Expired, Illustration Friday

Expired treasures abandoned by ocean waves, seashells sit like beautiful castaways waiting to be discovered along the shore.

Subterranean, Illustration Friday

A good portion of my life has been spent keeping such a low profile, I might as well have been living underground. So when Illustration Friday came up with the word "Subterranean," my thoughts naturally went places that I decided not to share with the world.
With my hands in the dirt and enjoying the sunshine this week, painting wasn't my first priority. Inspiration from ancient cave paintings kept me in balance.

Brave, Illustration Friday

It's best to be brave, to step out of the comfort zone and confront one's fears head on. It's usually discovered later that the fear of the unknown was more frightening than what was actually out there.

Perspective, Illustration Friday

Breaks in the clouds allow us opportunities to find silver linings.

Adrift, Illustration Friday

I will make you brooches and toys for your delight
Of bird-song at morning and star-shine at night.
I will make a palace fit for you and me,
Of green days in forest and blue days at sea.

Excerpt from "Romance," by Robert Louis Stevenson

Muddy, Illustration Friday

Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear. ~ Lao-tzu

From the depths of a muddy pond, the lotus blooms as a symbol of high spiritual aspirations. This week, my answer to Illustration Friday's challenge comes paired with two koi, symbolizing perseverance and strength.
The winter season can be a dark and dreary time. Here in southern California, heavy rains brought mud which carved destructive paths in areas that were recently plagued by fires. With spring approaching, the hillsides can look forward to being comforted with blankets of green velvet and healing with the next generation of wildflowers, as the skeletons of charred trees renew the life within their blackened trunks.

Focused, Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday has posted great word challenges in the previous weeks, and the creative excuses not to meet them have been even greater in number! This week's word challenge came as I unearthed a letter from my mom, with her accompanying inspirational message in which she paraphrased Proverbs 3:21: "Have two goals: Wisdom, that is, knowing and doing right- and common sense. Don't let them slip away."
The next few verses assure us that when we remain focused, using good judgment, we can keep moving forward without fear of stumbling, that the road ahead will be safe.
This might be my clumsy attempt to wrangle three weeks' worth of words with one illustration, but this hikers are focused on the road ahead and enjoying the small patch of wilderness. Leave it to a mom to put it all in perspective! Happy trails!