Blog Catch Up - Gwen Meadows Farm History Mural

Today is November 29th and it was a great day to paint. 

Woke up and the sun was coming up and the green house was warm.  All the flowers are doing great.  We are thankful today, all of us, Grandma, Tony and me. 

I had started a Christmas Window for Gwen yesterday and things were not going great.  The gold glitter was a little drab, the tree was two dimensional instead of three, so I was not a happy camper.  Today it was different.  I went to the studio, began to paint, felt energized, and it happened, a large Christmas Tree appeared in the ice and the forest was covered with snow beyond the tree.  I delivered this today to Gwen, and she like it, and immediately hung it up.  I love it when people are happy with their paintings.

Then it was off to the mural and Tim had moved the large scaffolding so it was just where I needed it to be to paint Molly and Hub.  I was supposed to paint Molly and Felix, but that didn't happen, and when Tim explained who I was painting I got worried that the whole face I had just finished was for nothing.  But Tim had Gwen come out and we talked, she loved the face that was there, so she said just put Felix next to his mom, and a little ways up from her, that will be fine.  Boy what a relief, so today I finished two faces, some work on the pecan tree leaves, and talked to Gwen about some other changes. 

The collard patch is in, the corn patch is in, the road is traveling back to the back of the property, and Gwen and Tim were excited about these things.  Miss Edna and Gwen will be next to be finished, and that darling swing that Gwen suggested I put in.  Goldie is on the wall now, and tonight I took a picture of one of their cats to put near her.  Goldie has a wonderful relationship with these cats, she defleas them.  So they are always bugging Goldie to do this wonderful thing, even though Goldie is not always up to it.  So Gwen worked with the kitty that was so willing to have her portrait taken.  She will be on the wall this week.

So all in all, the weeping willow needs to be changed to a dogwood, the clouds need to be put in under Hub and Molly, and the date they were married and died.  Gwen said she can look up their wedding certificate because she has it.  It is amazing how many pictures she has of this family and how intricately woven her family is with Miss Edna and her mom and dad.  This mural is the first to have a second side put in.  I have painted the background, but the two horses and her dad will be honored also, since her dad lived with Molly and Hub and Felix when he was 16.  This history is truly honoring those who have gone before Tim and Gwen.

The mural will have Molly Green and Gwen Meadows Farm stenciled on it in red.  There will be a tobacco barn, and a tobacco field on the door that enters their barn because this was and is a working farm today.  Even Katie and another horse will be honored on the side of the barn and Gwen's kitchen window will be the viewing point for those who are in the kitchen on the farm.

When the Picnic Basket mural began in Kinston, I didn't think about all I had to do to finish, I just picked up the brush and each day took it as it came, and it usually came loud and clear each day.  I would take the paint buckets out, and brushes and when I would put them away in the evening, I would look around and wonder will I ever finish.  Well yes it was finished and this mural will be also be finished.  This one is very personal to me, because as I paint, I get to hear the stories that explain why I am painting what I am painting.  Tim and Gwen are so knowledgeable regarding Molly Green's family since she has been a part of this family since she was born.  So I congratulate Gwen on her wonderful history and the love she has for all of her extended family members.  It is nice to see the smile on her face when she looks at the swing hang from the tree, because she remembers and memories mean so much to her.

So here are the latest pictures.  I will make more posts as we are getting to do more this week and have plans to finish before Christmas.  Keep reading, looking and if you are in the area, stop by and see this amazing historical piece.

This is not a great picture, but it was a gift from Tim to Tony, Grandma and me.  There are two fighting roosters located on our stairway now.  They were made by Tim and of mahogany, they are beautiful and we get to see them when we travel through the foyer and go upstairs.  Thanks Tim, they are

beautiful and show how much talent you have as a material artist.  Thanks so much to both you and Gwen.

k

Veterans Day on the Meadows Barn

This morning woke up early, went upstairs to studio and finished Sunrise Pony.  I started it last Saturday at Zac's and finished it this morning.  This is what I image a pony looks like when he wakes up with the sunrise and feels freedom. 

I wonder what they think?  I wonder if they know who takes care of them, or what their day will entail.  When Linda and Bob were here we took a tour on a small boat in the harbor next to the wild ponies.  The captain said they have a routine and can be found in certain places during the same time each day.  So they have routines, but who knows what they find to do all day.  This sounds silly, but what I am getting at is God is in control of our lives just like He is the horses.  I like that.

Grandma and Tony picked up two pictures from Claudias (Air Frames and Pictures in Trenton), and they look lovely.  They also ordered our Christmas Cards with Gypsy's Angel on it, and Luke 2:11 was the scripture verse inside.  This is something I am excited about sending to our families. This angel is personal, thanks for opportunity Gypsy.

Then I went over to Gwen's and started painting Hub in on the garage area of their barn.  He came in slowly, it took about 2 hours to get his position correct.  Gwen helped, and Goldie stood by and ushered Hub in, Goldie and Gwen both remembered Hub.  Gwen said he could be found walking the Wyse Fork area where her farm is with a shovel in hand digging drainage all over the place.  She said his family lived on both sides of the road and some lived where we are living now.  Gwen and Tim, like Willow and Ricky have become part of our family, like some others we feel close to in our area also.  You know who you are...hehehe.

Gwen is going to continue with the history of her farm, and when the mural is done, we will do a write up in this blog.  She shared some of Ms. Edna's scrapbook today and we found something very interesting......I will let her tell someone before I put it in the blog, but we both came to the same feeling that this building is something special in Trenton.

The sky behind the rooster is in, the grasses are beginning to grow yellow and green willowing leaves and I plan to work on Gwen tomorrow in her pink dress.  Of course we are still at the blocking in stage and sometimes that looks quite ugly, but this time, things are placing easily, and paint is working well due to the higher temperatures....so all in all I am pleased. 

Most days I get into the truck and just have no idea what I am going to work on, and as the horses I find the familiar position in front of her barn, I pick up the brush, pull out some paints and something happens and I remember God takes care of me everyday too!  He is the artist, I am the tool, thanks for using me God I love to paint.

k

3rd abd 4th day on Meadows Mural

Ms. Edna



Hub Outline and Car

The flower box Gwen had Tim construct. It looks good in Red.

Ms Gwen and Ms.Edna

Under the window, is where Goldie will be and kittens.

A proud rooster stands on the fence where Ms. Gwen had a pot placed to put in flowers.  Some chickens and a goose will decorate under the fence, soon.

 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday's events....

Yesterday was a good day and today was a great day.  I spent some time with Gwen on Friday getting some pictures of Ms. Edna, Hub, and Little Gwen.  She also shared with me some of the previous owner's pictures which will all appear on the mural when finished.  There were so many pictures that reminded Gwen of her childhood and so many pictures of all of them together sharing and smiling.  It was heartwarming.

I spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon painting at Zac's on Wyse Fork Road.  Ms. Willow was with me on Saturday and as usual she was supportive and kept me painting whether I was distracted or just not happy with my work, she made me smile and was full of good words about everything.  It kept me going and I had fun even though we were freezing.  On Sunday, Grandma came with me and I thought we were prepared for the cold, but guess what we weren't.  I was told I looked like an elf in my get up, and when I looked at myself after returning home, I thought goodness gracious I do look like an elf.  I had forgotten my shoes and we were going straight to Zac's after church and having lunch with Jane and Wilbur, so I stopped by "The Family Dollar" and Marla was there.  I stated my problem and she walked me over to the clearance aisle and there was one pair of white shoes (flip flop style) and she also made a design change to the shoes she cut out the throng on the shoe and voila I had a pair of shoes to wear without wasting any more time getting to my post, the only problem they were white and you shouldn't wear white after September 1, did it anyway.....and it did not change my painting style.  Thanks Marla.

So today, got up  made chili, fed Sadie, strokes all our cats and got to Gwen and Tim's prior to 11:00 am.  Once there I began to work on Ms. Edna's face and clothes, then I spent some time blocking in Little Ms. Gwen.  I will work on her contour tomorrow.  When I blocked in Ms. Gwen, I also looked at Hub's picture and saw the car for the first time, so I had to add it in and mark out the outline where Hub will be sitting. 
Tim and Gwen have a rich history regarding their homage to their farm and as easily as the paint is going on, I feel like this wants to be painted. 

Tim and Tony worked on the scaffolding for me today, it is strong and tall.  I will be able to take a step ladder up on the scaffolding and reach the top of the barn to bring in the tree branches that will extend the trees along the top of the barn.  I am anxious to see how that works.  Also Mr. Green stopped by and looked at Ms. Edna, helped me with her nose and mouth, then he stepped back and said I think you have her.  At that moment I saw a golden light in the heart of Ms. Edna and I think the picture I took shows the same thing.  She is still very loved and she also loves from heaven (Ms. Gwen was obviously her favorite.)  Ms. Edna also was an artist, she drew some lovely pictures of roses and Gwen has preserved these.

Yesterday I was showing Gwen the sketch of Goldie (Ms. Edna's dog.)  Everyone in the neighborhood knows Goldie, and her near miss on the highway.  We all know this dog has nine lives and she just keeps on going.  Gwen said she was about 12 or 13 years old, has arthritis but she just loves to be loved.  They have cats there that line up and ask Goldie to deflea them, so Goldies take her teeth and picks at them, they love it, so you will see Ms. Goldie up on the wall with a couple of cats around her.  She may not be here much longer, so we thought we would immortalize her by painting her on the wall also.

Today it was sunny, warm, a gently wind was blowing and I had to thank God for the freedom to paint at will, and He showed up as usual, He is always there, to help, to instruct and to teach.  I cannot stand alone, and I can do nothing without Him.  I have a long way to go on this barn, but each day will take me and others who share by helping and reading this blog to a wonderful beautiful place when it is finished.

Thanks to all who believe.......K

Red Willows Gift Shoppe Christmas 2010

Today is dedicated to Red Willows in Trenton.  I am enclosing some pictures so you can see she is ready for Christmas.

I have to retell the story of when we met Willow in her back room before the gift shoppe opened.  Glen Spivey told us she might be interested in exhibiting Grandmas afghans.  Well we crossed Jones Street and entered the glass door that would change my belief in moving and welcome me to become a NC successful transplant.

I tentatively pushed the door open, and I saw quiet eyes look our way, and I introduced Grandma and myself to her and said Glen had suggested we meet.  She rose from her chair quietly and walked over shook our hands and said how may I help you?

I had two of Grandmas afghans with me and left them with her and she said she would be interested in coming over and seeing the many afghans Grandma had upstairs in the attic.  I said anytime, we had just moved in so expect construction, the floors weren't in yet, etc.  She smiled and said no problem, just let me know how to get there and I would be happy to offer them in my shop.

About a week later she came by, took about 30 afghans she liked and she said was appropriate for the time of year to be offered.  It was the beginning of a friendship like I had never had before.  She can be kind, warm, business like and crazy all at the same time.  She accepts you as you are and welcomes everyone.  A true tribute to friendship, she doesn't invade, just listens and offers her vast past of experience in many areas.  She is a North Carolinian, full of grace and the love of God. Thank you Willow for coming into our lives.....may we both live long and tell these stories over and over to all those who transplant themselves to Trenton's wonderful town.

This is Willow and her shoppe. 

So today and the rest of the time prior to December 25 is Christmas here in Trenton.  She can be reached at 252-448-1138.  She has local artisans creations in her shop.  She has creations by LUKE, our beloved "Rag Bag Man", a cafe run by owner  Gypsy Smith and Jesse Brown "Gypsy's and gift certificates are available", which offers delicious food and desserts from 8:00 am to 3pm each day.  She has local artists, Neil Smith (photographer), Carol Ann Davidson, Brenda Kennedy, Peggy Duvall, Dean Remington, Claudia Henley, Pam Brylowe, Jackie Crute, Jeremy Yater, Nancy Newman, Nadine Miller, Susan Saltzman, Nancy Burt, Celeste Cavanaugh, Jones County Senior Citizens, Stacey Fritter, Squirts T-Shirts, Juliet Morgan, George Johnson, Greg Padgett, Walter Henderson, Barry Jones, Taffy Jones, Tina Simpson, Irene Johnson, Marian Hart, Laura Voss, Marvin Jenkins, Heather Baldwin, Tanya Haney, Carol Humphrey, Vivian Moore, Harriet Rause, Wilbur Gurganus and many more.

So pass this along to all you know.  She is helping people in our area and we are supporting them by buying local.

She has aprons that say "We still say Merry Christmas in Trenton, NC", they are red with white writing and they remind us that Christmas is truly a time to help others and exhibit Christ's love.

Shalom

K. Rowland

2nd Day Meadow's Mural

Today was beautiful!  The sky was so blue when I finished working in the greenhouse, it took my breath away.  I mowed the rye grass in the little yards, finished moving the rest of the flowers I want to save for next year and planted 4 Leodora cedar trees, which will be put out next Spring.  I made chili for dinner and had breakfast with Gran and Tony.  A great morning. 

Tony was busy getting the chipper to get the wood chips chipped to warm the plants during the winter, and the morning glory flowers just won't stop blooming.  We still have floating wildflowers so I just stood back and watched them blow in the wind today.

Gran and I met Claudia at Gypsy's today.  I wanted Claudia to photograph the angel to use as our Christmas Card this year.  She was there and we talked about Randon Acts of Kindness.....her church is knitting and crocheting shawls for babies and adults.  They are prayed over and sent out to help everyone remember we are all in this together.

I got the 15 foot ladder from Gypsy's (thanks Stewart again), and dropped Gran off at the drive way, then parked at Gwen and Tim's barn.  I mixed together some exterior blues and began to paint the barn on the 15 foot ladder.  I could reach almost everything, except for the extreme areas, and I thought I would just use the extension ladders to reach it.

Well, all things were going well I was on the last fourth of the barn in the upper region when Tim and Emma and Erica came out.  We talked and all was good.  Tim walked off with the girls, and I moved the ladder.  It was stable I thought.  All of a sudden I was on the upper 2 levels of the ladder and it became unstable.  I called Tim, Tim, but Emma was talking also and he couldn't hear me.  I began to call again, louder and with more panic, I just knew the ladder was going to fall out toward the field if I moved an inch.  Just about that time, Gwen came around the corner, she had an appointment and was just returning.  She yelled for Tim and told him to run, the ladder was falling.  Tim threw off his shoes and sped around the barn to catch the ladder, it just felt like it was over.  He held it while I got the courage to come down, he was ready to come up and get me, I was frozen.  Once I got to the ground, he suggested I walk it off before calling Tony for help to finish the upper areas.  Tim was right, and thanks to Gwen he got there on time.....what a feeling.

I got control of myself after hugging Gwen and thanking Tim.  I called Tony he came over to hold the ladder and Tim got the extensions ladder, but I couldn't go up it.  Tim climbed up painted the upper regions and did very well.   He scuttled up that ladder like he was a teenager.  I was excited and relieved.  I may have to hold myself to 16 foot barns, those upper areas are only for tall people.

After all this Tim was painting and Tony was holding his ladder, I drove to the house to get the camera so you can see what an audience Tim had and how high he was.  Gwen had the kids and they were watching also.  Then Sarah and PJ came along, took the kids and watched the final sealing of the barn.

What a day.  Gwen handled it, Tim save it and I got the sealant on.......thank you Jesus .  Tony asked me if I was going to paint in the upper region, and I said no, that will be blue sky only.  He laughed.  I was thankful.

Tony and Gram went home, Tim went to take care of the horses, Gwen was picking up pecans, and then came to the collard patch for me to take pictures, and showed me her broccoli plants, cabbage and wonderful collards.  3 weeks ago they didn't look so good, now everything is beautiful.  I remember when I first met her she would say to me "if God be willing" and I thought what has that got to do with anything....now I understand nothing get done without God be willing......wisdom of pearls that I will not ever forget.

So I am attaching some pictures for you to get to know the place, the people and the thankfulness of safety. 

My friends, Willow, Gwen, Claudia, Gram, Tony, Gypsy, Jesse, Jane, Wilbur, Mr. Green, and all the others that keep up the paintings and murals I do with God's help, I want to say THANKS.  k

Tim in the air!

Tony holding him to the ground.

This is a tall barn, I understand Cliff and his father helped built this after it had burnt down once.

History is important, and Cliff is always helpful.

The audience: Gwen and the girls.  This is the most fun, to interact with all who come out and see how the murals progress and the last moments of the day we share the success.

These collards are looking great.....hummmmm just in time for Thanksgiving.

Will go to gardening class tomorrow, and if the weather holds, will begin to draw in Goldie, a golden lab, which belonged to Ms. Edna when she was alive.  Now this dog belong to Gwen and Tim, and the neighbors, she visits often in the community on Wyse Fork Road.

Recent Paintings

Thanks Wilbur and Jane for letting me paint your granddaughters.  I had a little trouble getting this right, but at 5am on Friday I got up, pulled out a mat, drew her face, and let the violin sit outside the mat.  It worked, and I felt her smile.

I also did her in oil, which made her look older than what she is, but I shared that with you because this is how she will look when she is older. 

I have just started a new oil of Penny, she has passed, but the picture I am painting from is at the beach, with a lovely hat on.  I will post when finished.

This blog is all about my paintings, God, and family, thanks for reading and sharing this with others.

I miss you Meg and Trevor.  I can't wait to have Thanksgiving with Jay, Kristine, Sam and Cole.  There are 9 dear dear family members in my life, and I put them in my blog from time to time, but today I especially feel blessed.  Today I got a call from Jay and I was reminded how important they all are to me because we never know what tomorrow holds.  Pray for your families and love them each day, tomorrow is not for sure.

Shalom.

k

1st Day Meadow's Mural

It is very interesting to take pictures of barns on the first day, because you see things in pictures that you do not see when you are painting a barn.  There are some very old cedar trees that make shadow and light on the barn.  This picture was taken about 4:30 pm, and then it was 5:30 and I was sitting on the steps talking to Gwen, about God and how important it is to have Him with me when I paint. 

The first day is sometimes the hardest, because I am now dedicated to the mural that you and I can't see yet.  I met with Tim and Gwen, and discussed what we thought would be appropriate to honor the previous  owners and provide a peek into what their farm is and what it was for those who owned it in the past.  I felt the honor today as I stood and felt the strength in that barn.  The tin is smooth and the nails were plentiful.  The design is typical of the barns I see around here, and this one is in excellent condition.  You can tell it is a barn that is useful and loved.  Sounds silly, but what we love we take care of it. 

Tomorrow I will put in the blue at the top of the barn, with the use of an extension ladder and Tony.  I am going up pretty high and Tony knows I am scared of heights, but together we will conquer the sky, which will eventually hold the pictures of the past owners.  They have all passed, and this is Tim and Gwen's way of honoring them.

When I walk onto the land there I feel a peace, I know I am welcomed, by the owners, their pets and the birds in the trees.  It is a family who lives here, their son and daughter in law live across from their barn, and the horses and fences close it in right next to Cliff's place.  All of these residents help each other and share in the blessings that has been bestowed on them.  Quite a wonderful place to paint. 

Tim build a flower box just below the newly installed window, that looks great.  When I get to do some of the fun parts be sure to watch and see what happens.  I noticed this addition on Sunday and it brought a smile to my face.  I love the special touches, the stories that go along with the barn, and the little door the cats use to sleep and play in the barn.

So keep watching when you pass the "Collards" sign and know it will take about 6 weeks (if weather holds) to finalize their "Honor" Mural of the farm on Wyse Fork Road.

Thanks Gwen and Tim for a wonderful day.

k