Hints of Picasso Flower Oil Painting by Texas Contemporary Aritst Laurie Pace

'Hints of Picasso'

18 x 24 Oil on Canvas

SOLD ~ npdp


Contact me for commission work. Laurie

© Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I am tired. Spent 18 straight hours on the computer yesterday, no painting, but I did update the www.ArtistsofTexas.org website. We have several new members and I revamped our membership pages etc.  We have a huge show coming up in Dallas at the Dutch Art Gallery that opens November 2nd through December 31st, with an artist reception on November 6th.  Meet all of the artists from 1-5 in the afternoon.   I still have to update the slide show on the front page.  That takes a day by itself.

Stop by and see our new members and welcome them!

So there is not much to blog about, oh it did rain at last. We had a good 45 minute rain early evening last night.  It will take much more of that for our little pond to rejuvenate.  I was in the midst of uploading the site (of course) as the storm came through...and I prayed hard not to lose power. Nothing like wiping out a site and be uploading a new version of it and have the power go out.  It was all in vain as I realized a site error and was back reworking it for another three hours just to upload it again.
God, if you are listening, I am getting the patience lesson. I did not loose it one time!  Today I have to ship out four paintings and then I AM GOING TO PAINT! 
So I leave you this morning with just a warm embrace to start the day and look for the positive. Be patient if you have to 'reload' during the day.  God has His reasons.  


Laurie

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,”- Ephesians 2:19

Laurie The Verse

The Commission Piece Continues Huge 4 ft by 5 ft Painting Equine Art Horse by Contemporary Texas Equine Artist Laurie Pace

The Commission Piece continues

4 ft by 5 ft  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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It is that time of year...just  a few days away. Those of you who have known me for the past years know that from Sept through the first week in December I get excited about painting. When I do commission work for families and gifts it brings double joy back to me being involved with surprises and special pieces.  So for the next three months if you have a desire for a painting for yourself or a gift, now is the time of year to do.  Every year for the past four years I have called this my "Pay it Forward" time.  Other artists have followed suite doing this and I think that is grand because it is allowing God to work with us and spreads the gifts.

The painting above is one of the first that starts this season out... and it is huge at 4 ft by 5 ft in size. So whatever you might want painted, this is the time to email me with a request and lets find the right price and do it.  Email me: Laurie

 

Church was right on yesterday.  We love our new church, the choir, the congregation, the music leaders, the organist, the pianist and of course Pete, the minister.  He was preaching on part 3 of a three part message.  We obviously missed part 1 and 2 with our Dallas travels.  He spoke on a passage out of Luke; I am thinking it was in chapter 14.  It is where Jesus is telling about what it 'takes' to follow him.  I remember Pete reading it and I was a bit breathless hearing the part using the word "hate" as Jesus was not one to teach anything but love.   Pete summed it all up in an easy concept. "completeness is finding wholeness in lessness." 

Could we truly learn to live with much less?  Will it really take giving up so much of what we yearn and desire to actually feel complete and whole?   

Yeah, at first it made me think about my diet.  Completeness=Wholeness=Lessness?  I have given up the "good" for the "better"; Chocolate ice cream for a healthy body; Mashed potatoes for 10 pounds less; homemade cinnamon rolls for more energy. Now what about the spiritual?  Hummm, could that be worry for contentment; anger for peace; all of my 'extra stuff' and busyness around the house for more free time to give to others.  We are so caught up in the "things" we have, we miss seeing all those that have very little.  But that is NOT the direction he went....

 

Pete explained it that no one today would literally give up their family, their home and all their belongings to serve God, but what COULD we do today that was reasonable in this day?  When you want to buy that purse that is a name brand $$$ purse, perhaps you could find something that might due functionally at TARGET.  Then take that extra money and buy some school clothes for kids that are wearing things from last year that are too small.   Or if you are the man in the family and caught up on buying and buying at Lowe's, tools and things you might only use once... borrow that tool or find another way to do what you are doing. Take the money you saved and give it to a man that is struggling to repair his broken car. That is his only transportation he has to get back and forth to work, and he has a family to support. Think of others before self. Do with less to become more whole and in the end 'complete'.

 

It is a lesson Terry and I will meditate on through out this week.  We are new to this community but there are places we can serve and be active.

 

Laurie

 

 "Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."

Luke 14:25-33.

A Tribute Tatto Horse Equine Art Oil Painting by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A Tribute

3 x 4 inches  Tattoo on Arm


SOLD!  What a compliment!
Really was impressive to have an admirer of my work 
have a tattoo put on her arm of one of my horse paintings.

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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This was my favorite email this summer.  I loved it! 

Smiling and putting myself out there I have to share on this wonderful Sunday that I made a full week. A full week with out processed carbs (Even potatoes till right now) and no refined sugar.  One week.   I think it was the ahah moment a week ago Saturday when nothing was fitting and I was tired of the battle of yo-yo dieting.  

This is NOT a diet. This is a lifestyle change.  My sister-in-law did it last year and is down to a size 3 now. I have watched her progress with deep admiration of her self-control.  The first three days were the most difficult.  Terry is still eating some carbs and things he should not. I begged him to do it with me, but he is not there to commit yet. 

I did not smile when he was tempting me in the beginning with 'bites' of things.  But now I easily say no.  It was getting through those first three days... then holding on as I am trying to make 10 days with out carbs other than those in veggies (not potatoes) and fruit.   After ten days I will add back in some carbs each day.  I am adding milled flax seed to things. The best find was raw coconut.  Terry shells it out and breaks it into pieces. It is like eating a candy bar.  Then making salad dressing with Coconut Oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper... yummm.

Breakfast is ALWAYS two eggs scrambled.   Eggs wart off more hunger for four hours than anything else.  We eat free range from a neighbor's farm and they are very high in the count for Omegas etc. This morning I will take 1/3 of a red potato ( not much as this is my first to add back) and dice it up with onions, yellow and red bell pepper, and a carrot and I will saute it in Olive oil until tender. I will put in four farm eggs and soft scramble them adding a bit of cheese on the top when they are done.  On the plate will be fresh honeydew melon, raisins, peach and nectarines all in bite size pieces.  For more color I will put two cherry tomatoes and one bing cherry on the plate.  That is our breakfast each morning with a slight deviation on the egg combos and the fruit combos.

Snack during the day is always fun.  I use frozen fruit and usually change out flavor daily.   Yesterday's was peach. Frozen peaches, slightly thawed in the microwave, a whole banana and the fabulous hand blender Charlene gave me for Christmas.  I blend the fruit, then add the PLAIN yogurt, our fish oil (which has  a lemon flavor) and our Vit D and blend it into the fruit.  It is a smoothie of the healthiest kind. 

Lunch is Dinner.  We usually eat about 1 in the afternoon, sometimes two, and we have a lean meat, (chicken, salmon, tuna etc and sometimes stack), steamed veggies...LOTS of them.
 If there is less veggies we have a small salad.

Supper is more like snack salad, but it is huge.  Lettuce shredded by hand, and you get to put in ANYTHING you want.   Terry hits tomatoes, olives black and green, avocado, diced red onion, beets and salad dressing. I go way out there with more fresh fruit in it, plus the tomatoes, olives, onions, raisins, avocados and what ever else I can find to mix in the flavor.  I just squeeze lemon juice on mine. 

You are never hungry eating like this and you are not eating anything you do not like.  You do not measure out anything, but you eat the proper food choices for healthy living.  Not a diet, but a life change.  My weight loss was just at 6 pounds so far.  I was certain when I started that I was battling a yeast issue in my body with all the water weight gain and bloating...so I was determined to stop it and make those changes permanent. I was smiling on the scale this morning. I have a long way to go to ensure this is a permanent life change, but I have take the step and completed the first week.

The first tempting test was ZUZU's on Friday with mom as I did not "eat chips". I used one to help scoop up left over salad as I finished up.  I did eat that one chip and it seemed foreign in my mouth and did not taste good.   

I feel this is part of what God has for us out there, the best choices of how to care for our bodies. We choose to gorge (and yes I did too) and overeat and turn to food for comfort and stress... like some folks turn to drinking or drugs. ( I am about 15 lbs higher than I want to be.)   Letting go of what I thought was good ( my old diet which truly was pretty healthy) for the better... a drastic change in food choices ALL the time.

It is a mindset.  He walks it with me and will help me stayed center so I do not drift. It does not mean I can never have apple pie, it only means when I do have it I will appreciate it all the more.
 

Laurie  

“Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”- John 6:29

Purple Horse Fauvistic Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Purple Horse'

18 x 27  Oil on Canvas
SOLD 


Prints available at Fine Art America. Click HERE.

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I had a request for a print of this purple beauty.  I am working with FAA to see if we can make it happen for the collector.

Okay, Yesterday we went into Dallas; more Doc Appts and I spent the morning with my Mom.  We went by the Dutch Art Gallery where I got to see the selected wood for two of my commissioned paintings that will be framed there and shipped to the buyers. That is always so neat to see them with their frames.  Gives you a warm feeling.

A cold front came through the area and when we left yesterday morning it was 64 degrees outside, but by the time we hit Dallas it was 82.  Not sure what happened, but it was 95 on our way home at three pm.   Mom and I ran some errands.  One of the stops took us to our favorite neighborhood health food store.

The Owner is one of my oldest best bud male friends and he just got married. I did not know that when we arrived.  I had to tease him about it though, and of course wish him the happiness that God blesses marriages with, surrounded by His Grace.

Mom and I had lunch at ZUZU's on Abrams and Mockingbird.  It has to be one of my favorite places... and then to my next favorite place, THE CAR WASH!

Only when it is 100 degrees for an entire month, can you go to the car wash for a reprieve.  Mom puts the car into neutral and in we go whisked into bubbles and sprays. Leaning back in your seat and closing your eyes, you can image the threat of a huge storm pounding at the car and the strong winds blowing it to and fro and the huge wiping things squishing around the car and beating it.  The sound of a gigantic rainstorm fills your brain...but you are with out fear as that storm rages around you.  

The rain begins to lighten and you emerge slowly back into the light.  God is good. He is there even at the car wash. When things bring on a 'storm' in your life, rest assured that He really is right there with you and you are as safe in His arms as you are in the car going through the car wash.  

If we had one close by I would go through it daily for therapy.

Laurie  

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”- Isaiah 26:3

Heading for Amarillo Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Contemporary Artist Laurie Pace

'Heading for Amarillo'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I put a special "love" card on my husband's pillow last night.  I had taken time to select a special "I love you" card and saved it until I wanted to surprise him.  I had crawled into bed with a book around 9:15 and reading was really sleepy when he finally came to bed about 10.  I waved the card at him because the room was dark, my light was off already.  He still didn't see it and sat down on the side of the bed to crawl in and I grabbed the card to save it from wrinkledom.  He switched on his light to read it, but alas, no glasses, so I had to read it aloud to him.

Makes me wonder how often God is out there waving things in our face for us to see, but we are still moving around in our dark circles chasing things that will either hurt us or take us where we do not truly need to be.  When do we stop and ask Him to "read" to us, or tell us what it is He wants to tell us?  When did you sit quietly and ask Him and then waited and listened? Perhaps a light will come on for you.

Quit trying to analyze where you think you should be, and quiet your mind to His voice. He does have a special "love" note for you. He will fill you with His joy and gifts more than you think you can hold. He has never promised a 'golden' walk to any of us. What He has promised is to walk with us at all times. He will never lead us to a place and desert us. He never gives us more or less than we need, in both sorrow and in joy. Trust and listen.

Laurie
 

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.--Proverbs 3:26

New Painting in Progress Contemporary Equine Horse Art Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

A new Commission Piece begins.

48 x 60 inches  

SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

My Website 
Painted Ponies      
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I had another light bulb experience yesterday. Have no clue where this is going but praying as I write.  I was hungrily looking through my latest edition of American Art Collector and saw incredible work on every single page of this new issue.  It was mind boggling.  Even Terry has picked it up several times to go through it.  The depth and diversity of talent this days is mind boggling.  

As an artist, a creative person, you are pulled to different compositions as you go through the magazine. You admire ALL of it, but some of it pulls at your heart.  Some things you look at may pull you to say, 'Let me try to paint something like this.' No No No... stay centered in your work and your journey and not someone else's.  What I gained for a moment was the realization of what attracted me.  What type of art was pulling at me the most?  Was it the realism, the impressionism, the expressionism, the abstract, the wicked, the soft pastels...what was it?  

Growing up in my teens I was deeply involved with pen and ink. I have done some pretty cool pieces with the technique I developed back then and I loved doing it.  I have not seen anything like it today, so I may revisit it.  I was contacted by a man in St Louis that had bought a piece of work I did in the 8th grade... ART2.  He asked if it was my work sending me a picture of it.  Terry and I were both 'Wowed' . 

It is something I might want to get back just to keep to remind myself every day of the pieces of my life that make up my style and my art, part of MY journey.  Of course my Mom has many pieces in her home as does my younger brother.

When I was at Asel Art on Monday I picked up a case for my prisma colors. That was my second love. I cannot say I am well developed with them but I am pretty good. Also have done remarkable work with just crayons. YES you heard me, regular Crayola Crayons.  Small tiny overlapping circles creates a masterpiece.   So I will be branching off playing over the next few weeks. 

Painting my horses is always a passionate time. The new one above is a 4 ft by 5 ft piece that will live in Georgia.  I was playing diverse music from the sixties and seventies balanced out by Joshua Radin and Nora Jones.

 

But back to my main thought... I wandered away from it... how many of us are chameleons?  We follow what others are doing seeking happiness or trying to find our own journey.  Should I paint like this or that?  Should I change up my style?  Should I do 180 degrees and go back to realism?  In life we ask ourselves if we should follow the crowd all the time doing what others are doing as we seek acceptance.

Acceptance must come from with in. The Lord created you just as you are today, right now at this moment.  You are a treasure of talents He was woven into your being and until you stop and realize how fabulous you are, you will continue to wander around following the journey of others.  Find what is passionate for YOU in this life and do it.  Don't waste another minute if you are not enjoying what you are doing and where you are.   Life is precious, live it today....do not wait until tomorrow. 

Laurie  

“Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”- Psalm 119:165

Appy Appaloosa Painting in Oil by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Appy '

8 x10  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Yesterday I first heard from Judy Mackey in Southlake, Texas.... "It is raining here."
I replied, "Short hard rain, or long slow rain?"
She answered back, "Looks like on and off rainy day maybe, lots of dark clouds."


About an hour later Debbie Lincoln phoned from Morgan Mill, west of Southlake... "Hey it's cooler here..."
I replied, "How cool is cooler?"
She answered back, "It is only 97 degrees outside."


Lord, Please it is time to release us from this heat wave. The entire month of August has been 100 degrees or more. 

My day yesterday was a catch up day anyway.  I continued to remind myself to give Thanks for all my blessings, including the 'redos' popping up in my life.  Do you have any of those?  Things you have done, but someone wants it redone? Some of you may call them "fix its".  Kids are good at asking for fix its.  Adults are more prone to ask for redos. I have canvas that undergo 'redo's'. Sometimes those sell for more than the freshly painted ones.


Got to thinking if I ever ask God that question.  "Lord, you are the Almighty and the Creator of all, I praise your works with every breath and ask your forgiveness for what I have done.  May I have both your forgiveness and a 'redo'?" Is that laughter from Heaven I hear?


"Lord, I give you my heart with all that I do, just this once may I have a redo? Whether it is my error or their error, please open the hearts of all involved and let us begin again."

Take a breath today and meditate before you start off the day. He is there waiting to hear from you.  Hey, you might get lucky and be allowed a 'redo'. 

Make sure you read the verse today.  I know I have told you before that I write this blog first, and then I go to a bible site and copy and paste the verse that is there for the day.  Lately the match up has been only His Work.  "He heard my cry for mercy (A redo)."

Laurie  

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”- Psalm 116:1am

Paint Pony Daze Horse oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Paint Pony Daze'

 Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

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Painted Ponies    
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The trip to Dallas was a hot one yesterday. Temps were up at 107 degrees again.  I made my favorite art supply store, Asel Art, and we made the Doc appts and had lunch with my Mom and Terry's Dad... quickly dashed through Whole Foods Market just off Greenville... and headed back across the great waters.

Just outside Greenville there was a small storm and rain on the windshield for about 5 minutes.  Temps dropped to 95 and bounced right back up to 106 when it stopped.

What should we do in life when the heat is on and the pressure feels like too much, or everything seems to be going in the wrong direction?  Patience has to be the answer because the one thing I know we can count on is change. God continues to work in our lives even when we feel stagnant. We hurry to get ahead and He is working on His time not ours. The more anxious we are about things the more miserable we are.  Do you like being miserable?  Heck I don't.

So I decided to stay in the cool more until this heat wave breaks and focus on other things.  If you are mired down by something, let it go and MAKE yourself focus on something else.  You have to step back to gain your perspective and while you are doing that, things will change.

 

Laurie
 
“When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”- Psalm 94:18-19

'Five Hydrangea' floral art Flower Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Five Hydrangea'

12 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Special Pricing, contact me!

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

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Painted Ponies     
On Golden Pond Blog

Starting the week right... yesterday I clean up and out all the cabinets in the kitchen and then I attacked my closet.  I can't believe how much stuff I had in there. I definitely did away with a chunk of it and reorganized the rest. I have many more winter clothes than summer clothes. Yeah, I know winter clothes take up more room. I am up early and we are heading into Dallas.

We have been sailing this weekend and enjoying the last days of August. The wind was not cooperative yesterday... it was too calm to sail.  Makes me shudder when I think of the calm before the storm.  Eventually it has to rain again and the temps have to drop under 100 degrees.

We went swimming at Paul and Vicky's yesterday and enjoyed wonderful roasted chicken as well as the best conversation.  Wish we could do it more often but our schedules seem jammed full.

I just finished doing the blogsite for the Franklin County GOP Party. We have some adjustments to make as I fine tune it, but it is up and going. Next will be the main website.

www.FranklinCountyTexasGOP.blogspot.com

Do you have things to clean out in your life?  Often we get mired under all we collect.  Let go of the good to prepare for the better. God does have it for you. He gives us ALL THINGS.

Laurie  

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”- Romans 8:32

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

'Early Sunflowers'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas
Available at the Dutch Art Gallery Dallas, TX

Contact me for commissions. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

My Website 
Painted Ponies    
  On Golden Pond Blog

Whisper words of encouragement. Be strong of heart. Be filled with wisdom. Share the journey with kindness.

It is a short blog as I am a tired artist/wife/sailor/cook/mother/grandmother/woman. Despite a night of rest, I am still worn out.  I served in all capacities yesterday and I am tuckered.  The words above served me yesterday and I pray they will serve you today.  Don't loose your temper with anyone today. Step back if you are pulled to anger. 

Be strong of heart and try something you fear... let God walk with you as you take those first steps.

Encourage others that are walking in fear.  Share a smile, a hug or a kind word to help them refocus and feel God's love and almighty power.



 

Laurie  
“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.”- Psalm 42:8

Red Knight Equine Horse Abstract Oil Painting by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Red Knight'

5 x 7  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

 My Website 
Painted Ponies     
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"Great and unexpected good is coming to you now.
 
You've been waiting for a shift in energy, and that shift
has occurred. All you have to do now is get ready to receive
your new-found good. Be on the lookout. It may come
at a time and in a way that you could not have
anticipated or imagined. "
Neale Donald Walsch

 When I received this today I thought about what I wrote last week about giving up the good for the better.  It might be a thought as you wake up each day to be child-like as you start your day.  Be eager for the surprises that are ahead of you.  Have you hands open ready to receive and stop dictating these long schedules that keep you moving and moving always in your direction.  Free up your day and find the best God has to offer to you this day.  

Anticipate....and give thanks.

Laurie  

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

MAJESTY Equine Art Horse Daily Oil Painting by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Majesty'

24 x 24  Oil on Canvas

SOLD

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

My Website 
Painted Ponies    
  On Golden Pond Blog

Wrestling with thoughts this morning. It was a late night for us. We left the house for the second time last night and drove into Mt Vernon for a Political Meeting.  Second one in my life time for me to attend something political. 

What literally amazed me was the mire that folks allow themselves to get into and they get so deep into they cannot find the truth in anything.  Remember I have written before when you live in sin or you are not on the right path, you are living in darkness. Your eyes adjust to that darkness. Everything continues for you in darkness.  Suddenly when someone opens a door and the light comes at you, you shield your eyes and turn away from it because the light  hurts your eyes.  That was what I felt last night. 


If you believe in something and ally yourself with the beliefs of a group or a political party, you stand for it.  Despite all the flying accusations from an email and other stuff, when someone from the audience spoke from his heart passionately about the condition of this country and where we need to be heading to better ground... it brought applause from every one but two tables of folks.  It seem to imply they disagree with trying to get America back into a better place. My question to them was, are you with us or against us? Why were they there if they did not share the common beliefs of the this political party? Why were they not supporting the current elected officials?

 

The truth often hurts. It is much easier to turn away from and not face what caused the pain or the problem.  The true reasons behind what we do are often buried in the quagmire we camouflage them in.  When you lash out at someone in anger, you may not really be angry at them, but frustration from earlier in the day will set you off if someone looks at you funny. 

 

"My wish for you my friends is the happiness that I have found. You can depend on Him, no matter where you're bound. I'll shout it from the mountain tops, I want the world to know, the Lord of Love has come to me, I want to pass it on." 

 

It only takes a spark to get that fire going and bring light back to our lives, our homes and our towns.  We have to believe and stand by those beliefs passionately. The Lord must lead, guide, guard and direct us.  We cannot stand unprepared for what is ahead.  We must rely on Him to light the way.

Laurie

 

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”- 1 John 5:12

Orange Horse Contemporary Equine Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Orange Horse'

24 x 24  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

My Website 
  Painted Ponies   
  On Golden Pond Blog

Yesterday was not a stellar day.  It was not one of those days like I had on Monday where it all worked.   I started out good  by exercising and I will probably walk this morning.  I did about 45 min on the Wii with aerobics and yoga.   But the rest of the day I was pedaling backwards and growing more frustrated by the moment.  I never got to paint yesterday and I am in the midst of a nice piece that I want to work on. Maybe today.


The morning seemed tied up in the new site www.CFAIntl.com and adding new members. This is a continuous project. Then Vernita who does the membership stuff for Artists of Texas is on vacation.  I had discovered an email address I didn't check all summer (I did keep up with one of them) and it had 160 messages on it.  By the time I waded through all of this we left to go pick up Terry's truck from the sew and repair shop.  They informed us his battery was very weak, so that created an extended trip to the auto place store for a new battery.  We got home about five... and I snapped green beans for us to eat.  Terry made them in bacon with new potatoes for us to eat today. YUMMM..but for last night he made homemade pizza.  I took a break for 30 minutes to eat and Stacey called in the middle of that... "PLEASE let us Skype you."  Tink was upset and wanted to visit us.  

Then Stacey shared that one of her Credit Card companies had phoned and someone was charging away on her card...but she had her card.  Thieves are smart today and they slide the card out of your wallet, write down the info including the three digit magic number on the back and they go home and charge away on the internet. They of course check out your license to see where you live for the CC information.  What I don't get is they would have to have your phone number.... and that they would have to get through information...but it is doable.  

I can't wait to find out more. The culprit lives in Highland Park TX on Lovers Lane... an expensive part of the Dallas area where the richest of the rich live.  Someone had busy little fingers on the internet charging things. I suspect kids.

By this time... it was 8 pm... and I got notice from Fine Art America that I had sold a print but they needed higher resolution.  Of course I do not have that painting any more.... my computer bogged down while I tried to "Time Machine" backwards for it. I found the images but none were usable for FAA.


The highlight of yesterday was one of those marque boards outside the churches.  "Can you live for Him?"   I felt it was missing something like "He died for you, Can you live for Him?"  Despite all the frustration of the day, I meditated on that last night and was able to sleep.  

We had been watching episodes of Pillers of the Earth and the plot is way twisted.  Several of the best characters all were totally unwavering in their simple faith and acceptance of God's presence in their lives as the Holiest and the Supreme Being, our Father.  In as many ways as it is a fabulous tale, it is also filled with violence, greed, war, blood, nudity and a pretty accurate portrayal of how life was in the 1200's. We are looking forward to the final three episodes.  In it you find exactly what I wrote earlier... He died for you, can you live for Him?

Laurie

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”- Philippians 1:21

The Ponies Abstract Contemporary Equine Art Horse Oil Signature Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Petroff Ponies Sunrise'

24 x 36  Oil on Canvas

Commissioned Painting SOLD

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Painted Ponies   

My daughter has challenged me... GROAN.... to get a grip on my health and add some exercise. I am not a bad eater, but too much time on the computer and at my easel leave me NOT in good shape.  When we were there this weekend I made the HUGE mistake of doing one of her exercise tapes....definitely not made for those my age.  I will stick with my yoga, walking and maybe wii fit.  Pray for us both as we undertake the changes we are calling for in our lives. I had to share this when I came across the verse below.

So yesterday morning I did 104 minutes on the Wii Fit.  I also ate carefully all day and added 2 Tbsp of  ground flax seed to my salad at lunch.  This is a daily commitment and I do it for myself and my family.

So keep me in prayer as I adjust and change adding movement to my days.  Are you getting enough exercise?  It was way too much for me when we did measurements and my eyes were way opened.
I go by clothes I guess and I need to pay attention to much more.

Abundance in exercise...

Laurie


“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. ”- 2 Corinthians 7:1 

Black on Red Abstract Contemporary Equine ART Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Black on Red'

9 x 12 Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Blessed was the day yesterday.  So many times in life things just never ever ever go as you plan them. Something in the works always missteps due to someone not understanding the undertaking or someone just not doing their job.


There was much ahead of us rising early yesterday and as we left Stacey's house to cross the metroplex and head for the VW Boardwalk place in Richardson, Texas, Terry tried the air conditioner and it actually worked so we had air for the ride into Dallas from Ft Worth.  We had to be at the VW place before 7:30 am and we left Stacey's at 5:55 am.  We drove to Terry's Dad's home to pick up his vehicle and Terry followed me to the VW service place.  

We arrived on the nose at 7:20.  They checked the car in and we followed through with our morning of appts etc and lunch with his dad.  Promptly (they promised the car ready at one...) at 12:45, they phoned and said it would be ready in 20 min for pickup.  We made two more stops and then like clockwork picked up our repaired Passat, dropped off Ben's car and left Dallas by three. That was really important to be at the Vet's in Sulphur Springs to gather up our dog before they closed up at five. 


What truly were the odds, of making all appted times, getting the car repaired, even getting in a few needed stops at Whole foods and the hobby store for TP... and getting back to gather up the dog and arrive home by 5:30?  I can tell you I was in disbelief the entire day that it all went right. It just never happens that way. 

After praying and thanking Him for a safe journey upon our arrival home last night, I came to the conclusion it was because I had started the day with no true expectations except for making ONE doctors appt.  We were inflexible on that one.  We had decided if the car could not be completed, Paddy would stay one more day at the vet's and we would spend the night in Dallas.  We remained 'floating' and flexible all day yesterday and the day panned out event after event like there was a conductor leading the music.  It was incredible. 

Now can I do that every day?  Can I go into today knowing there are one or two need to get done things and then leave the rest up to Him and his flow? I am going to try it. Wanna do it with me?

Laurie  

The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.--Psalm 145:9

Monday Chores Watercolor Woman hanging Wash by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Monday Chores'

24 x 30  Watercolor on Paper 

SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Moments of meditation are abundant for me through out yesterday and this morning.  Just sitting back and totally immersing my mind in the simplicity of this granddaughter. Our God is so good.

This is so true of many of the things that grace our world, from the simple blooming pink rose blowing on the vine outside the window, to the quiet of the sunrise on the lake...and back to watching this beautiful baby eat her mother's famous French Toast recipe yesterday morning.

Then it was off to Target. I cannot come into the city with out a trip to Target.  It was there I found the Tinkerbelle tyke bike for a two year old. Our Tink comes close to two... so it was a no brainer on sale. Pictures will follow this next week.

Today I am up way way early.  We have to leave here around six to drive to the VW dealership in Richardson TX to drop off our car and pray they will have time to get to the compressor.  

 Abundance in His grace to you this day.  Look around you and mediate on the glory He has provided to nourish you. 
 

Laurie  

“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”- Romans 14:8

The Pony Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'The Pony'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

commission SOLD

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Yesterday was too much. We started at six a.m. and met up with Sheriff Paul and his wife Vicki and we attended the Republican Jubilee in Mount Pleasant.  When we get home I will show pictures and name names.  There were wonderful speakers and so much incredible information.  Family and God were at the center of the entire morning. On the way over to the convention hall, the air conditioner went out on my Passat.  It is a Diesel Passat and suppose to last 300,000 miles.  I only have 72000 miles on it.  The compressor should not be going out.  Terry left the convention and found someone to work on it and they got it working.  So after lunch, around two pm we headed for Dallas.   It was not cold in the car but definitely nice.

Our first stop was at the Dutch Art Gallery. The painting above... and I am sorry this is not the final picture, I will have to post it when I am home this next week... is at the Dutch Art Gallery being framed. I got to see The Heat of the Night framed before it is mailed out on Monday.  I picked up some of my smaller pieces from the gallery and I will be putting them up on the blog to sell them, so stay tuned for those at reduced prices. Great gifts for Christmas or birthday.  

As we left the Gallery I stopped next door at "THE STORE" and bought things for our daughter-in-law for a graduation gift. I found a line called VERA that was really cool. 

This bag holds books, notebooks and your computer!  Then we got her a wallet to match and a lanyard for her name tag.  Also added in a notebook for keeping up with stuff.  VERA

As we drove off in the Passat, it was 107 degrees and no air in the car. We drove about two miles to my mom's house and camped out there for 20 minutes. She armed us with cool packs and cold water and we began our hot journey to the restaurant where we were all meeting to celebrate Tara's graduation. We ate at the Silver Fox.  Good food but oh my it took way too long to get it.  Stacey had Tink there and we had lots of fun chasing her around. She decided not to eat anything but the pure dark chocolate I had in my purse, her cheerios and her cookies.  Did not want the bread, the mac and cheese ($10 a bowl), the green beens or the granny smith apple from my salad.

The drive from the restaurant to Stacey's was a breeze..NOT. Dusk was falling at 8:30 and the temps were at a cool 99 degrees.  It was about an hour out to their house.  Terry says we will visit the VW place for service early on Monday morning and we will basically be stuck until they can put a new compressor in for us.  

Through it all we kept our sense of humor.  When we arrived our clothes were too hot to touch taking them out of the suitcase and I am sure my perfume is ruined.  Was as hot as hot tea to the touch.  Today I am staying in the house and playing with my precious granddaughter.   I have pictures, but I left the camera in the bedroom and everyone is still sleeping while I am blogging.

I know God is with us all through every step of our journey's in life. He never promised us an easy time.  He did promise us He would be with us through everything and He will carry us when we falter. I pray for you this day a time to meditate and pray.  Give Him your worries and rest in His grace. Gather your strength and allow Him to care for you today.


BLESSINGS!!


Laurie  

“[To the Church in Laodicea] "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”- Revelation 3:14,20

Rocky Mountain High Abstract Horse Oil Painting Equine Art by Contemporary Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace

'Rocky Mountain High'

24 x 30  Oil on Canvas

Contact me directly or STEVE at the Mirada Gallery in Denver.

Contact me for commission work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Painted Ponies     

On Golden Pond Blog

We made a mad dash to the vet last night to board Paddy. We have a round trip into Dallas and back and he is still suffering from his allergies.  We had decided the vet was the best place for him.  The housesitter can enjoy fishing and keeping up with the violets and the birds inside and out. He is one of the best we have had with the exception of Vicky.  She would be here if Paddy was here. I hope he remembers my inside violets.

This morning we are attending a political gathering in Mt Pleasant.  I do not address politics often in my blog and only go so far to say I am very conservative and that probably tells you enough. The Republican Party is having many state level leaders in and we are guests of our local sheriff and his wife. After the morning meeting with speakers, we head into Dallas for our daughter-in-law's PHD graduation from University of Texas in Dallas. A celebration dinner is planned after the ceremony. Sunday will find us enjoying the "Tink" short for Tinkerbelle aka our granddaughter, and Monday back into Dallas for an early morning appt before heading back home.  So blogging will be minimal over the next few days but my trusty rusty laptop travels with me. GO MAC GO!

I believe firmly in prayer before travel for anyone.  God goes before us to make our way safe and our travel successful. This simple affirmation puts a warmth in you knowing that He leads the way.  We are immediately aware that He will guide us as we prepare for the trip and as we make the journey. He will bring us safely home.

No matter what is ahead, we must remember there is no place that He is not. His presence is with us through high waters and storms as well as through the desert. Keep the vision of His Grace leading you and know you are  safe.

Laurie

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

 

Red Horse on the Green Abstract Contemporary Equine Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Red Horse on the Green'

20 x 30  Acrylic on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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I learned a valuable lesson yesterday morning as I was cooking our breakfast. I had decided to participate more in the preparation of food.  I was scrambling eggs but first diced up onions, red potatoes, mushrooms and sauteed them in Olive Oil.  At the last minute I spotted a half ear of corn wrapped up as leftovers and quickly popped it on the cutting board and threw the precooked soft buttery bits into the veggies.  


I kept up my stirring and turned around to reach up for plates and heard this popping noise. As I turned back around a second and third popping explosion occurred and I watched veggies literally fly out of the pan.  The darn corn was sizzling and popping.  I did not know that COOKED corn would do that when sauteed with other veggies. I learned something new in that moment. Corn will still pop after being cooked.

We were up in Bonham yesterday with our Dad Ben, and of course visited my Dad as well.  Howard and Tracy were there too. That is Terry's brother and his wife.  I never laughed so hard as I did hearing stories of their mom and brother David.   My favorite phrase I brought out of the day was "I know that you can, but you shouldn't.  

Try that one out today.  Hear God's voice..."I know that you can.... but you shouldn't." He give us so much freedom and flexibility to make our headstrong way in life.  Of course you can, but should you?

Laurie  

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Wild Herd in Sunlight Abstract Contemporary Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Wild Herd in Sunlight'

30 x 30  Oil on Canvas

 AVAILABLE through the Mirada Fine Art. Email STEVE.

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

   © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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  On Golden Pond Blog

"On this day of your life I believe God wants you to know... if you do not the expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail.   Heraclitus said that, and he was right. Life is delighted to bring you The Unexpected. Are you delighted to receive it?   Indeed, belief in the coming of The Unexpected is the genesis of hope. How can you hope for anything breathtaking or exciting if you can only hope for the already expected? Therefore, you must always think that anything can happen. Form your ideas and your dreams within that framework!  Remember, God specializes in The Unexpected."  Neale Donald Walsch
 

Oh my gosh, did this one hit me between the eyes yesterday.  Think about those words above.  Think about it.  We have these ideas of what is best for us.  We know what we want and need.  Or do we? We live each day in expectation of what we want to have come to us; things to happen to us; good things to fall in our laps.  We expect the expected.  Look at what you are missing if you don't consider the unexpected.  

We seem to want the norm with bits of excitement, and God has ready for us the unbelievable, the dreams beyond your dreams. 

Can you handle it?  Are you ready for it?  Believe and let go of the good for the better.

Laurie

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.”- Psalm 119:14

Deep Red Abstract Contemporary Equine Art Horse Oil Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Deep Red'

8 x 10  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

 

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

My Blog

My Website 
Painted Ponies    

The teasing weather man hinted at a cold front coming through. I think that is down right mean.  The forecast shows a four degree drop in temperature next week to put us at 97-99 instead of 104-107.

You cannot possibly understand but north Texas is not this hot. We get maybe 6-10 sporadic days at 100 through out the entire summer.  I lost count many weeks ago.  Hard to figure as we went from Texas winter to Summer with out spring.  

So today I have to write about discovering what is really here and allowing it to contribute as  a blessing in my life.  That would include the 104 degree weather predicted for today.

Are you at ease in your life with what God has provided for you? That could include your home, husband, family, job, friends, hobbies, etc. What is 'yours' that God has given you that speaks the loudest in your heart and mind? Now what can you give back to life using it?

Change in thought patterns is always for me the hardest. Letting go of things that need to be discarded is hard physically and emotionally.  In our human life journey we are avid collectors of things we actually do not need. Why? Sometimes you must choose to let go of things that no longer bless you. If they do not serve the Highest with good intention, it is not necessary to keep.   I have found with 'early retirement' this marks the beginning of the time to truly discard things emotionally as well as all the physical 'things' we have collected. What was important 10 years ago holds little importance now.  

New visions and new paths are here to take.  Be brave and step out anew this day.  Find the new gifts waiting to be used.  Your new blessings and talents will serve others and those folks are waiting...waiting on you to take that step that will in turn bring blessings into their lives. 

Laurie

"Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight." Proverbs 9:6

Colors on Grey Abstract Contemporary Equine Art Horse Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Pace

'Colors on Grey'

9 x 12  Oil on Canvas

Contact me to purchase by check or paypal. Laurie

  © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

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Painted Ponies   

The heat has been relentless.  We are still patiently waiting for our truck to be done... altho we just dropped it off... as we want to head out to Colorado.  First things first and that is to visit with family before we go... and then maybe visit with more family when we get there. Uncle Charles and Aunt Barbara live in Denver.   

My mind is racing around getting paintings ready to carry up to the Mirada Gallery and finishing up and shipping commissions pieces that are here ready to go... and then making plans for Paddy, the house the watering etc.  Vicky will be busy! Don't forget washing and packing and of course cleaning the house entirely before leaving.  Why do we do this?


Often just the thought of 'getting out of Dodge' makes us feel unbounded by responsibilities and headed toward what we consider freedom.  Bottom line is we do it to ourselves as far as chaining ourselves to so many responsibilities and signing up for so much stuff.  Can't help but feel if we did one thing really really good, that is better than spreading ourselves thin among so many projects.  We are so tied down that the simple thought of vacation can actually spread more fear into us as we have to do double time just to get out of town for a break.  While we are gone, we tend to 'hurry' through the vacation to get home and back to work.  

We are never satisfied.   Freedom is a state of mind and heart. Freedom is the state of Spirit.  Think about Paul from the bible when he was in jail.  He was still free.  If you have a grateful heart and are willing to embrace and use the gifts that God has graced you with, your life will be full with the simple pleasurable things.  As you honor God, you basically honor yourself with a sense of freedom.  

Be the you God created. Authentic living is effortless. Live the life that God has given you and stop trying to muck it up by doing so much.

Laurie  
"If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays."  Luke 11:36

Lady C Mixed Media on Canvas Abstract Horse painting by Texas Equine Artist Laurie Pace

'Lady C'

3 ft by 4 ft  Mixed Media on Canvas

 SOLD

This piece was painted as a commissioned painting in summer of 2008. 
The decorator, Julie Guidry 

wanted pages of Lady Chatterly's Lover as the background of the piece.

Contact me for Commission Work. Laurie

 © Laurie Justus Pace     Graphics One Design 2010

 "The story concerns a young married woman, Constance (Lady Chatterley), whose upper-class husband, Clifford Chatterley, has been paralyzed and rendered impotent. Her sexual frustration leads her into an affair with the gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors. This novel is about Constance's realization that she cannot live with the mind alone; she must also be alive physically." Read more here:


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A blast from the past.  I saw another painting this weekend that reminded me of one I painted several years ago.  It was entitled Lady C and as you read it was specifically for a commissioned painting. 

It would be a blast to revisit this in a different media....something only an artist can do.

Do we get to revisit things in life?  I do not think so.  I believe the past is left best as the past and the day must be lived for today. Harboring old issues and rehashing old things brings little to the table in making you feel better or finding resolutions.

Short blog, but much to do today and I am eager to greet this day as the sun rises.

Laurie

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.--Psalm 32:8