PRACTICE MAKES YOU STRONGER

PRACTICE MAKES YOU STRONGER,

Over the years, I have learned that my age has increased and physical abilities have diminished my strength, but not my faith. God is always in charge.  I have entered a new season in my life here on earth and it has taken me a couple years to accept it. Somewhere between 60 and 71 my mind stopped seeing the aging process when I looked into the mirror.  Oh, it was there alright but, I saw what I wanted to see. I put the positive spin on everything until reality knocked me off a ladder.

An old desire has become a new reality. Confidence has returned where doubt had managed my heart and mind. I found JOY! In my youth, I was an artist and called an artist, however as I aged my belief in myself dwindled. I would work hard but discouragement came from  others I had put my trust and hope into. I tried to be the optimistic person and still do, however unfortunate events claimed my
happiness years ago allowing me to feel depressed and hopeless.

I wanted to accomplish a new task, but not sure if I would be able. Reviewed lessons I had received on my watercolor work and started a project that ended up astounding me. I do have the abilities I thought and I started to peruse my love once again.  Now as a bold painter I would reach out and try something more daring. I pushed myself into this project with a vigorous attitude, as I worked on "The Kitchen Maid", the 17 century painting. I wanted to recreate in water color. I would spot my challenges in different areas and worked accordingly. Wicker, seeds on bread and rolls etc. My favorite things to paint now.

My mother, 92,  90% blind and hearing loss wanted me to paint a picture of her in a clown outfit.
I put that aside until such time as I had to make a start. It turned out so much better than I had expected. Now its on its way to Florida to my mom,  her friends will make her a clown collar and head band to match what was painted. She want to bring joy to otheres before she leaves for heaven.

Now, I have to decide what picture I will paint next. I'm leaning on a picture of my brother, sister and I at my wedding. This will be a triple challenge, so we will see how this goes, Im rather excited.

The farm has proved to be so much more than I am capable to care for now and I have started thinking about selling it and paying off the debt invoved with it. Just taking care of widows and the seniors in the nursing homes that I make and deliver cards for fwill be enough.  When someone wants to learn how do to something, I have no problem teaching them. But we don't  have to go to the farm to do that.

Now I need to ask the Lord for wisdom and courage to finish strong. My sweet husband is 88 and I have to manage his needs as I can. I'm sure our november outtings will be spectacular! I cant wait for the stay at home orders to end so we can get to church! Practice on all of lifes neuances make us all better!

Love ya'll
your sister in Christ maryanne

If You Don't Use It You Loose It

If You Don't Use It You Loose It

Well, I am of the age that understands what that means. Even my blogs challenge me to remember how to do this again.

So, today is January 2, 2020. We leave for a cruise January 6. How exciting you say! Yes it will be another great one, however, I'm tired and not packed or even close. I'm cold, since its cold in Tennessee right now.  Panama and Costa Rica won't be 30 degrease, so my packing must reflect the change.

I tossed in a new two piece bathing suit I bought to visit my daughter in Florida last year.  Never used it cause her pool was cold. Still cute so I will give it a chance. However my red hair will be touched up tomorrow and  it may be to soon to put chlorine water on it. Green hair is only good in March for St. Patrick's day. But with the styles today it wouldn't matter. That's my birthday month and I could get away with it. Not to worry I have two wigs that I will bring for emergency.

Shorts wont be in my luggage, but white jeans and some easy on pants. I bought some turtle neck light weight sweaters that I like and I will bring. With age comes unique things a body does, especially considering the neck and extra sagging. The turtle neck covers the sags nicely, and I'm always cold so it works.

I have a special bag that will go inside my suitcase loaded with my treasures:!!Water Color Paint, brushes, paper, pencils for sketching. This is what I am waiting to do, really we will have a porch and I just want to stay on the porch and sketch and take pictures and paint. I'm bringing a number of ideas that I took pictures of over the year. I will let you know how that works out when I return.

I made greeting cards last year with one of my widow friends. We sold them at craft fair. Interestingly, people liked the water color cards, and the sets of 4 card making kits for grandchildren.
I had a bunch of cards I enjoyed making that were not watercolor but when I have to many choices I get working more than one at a time and I get overwhelmed.

I tell you what overwhelmed is, when your studio is so messed up with the projects that you cant see any table tops. Putting all my cloths away and cleaning up my studio was two things I wanted to have done for the first of the year. Congratulations to me, I did it!

Now for the not so good news. I have not eaten enough today, or had enough water so I in deep doo doo. I was very good when Christa was here cooking for me and taking care of me, cause I was recovering from being sick for a month. I'm almost better but it could go either way if I don't get sleep. So, I will have to cut this blog short for now.

My chair in the bedroom has a pile started of necessary items to pack (water color stuff, tea, ginger candy etc) that will keep me going.

Hair done tomorrow and small list of necessary things for home and trip. I will let you know how it turns out. Keep us in your prayers!

Well, I used it so perhaps I will remember how to do it again.

have a great day in the Lord,
your sister in Christ
maryanne
cold and coughing.