Let sleeping dogs lie

Sleep. I think about it all the time now. I stagger from job to job in a state of exhaustion.

I realize now, part of God's Master Plan for me in all this was to create a desire in me to teach again. I used to be an art teacher. When I left, I swore I'd never, ever go back to the classroom. But now,....yes, I am anxious to get back to the classroom! I am praying for a teaching position to open so I can get out of the cafeteria and back to the classroom. I lie in bed and think of lesson plans. How funny!

If God had taken me out of my studio and put me directly back into the classroom, I would've hated it. I would have grumbled and complained and been resentful that I couldn't still be a full-time artist. And He knew I'd react exactly that way. ( I've always had to take the long route in life to learn my lesson.)

So...He took me out of my studio and put me in the cafeteria at an elementary school. And He put me in a tutoring job and He even had me scrubbing toilets! And sure enough, I started begging to be an art teacher again!

And He smiled and I think I even heard Him laugh as He said, "I've been waiting for you to come to that conclusion!"

Now I have to wait for a teaching job to become available. While I wait, I think I'll keep dreaming of my lesson plans. And thank Him for His wisdom....again! :) I can hardly wait to see where He puts me!

This is a custom portrait of "Winston." 14x18 acrylic on canvas

My new life

I've had to go back to work recently. Art sales weren't paying the bills anymore. So I currently have 3 part-time jobs. I work in an elementary school cafeteria every morning, then I do residential house cleaning, and at night my husband and I clean offices.

So, I paint when I can or when I have the energy. I really miss my old life as an artist, but I know this is part of my journey. I believe God has put me in these jobs for a reason....just like when he sent Jonah to Ninevah and Jonah didn't want to go. If you don't do what God wants you to do, you end up in the belly of a fish....or in our case, go broke!

So.....I better get ready for work now. Gotta go be "salt" in the cafeteria! :)

(The painting above is a 20x30 custom portrait, acrylic on canvas.)

Sweet Caroline!

I had such a blast last night watching Neil Diamond in concert on t.v. I was singing along like a fool. I had the volume cranked and felt like a teenager. Good thing my husband wasn't home see me! :)

By the way, this dog's name is not Caroline. This is actually a custom portrait of "Luke". 8x10 acrylic on canvas. But I've got a Neil Diamond hangover, so I thought it was a good title for this post!!!

HOT Dog!!!

We're all panting in this Florida heat.....especially without any A/C! So yesterday I had my husband cut off about 3 inches of my hair! Really! Now he says I look like a Tootsie Roll Pop!
This is a custom portrait, 8x10 acrylic on canvas. I'll be in the pool if you need me! :)

Still????????

I figured since people are still shooting fireworks in our neighborhood, I would 'go with it' and post this patriotic pooch. This is a custom 6x6, acrylic on canvas.

Did you hear that?!

Happy Fourth of July everyone! The fireworks have already started, and we're braced for a loooonnng night with our dogs.

This is a custom portrait. Acrylic on canvas, 24x24. He's huge, but he's afraid of sparklers.

The joys of Summer

Happy Summer!!! I'm a week early, but what the heck, I couldn't resist after doing this painting for a customer. It's a 6x6 acrylic painting on gallery wrap canvas. Enjoy!