Duplin Wine Smooth Sailing Picture Entry

Duplin Winery in Duplin, NC

has posted a contest that required the people interested to enter their paintings in October.  On October 14th I sent in a painting, this is it.  If you would like to vote for the painting, go to www.duplinwinery.com and press blog at the top, look for the Carolina Jewel Contest and rate the pictures.

I have not entered any contests and this is my first.  It does not matter who wins, it is truly the journey.  There are some beautiful paintings exhibited, and it feels good to see one of mine there.

Thanks for your continued support.  k

Mill Pond Trenton

The original Mill Pond completed by the students of Jones County Senior High School.

The refurbishing began because of the deterioration of the paint.

The first step was to scrap it off the building, put on a thick coat of primer.

The picture done by the students will be remembered forever as there will be a plaque places beside the refurbished mural recognizing what a beautiful mural was first painted on the building built in Trenton.

I  have spent about 3 days on the clean up and blocking in of the mural.  The trees on the right side were reduced and pictures were taken of the millpond surroundings to create the many trees that make the mill pond so beautiful.

On the left side of the pond you will begin to see the bank where you might find geese or ducks on the grounds, which makes me think of how the wildlife love the serenity of the pond and the music it makes crossing the concrete barrier.  It is truly a piece of living art for Trenton, NC.

There is a lot of painting to be completed and hopefully by Thanksgiving this year it will be finished weather permitting.  So keep looking and watch for small changes as the pictures comes to rest on the side of another building in Trenton.

Thanks for this opportunity Willow Faye Stroud and Luke McKinney.

k



Mill Pond Mural Trenton, NC

Today was the first day on the Mill Pond Mural in downtown Trenton, NC.  This mural was first completed by a group of art students from Jones County Senior High School.  It was painted about 5 years ago, I believe. 

Over the years the elements have taken a toll on it and the new owner of the building has asked me to work on it to restore its beauty.  Luke McKinney is the owner and he loves art and is an artist himself.  He owns the Rag Bag in Trenton, next to Gypsy's Cafe and Red Willows.  These entrepreneurs are friends first, business owners second and they are dedicated to offering hospitality and wonderful items in their stores.  If you have not been, please come to visit them, they are one of a kind small town treasures.

The mural was a little daunting this morning after I left Bible Study at the Methodist church.  Bud Morton is the pastor and this morning was a wonderful gathering for all who attended.  After study some lucky lilies took up residence in the Prayer Garden from Claudia and Johnny home near by.  Spending a little time in the garden was heavenly because of the beautiful weather.

When I got to Luke's building I took one look at the mural and immediately asked God for His presence, and sure enough, He came.  The mural has already started to look very impressionistic, and I know the final product will be beautiful.  Hopefully the integrity of the wall will work with the new paint and poly products added so it will last for a long time.

So keep watching it's transformation.


Thanks Luke for this opportunity......art in Trenton is so important to all of us. 

We welcome you to our town filled with art and love.  k

Angel

I haven't blogged for some time.  But now as the summer comes to an end, there is a project that is near and dear to my heart.  It is the Prayer Garden at the Trenton United Methodist Church in Trenton, NC.  Our pastor, Bud Morton, is a special person to God and all of us.  He is near and dear to a lot of our hearts and I hear from God when I listen to him preach.  It is quite refreshing.

We started the prayer garden in April and now in November it will be dedicated to God, the congregation and to those who wander upon it just by accident as they travel the streets of Trenton.  The angel will be not displayed on the blog until the dedication in November.  I want her to reach out and touch you for the very first time, if you are not a Trentonian, by way of the Internet.

I started to paint her a few times and scraped her out more than once.  I really began to wonder if I would be able to bring her to life, but as you all  know God always shows up when you need Him most.

It only took two days of about 10 hours of painting, drawing and observing as she became real right in front of my eyes.  She is on a glass window that was bought at a garage sale in New Bern, NC.  The window which is about 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall is quite heavy but sturdy.  Claudia Henley, the owner of Air Frames in Trenton is framing the window and putting Plexiglas on both sides to help the angel last for a long time. 

Thank you for continuing to check the blog.

Upcoming projects will include:

Mill Pond revision in downtown Trenton and a Sunflower mural next Spring.

We are continuing to finish our upstairs and are closing in on the final details.  Can't way to have a studio again.  I have two students right now and I have to say Carter has just finished his first acrylic painting and we are very proud of him.

Christmas Card design for some friends will be my home project for the next two months and we have travel plans in September and October, then it will be good weather I hope to do a few barn quilts prior to Christmas.

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.


Peace

k

Solomon's Temple Complete

May 15th to June 14th, 2011 a mural became a reality......thank you Betty Heath for being a painter with me, and thank you friends for carrying me through......to completion.  We painted for a total of 20 days during this period.  Some days alone, some days with Grandma and Betty, but every day with God.  Awewinds means:  the winds carry the picture from the paint brush to the wall, canvas, board or window.  The winds of those who help me and others bring the picture to this dimension.

Today Betty Heath and I put the final touches on the mural.  The gold columns were treated to a rounding affect.  Then the river behind the aqueduct was changed to a bluer water to reflect the sky.  The aqueduct was trimmed in a gray, brown, green mixture of paint, and the bulls received their platform.  The two darker bulls also were dressed with a bit of gold.

As Betty and I stepped away to take a look at the final touches, we were amazed at how 3-d this mural looks in person.

I hope you get a chance to go and look at it.  It is on Huffermantown Road just down from the McDonald's on the opposite of the road.  You can see just a bit of it after you turn on Huffermantown Road, pass the trees and then you can see it boldly.

I gave Jane the color card for Merwin, and donated a gallon of sealer.  I also appreciated the gift you gave me and Betty.  This covered a myriad of needs. 

A final picture will be added after the temple is sealed. The sealer changes the colors and makes them darker so look for it sometime next week.




Thanks Masons for the opportunity to paint this mural it is the largest done so far, and Betty hung in there and painted like a champion.  So THANKS to all for the good prayers, wishes and just all around support during this time.  There was one point when I had thought I would have to quit because I didn't know how to do this large of a job with just ladders, but Wynne Kenworthy loaned me two, Mr. Gurganus loaned me two 40 foot ladders and the job got done.......what a blessing...thank you. Peace.

k

Finalizing Soloman's Temple in Richlands, NC

Here are some new pictures of Solomon's Temple in Richlands, NC

Today, Betty Heath and I spent some time going over the wall with extra care.  Next Monday will be the final touches and then the Mason's will seal the mural.

Today the bull bowl came in.  Last Sunday afternoon, Jane, Grandma and I studied the Internet to see what we could find out about Solomon's Temple.  We know it stood for 410 years and then was destroyed.   We know that the Ark of the Covenant was housed there and gold was used in the building.  It was a place of God.  

Nebuchadnezzar destroyed this temple.

This has been the largest mural completed in record time.  I attribute this to my helper Betty Heath, Wilbur and Jane Gurganus and Merwin, Willow, the gang at Gypsy's and my family.  Tony and Grandma are always my number one fans.  Tony helped me plot the points on the building, and then came back this past Monday and corrected some angles that were not quite right.  It took him all of about 15 minutes to help with some building issues.  I don't think I thanked him enough for that so THANK YOU TONY.  Gram was a spotter for me.  She was especially helpful with the sky.  I stood on a 20 foot ladder and she would say up, down, too much, stop or beautiful.  I loved that beautiful word.  My spirit began to soar when Betty and I were working on the bulls because I knew the mural was a success because of all the people who had helped, prayed, offered words of encouragement and loved me through the hard days, and the person that helped me knows who they are.  THANK YOU!

Today one of the town planners stopped by and said the town loves the mural.  He couldn't quit talking about the vision of the Mason's to allow this painting to be completed.  Betty and I were pleasantly pleased to hear this.  A school worker stopped by, people would honk and say good job, or how amazingly real this mural looked.  We looked at each other but we know there are things that go on while painting structures that are just plain miracles. The mural is one!

 The hardest week is the first and you realize you have just put paint on a pristine white building and now you are really committed to producing what you have said you can do.  Now the friends, prayers and just plain hard work takes place.  But if you persevere you will be successful.  It took allot of hands and time to produce this and I thank each and everyone of you.

We will sign the wall on Monday, and begin again, somewhere spreading paint for someone.

This last pictures is about 1/4 mile from the painting.  You can see old paint truck, the lodge and the place where a blank wall turned into a painting.....thank you Masons for the opportunity.

K. Rowland

Friday, May 27, 2011

Friday was a great day to be in Onslow County.  The sea breeze was amazing.  Painting went well.  I am still having trouble mixing the free paint to get the right colors, but I will again try on Monday.  I am working on the details of the building.  It is a long haul up those ladders, down again, change paint, just to make one stroke and then get down to see if it was right.  This is a special mural for some pretty special people, but it is reminding me that I am humbled at the size of the wall.  I had a hard time this week thinking about how to get everything right.  And then I just came home on Wednesday, took off Thursday because Gram and I had a lot of errands to run, see the doctor and pick up building supplies for Tony.  The day went quickly and my mantra was "be grateful."  Be grateful about everything.  Even the wall and the process it takes to get to the turning point of believing one can complete it and see it as beautiful up there on a concrete wall, and not just in your mind.

So this is where I am.  I covet your thoughts....but I know being grateful is a huge part of this process.  I welcome the beautiful end of a special mural for some very special people.

Mervin, Wilbur, Jane, Ann, Kelly, Sandy, all the Onslow group that supports with keys, ladders, trips to see me and the compliments you so readily share.  Words cannot explain how important support is, and I feel supported by your entire group.  Be blessed, and know I am in this until it is successful.

Love you guys.  k

Solomon's Temple

One week ago Betty Heath and I started a mural for the Masons in Richlands, NC.  Tony and I have two very special friends called Wilbur and Jane, they are wonderful and they know why this mural is important to me.  Thank you both, and Merlin for asking me to paint Solomon's Temple for your group.  I gladly accepted.

I have attached a few pictures to show you what progress has been made in a week's time.  Periodically you will see more pictures as the days pass.

This will be my last mural.  I have completd 8 in the past 2 years and now I will return to my studio to do some personal painting of my own.  So thank you all for the wonderful opportunities.

Here are some shots of what is happening now in Richlands, NC.

You can make out the temple door, an alter with the beginnings of a smoke colum, and an aquaduct which has some scenery in the door ways of the aquaduct.  Betty Heath experienced the power of the building just Friday.  I was working on the high part of the building painting the blue, and Betty was working on some clouds that were to go in the doorways of the aquaduct and found out how clouds quickly turned into scenery of a heavenly type.  The trees, water and flow of the picture changed and she saw it immediately and said I am not painting clouds, I am painting trees....look at that.

That was a moment for me.  She is a student of mine and she has painted about 50 paintings in the last 3 months.  Some of the paintings are endearing, some are moving, but all are from her heart.  You can see her paintings at Red Willows in Trenton, NC.  She is a brand new painting artist but she has worked in design, and creation for many years.  Please stop by and see her work, it is totally North Carolina, and I know locals will love the colors, subjects and the person you will meet one day...Betty Heath.

So keep watching and know we appreciate the time you give us on this blog.

  K. Rowland

Meadows Murals Finalized

The barn is finished at Gwen and Tim Meadows home on Wyse Fork Road.  It took a lot of conversation to get the story about the Meadows Farm, but finally the people and part of the history of the farm is complete.  Gwen was most informative about the past, and the people who were part of her life from birth.  Most of you know Gwen and Tim, know their love of this land and the people who shared it with them.  This remarkable working farm is magnificent to behold as the Willows move in the wind, the Martins fly up and down, the animals abound and the two little girls that are now experiencing what Gwen experienced as a child.  The story will never be told because it is being created everyday by the people who still live in the farm house in Jones county on Wyse Fork Road.

Thank you Gwen and Tim for allowing the paint to bring to life a part of your history, a part of your future and the love you have for the gift from God.  He is your life, your path and your light shines bright here in North Carolina.

PJ, Gwen's son, had some input on this part of the mural about his grandaddy....it was all about the white socks so as you can see those white socks do stand out.  Gwen had a horse named Katie, and the horse in the valley is to remember "Katie" Gwen's special horse.  Gwen still has Bell, and she is also on the mural in a small area by the mountain behind Gwen's Dad.  Gwen loves the mountains.  So this side part of the barn is just for her.

Tim is still looking for a place for "Jerry," his favorite dog which is really Gwen's dog because Jerry loves to be around Gwen most of the time.  This was an amazing opportunity......thank you both Gwen and Tim for the use of your barns.  k

Rebirth

It has been a long time since blogging.

I have only three things left to do prior to moving to the new studio and creating a series of paintings for my future.  Meet someone at the Wine and Cheese Gala in Beaufort yesterday, a person who owns a gallery, I think I got a little excited about this.  Things are looking up!

For the past week I have been at Gwen and Tim's barn, working on the first phase, and looks like that first phase will be finished this week.  I am going to try and have the second piece done also, two horses and her father on the other side of the barn.  Gwen loved Katie and I will be working on reproducing Katie so Gwen can see her from her kitchen in the morning, on the wall of memories.

It has been a wonderful return to the brush.  I spent so much time on Gram's party and the yard for Spring, that it felt strange to get into the truck, pick out the paints for the day and travel early in the morning on Monday this week to Gwen's.  It is really close to my house and sometimes that is not a good thing.  I hear the dog, or Tony working and want to travel that 1/4 mile to get some things done, like grass cutting, watering plants, planting plants or just watching the deer in the backyard.

It felt like Summer today, the day was warm, inviting and just plan wonderful all around.  I saw the baby kitties at Gwen's, walked with Emma a bit, and talked to Sara and baby, Gwen and Tim as everyone seemed to be doing something important.  This is truly a working farm, and it is lovely.

So today I worked on the sign that will read:  Andrews - Green - Meadows Farm.  The first attempt failed I was happy with the stenciling, so I talked to Tim and he had a piece of Cyprus board which will have a sign on it hanging on the barn.  I believe it will add dimension, especially  under the portraits of the previous owners. 

I have asked Gwen to be around on Wednesday evening so we can do the touch up and finish Phase 1, then off to the other side Thursday, Friday, Saturday and then to Richlands.

I contacted the Mason member today and let them know I will be starting the mural on Monday, April 8th.  This will be my last mural for a long time....so keep up the good thoughts and watch the blog there will be final pictures posted for all.

K

Blackwell's Angel and Stuart's Barn Quilt

I finished Stuart's barn quilt today and will bring it to him tomorrow.  The Blackwell's Angel is almost finished, a few odds and ends and it will be highlighted by them so they can see it from their back door.  Tomorrow is work day at the church garden, and in the morning I plan to go and capture some pine straw for the pathways.

Ms. Waller called to say she would see me there if the appt. doesn't last too long and that was delightful.  Tony will finish the trellises and then on to the benches.  So all in all we are moving forward.  After this Friday it looks like it might be safe to put some flowers in the ground.  But the Almanac says April 15th last frost date....but things in the greenhouse are growing beautifully. 

The painting season outside is just about to begin, getting back on Tim and Gwen's barn and then planning to go to Richlands to start a mural there.

So keep looking around there will be more barn quilts up around the area, a new Angel in town, and some wonderful days to come in Richlands.  Thanks for reading.  k

New Focus

Tonight I was at the Beautification Committee meeting and found myself wondering how I have missed painting for myself.  So I have this list that has 3 murals on it, and some other miscellaneous commitments, but it was clear to me I need to finish these and paint, paint, paint, until my heart is empty of what I long to paint.

Next week I will start back on Gwen and Tim's mural and that should be done in about 3 weeks.  I will post pics of what I accomplish next week.  I will finish Jeannie and Danny's mural of an angel, and finish two barn quilts that are outstanding at this time.  After that I will renegotiate some smaller painting, that are not coming through right now.

In my artistic history the painting either comes or not, and those that don't I have pushed thought and never been happy with them.  Now I know better I have to love it, to paint it, and when I paint it I always ask God to be there with me.  I long for that kind of painting, where I lose track of time and when I do wake up the results are amazing, and that is really what makes me happy.  So I am recommitting to a new focus. 

For those who read this blog, thank you.  For me, it helps to put down what I feel.  Tonight I felt like I had lost my edge, but after coming home, drinking a glass of wine, and looking around at the painting I have hanging in my own home I realize I do have something and that something longs to be put on canvas.  I dearly love art, and now I want to experience the joy of creation again.

So I hope you see something you love in a painting either by someone you know as an artist or as a painting you must have to make your life complete.  This is the desire of any artist, to have someone love the painting so much they just have to have it to complete their life.

Thanks for listening, in the next few months I will finish my projects and commitments, then I will be free to do what is inside me, and enjoy the joy of creation,

k

February 2, 2011

Started a new mural this week at a couple of friends home.  It was a picture they found online and another of their friends suggested it would look nice on a wall in their home.  So there goes the neighborhood and another mural is underway.  I have been working on it 3 days and here is a preliminary picture of the wall.

The darkened trees are appearing slowly.  The white lines are what I drew on free hand.  I tried to use a grid, but it just didn't work for me.  When it is finished there will be gray clouds behind the trees that will enhance the face of the Forest Lady.

These friends are some of my best clients.  They have given me some challenges, but I have only failed to produce one picture for them, and that was a greyhound.  They rescue hounds and are friends to all animals, so you know they are the best kinds of people.  Thanks you guys for giving me another opportunity to grow as an artist.

I have been working on some new barn quilts and will up load those next Monday.  We have about 10 barn quilts and barn art now up in the local area, so keep looking for those out of the way places that produce a bright spot of art in Jones County.

Tomorrow Tony and I will meet with some people in Richlands to talk about a new mural proposed for this summer.  I have been asked to do the Mill Pond on Luke's new business by Trenton Beautification, and finish Gwen's barn,  so three major projects and that takes me to about July or early August.  So this year is really beginning to fly already.  I have some special requests for new barn quilts from Stewart, and I can't wait to start that one.  Luke continues to give me opportunities to work on some doors and I have another Angel in the works for Danny and Jeannie Blackwell.  So I will continue to get practice.  Thanks Trenton. and now Richlands.

There are some new art pieces at Red Willows.  Dean Remington just brought in some new pieces which are delightful and colorful, great beach inspirations.  I have been working on wood, and have two new pieces there also.  Someone brought in some unusual flowerpots which are exceptionally wonderful.  So art abounds all over. 

It's open mike night at Gypsy's Friday night, hope to see alot of you there.....these are precious moments with musical artists. 

Thanks Willow and Gypsy for being where you are supposed to be.....helping, working and creating in Trenton. 

 k

January 22, 2011 Review of the first few weeks

Even though it has been cold, a bit warm and/or sometimes beautiful outside painting opportunities abound.  I finished the mini mural at Willows and two more barn quilts, and now have moved two door down from Willow's to work on Luke's "The Rag Bag" building.  Luke is working so hard at cleaning and visioning how his shop will look..  Each day I see lots of progress, lots of visionary work and lots of people coming in and out to bring things for his shop.  Ellen is a friend of his and she has already rented a booth for her exhibition of antiques. She has, beautiful furniture and glassware.  Gwen brought in some books yesterday, because he is going to have a library once again for people to peruse the wonderful books (some old, some used, but plenty of fun.) 

When Luke took me to look at the walls, it was a dark yellow, with black trim, now you will see a white top half, a brownish red chair rail and a slate colored bottom which has colors of blue, gray, brown, and white sponged to represent slate.  Luke's wife came in last night, Eileen and she were just awestruck at the work he had completed in just 5 days.

I invite you to come in and see what is happening on Jones Street in Trenton.  Again, this place amazes me and how it transitions quickly, people work so hard and we know God's energy is the best energy.  I am happy to be a small part of this transition, and believe again our little town is changing again.  I tell people all the time we are part of the community, so invite yourself to join, all the new comers, all the people who have been here for years will welcome you into the community in which we are all enjoying.

Luke gave me a small piece of old barn wood, which held within it's wood grain, an old barn which came out as I tried to used watercolor on it.  Then I put the bright barn quilt right in the middle of the picture.  It is one of the most fun pieces I have done in a long time.  I have another piece of board which hold horses, can't wait to start on that next week.  Again I am going to use watercolor to see if this phenom can happen again, and the horses will look ghostly like the barn, yet the water may be a little more concrete as they stomp through the shallows of Shackleford Island.

This week a fellow artist "Dean Remmington" sold a painting  "Going Fishing" it was a remarkable painting, which was on the wall for about 6 months, but everyday I was in there I was drawn to that painting, because it looked as if you could stand in front of it and be there.  Congratulation Dean, your work is wonderful.

I got to work for Willow for three days this week and see how hard these people work everyday.  Cudos to Gypsy, Willow, Brenda, Marie, Jessie, Luke, Gwen and all who make this wonderful oasis a place of God.  Gypsy and Ina Ray Weeks taught us some wonderful lessons this week (meaning me and Brenda) and because of that we walked on Holy Ground as God revealed His hand is on Trenton, me individually, thank you God for a wonderfully strengthening week, closer to learning we are all special, in His eyes.

Next week, more work at Luke's, private painting and some work on the March exhibit of windows, so try to make it to Willows by March 1st, there will be all new window paintings for you to see.

Keep warm, love each other....nothing more wonderful than the love of God.  k

The last two weeks - 1/15/11

It has been a busy two weeks, painting, painting, painting.

Red Willows asked me to do a mini mural for her and I have posted one picture, but here is the non finished project.  Now the mural is growing to wrap around the cafe at Gypsy's.

Last year I was asked to paint part of the room for the opening of Gypsy's Cafe.  I did, and they loved it, so when we were skirting around New Bern one day, Willow said she wanted to add another piece to the existing mural and this is it.  It is Willow reading a Jones Post which was part of the 2010 mural and now the other Tuscany view of an outside table and buildings with flowers.  That part is finished, but as I said more is to come as the year continues.

I am starting a new mini mural under the willow tree in the corner of a woman in a chair remembering God's blessings in her life, you guessed it, it will be Willow again, but not a face just a moment in a foggy mist along with prayers she has prayed for each of us.

Come and see it materialize this week!

We have also embarked on a Barn Quilt Tour materializing also.  This week there are two new barn quilts to be offered to the public in Trenton.  One is an original and the other is a replica of a quilt pattern used in the past by actual quilters. 

The first one is a replica of an actual quilt, and the second is a design I came up with and Tony, my husband, drew it out.  He draws all the quilts, I just paint them.  These stars now have small white stars inside them.  It looks neat.  I hope to get Ann Waller to host this quilt on one of her barns. 

I am so wanting it to be Spring, but until I can taste that warm air, I will be painting at my studio in my house and where I can in homes and businesses.  Keep watching and know God has a plan for all of us, look inward to view your gift......this is the year for your gifts to be used for others.

Take care, God bless 2011, and take time to seek God as he wants to talk to us all.

Love k

Saturday 1-09-11

Last week I started a minii mural in Red Willows.  Willow is envisioning changes and they re appearing on the walls.  The weather has been too cold to get back on Gwen's barn, but we are looking for better weather in February.

Keep watching the roads in Jones County, more barn quilts will be appearing.

Keep warm, stay safe....and think Spring!

k

January 4th and 5th 2011 "Happy Painting This Year"

On January 4th the weather was so good I was able to spend some time on Gwen and Tim's barn.  I put on some more pecan leaves on the trees and put in the tobacco barn and the beginnings of the tobacco field.  I erased a tree by the garage and will replace it with a Dogwood that Gwen loves, and darkened two tree trunks and worked on the swing a bit.

After putting in the tobacco barn which is on a hill far far in behind Gwen and Ms. Emma.  The perspective is starting to be really exciting. 

I looked at the weather at noon on the 5th and found rain in the forecast for the next few days.  But I keep hoping it will not be a rainy season, I have a barn to finish.  I usually get to talk to Gwen while I am painting but the 4th was a bit chilly, and Goldie and the kitties were the only ones there to cheer me on.  Thanks to Goldie and the kitties, they were quite amusing.

So today started with grocery shopping, putting up groceries, starting dinner which was the norm.  But today I have to say I want to do a commercial for Walmart.  I usually don't buy paint there I usually buy it from Lowe's.  So today me and Gram were shopping and we passed by the paint area, I saw no one, but I picked up the perfect shade of gold.  I looked up there was a Walmart person coming down the aisle, I asked if he could help and he said yes.  So I showed him the paint color and asked for a sample size to make sure this was the color my client would like to use.  He said we do not do samples.  Ok, well I am going to take this color chip to Lowe's and see if they can match it.  I walked away and didn't notice the person standing waiting to talk to said worker.  It must have been his boss, because I looked back and thought just ask what a quart would cost because I could always use it in my other areas like murals or barn quilts.  He gave me the price, I thought it was good, so I said give me a satin in this color.  He looked and they did not have a quart in satin to be used with this color.  Well I said then how much is a gallon, he told me, I said ok, and he quickly mixed it and I was happy.  Later we had to go back to that area to look for light bulbs and I saw him.  He said back so soon, I just smiled.  Then he said and I shall put this in quotes "if you get to your client and she doesn't like that color, or it looks funny in the light on those walls, please bring it back to us for a full refund."  They made an impression on me, and I will shop from now on at Walmart for paint.  This was an act of kindness......thank you Walmart.

So I quickly put up groceries, left home, went into to Red Willow's and started to paint a mini mural on a wall that has come available for me.  It will house a hallway, outside dining area and an awning.  Today the color went on the walls and it looks sharp and warm, can't wait to get back there tomorrow to put in some of the structure.  This is a painting I would not normally do, but as I explained to Willow today, we should do the things we are not comfortable with in order to continue to grow.

So stop in see whats new in her shop and check out the beginnings of change in Gypsy's Cafe.  Today was a good day, as all the days in this year have been wonderful.

I didn't make any new year's resolutions, but I did truly begin to understand what is most important in my life and that is my God.  He says the first commandment is to "love Him" and today I got to be with some people I care deeply about and they wear Jesus in their eyes and in their hearts......they are Glenn and Linda Hart.  You are special people to me.  Thank you for being there today.....and carrying His Spirit with you.

Wonderful people today, thanks for being yourselves and knowing that Red Willow's is a very safe place to be yourself ...thanks Willow.

Be on the lookout for change in this year.......welcome your future.  Love k