Comic Relief

Now that the kids are back in school and I'm adjusting to a quiet house, some comic relief is in order. My friend, Clayton, introduced me to What the Duck comics and, well...here's a few favorites for my friends in photography. Enjoy!

And, to those of you who do family portraits, my favorite thus far:

The Power of an Encouraging Word

“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today”, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13


What sweet nectar is found in a sincere, encouraging word-- in both the giving and the receiving. Time and again I am blessed by the uplifting words of others. I am given a glimpse of Christ and encouraged in knowing that someone else has seen beauty in my life.

In the spring, at my PPWV Convention, I was encouraged by two of my mentors to enter my prints in the PPA International Competition. Much to my surprise, three of my four images merited and two went on to the prestigious Loan Collection, which is the highest honor for this particular competition. To say I was astonished is to put it mildly~ more like jaw dropping, speechless on the phone, dumb-founded. Making that collection was well past my goal….and all because of encouraging words.

Today I had an opportunity to give some words of praise.

On Friday, our basement flooded because of a ruptured hose on the back of our washing machine. While the kids and I were out school shopping, water was gushing from that hose for several hours creating a little pond in our finished laundry and family room. My poor elderly cat was floating in her kitty bed!
After a call to the insurance and then to the folks who came out to extract all the water and rip out the carpet, I was pleasantly surprised at the caring attitudes and quick response. I especially enjoyed talking to Wendy, who made the arrangements for the clean-up crew to come out.

I’ve talked with Wendy several times over the past few days and she never fails to be pleasant, professional and kind. Just before we hung up this a.m., I told her how much I appreciated her friendliness and how she managed her job. I think I sensed a smile over the phone.

I pray that God would remind me each and every time I have that opportunity. It takes such a short moment to give a kind word, and sometimes the effects may last for much, much longer.

I think Mark Twain said it well:
“I can live for two months on a good compliment”

PatriArts: Art from an illumined heart

If I could take on yet another hat, it would be that of art agent. I visualize having a studio/gallery and collecting the works of my favorite artists for all to enjoy. My list is small at present. I would include the beautiful handmade jewelry of Angie Olami, Anita Gallagher and Trudie Wohlman, the paintings and recordings of Marium Bria, the creative works of Arnold Friberg and Terry Isaac, the music of James Bitz and most recently added to my list, Patricia Banker, of PatriArts.


PatriArts is where I first learned of “Anachrons”, which is a word derived from “icon” and “anachronism”. I was searching for an icon of St. Ita, my daughter’s patron saint. Paintings of this saint are not easy to come by! At last, through google, I found an image, a very lovely painting of this dear saint (see image left). It was perfect for my daughter’s room. A beautiful image for her to gaze upon with rich symbols and celtic text to give a daily reminder of how St. Ita loved and devoted her life to God.

I don’t know Patricia personally, but after spending over an hour looking at all the artwork she has to offer ~ illuminated manuscripts, painted tiles, greeting cards, jewelry, bookmarks, posters, anachrons ~ I know I have found not just a talented artist, but a kindred spirit.

If you are searching for a truly unique gift inspired from Christian history or folk legends, I think you’ll enjoy perusing what PatriArts has to offer.

Thank you, Patricia, for sharing your talents and may God grant you many years!