"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

6.03.2014

commissioned chest

A friend asked me to paint a chest for her daughter's graduation.  She wanted to fill it with memories and mementos for her. I almost did not do it.  I have been feeling really crappy...Lyme symptoms running rampant in my body, affecting my body, mind and emotions. I have not been blogging much, I have not been painting much. I work in my journal but that has been about it. I was able to complete a painting (finally) I had been working on for over a year, I will share that with you later.

I am glad that I pushed myself to do this. I am really pleased with how it turned out. My daughter Meg liked it and I knew if she liked it my friends daughter would too.  

Friends, I want you to know that though I may not comment much I am still visiting your blogs. I am experiencing a rough patch on my journey, we all have them. There may be many of you who are living a rough patch too. Or coming out of one.  Or going into one. May I tell you not to run from it or deny what is...may I tell you not to numb or cover up the pain with activities or busyness...we need to go through it, not around or over it. It's not easy friends, a lot of the time it just plain sucks and it's easy to begin to lose hope. Let's not lose hope. There will be a day when the rough patch evens out. It may not be tomorrow, but it will come.

I am reading a really good book right now, maybe you would like to pick up a copy and read too. "Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest" by Bonnie Gray. You may want to visit her blog too - faith barista 


17 comments:

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

Gorgeous!

Rebecca said...

Thank you for sharing about your journey. It was probably just what I needed to hear. I really do appreciate your honesty.

Sarah Anderson said...

It's stunning Mary, I'm sure she'll love it. I kept meaning to email you to see if you were ok when your blog was quiet, now I wish I had ... sorry!

Elizabeth Chapman said...

Oh Mary, this is SO Beautiful!!!

Oil, Yeah! There's an Oil For That! said...

Thank you for sharing your heart, being open and transparent and sharing your work. It's wonderful! I can't track down your email, but in reading about you suffering from Lyme, would you be open to trying natural options? If so, I have some suggestions. Please email me at ajohanson@charter.net if you want to chat about it. I'm hoping to come on the 14th!

Say It In Color said...

Lady, your talent lives inside of you and so glad you let some out to give us the joy of seeing it!! It is beautiful!! Also saw the above comment from a johanson and I suspect she uses essential oils....I am only saying this because I have begun to use them and have had really good results for various problems, one, my sciatica is gone because I rub two oils at the base of my spine...I LOVE them ...many testimonies..they may really help you with the Lyme...Love you and hold you and Mystele in my treasure chest of precious memories of learning a new form of art!! PLUS your strong faith. When we downsized I got into a funk...but accidentally wrote something that I realized was liberating...I wrote..."how wonderful to be free from the high expectations of where I lived with a good business." I have finally relaxed mentally from that pressure and it is great!! Hugs!!

Jo Reimer said...

I know that God has you right where he wants you, Mary, explaining to you how it feels when a low point of life hits. In your weakness he'll bring strength of character and deeper empathy so that you are wiser and more able to offer proper help and comfort to others because you, too, have walked through that valley. There IS joy all around you.
And I think you created just such a thing of joy when you painted this wonderful trunk. What a great gift. Thanks for the idea. I have a trunk like that in my basement and a g'daughters graduation next year.

Unknown said...

Some one is truly going to enjoy this!! I love the messages.

Obat Sesak Nafas said...

awesome adventure, I was fascinated to see all the photos Ace Maxs Asli Original | Obat Benjolan Di Ketiak

Jennifer Richardson said...

I've tried twice to leave a comment....hope this time works.
Just wanted to say what a gorgeous labor of love this is...pure art in every possible way. Your style speaks to my heart so rich and clear! True to your heart...I can feel it.
Amazing heirloom quality, this.
Your life is such a shining light,
even when all you can feel is
the dark of resist.
You're beautiful in every way, Mary; thanks for the sweet inspire,
Jennifer

laurel said...

The trunk is beautiful! Take care of yourself and sending you a big hug! Dealing with pain and being in a funk is never fun.

the turquoise paintbrush said...

Oh my goodness this is absolutely stunning, Mary!
WOW!
xoxo

Meg Evans said...

What a gorgeous chest! I love your use of color; it's so bright and inspiring! I hope you feel better soon.

Unknown said...

Sis I'm sorry you continue to suffer so much with the effects of Lyme Disease. I'm wrapping my arms gentle around you sweetie...wish I could be there to help you with things. This chest is gorgeous, and after seeing it I've decided to redo Chas' old wooden chest. What fun that will be. Missy is getting married Oct 4th...I've already gotten some flowers I hope she will like...her colors are teal/turquoise with cream and brown. Hope you begin to feel better my dear sister...I love you so much.

Jennifer Richardson said...

stopping by to again look at that chest (swoon), to again read your words and again just sit for a minute and marvel at the creativity that finds you even when you feel you're dragging.
You are a joy, Mary...pure joy.
-Jennifer

Michelle P said...

This is so beautiful! I'd be thrilled with a piece like that. You are so inspiring to me and I appreciate you sharing your talents with us here ♥♥♥

Rosie said...

What a wonderful WONDERFUL piece of art! If I had received this it would be treasured for the rest of my life - what a gift.

And I'm also very glad and feel blessed to have found you, because you seem to journal the way I do - literally as a JOURNEY, as part of your exploration of self and God. I journal my grumpy days too as I also have a chronic illness.