Sepia-Toned Ephesian Journal

This year I am reading Ephesians. 

I know, it can be read easily in one sitting.  And I have read it in one sitting. 

But I am letting it sink in deeper, memorizing some of it (maybe all by December 31, but I am not requiring that of myself.)  I am writing down sections in a special art journal. Each page may have a passage, or maybe just a few words, like the page that says, "MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST - it is by grace you have been saved -", or the page that says, "brought near."  Other pages might have whole passages, like the one that says,"Therefore, laying aside all falsehood speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.  Be angry, and yet do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (4:26-28)"

Putting these words in my handwriting, sometimes in all caps, sometimes cursive, sometimes calligraphy, helps me remember them.  I'm a visual learner, and I picture where the info is on a page; especially if I have written it myself.  (I can still squint my eyes and see certain pages from my high school Biology notebook, mid 1970's.)

This is an exercise in art, too - a bit of an art journal.  I've kept it in mostly brown and golden tones.  I've vacillated between calling it tea-stained or sepia-tone.  One of my stamp pads is cordovan-color.  I really like that one.

Some of the pages are just words; others have a little picture or a stamped border. 

This little angel is my rendition of the little statuette that sits on my desk, a gift from our Sunday School class a couple of years ago, she is signing "love."

Some pages I've made tea-stained or coffee-stained.  (no cream:) 

Sometimes I pre-decorate the pages; other times I write, then decorate. Some pages are just plain words.

Some of the pages I like better than others.

So far, I have not decided what to do with the cover.  I may adhere some pretty cloth. 

It's all part of letting the Word of Christ richly dwell among me (Col. 3:16).  And you. 

What Was I Afraid of?

I used to long to know more about art supplies.  I wanted to try out real art supplies.  I wondered what "pastels" were.  I wondered what it would feel like to paint on real canvas.

I would look over furtively from the "craft" side of an arts and crafts store, to try to see what was in the "art" side.  All those tools - what was their purpose?  All those colors.  All that paper...

After learning a bit of decorative painting in a class at age 15, I was able to walk boldly to the paint section, confidently picking out tubes of acrylics and oil paint, but those pastels still intimidated me.  I felt sure the real artists who worked there just knew I didn't really belong. 

What was I afraid of?  Snooty art store staff?  Didn't I know that they are in business to sell me those pastels?

After attending my first Creative Memories scrapbooking class (more than a decade ago!), I grew bold about acid-free pens and paper.  Hurray! Another section of the arts store conquered.

Now, just now, as a middle-aged homeschooling Mama, I am finally losing my fear of art supplies and embracing the lay artist I could be.  What has opened up the world of art for me?  Homeschooling! 

I've actually ventured into the art section of our library, as though I was...an artist.  Here are a couple of things I found there:   The Decorated Page, by Gwen Diehn, and Altered Books, Collaborative Journals, and Other Adventures in Bookmaking, by Holly Harrison. 

Now I'm working on an art journal.  Here is some coffee-staining in progress.  More next time.

I checked out I Draw, I Paint: Colored Pencils, by Isidro Sanchez; and Earthgirl, that intrepid child artist, took it to her desk and went to work.  Look at those cat eyes! 

Evidently she has no fear of art supplies.

By the way, I have some oil pastels now.

a 'way too quick visit at the Peapod

Earthgirl has been friends with Tally and Tissy for about 5 years now.  In fact, they are 2 of her "8 best friends." When they moved so far away from here, we feared that the friendship might fade away.  I remember goodbye tears.  If I dwell on it too long, I'll have some goodbye tears right now.  We are thrilled that the friendship has continued to blossom, even at a great distance.

2006

This year Tally and Tissy gained 2 new brothers.  Now Earthgirl has 2 new friends.  Last week we got to stop in for an afternoon at the Peapod, and got to meet the boys.

We love them, of course.  What blessings!

Tate even played tractors with Mr. Pluto Boy

Did not notice that sippy cup when I took the picture. I was lovin' those smiles.

Notice anything funny in this picture?  Look closely...

Is Ty trying to snitch a cracker?

The Bad News and the Good News

My iGoogle homepage has, among other news and weather gadgets, two "Bible Verse of the Day" gadgets - one in King James Version, and one in New International Version.  This morning it had these 2 verses up:

Genesis 2:17 KJV

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

Kind of sums up the gospel, don't you think?

a page from my Sepia-tone Ephesian journal

Ephesians 4: 3-1

Sometimes it can be hard to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  

It takes a lot of humility and gentleness.  

Just when you want to lash out, you have to show forbearance in love. 

But that is what it takes to walk in a manner of the calling with which we have been called.

- slightly paraphrased application of Ephesians 4: 1-3, backwards.

I appreciate all my friends and family who show forbearance to me, who treat me with humility and gentleness.

Earthgirl has a little friend who is struggling with this, as children will. Actually, she is not struggling - she is being humble and gentle; she is showing forbearance in love toward a third friend who is not always sweet to her.  (note: Earthgirl has no trouble with either of these girls)  As adults looking on, we want to say, "Stand up for you!  Write her off!"  But I think she is choosing the better way.  I'm praying for them, that this sweet girl will have a sweet impact on her friend, and on us all.

These are NOT the girls mentioned.

Trying things on

Last week's visit to the nice home decor store (one of my SIL and Mama's favorites) held an extra bonus for me - their clearance table had remnants of some lovely fabric that cost almost nothing.  Ummm hmmm, that is yummy to me.

When I have a piece of fabric bought without a particular project in mind, I have to try it on a few places.  Do you try things on?

This brown print, uneven raw edges and all, was our tablecloth for 2 meals.

This scrap with tropical print, along with this small length of fringe, may find themselves in a pillow, maybe 10" x 22" with fringe on the ends?

And this is my favorite - a soft green/ gray-blue/ cream piece that may work well as a runner on my buffet.  When the Sm'Arties came over, there it was, selvedges hanging out shamelessly.  The flora and fauna are very Florida-looking, don't you think?

See the ferns and butterfly?

How about this shy lizard?

Can you spot the grasshopper?

Fun Saturday

Loading up with my sis-in-law,

Stopping to chat with my (now retired) 3rd grade teacher and (not at all retired) gardener extraordinaire,

Eating a hotdog outside, (and discovering the ladies room in this establishment is decorated in "Elvis"),

Plant sale,

Home decor store, Lowe's, Sear's,

Baskin and Robbins,

Another nursery for blue ajeratum and a hanging basket full of bright pink,

An errand or 2,

Pick up Krispie Kremes to take home, 

A visit with a friend in hospital - and seeing that she is doing much better (PTL!),

Stopping back by to pick up the lantanas left for us by gardener extraordinaire,

Cajun food with family,

Doughnuts for dessert,

Sigh...a really good Saturday.

Pretty good haul.  See the Krispie Kreme bag hanging on the left?

Wait - who's that riding along?

It's Abby.  She is such a good companion.

"Is it time for ice cream now?" 

May Day