I'm proud of you! -- Kate Post #4

Many thanks, Kate, 

for those time when you take a comment of mine (after you ask for an opinion and run with it), implementing it to make the art stand out all the more!  

Bravo as you stick to what you are doing--I'm here to say I am proud of you!

In the end, I long to push past the self doubt and live in the freedom that  I have birthed something unique and others benefit and are better for it! 

Thanks for showing me that.  You paved the way for me with your perseverance in drawing.  For instance,I have seen the support that comes after you launch yourself--it encourages support!

Thanks for bringing me "to life" with your life, with your talent, with your time and love.

Know you change me as I stop hiding myself and look up and smile!  There is work to be done!  And it is good!

Your loving mother,

Veronica

P.S. Con El, todo se puede! 

P.P.S.  Draw away, muchacha!

Giving up writing... -- Kate Post #3

My darling,

-----

Here is what I read by Jon Acuff that pushed me off the fence to begin writing:

It was in that moment that I realized the lesson that no matter what you do it will be criticized. Slave away for months. Dot every i and cross every t. It is impossible to create something that everyone will like.

Most people stop right there. They get depressed by that truth and decide to stop creating.

What’s the point? It’s just going to be attacked anyway. I might as well not share anything with anyone.

Quitting at that moment is a mistake because on the other side of this idea is an amazing freedom.

Let’s rewrite the sentence, “No matter what you do, it will be criticized.” The new second half of it should be, “so make sure it’s something you’re crazy about in the first place."
----
Katherine, I am crazy about you!  I will create with you as inspiration :)

His bit made me realize I want to write--to begin with, to you!  (I already have begun since this is Post #1!)

Even if I get criticized by you, I know you love me.  We are able to help each other. I pray that is why you ask for my input for your work.  I love you and can help you.

I need to love me too!  And write!

-----

No one will believe it is my dream to write if I stay "safe" and unknown and do not speak with written words.

So, I will write about what I am crazy about:  passing on lessons to you.  Life is a lot about lessons!  

A great lesson: learn lessons from others to jumpstart you, mentor you past issues before they become your "issues."

I ask for your input, trustingly, as you have asked for mine, my dear.

You are growing into yourself well!

It means so much when you take a comment of mine after you ask for an opinion and run with it, implementing it to make the art stand out all the more!  Or you stick to what you are doing.

In the end, I long to push past the self doubt and live in the freedom that  I have produced something unique and others benefit from it and are better for it! 

You have done that!  I NEED to as well!

You have what it takes, and so do I!

You are growing into yourself daily and well!

I love WRITING! Kate Post #2

My dear,

I admire the gift that comes from you in creating as you do, pen to pad, pencil to paper.  You use colored sharpies, crayons, color pencils, markers, watercolors.  You learn from videos, books, and daily practice!

I could write from many examples how your many forms of self expression have helped me grow!  The growth for me is in believing in you and therefore in myself, as well!

Your artwork shows me how, bit by bit with consistency, you learn what works and doesn't.  You enjoy the process!

----

I want to enjoy the process of writing!

(1) I can enjoy writing again because I have an audience!
(2) Post by post, I can enjoy writing because it leads me to myself, leads me to show you my strengths and weaknesses so you can draw closer to me as you become an adult! I have always wanted to know the nitty gritty about my mother.
(3) I can enjoy writing because I can grow in my craft of words daily as I do it!

I LOVE your drawing! Kate Post #1

I want to write to you, and I will tell you why:  I  LOVE the emotion you draw into your drawings!  

I'll write to you on this blog since I don't want to clutter your inbox (though I'll clutter your bookshelf once I publish all the letter/blogs I'll write you!).

Plus, I enjoy seeing your use of colors,

of seeing so many different expressions, 

seeing many poses,

(Oh, wait, you are posing!)

clothing, 

interaction.

Hang on, 'cause this is a deep message--I want to write to you, and I will tell you why!

I'll write to you on this blog since I do not want to clutter your inbox (though I'll clutter your bookshelf once I publish all the letter/blogs I'll write you!).

I  LOVE that you draw!  

I don't usually think how helpful and encouraging it is to hear that your artwork is a treasure to me!  At times, it feels like it is in such abundance, like the dandelions you would pick for me.  But now, with you off at high school, I remember those dandelions fondly.

I want you to know I value your drawings like I do the dandelions you used to give me!  I am marveling at the creativity that comes from you.  They are not only gifts for me--but for everyone who sees them. (Sure, you will improve and add on techniques, but the act of drawing is already the gift you give.)

Then, I read an article (by Jon Acuff who has a blog to help writers) which opened my eyes to see why I don't write: I do not want to be criticized.

It is good to hear my weakness called out along with the solution!

Hail the size of ...

The hail came down so hard, late at night, dark out.  It felt like it would shatter the windows.  And indeed, it shattered many skylights in the area.  Many have been temporarily covered up with a tarp or boards.

Jesus comes down to be with us.  He comes down from on high.

Instead of damaging us like the hail, He repairs our relationships. The next morning, in seeing the damage done, in getting some roofer come by to ask about fixing roof damage, I see a parallel to what happens on Good Friday.  Jesus knows we are damaged and have suffered.  He takes the initiative to fix things.

The hail in a modern day parable could stand in for the sin that is faster, bigger than we realize. We are astounded by its impact, its suddenness.  It comes suddenly, then seems to be gone, but it is has left its mark.

We need fixing.  And in the roofer, the Savior, we find that fix.

I was humbled by the size of that hail.  It also makes me think I need to work on the inside of me.  And I won't be alone when I do that :)

Don't get lost... in the negative!

I will not expect the doubts to go away.

I just learn how to face them, acknowledge them, work past them. Housework overwhelms me, leaving me wondering when I will read, write, connect with friends.

The work doesn't go away, but when I face it, I grow--and then I can give to others, especially those nearest to me.  I want to give them God's love not my frustration.

Pick up on what you are always talking about already.  Then branch out and help others with that :)

Research and put down what you learn.  Or say it with a photo...

Integrate things or close the door and move on. Have an impact!

Use your energy well by living right where you are -- not thinking in the past or into the future, even if that means clearing a counter for a clean home or baking a pie for a surprise dessert or saying a prayer to get closer to God and others.

Complex ideas -- simple steps -- take action -- make it happen -- that is the creator part in us that we share with God by being in His Image.

Be gutsy.  Be proactive.  You are the one that can make that particular thing happen!  God is always showing us the way we are to go.

Your Today Message: Move forward!

How to advance?

Bit by bit.

Look around at what needs doing.

Do something now.  Begin. Your talents kick in once you throw your hat  in the ring!

One can miss the action of the moment by not observing what is available.

Say "I  am enough.  I have enough."

He is always providing.

Walk with Him.

Your talents  can help you give, and then you receive so abundantly!

I have been stuck so often, wanting to know the next step!

Children often go forward in confidence, curiosity, and creativity!

So, I take a step into inviting you in, not having the blogs for future days written now, but come back as things unfold, bit by bit to observe the blooming of it all!  Not just my blooming, but yours, as well.