Year of Inspiration 24

Artwork #24

This is a simple, a little bit humorous take...but I think effective. Got it from Pinterest. In fact, most of these sayings have been coming from there. I'm having fun finding them! As usual, this is available for free to anyone who wants it. If it doesn't go...it gets put in the pile for upcoming retreats:)

Yesterday's artwork went to someone who's son is going through a rough time and I hope it helps. Prayers for him would be helpful too.

Year of Inspiration 23

Artwork #23

Time and pressure...God can do alot with these....so could Andy Dufrane from Shawshank Redemption! Sorry...it's one of our favorite movies.

Year of Inspiration 22

Artwork #22

I did this piece for a friend who wanted something to give to her 18 year old nephew who was in a car accident a while back and severely burned. I hope it helps in some small way. Prayers would be good too.

Year of Inspiration 21

Artwork #21

I kind of like how this one turned out..it was a little tricky because of all of the background lettering, but I think that is what makes the saying work...."not moved by the world"...with all of the chaos around. Still free to anyone who wants it....

Year of Inspiration 20

Artwork #20

It's a beautiful bright sunshiny day here in St. Louis..made even brighter by the snow on the ground. Might have influenced my choice of sayings today. And it's a good thought to keep in mind with all that is going on in my life lately. As part of my year of inspiration, this miniature piece of art is available for free to anyone who asks.....

YEAR OF INSPIRATION 19

Artwork #19

This piece is spoken for....going out to the friend of a friend of a friend. That is pretty cool! I think that is what it will take for me to give away 365 pieces of art this year. Because as my husband pointed out, I don't have 365 Facebook friends:) It's a beautiful sunny day here in St. Louis, and I think we are going to go to the garden for a walk with the snow on the ground! Enjoy your day!

Year of Inspiration 18

Day17, Artwork #18

I really like this piece. I chose the verse it to give to a friend who includes it at the end of all his e-mails and postings on CaringBridge about his wife's cancer journey. She is going to have her last chemo today, and I thought it would make a nice little gift for him/them. I am going to get her a gift certificate for a pedicure as well:) Thought she could use some pampering. I pray that the chemo has done what it is supposed to do and she can call herself a survivor!

This piece is available in notecards

Year of Inspiration 17

Day 16, Artwork #17

This scripture was today's reading. For lent, I have been trying to read the bible a little more, guided by the Catholic publication...The Word Among Us. So this spoke to me...it said "write me down!" And it is available to anyone who wants it for free as part of my Year of Inspiration....daily artwork given away. If you know someone who needs it, I can send it directly to them.

It's snowing beautifully outside my window right now, but it is supposed to start sleeting etc soon. I'd prefer just snow..it's prettier and a little safer:) I'd say I am safe and warm inside, but my house is ALWAYS cold!

Year of Inspiration 16

Day 15, Artwork #16

This one is going out to an ACTS sister and SLUH Alumni mom! I could be wrong, but it seems she posted this same saying on Facebook a long time ago....the first time I saw it anyway.  If not, I still think she will like it:) Tomorrow, I should have a new one to post on Facebook, but Friday, I have one selected already for a friend finishing her cancer treatments (hopefully). We are expecting a storm tonight and tomorrow..freezing rain and snow..if we actually get it, it will be a good day to stay inside and get some work done!

Year of Inspiration 12-15

                     Artwork #12

                      Artwork #13

                 Artwork #14

                         Artwork15

I've been out of town and only posting on Facebook, but I have been doing my daily art! So far, all but one piece has been claimed... by Joyce, Patty, Anne and Mary.....the one in the posting before this is still sitting here...That's okay. I can save it for when I am on an ACTS retreat and give it to someone then. Don't know if it was the bible verse or the gold lettering that made it an orphan:(  Whoops! I seem to have accidentally deleted the previous post and inserted this one in Friday's date! How did that happen?!

I'm wondering if I will be able to give away all of these mini art pieces. I hope that people will tell friends or have me send them to friends and family who could use a bit of inspiration..

#14 is available in notecards

Year of Inspiration 10

Day 9, Artwork #10

Happy Valentine's Day! I chose this saying because of Valentine's day. I'm sure there are people with broken hearts out there today who could use some reassurance that they do heal, and your faith can help with that! These are lyrics from a song...and I should have paid closer attention to the artist, but I didn't so if anyone knows this song, let me know!

Yesterday's posting on Facebook was snatched up within 3 minutes...actually had 2 people want it at almost the exact same time. That was kind of fun, I just hope the one who didn't get it will find another that she likes soon! I have 2 requests for art that I am holding off til next week so that I can post a few first. I hope you are being inspired, because I am!

Year of Inspiration 9

Day 8, Artwork #9

I had an e-mail from a stranger yesterday, who had a friend who received one of my pieces, and wants me to send her one too. I am excited about that! But I am going to take a couple of days to post "available" artwork. So this one is up for grabs! I will be posting it on Facebook after this and am hoping it will be snatched up. But if not, I will send it on its way to my new friend.  Today is Ash Wednesday... I am hoping that this year long project will also help me in my lenten observations. May you have a meaningful lenten season.

Year of Inspiration 8

Day 7,  Artwork #8

This piece was actually requested by someone who said it is her favorite bible verse. It will be sent out to Pamela in tomorrow's mail. I don't mind doing a request as long as I haven't done it already, and it isn't too long :) Tomorrow, I will post the first piece in a week that hasn't been spoken for. Will post it on Facebook as well...and I hope someone will claim it! I might try this being still thing for a bit today....need some direction on a decision I need to make.

Year of Inspiration 7

Day 6, Artwork #7

One weeks worth of inspirational pieces already done and on their way to new homes. I like the sound of that. I really do enjoy this, and honestly, it takes me about 5 minutes or less to do each one...so I really think it is something I can stick with. I just hope that I can find homes for all of this artwork by the end of the year. I know that I can always share them with our ACTS sisters and brothers going on retreat this year. But I kind of like the idea of some total stranger seeing one of these pieces and being inspired by it and brave enough to request it! Is that you? This piece is spoken for, but come Wednesday, I will have one available. Unfortunately, I will be out of town, and not totally sure I will be able to post Friday through Monday. But I'm thinking that with my iPad etc, I should be able to handle that! As long as I take along my supplies and find time to do the art!

Year of Inspiration 5 & 6

Year of Inspiration, Day 6, Artwork 5 & 6

Celebrated Mardi Gras in St. Louis yesterday, so didn't have time or energy to post....but did create the next 2 pieces in the Year of Inspiration series. I love both of these reminders of God's grace and accessibility. These are going out to my friends Janet and Jean. I have 2 more requests for artwork before I can post available pieces, but will get to those very soon. I hope that someone out there is enjoying looking at these, at the very least, or possibly being inspired.....

Year of Inspiration 4

Day 3, artwork #4

Found this one on Pinterest...I added the "God" credit line. Thought it seemed appropriate. This one is going out to a friend's sister who has some major worries right now. I've had such positive feedback on this endeavor...365 days of inspirational artwork...create one a day and give it away. I'm excited! Still need to come up with a good name for these miniature works, though.

A Year of Inspiration 3

Day 2,  Artwork #3

I posted my first 2 pieces on Facebook yesterday and got quite the unexpected response! I have 7 people who now want one! I need to think of something to call these small pieces of inspirational art.....hmmm. I'll get on that soon. But for now, I am kind of excited about this. Well, I was actually excited yesterday before I even posted....

These friends who say they want a piece... do I worry that what they get, sight unseen, might not be what they wanted? Or do I trust that God will guide me to choose just the inspiration they need when I send it to them? I think I will have to do the latter. Although, I think I would much prefer that they find one they like and ask for it specifically. I guess I should just accept their trust in me that whatever I send (and God provides) will be good for them. The piece posted today will go to my friend Barb.

A Year of Inspiration 1 & 2

I know it is a little late...and long overdue....but you never know when inspiration will strike. Like today at the hair salon, in the Ladies Home Journal. I read an article about choosing an activity and doing it everyday for a year. Some took photos, some knitted, etc. In the past, while on an ACTS retreat team, I have hand-lettered one small 4 x 5 piece of artwork based on a different bible verse each day. I sit down and letter, without planning or lines, on painted paper that I have trimmed to size in advance. Then, I give one to each retreatant and team member on the retreat weekend. So, using that formula of creating art and giving it away...

I intend to create one small piece of artwork per day, based on wherever I find inspiration..song lyrics, bible verses, even Pinterest. I will then post that art on my blog and/or Facebook each day for 365 days (hopefully!). The first person to request that day's artwork will receive it in the mail (snail mail so you can hold it in your hand), free of charge.

I am starting this endeavor yesterday, with 2 pieces of art.  I know that doesn't make sense, but February 5th was my mom's birthday. She would have been 87. It just seems appropriate to start a year of inspiration and giving on that day. Plus, I figure I'll be able to remember when I started!

I know that I haven't written in over 2 years! And that there is probably no one out there reading this, but here goes anyway...and if you are there and want one of these pieces, let me know! I will just number them 1 to 365 (for today, the blue is #1 and the orange one is #2), so just state the number you want. You can e-mail me with your address. One per person, please. Or you can have me mail one to someone you know that could really use a tiny bit of inspiration.

#1 is available in notecards