Poppa Bear

I am blessed.

I have to remind myself of that when things go wrong and/or break.

I know,  it is just part of life, but, sometimes, enough is enough. 

We all get to that point. We take a deep breath and go on.

It is ok, as long as we don't allow ourselves to wallow for too long and stay there.

Some days, we just have to try a bit harder to remind ourselves of our blessings. 

In a few days, it will be 15 years since Daddy died.

May 24th would have been his 95th birthday.

Still, it hurts as much as ever.

Grief has no time limits, like some may think.

Y'all have heard me tell so much about Momma and Daddy,  and it makes me smile to know how many good memories I have of them, both.

I was a Daddy's girl to the core.

Brian would make me go ask Daddy when he wanted stuff, cause he was convinced that Daddy could not say NO to me.

What he didn't understand, was Daddy would do anything humanly possible for any of us--anything! 

He made my life too easy, but he taught me so much by watching him. He lived his life the same as he spoke, though often, his words were few.

Don't get me wrong, that man was a talker.  When people described him as quiet, they didn't know him.

He didn't speak loudly or unkindly. He spoke his mind. He was not a mushy person, but was never afraid to cry. He loved children, and was a sort of baby whisperer--a crying baby was little challenge for him! 

You have all read this before...

Recently, I was painting the second installment of 3 of Amy Mogish's Going to Market Club. It was an ear of corn. She described "corn hair", and I burst into laughter. I hope that will forever be in my vocabulary. 

Corn, of course, makes me think of Daddy. 

So often, I have heard people talking about FINALLY getting a day off of work, after maybe 7 days or more, or even less.

I chuckle, because, Daddy worked 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.  Those cows needed milking twice a day--no matter what.

He never complained...

BUT, the difference was, He loved what he did. It wasn't simply a job, but a way of life. He knew he was blessed.  He loved the land, and took care of it, as God told us to do. He loved God, too, and put Him first in our home.

After Daddy "retired" from milking cows, he and "the old man who lived down the road"  starting raising a big patch of silver queen corn. After Mr. Arms died, I became the main "picker" with Daddy. 

Daddy drove the tractor and we threw the picked corn in the front end loader. I am pretty sure I can't count how many ears of corn I had the pleasure of picking with Daddy.

As his health declined, I knew he would keep going as long as he planted the corn. I would breath a sigh of relief each spring when that planting took place.

Sure enough, the last year of his life, there was no corn planted...

So, here we are again as another year without him ticks off the calendar...

I wouldn't have him in his earthly body for anything, but I miss him as much as ever.

I know how blessed I am.

So, thank you for allowing me to mumble on, some more...

You KNOW I will keep doing it.

I just think we need to share our joys with each other.

So, here is a little something I have decided to share with you.

Happy hedgie...Click here to download the pattern.

Daddy was forever bragging on me and my creating...

One day, he showed something to the meter reader, and the man wanted one.

Daddy told him that he promised if we didn't have one, then it would be painted by the next day...Daddy even went and cut it out, just to be sure! 

Well, after I arrived home from  12 hours of being gone, he smiled and told me about "the deal"...

I wasn't as happy...

I said, unless he learned to paint real fast, he best never make THAT deal again...bwah ha ha ha...

Luckily, we had one ready to go! 😉😀😁😂😃😄

Yep, I would have painted it,  if we had not had one. I would have done anything for him! 

That is what love is all about.

So, just like most of you, I pay the price of love--grief.

BUT I know that

I am simply blessed to create~charlotte♡

Click here if you want to read more about my sweet Daddy

Grateful

Happy Fall!

Well, at 3:02 pm! Lol (Central Time)

Mother Nature is snickering as she sends us temps bordering on the 90 degree line.

As a painter, I am never quite sure what season it really is.

Art has the Gift of transporting you to different places, different seasons, and yes, different outcomes.

It is no secret, my goal, as an artist, is to spread smiles.

I love happy colors. 

I do not like faces without smiles. 

I love whimsical. 

I have a joke going with a few friends about stepping into the "dark side."

They know I am joking, while others might not know.

I love dark colors, too.

In my opinion, there is nothing classier than black and white. It was our farm's colors, because, well, we milked black and white cows! 😁😂🤣 (Holstein)

I have been trying to learn different styles of painting my entire life. That is what helps me grow as an artist, but I do not want to abandon my style that I have worked for years to develop, because, be it good or bad, there is  something absolutely awe-inspiring to hear, "I knew that was yours!" I think it is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.

With that being said, most every one of us started by copying patterns offered by others. I still enjoy painting the designs of others, because I learn so much! 

And, again,  this brings up 2 of my own questions:

1. Why would an Artist get angry when someone doesn't follow their pattern.

2. Why would you teach if you don't want others to duplicate your pattern and sell it??  If you sell your pattern, and IF the person bought it, then you need to let it go! No, I am not talking about stealing. I am referring to videos/patterns that are purchased or offered for free.

Yes, I know, sometimes I fail to see the big picture, BUT before you go "stormin' norman" on me, this is MY opinion, and it is absolutely fine to disagree with me.

I think it is important to add your own touches into art. My goal is simply to share some of what I know, so you can learn. I want to INSPIRE others.

We learn by imitating others--look at children.

I also believe that God has given us the skills we need to survive in life. Yes, we must hone them and learn, but the basis is there.

I also believe, with every ounce of my being, that the more we give, the more we get! I believe it applies to every part of our lives. 

I have experienced that we CANNOT outgive God.  

If I can help you, I will do my best.

Now, before I seem all high and mighty, I also think that when someone helps YOU, it is your responsibility to then, help yourself. 

We have all experienced those who keep wanting more. I have taken my time to offer help, only to be bombarded with question after question...heavy sigh

People...One word--GOOGLE!!

There are people who will push you to your edge, and sometimes you have to say, NO.

That is ok! 

Now, don't think I am saying that we can't sell our art, because, yes, that goes back to my statement about gifts God gave us to make a living, BUT if you teach it, HOW can you say it can't be sold? That is crazy! 

I think what I love about my friends, is how generous they are. They give free tutorials, ideas, line drawings, helpful hints, and on and on. It really is a community! Each offering help.

So, with all of that said, I have been updating my HOPE pattern (Pink ribbon patterns) with some new ideas, so I grabbed a 6x6 canvas that had been sitting in a spot for a few months --hmmmmm...does it count as the SAME SPOT if Charcoal and I have knocked it off about 20 times, oh, and it has inched closer down the stack of stuff to my painting table??

Sorry, to have just made many of you shutter. I have friends who will understand me. 😁😂🤣😃

I covered it with an old dictionary page--ok, two pages-- with DecouPage (Yes, use what you have or your favorite method). 

I drew a pumpkin--start with a center, and add to each side. I grabbed a darker color on my base coat brush to separate the sections--there are TONS of FREE tutorials on You Tube and Pinterest to show you how to draw a pumpkin.

Here is a link to one of my previous posts.Click here

I painted the outside then added texture with my favorite dry wall tape and some favorite colors of DecoArt Americana Acrylics.

Then I dabbed on Deco art One Step Crackle around the pumpkin. I dab it on, rather than simply brushing it. I put it on thicker than a regular coat of paint. 

When it dried, I thinned a darker color and put it on top so the cracks would appear! Then wiped the darker color off, so it remained only in the cracks.

I found a word I liked in my drawer full of stencils. Yes, I love this word and how it nudges me. 

I applied Pink Glamour Dust to the words and to the pumpkin--sparkle and cracks--story of my life! 😁😂🤣😃

Yes, you are more than welcome to make some, and to sell them!  I certainly don't own the rights to a pumpkin! 😁😂🤣😃😄

But, seriously, I am happy to try to teach others to maybe earn some money to help THEM support their families.

God has been so good to me. He has given me far better than I deserve.

For those who have "wronged" me, I pray they will get the same Grace and Mercy that has been gifted to me.

Always help others--It isn't your responsibility to make sure they say THANKS or to change.

Have a blessed Fall, and don't you dare fail to take time to enjoy It! 

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world.

I am simply blessed to create~charlotte♡

Serendipity Sunday: Thankful for the Laborers

It has been over a week, and I am still thinking that I have had my fill of seeing butt cheeks, crack indentions, spandex, and fit people for another four years...

Yep, I enjoy watching the Olympics and rooting for the underdogs, hearing inspiring stories, and feeling the pride as the American Anthem is played.  I am a PROUD American! 

I STAND to show respect for her citizens, and no, I have NEVER been taught to place my hand over my heart when the anthem is played, so get over THAT, but I have been taught to stand, remove my hat, keep my mouth SHUT, and reflect on my life that I am so blessed to have.

We are not perfect, because we are made of a country of imperfect people, but I STILL feel proud.

As we pause for a moment on this long weekend to remember the LABORERS, I want to give a Shout Out of Thanks to every single person that works to keep the wheels turning.

We sure do complain when we don’t get good service, or service that we THINK we deserve, but I am too afraid to think of what would happen if You or I were in charge, because, I read your posts…

It takes ALL of us, working together and doing the best we can.

We MUST allow others the same respect.  Sure, it would be nice if everyone had the same work ethics or abilities, but we don’t. 

We MUST allow others to do the best they can.  Making rude remarks, clearing our throats, humming and hawing does NOTHING to improve a situation and it makes US look like the fool!

BE KIND…BE PATIENT…BE ENCOURING…HELP…Speak words of kindness…slow down…think about how YOU want to be treated…realize that it PROBABLY is not all about YOU, that there are other people in the world, and you are only ONE small piece of a HUGE puzzle.

I was raised by a Father who worked 52 weeks a year, 7 days a week, but NEVER did I hear him complain.  He taught me that when things broke, then it was just “payment coming due” for the time that it worked without fault.  Oh, how I am trying to remember that, my sweet Daddy.

My parents never complained about the money we needed.  They did whatever they could to ensure that we had every opportunity available to us, and did what they could to make sure we got to participate.  Daddy joked that when we were young, he couldn’t keep change in his pocket, but as we got older, his pocket was filled with change, but his billfold was empty!  I laughed as he would jokingly put out his hand for “change” when he sent me to purchase something, and how I would do the same to him, when I asked him to get something for me.  So much fun we had!!  Not only did they NOT complain, but gave thanks for what we had, and shared whenever it was asked, or needed.

I am thankful that I had parents who didn’t complain about people, about how we were being mistreated, or got poor service, or talked about people or teachers, or constantly shared about their every ache and pain, their having to wait for us to finish a task or event…I am THANKFUL that social media was not in my childhood, because I would have missed out on friendships and gathering at the homes of family friends. 

I am thankful for the work ethics I was taught…that ANY job worth doing was worth doing well…that I was not expected to be PAID for every act of kindness I did…that doing for others was important and expected, for those with much are expected to give more…that there is no way to out give God…that I am expected to use my talents for the community and for others…that I am to say PLEASE and THANK YOU and to really care about others…that it is NOT all about me…that I am to share…to live by the Golden Rule…that God will ALWAYS provide and will ALWAYS KEEP His promises…that GOD is the center of all and the head of my life…

I am grateful that I was PUSHED and yes, MADE to do things that I didn’t want to do.  I learned that sometimes, we must do things we don’t want to do.  I learned that I was able to do more than I thought I could.  I learned that I don’t like doing some things, but that I DID like doing other things.

I am Thankful that I was taught that no one is beneath me.  Yes there are people who do not value the things I do, but NOBODY is inferior to me.  ANYONE who works an honest job for honest pay is to be valued.

I am thankful that I was taught that MONEY was not the only reason for me to work.  When I accepted my first job in 1984 for $10,000 plus housing, I complained to my Daddy as I was trying to decide what to do.  He looked at me and said, “I wish I could be guaranteed $10,000 every year.”  I was ashamed. NEVER did I ever complain about the money I made, and YES, I think I was over-paid for some of the jobs I did.  Thank you, Daddy for showing me by example.

Father God, my prayer, today, is one of gratitude.  I am blessed with gifts beyond monetary value.  I am thankful and humbled.  I pray for those who work with physical and emotional pain, and I pray for health for them.  I pray for those who struggle, even though they are doing the best they can.  I pray for those who are selfish, that their hearts will be touched to find importance in things that really matter. I pray for those searching for employment~~send them WHERE they belong as a part of Your Plan.  I pray that I will always feel compelled to go the extra mile, as a reflection of YOU and of your love for me.  Thank You, God, for your loving watchcare over me.  Bless all of my internet friends and make their homes safe and beautiful harbors of Your Grace…It is in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son and My Lord and Saviour, that I pray, Amen.

I am simply blessed to create~~charlotte

Serendipity Sunday

My Serendipity moment was quite Simple and Just occurred.

Charcoal and I shared part of a bag of Cotton Candy.

It always transports me to a simpler time and place~~the County Fair.

This is true on both accounts~~we used to only be able to get Cotton Candy at the Fair, now it is everywhere.  AND life is NOT fair, but it goes both way~~we get good things, more than we deserve, but we don't complain about them.  We also, get bad things, often more than we deserve, and sometimes exactly as we deserve, and boy, howdy, do we complain, BUT it is just called LIFE!!

I loved going to the fair with my family, and we spent most of the week there as my family volunteered with 4H and the Home Demonstration Club.

I loved walking through that ole tobacco warehouse with my parents, eating that sticky sugary goodness as it got on my face and hands in our humid heat...it was magical!

We saw and chatted with folks we saw often, only at this time of the year. Laughter filled the air...it was the goodness of society gathered for a week of merriment! 

As people gather this weekend with family and friends, I hope everyone pauses to REMEMBER...

Teach your kids that on Monday, we REMEMBER  those that gave their lives through Military Service

REMEMBER the families who are left only with memories...

REMEMBER that it is because of them that we get to live in a land of plenty...

REMEMBER...

As we were enjoying our treat, the words of the song I share at the end were singing in my heart.

God is THE MASTER DESIGNER...

Look at all those blessings in plain view of you and REMEMBER how much you are loved!~~charlotte ♡

Master Designer by Kurt Kaiser

Cotton candy clouds, so fluffy and white,

Who put you there in a sky of deep blue?

Or do you just happen to float along,

Pretty and white in a sky so blue, so blue, sky so blue?

Tall mountain, deep valley, fast river, cool stream,

Show grandeur and majesty in some grand scheme

All of these wonders that we behold,

Are only a part – it cannot be told, be told, cannot be told.

  

Master Designer, Whoever You are,

All of this beauty both near and afar

Can’t just have happened, the odds are too great,

There must be a plan, we’re not left to fate, to fate, not left to fate.

All of this beauty is far too convincing

Master Designer, Your word must be true,

Of all Your creations man is the dearest

Help me to simply believe now in You, in you,

Believe in You.