In the Cross

What a privilege on Monday, August 21, 2017, to have been right on the path of the total solar eclipse that crossed our country. Some of the family camped out then spent the day at the pond to take in the once in a lifetime (where we live) event. Others drove half an hour north where the time of totality was about a minute longer. The view through the special viewing glasses as the moon passed in front of the sun was spectacular. Then as it came to the point of being exactly in front of the sun we were able to take off the glasses for those fast couple of minutes for the awe inspiring sight, including a 360º sunset!

I heard of one person who was fearful of the event, thinking Jesus would return that day. Oh, my heart breaks to hear of anyone who is afraid of that. For anyone who has accepted Christ as their Savior, his return is something to look forward to rather than to fear.

For Scribble Picnic this week we were to "Fill in the Blank" by starting with a box with an X in it. I considered a quilt or a barn door, but settled on a stained glass window. Enjoyed using a permanent black marker, watercolor pencils, and an "Aquash" water brush for this. Links to other "X in a box" drawings can be found here.

Verse 1:

Jesus, keep me near the cross; 

there a precious fountain, 

free to all, a healing stream, 

flows from Calvary's mountain. 

Refrain: 

In the cross, in the cross, 

be my glory ever, 

till my raptured soul shall find

rest beyond the river.

"Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" was written by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) long ago, but her words in this and myriad other hymns she wrote continue to express the beliefs of Christians over the years.

Flower Bed

It has been much more dry than usual in our little spot in the state this year. For that matter, it's more dry than other parts of our county even. We try not to be jealous when glorious three-inch rains fall at the other end of the county and we receive maybe ten hundredths of an inch. We do know that God will send the rain in due time, and meanwhile we dream!
My colored pencils got a workout for this week's Scribble Picnic "Flower Bed" theme. You can see what others have growing here.

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

Did you ever play "Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?" It was another simple party game I haven't heard of for years, but played many times as a child. I won't go through the details of the game, but if you've not heard of it you can read a simple explanation here. Games don't have to be complicated to be fun!

The Scribble Picnic theme of Buttoned also brought to mind times of going through Mom's collection of buttons, then later of my own kids going through my collection. At some point I came in possession of a small basket labeled "button basket" and started throwing buttons from old shirts in it. Mine actually has handles, and most of the buttons are white, but it is similar to this colored pencil sketch.

See how others buttoned up their posts this week here.

Draw the Curtain, and the Winner Is...

     The first time I remember paying attention to curtains was in high school when I was allowed to choose a new paint color (yellow!) for my bedroom. Then Mom helped me pick out material and sew new curtains for the two windows. I'm pretty sure they were pink with some kind of "modern" flower design! We slept with the windows open in summer, listening to summer night sounds and hoping for a cool breeze to blow through the screen.

     About five years ago I drew these mauve curtains that hang on our half-frosted bathroom window. If I were to draw them now, I'd probably try to make everything a bit darker (or in color) so as to show up better. But, it is what it is!

Thought I should try some new curtains. These remind me of the time my sister-in-law was watching some of her nieces (and nephews?) She couldn't find one of them, until she saw the little one's shoes peeking out from the bottom of the living room curtains!

     The host of Scribble Picnic had a prize drawing a few weeks back. I was pleasantly surprised to hear my name announced as the winner, and thrilled to open the fun package when it arrived. Michael had generously included everything you see here in the photo–an issue of Bella Grace magazine, a package of pencils, bookmarks, a fun pencil box, a decorated egg (how did he know I have a collection of Easter eggs?), a kneaded eraser, a fabulous watercolor journal, two kinds of chocolate (anyone who knows me, knows that's right up my alley!), a couple of tea packets, a notecard made from his original painting (how can I give it up to send to someone?), two different watercolor brushes (that will encourage me to try more than just pencil sketching!), and a lovely personal note. Thank you, Michael, for your generosity, for hosting the Picnic, and for encouraging us to keep stretching our artistic wings!

You can go here to see other curtains hanging around on this week's Scribble Picnic.