Share Your Gift...

Early on, my parents had a hunch I was a little artist.  They'd give me paper and crayons, and I'd just sit there and draw picture after picture...

My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. White, saw artistic potential.  Soon classmates started taking notice.  By 3rd grade I had other kids wanting me to teach them how to draw.  I started to realize not everyone could take an image from their mind and express it on paper.  To many, I was definitely known as, "the girl who can draw."  

Years later, when I was a young teenager, my pastor prayed over me.  She said someday my art would touch "many" people's lives.  She believed that somehow, God would use my talents for His good... on a grand scale.  At the time, I wondered how that could ever be possible ~ as my mind wandered to thoughts of sketches in school notebooks...

The last time I thought I might get recognition for my art was when I was voted, "Most Artistic" senior year.  I went to college for nursing, became a wife and mother, and... an artist on the side.

Last year, my sister-in-law introduced me to blogging.  At first I thought I wouldn't be able to figure it out... it was a little intimidating, honestly.  Instead of brushing it off completely, I let it simmer for a few months.  I let go of trying to come up with a clever name... of trying to figure out what I'd even write about.  I said out loud, "God, if I'm supposed to do this blogging thing, then please just let me know."

Not long after, I got my answer.  I literally sat straight up in bed one morning with 'Lilac & Lavender' in my head.  My first post was published on March 26th, 2011: A Season of New Beginnings.  After that I shared my thoughts on God in everyday life, motherhood, gardening, decorating, and eventually I started sharing my art.

At first, I posted a few of my watercolors and sketches... and somehow figured out how to make a "printable."  After that I began to look in to what others were making in the digital art world.  I've always loved the look of vintage graphics and ephemera... and upon discovering many free graphics sites, I began to create...

I'm so grateful I took that first step into the blogging unknown.  I've met some truly beautiful people, and even figured out a little about myself.  Now, I can't help but think back to my pastor's prayer when I see how my art is being shared with people... all over the world.

I'm so grateful for everyone who stops by... whether it's to read about what's on my mind, or see the art I've created.  Just know that nothing I offer here is simply from little old me.  I owe my life and every inspiration to someone much greater than myself... and by His grace, I share with you.