Jumping in With Both Feet

It has been awhile since I painted on a canvas. Recently, I decided to test out one of my whimsical girls on a canvas. Sometimes I find that I have to throw caution to the wind and dive in. If I sit and ponder all of the things that could go wrong then I would never start. So this past week, I dove head first into painting on a canvas. It took some getting used to, but I'm loving where it is headed. I look at her sweet face and I think about how she is lost in her thoughts. We are getting a glimpse into her soul when we look at those eyes. She lets the chilly wind blow through her hair while she walks through the enchanted forest. She seems to be inviting us in to hear her tale. That tale will continue as I work through this painting. Watch for updates to see where she leads me.

Hugs,
Jenni

Loving the Process

With the new year, I have been actively painting and creating. I am absolutely loving the process. When I am not busy camping or helping family I get up, have a cup of coffee, and sit down to paint. I spend my morning watching the sun cross the sky and creating new sketches or painting my drawings. It is a meditative process and I have found that I have grown as a person through this time. I focus on what matters most to me while I let the rest of the world just melt away. It has been truly healing. I'm currently working on a new girl. She is lovely and I just know that you are going to love her. Keep an eye out for an update of when she is going to be available.

Hugs,
Jenni

Forty Year Reflection

As I take this road into my forties, I sit back and reflect on life. I have experienced life lessons, belly laughs, and painful tears. Celebrating my fortieth morning at Twisted Sage yesterday, I felt it only appropriate to share this meditative moment with you. This birthday has brought me to a place where I can look back on the lessons I've learned and be grateful that there was a lesson I learned. The lessons weren't always happy moments, but they all taught me to be a better person. I can recall many full belly laughs that brought joyful tears to my eyes and induced fits of coughing. I've shared moments like this with friends and family. However, I have experienced more loss than I would ever want for a woman my age. The hardest part of celebrating a milestone birthday for me was the absence of my daddy. Without him here to tell me how proud he is of me, I find that I am missing a piece of my heart. That is not to say that I don't fully appreciate the wonderful people who are here to tell me, but it is not the same. I am proud that I can now remember my daddy and often cry about it, but I can also know that he is watching over me and so proud of the woman, wife, and daughter I have become in my forty years here. I hope to have many more years to share with all of you. There isn't a moment of my forty years that I would change. I have been blessed by all of those that have touched my life. So let me say, "thank you." "Thank you for believing in me, thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with me, and most of all, thank you for loving me just the way that I am.

Hugs,
Jenni

"Little Red Valentine" Painting

Do you remember the story of "Little Red Riding Hood?" I always loved how she trots off through the forest to see her grandmother. Well my "Little Red Valentine" is not off to see grandmother, but she is off to deliver Valentines. I have finished my sweetheart. She is so precious. I love her. My cards are printed and now available for sale. I will be selling one card with an envelope for $2.00, but I'm also putting together a package of six cards with envelopes for $9.00. If you are interested, please send me an email at jcburgan@gmail.com to work out the details.

I hope y'all love her as much as I do. She brings a smile to my face and makes me thinking of the smiles she will bring to others.

Hugs,
Jenni

Little Red Valentine Sneak Peek

The sneak peek that I promised is here. I have been working on my new Valentine image. Much like my "Winter Wonderland" painting, the style is whimsical. I will have the entire painting done tomorrow. It has been fun creating this beautiful little girl. I am planning to create Valentine's Day cards and small prints this year. If you are interested in ordering a print or a set of cards, please let me know. Once I have finished the painting I will be posting the items for sale in my Etsy shop. Have I held you in suspense long enough? Here is my "Little Red Valentine" sneak peek.

I hope you enjoy this work in progress. She has so much of my heart in her. I love her beautiful blue eyes. I think you are going to love the completed painting.

Hugs,
Jenni

A New Year is Approaching

I am so excited to start this new year. I have enrolled in several art classes to motivate me to create even more art work. I am working on my 2015 Valentine's Day card and hope to give you a sneak peek soon. As the new year approaches, I am looking forward to setting up my webpage and my Etsy shop. I turn 40 this coming February and it is going to be a big year for me. I am hoping to fill my life with all things art. It is one of the things that makes me most happy.

As we approach the new year, what are your goals? I'd love to hear from you. Maybe we can work together to encourage each other in attaining our goals this year.

Hugs,
Jenni

It's Grading Time!

I've been drowning in paperwork the past few weeks. Every morning I sit with my pot of tea and my iPad and I grade papers. I hope that each paper I grade, and the feedback I provide, helps my students to become better writers. This thought is what keeps me going.

I know that you are probably missing my regular posts, and I promise I will be back to posting regularly next week. Thank you all for your patience.

Hugs,
Jenni