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A recent emotional toll has made an impact on my painting progress bringing it to a screeching halt.  Over the years when our 4 kids were young, I poured my heart and soul into raising them. The joy and busyness of this season seemed to fuel my creativity and energy level as I pursued graphic design, painting and some interior design.  I had a ton of drive and ambition back then.  Within the past few months my husband and I are quickly becoming empty nesters.  We are overjoyed that all of our young adult children are doing very well.  This is how we hoped it would go, right?!  We're happy for them all! Our oldest two sons married this past year to young women we adore and have faith to move mountains.  Our youngest two off to college chasing after their dreams. 

I found myself lost, missing the daily interactions with them which broke my heart and affected my creative passions and energy.  I thought I should go out and paint whether I felt like it or not.  Packing up my easel and supplies the night before then departing my studio at 5:30am to paint a barn en plein air at sunrise.  Taking an hour of driving and walking around the farm buildings I was trying to find a scene that made my heart sing. Feeling like packing up and heading home several times after taking out my easel then changing my mind on the scene in front of me.  A scene that sings is well worth the wait.  Praying for a renewed passion and I patiently walked/drove around a bit more.   Figuring the fresh morning air, quietness of the countryside and the conversations with the Lord were well worth the half hour journey to get there.

About to give up, I drove over a bridge to exit the farm and noticed the small stream running through which flowed down from a barn at the top of the hill.  This was just the scene I'd been searching for! The next couple hours went by quickly and were a joy! This is my happy place.  Out in God's beautiful creation, painting. 

A couple days later my son and daughter in law joined me for an en plein air painting session. Painting with family is an incredible experience!

I'm getting back on track and looking forward to my next chapter!