31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 31: "Rest"

 

"Harvest of Friends" Crochet.




Psalm 18:19 - (KJV) He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

 

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Well, I had two goals this month, to finish the 31 days blog challenge and to get an apartment. As you can see, I'm finishing day 31 now.

 

As far the apartment goes, I'll know something  before the end of the week.  So, Lord willing, I'll be moving this weekend.

 

Yay!

 

I spent this past Saturday plotting and planning out how I would like to decorate the place.  I looked at furniture, appliances, knickknacks, and craft supplies to create decorations.  There is so much to look forward to. 

 

Most of all, rest.  Real rest.

 

I waste two hours a day in travel, which zaps my energy.  For the most part, I sleep well, but living out of a suitcase isn't soothing or restful.

 

Now, don't think I'm being unthankful.  Far from it, but I'm ready for some real rest and relaxation.

 

It won't be long now.

 

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 30: "Refine"



"I Hear the Ocean" 8x10 acrylic on canvas





Malachi 3;2 - But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.

 

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One of the lessons I have to relearn repeatedly is to know when to call a project finished.  I have a bad habit of trying to correct every perceived flaw in my work.  Getting into a refining frenzy usually doesn't end well.  I usually wind up making worse mistakes, getting utterly frustrated, and either starting over again or chunking it altogether.

Minor changes are a fun part of the process of learning.  These aren't mere corrections, but a nearly OCD-level of repair.  This steals all the fun out of creativity and tempts me to hide all evidence I made the attempt.

That is no way to create.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 29: "Follow"



"Taste and See" 8x10 Acrylic on Canvas



I Peter 5:5 - (KJV) Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

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After finally getting back to my reading quest, I'm about halfway through a book by Jeff Goins called Real Artists Don't Starve.  I'll go into more detail about it when I write the review, but one of the interesting steps in becoming a thriving artist rather than a starving one is to set yourself up as an apprentice.  The author understands that you can't always have a one-on-one arrangement with someone, but the trick is to be teachable.

So, who can I follow in apprenticeship?  Because of books and the internet, I've learned from some of the best painters, crochet artists, and quilters. Is there anyone who will allow me to pick their brain for specific answers?  I thought I might have found such a mentor, but they don't take my art seriously.  I do know that there is an artist's community in this area.  I may seek that out and see if I can find what I need there.

Whether I find my mentor of art or not, I won't stop learning wherever I can.  I won't stop creating whenever I can.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 28: "Connect"



Puzzle Baby Afghan:  Crochet

Psalm 35:18 -  I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

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Note:  Yes, I know we did this word earlier this year, but I don't pick the prompts.  This round finds me in a completely different place and state, so I could give a different take on it.  Enjoy.

A while back, Pastor Staples (First Baptist Jacksonville) preached a sermon about us finding our place not only in the body of Christ, but in our particular congregation.  For part of the sermon illustration, he handed out puzzle pieces as a reminder.

I wonder where my piece fits in this new congregation?  They have all the musicians they need (and, no, I haven't told them I could play ANYTHING), plus, quite frankly, I'm enjoying the break and the chance to serve in a different capacity.  Not only service, but where is my place in fellowship?  I met some wonderful ladies at the Tuesday morning Bible study I attended until I started working.  I stay in touch via text and e-mail, but we've not had a chance to meet in person yet.

As far as I know, I'm in Colorado for many, many years to come, so there's no need to rush it.  I'm just getting antsy to get settled so I can establish fellowship and find areas where I can serve.  I don't want to lose connection.  In fact, I'm ready to connect more.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 27: "Overcome"







Mary Jane Baby Booties.  Crochet

 

Romans 8:36-37 (KJV) - As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

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I've never had to make the choice of life or death for another human being.

I've never had to overcome the fear and guilt of a pregnancy out of wedlock.

I've never had to overcome the anger and resentment after the birth of a child who's the product of rape or incest.

I've never had to overcome my own selfish nature to carry an inconvenient child.

I've never had to overcome the terror that the baby I carry is a danger to my own life.

But...

God has given me opportunities to help someone else overcome those fears.  Though none of these women have ever seen my face, they've had a pair of my handmade baby booties placed lovingly in their hands by a volunteer at the crisis pregnancy center.  Those little booties remind her that she is carrying a little person with feet, not a wad of tissue nor an inconvenience.  They overcome because of the love and support they are shown.  I hope I can keep helping them overcome until Jesus comes, or they put me in the ground.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Mintue Free Writes 2017 - 26: "Change"



"Steel Magnolia. v. 2.1"
Available as 4x6 greeting card.
 



Also available as 8x10 painting on rectangular or oval canvas.

Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

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The great Mark Twain said, "The only one who likes change is a wet baby."  Boy is he right.

The weird part is, this statement holds true for positive changes as well as negative ones.  We get tired of the sameness, but we're so comfortable with it that putting up with it seems easier than making changes.  That, my friends, is a trap.

I know, I've been there too many times.

This year there have been more changes in my life than I've ever dealt with.  Nearly all of it is positive, and even the negative has worked out to my good (Romans 8:28).  Still, I fight the urge to bolt and run back to comfortable misery.

I need to keep changing for the better and not run from it.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 25: "Because"



"Walking on Sunshine." - 8x10 acrylic on canvas

 



I John 4:19 - We love him, because he first loved us.

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Because I said so.

When you're a kid, you hate that answer from you parents.  As an adult, if you deal with children any length of time (whether they're yours or not), you understand, and fully use because as the answer.

Why?

Because!

Just kidding.

Because the older head knows what's coming.  Because explaining the answer would be too complicated or cause too much drama.  Because it's better for you not to know why.

I'm experiencing some "because" answers from Daddy God.  Some things I said I would never do, the Lord has said to do them.  When, and if I ask why?  His answer is because.  In other words trust me. As I go along and get to the end of some things, the why is revealed, and yes, I'm glad I didn't know.  It's all good, but sometimes there's a mess to go through to get to the goody. 

Daddy knows best.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 24: "Revise"



"Wings of Freedom" 8x10 acrylic on canvas

 



Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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Revise - to reconsider and alter (something) in the light of further evidence.

God has done a lot of revising in my life.  His Word always presents the light of further evidence.  Staying in His Word is what helps me distinguish whether what's being taught is truth or a lie.

To do a proper revision, there must be a firm standard to go by.  Just as in the study of history should begin with the writings of the person involved (if they are available), shouldn't knowledge about God be firmly rooted in His own inspired Word?

See, if I know the Word, then if Brother Doo-Dad or Sister Bucket Mouth presents a version of the Gospel that doesn't line up with the Bible, I can safely toss it.  If it does line up and I don't agree with it, then it's time for me to dig deeper in the Word and let the Lord do a revision of my thinking and beliefs.

Like I was told by a spiritual mentor, "Be like a good horse; eat the hay and spit out the sticks."

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 23: "Work"



"Birdhouse Quilt." Crochet
Inspired by a quilt by Eleanor Burns
2015

 



Ephesians 4:28 - (KJV) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

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Warning:  I'm cheating a little here.  We just did this word a month ago, so this is a cross post from my sister blog.  Enjoy!

Work in progress.
Working on it.
Slow Men Working
Work out.
Work it, girl!
Worked over.
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to work we go.

Years ago, my entire paradigm on work shifted when this scripture was brought out in a message I was listening to.  My goal for work isn't to simply get by with just enough for me.  God has a much bigger plan for work than that. I should be able to live well enough on my wages and have plenty to give.

For years, I barely eked out a living at low wage, low hour jobs.  The one time I had a fairly good paying job, it was the worst job environment I'd ever been in.  I had nothing to give of myself, plus not much to give to help anyone else.

I'm in a new environment with new opportunities, and a new outlook on work and life.  I've actually got a job interview Monday.  If I get this job, it will be a big step in the right direction.  I look forward to the Lord showing me creative ways to give out of my work.

Update:  As you know now, I did get the job.  I've been there for nearly a month and I'm enjoying it.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 22: "Light"



"Christmas Candle:  Acrylic on canvas.
Will be offered soon as a 4x6 greeting card.



Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

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Ten weeks ago, I left the sweltering, yet beautiful, land of the Southern Belle and arrived in the arid land of the Rocky Mountains.  I knew that God had a good plan and purpose for this move, but today's sermon has shifted my thinking even further.

Based on the book of Nehemiah, Pastor Robert is, without knowing it, preaching the encouragement I need right now.  Understand, the Pastor doesn't know me from Adam's housecat; I'm just a new face among many, and we've never been introduced.  He is preaching on our place in our city as the salt and light of the world Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 5.  In short, the city is not here just for us; we are here for the city.

Why is this encouraging?  It takes a lot of time to establish solid friendships and fellowships in any new place.  Sometimes that pushes my insecurity buttons and makes me feel like I'm being too needy (I'm not; it's just a feeling).  Yes, I need my city, but I'm growing to understand that my city needs me, my gifts and talents, my prayers and generosity, and most importantly the light of Christ shining through me.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 21: "Give"



"Peony" Crochet quilt.
Donation item to Jacksonville Senior Center 2015



II Corinthians 9:7 (AMPC) - Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].

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It's 65 days until Christmas and I don't have a clue.  I have no idea what I'm going to give anyone.

My new church has so many wonderful outreach ministries that I don't where to give first.

I can't wait to be settled in my own place so I can get out my sewing machine and make gifts for the local Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Before I left Alabama, I'd attempted to give blood twice.  Once, my iron was too low.  The other attempt failed because apparently I hadn't had enough water and the techs weren't confident they could tap the vein they needed.  Thank you, Life South Community Blood Center, for not going ahead with it and poking me purple like the Red Cross.  I'm hoping to find a local blood donation center here.  I'm never donating blood, or more accurately bruised arms and cuss words, to the Red Cross again.  Maybe there will be a space to tell the story of why later.

Anyway.

I'm ready, as Dave Ramsey says, to "live like no one else, so I can give like no one else."

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 20: "Discover"



"Pond at Evergreen."  Photograph
Available as a 4x6 greeting card

Luke 15:8-10 - “Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she’ll call her friends and neighbors: ‘Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!’ Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.”

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Making new discoveries in art is so fun.

• Finding a new technique that simplifies the process and makes an even better project.
• Discovering cool new tools.
• Finding new stores that sell supplies, offer classes, or that simply stir creativity.
• Figuring out how to create something I couldn't before.

Making new discoveries in my new town has also been fun.  I've not had a lot of time to explore, but on my commute, many new places have caught my eye.  I look forward to moving closer so I can explore.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 19: "Brave"



Boot Cuffs.  Crochet.

Joshua 1:7-8 (KJV) - Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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Like music, art takes both vulnerability and bravery.  It takes guts to produce something so subjective as art.  The old saying says, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."  Conversely, ugly is in the eyes of the beholder.  It takes courage to defend the beauty of a piece that others have criticized as not worth the time.

I've often wondered why God made me a creative, subject to the criticism and rejection of my art, music, or writing.   Seems like a "Type A" lion-type personality is more suited for the task.  Yet here I am.

I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I enjoy creating too much to quit.

Reminds me of a time many moons, and a couple of worship teams ago, when my bass playing was harshly criticized by a young drummer I worked with who had an axe to grind.  He made it known that he didn't care for females who played such "manly" instruments, so I could never play to please him.  My answer to his ire was always the same, "Well, God liked it."

That's good enough for me.  So long as Daddy's happy, I'm happy.

Let the bravery continue. 

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 18: "Share"



"Blooms in Burgundy" - Crochet

II Corinthians 9:7 - (KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

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One of the biggest frustrations for us creatives are people who will not share knowledge and information.  There are a lot of "experts" who are willing to say that what we do isn't right or good enough, but won't offer any help in correcting it.  Actually, creatives aren't the only ones who deal with this; unfortunately, I've seen new Christians subjected to the torture of an "expert." 

"An expert is a little spurt away from home."  Pastor T. R. Harper

Why this rift?  I think it's insecurity covered with bravado; they must dangle the carrot of their vast superiority in front of the young Padawan in order to look like an important Jedi.  Seen it, and, unfortunately, done it.

The best models are those who share some information without cost, yet earn revenue for more focused information.  Public television programs are a great example.  You can learn the basics of a craft or skill by watching, but to get the detailed instructions and the deep "how to's" you'll need to lay out some cash.  The same holds true for many of the webinars I've taken.  I get enough information to get a good start.  If I feel I need more and budget allows, I'll purchase a book or product.

Thank you for sharing.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 17: "Grow"



"Tulip Duo." 11x14 watercolors on paper.

Matt-22-10">I Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
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Auntie, Auntie, quite contrary.
How does your workshop grow?

Well...I don't really know.

I'd like to see the workshop grow to not only continue to serve and minister, but to earn revenue so that it can serve and minister even better.  It needs to grow so that I can purchase updated equipment, learn newer techniques, offer new products, and improve the internet presence.  I love to give, but as I learned here, I want to give from a full cup.  There's not much to go around from a nearly empty one.

Hopefully, Auntie will be settled in her own place very soon and can really focus on making some changes to the workshop.  As they happen, please participate.  I know growing pains hurt, but the pain is worth it.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 16: "Read"



"Read and Sip" 16x20 acrylic on canvas.
Painted at Paintology 101

II Kings 23:2 - The king went up to the house of the LORD and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

 

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I blog a lot about my love of reading.  Writing book reviews is one of my favorite types of blog posts.  Books are personal and writing about them is like sharing a piece of my heart.

I went to view an apartment over the weekend.  Hopefully my application for it will be accepted and I'll be moving soon.  My sister, Clara, and I sat and virtually decorated it over the phone.  The first thing I thought of was where my reading nook would be.  I picture a comfortable chair and ottoman, a nice bright light, a book in my hand, notebook and pen ready, and a good cup of comfort at the ready with soothing music in the background.

Man, I can't wait.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 15 : "Remain"



Flower Lapghan.  Crochet

Mark 12:31 - (KJV) "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

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One definition of remain is, "stay in the place that one has been occupying."  I don't care for that.  My move to Colorado was to break from remaining the same.

Another definition?  "continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role."  That's a little better, but it still sounds like being set in one's ways and inflexible.

Anything else? "In mathematics, the remainder is the amount 'left over' after performing some computation."  Ugh!  No.  This defines too much of how I've lived my life.  I do the computations and give out with little to no remainder for myself. 

I'm listening to Dan Miller's 48 Days to the Work You Love podcast.  His subject was on investing in oneself.  He made the statement that "one serves better with a full cup."  That doesn't sound like living off the remainder to me.  It's sounds like making myself even more able to serve well.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 14: "Try"



"Poinsettia" Acrylic on canvas
Available as a 4x6 greeting card.

Isaiah 43:19 - (KJV) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

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Trying new things is fun, but can be hard...trying if you will.  The painting above was a new project for me.  I enjoyed the new things I learned when I painted it.  However, actually photographing it wasn't fun at all.  It took me, I think, 22 tries to get a halfway decent photo.  The frustration is maddening.

I think all the trying of the new is getting to me.  I'm tired more than I should be.  Doing this 31 days blog challenge was probably the wrong thing to do in the middle of all these changes, but I'm in it now; no turning back.  I'm enjoying it all, but I'm ready for some routines, some familiarity.  Hopefully, I'll soon be settled in my own place where I can truly rest and recharge.  Then I will be ready to try more new experiences.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 13: "Invite"



"Ring My Bell" - Crochet
Colors can be customized for Christmas, weddings, or any event.

Matthew 22:8-9 - (NIV) "Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests."

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I enjoy parties.  Well, let me rephrase that, I enjoy parties I'm genuinely invited to. I've received many a backhanded invitation.  Unlike this wedding party where those who weren't initially invited were treated with equal respect and hospitality as those who were, some of the celebrations I've attended were not so joyous.

No, I'm not going to go there, but let's just say that to not be invited is less painful than to be invited yet truly not wanted.

Something else, please treat internet invitations as you would a paper invitation: give complete information (when, where, what time, what to bring, etc.). I don't know how many 'net invites I've gotten that didn't have the pertinent information. Come to think about it, I've received invitations in the mail that left out the same necessary information.

Makes me wonder.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 2017 - 12: "Write"



"Autumn at Evergreen."  Photograph.
Available as a 4x6 note card.

Genesis 31:49 -(KJV)... The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

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I've improved some since I created my first card. Yes, I do sell the cards (and I'm working on Christmas ones if you're interested), but I also love to write notes and send them out myself.

I had someone tell me that I should write one of those blanket update letters and send it to everyone. I just don't think I can bring myself to do that. Some people find those tacky, and I'm not sure what I should think of them. I like receiving them from people who truly want to communicate. I'm just not sure if I could write a decent one.

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

31 Days of 5 Minute Free Writes 11: "Remember"



"Team Spirit Wreath"  Crocheted
Can be personalized to your favorite team's colors.

Proverbs 10:7 - (KJV) The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

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Since coming to Colorado, I've been asked what I miss about home.  I've also been teased about what I brought with me from home that I won't give up.  Namely, Jacksonville State and University of Alabama football on the radio.  Thank you TuneIn App.

Don't you hate it when people forget where they came from?  No, I'm not talking about people continuing to stay in the mess they're in or continuing to act a fool because they're from X-neighborhood.   Here's what I mean:

When I told my mother about my plans to move out West, she was all for it, but she did ask, "OK, when you go out there and come home to visit, you're not going to act all saditty are you?"

saditty. Adjective. (US, slang, chiefly African American) Acting snobbish, arrogant, or superior; uppity; perceived to be trying to associate with a higher social class.

Of course, my answer was "no, ma'am."

Yes, I will continue to improve, but I will never forget where I've come from.  Good memories are sweet. 

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If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com