Samara's World

I'm sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I have no excuse!! Today, my drawing is inspired by a very special person in my life: my little sister Samara. Samara is quite the little artist. I say 'little artist,' because she is only ten years old (and thus....little.) But, her talent is by no means little. The other day, she was doodling while the family was spending time together. I noticed that many of her drawings had this cool design. She uses the pattern to make her flowers. I thought it was very creative and cute, so I decided to steal the idea and make it into a tree. (She doesn't have a copyright, so I assume that's ok.) Anyways, here is the whimsical result. Thanks Samara!

p.s. I also absolutely love and adore my other sisters: Katelynn and Ailah. You also inspire me, and perhaps someday I will post a drawing that shows a little of you as well. I'm thinking it might have to involve One Direction or My Little Pony. Or perhaps Legos. The possibilities are endless!

Bird's Eye View

 

This drawing has no deep meaning really. I simply saw some birds on a wire the other day, and the image stuck with me. They are so darn cute! And I suppose I am a bit jealous of them at times. Their lives seem so simple. They just flutter about, landing where they please. Heck, they even relieve themselves wherever they please (including my hair...long story.) Not only are they free spirits, but they are also generous little folks, regurgitating their grub for the little ones in the community. How sweet. And, did I mention how environmentally friendly they are?! Spreading seeds to ensure saplings for their future generations. Wow. But, the thing that REALLY gets me is their mode of transportation. When was the last time you flapped your arms around and took flight across town? Some of us have to WALK for a living. Darn birds. Anyways, I felt it necessary to transport the image from my brain onto paper. I had to get it out of my head. The jealousy was beginning to consume me. Not good. Drawing and easing my conscience all at the same time. Killing two birds with one stone, if you may. (Sorry...I couldn't resist.)

Playing Dress-Up

 

Raise your hand if you ever feel like you are simply a child playing DRESS-UP in this big, grown-up world. I often feel like I am merely posing as an adult who has it all together. Balancing on a TIGHT-ROPE of uncertainty. Trying not to let people see the inner-CHILD that is straining to burst free. Well, guess what: I know that I'm not alone! We are all just big kids stumbling through this life.

 

We will FALL. We will reach out for that hot stove despite the warnings. We will get ROUGHED UP a bit. We might even eat a worm here or there. BUT, it is important how you embrace this journey. When you fall, PICK YOURSELF UP again. When you get burned, LEARN from it. When things get rough, KEEP WALKING TALL. When you eat the occasional worm, just LAUGH AT YOURSELF (and perhaps switch to the gummy kind in the future...) Oh, and don't be afraid to let people see the inner-child shine through!

 

Honesty, Vulnerability, Curiosity, Humility, Eagerness and Laughter are excellent qualities to have.

 

PLUS, kids have more FUN!!

Look beyond yourself.

 

I drew this picture while I was in church on Sunday. (Don't tell my pastor...I was listening while I doodled. Promise.) Anyways, I had been a little down that morning. I kept worrying about my future, feeling guilty about my present, and wishing for my past. I was totally focused on ME and my issues. I think this is common for many of us. When we focus so much on ourselves, we tend to feel defeated. Nothing is going to be good enough. Nothing that we can do will satisfy us or leave us feeling whole.

As I was busy feeling sorry for myself on the way to church that morning, I took a minute to look up. I was driving towards the mountains and noticed the sun peering out behind them. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so focused on myself and the road in front of me, that I neglected to look beyond. I neglected to look towards God. The only One that can truly satisfy, love unconditionally and heal completely. He is my true hope. Once I was reminded of this truth, I was able to find that awesome ray of hope that only God can muster up. It gave me strength and perspective.

When we look beyond ourselves, we can see so much more than we ever asked for. That is why I drew this. As a reminder to look beyond yourself to find the true joy and hope that you seek. The world looks a little sweeter when you look up. I guarantee it.

The Little Things

 

I often obsess over the BIG picture of my life. What am I meant to do? What will my future hold? But, sometimes it's about the smaller picture. Taking every day as it comes. Stumbling through the confusion and uncertainty. Allowing yourself to be guided by the light that hope provides. Taking time to notice the small things. It is easy to miss out on a simple gesture, smile or sunset. When we piece these little things together, we get a beautiful picture that we couldn't possibly imagine on our own.