the inn and the studio

This is the entrance to the Don Gaspar Bed & Breakfast Inn, a very private little sanctuary.



This is where we ate our breakfast each morning. Travis is anxiously awaiting those breakfast room doors to open and so was everyone else.



The entrance to the breakfast room-The food was incredible--some kind of casserole or quiche, delicious breads, cheeses, fruits, granola loaded with pecans and walnuts, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, juices and coffee.





The entrance to Jane's room.



Randall's studio on Canyon Avenue.







Walking in the front door--Nancy is working hard. Right above her is a canvas of Randall's daughter. To say she is beautiful is the understatement of the century. She really resembles Randall's wife, Valerie. Valerie is the manager of the Inn where we stayed.



This is my workspace. I was just fine working right under that original C.S. Lewis painting until Valerie walked in one day and said, "No pressure sitting here, huh?" Of course, we were slinging paint everywhere. I will tell more about the C.S. Lewis painting another day.



And this is my journal--I did the background color and Randall demonstrated the ruling pen by writing part of my favorite verse in my book--"The Lord is my strength and my portion forever." Notice how his letters dance and come alive across the page--what a talent and gift and lots of hard work through the years.



This phrase is taken from my favorite verse listed on the top left of my sidebar.

Here is a link to learn more about Randall and his incredible art and calligraphy.

pheatured photo

This photo I took several months ago was "pheatured" on Pioneer Woman's blog today under the photography section. Click here to view it there.

After my husband had helped a neighbor get some mulch, she brought us dinner and this bowl was one that she used. The next morning before returning the dishes, I used them for a prop for a July 4th picture for my blog. I thought the dark blue and stars on the bowl would be a perfect complement to the red apples.

I'm so glad P-Dub liked it.

2010

Land of Enchantment

Vicki was right--she guessed New Mexico in her comment yesterday.

For several years I have been following the calligraphy and image on canvas of Randall Hasson. I found him online initially after googling "calligraphy on canvas."

Then a friend of mine, Sandy, at the art studio where I paint sometimes, brought an issue of Somerset Studio for me to see. He was featured in that magazine. This had been at least a couple of years ago since Sandy brought the article.

Then about four weeks ago I was at the studio again and Sandy said once more, "Dianne, you really need to study with the guy who does those paintings with calligraphy."

And about three weeks ago I received an email from my calligraphy buddy, Travis, who sent information about a workshop in Santa Fe, NM and said, "Let's do this!"

Initially, I thought, "there is no way." There were just too many details to iron out in such a short period of time. However, God had other plans and "Lo, and behold" we found ourselves driving to New Mexico to attend this workshop--900 miles--well, to be honest, Mapquest said 899 miles!

I will feature Randall's studio tomorrow and his artwork Thursday--it truly is incredible.

There is so much to share, I have just been overwhelmed by even trying to tackle it but I will start with these sunset pictures. I was in downtown Santa Fe at a mission--it was very dusky dark and the pictures of the mission weren't turning out too good but the sunset that night was glorious as most of them are.

The first picture above is looking towards the west, the sunset of course. But as I turned a very sharp left, I noticed the clouds to the northeast and couldn't believe what the sun was doing to them. In the pictures below, notice the moon to the left of the clouds and then finally as it disappears behind them.

I will feature the mission church pictures this weekend.

Oh, and today is my hubby's birthday so I want to wish him a very happy birthday. I was gone eight days and he had "welcome home" flowers waiting for me upon my arrival. Thank you, Honey, and happy, happy birthday.

Flew the Coop #2

Here's the next clue! Where can you walk down the street and scenes like this are not unusual?

Flew the Coop

All the craziness that I spoke of a week or so ago had to do with me flying the coop. Yep, I flew the coop for eight days and I can finally tell you about it.

But first of all I want to give everyone but Sandy (cause she already knows) a chance to guess where I flew the coop to. Hints are below.

I will be filling you in on all the details in the next few days.

Happy Birthday, Dear Ashton

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ashton, happy birthday to you. Ashton has a birthday in a couple of days and I wanted to get a head start on the celebration of her 10th year.

Every time I go to see Ashton or she comes to see us, there is something that she loves to do. Can you guess what it is?









Every night and every morning she goes and gets the hair brush, brings it to me, and I brush and I brush and I brush and I love it and I love it and I love it even though my arm is falling off, falling off, falling off. How happy can I be, be, be??????

Go here if you are just dying to read more about this precious granddaughter--smile--

Weekend Worship at Family Bible Church

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.





Instead of bronze I will bring you gold,and silver in place of iron.



Instead of wood I will bring you bronze,and iron in place of stones.





Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.




I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler.




No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders,





but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.




The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,



for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.



Your sun will never set again,and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.



Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.








Verses taken from Isaiah 60.

I am linking to Spiritual Sundays, an inspirational place to visit.

I long for a city where He is the Light.

Labels: light, Sacred Sunday, Spiritual Sundays, weekend worship
14 comments:

Sandy said...

As always, your pictures are
simply beautiful and you've
chosen just the right words
to go with them. Inspiring
and encouraging.
Love,
Sandy
June 18, 2010 7:50 PM
Anita Johnson said...

Beautiful! I never asked before what takes you to these places...work or just sight seeing? The combination of photos and scripture are stunning!
June 18, 2010 10:33 PM
Charlotte said...

Once again you have beautifully illustrated the scripture. Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte
June 19, 2010 9:08 AM
godsown said...

Powerful the verses and photo's!
And isaiah is one of my fav books..

Blessings
Bernice
June 19, 2010 10:40 AM
Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

How breath taking your pictures are, and are so beautiful with the scriptures. Thank-you so much for all your work, I look forward to your post.
God Bless,
Ginger
June 19, 2010 11:53 AM
sarah said...

totally awesome and yes yes yes to Him being a redeemer..... ☺
June 19, 2010 5:42 PM
Daughter of the KING said...

Beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
June 19, 2010 5:51 PM
Karen said...

One of my favorite passages, beautiful with your photos.
Thank you.
June 19, 2010 7:00 PM
Whidbey Woman said...

Another gorgeous church!
June 19, 2010 7:12 PM
Vicki said...

Hello, Dianne,
What a gorgeous church with wonderful landscaping! I love those pretty crepe myrtles, too. Your scripture verse is very powerful. I, too, long for that day when Jesus will be the only light we need. How I long for our nation to know the peace and holiness that comes from Him. Love and blessings always~ Vicki
June 19, 2010 9:10 PM
Maria said...

Dianne!
This is breathtaking!
The sunshine rays are so bright and beautiful...

The scripture ~ just what I always need to read ♥

The first photo, with the leaves in the foreground is so nicely done...

Dianne, thank you always for the time and love you put into these posts... you are a good steward of such an amazing gift...
Thank you for sharing ♥
Maria
June 19, 2010 11:13 PM
Maria said...

ps... Would you mind if I post your 8th photo in my sidebar with a link back? I'd love to spread the word about your "weekend worship" posts :o)
~Maria
June 19, 2010 11:15 PM
Regina said...

Delightful captures and wondrful verses. Thank you for sharing.
God bless.
Regina
June 20, 2010 12:23 PM
Regina said...

Wow such beautiful captures.
Wonderful post.
God bless.
June 21, 2010 8:47 PM