blissed out at the coast

i have never done anything like this.

in fact, my only true art experience has been in high school, with ms. fletcher, and ms. peek.  and with out those two fostering my education, and encouraging me, high school may have been dull.  so thank you.  i also believe that these teachers gave me such a great love for art.

but last weekend was unreal.  i was blissed out.  i was walking from cloud to cloud in complete happiness.  it was basically like a hug from god.  a real tight, squeeze from my creator, saying "see, this is how i love you, by giving you this...."

and you know what i learned?  so much.  the first day we started out with a little instruction, but was then encouraged to just paint, and layer, and then next day was spent digging through more paint, creating texture, layers upon layers.  the final step was listening to what each painting was saying to us.  (that was my favorite part !!) just a few things i wanna ramble on about.

first:  everyone should have a opportunity to go on a art retreat.  because i really believe we are all creative individuals and art is one way we can heal, and be inspired.  because art is never wrong, it's just me, making things, choosing colors, picking patterns, brushing strokes that are all ME.  and, it's always perfect.  maybe the only thing i can do that is never wrong.  it can never be picked on, or humiliated, and it never makes a bad choice.  and if i listen closely, i can hear god whispering... "that all is well, enjoy this, my gift to you...."

art also lets me get lost.  and if i am feeling weighed down by horrible things, or just having a hard time being a momma to three girls, i can let go for awhile.  nothing else matters.

second: it's good to get away.  and it's good to come home.  there is something so sweet about both of those things.  the excitement of leaving, and the anticipation of coming back to my own bed, my people.  feeling refreshed enough to take on my world again and again.  to unwind so i can spin.  i thought a lot about home when i was away.  for me it is really who i share it with.  not the location, or the furniture, or the actual structure.  but who is inside my walls with me.  who shares the space with me.  who tangles their legs with me in bed.

feeling so grateful that i had this oppurtunity.  so blessed that jay took time off of work to help with the girls.  i now want to help him get in touch with his creative side.  because the man has talents like no other!!  and when we use this gifts, we really are honoring god.  it is so clear to me.