Going Forward

Life goes on in the midst of shock, grief, and sadness. It is still hard to grasp that Lauren is without Justin. She is bravely coping but with a sad heart. Below are two of my favorite pictures of Justin. I did not take the pictures, but they show the tender side of a man gone too soon. He was a wonderful daddy to Tallulah and was looking forward to his second little girl. 

  On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have been helping my daughter with Tallulah. So far Tallulah has been enjoying her play school on M, W and F. Justin would be so proud of his little sweetheart.

Lauren snapped this picture of her before heading to play school.

  Praying for Lauren 

She is in the last weeks of her pregnancy.

Wonder what name Tallulah's sister will have...?

Sadness

 In loving memory of Justin Ryan Gann

Justin's sudden passing on August 5, 2023, has left many broken hearts.

A celebration of life will be held August 13, 2023.

July Heat

On the news reporters say it's the hottest July ever. I feel for those workers who have outside jobs. Recently we attended a graveside service, and a gentleman passed out due to the oppressive heat. Thankfully he recovered. This hot weather has been unpleasant and even dangerous.

 The flowerbeds are full of weeds. However, one little corner has zinnias returning from last year's planting.

A visit to Millington's Abandoned Antiques helped to lift my spirits. I still like to view the different junk/stuff/treasures in all the booth displays. 

Art is another way to lift one's spirits. This time I chose to do mixed media using art tissue paper, paints, and paper cutout.

Time to turn off the computer and get some sweet sleep. 

July Joys

We had a quiet Fourth of July.

Arm is healing with strength and movement getting better each week.

Creative mood returned and helped me create two mixed media pieces. 

 

Simple patriotic touch in the entryway

Can you guess what the flower pot is?

I recently bought a set of brushes on a wooden palette.

I used the cardboard piece that held the brushes in place.

"Whatever Pleases"

Certain magazine articles with decorating ideas I have kept in a notebook. Now and then I pull out that notebook for fresh inspiration. 

 This article is a favorite of mine. In it we are reminded to decorate our homes with what we love.

This reading rabbit is one of those "whatever pleases."

He has been moved several times. He's now on a shelf in the utility room and continues to make me smile.

This quote is over in the art room, reminding me it's okay to create art, even if it's not well done.

Little Library That's Special

 The stained glass window in the church library honors Corkey's parents. They were very active members, especially with the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

 I first shared pictures of the library space in October of 2019.

Corkey wanted one of my angel paintings for that room. 

The Rejoice angel is also in the library room.

 

These paintings may change from season to season or they might not.

I know I really want to paint angels again.

It's almost time.

Recovery Is Coming

I know my arm will continue to get better if I keep doing my exercises and using it more and more. June's Quito Market today was a pleasant outing for me. I met a vendor who I hope to see again. I asked Tonya if I could share some of her creations on this blog, and she gladly agreed. Choosing was hard because she had several  items I really liked. A ring made from one small spoon was my gift to myself.

I really enjoyed meeting and talking to Tonya.

I'm wearing my new ring on my right middle finger and loving it, Tonya. 

Hopefully swelling on the fingers of my left hand will go down before long, and

I may want another vintage silverware ring. 

Thanks, Tonya, for being so friendly and having a lovely display.