Lorraine Christie's Workshop

I told you I needed to be stretched. Well, I was. It was the hardest worshop I've ever attended; but good. Intense. Lorraine did a demo each morning for about two hours, then we took a break for lunch and came back to paint all afternoon. Her palette and style is so unique, that in itself was a stretch. My brain is tired and I have lots to process.

Here is the progression of her demo painting:
just getting started - she tones her canvas with orange
her very limited palette
getting in the background and blending it all together
boxing in a few figures and yes, she uses jet black
working on the lamp post
pulling together or 'marrying' the foreground
putting in the last figure and almost finished - isn't she incredible!
This is a previous painting of Lorraine's which Nancy and I used as our guide
Nancy's...
mine... obviously a long way to go
I will hang it in my studio and just live with it for awhile. Nancy and I both made quite a few notes of what to do to finish, along with Lorraine's suggestions. She was most kind. When we both finish, I will post a before and after.

Knock me out... Lorraine Christie

Lorraine Christie knocks me out. Her style, her colors, her freedom, her apparent joy. I've heard that when she is in love her paintings come alive!

I have the wonderful privilege of traveling to Atlanta to attend her 2-day oil painting workshop. The icing on the cake is that I will be spending the long weekend with my fellow artist and most fun college roommate. I am so excited!

I so need to take it all in. And more. Although I now have a painting and writing studio, I do not have a style, or a palette, or anything really I can call my own. I am putting quite a bit of stock in this workshop to push me to a new place - a place I so want to be. And need to be.

I hope Miss Lorraine is in love!

Baby Teresa

Isn't she a darling!

In keeping with our ongoing blog education regarding the many companies worldwide which are supporting the underserved, Baby Teresa was named in a Top Ten web list. Baby Teresa gives you an opportunity to Buy Once, Share Twice. When you purchase a Baby Teresa onesie, the baby you purchase it for gets a gorgeous outfit and so does another baby, one you don't know, but one in need. That other baby could be anywhere in the world from an orphanage in Vietnam, a small village in Africa or a family in need in Australia. Baby Teresa allows you to feel twice as good about the one gift.

In this day and age, dollars can be scarce, but the desire to make a greater impact on the world around us is as strong as ever. Launched in September, 2009 Baby Teresa’s first charitable all-in-one baby outfit donations were completed in the founder’s home state of Tasmania to benevolent organizations assisting mother’s with newborns in need. From there, the donations have continued to Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, the Philippines, Jordan and more with Sammie and Kirsty’s goal being to clothe a baby in every country in the world!

The 100% cotton baby outfits come in either a long ($34.95) or short ($29.95) version. Although they are in Australia, postage is just $5.00 and they ship all over the world. The color combos are precious. Shop Baby Teresa!

In Times of Grief

Are you always wondering what would be the really good thing to give someone who is grieving? Me too. From experience in the getting and in the giving, I have to say that a book is right at the top of my list. Why? Because there is something comforting about having a good book on your bedside table to look forward to come nightfall... or in the case of grief, whenever you find yourself inching toward the bed. Over the years I have come up with my favorites to read, re-read, and give. Thought you might like this list for yourself...

This tiny little book explains the stages of grief and every page is filled with life building facts. A must!

The classic of all classics. C. S. Lewis delves into his own grief after the death of his beloved wife, Joy.
Since this book helps me on a daily basis, along with many friends and family members, I am confident that Sarah Young's words of wisdom will deliver the balm of Gilead to the hurting.
A favorite devotional. Ken Gire is masterful at making you feel as if you are walking right beside Jesus. Also monumental leading up to Easter.

An unlikely choice, but my most favorite grief book of all. Joan Didion gives the most honest assessment of her first year of grief after the shocking death of her husband. This books makes you feel as if you are not crazy after all - someone else has felt the exact same way!

I have not actually read this book, but have given it several times. Each time I've been told that Dr. Wright has written a book that is read and re-read and brings healing and hope.

I hope these help you, sweet friends, as they have helped me.

FEED Project

Doesn't everyone need a feed sack? One of my absolute favorite shopping experiences is visiting the Feed Store at the Feed Project. I have one of their burlap bags and I'm hooked. The burlap gets softer and softer with use and holds just about everything. These Feed sacks can be used as purses, totes, picnic baskets, book bags, or, if you really want to know the truth, they look good just hanging on a wall.

FEED Projects' mission is to create good products that help FEED the world. They do this through the sale of FEED bags, bears, t-shirts, and other accessories by building a set donation into the cost of each product. Thus the impact of each product, signified by a stenciled number, is understandable, tangible, and meaningful. I love it when someone stops me and asks where I got my bag, or what the number means. They take great pride in using environmentally-friendly and artisan-made materials, along with fair-labor production, in creating all FEED products.

The Feed Project believes that everyone has the right to basic human necessities, such as healthy and nutritious food. FEED is proud to help FEED the world, one bag at a time.
Shop Feed!

Roma Boots

Continuing with the companies that give back, here is one with an adorable product. Roma boots. Their motto: warming the world, selling boots to the fortunate, giving boots to the less fortunate. They give rain boots to children who live in wet and rainy climates.May I say that we all need a good pair of rain boots. The south has certainly become a wet and rainy climate! Shop Roma boots!
adult boots $78 children's boots $42

Manna Meals

We have our very own business in Huntsville that gives back in a wonderful way! Cindy Caldwell, owner of Manna Meals, will deliver to your door (or anyone else's door) one of these delicious meals listed below! Comforting home-cooked food makes the best gift for sympathy, baby, thinking of you, hospital stay, holiday, birthday or numerous other occasions and situations. 10% of the profits go to Manna House, near and dear to many of our hearts. For Fran Fluhler's story, please read Peanut Butter Balls, one of my favorite all times posts.

Here is a note from Cindy and Fran and the Manna Meals:

Dear MannaMeal Friends,
Our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of MannaMeals and the MannaHouse for thepast two years. Literally thousands of pounds of food have been purchased over the past year(Aug. 2010 to Aug. 2011) with your contributions. And, as you may recall, in the previous year the MannaHouse was able to purchase a cargo van/ box truck and freezer as well as food items with your donations. Blessings to you, and in thanksgiving to our Lord for His many provisions,we look forward to another successful year in being able to feed the hungry of Madison County.(The MannaHouse also provides a clothing room if you have clothing -new or used-you would like to donate.)
With Gratitude,
Cindy Caldwell - MannaMeals
Fran Fluhler - MannaHouse

MannaMeals
"SOUTHERN COMFORT MEALS"
The joy of sitting around the table over a warm meal has long been a treasured tradition in the southern home. In keeping with that heritage, MANNA MEALS is now available to you when life gets too hectic to allow time to cook or you want to honor family, friends, co-workers or neighbors with a home-cooked meal.

1. CHICKEN DIVAN WITH BROCCOLI OVER RICE WITH CURRY & LEMON ZEST

2. CHICKEN DIVAN WITH BROCCOLI OVER RICE WITH WHITE WINE & PARMESAN

3. CHICKEN & DRESSING WITH GRAVY, STEAMED BROCCOLI AU GRATIN OR GREEN BEANS

4. DEEP SOUTH MEATLOAF, STEAMED BROCCOLI AU GRATIN OR GREEN BEANS

5. CHICKEN TETRAZINNI, STEAMED BROCCOLI AU GRATIN OR GREEN BEANS

6. CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP (toppings - tortilla crisps, sour cream & cheddar), CAESAR SALAD OR GREEN BEANS

ONE OF THE ABOVE CHOICES PLUS:
STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD, NANA'S YEAST ROLLS, AND ROCKY ROAD CHOCOLATE CHIP LOAF

$38

Each meal generously feeds four. Meals delivered free of charge within five miles of HSV Hospital. Entrees may be frozen or delivered ready for you to heat & serve.

Items may also be purchased separately:

DIVAN, CHICKEN & DRESSING, MEATLOAF, TETRAZINNI OR SOUP-$15.00
STEAMED BROCCOLI au gratin or KENTUCKY WONDER GREEN BEANS $7.00 STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD-$14/ROLLS-$3/ CHOCOLATE CHIP LOAF-$8.00

New Item: MARY SUSAN'S FAMOUS CHICKEN SALAD-pint/$8 or quart/$16

10% of proceeds to benefit The Manna House.
"Feeding the hungry-one day at a time."

Cindy Caldwell - 256.508.4407 - mannameals@comcast.net

Oh, magnify the LORD for He is good. Psalm 34

February - Love

As January brought a flood of Hope into my heart, certainly February reminds me of Love. It is the Love month. Being my anniversary today (36 years), I would like to give a great big shout out... Happy Anniversary, Ben! You are and always have been the love of my life.

In Wednesday Bible study we are studying I John. One could say it is the Love book, written by the beloved disciple. Did you know you are deeply loved by God? Soak this in right here before Valentine's Day. Be loved and love!

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. I John 4: 16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16

God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5: 8

It should give us great joy to know that it is the purpose of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to give of themselves to us to bring us true joy and happiness. It is God's nature to act that way toward those upon whom he has set his love, and he will continue to act that way toward us for all eternity. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

glassybaby

I received one of these wonderful little candleholders, called glassybaby, for Christmas and fell in love with their design and light. The glass is light and airy but durable; the colors exquisite; and the light they radiate makes me smile. I want an entire collection.

Glassybaby has given back $837,000 since November 2003.
Their story is a must-read:

When the first glassybaby was created in 1998, Lee Rhodes, glassybaby creator and founder, was raising her three small children and fighting what would become a 7-year battle with a rare form of lung cancer. She had endured surgery, countless rounds of chemotherapy, and was searching for a few moments of serenity to escape the fear that encompassed her life. Inspired by the beauty of these elegant vessels, Lee filled them with tea lights and scattered them throughout her home. She found great hope and healing in their color, light and love.

Lee's 12 year old son wrote the very best description of glassybaby and presented it to her early one Christmas morning. Don't miss these precious words. Shop glassybaby!