Girl in a Purple Cloth oil painting

Here's an oil painting I painted this week. And of course, here's the photo of Hannah that inspired the painting. She is my daughter. She is my muse. She is my love.

"Wearing my red shoes" girl

This is an oil painting I call Red Shoe Girl. I don't know if it's finished yet, but I've had fun with it, learning a little about oil painting.

All for now,
Tricia

January musings on motherhood

I thought I'd share some sweet stories of Hannah, things she's said lately I thought were endearing:

Cute: The other day Hannah was talking about how a sweet lady we know, who recently had a baby, was looking really good. Hannah said she was impressed that the lady had "gotten back in fit again" so soon. She meant in shape, of course, but I thought, as only a mother can, that it was cute. I know she won't get her words mixed up like this too much longer, and one of the greatest pleasures of motherhood for me was hearing her get things "almost," but not quite right! ha!

Funny/confused: When Hannah and I were at Walmart the other day, we had just checked out. In the cart were tennis shoes for her, as well as a couple of inexpensive Barbies we'd told her we'd get for Christmas, but wanted her to pick out. Anyway, as I was leaving the cashier, I told her, "Okay, let's make sure I keep this receipt somewhere safe in case there's anything wrong with the shoes." Her response? Oh, it should be okay, mom, because I hardly ever have the Barbies wear their shoes when I play." I know I got a funny look on my face, and said, "No, I meant YOUR shoes." We had a good laugh at that, it was fun to see her laugh at herself on that one.

Sweet: Last night John was praising Hannah because lately she's done a lot better about doing her homework without being asked, or when she's asked, she just buckles down and does it. After he finished encouraging/praising her, she looked at him and said, "Well, Daddy, that's not me, that's Jesus in me."

That's my girl! I'm glad she gives Him credit at this age, that's what we all need to do. It's a lesson I am still learning, to be sure.

The above photos were taken at Christmastime at Lake Grapevine. I think she looks beautiful.

I took an oil painting class last week for fun. My watercolor teacher teaches it on Thursdays. I won't be able to go this semester because of our schedule, but I was just curious to see what it was like. I had a lot of fun. I am so grateful God has given me something I enjoy. I hope I can get better and better and perhaps get good enough to sell some paintings in the future, but for now, I'm having a great time just learning.

All for now,
Tricia