The Trailing Horse on "First Race of Spring" Equine Art Wild Mustang Oil Painting Horses Racing by Texas Aritst Laurie Pace

The Trailing Horse on "First Race of Spring"

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is the final horse that trails in the Painting on the Easel.  I love his colors and how he just emerges from the pulls of paint.

The Thought:   Win or Lose...How do you play the game each day?


This morning I received my morning thought from Neale Donald Walsch.   It started out with:
"That if you think you have nothing to lose, you win.  If you think you have something to win, you lose."


That is a pretty heavy thought.  Every day as we rise from bed those squirrels beginning running on the treadmills in our brains planning out our steps for the day and our goals and what we have to have done.  We begin the day either motivated or not.  Isn't that correct?  Some days you just do not want to climb out of bed at all...and then other days you want to conquer all that you have on your list.  


What exactly are you doing right now to "win" the game of life?  What plans are you working to either avoid loss or to achieve gain? For instance,  I lose out trying desperately to pay off college loans from our youngest son and be done with owing anything to anyone.  I waste time and energy battling this every day.   If  I stay in this mindset I am actually 'playing' the game of life, not living it.  Living life is about being in the moment that I have talked a bunch about this month. It is not a win or lose situation.   So how can you win at life? 


Exactly what are you doing to live?  Hopefully you will realize there is no true reason to do things to gain or win at life.  In the same breath there is no way to avoid personal loss.  Neale believe it is the simple matter of authenticity. The authenticity of this moment. 
What is real is in this moment that defines you,  this instance, even while you are reading.  This moment that defines your gifts and how you are using them this day to serve God.  God is not win or lose... He is totally in the NOW of HOW you live to make this moment and this day count.

Laurie

 "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:4-9

Beginnings of "First Spring Race" Equine Abstract Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Bits and pieces of Current Painting on the Easel
"First Spring Run"

24 x 36  Acrylic on Canvas

Watch for the rest of the painting over the next few days...
This is one of the four horses on the painting.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This is just a small glimpse of what I am working on right now.   It is a brilliant painting shot full of color and thick layers of acrylic.

The Thought:  This morning we were up early in the hot tub again...before dawn and enjoying the sunrise.  Retirement is pretty nice so far!  What comes next today is in His Hands.


Have you ever heard the expression,  Are you on the fast track?  What exactly does that mean in today's world?  


One ad I saw was referring to fast track of personal fulfillment.  Another was parking at the airport...and yet another was how to "fast track' your fund raising.  Those are but a few things coming up in my internet search.  How do you compete in today's world in the work place, in the market, at home or even driving from place to place?  One of my favorites is the fast track to understanding the web and computers.  I am laughing.


How can you be on the fast track with God? One article in the Chicago paper was 'Serving God on the Fast track.'  This meant fasting...like not eating.  It was comparing the fasting of Moses and Jesus to the fasting of people in today's world... yep, on the Fast Track with God as they go day by day with out food...praying and fasting as they move closer to God.  Good site to read about this:  http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/spiritualfasting.htm


Another website for a church spoke of the fast track to God being the ONLY road to God, through Jesus to the Father... that is their 'fast track' in spirituality.  And still another site spoke of a Fast Track to Sainthood under Pope John Paul II.  He elevated 483 individuals to sainthood, more saints than any other pope. 


How would you describe the Fast Track in your life?  What are you on the fast track to right now? What is your destination and your goal? How hard are you working at achieving it?  Finally, is it a fast track to God?  Is He part of your plans?


Laurie

"When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water." Deuteronomy 9:9

'Red Tulips' and a Canvas Blocking for a Painting of Appaloosa Horses by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Red Tulips'

16 x 20  Oil on Canvas

Sold 

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This is an old piece from 2003 or 2004.    I painted today on some commissions pieces...here is a sketch of the 4 ft by 5 ft. but have nothing in color to share.

The Thought:   Okay, try this one... You are safe with the Daddy....


Terry and I were outside together working. He was working and I was moral support and leaning against a pole to keep it from falling.  He is putting up a new pole for DISH Satellite.  We have been with out TV since April 3rd.  Life is just not quite the same.


As I was leaning against this tall pole as he was tightening brackets...I noted there were seven Daddy long legs on the brick by our bedroom windows.  I was admiring them remembering back to summer camp in New Braunfels TX... church camp on the Guadalupe River,  Slumber Falls. There were Daddy Long Legs  everywhere.  Huge clusters of long legs in every direction.


As I was leaning and laughing about the moving cluster of legs... Terry said quietly... The Daddy is safe...meaning the bugs were good spiders.  But in that instant of his calm quiet words... I felt the presence of the Father.  Daddy is indeed safe.  With  God the Father we are safe always. 


Taking this a step further, you know I am in prayer this week on direction with this fluctuating economy.  I continue to pray for direction and several times today found myself lifting my left hand up as if to touch God's hand... out of nowhere... and then feeling warmth spread through my fingers and up my arm releasing a calmness.  Daddy is indeed safe.  The Father will keep us safe at all times. It is ours to believe and follow Him with open hearts and minds.  I think I already have my answer.  It is the scary path for sure, full of the unknown to me, but one that He has chartered for my journey.


My dear sister of the heart, Jan, the wonderful friend that keeps me level...wrote a fantastic blog entry this past week and I want to share it with you but I can't as it is a private blog. I will see if I can condense the story for tomorrow...or get her to do it!






It is so clear how God guides our lives if we just stay still and listen.


Laurie


"“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”- Luke 19:10

'Call of the Wild Mustang' Equine Horse Art Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Call of the Wild Mustang'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie
 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This one was painted last month and was suppose to ship to the Denver show... I sent The Answer to the Call of the Wild instead... so this one is still available to purchase.

The Thought:  The Call ... humm, wonder why my brain went there with this one?  There are many times in our lives we are moved to action by something.  What motivates you? What makes  you go after something?  God already knows that, and He is constantly putting things out there for you, but are you answering the call?

My Daddy would tell me to make a list before I answered the call.  My mother would tell me to follow my heart.  There is more risk following my heart but the journey has been incredible. God wants us to take the risk and simply believe in HIM and follow the call.   It is pretty simple and truly with out risk.  I guess it seems risky if you can't let go of things.

Are you following your calling right now in your job or your life?  I am tempted right now to return to teaching as it seems like it might be the right thing to do as we are now retired and I still must continue to bring in income for a few more years.  Is God directing this 'call' or am I not trusting He will provide with my art?  This is a public declaration of the decision I have to make in the next week to apply for open teaching positions or to have faith in my ability to market and sell my art.  My heart says... stay with the art, follow the gifts He has given...but my Dad would say,  "You are a teacher, a good teacher...stability, predictable income and health insurance are important. Your teaching is a gift as well." 


What are you doing with your life? Do you have clarity as to your path ahead? Are you seizing the moment that God has provided to use those gifts?


Laurie
"They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith." Acts 14:22

Block up painting of Flowers by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

Block up of flowers of the easel...

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is another BLOCK up prep canvas of something to come.  Hydrangea of course.

The Thought:  It was a long day yesterday and we got in pretty late with moving Terry's tools from the hanger home to the garage here in Mt Vernon. I took pictures and will try and post them on Tuesday or Wednesday morning.  


I had quite a few comments about the storm blog yesterday.  Our storm came in the middle of the night... one of those you can't see coming until you see the lightening on the horizon.  I think the scariest ones for me are the ones that come in the middle of the day. You can be out on the lake sailing like crazy and suddenly the wind dies.... it becomes deathly still and you turn around to darkness descending faster than you can turn that boat to head for shore, tacking back and forth seeking the lost wind... and suddenly the strong winds of the storm hit you and begin to toss you about.  


This reminds me more of the story in the Bible when the disciples were out on the sea and the storm came upon them.  Only Jesus could quiet those waters and that my friend is the same for you and me.


Trust in Him through every day be it sunshine or rain.

Laurie
 
"In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"  Psalm 56:11

'In Awe' Equine Horse Art Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'In Awe'

20 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Worked on this painting in the dark yesterday. Well it wasn't too dark in my painting area as it opens with six huge windows onto the backyard and the pond!  We had no electricity. It went out in the middle of the night Friday night when a huge storm came through around 2 am. Of course we were a bit unprepared for this storm and we do not have a back up generator.

The Thought:   Unprepared for the storm.  Life is good about changing constantly.  No matter how much we try to be prepared for the worst of things (way to often) we are never ready when the storms blow in for their intensity or their duration.  We are unable to prepare to handle the domino affect of strong winds, lightening, and massive amounts of rain.  Destruction, downed wires, fires from the lightening, collapsed homes, fences and downed trees from the 80-100 mph winds.  

When we went to bed on Friday night (Still with out the benefit of TV) we had no clue of the fierce storm that was approaching from the southwest of us.  We knew more rain was coming and we had experienced on and off storms all Friday. I woke up once early Saturday morning to the low rumble of thunder about 1:30 am and proceeded to fall back to sleep.  At three I was back awake hearing the BEEP BEEP BEEP of the power protectors in the study on the computers.  Terry made his way in the dark across the house to turn them off.

Saturday morning we headed into the local cafe in Mt Vernon. The sun was shining and everything was fresh and cool outside.  Our drive into town made us a bit more aware of the intensity of the storms that had pushed through.  We saw twisted signage on the road; branches, limbs and trees strewn along the 9 miles drive into town and wires draped over tree lines along the road.  


As we pulled into the cafe we were praying the wait would not be too long. The cars were doubled parked in the parking lot.  We found out as we shared our table with a single older man (Yes it was that crowded) that the power was off in four adjoining counties.  The town of Winnsboro was totally blocked off from traffic as the entire town had lost power.  Everyone had flocked into Mt Vernon for breakfast.   It was enjoyable hearing this disabled vet (about 10 years older than we are) share his personal stories of his time in the service and all the places he was stationed. 

The power stayed off until very late on Saturday night. We carted our freezer stuff over to Sheriff Paul's house and stopped off at the same cafe for dinner and dessert. (Our rule on eating out is, if we are out due to what Terry calls "a train wreck" we eat whatever we want... the stress meal.) Back at home we sat outside on the swing and I played the guitar and we watched the sunset on the lake... as we climbed back into bed weary from the day, the lights began to play ON and OFF with the power.  


It is still not 100 percent this morning as it is ON and OFF every few moments...but I have the computer on a 30 min back up power and it has been on long enough I can blog and attempt to post via the modem while power is on.


This is a long blog, but the main point is we cannot predict the storms in life.  NEVER. We can live this day and moment to the fullest but we cannot know at all what lies in the moments ahead.  We seem to run in circles taking so much for granted and wasting time trying to prepare and control the "tomorrows" in our lives...and it never goes as we plan it.  

Right now I have prayers going out for two dear families.  First, the family of my dear friend that was shot and killed two months ago.  Her mother suffered cardiac arrest two evenings ago. She is in intensive care and there is no word today.   Another friend, a dear sister of my heart,  has a brother-in-law in intensive care, surrounded by specialists for several days and not doing well as they cannot diagnose what the severe attack is in his body, brain and heart.  These storms were both unexpected.  Pray with me to support both of these families and know that I will pray for you and yours this day.


Well my power is back off again so I am not sure when this blog will post.

Laurie  

"But truly God has listened: he has given heed to the words of my prayer."  Psalm 66:19

'Collecting Shells' New York City Crystal Charity Ball Girls on the Beach Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Collecting Shells'

30 x 40  Oil on Canvas


New York Crystal Charity Ball Donation for Auction.
Raising funds for Diabetes Research. 

Contact me for commission work. Laurie
 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Easier to watch! This painting was created to raise funds for Diabetes Research.

The Thought:    Do you think it is important to take time for yourself?  Sometimes I think it should be a mantra ... 'TIME FOR ME'.  Of course that is after 'TIME FOR HIM'... and I mean time for God, not for your husband.  


I heard some country western song... btw, that is all I seem to pick up on my radio here...about a CW singer croaning out the story of 'It's all about you..."  and he wants to say it needs to be about him now as he is weary of the "all about you" syndrome of his girlfriend.   I don't know where he found that woman, but the women in my family are not that way.  We are caretakers of everyone but ourselves.  

You my dear friend, are God's child and you are His beloved.  He would want you to set aside some time for yourself to do something fun and creative...like in the painting, collecting shells at the beach or scrapbooking or something that feeds and nurtures your creativity and inner soul.  

Some of us may just need a few quiet moments to recharge.  God doesn't sit there and put conditions of His love for us.  We put enough conditions on our lives all by ourselves. Divine love comes with out strings.


Take care of yourself this weekend.  Spend time with yourself doing something fun.

Laurie  

"There for be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us."  Ephesians 5:1-2

'Appaloosa' Equine Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Appaloosa'

5 x 7  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is the finished Appaloosa.  I will be doing a large 4 ft by 5 ft commission painting of several Appaloosa.  Stay tuned.

The Thought:  What is comfort to you?  I thought about this yesterday morning when we were at the child advocacy center in Winnsboro. Who is out there for our children that fall on hard times? Then my mind went off into the thought of what truly brings comfort to a child? I know at the police station they have teddy bears and special blankets.  What simple faith a child must have to accept a teddy bear from a police officer and feel comfort and to feel safe. 


None of us in life are meant to go this journey alone.  His love upholds each of us so we are not alone.  When anxiety hits it is time to take a deep breath and feel Him filling you with pure grace and comfort.

God's love is our comfort available to us in a simple blink. 


When we receive comfort, we are able to give comfort. When you receive you are able to give. Divine comfort and love flows between each of us.  

Laurie

'I will strengthen you,  I will help you,  I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

'By Dawn's Early Light' Contemporary Abstract Horse Equine Art Oil Daily Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'By Dawn's Early Light'

16 x 20 inches  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Living at the lake has made me more aware of colors and reflections.  This is a new organic horse series...enjoy! This is the first one in the series.  I will post the finished APPY this week.

The Thought:  I may be thoughtless at this moment as it is too early in the morning.  Yesterday was full of errands and painting and then to church for dinner and youth group for Leah.

When I think of reflections in the painting above,  I realize how our posture and gestures are a reflection of how we feel inside of our bodies.  Have you ever caught yourself in a mirror or  a window and been immediately aware of how you look?  If you are tired you may be slumping or bent over and tired. If you are happy, you will have a positive outlook and positive posture to go with it.  

If you cannot see it in yourself, look around you and see it in others.  You can easily read confidence and happiness in someone else watching them move through a store or walk down the street. 

Is it time to allow the spirit to energize yourself back into a positive reflection of joy? Shine on... and be a light to others.

Laurie

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven."  Matthew 5:16

'Prepaint Appy' Appaloosa Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Prepaint Appaloosa

no DP

OIL

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I continued taking progressive shots with this painting.

The Thought:  I promised the tale of the TOTO toilet...not for little ears.


It is a very telling tale of the TOTO toilet.  When we moved in here we knew immediately we had to replace the toilet. Not only is it a Potty in a closet (Which is not needed) it was the smallest miniature potty I had ever sat on, and that includes Steve's sailboat toilet.


So we did our normal thing and ordered a TOTO toilet from Kitchen Kings in Dallas. We have been buying appliances from them for over 12 years now.  We ordered the same one we put in the last house and it is taller for our taller height.  Morgan was so good to pick it up for us and bring it out last weekend.  He and Terry unloaded it from his truck to the garage for later installation.


Terry noted that box was taped shut, but he was not worried.  On Sunday afternoon he broke down the box and took out the toilet and the lid and then realized he was missing pieces to attaching the new lid to the new TOTO toilet.  He was grumbly about this because new toilets do not come missing pieces.  New toilets and covers simply do not have a lot of pieces.


We drive 25 min to Lowe's and pick up pieces for him to make into whatever it is we are missing. It is now dark on Sunday and he decided to wait and start the project early Monday morning.  We get up as normal, eat and get Leah to meet the school bus and he comes back to start the potty installation.  He noted immediately the toilet looked used.  Not necessarily used as in bodily used, but that a lid had been attached as it had the markers from it on the surface.  He thought maybe it was a display or something.  He came in and ask me about it and had me come look.  It seemed suspicious at best.  I offered to call Bob Jones at Kitchen Kings, but he told me not to worry, he was going to install it anyway.  He had already taken the mini toilet out and the water was off and there was a hole in the bathroom waiting for the new toilet.


As he turned the TOTO toilet over to carry it in...low and behold there is still a gunk donut attached on the bottom of the toilet.  Not what is your thought on this?   We cannot drive five hours to Dallas round trip to try and get another as it takes Bob overnight to get these things from his distributor.    Terry decides he will install it but now he is ready to speak to Bob.  


I did not hear the conversation, but TP told me Bob was calling the distributor and would call us back.  This was almost 48 hours ago and still not a call back.  We will try and reach him today.  This is pretty disgusting.  This is a company we have had total confidence in for 12 years.  

My question of the day, Is this even legal to resell a used toilet?  I guess we will see what Bob says.



What does keep us at peace is this:

Blue Jays and Cardinals at play together.

ALSO
Blue jay lets Cardinal eat first.

And a sunset outside my studio window

and

The sunset on the pond...

and the sunrise the next morning.

 Forget the toilets and the refrigerators!  I will chose to live in this moment instead!

Laurie

Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.--Luke 12:35

'Pre Paint Appy Two' the painting in progress Oil Appaloosa by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Prepaint Appy

Oil

Contact me for commissions. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is the continuation of what I have been working on here in my new studio. Today I think I spent a large part of the time birdwatching at my new feeders.  Cardinals, Blue Jays, Wrens, Robins and in the distance on a tree, a red headed Wood Pecker.

The Thought:  When Morgan and Kelly were here they teased us unmercifully about our 'change'.  At first they were dumbfounded as we sat at the lunch table filling them in on all the different birds we had seen... and then driving back into town, describing all the deer and the coyotes etc.  They laughed at us for what our conversation revolved around, nature, birds, deer, fishing, water and sailing.  We have lost our city like drab. No more talk about wrecks, robberies, sirens and police chases. 


When we sat at lunch yesterday, Terry and I sat and watched the birds at the feeder for almost an hour enjoying our soup and our yogurt and blueberries.  An hour lunch... can you believe it? Sitting still for one entire hour.  It was wonderful...just sharing and laughing and watching nature. I cannot tell you when I have done this in years and years and years if ever!


We had to run back into Lowe's late afternoon to get a connector for the new toilet...which I need to remember to write about tomorrow....hummm... our new toilet, a totally different funny story.  As we drove back into our gated community of woods, water, homes, nature and people, we spotted a deer to the left side of the road and suddenly in the T of the road in front of us were 5 more deer just standing there looking at us.  I am sure they were hoping we might feed them.  Terry turned the corner slowly and there were even more deer to the left shoulder of the road. As we turned the large group in the road gracefully launched into a slow lope and crossed to the other side, with only the last one pausing to look back at us. I swear she was smiling.  I know we were.  Just another reminder of heaven and God's great creation.


Wherever you live, stop today and find something new in the world around you that you have been too busy to see.  This is our Father's World.  Our family is blessed with this opportunity to be reminded of it daily.

Laurie

"And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky."  So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth."  And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day." Genesis 1:20-23

Prepaint for Appaloosa Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

Pre Paint for Appaloosa Painting

No DP

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  Leah sat and watched me sketch this off early afternoon yesterday.  This is on gesso board and will be done in a new technique I am using.  The sketch is not actually this dark but when I adjusted the photoshop image I brought it out for you to be able to see it. My surface is white and here looks speckled. That is due to the resolution I used.

The Thought:  With this move I have not had near the time to dedicate to my painting as in the past. I am leaning toward both technique changes as well as changes in my mediums.


I mentioned yesterday how easy it is to settle into  a routine and not vary from it.  The "known" is easy to handle and deal with.  Predictability has been established and routine is followed without a second thought, or even sometimes a first thought. 


Letting go of the known and the 'safe' things that we have is difficult for all of us. It is difficult to imagine life in any other way.  Unfortunately, or rather fortunately things have to change. None of us can hide from change. There are things in life that must be faced and accepted.  Our lives change.  Even when we desperately cling to what was and what is, we cannot control what will be. God has a tendency to knock us off our feet and back to our knees just when we think we have reached a safe plateau in life or that we have things in control.  

I have written many times about my dad and his battle with Alzheimer's.  It is really not his battle at all. He has no idea what is happening right now to him or to us.  My mom still battles his Alzheimer's.  It has brought much change to her life.  Nothing can ever go back to be as it was, only as it is now in this moment.  For my brothers and I, we have a different family make up now and my older brother is now the head of the family as the oldest male.  My younger brother has stepped up as well and they are trying to balance what is there to fill in the void for my mother.  Our family is in a constant evolution of change right now.


Close family friends face life and death with cancer consuming the father after a two year battle of chemo and surgery.  Their family is in a constant evolution of change right now as well.  At some point we have to accept what is there and know our loved one is in the hands of God.  They have been in His care all along.  We are the faltering ones that cling to hope of having it be as it was before.  Life cannot be that way.  Life changes second by second and we only have the now.  We can only count on the now in this moment of this day. 


I want you to live this moment this day and live it with the Grace He has granted you as well as the giving of the Gifts He has blessed you with to give of yourself to others.  Help those that face these dramatic family changes.  Learn from their experiences and accept what is life as it is.

Laurie

“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”- Romans 10:9-10

'Moon Over the Village' Landscape Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Moon Over The Village'

11 x 14  Oil on Canvas Panel


This is the second painting from the estate sale...also one of my favorites with all the jewel tone colors. You can contact Clarissa for more information on this painting. Price is $200 or best offer and it is framed.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  So soft and peaceful!

The Thought:  Fishing.  That is my thought for the morning. 

Yesterday Morgan and Kelly arrived with our new TOTO toilet.  I fixed a big lunch of baked chicken, sweet potatoes, corn and homemade cheese and garlic biscuits. OH yes and an OMA salad with everything from a to z in it covered with a delicate raspberry glaze.  


It was while we were eating Morgan decided we needed fishing poles so off to the store we went and bought three poles.  Two zebco and one brand I did not know.   After a three hour period of fishing and two rain showers thrown in there during the time period... the score was  Leah three perch, Terry two perch, Morgan, three tree limbs and numerous pulls of alligator weed, and me, well I had two weeds pulls and one line stuck in the tree.  Leah fished later in the evening with Terry and she had more bites on her line than anyone.  We had fun though and Terry threw back the two fish he caught.  The pond is full of bass and perch. 


I guess we could compare life to fishing in a way. You truly never know what you will come up with on the hook despite your best laid plans. We all wait patiently watching that bobber in the water, waiting for the fish to grab the worm and pull it under... and most of the time nothing happens. But the adrenalin rush of actually catching a fish is unbelievable.


Patience is valuable in the life of a fisher person... use your patience this day and remember to live in the NOW moment.

Laurie


"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”- 1 Corinthians 1:18

'Sunrise Over the Village' Landscape Painting By Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Sunrise Over the Village'

11 x 14  Oil on Linen Canvas Panel

This painting is for sale in an estate sale. I painted it in 2007 and I love painting like this but I do not do many like it any more. I may have to revisit it.

If you are called to this piece, contact Clarissa.

Price on this is $200 or make a good offer.

The Gallery Value is $495 area

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  A gorgeous piece done several years ago... pattern pulls of a wide brush with contrasting colors. I did a series of seven of these.  Village Lights Series.  Perhaps it is time for a new series!

The Thought:  Canopies of trees literally hang over the country roads now that spring has completed her adornment of rebirth. 

In our stubborn determination we finally figured out the closest route to Lowe's in Mt Pleasant.  We were driving the southern route west across the northern shores of the lake, and then entering Mt Pleasant on the SW side and driving north to Lowe's....but thanks to my half working IPHONE in the woods, (It can't find me for navigation but it will load the area map.) we discovered if we travel west on one of the major roads, HWY 21, we can cut up one block to a small country road (1 1/2 lanes wide covered in a deep dark canopy of leaves and where we spotted a bobcat yesterday.) and take it for one mile and link up with 4130 and go about two miles north to the interstate. After that Lowe's is only 4 miles down the interstate. Takes 18 minutes.  The other route took 30 minutes and you suffered through traffic (??) in the town of Mt Pleasant (13,000 people). (Mt Vernon only has 2900).

Short cuts in life can be good and they can be bad.  We deemed this one good in daylight but will not use this route at night. We were told wild hogs and coyotes roam this area after dark.  We already know there are bobcats.  Perhaps we should call this not a short cut but a another road to travel.  We get into the routine and we often cannot let go of our routines to try out new things. Here in the country in this "new place" we are out of our normal environment living in a new place.  We stay open to all possibilities as we face each day. 


I challenge you today to find a new way of doing something. Climb out of the box and try something new and different. Play and adventure comes easily to children, so remember you are God's child.  God is smiling, go and play today.


Laurie

And all the people went up following him, playing on pipes and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth quaked at their noise.--1 Kings 1:40

'Red Horse' Equine Art Horse Abstract Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Red Horse'

 5 X 7  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I probably am double posting and I do not mean to.   Life is not back to a normal pace yet and I anticipate it will be about two more weeks to finish unpacking and get my studio up and usable again.

The Thought:  Early this morning I woke before Terry did and decided I would take a shower. There was quite a distance between my side of the bed, boxes in the room, and the bathroom door.  I am always on the side of the bed not by the bathroom door as he is up often during the night.  So I gingerly slid out of the covers and curled my toes around on the floor seeking my cushy slippers. (You never know what goes across the floor in the dark in a house you are unpacking.)  After what seemed to be an eternity, I found both slippers, pulled them on my feet and pushed off of the bed quietly without leaving a wake.  I began to move cautiously toward the end of the bed and realized the bedpost was not there. It was broken loose in the move and Terry had not repaired it yet. Over the years I have become accustomed to grabbing on the end bedpost and using it as a guide.  

NO bedpost put me in a hesitant panic. I remembered we had moved his grandmother's cedar chest at the end of the bed yesterday so I had to clear that in the dark with out my normal navigation tool of the bedpost.   As I reached out to my left, I began gently waving my hand reaching for his bedpost so I knew when to swing back to the left again to head to the bathroom door. (Yes it is that dark.)  My right hand instinctively reached for the edge of the dresser on my right side.  (Our dresser is so long it is at the door facing edge going into the bathroom. If one cut the corner one would be cutting one's side on the point top edge of the dang dresser.)  At last I found the opening to the bathroom and with a huge sigh, I gently closed the door and switched on the shower light. I could finally see.


My hands are my total guide in this new bedroom at night.  I feel like Jane in the jungle swinging her way through the trees with out Tarzan.  I did make the bathroom with out stubbing toes or gashing my body or even tripping over boxes.  Was it my instinctive navigation or was it His Grace?  


If you saw our bedroom in day light, you would know it was HIS GRACE. Can you allow Him into your life today to guide you through those unexpected twists and turns? He sees all, day or night... and He knows the path you should be taking. So when you feel disoriented allow yourself to rest in Him. He will bring that peace and reassurance for you to move forward again with ease and grace.

We never need to see the path before us, we simply need to take the first step to Him and He will lead us safely.

Laurie


When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.--John 16:13

'Early Sunflowers' Floral Art Sunflower Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Early Sunflowers'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  I liked this one as I painted it. It has set me off to explore another approach to the canvas.  I also tried it with a few horse pieces as well.  Watch for them as I finish them up this week. 

The Thought:  Jill, a friend for the past few years from blogging made a comment about doctors, prescriptions and life in general in her email to me.  She mentioned she tells her doc to keep it quick and there is only so much money available for the visit.  I had just found out that a basic visit for my doc was $94, and then it escalates with everything you mention in the visit all the way up to $249. Of course with every "mention" there are tests that must be run and with every test, return visits with another basic $94 charge plus anything extra you visit about.   

Jill laughingly wrote that her doctor wrote her a prescription to go get her hair and nails done so she would have the "new lease on life" feeling.  Perhaps our doctors need to do more of this.  

It is divine love that heals and restores us when we are bruised and battered and ill.  When we are down we want to be up and alive and enthusiastic about life.  Worries and negative thoughts cause much of our demise.  We have to learn to relax in God's loving arms with all of our emotional and physical pain.  

Take the time to focus on each of your body parts and breath deeply allowing God's gentle peace and healing powers to surround that body part.  As you do this the pain and negativity will depart and slowly you will become aware of a peace filling your being. 


Living here in the country with fewer people and much less congestion, one begins to lose the sense of urgency and the peace of God and nature fill you totally.  Yesterday morning there were two twin yearling fawns in our front yard. We were glued at Leah's window watching them eat of the lower branches on the trees.   We have not missed television,  all we have to do is go up to a window and look out.  In the afternoon as I walked from the workshop to the back door,  I heard this bird calling and looked out across the lake to see a large gull swooping down to grab at a fish in the pond. The wide wings were flapping with such intensive grace that I stood totally still taking in the entire scene... and as I turned from the spot, the six year old in me started flapping my arms in imitation calling out to TP to come see what was happening. 

I pray for you this day to find the peace surrounding you.

Laurie

"He grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21

'Five Hydrangea' Flowers art Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Five Hydrangea'

12 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

Check out on my left sidebar the VOTE FOR EDDY. This remarkable young man has achieved so much in his young life and when his mom wrote me,  I promised to share the vote to have him apart of the legends team for College Baseball.

The Painting:  I worked today on several small paintings and this is one. I always remember NY fondly and the beautiful hydrangea in blues, pinks and whites.

The Thought:  When I wrote yesterday about fear, I should have mentioned vulnerability.  That was probably more accurate.  In the hot tub it was more vulnerability than anything else.  Today I was hit with another vulnerable wave of 'where am I in this strange house'.  Conni Togel (http://www.Charisma-art.com) told me you cannot dig up and replant old trees.  They just won't make it.  I know Terry and I needed to make this move out of Dallas and so far we do love it here. Life is so much more peaceful. Paul and Vicki always said it was a slice of heaven and we are beginning to understand that.


The vulnerability creeps in to unbalance me.  So whatever the situation is, I know I am not alone nor am I vulnerable. At any time anxiety begins to creep in, I can close my eyes and take slow deep breaths and know the feeling will pass.  I spend that time centering myself in God and the indwelling pure love of His Grace and Holy Spirit.   With this I am comforted and reassured. Calm will follow and I can go about my business.


Yesterday I attended the 'Tall Tree Women's Club'.  I meet at least 40 new faces from our neighborhood and several from our street.  Vicki Fletcher just happened to be the guest speaker, so I loved hearing about her adventures as a police woman.  The food was good, the fellowship even better and every single woman made me feel at home.  


I also found out they have a canasta club.  Now I have to remember how to play. I used to play this growing up with my cousins. 


I will pray for you today, what ever your vulnerability, give it up to God today.


Laurie


"I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

'Spring Color Reflections' Equine Abstract Painted Pony Pulls Horse painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Spring Color Reflections'

15 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Seems like everything at the lake is brighter in color and the sky is bluer.  I think it is lack of ozone. This is the first pony pull done here... in oil on canvas. Contact me to purchase.

The Thought:  Yesterday we drove into Dallas for Doctor appts.  Of course we left in time to catch lunch at Soulman's in Royce City. Terry has talked about this restaurant for years.  I have to admit the chicken I ate was pretty good as was the mac and cheese.  

The doc was suppose to be a run in and run out.  Never.  We arrived at 1:15 and left at 5:15.   Dallas Time Dallas Doctors.  Time to switch to a country doc down the road.  By the time we left we had lists of things wrong with us and prescriptions out the wazoo.   We were just there two weeks ago and about two weeks before that. It amazes me how fast according to our doctor how fast we are deteriorating. Terry is a bit more "old" than I am.

We ran by the mall to get my jewelry cleaned at James Avery.  I learned this week NOT to wear my jewelry in the hot tub.  So many lessons from this. The first is letting go of habits I have had for 30 years.  I never take off my bracelets or the cross around my neck.  I have to if I get in the hot tub.

Next lesson learned was in the hot tub last night.  This is our first hot tub.  I already tye dyed my clothes... and my jewelry, so Terry decided after the teen was deeply asleep and it is totally darkness, black darkness, we can skinny deep in the hot tub.  Sneaking out in our white matching robes that my friend Charlene gave us, and our little slippers... we climbed in and totally melted in the bliss of nothingness...no jewelry no clothes.. just us in the hot tub.  And then I began to worry about the coyotes, the snakes, the ants, the lions, the tigers and the bears. I do not know if it was the late hour of the night, my exhaustion from the day or the thoughts of the lions and tigers and bears (Coyotes, snakes and ants) but after 20 min I was ready to get out.  


Fear of the unknown is something that grabs at all of us. Trying to stay in the now of the moment and enjoying the peace that is given is so much better than the Lions, the Tigers and the Bears.


My prayer for you my friends is the knowledge that you need not worry about the Lions, Tigers and Bears, as the Lord has given you His promise and His shield.  You faith and belief in Him is the simple answer.


Laurie


“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”- Romans 3:23-24

'Race to the Lake' Equine Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Race to the Lake'

18 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: Well, I painted. I started several new piece and was quite excited in the colors and the lighting as I did each piece.

The Thought:  What a whirl of a Sunday.  We were up early for early services with the Fletchers at the First United Methodist Church of Mt Vernon.  There was a good group there this morning.  The minister had on comfy clothes, nice slacks, blue shirt and a vest and was relaxed and energetic and very moved by the spirit. He instructed us that we were all going out during church to reach out to those NOT in church.  He wanted us to find the folks in the supermarket, or the ones at Walmart or Lowe's... the non goers and bring them back to a meal of fried chicken.   He proceeded to leave the church with two in his group, instructing us to form groups of 4-6 and hit the road and bring back who we could.  By helping them do what they were busy doing, we were to "free" them up to come back to the church with us.  We need to serve helping others.  We could not do that sitting in the church.

I was a bit speechless of course being totally new to the area and not knowing anything about the church, but felt like we could go with Fletchers and do something to find some folks. SURELY they knew non church goers to interest in a free chicken dinner. 


It was a ploy to get us all to think.  Think about how we need to be serving others.  To give of our selves to others in fixing up things for them or helping with things they need down around the house. The minister returned through the back door and said, "Nobody moved?  Wasn't anyone coming?"
He explained why he had done it to see if anyone would take up the cross and go serve others.  His message was really good, tied into Thomas that doubted Jesus had risen and then of the story that Thomas did not want to go to India to serve there.  He shared a story I had not heard in my 58 years.  


Jesus and Thomas had a conversation about Thomas going to India. Thomas told Jesus he would do ANYTHING to serve and go out, but he would not go to India.  The next day Jesus and Thomas were at the market. As they were walking around Jesus found a visiting person from India that was there looking for a carpenter to hire to build a temple for the King. Jesus had sent Thomas on a small errand so he spoke frankly to the man from India.  He told them he knew an excellent carpenter that could build such a temple.  The India man wanted to hire Thomas immediately.  As Thomas approached the India Man asked Thomas, "IS this your master?"  and Thomas replied "yes."  It was then Thomas found out that Jesus had sold him to the India man to return to India and build the King's castle.   When Thomas got there, he was given money to begin the temple... he gave it to the poor. This happened many times over the next year or two and every time Thomas was given money he gave it to the poor.. until the King asked to see his temple. When Thomas explained he gave the money to the poor because this desired temple would mean nothing in this lifetime...the King of India had him arrested and slated to be put to death.   Just days before the execution the King of India found Christ centered in his life and Thomas was released.


I had never heard this story before and will be reading up to find out more. Meanwhile, what can you do to serve today?  OR are you saying,  I believe and love you Jesus, just don't ask me to do this....

Laurie

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”- 1 Peter 2:24

'White Stallion Rules' Horse equine art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'White Stallion'

24 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: The Painting looks much better in  person. I struggled with the late evening light as I tried to do photos tonight.

The Thought:  There is this box I used through out the move, the "file box".  When we first began to box things in Dallas for the move, I insisted on file boxes for my files and proceeded to use them for my art as well.  The boxes were sturdy with the move.

Yesterday we began breaking down boxes and the little file boxes we decided we would keep.  The first two I built, I built incorrectly. I am not always good at following directions.   So when it came down to reversing the order of the directions, I was challenged. All the double folds in and up and folds back down against each other, left me in a tizzy.

I think life is that way at times too.  We have a situation in front of us and we truly work hard at making things work for the best of our life situation as well as for the best of all folks involved.    Can you truly ever reverse things and unfold what you have done?  Certainly not. That is why it is so important in serving Him that we move forward with our lives. 

We cannot go back and try and undo things we have already done.  Our lives are not like those file boxes.  Cut and bend C and B.  Fold C and B in together and shove Side A all the way through bringing C and B up behind it and then pull it through and lower Side A in between the box.

I pray your today is full of easy folds. 

Laurie


“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:6-8

'Red Summer Night Pony' equine art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Red Summer Night Pony'

8 x 10  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: I did this right before we moved in acrylic.  I am STILL not painting.  I have to paint tomorrow or I will go into withdrawals, plus I am pretty steamed yet about Jennifer. Hopefully you  saw my announcement yesterday. This woman decided it was all right to steal my photos online and adjust them in Photoshop and show them as her work. This is my painting from last fall 2009.

This is another image she took from my blog to use.

http://jhargrovefineart.blogspot.com/

The Thought:  How could I NOT address honesty and integrity?  In the same breath I have to practice forgiveness at a point as I work through this.   Next I will be sending something through my attorney.  At first yesterday I gave her all day to contact me or remove it from the internet immediately and no response has come.  I realize we are to turn a cheek when we are attacked, but I have to draw a line at something this blatant when it affects me so deeply.

I truly feel sorry for folks like this as they will never know the joy of self expression.  They remain immersed in the saddest part of wanting to create, and drowning in their in ability to be original and and follow the passion of what is inside. From this point praying for her to embrace the gifts that God has given to her is important. Copying other artist's work or in this case, stealing my images and fraudulently representing them as her own is the lowest of the low for an artist.

We make our own path in life and generate our own positive or negative energy. No one needs to do it for us...we do it to ourselves in our actions and words. 

Laurie
“The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”- Hebrews 1:3

'Late Sunset' Oil on Board by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Late Sunset'

6 x 6 Oil on Panel

SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

ANNOUNCEMENT

Sometimes many folks wonder why I get so agitated when artists cannot find their own spirit and do their own thing.  This is  a link which better be down shortly to further show what I mean:

http://jhargrovefineart.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Hargove has taken it upon herself to "Steal" or "Borrow" or misrepresent herself 

by using my original artwork on her blog. She is an Alabama Artists.

The fine for copyright infringement in the USA is $250,000.  

Tell me how you would feel as an artist to find your ORIGINAL ARTWORK on someone else's blog and you can see where they faked the signature in black in photoshop on the image.

Yes my friends, this is totally irritating.  My work is original.  I am not honored by such actions, I am angered by them. I am totally sorry for this young woman that she has to stoop so low as to copy my artwork.  Incase the blog comes down, here is a screen shot of my work on her blog with her signature on top of it.

Screen shot. Click it for full blown image.

Altered only with the JH on the bottom right corner.

If you look over in my right bar you will see the Cowboy and Indian article about my work.  This

is the same image and it is indeed my artwork and not hers. It is owned by a collector in Austin that happens to be a lawyer. You will see this up one more time tomorrow in the blog as I was phoned by another artist that found it at ten this morning.

The Painting: well I did not paint yesterday, but I did unpack all the paints.  Terry set up my computer and I am on it now!  TOMORROW is another day.

The Thought:  As I unpacked my paints, I looked across the pond and saw a man fishing on the dock on the other side.  Perfect painting to come.  We decided after dinner to walk the neighborhood and we probably went about 2 miles.  It was absolutely gorgeous. Cool wind, blue violet sky and blooming azaleas everywhere. We even have azaleas here at our house. 

HERE is a slide show from our walk last night.

 

 

Not sure what will come on the canvas in the next few days, but I am ready to paint.  In His Time. This entire journey is in HIS TIME and not mine or Terry's.  We have struggled through some days, even nipping at each other in frustration, but the end always find us in prayer over the situation and me singing away "My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do." 

As we took Leah to school for her first day in high school here yesterday,  we practiced breathing in the car and visiting the NOW of this moment. The beautiful sunrise and the gorgeous spring around us with new baby calves nursing on the moms, the red birds darting between the trees and the deer running through the streets of our lake neighborhood.  Such a far cry from the streets of chaos in Dallas.  Living here is not the total top of the chart as everything has it's goods and bads.  But life is slower here, the people are much friendlier and you can't beat the view.  God graces our day and our lives right now as we begin again in this small community of about 3000 people. We are only 90 miles from Dallas and about 120 from Tink.  Stacey has been good to keep us up to date with pictures and artwork and we can't wait to see our little princess!

May your day be blessed with joy.

Laurie


“For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”- Romans 5:10

"White Stallion Rules" Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'White Stallion Rules'

 30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

PRIVATE COLLECTION SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting:  This is a painting from December.  I am still not up and painting but will be tomorrow. We found all my oils and acrylics. 

The Thought:  Today as I did my dinner dishes at the kitchen sink I watched the large yellowy orange orb outside my window sink into the cool waters of Lake Cypress Springs. It was beautiful. Breathlessly beautiful. I ran for the camera but it was further down by the time I found it and whipped it out. I will post pictures tomorrow after TP gets my  big computer hooked up.  

We bought the needed supplies to put shelves in the room where I will do computering as compared to the room I paint in.  

So much change and I still am reeling in boxes.  Life here is at a slow tempo.  So far everyone is very nice and so helpful.  Our daughter starts school tomorrow and is excited and nervous all at one time.
We practiced in the truck today breathing to relieve tension and fear. We prayed through out the day together as a family acknowledging the grace of God as He works in our lives.

We had Wednesday night dinner at the Methodist Church with Paul and Vicki Fletcher and met so many wonderful new neighbors.  I asked for a church directory to help TP and I associate names and faces. I look forward to new bible studies, couples dinners, the chili cookoff in two weeks, the National Day of Prayer, The Women's Second Tuesday Morning Coffees here in Tall Tree and jumping into County Commissioner meetings and learning more about the community we live in. 

We will continue to take this one day at a time.

God Bless,
Laurie

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”- Galatians 2:20
 

'Mexican Hat Flowers' Floral art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Mexican Hat Flowers'

16 x 20  Oil on Canvas

SOLD PRIVATE COLLECTION

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: From the Archives 2003

The Thought:  Moving is painful. If I have found internet there will be precious thought from me, and if not you will be reading these words and knowing by now things are not going well.

I am logging in quickly with an update...as the above was written this weekend on Easter Sunday before they took apart my big MAC computer.  Terry hopes to have me back online tomorrow.  I hope to paint something tomorrow too...so maybe I can post something new!

Kitchen is unpacked 50%.  Bedroom is only at 25%. I keep looking for my boxes of clothes and we figured out all of mine are in Sheriff Fletchers Barn.  Have to go visit them.  The seasons are changing here.  Spring is leading to warmer days.   Leah is totally unpacked of course.

Will try to get some snap shots. My studio overlooks Lake Cypress springs to the south and an immediate view of a quiet catfish pond. I cannot wait to paint.

Laurie

"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28:5-7

'Early Fall Tree' Texas Artist Laurie Pace Landscape Tree Painting

'Early Fall Tree'

18 x 27 inch  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

The Painting: This is one I uncovered this week... now available but ships after I unpack.

The Thought:  If I find a computer and internet... I will post a new thought...if not, know that I have done this ahead of time and we are on the road to our new home.

Laurie

"Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher).--John 20:16

'Painted Ponies in the Rainbow' Equine abstract art by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Painted Ponies in the Rainbow'

24 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

SLIDE SHOW from Easter Church and the Egg Hunt at Sandra's house.
Leah looked so pretty in her green dress. The Basket she is holding is the basket I used my entire life form age 2ish on.  We filled it with new grass, Easter Candy and a new electric toothbrush. They laughed at me at Walgreens last night.

At church Leah helped with the placing of Flowers on the Cross and really enjoyed her new friends.

     

The Painting:  I was painting with a new young art friend when I did this piece.  Just finally took pictures and named it yesterday. Enjoy!

The Thought:  Yesterday we started the day at Sunrise Service and a yummy breakfast. Especially for those of us that have our kitchen in boxes.    It was a bit chilly outside, but actually very nice despite the sun not coming out and the slight drizzle all day.   


We made lunch at Sandra's and enjoyed seeing all Terry's cousins.  Food was awesome as normal and I ate too much.  Diet follow after we get unpacked.  That is part of Terry's job...cooking.  Does that mean he sets up the kitchen? ONLY if I set up the garage.  


I will do pictures as we get settled in. I am trying to remember all I have to do in this day ahead. The moving van is due in two hours. KEEP SMILING.


The next few days, I might just have a painting posted and not much thought typed in as I do not know where we will be or if I have internet.


May your week begin with a smile and the joy of the Lord filling your life.


Laurie


" “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace”- Ephesians 1:7