Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my "Followers" and anyone else that may be dropping in! Last year at about this time I was making some resolutions of all the things I wanted to do in the coming year. I'll have to see if I can find that list:P Hold on...

Ok, I found them, lets see how I did?  These were for 2010.

I don't usually make resolutions, but I would like to try to list out a few that I'm sure I will soon forget about.

1. I would like to do at least 5 new prints this year, I would also like to try to do more reduction prints. Already got 1 done!!!
2. I would like to do at least 2 acrylic paintings this year. Possibly have it reproduced to sell prints.
3. I would like to join the local arts council and try to sell some of my work at their gallery. 
4. I would like to participate in at least 3 art/crafts shows this year.
5. I would like to enter at least one competition/show.
6. I would like to keep up with my blog and website!!! This one is hard for me.

OK, so as I mentioned I don't do resolutions.  Here's the results:


1. I did 3 prints all in black and white.
2. Didn't do any paintings that I can recall? Might have done one for my parents, but can't remember if that was this year or 2009?
3. Still haven't joined the arts council.
4. participated in No arts and crafts fairs.
5. Entered no competitions.
6. HUmmm, not very well at that one either!


While these were pretty lofty goals and I didn't get to reach most of them, I'm wondering if it really matters.  There were alot of good things that happened this year that I didn't plan for!! And I was blessed with anyway. One major things I was blessed with a new part-time job teaching Digital Photography Online!  So maybe making New Year's resolutions is just a good way to reflect on the past year.  If you can keep up with them:)  Maybe I'll post some new ones tomorrow, in 2011!


That's all for now!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Contentment


Ok, This is the first time that I've done this but I've been contemplating the idea of contentment for the past few days. Mainly in light of recent events that are happening in the world and in my own sphere. It is a concept or principle that seems to get lost in daily life and living in the USA. It would seem that the whole American economy is based on not being content, needing to get new and better things to fill our lives. It also raises the question that I've heard many people say over the years, "How much is enough"? So what is the truth about contentment? Well , I believe the best place to turn is to the Bible:) Basically, I feel like I can have all kinds of thoughts about contentment, but it is the Bible that is the real authority for me and gives clear direction on the issue of contentment. I have not done an exhaustive study on contentment, but I would just like to share a few things that I thought spoke to me personally.
First of all I found the most obvious answer to contentment, it is found in the Lord. Paul was speaking in Philippians that he had "learned" to be content in whatever his situation, abounding or in want. "Learning"- jumped out at me! What does that mean? "Learning to be content." After checking a cross-reference 2 Cor.9:8-10, I found that God is the one that makes Grace abound and supplies you with every good work... Humm! Well, if you continue reading in 2 Cor. you can see that contentment, as Paul may have "learned", is gained through helping others that are in need. That seems like it would lead to contentment wouldn't it?
Paul writing to Timothy about contentment has some familiar words that you may have heard quoted by many people. "Now godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this word and it is certain that we can carry nothing out, and having food and clothing we shall be content."-1 Tim. 6:6-8
So, it seems that there is a freedom in these verses.
As I began researching "contentment" I started in the Old Testament and found some interesting advice written in Ecclesiastes. This was written by Solomon, as he was given everything that he asked for, by God. He found great Joy in the works of his hands that God gave him, But also realized that it was all vanity, grasping at the wind.-Ecc.2:10-11
Later in Chapter 5:18-19 of Ecclesiastes- He writes, "It is good and fitting to enjoy the wealth of the labors of your hands- this is a gift of God, for he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joys of his heart." What does a person who dwells unduly on his days look like? I think it is someone with regrets? If you continue reading in this chapter it paints a grim tale of a person that holds onto his wealth and doesn't enjoy it. This brings us back to the beginning of my outline here. How do you have contentment? I hope that this made sense and is a starting for living with contentment.- Merry Christmas!!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Merry Christmas

OK, so I stink at this whole blog thing. It's a nice thought:)

But I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And give a little update. and share a photograph too.
As for printing... Well, let's just say I haven't done any lately... but I'm beginning to feel the urge again, so maybe some time will present itself for me to take advantage of?
I have been very busy this fall teaching an online Digital Photography course with NCVPS. It has been a good experience so far. But it is demanding of my time in the evenings.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to step out to my garden and took a few pictures, so I thought I would share one. I guess my Digital Photography students have inspired me. That's a good thing!




That's all for now!