Jefferson Starship, Red Octopus, "Miracles"

Last night in Tampa...Beautiful weather, Bloody Mary's, Pecan Pie and Jefferson Starship...
Gary, where were you? I will have to say...that pecan pie was fabulous! A big thank-you to
Melanie & Stan for their southern hospitality!  Good-bye, Tampa!

Shopping in St. Pete

After the "Painting with Fire" workshop, Peggy, Melanie, and I spent a day in St. Pete.
We had lunch at the marina and went to FloridaCraft. They were having a wonderful pottery exhibit, "Role Models".

Mardi Gras Celebration in Tampa

A special treat during our visit in Tampa, FL was the celebration of Mardi Gras. We had a four course meal including wines with each course. The chefs cooked as we ate. They gave us the recipes.

The meal was fabulous! The first course was the Grit Cakes w/ Shredded Cajun Chicken with a
Louis Jadot Beaujolais, the second course was Shrimp & Crab Etouffee over Rice with a Benzinger Chardonnay, the third course was a Cajun Surf & Turf, Sauteed Okra, and Roasted Potatoes with
Marques de Caceras Crianza Rioja, and, last but not least, my favorite, Banana Fosters Crepe Cake
with Santa Rita Secret Red Blend...this was to die for!

                       Chef Alan...a man after my own heart...can cook & has a sense of humor

         

Nice Winter Break in Tampa

The "Painting with Fire" Intensive in January came at a perfect time for a winter break. We stayed at the home of Stan and Melanie in Tampa, Florida. They have a beautiful home made for entertaining.
They were perfect hosts, and I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived. Melanie and I share a love of folk art. She had several neat pieces surrounding their pool. Of course, this area was perfect for the end of the day, "Happy Hour". We gathered here in the afternoons to enjoy Stan's fabulous Bloody Mary's and share stories. Sometimes, God sends a special blessing...you meet "kindred spirits" and your soul feels refreshed.

"Painting with Fire" Teacher Certification Intensive

Peggy Martin and I had a great time at the Painting with Fire Intensive in St. Pete, FL
Gary, Peggy, and I stayed with Gary's cousin, Melanie, and her husband, Stan, in Tampa.
The Intensive was two days, but we went down on Tuesday and stayed through Sunday.
We also re-connected with our friend, Brenda McCoy, who is working with Barbara Lewis
at the Painting with Fire Studio.  Here we are at the workshop...

Happy New Year, 2016!

Happy New Year to all my wonderful friends & clients! A big thank you for all your support in 2015!

The Meaning of the Advent Wreath

"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."
                                                          William Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice"

As the girls have grown older, I continue to incorporate new traditions. In the past, so much of Christmas was centered on shopping & their activities. I am now enjoying friends more and adding new traditions to my holiday routine. One is the addition of my own advent wreath. I love the meaning of the Advent Wreath...it helps us to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas amid all the distractions of the world.

The four virtues Jesus brings to us:

The first candle symbolizes HOPE.   Isaiah 60:2-3
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep His promise made to us.

The second candle symbolizes LOVE.  Mark 1:4
God kept His promise a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem.

The third candle symbolizes JOY.  Isaiah 35:10
The angels sang a message of joy.

The fourth candle symbolizes PEACE.  Isaiah 9:6-7
The Prince of Peace...the angels announced the good news of a Savior.

The fifth candle is white...Christmas Day!    Luke 1:68-79, Luke 2:1-20
                                       

JESUS is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth
was for his death, his death was for our birth!

Prepare your hearts with HOPE, LOVE, and JOY as we look forward to
Christmas Day to celebrate our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.