Can I Paint you a picture?
Reflections: Can I Paint you a picture?
My dear friend Jeanne signed us up for a painting class on “How to paint sunflowers”. Since I hadn’t oil painted for over thirty years I was game. Besides, I had never used acrylic paints and thought it would be an adventure.
We arrived at the class just in time to get our aprons, paint, water, and easels set up. As our teacher started to explain about her class, she wondered how many first timers were there, or those who already painted. She also inquired if there was anyone who was an OCD painter. At that point, I should have put my hand up. How did she know?
Thirty years ago, I loved to paint. My favorites were landscapes and florals. But there came a time I had to set painting aside and eventually quit altogether. I would become so obsessive about a painting that I couldn’t stop rearranging or fixing it. Then I would be up half the night and wouldn’t be able to sleep for thinking about what I could do better. Although I had painted pictures for other people, I always felt they were never as good as they could have been. If only I had just a little more time.
I laugh now when I think about one of my daughters’ grade school art assignments. It was during the month of October, so she made a black and white picture with trees and tombstones in a cemetery with a concerted effort to make it look scary. When I asked how the teacher liked her picture, she said: “no one commented on it”.
Three weeks later at the teacher-parent conference, there on the bulletin board was our daughters Halloween picture. She had won first prize for her “Remembrance Day” picture. She didn’t even care that they had mixed it up. How I wish my attitude would have been more like hers during my early painting years. Lol
As I began painting again recently, some of those old feelings came back; “it’s not good enough” or “it looks horrible”. I wonder where those feelings come from. Could it be from wanting everything perfect and struggling to measure up? Even after all these years, those old feelings still bubble up.
I am so thankful that God reached down and saved me. He loves me and forgives me with His perfect grace. Where would I be without Him in my life? In an imperfect world, He is perfect. ©
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
Psalm 62: 1,2 & 5
Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
I love you all and am praying.
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
This weekend is Memorial Day. And like you I have known many soldiers who have served our county. I love and honor each one. I often wonder what makes them sacrifice their lives or time for others.
The driver, being a sensitive man as well as an animal lover, pulled over to the side of the road and got out to see what had become of the rabbit. Much to his dismay, the rabbit was dead. The driver felt so awful he began to cry.
There are many times in life where I have been blessed beyond words from the generosity of others. Many of you know these last few years have been a difficult time and I know it has been the same for many of you too.
A Ventriloquist was touring the clubs in Florida. With his dummy on his knees, he’s going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde woman in the audience 
As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.
A little boy was going on a fishing expedition with his father, traveling from New Mexico to Colorado. 
My dear husband tried to encourage after our song, but I knew it didn’t go well. As we were leaving a woman rushed up to reassure me and said, “Well after you went up and down the scale a few times you finally found your note, I think it was OK.” So much for my singing career! LOL