An English Proverb

This grandma's soul was deeply touched by her granddaughters' mission to bless a wee one waiting for a new heart.  Truly a measure of healing came to my heart by being "with them" via this post from 

Ann @ A Holy Experience.

It has been almost two years since I have been with them in person . . . they live in Ontario, I live in BC.  The memories of that whole month together and the photos and videos taken, continue to nourish my soul.  Books read, songs sung, dishes done, walks taken, races run, play dough days, 3 act plays, sewing dollies, rocking babies, ballet classes, piano practice and so much more continue to put a smile on my face and deep gratitude in my heart.

Linking today with Bonnie @ Pixel Dust Photo Art where the suggested theme was "Minimalist".

Be of Good Courage

I made this for myself as I am facing another round of cardiology appointments and testing.  

'Tis good encouragement in a multitude of difficult scenarios.

"Be of good courage  and He shall strengthen your heart,

 all you who hope in the LORD." 

Photo Art Friday, Jan 26, 2013

The optional theme this week over at Bonnie's Pixel Dust Photo Art was "Hardware" but I was just not feeling the love on that subject.  Instead, I decided to share some of the playing around I did with my new "software".  I had received a fabulous offer via email from Serif.com in December as they were giving deeply discounted prices on a number of software items that been replaced by upgraded versions.  I was particularly interested in the PhotoPlus4 and ordered a copy.  

I also got a lot of practice with watermarking my photos.

My model for this session was Zack, a Ragdoll/American Shorthair cross.

This first shot is the original.

Here I have used a Giger filter . . .

and this is also the Giger Filter with different settings on the sliders.

The Filter I used for the next two are both called Munchist and again they show the variations available with different settings on the adjustment sliders.

This style is called Expressionist . . . 

 . . .  and Impressionist.

Zack in Oils . . .

. . . and Paint & Ink,

and finally, Van Gogh style.

I have been having a lot of fun with this and trying out all the tutorials available.  So much more to learn.  And for the record,  I am not being compensated in any way from Serif.com.

Please do stop by Bonnie's and tour the gallery of this weeks submissions.

Closed Doors, Open Windows

This week brings for me, the end of my job and that is a good thing.  The conditions have been very hard to bear and the stress has caused so much anxiety in my mind and body that the doctor told me I needed to quit.  And since he put that in writing I am trusting that there will not be any trouble with employment insurance.  Today I got the lab work and ECG out of the way and am looking forward to some time to recuperate.  

The photo below is a perfect illustration of what I am feeling right now.  Coming out of the dark and difficult shadows and moving towards that lovely green garden full of beauty and life.

A favourite scripture verse comes to mind as well . . .

"He has called us out of darkness, into His marvelous light"

1 Peter 2:9

Linking up with Bonnie and friends for Photo Art Friday.

Gather Honey from a Weed

Well here it is, late Saturday afternoon and I am racing to put this together so I can link up with Bonnie at Pixel Dust Photo Art.  I have been wanting to join in the fun over there for some time but needed to upgrade my skills a bit first.  I had never worked with layers before today so this is very elementary work but hey, you have to start somewhere.

With this shot, I removed the texture from all but the rose petals and am quite pleased with the results.  

So there you have my first attempts at layering textures and using tools to erase different sections. Keeping it short as I only have a few minutes before the linky expires.

Thanks, Bonnie for the free texture "Brown Rice Paper".

What's My Word?

So did you miss me?

I sure have missed being here but life happens with all its ups and downs and a variety of circumstances contributed to my inability to put together a single post in 6 weeks.

Even now, it is something of a struggle but I am determined to get back in the swing of things.

I have so enjoyed reading the various "Word of the Year" posts that so many share at the start of a new year and really see that there is value to putting it out there.  The vulnerability and transparency of so many writers is inspirational and I find myself wanting to cheer you all on as you endeavor to walk out your "word" in the days ahead.

In the week between Christmas and New Year's I kept seeing and/or hearing the word "abundance" and eventually got the message that this is my word.  As is often the case in spiritual matters, after receiving such a beautiful word of hope and promise, I find myself having to contend for it . . . to fight to see past the "not enough" that is evident all around me.  And just in case I should begin to question whether that really is my word, I was reminded of a little green pouch given to me years ago.  Inside nestles this little stone with one big word engraved on it . . .

It travels with me in my pocket now where I can reach in and read the word with my fingers, whisper it to myself when I need to  be reminded that abundance is God's heart for me. 

I try to be grateful for the abundance of the blessings that I have, for the journey that I'm on and to relish each day as a gift.

~ James McGreevey