Van Gogh!

Recently, in my "Inspired by the Masters" workshop, we studied the life and style of Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by the painting above, we looked at our own vase of sunflowers and created large-scale paintings using bright colors and distinct brush-strokes. We also used the technique of "impasto" by thickening our paint with a little bit of flour. Beautiful. 

Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, 

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Giving thanks, for - 

-sweater weather

- fresh bread

- saturday morning strolls

- Chris at the bakery

- farm days

- Levi's intense gazes

- a new sling and him so close

- a beautiful evening service

- a tiny art class and their enthusiasm

- playtime

- reading time with Grampy...

This Moment - "just-for-dad" smile

{this moment} - A Friday ritual

Joining with SouleMama

a little somethin' for the babes

Blustery weather and slowly changing leaves always give me an itch to knit. An autumn weekend retreat felt like the perfect time to dig out my sadly summer-neglected yarn and needles again. 

I thought that it might be fitting to make something special for Levi and his cousin, Caroline, in honor of them meeting for the first time. I scoured my favorite free knitting pattern sites and finally found an adorable pattern for sun hats that seemed appropriate for both little boys AND little girls.  

Of course, I came up with this whole idea the night before we left for the weekend, but thanks to naps, long car rides, friends' welcoming arms, and a little encouragement, I finished their matching hats just in time!

beautiful cousin Caroline...

and handsome little Levi

Friend Retreat 2011 - Bantum Lake, Connecticut

A cozy cabin, a reunion of the dearest of friends, warm fall days, sweet baby cousins, precarious sunfish sails and rescues(and repeat), friendship bracelets and matching hats, early morning knitting, neck-in-neck Settlers of Catan, hilarious rounds of "Psychiatrist", baby in a hammock, birthday cupcakes for all, Awkward Family Photos, homemade mysteries, warm hugs, hearty meals and deep chuckles, all to the tune of a banjo and a ukelele.  

..just some memories I'll always keep from Friend Retreat 2011...

(photo by Brenna)

(photo by Rachel)

'till next year, no?

A Brian-ism: On Poverty

*Please don't worry people, I was being a bit dramatic. :)*

unveil Thy beauties

Thou lovely source of true delight
Whom I unseen adore
Unveil Thy beauties to my sight
That I might love Thee more,
Oh that I might love Thee more.
- Anne Steele "Thou Lovely Source of True Delight"




Thankful, for 

- a weekend away with friends

- beautiful fall weather

- Little Evan, finding Levi's "nose", and rocking him to sleep
- my boys' warm bodies on chilly nights
- students exclamations of realizations
- Levi's noises - happy, sad, confused, excited - each and every.
- every single sweet smile
- autumn walks around Salem and the hustle and bustle of the city in October.
- beauties, unveiled
- this handsome boy and his developing personality..