location, my favorite season is fall. Maybe it’s the colors (my favorite), the trees, the leaves, the fragrance from the kitchen (baking with pumpkin or apples—and always, cinnamon), the need for sweatshirts, sweaters and boots…and lattes…and snuggling. This year, as a St Louis Cardinals fan, I’m loving the coming of baseball post-season.

Since I started watercolor painting a couple of years ago, another thing I love about fall is the seasonal art subjects. It makes painting even more fun. Actually, from September through December, it’s a time when I’m drawn to painting seasonal subjects more than any other time.

The mushroom was an easy one, following a tutorial by Maria Raczynska.

Possibly another reason why I have these positive feelings about the autumn time of the year would relate to the fact that most of my life has included “Back to School,” (as a student for 16 years, and then as a teacher for many years). I would still look forward to buying new school supplies (is that why I love buying new art supplies especially in the fall?)… hmmmmm…

I’m thinking of some Scripture verses that cause us to be thankful that some things never change. And then there are other verses that mention good things about change. I suppose it’s part of how we are made, to embrace both!

“I the Lord do not change.” - Malachai 3:6a

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” - Hebrews 13:8

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” - James 1:17

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:19

“To everything there is a season…” - Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a right time for everything.

#seasons #change #watercolor #fallwatercolor #autumnpumpkin #singlemushroom #watercolorpractice

Beautiful Early Fall in the PNW

It’s upper 70’s and sunny here in southwest Washington. We are intentionally enjoying this weather, as the typical climate out here sets an expectation of the onset of “rainy” season (as in rain most every day for months) most any day now. 

I do my Bible studies, art, and scrapbooking projects from the table in the dining area, where my position gives me a beautiful view of evergreen trees and blue skies, out our sliding glass doors.

Working through “Joy is a Person: A Deep Dive into Philippians” by Robin Meadows as a personal Bible study right now, I will be adding to that a regular study through the book our church women are using for a mentoring program, “Flourish,” as I will be mentoring a lady from our church.

Determined to get back to the place of “where I left off” when I took the break from art while we moved from Missouri to Washington, I am working on watercolor pieces most every day right now. I can feel a little bit of progress, and truth is, the “place where I left off” was not much beyond beginner anyway. So I press onward. Here are some of the pieces I have completed since my previous blog post:

This one almost went into the trash before I finished it. Feathers and fur are much more difficult than still life, so why did I start my “return” with birds? Because I love them… Here is the reference photo this was painted from:

Next I painted a much easier, loose-style painting of a hummingbird. Along with starting back after several months away, I have changed brands of watercolor paint (from Winsor and Newton professional to Holbein professional), and while I do like the new paints (more creamy, spreadable, and more vibrant), there is a noticeable difference, so more to learn.

Then on to something easier—a poppy.

On a personal note, we are enjoying being in ONE place, living near to our son and daughter-in-law, our grandson and granddaughter-in-law and their two little ones, our great grandchildren. We love being in the same church were our son is the lead pastor and our grandson is the worship pastor. Tomorrow there will be a parent/baby dedication which will include our little 6-month old great granddaughter. 

God is good, and we are blessed. 

Closing with this verse from my study this week:

May the blessings of divine grace and supernatural peace that flow from God our wonderful Father, and our Messiah, the Lord Jesus, be upon your lives. Philippians 1:2 (The Passion Translation).

#FlourishAMentoringJourney #JoyisaPerson #watercolorpractice #watercolorbluebird #watercolorhummingbird #watercolorpoppy #PNW #PNWFall

“Back in the Saddle Again”

I realize that “back in the saddle again” is a very old-fashioned phrase, but it’s very descriptive. I have not done any art, or posting on my blog, for the longest time I’ve ever been away, I believe — five months. Lots has been happening in our lives, and the easy way was to just let it slide. Most of the time during that five months, when I was “in the mood,” my art supplies were not with me. Then when I had the supplies handy, I wasn’t in the mood!

This piece was done a few days after my last blog post. I really like this one, and I think it’s because I tend to like bright and vibrant colors.

During the five months, we sold our home in Missouri, gave away almost all of the furnishings in that home, packed up two big UHaul trailers to make two different trips (second time with help from son and grandson) to transport remaining belongings to Washington, and got all settled into our home in Washington (where we had lived about half of the time for the last three years). Everything is now unpacked and organized. Once my baby grand piano is delivered (in a few weeks), all my “stuff” will be in one place, for the first time in a very long time!

In the middle of selling the house and moving, I had Mohs surgery on two squamous cell carcinomas, one involving a skin graft as well. Still not all healed, but “on the mend,” at least.

I was also five months behind with scrapbooking, so the first thing I did after getting settled into our ONE home now, was to catch up on that project. Very relieved to have that done!

Now that “I’m back,” (as in “back in the saddle again”) with life being settled into a routine, I do want to return to the fun hobby of watercolor. So, this week I tried to see if it really was like “riding a bicycle.” It is not. I don’t have it “back” yet and so need to keep practicing. Here is my first “return to art” piece, completed earlier this week. Not happy with it.

#bluewatercolorbird #watercolorpractice #backinthesaddle #needtoworkhardertogetitback #scrapbooking #crosscountrymove #MO #WA

Awaiting Spring

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 

11 See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. 12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

I look forward to spring every year. Truth is, I like seasons. So, in the late summer, I look forward to autumn. But this year more than any I can remember, I look forward to spring—the bright green of the grass and trees, the yellows and pinks of the flowers. The previous year has been difficult for everyone, some more than others. Somehow I feel like the arrival of spring will help me REALLY feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

But here in the Pacific Northwest, it is slow in coming. Yes, we have had some warm and sunny days. But then the next day is cold and dreary and rainy again. It is usually spring-like here at this time of year. I’m impatient. We have a frost warning for tonight. Seriously?

I have been keeping very busy, so it’s not that I’m bored. I have been cooking a lot. A Lot. I have caught up with my scrapbooking. I have been thinking and planning. I have been enjoying our 3-year-old great grandson, and his new baby sister—in person and through pictures. 

My art has helped me maintain sanity, I suppose. I have to tell myself that I’m still not that GOOD at it—that, mainly, I enjoy the process and am okay with the finished product. 

Here are some recent works:

The last one here, the Eurasian Blue Tit (I know, but it’s short for “titmouse” and it really IS its name) is not a bird I have ever seen—I don’t think we have them in America. Here is the reference photo (the real bird that provided the reference for the painting):

So, come on, Spring. I don’t ask for much, just warmth and sunshine!

I know, it WILL come....

#EurasianBlueTit #watercolorpractice #mariaraczynskatutorial #spring 

Loose Watercolor Style (Not Really Me?)

One thing I have noticed about watercolor artists I “follow” and/or try to learn from (tutorials, etc.): Even the professionals sometimes veer away from their “signature” style, perhaps for a break, perhaps because their followers or students pressure them to do a different style. Whatever the reason, I’ve decided that if they can do it, I can do it. 

Here’s what I’m saying: I have determined that loose watercolor is not really my style. But sometimes doing a piece with that style does provide a bit of a break from routine for me.

So, I occasionally step outside the box of more controlled painting, into the “loose” arena. 

More on why it is NOT my preferred style: I have always thought it was somewhat paradoxical for someone to say, “Try to relax.” If you have to try, you are not relaxing. You can’t really relax while working at relaxing. In the world of art, when I attempt a piece in a loose style, it’s like trying to relax. “Loose” is antithetical to my way of thinking/doing just about anything. (For that reason, maybe it’s a good thing for me as a stretching exercise.)

Now, I will say that even my attempts at using the loose style are NOT attempts to use the extremely loose, watery, runny style that many artists can do with beautiful results. Even my attempts at loose are illustrative, a fun style that is loose when compared to a very controlled style, but still somewhat controlled. My attempts at the other style (controlled and more detailed—more ME), are still not the total realism that makes people wonder if your art is actually a photograph. So perhaps I’m usually more in the middle, though leaning strongly toward controlled and realistic.

The last couple of days I have taken a break from my usual style and completed a few pieces “just for fun.” However, referring back to my observation about “try to relax,” I will admit that even these pieces that are loose (and supposedly more “fun”) were not really as much “fun” for me as trying to create a controlled and more detailed piece. Still, a break.

Here are the three loose pieces I created in the last couple of days.

For comparison, here are some of the more “controlled” pieces I have done in the last couple of weeks. Note: still not total realism, but not loose or illustrative either.

Next I will complete my January scrapbook pages and then back to more watercolor practice.

#watercolorpractice #watercolorfox #loosewatercolorduck #watercolorpuppy #loosewatercolorbighornsheep #watercolormountainbluebird #watercolorhino #watercolorgreenlemons #loosewatercolor 

All in a Day’s Work

I’ve always been pretty “big” on routine. That’s not to be taken as “boring” or “in a rut.” I suppose I was raised to think there is value in having certain routines, even in retirement. 

For example, we make our bed every morning. I say “we” because I haven’t made our bed myself in a few years. That’s something my husband does to help me, so that I don’t get a backache. But it is part of our morning routine (as is coffee and watching the birds at the feeders).

My daily routine varies from time to time (see, not so boring) but almost always includes Quiet Time, devotional and Bible reading, prayer time, walking, coffee times, cooking and communicating with friends and family (usually via social media and texting).

My daily step goal is 10,000 steps, and when the weather is not conducive, that means lots of walking around in the house. Ugh! Tough to get that many steps. I don’t always make it all the way to 10,000, sometimes 7,500. But usually 10,000.

So I pass some of that time by listening to the Bible (currently reading through the Bible chronologically through one of the plans in the Bible app), through AirPods, as well as listening to daily devotionals from the First 15 app.

Another routine while walking is to pray over my Prayer Circles in my Prayer Journal.

From my son and wife I learned about “The Chosen” series as well as the little devotional book, “The Chosen: 40 Days with Jesus.” I am going through that during my Quiet Time now. I got a little journal to keep notes and prayers from the devotional study.

Since we are not going much of anywhere these days (Covid restrictions here in WA state are a bit extreme), and coffee is sort of a hobby for us, we recently got a new coffee maker and are now using a system other than a Keurig for some of our daily coffee times.

For espresso, we use the Nespresso machine with Nespresso capsules. For the Keurig, we use Kcups. But in order to use the new TechniVorm MoccaMaster Coffee brewer with the fresh roasted Colombian beans from Fresh Roasted Coffee, we needed a burr grinder. The OXO was highly recommended.

Most days we have three meals: usually granola or yogurt for breakfast, larger meal (sometimes Home Chef) for the middle of the day meal, and something light for supper. (My “big meal” is usually on Sunday when all the Washington family comes to our house for Sunday Dinner after church. Love that.)

Most days I do some art or some scrapbooking. 

I just completed the 2020 Scrapbook Album. 

I have also been placing some of my artwork in frames and using for a bit of decor “around the house.”

Today I finished another watercolor black-capped chickadee. I am finding that “creatures” are my most enjoyable watercolor subjects.

So, perhaps the only value in writing this post is so that I can answer my own question, “What in the world did you do with yourself today?” 

#dailyroutines #watercolor #scrapbooking #coffee #technivormmoccamaster #oxoburrgrinder #nespresso #keurig #freshroastedcoffee #thechosen #chickadee #prayercircles #prayerjournal #quiettime #fitbitversa2