I have missed so many of my crafty friends over the last couple of years, however, I have heard from a few of you in my hiatus. That being said, I have been trolling art pages and blogs during this time and keeping up with all of your amazing talents even if I haven't blogged or commented to that effect. I pray each and every one of you have been growing in all your crafty goodness!
Without splashing too much of myself on the internet airways, I will give a snippet of my whereabouts. The last, almost two years, has been a whirlwind! And predominately NOT good whirlwinds either! 2018 was a very difficult year taking care of my beloved father. Those of you who have been on my blog before know that my sisters and I were caregivers for my elderly father, which was a complete joy. But in November of 2018, Jesus called him home! I know that my father was ready to go and quite frankly, I was ready for him to be wrapped in Jesus's arms where there is no more suffering and no more pain. I know now that he is in Heaven surrounded by family, friends and all the birds of the air, which he loved so much! His is missed DAILY!
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| My sweet Daddy and my personal Aaron & Hur Sisters! |
In December of that same year, my husband and I separated after close to 30 years of being together. As 2019 rolled around the rest of the terrible unfolded. In February I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and also possibly faced throat cancer. Immediately after the cancer diagnosis, I went through the whole divorce battle and finalization. The rest of the year saw three surgeries, cancer treatment, selling my home, finding a new place to live, and moving to that said new place! The throat tumor, was benign thank the Lord! The doctor opted not to remove the tumor in my throat due to the fact that I had already been through quite a few surgeries and we will just continue to keep a watch on it.
Through all that, I had so many friends and family who prayed and continue to pray for me and my two sweet daughters' well being! I'm so thankful for the gift of SISTERS!! My two sisters were with me EVERY STEP of the way! They went to every treatment and were my Aaron and Hur! In the Bible when Moses became weary on the mount, Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the battle was finished! And that's what they did! I am such a blessed woman to have powerful women of spiritual strength and prayer by my side!! Had it not been for that amazing power of prayer and my faith in an amazing Father in Heaven, I would have been a mess! Through it all, I had complete peace in knowing that Father God had me every step of the way!
All the above stated, not a whole lot of art went on. There were moments that I wanted to so badly, but then there just never seemed to be the right time or even "mojo" for it! It saddens me because I feel like I am out of the loop, so to speak and have to get my "mojo" back on! LOL I have started back slowly with some watercolor play. I actually treated myself last Christmas with a new paintbrush and watercolor palette, both that I have been craving for several years and just didn't really have the funds for it at the time. Good ole Santa pulled through again! LOL
My new year (I don't make resolutions, just goals) was plans for restoration!! AND....I didn't look back or drag things into 2019. Of course, that's always a challenge, but again, that is where faith comes in. Currently, I am trying to revamp this blog to something fresh and new, but as I am not a "real" techy person, this is also a challenge. It may go through several phases before I get it right, but all good things usually do! LOL
I know a lot of my art community has changed in my hiatus, things have ceased to exist (Google+) and some of the challenges I used to partake in, but hopefully, as I get back into it, I can find new ones and reconnect with a lot of old art pals and make new ones!
Through all that, I had so many friends and family who prayed and continue to pray for me and my two sweet daughters' well being! I'm so thankful for the gift of SISTERS!! My two sisters were with me EVERY STEP of the way! They went to every treatment and were my Aaron and Hur! In the Bible when Moses became weary on the mount, Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the battle was finished! And that's what they did! I am such a blessed woman to have powerful women of spiritual strength and prayer by my side!! Had it not been for that amazing power of prayer and my faith in an amazing Father in Heaven, I would have been a mess! Through it all, I had complete peace in knowing that Father God had me every step of the way!
All the above stated, not a whole lot of art went on. There were moments that I wanted to so badly, but then there just never seemed to be the right time or even "mojo" for it! It saddens me because I feel like I am out of the loop, so to speak and have to get my "mojo" back on! LOL I have started back slowly with some watercolor play. I actually treated myself last Christmas with a new paintbrush and watercolor palette, both that I have been craving for several years and just didn't really have the funds for it at the time. Good ole Santa pulled through again! LOL
My new year (I don't make resolutions, just goals) was plans for restoration!! AND....I didn't look back or drag things into 2019. Of course, that's always a challenge, but again, that is where faith comes in. Currently, I am trying to revamp this blog to something fresh and new, but as I am not a "real" techy person, this is also a challenge. It may go through several phases before I get it right, but all good things usually do! LOL
I know a lot of my art community has changed in my hiatus, things have ceased to exist (Google+) and some of the challenges I used to partake in, but hopefully, as I get back into it, I can find new ones and reconnect with a lot of old art pals and make new ones!
As a part of What's on Your Workdesk #590 over on Julia Dunnit's Stamping Ground blog, here is what is currently on my workdesk.......FINALLY! I am making this for a gift for someone one whom I love dearly who LOVES octopuses's!! It's still in process, but it was all done in dip pen and ink (which I simply LOVE to do) and then eventually a wash of watercolor will finish it off! I will post when complete.....if I didn't mess it up too badly! LOLOL I also have another project going on that maybe I can post next week! I hope to get over and see all of your happenings today!!
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| Dip pen & ink Octo in the making!! |
As this year is nearing its end, my prayer is that through 2019 and all it's MANY challenges and disasters, was filled with LOTS of arty goodness and HEALTH through the storm of our country right now for you ALL!! Many, many blessings of light, love, and prosperity! Happy Wednesday! :)
Blessings!
Blessings!
Felicia - how very precious to see you here today. Phew! What a couple of years. How beautiful to know that your dad is with Jesus. YAY!!! I'm so sorry that your marriage hasn't survived - such difficult decisions and events you have had to face in the past while. Praise God indeed for sisters. I trust Father is so close to you at this time as you walk your new path, that you are aware of reaching out and holding His hand. Because I haven't "followed" any blogs, I can't always get in touch when folk go MIA from WOYWW - but that hasn't meant I don't wonder how they are.
ReplyDeleteThat octopus is something else. Well done.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #6
Margaret, THANK YOU so much for your precious words of encouragement. Yes, I am so glad that Father in Heaven has that wonderful earthly father of mine and that one day we will be together again!! The world has lost a goodie! :) I know that Father is my Anchor and He guides me every step of the way! I would be lost otherwise!! I wish His call had come sooner in life, it sure would have made things easier! LOL Thank you again for your words and stopping in! Blessings to you!
DeleteHi Felicia, lovely to meet you. Life takes us on many journeys but there is always a warm welcome awaiting @ Julia's Stamping ground no matter the weeks, months or years that go by. Bless your sweet Daddy another angel to watch over you.
ReplyDeleteLove what i'm seeing on your desk, extremely mindful creativity.
Take care & be gentle with yourself, creative wishes this WoywW Tracey #5 x
Thank you Tracey! Lovely to meet you too! That's the great thing about our art world, old and NEW friends!! Thanks for your sweet words and stopping in! Blessings to you! :)
DeleteFelicia, I had no idea what was going on! I've visited your blog several times hoping for an update and figured you must be very busy and gave up making art altogether. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all that - but I'm glad to see that you're out of the woods now - and looking amazing in that new profile photo! I'm sure your girls have kept you strong through all of this as well - they must be all grown up by now! I'm so happy you're back with such a great come-back piece as well! Just let all that creativity that you locked up for so long flow out of you! You go girl! You deserve to be happy! Sending you lots of love. xx
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh lovely friend!!!! I am sorry that I didn't keep up with so many of you guys, but as we often do, we get in a tunnel when life is hitting you hard. I think I just didn't want to see, hear or do anything for so long. And it really wasn't a matter of faith for me, it was more like I needed to distance myself for EVERYTHING to get myself back together again! LOL But YES, the light at the end of that tunnel is definitely upon me and I am able to breath a whole lot easier these days! :) Thanks for the sweet comment about my photo!!! I needed that! LOL As we get older, we aren't too kind about ourselves and I'm the WORST! LOLOL But I have tried to maintain, from food habit changes to exercise to holistic living.....and maybe....it's paying off! LOLOL Thanks also about my piece!! It was such a joy to do and I was in my element!!! I hope this was a jump start to a new platform!! I've missed talking to you and SOOOOOO glad you stopped in! :) Blessings my friend! :)
DeleteHi, we haven't met, but can I just say, WOW! What a testimony. So special to have prayer warriors at your side during all the challenges you have faced, and so special to know that your darling Dad is safely with our Father in Heaven. You will see him again one day. I adore your stunning artwork as well, and will be praying for you. Happy WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love and God Bless, Caro xxx (#11)
ReplyDeleteGlad to meet you Caro!!! Yes, I am a blessed woman to have the prayer warriors that I do in my life! God definitely knew what He was doing when he placed the people around me that He did! His arm is long and I have definitely felt His constant touch through so many things! Again, I am extremely blessed!!! Thanks for the sweet words on my art! I so enjoyed doing this piece and hope so will the recipient! I receive those prayers!!! Thank you so much and thank you for stopping in! :) Blessings to you!
DeleteSo glad you are able to get back to all your WOYWW buddies. What an awful time you have had but thankfully you have got through it and I hope you can now get back to some happy crafting - it's good for the soul! xx Jo
ReplyDeleteJo, yes ma'am, God brought me THROUGH!! :) I'm glad to be back crafting and engaging with all you talented crafty folks again!! Thanks so much for stopping in!!!! Blessings to you! :)
DeleteWell Felicia, that was a big two years! Gracious. So glad that you fell able to face forward and try getting back to some stuff that you just haven’t had time or inclination for. It’s a positive sign if your mojo starts to nudge you! Loving the octopus, my how patient and careful you have to be with that...good for the mind, that sort of work!
ReplyDeleteJulia, thanks so much for your encouraging words and YES, FORWARD is my objective for sure!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in and many blessings to you! :)
DeleteHi Felicia, you have most certainly had a huge two years, and sad when marriages fail, but, better to be apart & happy than together and miserable. You seem such a strong lady, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with your art & blogging.Stay safe, Have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #4 X
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree! Thankfully we are able to be amicable, but as you said better off apart, especially for my girls!! Thank you for your sweet words....know that my strength comes from the Lord or I'd be a mess! LOLOL Thank you so much for stopping in!! Blessings to you!
DeleteHi Felicia - what a couple of years you have faced! Hope you continue to flourish and create! Helen #3
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen!!! God willing, I will be able to catch back up and keep up with all you talented folks!! Thanks for stopping in! Blessings
DeleteHi Felicia! Welcome back! You certainly have braved many storms since 2018, and you seem to have survived better than ever. Sometimes it takes these battles to realize how strong we really are. Your octopus looks awesome, and I'm sure it will be treasured! Thank you for your visit to mine, and your kind words about my DD's wedding. Have a wonderful week, stay safe, Lindart #32
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you SO much!!! I feel better than ever!! Yes, I agree....I'm not afraid of battles, there are times they are necessary, but God supplied me with His strength that got me through it all! Thanks so much for your encouraging words and you have an amazing week!!! Thanks for stopping in!! Blessings to you!
DeleteHello, thanks for visiting and your kind words. Love the octopus! Goodness what a lot you have had going on.I hope you get back into your crafting etc. It has helped me during a very difficult 6months. Stay safe, take care. Anne x 26
ReplyDeleteAnne thank you so much! I'm happy to be back at my art and yes, it is an amazing therapist through times as well as starting a new beginning!! Thanks so much for stopping in and blessings to you!
DeleteWelcome back! You've certainly had some challenges the last 2 years. So glad you had family with you. Your octopus is amazing! Looking forward to it's completion! Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteCarol N #24
Thank you Carol, it's good to be back!! Let's hope I can keep up! LOLOL Thank you for your sweet words on my Octo!!! I hope to post the final piece next week!! Thanks for stopping in and you have a great week also! Blessings
DeleteOh Felicia... what a time you have had. I thought it was bad enough reading about your beloved dad, and then everything else piled on as well. Without our Heavenly Father it would be impossible to get through such things as these. I am so sorry. How you are writing now shows just how strong you are as a person, and the importance of your faith.
ReplyDeleteI could identify so much with your feelings about your dad. I went through the same with mine. He had dementia for the final 18 months of his life and died at 90. My hubby and I were with him at the end and although he never spoke, his eyes never left mine and I know that he heard everything I said, and that somehow the Lord got my words through the confusion and he could understand me. I told him to stop struggling (his breathing was so difficult) and surrender into the arms of Jesus who was waiting for him. Just like you, I know that he is in heaven now, surrounded by family and friends. Reading of your experience was so moving because I could really understand. Like you, my dad is missed every day and not a day goes by when I don't think about him several times in the day, and wish he was here to share things with that I've discovered or enjoyed, or just to show him what I'm up to. He treated my hubby like his own son and I loved him for that.
Then the cancer journey too - likewise, I went through that, with colon cancer in 2015. It has a profound effect on you, doesn't it. But we are survivors! The Lord still has work for us to do.
I am very, very sorry indeed to hear that your marriage has ended. I can't imagine the trauma of that, and how you must have missed the support of a husband, going through everything else. Also, I cannot imagine the joy of such supporting sisters (love the Aaron and Hur comparison! That is so touching!!) because my sister isn't like that I'm afraid and we are not so close. God provides those we need, to help us through our difficulties, and having my lovely hubby, I didn't so much miss the support of a sister.
I agree with you. These things that happen to us are not so much about the circumstances themselves, but more about how we respond to them. We can either cave in, or we can use them so that we grow. They make us who we are. I have always, ever since I first became a believer, hung onto Romans 8:28: "For we know that ALL THINGS (and that means good and bad things) work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Your Zentangle octopus is absolutely stunning! Well done indeedy! They are such fascinating creatures, aren't they, and they are said to be highly intelligent too.
Thank you for such a sweet comment on my blog! Our recent jinxes are nothing compared with yours! Our gate post is now back in place - my hubby enlisted the help of a couple of neighbours and they glued it back with some special really tough glue and he's now repointed the damage and it's looking good. The gate still has to be rehung once he can get a new bracket or find someone to mend the broken one. All this has been done at a tiny fraction of the cost had we gone through the insurance! I don't live in any expectation that the van driver will be smitten by any twinge of conscience on our behalf. People's general behaviour these days seems to be deteriorating year by year but he will be answerable for it in the end, I have no doubt.
So glad you like my various outfits! I'm definitely not a "dedicated follower of fashion" unless you call it my own particular fashion! I've always loved the Boho/hippy/alternative style and it's also very comfortable to wear.
It's so good to have you back on WOYWW.
Have a good week ahead and happy WOYWW! God bless.
Shoshi x #12
Shoshi, it was so wonderful to have you stop by!!! And....thank you SO much for all your lovely comments! Everything you wrote is exactly how I feel about things. I always enjoyed talking with you and your comments. I remember your health issues back then and I hope that all is well with you now on that score!! So glad that you have a lovely supportive husband, it makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. And, like you said, Heavenly Father knows what you needed, especially since your sister relationship isn't where you would like! I believe He supplies ALL our needs in ANY situation! We may not immediately see it, but truth will out, as they say!! He has never failed me and I continue to be amazed about the God I serve!
DeleteBoho/hippy/alternative style......you are singing my song!! My girls make fun of me all the time and call me the eternal hippie!!! You wear "your own particular fashion" with pride....it looks great!!! And....I'm all about comfort!!! LOLOL
Thanks so much Shoshi for stopping in and all your lovely support comments!! Many, many blessings to you! :)
HI Felicia, how lovely to see you back, although you have been through some terrible times I hope there are happier times ahead for you. You definitely haven't lost your artistic talent - that doodly octopus is totally gorgeous - I'm sure your friend will be thrilled to bits with it. Have a great week. Annie C #17
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Annie! Yes, I know there are certainly happier times ahead. I've made it a habit to not look behind, but look forward to the prize!! Thanks for the sweet comment about my Octo! I had a ball making him! Thanks so much for stopping in and many blessings! :)
DeleteOh Felicia, it is so good to see you back. So, so sorry to hear about your terrible 2019, but so glad that you had lots of love and support through the difficulties. Your inky octopus looks amazing and I look forward to seeing the finished piece. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #2
ReplyDeleteSarah, thank you so much ma'am!!!! Yes, my support made ALLLL the difference!! Thanks for your comment on my Octo and hope to post the finished piece next week! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop in! Blessings to you! :)
DeleteOh my goodness - what a couple of years!
ReplyDeleteI love your inky octopus and look forward to seeing its completion - and teh other project...
Happy Woyww! Susan #14
Susan, thank you so much!!! I had fun with that Octo and hope to post the finished product next week! Thanks for stopping in! Blessings!
DeleteHello Felicia, I don't remember you but its great you are back to crafting and lovely work it is to, I hope all your troubles from the past stay there and you have a great future,
ReplyDeleteLilian B #10
Lillian, not a problem, it's been a minute since I have been around, so....out of sight out of mind! LOLOL Yes, I like to let the past stay in the past, keep the good memories and move forward to new journey's! You are so sweet for stopping in and I thank you so much!! Blessings to you! :)
DeleteSo nice to welcome a past blogger back to WOYWW, it's the kind of place where we all know if we disappear for whatever reason we know there will be friendly words from every one of the followers there.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about all the troubles you have had to face over the past two years. The death of a beloved parent is bad enough but on top of that the break up of a marriage and the illness diagnosis's is terrible. But you have weathered the storm and come out the other side now and your artwork will help I am sure.
I just love the drawing you are in the midst of and I hope we get to see a photo of it when it is completed and ready to be sent off to the lucky friend.
Just remember we are all here and hope to see you next week.
Gentle Hugs, Neet 7 xx
Neet, thank you, thank you so much for your sweet encouraging words! I COMPLETELY agree with you!! One of the MANY reasons why I love art and the art community! It seems that no matter which community I decide to take part in, EVERYONE is the same.....just loving and supportive of your art and ready to be a friend!! I wish we could all be in one room and just have an art party!! Art people are the best!! Thank you for your encouraging words about my Octo as well and I hope to post the finished piece next week!! Thanks again for stopping in! Blessings! :)
DeleteSo sorry to hear you have been through a rough two years. Having lost both my parents I can sympathise with you about your father. I pray that you are out of the dark tunnel and life is getting better for you. Angela #23
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Angela!! The thing about tunnels, is they have a beginning and and end.....yes, I believe I have come through victoriously out of that dark tunnel! Father God held me every step of the way and I am so thankful!! I am more blessed than I can express! Thank you so much for stopping in! Blessings to you! :)
DeleteHi Felicia, lovely to see you back, and so good to hear that you are leaving your troubled times behind you and facing the future with such a strong and positive attitude. I am loving your beautiful octopus and I'm sure getting back into the world of art and craft will bring you a lot of joy and comfort - it has certainly helped me through some very difficult times in the past.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your visit earlier, sorry I'm late getting round,
Diana x #22
well wow! Firstly its nice to 'meet' you and good grief, you've had quite a torrent of challenges. Glad to hear you have come out the other side of it all. The octopus is stunning, that looks very tricky but so intricate.
ReplyDeleteEllie #30