the greatest of these is love

It's easy to love our children. Our grandchildren.
Maybe even our sister or our brother, mother or father. And, course our spouse.
But what about the broken, and the hurting? The sick and the hungry?
What about the fellow you see each morning washing his socks in one of the downtown water fountains? What about the divorced woman next door with the unruly teenagers? Or the guy driving next to you with his windows down playing his radio so loud it hurts YOUR ears and pounds on YOUR chest?

How about the person you see standing next to the sandwich shop
asking for a little change each day?

Or, what about the fellow you've seen huddled under a ragged wool blanket in the doorway of the building that stands next to where you work?

Last October I read a post written by my talented Visual Poetry and Digital Photomanipulation teacher, Susan Tuttle, recounting a recent trip to New York to visit with fellow friend and passionate artist, Susanna Gordan. Susanna had (and has) an ongoing project called, Winged Messengers. I contacted her, and within a couple of weeks a painted brown envelope was delivered to me with 2 messengers inside, AND a beautiful hand-written note explaining the idea and passion behind her pieces of winged art. I was impressed, not only by the (long) hand-written letter, but by the insight she held inside her heart for the winged messengers!
I tucked them safely away in my office till after Thanksgiving, patiently waiting for just the right moment to let them land.
Purposely, I planned to leave the first at a busy street corner of Downtown Houston. I'd put one on a building I pass by many mornings on my way to work. This particular day was December 23rd. I just knew there would be someone who needed to hear this message so lovingly designed and painted by Susanna. Perhaps this could be that unexpected glimmer of hope. Hope long gone. Much needed, especially now, so close to Christmas. So, I left it at what is called the Sweeney Building, now vacant, tenants long gone. The morning was windy, cool, with some light misty rain. I had brought my large roll of heavy duty packing tape, and with a quick hand I taped it to the front door, hoping that whoever needed it on that day would see it.

The message was loud and clear. It was strong and purposeful. It was soft, yet powerful. It was grace revealed.
Love not earned, but freely given.

Later that afternoon, I went outside to see if the messenger was still on the front door. It was gone. I looked frantically on the ground. Checked all neighboring street curbs and gutters. I didn't see it. The wind had been so strong that day.
I prayed it had served its purpose. That it was able to give that someone a small bit of joy and understanding. You are loved. What more is possibly needed?

"look up"
My latest necklace was made using nickel sheet metal, which I etched in the class I taught at Round Top about two weeks ago. I attached and riveted a very special vintage rhinestone brooch and vintage metal stamping to the etched metal. I used matching etched beads, cultured freshwater stick pearls, sari silk-wrapped beads, added glass crystal rondells, then wire wrapped it with oxidized sterling silver wire.
The soft dangle was made using vintage rhinestone,
tied with a small piece of matching sari silk.
On February 1, my radio station, KSBJ (yes, it is mine, along with thousands of others who joyfully support it) will dedicate a full day raising funds for Haiti.
It is called Heart for Haiti
Pairing with KSBJ,
I will auction off this piece. Bidding will begin at $75.
If you would like to participate, PLEASE leave a comment, with your bid on this post. The bidding will end on Sunday, February 7th at 12 noon CST.
I will send an invoice to the winner, and once I receive payment, will send a donation to Samaritan's Purse in your name, and the necklace will be mailed to you.
I will send a copy of the receipt for your donation back to you.

Thanks for caring.

{Echo} Week 6: Face

Lani and I are sharing our sixth bi-weekly prompt
with Susan and Chrysti -- face.

Lani explains her interpretation: Edward came down this morning with these miniature daffodils and there was never a more beautiful or welcome face as that of these little flowers in the middle of all our snow and ice! Oh, I agree.
What could be more welcoming than the bright yellow face of a daffodil?

Daffodils have their own little special place buried way down deep in my memory of memories. When I was growing up, my grandmother (Josie) had the most beautiful creamy white daffodils magically appear each Spring in her front yard. They lined up, like a row of soldiers, straight and narrow down the front of the large wooden house where my mother lived as a girl.

On occasion, I was even allowed to pick one...or maybe two!

My contribution is a photo of our beautiful grandson, who will be one in just a few short weeks.
He is growing so fast.
My husband and I travel to see him at least weekly. Grandparents are meant to be a part of their grand children's life. I do know that so very well.

Be sure and visit the Flickr group for more beautiful diptychs.
You will enjoy!
(texture used: les brumes, click on photo to enlarge =)

my heart

"my heart is full"
(sold)
In so many ways.

This is where my class, Resolutions of the Heart, was held last Saturday.
We were in the Round Top Family Library.

This beautiful building was formerly the Hope Lutheran Church, a historic Gothic building first constructed in 1925.
It was dismantled and moved in seven pieces from Milam county to Round Top, then immaculately restored.

I had so little time to take pictures. The ones I took, I now cherish.
Look at the antique German bisque storybook characters that sit atop the library shelves lined with wonderful old books. This is just four of the many.
The librarian, Barbara Smith, was such a gracious hostess. She shared with me the feeling she has had since being called here almost 10 years ago. I know why she's here. I feel it too.

Look at these special ladies. We had the most precious time together. Charlene, right behind me, is one of the most fun ladies and blog buddy, traveling all the way from Fort Worth. She was a great class helper, and now a wonderful new friend. Carrie, on the back right, lives just down the road from me in Katy. She makes the most beautiful pottery. She came into the class knowing very little (about jewelry design), but you would never had known it. She told me she was a "fast learner". I'll say! She took to it like she had done it for years. The two lovely "local" ladies, good friends who both have business' at Nothing Ordinary Antiques & Oddities in Bellville.
Back row: Charlene, Carrie
Front row: me, Agnes and Carla

The huge hand-made pine board table, nestled in the front corner of the library, was the most magical place for us to work. It was the perfect size for four students.

......my heart is still so very full. I truly don't know what else to say.
But, thank you, all of you who were involved,
for blessing me with one of the most special days of my life.
You are the best!

the art of presentation

As long as I remember I have loved the simple act of taking the extra step. I take great delight in giving just a little extra.....in my gifts, in my work, and now I carry it along with me into the world of teaching.

Just this last summer, the managing editor of Belle Armoire Jewelry, Christen Olivarez, graciously requested an interview from myself, and a dear artist sister, Colette Copeland, of A Bird in the Hand.
Collette is that type of an artist, and her work reflects it. Upon my request, she made the most beautiful jewelry folders to pair with my jewelry.
We collaborated on a submission sent to Stampington called sisterhood. It was featured in the winter issue of the magazine that came out December 1st. What an especially sweet blessing.
Thank you Christen!Once again, as I prepared the brass charms, bronze wire, and extra goodies going into the bags of the students taking my Resolutions of the Heart class this next Saturday, I thought about ways of adding that extra touch....something really special.I think they will be pleased.

words across the sky

:blue moon:
with an incredible new year's moon at my back,
i am pressing towards the mark in 2010.

:words across the sky:

i know of your plans for me.

:resolutions of the heart:
this class still has room for you.
would love to see you there!
(texture on moon shots compliments of les brumes)