made a dent in the to-do list

with the countdown at t-minus 8 hours until the start of the new year and the beginning of the 365 day journey I have made a very small dent in the list of things to do in order to pull this off.  Today I was able to go ahead and make 5 frames, in which I went ahead and stretched canvas over after allowing time for the glue to dry.  so I am 360 canvas' away from being done...or at least in the way of making them...I'm getting very excited about starting to paint again.  It's really been a while since I was painting on a regular basis.  Images used to fly through my head like a slideshow they were coming so regular..i couldnt sleep at night sometimes it was so bad, but i guess i ignored so many of them for so long that i just lost it.  I'm hoping to fan that back into flame as I delve back into the bible again.  I'm pretty sure that is where the most of my inspiration was coming from.  I know it seems crazy to think that it would have such an effect on my creativity, but then at the same time if i truly believe that God made me and He also was the divine inspiration that created the bible, then why would it or does it seem so crazy.  i as the creation and the bible as the word of God my creator would seemingly have to effect one another as the sun does plants.  the one can't very well survive without the other.  anyways just wanted to share how things are going today, GOOD!! thanks for reading.

getting materials together

well as the new year and new challenge of painting or making one artwork a day approaches there are quite a few emotions that have tried to overcome me.  The excitement of facing a challenge being the best, or fear of not being able to pull it off being the worst.  which really isn't that bad.  the main thing i want to keep in mind while doing this is the reason for doing it.  It's not about me, it's about doing what I feel like God is asking me to do, that being to bear a burden to the best of my ability with a fellow christian and my aunt.  after struggling with cancer for 5 years you would think that committing to one year of something, so seemingly miniscule as a painting a day, would be easy.

the wood for making canvas frames (doesn't look like much)

I've taken some pictures this morning of some of the materials i've already started to put together in preparations.  so far i cut six-36" boards, twelve-24"boards and twenty four- 12" boards...and after doing the math realized that was only enough to make 10 frames and half of another one....yikes! making frames it going to be a bit of a pain.  i love painting i just wish i didn't have to make my frames to go along with those! haha.  I also bought a 21 yard roll of canvas...that should last A WHILE! at least i hope it does.

Looking toward the coming year

During the Christmas holidays we took a trip to Atlanta where some family lives in order to gather and celebrate.  While I was there I became all the more aware of the reality of what my Aunt Carla goes through on a daily basis.  Aunt Carla is struggling with cancer, diagnosed 5 years ago.  She is a mother of 5 and like the rest of us christians is having to fight off the devil and all his wiles.  You see she was told when she became sick with this cancer that she would live through it.  That was her word from God, but through various visits to doctors, different treatments, several complications that have mounded upon her during this struggle she has even started to have trouble believing the TRUTH she was once told.  She has become discouraged as we all do at times if we are trying to follow in the truth of Gods word.  So I began to ask God on the way home if there was a way that I could help to encourage her in any way or to help to restore hope, or if there might be some way for me to walk this with her, to help carry the burden with her. I feel like something that God spoke to my heart is to take what God has given me and walk with it daily, that being painting.

Impending change

     First of all I would like to start by saying that it has been such a great Christmas.  I've enjoyed family as always and hate that sometimes the only time I see some of my family is this time of year.  I was able to host one of the Christmas gatherings here at my house this year for the first time and it was so nice.  I mean I did stress out a bit at getting the house in a presentable form, but when all was said and done it was just nice having people that I love gathered in my home.
     I am starting to look forward to the upcoming 2011.  I feel like God is directing my heart to do a little bit of changing in my approach to selling my artwork.  I don't know absolutely what the changes are to look like yet, but I just keep feeling and or hearing the word change.  I'm very excited at the possibilities. I know one thing that I will be  reincorporating into my life as a whole, that is the bible.  I have been up and down the roller coaster over the last oh...3 months or maybe more.  I lost touch with God in a lot of ways and I lost a lot of my inspiration, but somehow, I feel that God is going to use that time as some sort of a lesson to teach me some of the change thats going to be occurring in this new year.  So right now, it's praying, reading, and waiting for direction on the next steps I am to take.  I know its going to be good whatever it is.  

I can do all things through Christ

I know it's been forever it seems since I last got on here and wrote.  To be honest, I've been putting way to many things in my life off until later dates.  One of which, and the most important, is God.  Have you ever had an elderly person in your family, like a grandmother or grandfather that you love more than you can put into words, but your life seems to get away with you and you find yourself driving by their house saying, "I will stop next time and visit".

good, bad, or in the plan

The family loaded up this morning and we all headed to huntsville.  although the day started off sort of shaky because for some reason I was in an inexplicably crabby mood.  Do you ever have those? Anyways, thankfully I got over it before the ride was over.

Final decisions

We now have made the decision about Birmingham.  Haven got a call back about the interview he did and he had the job if he wanted it, but he decided not to take it.  We will be staying here in North alabama for a while.  So now I just need to figure out what God really does want from me, and us.  I've been convicted or shown this week that I need to start spending more time with Him, by reading my bible and just listening period.

waiting and watching

Haven had an interview friday at the Lowe's in Homewood. Which is just outside the city of Birmingham.  The HR manager said that he did well in the interview and even passed Haven along to the Store Manager.   So now we will just wait and see what happens.  The house that we wanted to look at while we were down there went into contract for a buy the day we drove down...so that was a no go.  We drove around and looked around the same neighborhood though and found some things we liked.

Lot's to think about, Lot's to do

We have started considering and I guess, more so making the steps in order to make a possible move to Birmingham Alabama.  Haven is now applied to a couple of position in the area we have been looking at.  What has prompted the move...I think to really explain, we have to take you back all the way to a job Haven had when we temporarily moved to Colorado for a couple of months last year.

Too much to say

A lot has went on since the last time that I blogged.  So much, that I doubt I should be able to remember and especially type it all.  I have been able to sell to more paintings as well as to teach an art lesson.  I am so glad that God is giving me these little crumbs along the path to keep me going.  It's very encouraging.  I can't really say that I've been able to do a lot of painting since the last time that I wrote, but I did do one painting that means a lot to me.  I guess the ultimate motive in painting it to begin with was the fact that I sold the painting of the ballet dancer, and I must say it really held a sweet spot in my heart, well I mean as far as paintings go.  I just wanted to paint something that had a similar feel, although I didn't quite capture the same emotion in the painting, I was able to portray how that God gives us grace through the cross.  That is why the name 'Grace was Given'.  Look forward to new posts and paintings in the upcoming weeks

Self Promotion of Art

Well, today I got ready and went into town to do some self promotion.  I took a hand full of pieces with me.  I had already called ahead two a shop in the downtown in Athens, and also spoken with someone at Starbucks.  When I got to the shop downtown, I learned that the store manager was helping a costumer, which after meandering around the store for a bit learned that the costumer was MY BEST FRIEND! haha What a coincidence.  I could see that it was going to take a while though because they were doing a bridal gift registry...by hand.  So anyways 45 minutes later and a solid 1.5 hours past my kids nap time, I find myself in the middle of a store with nothing I can afford and two kids raring back like a funnel cloud before the tornado strikes.  Thankfully after my friend got done with the manager, the manager was polite enough to let me know that she was so swamped with costumers she didn't believe that she would be able to come take a look after all.  So that was a bit of a bust.  I did make it down to starbucks before the manager left though and she liked the artwork.  She said she would have to speak to her district manager to make sure that it wouldn't be against starbucks policy to hang outside artwork.  I hope to hear back from her.
  I also dreamed a little while I was in town.  I've been eyeing this great old historic building that is right off of the main square in the downtown.  I called the realtor and he came to meet me and show me the building...I'm in love...it's absolutely perfect for an art gallery and there is an upstairs just like I would love to have to fix up to live in.  It's definitely something that we are going to be praying about.  I was talking to Haven about it a little on his lunch break and he seems pretty interested in knowing more and possibly going back to look with me.

I've been in the wilderness for a few days

Hey everybody,  sorry to leave you hanging for a few days.  Me, my hubby and kids took a last minute trip out to a state park near Huntsville, Al to camp for a few days.  It was GLORIOUS! We did some hiking, napping, sitting by the fire, roasted some marshmallows and just had some great 'family time' so to speak.  Haven and I got to talk some about what our 'plans' are for the future as far as promoting my artwork or finding some type of selling venue, and of course we talked about his riding dirt bikes.  That is ultimately his dream.  I don't believe we really came to any settled conclusions on either matter, but it's always good to talk nonetheless.  Before I left to go camping I finished up a very special painting for a friend and fellow painter.  It is entitled 'Be My Vision'.
The girl in the photo is my friend. She is wearing a crown made of paint brushes and a painters pallette.  Which represents her inheritance from God of being creative.  Then she her heart is exposed and at the center of it is the image of a child, because that is one of her main ministries aside from art, is to minister to children.  Then Jesus is at her right hand leading her.  He is carrying His Cross, but if you will also notice His hand is up under her arm, as if He is lifting her up also. This is to represent the fact that Jesus picked up His cross and carried it, in a sacrifice of love, in order to lift us up.  So that we may do the same.  So in her holding Christ with her arm it is yet another representation that she is picking up her cross, with Christ.  I know that may all be quite confusing, but there is A LOT of depth in concept to this painting.  I love it when God allows me such creativity in a piece.

Latest Piece

One of my latest pieces.  I call it 'Be a Lily Among Thorns'.  When I see this I think of the verse in Song of Solomon 2:2: As the lily among thorns, so [is] my love among the daughters.
I would like to be seen as a lily among thorns, in that I would like to bring joy into a room when I'm in it,  not pain or fear of hurt like a thorn would.  I just pray that God will always help me to be more of a Lily in any situation.

So I'm out of the boat...now what?

Have you ever read the story about Peter walking on water?  I have several times.  Never have I really read to comprehend or try to understand what God is saying through this lesson. I suppose that is because all to often I find myself reading the bible just to 'read the bible'.  The only reason that I do that is just because I know if I get out of the habit of it, it will just be that much harder for me to start back again.  If I keep it a part of my daily routine, yes then a lot of days it is just that, a routine, but there are those days every now in then when it feels like it was set apart.  A day God wanted you to read a passage, like you have never read it before, and he reveals a new part of Himself.

The art show at Hoover

Luke 16:10He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

     I am clinging on to this verse after this weekend.  This Saturday's show marked second 'art show' I have been to, and 4th public show period.  Just to be honest about it we drove 2.5 hours, spent the night in a hotel, woke up at 5:00am Sat. morning and went to set up, all to sell 11.00 worth.  I sold a small print and a magnet....  I really tried hard not to take it personally, but it was yet another let down in this whole process.  I just hold on to the hope, and try to stomp any doubt, that God has a plan for me somewhere along this path.  

Its a great birthday!

Well, today is my 25th and I am having a great day so far. Last night I went to bed at a little after 9, which I haven't done in literally months, then my kids slept until 8oclock! So, as you might imagine, I felt great this morning.  So far I havc gotten all of my artwork that I'm taking to the show tomorrow and I think everything else that I might need, all loaded in the truck.  We have reservations at a nice hotel in the downtown, and of course I'm really excited about that.  The last time that Haven and I had a hotel room when it was just us, was our honeymoon! haha I think it's long overdue, don't you? Anyways I'm very hopeful about the outcome tomorrow of the art show, and if you will be in prayer with me that God will reveal himself in whatever happens tomorrow.  I want to just express how blessed I feel that at 25 years old I have a relationship with a God that understands my inmost being, a family that is always there for me when I need them, a husband that is a blessing everyday, two wonderful children that are a constant source of joy, and everything that I would truly ever want from life.  So Praise God for all of the blessings he somehow thought me worthy to receive and may I always praise His name no matter what my circumstance.  Thanks for reading and thank you for your prayers.  Whitney Tomlin

My Birthday is rapidly approaching!

  2 more days and I will be 25! I can't believe I'm already half-way to 30.  Time goes  by so fast.  It's going to be an exciting birthday weekend though.  Haven get's off of work at about 2pm.  When he gets home I imagine he will throw a few things into a bag and be ready to leave.  So we are going to take the kids with us down there.  A couple we know that are real close friends just moved down there about 2 months ago, and we are gonna let the kids stay the night at there house.  I just got off the phone with the concierge at Redmont Hotel in Downtown.  Haven and I are going to stay the night there for my birthday! We haven't done something like that since before Davis was born.  I can't wait!

Silence is Golden

There are so many ways that you can apply the phrase "silence is golden".  When I was thinking of a title to this post, that was what came to mind.  The reason being, that my 2 year old had finally just been brought to a silent hush. She has been laying in bed doing everything but sleeping for the past hour and a half! So she finally gave up, quit crying, and has went to sleep.  These are the moments that I look forward to a lot of days, where I can sit and hear my thoughts and just enjoy some silent time.  I'm not saying I don't enjoy the laughter, the yelling, the humming and other things that my children contribute to my life.  It just allows for more enjoyment when the silence does come.

In the previews...

I am trying to write this very quickly while the previews are playing in the beginning of a movie! haha. We finally caught 'The Killers' at a redbox. We've been checking every time we are in town for the past 3 weeks! Oh and despite the slightly misleading name it is actually a comedy.  I must admit my day didn't exactly get started all that well.  It was mostly my fault in somehow managing to pick a fight of some sort with my husband, which ended with my telling him I was glad he was going the garage because that meant he didn't have to be in the house with me (how rude of me!).

I'm a living contradiction of hopeless and hopeful!

Well, I guess I can take a minute to relax and breathe now.  Quite honestly the only thing I want to do right now is to curl up in a ball and go lay in a bed somewhere, pout and feel sorry for myself. Yes, I meant it when I said honestly.

Busy Week

So sorry I haven't blogged since Monday! On week's whenever I have a show it is always super busy.  If there was a way to put into type the way the week looks it's usually something along these lines...103956yuhnogamg0v98y329H 5SDFAS098U43TIUN;IGAUG908HGNlkw.et[oa haha.  So maybe no you get the picture.  I have ordered prints from two separate stores, designed greeting cards and posters, and still need to run and do some personal printing at my Mom and Dad's then, go borrow my other Dad's truck to haul all of my paintings and booth setup stuff to Florence tomorrow. (oh and the whole two Dad's thing, I just call my husbands parents mom and dad too...kinda gets confusing every now and then haha)  

Ordered Canvas Prints!

Today was one of those days you get to the end of and think..."Did I really do all that today...?" I woke up with the intentions of doing absolutely nothing much today.  It was raining cats and dogs, the temperature had dropped down to about 50 and today seemed like it was going to pan out to be a lazy day.  As most everything goes though, I wasn't up long before I realized I needed to get on the ball and get some prints of my paintings made before First Fridays in Downtown Florence this week!

Quick Bit on the weekend escapades...

Although this weekend should have seemed a relaxing one considering my mom volunteered and watched my kids 2 nights in a row, it actually turned out to be quite the opposite.  Starting Friday, I dropped the kids off with my Mom and headed straight to Huntsville.  I met with my best friend there and we hopped all over town trying to come up with ideas for her wedding, then ate dinner.  I left her middle of the evening, came straight home, had enough time to get a drink and work for a wee bit on a painting, then Haven came in and we grabbed our instruments and headed to a church where a pastor friend of ours was waiting on us.

Recognizing Power...

How many instance's in your life have you had something you felt you wanted or needed to do, but couldn't muster up the courage or potential to walk it out?       I don't know that I can think of an example from when I was in High School but I do have the distinct memory of stifling a part of who I was when I was in school.  I guess I didn't want to listen to God telling me who I was, because of fear of rejection. At that time, in my eyes, being a part of the group of people around me seemed the most important thing. I think that some part of everyone wants a certain amount of commonality between them and their peers, and yet, at the same time we also long to be just enough different that we stand out, in a desired way. It's a seemingly delicate balance.

Power

  How many instance' in your life have you had something you felt you wanted or needed to do, but couldn't muster up the courage or potential to walk it out?  

    I don't know that I can think of an example from when I was in High School but I do have the distinct memory of stifling a part of who I was when I was in school.  I guess I didn't want to listen to God telling me who I was, because of fear of rejection. At that time, in my eyes, being a part of the group of people around me seemed the most important thing. I think that some part of everyone wants a certain amount of commonality between them and their peers, and yet, at the same time we also long to be just enough different that we stand out, in a desired way. It's a seemingly delicate balance.  

Have Courage

 John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." 

It's funny to me how quickly you can lose heart, or how you can learn something or at least think you have and then find yourself a month later saying..'now what was that again..?' When I started painting, it wasn't something I had been taught and it wasn't laid out for me.  I didn't paint by numbers.  It was just a blank canvas and a endless possibility of colors and subjects. I could either choose to pull them out of my imagination and try to represent on them on canvas in the best way possible or I could sit there in fear of not doing something right or in some way fail at it.  It isn't until after I start painting that things come together.

Everything will happen when it is supposed to...

   How often do you find yourself aggravated at situations, because they aren't necessarily going as your planned or expected?  That seems to happen a LOT in my life.  I have always had a hard time with patience....
  I read a church sign one time that said something to the affect of "Impatience is a form of sin".  I have to say that after a lot of thought I can see how that is true.  If I believe that there is a God, and I am made in His likeness, then I know that He likes order just like I do.  That's why that I have these plans and expectations.  So If I believe that He is real, then I should know that even when I'm not seeing the big picture, as long as I'm believing in His plan...patience will be doing it's work, and in the 'world of me' everything will be ok.  Even when it doesn't hold the form of 'ok' in my eyes.