Auntie's Workshop

 "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. ⌚   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 chan...

 "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. ⌚   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 friendship...

 "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. ⌚   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. ⏰ -------------------------------- If you are interested i...

 "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.   ⌚   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...

 "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. ⌚   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...

 "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." ⌚ 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, pl...

 "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. ⌚   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...

 "Flower Coaster"  Crochet   James 1:19 - (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. ⌚   I've never liked the phrase "tea and sympathy."  It sounds like you're being "yeah-yeah"ed.  There's never a solution, and people end up being patronized. Now, a good cup of coffee or tea with a friend who truly listens and you truly listen to them is one of the best experiences in friendship.  Back home, Java Jolt in Jacksonville was the meeting place.  Here in Colorado, there are little cafes and multi-story Starbucks to chose from. I also hope that my own future home (hopefully not too far into the future), will be a place where a friend can stop in with for a steaming cup, a listening ear, and a praying heart. ⏰  -------------------------------- If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@out...

 "A Little Birdie Told Me."  8x10 acrylic on canvas. Also available as a 4x6 note card Ephesians 4:15 - (KJV) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Philippians 4:8 - (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ⌚   Have you ever noticed how what we think about ourselves, we project onto other people?  Conversely, what we think about others, we project onto ourselves.  If I don't love myself, I have a very hard time loving someone else.  When I'm rejected by someone, I project that rejection onto myself by what I say and how I treat myself. Speaking loving truth into someone's life should build them up, rather than tear them down.  Sure, ...

 "Running at Sunset" 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas Painted at Paintology 101 , Jacksonville, AL Hebrews 12:1 - (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us...   ⌚ I'm ticked off this morning. The year started off with my questioning whether I needed to continue my membership in my runners club back home.  I've never been able to break through the elitist attitude of much of the group.  Well, I think I have my answer now. Y'all know about all the changes that have happened in the past few months.  I've moved, job hunted, started a new full-time job, and now am searching for a place to live.  In the midst of all that, I've done my best to get in mileage for their program, but my numbers are not good enough for them. I just got a degrading mes...

 "Angel Trio, v. 1" - 8x10 watercolor on paper Psalm 71:15 - (NLT) I will tell everyone about your righteousness. ⌚ I love reading stories--stories for children and adults both. I love hearing a well-told story, whether serious or funny. My favorite kind of story starts, "Remember that time in band camp..." I've been looking at ways to tell my story.  I blogged about my trip out here , but there's so much more to it than that.  So many more wonderful things have happened since I arrived in Aurora, and I believe so many more are to come. My total story intertwines with the Greatest Story Ever Told.  The story of Christ's love and sacrifice are what have made me what I am today.  I can't simply say that life wouldn't be as good without Christ; life wouldn't be at all without His story. Today, on my way to work, I told the Lord something I've said to Him many times, but I mean it even more.  When I go to be with...

 "Crocks of Fall" 11x14 Acrylic on Canvas ⌚ Trust the process. I hate hearing that sometimes, because, quite frankly, sometimes the process can suck.  Not just the processes of life, but also of art  Though I know that art is in the eye of the beholder, I've made projects that even I thought were too ugly for consumption--I wouldn't even give them away.  Life can get really ugly--so ugly you don't want anyone to know about it.  This is the point where trusting the process is necessary.  Most importantly, trusting the Processor is of the utmost importance.  We know that His process will produce something more beautiful, more glorious, than ever. Trust Him. ⏰  -------------------------------- If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

  "Hush Your Mouth."  8x10 acrylic on canvas Also available as a 4x6 greeting card. Psalm 26:7 - (KJV) I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord that I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7 - (MSG) I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories ⌚ Do you remember the old 70's sitcom That's My Mama ?  If Junior, Clifton's best friend, had some juicy news, he'd burst into the house and say, "I got it, I got it, and I've GOT to report it!" Now, granted, Junior usually had some gossip to spew, but don't you think we should have the same level of excitement when it comes time to tell others about the good things God has done in our lives?  I've been in fellowships where the devil got more accolades th...

 For the past two years, I've participated in the 31 days of 5 minute free writes on my sister blog .  This year, I feel inspired to base my entries on art I've created and post them here.  Enjoy.   "Music Book."  8x10 acrylic on canvas. Psalm 149:6 (KJV) - Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. ⌚ Sitting in Bible Study a couple of weeks ago, the video lesson was on connection.  The images were first of a lone musician playing her instrument.  As the segment went on, more musicians were added until a roomful were playing in harmony with each other. One of the most vulnerable positions is a musician in front of a crowd.  Even more so for a worship musician.  I've been on worship teams in some form for 30 years.  The vulnerability starts with practice.  Will we listen to the leader?  Is the leader worth listening to?  Will we mesh?  Will we "get in the...

"Fear the Beak" 8 x 10 Acrylic on canvas Also available as a 4x6 greeting card set with envelopes. Interested in purchasing?  Send an e-mail to auntiesworkshop@outlook.com The inspiration:   Matthew 26:34, 72-75  - Jesus said unto him [Peter], Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice....And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.  73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. ( KJV ) My alma mater's mascot is the Fighting Gamecock.  Picture it, thousands of fans, over 500 marching band members (yes, over 500!), a gaggle of che...

The New Wine :  16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas. Interested in purchasing?  Send an e-mail to auntiesworkshop@outlook.com  The inspiration:   Matthew 9:17  - Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (KJV)   I recently heard Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church  teach a message on how to be lead by the Spirit of God.  One of his points was that in order to start hearing from God, one must stop focusing on both the inner and outer voices that would lead one astray.  One of the loudest voices is current culture. Though oxymoronic, current culture is often an "old bottle."  Ecclesiastes 1:9 in the New Living Translation says, "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new."  Styles and attitudes are based on what was befor...

Red Hat Society :  11 x 14 (framed and matted size) Watercolors on Paper.  Interested in purchasing?  Send an e-mail to auntiesworkshop@outlook.com    Titus 2:3-5 - Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. (MSG)   We all need mentors, but we all should also be available to be a mentor.  There seems to be no shortage of mentoring opportunities for men.  In fact, I read where one self-described "virtual mentor" is selling tickets to his inner circle for $30,000 !    Good luck with that one.    Ladies have had to get creative when it comes to mentoring opportunities.  Enter the Red Hat Society .  This organ...

  Window Garden :  16 x 20 Acrylic on canvas.  Interested in purchasing?  Send an e-mail auntiesworkshop@outlook.com Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.  (KJV) Each season, God provides beautiful flora and fauna for us to enjoy.  Spring bursts with azalea and dogwood blooms.  Summer is a symphony of color from huge yellow sunflowers to tiny pink dianthus.  Autumn is filled with the changing colors of leaves and pots of mums.  Winter rounds out the year with violas and pansies.  With each season is the reminder that though the beauty of last season is gone, there's more to come. Our walk with God is like that. Each season of struggle against satan's attacks is replete with stunning bouquets of God's grace that make us "more than a conqueror" (Romans 8:37).  Song of Solomon 2:1 calls Jesus the "Rose of Sharon" and "The Lilly of the Valley."  H...

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas $35.00 unframed,  $50.00 framed + shipping (Frame styles vary by availability)   Late summer blooms and butterflies enjoying the reflection of sunshine.  Keep summer in those corners during the cooler months with this piece.   A replica of this painting is being donated to the Jacksonville Senior Citizen's Center as a door prize for their monthly dance. Interested in purchasing? Contact me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com

$50.00 + shipping This 11x14 watercolor painting welcomes spring with a fresh bouquet.     Interested in purchasing? Contact me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com