A wonderful win, this bouquet. I started with a palette knife and gesso. Added texture, and scratch marks. Moved on to the next layers, still with knife in hand. Paint, pen, oil pastel, Q-tips, stylus.

My vase is clearly wonky. And I am missing a stem. But I am feeling, happy with this one. I rarely choose to use a palette knife. And without thinking? Never. But I reached, and grabbed, and started to messily layer paint.

I’m rather stoked that my fear took a hike.

Some of my fear is still nagging me. The “I can’t paint a chicken in a nest,” fear. That is what has been whispering in my head since May. Truthfully, since last year.

A request from a friend. She loves the first Rooster I painted for her. So WHY is there still so much fear?!

The little 4 x 4’s got me started. They lead me to the next, which was a gift of surprise and triumph.

And that led me to,
begin.

When you learn to give yourself a break,
and feel okay about not being able
to live up to impossible standards,
then you can begin to get the worry-free rest
your mind and body so badly need.
Suman Rai

God has promised that
He will provide rest
to those who have faith in Him
so hold on to your faith,
and to His words,
for God’s words are true.
Innah Delos Angeles

Wishing you JOY, great health, and restful nights.