existent or nonexistent love

"There is no disguise that can for long conceal love where it exists or simulate it where it does not."

Francois De La Rochefoucauld
1613-1680, French Classical Writer

friends

The other day I had a friend over. She began a sock on bamboo knitting needles, while I crocheted. We talked. We shared silence. We talked. We laughed. We talked more. We laughed much. Then we laughed some more.

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit." ~ Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

the path

a very cool green beetle in one of our trees (no flash used)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
~ Psalm 119:105

It's a walk of faith.

never understand

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his (/her) point of view - until you climb into his (/her) skin and walk around in it."
- spoken by Atticus Finch, by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

my patron

pa·tron (pā'trən)
n.

1. One that supports, protects, or champions someone or something, such as an institution, event, or cause; a sponsor or benefactor: a patron of the arts.

Over the past few weeks my hubby has spoiled me with many artsy presents. He knows how much I want to pursue painting. He loves to provide me with the tools I need to make my little dreams come true, even when we can't really afford it. Any man who sacrifices and works hard at a job that doesn't excite him just so he can take care of his family is a man of great value to his family, friends, and community. It's easy to spoil him right back!

The following 2 books have exceeded my expectations as far as any descriptions I found online in regards to their contents. "watercolour in 10 steps" and "acrylics in 10 steps". 10 steps?! No, it's 10 chapters, each one containing many steps, some as many as 36. It's brilliant! These are books that you approach like an art class and apparently some art instructors are using them exactly for this purpose. I look forward to going through each book slowly and consistently.




Here are two other new favourite books of mine. "The Fundamentals of Drawing Landscapes: A Practical and Inspirational Course", and "Watercolour: All the techniques and inspiration you need to get into painting". I was especially thrilled to find the watercolour one because it's a pretty thorough reference book. It covers trees, water, landscapes, seascapes, figures, buildings and flowers.




Student grade paints dominate my current palette, but they'll be great to practice with. All that's stopping me now is being able to dedicate time to being a student. Between house projects, responsibilities, and the transition of the kids being off school for the summer, it's a challenge.



Even so...

"I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Quebec City ~ installment no. 5

these remind me of laundry hanging in the alleys of old Italy

i was thrilled to find this old bike here, what a classic scene! even the graffiti seems to fit.

Quebec City ~ installment no. 4

a photo of my reflection, taking a pic of some really cool necklaces

Le Lapin Sauté, where they serve rabbit dishes...see the bunny theme?!

one day i'm going to sit at that table, sip wine and eat me some rabbit!

Rue du Trésor, a pedestrian alley that doubles as an outdoor art gallery

i bought a small watercolour further up the alley

Quebec City has lots of cool outdoor cafes

sometimes i want to write

Sometimes I want to write something. What I'm REALLY feeling. What I'm REALLY thinking. What I'm REALLY experiencing. What I'm REALLY disappointed about. What I'm REALLY angry about. Then I read things like this:

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

And then I'm quiet again. And I wait. And I let God handle it. And keep my hands clean. Cuz that's a nice feeling. Then I can go off and happily play and enjoy what God's given me, or I can go off and pray for people that need healing of diseases, or people who are being oppressed by other people or things. Those far off, and those close by. And life has purpose again.

(colossians 3:12-14; galatians 6:9; 1 peter 3:8,9; james 3:17,19)

Catholicism

Sanctuaire Nôtre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur in Quebec City, June 2008
I'm of the Protestant faith. My kids go to a Catholic school. It's been an education for me. Why? I've noticed things about this Catholic community I admire greatly. They are reverent. They are passionate. They are dedicated hard workers for their community. They are gentle, kind and loving. They are artistic and poetic. They have a conscience. They have work ethic. They serve others. They are out there doin' the stuff. They esteem godly people. They know what they believe.

I have much admiration for them.

the tree

I like drawing. I like watercolours. I like trees. I like small things.

Quebec City ~ installment no. 3

More lovely Quebec City scenes.

Quebec City ~ installment no. 2

A few Quebec City windows and flowers.

Quebec City ~ installment no. 1

I recently had the opportunity to make a little dream of mine come true. For a few years now I've wanted to go to old Quebec City and take pictures. Old Quebec was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. While on our way to Ontario for my mom's wedding, we took a 3 hour break walking around this amazing historical city. It was sunny and hot and perfect in every way. Jon said I looked so happy in my own little world, my camera constantly up to my wide-eyes.

Looking back, I wish I had had more time and had taken way more photos. I guess I'll have to go back next summer!

a happy wedding ~ serving no. 3

Here are a few more wedding pics: