Mary, Did You Know?

I forgot to mention in my last post that Hannah and I had a nice time taking some photos of her dressed up as Mary, holding Baby Jesus. Hannah knew what she wanted the shots to look like and it was fun seeing her be so creative. One of her favorite games ever is Bible Charades. We were playing on a Friday night and decided I should take some pix of her looking so authentic. I think they turned out very sweet.

I also wanted to boast a little bit that my (shy) daughter has been singing for performance chapel at school. The first song she sang was called The Hammer, by Ray Boltz. The most recent one she sang was Mary, Did you Know? by Mark Lowry. I think it's so great she's coming out of her shell enough to enjoy something like singing for people. I hadn't even had the pleasure of hearing her perform until she sang for mom, dad, John and me on Christmas day (with the stipulation that we don't look at her while she sang! ha!) Then after she said that, she said, "well, go ahead. I have 75 pairs of eyes on me during performance chapel... a few pairs of eyes right now shouldn't bother me!" ha! I don't think I'm just biased when I say that she has a lovely voice. Sweet. Pure.

This picture is of her playing "Queen Esther," from the Bible. I think it's so cool that she's growing up to love the Lord, to love His Word. And I love seeing her passionate about music--and hey, it's in her blood. Her two grandmothers are wonderful musicians, who both love to sing and play the piano. I am thankful for the song in her heart. Ever since she was little, she has sung most all day long.

All for now (or until I think of something else to add!) ha!,
Tricia

Tufted Titmouse

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Okay, so here's two pictures of a little bird I painted. The first is, of course, a scan of the not-yet-completed painting and the second is the finished piece. I worked in some pen & ink detail on the branch he's sitting on.

I'm working on a couple of other paintings right now and will try to share soon!

We're having a nice vacation. Hannah's really enjoyed being home and reading and just spending time with all of us together. I decided to just chill this year and so I didn't send out any (gasp!) Christmas cards this year. But I've always been one to correspond throughout the year and so I'm not too worried about it. Besides, I try to send out Valentine's cards or something, to let people know we're thinking of them. I figure everyone appreciates a little note right about then, once the hustle and bustle of Christmas has passed.

All for now,
Tricia

Watercolor portrait of Hannah, age 8

Okay, so the photograph is obviously the inspiration for my portrait. The next picture is a sketch I made of it, and the last one is where I am so far in the painting. I don't know if I'll finish tonight, but I'll probably work a little more on it.

Not too bad for my very first portrait. I'm trying to not be hard on myself, looking at the flaws, but to just enjoy the progress I've made in the last few months.

Can't recall if I mentioned we went to a wonderful Christmas program last weekend, at a local church. They had a choir, orchestra and vocalists perform. It was a dreary night to be out, but oh, the music was simply lovely!

All for now,
Tricia

Bluebird of happiness

I thought I'd share this little bluebird I painted. I found the image in a Birds & Bloom magazine and did NOT trace, people. So proud! :) ha! Now, he has his faults, he's not perfect, but I like him anyway. I know my dad will like him, Mr. Birdlover! I worked some pen & ink into his feathers as well, and even some special pigment powder into the blue to make it pop.

John and I had a funny conversation about him. I told him I thought the bird's beak looked like the carrot on a snowman. John said, "Well, now that's all I'm gonna think when I look at him!" ha!

I haven't been posting much lately, mostly because I'm in the "taking classes" and learning mode, which has been great. And I'll try to post more about our family soon. We had a good Thanksgiving. I was sick, unfortunately, but still felt like we had a nice time since John wasn't having to work so much and Hannah was out of school. Good family time!

All for now,
Tricia