Praying Girl Designs

Three Little Piggies

2011-03-03T23:01:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, I bid on these three little piggies at a silent auction. I put them away and forgot about them until last night when I found them in a drawer. I remember now why I bid on these piggies. They make me smile. That's it. That's all. They just make me smile. I think I'll leave them out for a while and then I'll retire them back to a drawer until some day when I run across them again. They'll make me smile all over again.

Happy Smiling Thursday Night,

Eggs and Jelly

2011-03-02T20:12:00.004-06:00

I got to visit with my friend Beth this week. Remember, she has chickens that lay Easter Egg colored eggs?

She surprised me with these beautiful eggs. Beth is going to help me pick out some baby chicks so that I can have my own pet Easter Egger chickens. This is going to be a new adventure. Wonder what Hambo Rambo is going to say?

Easter Eggs

My friend Beth also brought me a another gift...
homemade Apricot jelly. YUMMY!
She said, "The eggs and apricot jelly are my
Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Groundhog's Day/
Lincoln & Washington Birthday gift to you!"

Life is so much richer with friends, especially those like Beth!

Happy Wednesday,
PG

Beginnings

2011-03-01T00:02:00.002-06:00

I'm beginning two new paintings. The canvases have been textured and primed. I am ready to begin. I feel a bit of trepidtion as I ponder how I want to begin. I will pray and then wait. The inspiration will come. God is good. He directs, I respond. It's a process. It always is. As I've always said, "Painting is an outward expression of an inward emotion." It's just just the beginning.

The canvases await.

PG

P.S. Oh, I joined a gym today. We'll see how long my exercise regime lasts! Hopefully, I'll be fit and slim in no time. Dream on...

An Anniversary Trip

2011-02-27T20:00:00.001-06:00

Hambo Rambo and I are a pretty low-key type of couple. We enjoy getting to the country so it's not unusual for us to take off to the woods for our anniversary. We had a wonderful drive to Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas and stayed in a rustic cabin. It was fun. We went into Fayetteville and ordered a couple of dinners to go (my man didn't want me to cook!) and came back to the cabin, opened a bottle of Tuaca and enjoyed a quiet evening. When you've been married 39 years, it's nice to get away for just some alone time! Yes, we're still in love after all these years.

Cabin #17! It was split level which was quite a surprise.

Hambo Rambo creating a beautiful fire.

Beautiful while it lasted.

Morning coffe on the veranda. OK, on the rock patio.

I made coffee for my man.

A pretty waterfall on our way out of the park.

It was a sweet weekend. Thank you, Hambo Rambo for 39 wonderful years.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Glory Sunset

2011-02-25T19:30:00.000-06:00

Glory Sunset
Acrylic Abstract Painting
11" x 14"

There's a hill near our home that I sometimes traverse at sunset. When I top the hill in the late afternoon, the sunset covers the horizon. I always want to pull off the road and just watch as a multitude of glorious colors fill the sky. It's a blazing display that takes my breath away. Glory Sunset painting is my feeble attempt at expressing my gratitude to God for showing me this extraordinary display of His magnificence.

May you enjoy many glorious sunsets,
PG

Painting is an outward expression of an inward emotion.copyright 2010 Donna Ham

Spring Filing

2011-02-24T22:37:00.004-06:00

This is Spring, my loyal companion. I rescued her on the first day of Spring several years ago and naming her Spring just seemed appropriate.

I thought putting all of my filing in pretty boxes would make sorting through my taxes easier. I was WRONG! However, the boxes are pretty.

When I asked Spring to help me with my taxes, this was her response.

Spring filing? Not likely. She's loyal, but not that loyal.

I love Spring even if she isn't going to help me with my taxes. I'm going to close my eyes, too, and think about taxes tomorrow.

Nighty night,

Oh My Aching Back

2011-02-22T12:42:00.000-06:00

I picked up too many heavy objects over the weekend and hurt my poor little old back. I spent yesterday at home on a heating pad and took many pain blocking pills. Today, I had to trek back to work. My office is the last office in the building, so it was a long, long walk. I was so glad I had cleaned my office on Friday before I left for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Lawton.

At the end of the hall, turn left. My office is
the last one before exiting the back of the building. It doesn't look so far, but
with a huge pain in my back, it was a long way...believe me!

That's my desk, and yes, I painted that picture on the wall.
I have nice windows that look out onto the parking lot. Since
my office is below ground level, I can see underneath any
car that happens to park outside my window. Lovely!

Here's my workspace. And, yes, I painted the little birds hanging on the wall. The doll hanging to the right of the pictures is a gift from a group of teachers from Russia. The doll on the lamp shade was a gift brought back to me from my boss who attended the 2008 Special Olympics World Games in China. The numbers
on the legal pad are the the kajillion photos taken at the Lawton Polar Plunge that I want to
include on the Special Olympics Oklahoma Flickr account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55010642@N06/sets/72157626111308096/

That's the tour. I will be taking more pain pills at lunch, so the posting today may be a little awkward, to say the least.

Happy (hurting) Tuesday,
PG

Elliott Came To Visit

2011-02-18T10:35:00.001-06:00

I work with Jennifer. Elliott, her little boy dropped by the office for a visit today. What a joy!

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Gone Fishing

2011-02-17T14:25:00.001-06:00

I've been at a Special Olympics meeting in Stillwater all morning and then lunch with our friends at Eskimo Joe's.

We're on our way back to the office and just went over Keystone Lake. It's 78 degrees and beautiful. Makes me want to go fishing. I may have to take the rest of the day off.

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He Speaks Roses To Me

2011-02-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

Hambo Rambo is my pet name for my husband. He's a macho-type man who works hard, gets his hands dirty, works on cars and is a tough guy. Not being a sensitive man, he always amazes me that he gets it that I love red roses. He does! Yes, I'm not kidding. Every year on Valentine's Day, our anniversary and my birthday, he sends me red roses. Sometimes he sends a dozen, other times it's just one and occasionally he really makes a statement with two or three dozen. (That's probably when roses are on sale!)

A long time ago, I decided to never say "Oh, you shouldn't have." Instead, I just shower him with thank yous and kisses. When he speaks "roses" to me, he speaks love and I accept.

The roses he sent this year on Valentine's Day are just now opening up. Ah, these are beautiful, brilliant red roses. My favorite. All I can say is, "Honey, speak roses to me."

I love it when he speaks roses to me!

Happy Wednesday night,
PG

I'm Thinkin' Easter Eggs

2011-02-14T20:56:00.000-06:00

My friend Beth has the neatest pets. She lives in the city limits and raises pretty chickens. These are special chickens who lay Easter colored eggs. I was worried about her babies because of the 2011 blizzard that hit Oklahoma over the last two weeks. I received an email from Beth that the chickens survived but got a bit of frostbite on their combs. Who knew? Chickens can get frostbite!

Anyway, these beauties are still laying eggs. I'm going to visit with Beth on Wednesday and she's going to bring me some Easter eggs. Thank goodness the chickens are fine and the eggs are delicious. I can't wait.

Beth's Chickens
Yes, that's snow!
Cluck, cluck.

Happy Monday Night,
PG

A Snow Cave

2011-02-13T16:39:00.000-06:00

After the 2011 snow blizzard that hit Oklahoma, it's 54 degrees today. Much snow still covers the ground so Hunter decided to build a snow cave today. There's nothing like playing in the snow in your shirtsleeves!

Ah, the incredible imagination of a 10-year old.

Happy Sunday,

Joslyn is a Hard Worker

2011-02-10T17:59:00.000-06:00

Working Hard

Moving that snow...

Job well done...that's 2 thumbs up!

Joslyn, my little neighbor was out shoveling the snow this evening when I arrived home. Isn't she darling?!

Happy Thursday,
PG

Glory Paintings

2011-02-09T15:44:00.000-06:00

We're covered in snow in Tulsa, Oklahoma and they closed the office again today. Instead of being bored, I've been extremely busy painting, painting, painting. Here are a few of my latest creations. I'm in love with the watercolor effect on the textured canvas, and I'm really enjoying the creative experience. Everything's so white outstide here that I'm adding a punch of color in my studio with these paintings. Fun, but I'm ready not to be so cold!

Glory 1

8" x 10" Abstract Acrylic

Glory 2

8" x 10" Abstract Acrylic

Glory 3
9" x 11" Abstract Acrylic

Glory 4
11" x 14" Abstract Acrylic

Happy Wednesday,

Praying Girl

Foster Puppies

2011-02-07T00:19:00.000-06:00

I was archiving some old photos today and ran across this photo. I had forgotten these little ones, but seeing this image brought back a flood of happy memories. The local animal shelter asked me foster these puppies until they were old enough to adopt into good homes. I fed them and bathed them and fell madly in love with them. It was hard to give them up, but I eventually found each one a good home. I interviewed each potential family until I found the perfect match for Butterbean, Cowboy and Abby.

I just wanted you to know that I don't just take photos of my grandkids!

Butterbean (He was a little butterball and the color of butterbeans. Voila...Butterbean)

Cowboy (He looked as if he was wearing chaps and he had freckles.)

Abby (The only female, but she was one scrappy little girl and kept the boys in line.)

Sweet, sweet babies. They're six years old now. Man does time fly by. It seems just like yesterday.

Good night,

Praying Girl

Happy Papa, Happy Baby

2011-02-06T08:53:00.000-06:00

Vic and Zalena

My favorite photo!

Happy posting,

Show Me Your Glory New Paintings

2011-02-05T14:10:00.000-06:00

I just finished two new abstract paintings.
Show Me Your Glory
24" x 20" canvases
Abstract Acrylic

The inspiration for these two paintings was the lyrics of the song "Show Me Your Glory" by Third Day.

Caught a glimpse of Your splendor

In the corner of my eye.

The most beautiful thing

I've ever seen.

And it was like a flash of lightning

Reflected off the sky

And I know

I'll never be the same.

Show me Your Glory

Send down your presence

I wanna see Your Face.

A video with the words: http://tinyurl.com/4ugx499

Third Day: http://www.thirdday.com/

Praying Girl

Yard Gnome

2011-02-04T12:07:00.001-06:00

It's snowing again in Tulsa. My little ceramic cat has taken on an alternate personality. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Praying Girl

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Ready To Paint

2011-02-03T15:50:00.001-06:00

I'm ready to paint as soon as "For Whom The Bell Tolls" is over. It's at the exciting climax. Soon, I'll be back in my studio with all of my canvases. They are calling to me.

Praying Girl

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For Whom The Bell Tolls

2011-02-03T15:38:00.001-06:00

Watching old movie with Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper. Why oh why can't they make love stories like that anymore?

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Cricket Pizza Anyone?

2011-01-20T16:50:00.000-06:00

Snapped this photo at 61st & Mingo. I think the sign company really didn't give this enough thought.

Praying Girl

Butterfly

2011-01-20T10:20:00.000-06:00

Butterfly
4 ft. x 6 ft.
Acrylic on canvas

Created this painting for my daughter before the birth of her baby on January 3, 2011. This is the largest painting I have ever attempted. It is very textured.

Praying Girl

She's Here

2011-01-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

Zalena Isabella

Born January 3, 2011

7 lbs. 7 oz.

PERFECT!!!!

Alysia and Zalena, one of her first photos.

The happy new family!

Hunter and Zelena, his baby sister.

Uncle Chris and Zalena

Papa

Hunter

Mimi finally gets to hold her new grandbaby!

I had to wait until everyone else got to hold her, but she's mine now!

She's absolutely beautiful. I have to tell the story of her name. A few weeks before the baby was born, Alysia and Ulf were discussing what to name the baby. Alysia asked her husband if he liked the name Salena. With his German accent, he said, "Yes, I like the name Zalena." There you have it. Hunter has already nicknamed the little darling, "Z-Z". Love it, love her.

Praying Girl

Cash Only - Get A Horse

2010-11-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

It isn't often that a "cash only" sign appears. Usually, this sign indicates that the computers have crashed. On Sunday, my husband and I happened upon this sign being applied with tape to the door to our local QuikTrip. What was interesting was the utter chaos and fear that this seemingly innocuous sign created in the few customers who had already filled up their vehicle with varying amounts of gasoline. "What do I do now?" said a woman. She was quite frustrated and upset. She had NO cash! The ATM was not operating, and she had no way of paying her bill. Eventually, the young people running the store sent her on her way with an IOU (hand written on a piece of paper).

I started thinking about how exciting technology is. Exciting, that is, until it breaks down. People just don't know what to do. This reminded me of an old expression. This expression came about when the automobile came on the scene as the latest technological gadget. Those who couldn't catch up with the forward thinkers quickly yelled at those broken down at the side of the road, "Get a horse!"

Sometimes I, too, feel like those fossils when things comes screeching to a halt because the computers go down, even for a few minutes. It's easy at those times to feel the stress of trying to keep up with the Age of Technology! It's funny how basic things really never change. So, for now, I plan to continue to carry a little pocket money so I don't do a tailspin when I see a sign that reads, "CASH ONLY." It's my own way of saying, "Get a horse!"

Just Walking Through the Capitol

2010-09-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry with Special
Olympics Oklahoma athletes' Chris Paynter,
Blake Reynolds and Heather Hancock.
Governor Henry presented the athletes
with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day
Proclamation for September 25, 2010.
The athletes presented the Governor with
a Special Olympics Oklahoma shirt.

I was at the Oklahoma Capitol last week for a meeting with Governor Brad Henry. He was presenting Special Olympics Oklahoma with a proclamation for Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, September 25, 2010.

After the presentation, I was walking through the Capitol and took a few minutes to take some photos of the dome, the front of the Capitol and the Hall of Governors.

This is the inside of the dome. I thought it made
an extremely interesting geometrical photo.

Taking this photo brought back a funny memory...
This is the hall of Governors "past". Years ago, my friend Kay
and I came to the Capitol on a Saturday with my husband's
Boy Scout troop. While they were off touring the building, Kay
and I ended up in this hall. She started doing pirouettes down
the hall. I followed her doing the same. Now, we can always
say that we danced before the governors! I'm sure the guys
on the security cameras that day got quite a laugh. But,
no one can laugh with me better than my friend Kay.

You're NOT a Nobody

2010-08-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

I work part time on my artistic endeavors; but, I work full time at Special Olympics Oklahoma. Last week, Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes were invited to come to a closed practice of the OU Sooners in Norman for an autograph session. The Special Olympics athletes were having a good time meeting the players and getting autographs. Toward the end of our time with the Sooners, one of the Special Olympics athletes turned to me and asked me to sign her football. I laughed and said, "Oh, honey, I'm just a nobody." One of the young OU players overheard this and looked me in the eyes and said, "Oh, no, no, no...you are not a nobody." I laughed and took my Sharpie with the lid on, and signed her football with invisible ink. The OU athlete smiled.

Later, what he said really stuck in my head. I hadn't really meant I was a "nobody" in general, just in that setting. However, I thought about how important it is that in every setting "I'm NOT a nobody." That young football player has his OU football season ahead of him and all that that entails. However, he has the right frame of mind. Unfortunately, I didn't know this young player or catch the significance of looking at his jersey number. I was just caught up in the moment. He touched my life profoundly, though, by reminding me that we are all equally important and that "I am NOT a nobody."

I pray for great success in this young man's future. He's grounded in what's important. OU has invited Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes for special autograph sessions every year for many years. This year, I was impressed that although these student athletes had just spent a long time practicing in the heat, they and Coach Stoops took the time to come to the sidelines, greet a bunch of Special Olympics athletes, sign autographs, pose for photos and treat each Special Olympics athlete with respect. With their actions, the OU Sooners were saying to all of us, "You are NOT a Nobody."

BOOMER SOONERS!

PG

Pretty New Green Things

2010-08-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

It's been so hot in Oklahoma in August, that we wanted to bring a little green into our shop. We just added a lot of new hand wrapped rings in our Etsy shop. And, following the "green" theme, we've created some new hand painted and designed gift boxes, too.

Pretty soon it will be time to start designing for Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Cooler weather will be here soon. Thank goodness!

Luscious, Delicious, Gorgeous PURPLE Wonderland

2010-08-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

One of my hand designed gift boxes was featured in an Etsy Treasury yesterday.

I feel like a celebrity!

Check out all of the other pretty purple and indigo items that were also featured in the Wonderland..Wow...Stunning treasury by following this link. http://tinyurl.com/2fmbkc8 Get ready to enter a fairy-tale WONDERLAND. Get ready to say, "WOW." Get ready to breathe in the word, "Stunning!"

OK, so I like a little drama. What girl doesn't? (Intense color...DRAMA!)

PG

P.S. Perhaps I should have said I like a LOT of DRAMA!

Fun Etsy Site

2010-08-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

I found the cutest shop on Etsy today. Quilt Sew Cover Covers for Books and More. The item that caught my eye was a Cats Paperback Book Cover. Love, love, love this design and it's very affordable. Just $9. What a good gift idea.

Since I just lost my precious little Pouncer last week, this site brought a cheery smile to my face. And, if you look at my blog, you will realize that I'm a nut for color!

Check out her shop. Quilt Sew Cover. If you like sweet little gifts for $20 or less, this is a nice place to shop.

Of course, the little Cat Book Cover now belongs to me, but she has a lot of other cute items.

PG

Selecting Stones

2010-08-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

Selecting stones at The Dam Store when leaving Estes Park. We all had a great time on our Colorado adventure. We're all back in Oklahoma. We're suffering with 105 degrees today. We'll be making some new creations with the treasures we found on our vacation because, basically, it's just too darn hot to go outside!

PG

I Had To Say Goodbye Today

2010-08-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

I found this pitiful kitten 15 years ago. She was shivering and soaking wet hiding under a car. She wrapped herself around my heartstrings immediately. She's been my constant companion ever since. It was time for her to rest, but it just came too, too soon. I will miss her.

To my little Pouncer Cat:
I pray God gives you plenty of Tuna to eat, robust chin scratches, a warm fluffy bed on a pedestal, a beautiful yard to explore with plenty of green luscious grass to munch on, fluttering butterflies to chase, a glorious sunrise and a gentle sunset. I shall miss you my sweet, sweet girl. Until we see each other again. Goodbye.

Dear God:

Thank you for bringing Pouncer to me and enriching my life. We had a wonderful time together. Please take care of her now. I know she will make you smile.

Amen,

Praying Girl

It's Too Hot

2010-07-24T02:05:00.000-05:00

It's too hot in Oklahoma to do much of anything outside. Alysia's been busy working inside on new rings for the store. Staying inside, staying cool.

These are two of my favorites. We'll be adding these to our shop and many more very soon.

This one's called Candy and it looks good enough to eat!

Proud as a Peacock

2010-07-23T00:18:00.000-05:00

I love Peacocks and their magnificent feathers. They are an exceptionally beautiful bird. "The pride of the peacock is the glory of God," a quote by William Blake. I don't know if I totally agree with Blake, but it's an intriguing thought none the less.

Some interesting people I knew a long time ago kept Peacocks as watchdogs. When I visited, I found out very quickly that they (the Peacocks, not the people)make a horrible noise.

Later in life, I took an online art course. The artist lived in the country and he had Peacocks. They (again the Peacocks, not the artist) were making noise all through the lessons. After a while, I just got used to that noise. It's hard to describe, but they definitely get your attention.

If I ever get my dream cottage in the woods, I'm going to have Peacocks as pets. In the meantime, I'm using Peacock feathers in some of my jewelry gift box designs. I really love the bright iridescent colors. In my opinion, and I have a lot of opinions, rich turquoise and deep purple are just natural colors to group with the Peacock feathers. Perhaps I like these feathers because the Peacock appears to be a very proud and arrogant bird. That pretty much sums me up, too. I'm not too "proud" that I'm proud, but it's the truth. I'm always waiting to fall off my perch! Now that would be a horrendous sound (that would be me, not the Peacocks).

PG

Bubbles of Color

2010-07-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

Just when I least expect it, I find glorious colors in the simplest things. I was at a child's birthday party Sunday, and the kids had left their bottles of bubbles outside. The bright colors just caught my eye.

A new inspiration for a new jewelry gift box. I just love these bright colors--red, green, orange and blue.

The photo that I took just brings a smile to my face. I can hear the laughter of the children playing in the yard, the splashing water, the sunshine. Isn't it funny where we find inspiration for art? The process always amazes me.

PG

Can't Sleep

2010-07-19T01:08:00.000-05:00

I fell asleep on the couch around 8:30 p.m. My husband woke me up around 9:00 p.m. I got up from the couch, walked the short distance to the bedroom and settled in for a good night's sleep. Well, that was the plan anyway. After an hour of tossing and turning, I finally just got up.

The body is tired, but the brain just won't shut down. Where's the "sleep" switch? It's now three hours later and I'm still wide awake. If I go to bed now, I might get in five hours of rest before I have to start the new work week. At least the dog has sympathy for me. She's at my feet just staring at me. STARING AT ME! Now, that gives me the creeps. I suppose she has insomnia, too, BUT QUIT STARING AT ME!

I wish i s;dgsdfu, you know .a.....a um get sleepyyyyyyyys....zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Think On Top of the Box

2010-07-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

I've always been one who likes to "think outside of the box," coming up with new ideas. After seeing some of my daughter's jewelry designs, I decided to change my tact and "think ON TOP of the Box." I've been creating like crazy on top of jewelry gift boxes ever since.

I paint the boxes with acrylic paint, then put a nice laquered finish on them with varnish. Then the FUN begins. I start creating unique designs for each one of the boxes. "Daylight" is my latest creation. I fastened elongated beads to the top of the box and then added some feathers so it looks like a flower. Then I attached some blue glass beads threaded on wire in a spiral in the middle. What a delight it is to see the final results.

These feathers just happen to be Mallard duck feathers. I've started playing with designs using different types of feathers and the results are beautiful. Just wait until you see the ones I've created with Peacock feathers!

I can't wait to get home from work every day so I can start working on new designs. There's no limit to what my imagination can come up with. I'm having a blast!

PG