Thankfulness

Turkey day has come. It is my favorite American holiday. I love that there's no pressure for presents. And that the whole day is about something we should always be doing and celebrating - giving thanks.

It seems to me that at work and in my Etsy shop, planning for Christmas events once again took over right after Halloween. Thanksgiving gets overshadowed by shopping, football and gearing up for Black Friday. I didn't want to jump right to Christmas without taking a moment to be quiet and give thanks. So here's my little list of thanks.

- I'm thankful for family - the people God gave me that drive me batty but always have my back. The ones who see me at my worst and still accept me. As I learn more and more about children in foster care and the events that have put them there I realize how importance the foundation of a loving family shapes your life. Thank God that he blessed me with a wonderful family to grow up in.

- I'm thankful for food - every year as I plan some veggie dishes to go with my mom's amazing turkey, potatoes and stuffing - it hits me how much this holiday is about food. Lots of food. Family sitting around the table and eating. And I know, deep in my heart that many, many families do not have enough food to feed their children or themselves. And so I thank God for the privilege of abundant food.

- I'm thankful for health - I went to church on Thanksgiving Eve and what will forever be etched in my memory is a beautiful family I know sitting in the front row. This couple got married later in life and have young boys who are a delight. This fall, the husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Watching a man worship God in the face of death is convicting and humbling. This man is thankful for every day he has left on earth and he's determined to use it wisely. I am thankful that God has given me today. I thank Him for the blessing of life and good health.

- I am thankful for cheesy movies! Yeah, that's right. Every year when I watch "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" I'm reminded of how important it is to take the time for other people. No matter how many times I watch the classic "White Christmas," Irving Berlin's song about counting your blessings speaks to my heart. Every time I watch George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" realize how his humble life made such an impact on the people around him I'm reminded again of the chance we have to make a difference. How much our little lives are unique and profoundly felt on this earth.

- I'm thankful for waiting. Sigh. I didn't really want to write that. I might have to go back and read it a couple of times to convince myself it's true. But in recent years, I've thought a lot about times of waiting. As my husband and I continue to wait with patience and perseverance for children to be placed in our family (through pregnancy or adoption) we have to trust God for our future. This is hard for me. But for that reason, I am thankful. Because when something is hard won - you appreciate it for a lifetime. When plans don't work out how you expected or in your timeframe - be thankful they WILL work out in God's. It is good for me to continually surrender control and trust God in the waiting.

- And last but not least - I'm thankful for my husband. When you're single you wonder and you wait to find the person that will be your companion, confidant and friend for life. When you're married, the search is over. But the journey is not. I thank God for Joel. I'm thankful he doesn't get mad when I eat the last of the brownies, brings me flowers at work just because and loves me unconditionally.

Autumn Arrivals

Hello out there! Got some new cute things going into my Etsy shop that you have to check out! Apple pie, hot cider, pumpkin pie and...llamas?

Well, if you have a thing for llamas....and fall...and llamas in fall....this is for you!

Also, if you're stuck on the cutey turtles, this little fall note pack is something to check into.

Stay tuned in to my shop as I'm uploading a bunch of awesome ornaments....so perfect as Christmas party presents. Can be personalized in any way you want. Enjoy the season!

IF: Dessert

Aha! Making a comeback to Illustration Friday after too many months away. I have no idea why dessert made me think of a family of otters. Otters out for an evening float. Leisurely enjoying their dessert of fish cupcakes with seaweed on top. Sure, why not!

I could tell you about how I'm trying out a new technique with blending the pencil in layers on watercolor paper. I could certainly tell you that this new technique is not cutting down the time it takes me to complete one drawing or the hours I sit with my neck craned trying to get the pencil blended right. I could also tell you how much I LOVE otters and will embarass anyone that is around me if I think I've spotted one....

but I'm too tired. So I'll leave it at that.

Here I am!

Oh my goodness! I knew it had been awhile but wow, it's been over three months since I posted! Yipes! The thing is, there's a very good reason for it.

I was on the verge of telling you what I was obsessed with and excited about in May and then....even more craziness happened. So here it is....my husband and I are adopting! Sorry if this is old news by now. It took months to get through the process but we are now happy to be licensed and approved to adopt. At this point we are trusting completely in God to match us up with the right child. I have learned so much about adoption in the year or so since we've been thinking about it. It feels as if I've found my life's calling and my heart's passion.

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to apply for a job in the foster care world. It was kind of a long shot. I don't have a social services background, I have been a graphic designer for 8 years...hard to change what you're used to. But...I was offered the job. Even more ridiculous than that...I took it. The month of June was spent fluctuating between bravery and tears. It was so HARD to leave my wonderful friends, my amazing workplace, everything I had become familiar with over the past 8 years. In a way I was shocked and heartbroken that I would do such a thing. But I felt so strongly that life is too short to not be spending time doing what you feel called to do. My work experiences and my personal experiences suddenly coincided in a such a way that I felt I had no other choice but to take a leap!

After more than a month at the new job, I can tell you, I'm so glad I did. I am working HARD. I am exhausting all my energies, pouring out my talents, investigating the things I don't understand, soaking up other's personal stories....and I love it. I really do.

So I am now spending way more time working and much less time on artwork. My Etsy shop is still up and running. I am having fun doing custom artwork every once in awhile. Such as this drawing for a friend's anniverary.

And this wedding invitation for an awesomely original couple...

And trying to enjoy summer while it's here.

Can't wait to update you again on all the craziness that is my life! Be blessed everyone! Life is short...live it well.

IF: Fearless

Mmmmmm, creativity struck once again with barely enough time to finish this week. The topic was too good to pass up. FEARLESS. I have so many things I could say and illustrate for this one.
Instead I'll just explain my drawing. This is colored pencil on some new tinted pastel paper. The cute little white bunny is about to exhibit fearlessness in my book. He's going to offer love and compassion to someone who is in need. And he might be rejected. Growled at. Turned down or abused. But he's fearless, so he's putting his heart on the line anyway.

As always your comments and criticisms are welcome. I have another bunny illustration that came from sketching this one also, can't wait to finish it.

The first half of this week I kept seeing this topic as FEAR LESS. What an assignment....I think I'll spend a few more weeks on this one!