annie young arts

thank you for being a friend.....

2012-03-06T17:21:00.000-06:00

reflection

when my own words fail,

i turn to quotes...

there are some very

special friends

i can't imagine

enjoying a drama-free

week without (lol)

Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty. ~Sicilian Proverb

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

A good friend is cheaper than therapy. ~Author Unknown

If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. ~Edgar Watson Howe

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. ~Arnold Glasow

It takes a long time to grow an old friend. ~John Leonard

A friend can tell you things you don't want to tell yourself. ~Frances Ward Weller

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar. ~Robert Brault

Friends are relatives you make for yourself. ~Eustache Deschamps

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. ~Aristotle

feel the fear...face it with faith!

2012-02-07T17:17:00.000-06:00

traffic

i think i once heard about a book or a mantra

along the lines of 'feel the fear and do it anyway..'

i always thought to myself, if only i could have such courage !

i realized first hand, when i was put to the test

what i was really 'made of'...

the other day i made my

way home

from work

taking a new route.

i had to cross a few intersections

that i hadn't crossed for quite a time.

fear held my entire body hostage.

i couldn't find air...

i had spent countless hours

training to hear the sounds

and echoes of the street.

my mind confused

and feeling a bit betrayed

i ended up retreating to a certainty.

i cried. cried from the gut.

pissed. angry.

embarrassed.

i then had to go in for the ask.

some times when we ask,

God shows His skin to us ...

and humbles us along the way

so yes,

feel the fear,

then face it with faith and

know that God will never leave you.

'be strong and courageous. do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~deuteronomy 31:6

traffic: i painted this piece called traffic to help those who navigate the world with sight to understand what it is like not too. i often get asked, what is it like to cross the highway/street etc. how do you do it? i listen to the sound of traffic going in the same direction as i am and cross with the sound of traffic. i am really grateful when the intersection has an audible signal device installed. these are great and really help me to cross safely...!

this piece has many colors as 'back in my day' the cars were painted rich, bright colors...i guess i may be dating myself now (lol) the background is dark and gooey to reflect the roadway and all the exhaust and pollution from the vehicles...

no God, no peace, know God, know peace..

2012-01-30T18:56:00.001-06:00

Lord ... is that you?

i remember when i painted this piece. i was really at odds with my faith.

i was seeking answers that i just couldn't seem to find. i wanted to know God as a friend.
i wanted a relationship with him that was meaningful
and real and not fake. i didn't want to recite
made up or worst yet- memorized prayers from my childhood.

my understanding of who He was and what He meant to me seemed to be buried under a whole lot of crap, worries and superficial social agenda's that had nothing to do with growing my spiritual life.

it wasn't until i scraped away the layers that i found what i was really looking for.

my cross...all tattered and scratched from my past regrets. dulled from sin, doubt, judgments and lies. i carried it with a distorted sort of pride, an impressive martyr no less.

... He wouldn't allowed that... no, He was on the ready to take it from me and place it on His back.

in that moment i knew i had found my God ..that He had never left my side.

so i will pass along what someone had once shared with me...

no God, no peace...know God, know peace...

always believe that God is with you...seek His divine inspiration

pray for wisdom and strength, trust that whatever is in front of you...challenging you will serve His purpose. believe He has a plan for you ...i used to have a friend read to me jeremiah 29:11 every day...now it is etched on my heart:

"for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

the feeling remains that God is on the journey, too. ~teresa of avila

"ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

matthew 7:7

prayer is when you talk to God;

meditation is when you listen to God. diana robinson

unconditional love

2012-01-29T11:48:00.001-06:00

you see me

you really see me

you have witnessed me react outside my best behavior

you have seen me without my makeup on

you know my flaws

and yet, you love me still

i see you

i wake with crazy hair

and you laugh with me

i have a hard day

and you dish me up

a huge bowl of ice-cream

or bring me a 'special treat'~

you ask me if anything is wrong

i say no

do you believe me?

no...

you ask me into your cage

and give me the hug that i needed

for the greater part of the day

the best part of you loving me

is that you see

me like no one

else sees me

you see me warts and all

and still love me for me

"love… what is love?
love is to love someone

for who they are,
who they were,

and who they will be."
~chris moore

'keep your dreams alive...remember, all things are possible for those who believe."

-gail devers

this day i know l-o-v-e

2012-01-12T19:06:00.004-06:00

mad blossom

yes, i am a

mad creative

but blessed beyond

my imagination...

i am loved

and

i know love

like i have never known

love before

i know joy

and

i am at peace

and have never known

c o n t e n t m e n t

as i do in this moment

i am grateful beyond measure....

john 15:9-17

as the Father has loved me, so have i loved you. abide in my love. if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as i have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. these things i have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

“this is my commandment, that you love one another as i have loved you. greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. you are my friends if you do what i command you. no longer do i call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but i have called you friends, for all that i have heard from my Father i have made known to you.

you did not choose me, but i chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. these things i command you, so that you will love one another.

"God loves you just the way you are,

but He refuses to leave you that way.

he wants you to be just like Jesus."

~max lucado

take a breath

2011-12-30T16:02:00.001-06:00

breathe

yes, i'm revisiting this theme and

just in time for the new year...

breathing is important

taking the time to relax,

sit back and chill is so under-rated

sucking air is probably the single most important

new year's resolutions i can think of

if i do nothing else in the coming year

but constantly remind myself to

stop

and

breathe

2012

will be a

v-e-r-y, v-e-r-y

g o o d

year

"but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

~isaiah 40:31

the reason for the season...

2011-12-19T12:00:00.001-06:00

...ask me, i would give you living water -Jesus

a number of years ago i went on a mission trip to honduras.

the village was miles and miles in the middle of no where...what i would consider the end of the earth. the young women would have to travel for hours every day to collect water that could be used for cooking and drinking.

our team's main goal was to build a gravity-fed water system and to share the hope of Christ.

i thought i was going to change the lives of those who had less than i did, but it turned out that the souls i encountered fed me and filled the empty spiritual void i had been carrying around.

the way

i was humbled by the grace, strength and faith of those living in the village. they had absolutely nothing as far as worldly possessions, but all their trust was demonstrated in the way the lived. i loved how they came together at the close of each work day to worship.

their prayers were big and real and honest.

if you are looking for a way to give

in a big, real and honest way

consider a donation to Aqua Viva.

100% of your gift is given directly to the poor...

the cross painting i did upon my return. it is called: the way.

in the village near the school there was this really cool cross that had raised letters and symbols on it. i just had to feel it and keep that sensation etched onto fingertips and embedded in mind. the colorful back drop was described to me in great detail. i remember the warmth and energy from the ground as i stood in front of the cross. the power was overwhelming and undeniable.

when i returned home i immediately grabbed a canvas. the image made itself realized.

i offered to teach an art class to the kids in the village who interested...

the photo is of a boy named, samuel who traced

my fingers over his drawing and described in detail his work.

i was told he was quite talented.

drawing lessons in las chilcas de san ramon

he shared with me that he wanted to be an artist one day.

many of the kids copied what samuel drew.

he had an inventive and colorful imagination!

you can change the life of a child like samuel,

his friends and those of neighboring villages who

have yet to have access to clean water and/or

the Truth, the hope of Christ Jesus.

consider sending a donation to:

Agua Viva

23955 Beard Ave

Lakeville MN 55044

have a blessed and merry christmas

view: http://www.aguavivaonline.org/what-can-i-do.html

all contributions are fully tax deductible and

many employers match charitable contributions


more than 3,500,000 people die from a water related illness every year...every 15 seconds a child dies from a water related disease

video available: http://www.aguavivaonline.org/communities-served/las-chilcas-de-san-ramon.html#/images/stories/5_8_LCdSR/avlcdsr1.jpg

happy wishes for momma bear...

2011-11-28T20:56:00.001-06:00


peace

i remember when i was young my mom used to tell me to be nice to 'those kids'...you know, the kids who seem to get ignored or teased for some reason. there were always some kids who seemed to get picked on and no one wanted to sit with them at lunch or wanted them on their kick ball team... you remember 'those kids.'

love

she also reminded me to say hello to the bus driver, thank the lunch lady and smile at the crossing guard. yeah, i did all these things. it was embarrassing at times...i mean, i would actually sneak an apple to the kid who no one would sit with...

happiness

admittedly, i had to say hi to the bus drivers because sometimes she would 'just know' if i didn't ... years later, when i least expected to run into anyone from my days of elementary, i bumped into a gal who was picked on relentlessly...even as a kid i remember how i would never want to be her. the teasing was mean and she was targeted non-stop. after asking me how i was, what i was up to, i knew who she was right away, she had grown to be a very pretty woman, but time had worn a bit on her. she hugged me and thanked me for being so sweet to her all 'those years' when everyone else had been so mean.

she shared that my 'hello' often made such a difference in many of her days. she would think of me as a friend.

in that moment, i thought of my mom and was never more thankful to her...she taught me one of the most important lessons i continue to learn. give simply of yourself. what a difference this has made.

today my mom celebrates her 76th birthday and her wish is only that we all continue to share peace, love and happiness with one another...

happy birthday mom!

life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third.

you complete me...

2011-11-14T15:32:00.002-06:00

what we are is God's gift to us...

what we become is our gift to God. ~powell

i once thought i could do it all on my own
all by myself
that i needed no one
i needed nothing

i held my head high,
thinking i was strong
independent
i was accomplished

but then i realized
i am nothing without you

i only am me
because of you

i need you

my faith sees me thru every day
every moment

it is God who makes me complete

"what we are is God's gift to us.

what we become is our gift to God."

~eleanor powell

sweet nancy

2011-11-11T09:15:00.001-06:00

phoebee

every one should be so blessed to have a friend like nancy
generous
kind
forgiving
gracious
sweet
thoughtful
i can't remember the how, the where, the when...these details of our friendship and the intersection of our stories...but i continue to be blessed by her example of how to live, to love, to give, to forgive, to stretch my heart, my mind....

she has learned much and she is more than willing to share with me of her joys, past hurts...the loves of her life. she is like a sister to me. honest, but reassuring.

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.

~Author Unknown

this, too, will pass

2011-11-09T18:32:00.000-06:00

wings of wisdom

fire, ready, aim...

aagh...the frustration of picking up the pieces from my impulsive

actions has worn me to the core.

i have since learned that nothing needs to be decided upon RIGHT NOW.

there is nothing wrong with hesitation.

pain seemed to torment me daily and i used to hatch daily escape plans...admittedly it would be in the drink of some sort or another.

now, i sit, as uncomfortable as that may be at times

and wait

and pray

and possibly pray some more

one day at a time

knowing that

this, too, will pass

feelings are not my enemy

i am not alone

i am much stronger than i had realized

my story is not unique

i'm not special

(((((smile~sigh)))))

my faith will see me thru, this i am certain

'faith isn't faith until it's all you're holding on to'

Art Madness!

2011-11-02T10:44:00.000-05:00


princess zoe

You Are Invited!
ART MADNESS...

Saturday, November 5, 2011
7-11 pm

The barn at Spirit of Brandtjen Farms
16965 Brandtjen Farm Drive
Lakeville MN 55044

Featuring over 200 original, one of a kind artwork, treasures,
cultural events and gift certificates to local restaurants.
All art pieces created by local art students, residents and professional artists.

Please bring 5 non-perishable items that will be used to build a sculpture

during Art Madness and then donate to 360 Communities Foodshelf!

Tickets for the event, which will benefit 10 local schools,

local grants and

random acts of kindness

can be purchased online at:

www.EVCF.org

$35.00 or $40.00 at door

Eastview Community Foundation
PO Box 240905
Apple Valley MN 55124

wcco link: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/11/01/artist-loses-her-sight-but-not-her-creative-vision

princess zoe will be donated to the silent auction to help in the fund raising efforts!

note cards and other annie young prints will also be donated as well~

2011-10-09T00:20:00.001-05:00

ii believe

i am a believer
i keep telling myself that
i don't know if i say it to convince myself
or to remind myself

i haven't decided if it really matters,
i just know God is with me

what lies behind us and what lies before us are

tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~emerson

shredded and stretched...

2011-09-18T21:44:00.000-05:00

you stretch me...

many of us have experienced

the pain of

our hearts being

shredded

and stretched...

we pretend

we are fine

we act as if nothing has shaken us

but in reality our core has shifted and our foundation has become weak.

...dear

we are lost for months...

not until the healing begins

do we realize the extent of the damage

when we surrender to our powerlessness

we become powerful

our lives become manageable

peace begins to heal our scars...

Psalm: 51:10, 12

create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

art exhibit !!!!! sept 1st-30th

2011-09-03T08:20:00.004-05:00

oh jenny~no need to worry!

annie young arts

~~september~~

~~1st-30th~~
extended thru til oct
30TH!!!

box art gallery

2nd floor

625 fourth ave s

mpls mn 55415

(thrivent financial bld)

b-r-e-a-t-h-e

why worry if you pray?
why pray if you
if you worry?

i am exhibiting a wide variety

of new pieces and techniques.

it was a desire of mine to offer a space

for the mind to wander...

to dream...

to imagine possibilities.

nudge the heart with a memory

and the soul

could leave refreshed.

it was exciting for me to create.

i was blessed in the process..

visiting artist: rita corrigan (rita is a friend who is an amazing artist...her body of work is entirely beyond words and i was so fortunate she said yes to me!

you must come see!!!! )

www.mnartists.org/rita_corrigan

'many hands make light work' ~john heywood

special thanks to: cec, diane, dee, nancy,

stacey and a really big thanks to rick!!!

God bless the day I discover, you...

2011-09-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

looking for love

Lookin' for love...

waylon jennings

I've spent a lifetime looking for you
Single bars and good time lovers, never true
Playing a fools game, hoping to win
Telling those sweet lies and losing again.

I was looking for love in all the wrong places
Looking for love in too many faces
Searching your eyes, looking for traces
Of what.. I'm dreaming of...
Hopin' to find a friend and a lover
God bless the day I discover
Another heart, lookin' for love

When I was alone then, no love in sight
And I did everything I could to get me through the night
Don't know where it started or where it might end
I turn to a stranger, just like a friend

I was looking for love in all the wrong places
Looking for love in too many faces
Searching your eyes, looking for traces
Of what.. I'm dreaming of...
Hopin' to find a friend and a lover
God bless the day I discover
Another heart, lookin' for love

You came a'knocking at my heart's door..
You're everything I've been looking for..

No more looking for love in all the wrong places
Looking for love in too many faces
Searching your eyes, looking for traces
Of what.. I'm dreaming of...
Now that I found a friend and a lover
God bless the day I discover
You, oh you, lookin' for love

In all the wrong places
Looking for love in too many faces
Searching your eyes, looking for traces
Of what.. I'm dreaming of...
Now that I found a friend and a lover
God bless the day I discover
You, oh you, lookin' for love

all, everything that i understand,
i understand only because i love.

~ leo tolstoy ~

b-r-e-a-t-h-e

2011-08-31T09:15:00.002-05:00

restless at midnight

it's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.

~dale carnegie

patsy cline's lyrics often ring in my head and echo a familiar message that i ask myself way too many times...'worry, why do i let myself worry?'

common sense has told me it is a waste of energy. i know from past experience that it offers no positive results.

how long did it take for me to figure this out? well... to be honest, for me to fully embrace the art of letting go is not something i have completely glommed on to...

but i am at least aware of the concept. that is a HUGE step forward.

today i am hanging an exhibit at the box art gallery in mpls...(2nd flr of the thrivent financial bldg).

i am fortunate to have many wonderful friends come to my rescue and help me with the hang.

i woke in my typical type A fashion. early. like 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. early. my mind already the faded pulsation and echo from the incessant plotting and planning.

then i reminded myself to take a big breath. turn it off!

i promised myself today was going to be different. today i was going to have fun and today those who were with me were going to have fun too!

no micro planning allowed.

'be the river...going with the flow'

that said, i guess i'll spend all the time i now have preparing for my interview. not that don't pack enough in a day eh?

more to come...

"a man’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps."

proverbs 16:9

b-r-e-a-t-h-e
the box art gallery
625 fourth ave south
mpls mn 55415
sept 1-30, 2011

hours: mon-fri 7am-5pm

guest artist: rita corrigan

if cats could talk....

2011-08-23T20:56:00.001-05:00

if cats could talk, they wouldn't. ~nan porter

soul sister

i never really liked cats, appreciated cats...

understood cats...until now.

now i live with a cat.

two actually

and have found

a new meaning to the phrase soul sister.

these feline friendlies have become endeared to

me in the most unexpected of ways...

this morning when i needed

it the most

(and didn't realize such...or admit to such...)

i had my hand held by my furry friend

all 11 pounds of her purring long haired torso was

anchored on my heart

her sand paper tongue

licking me

what a welcome to the day

at least i wasn't going to be late for work

stress had really been taking it's toll

lately,

i had been so exhausted..she must

have known i needed a little loving

because she was there for me

i could feel the love

the encouragement

i still can't say i understand cats,

but i will say, i really love mine!

"dogs have owners...cats have staff"

a visit to squaresville

2011-08-19T10:03:00.000-05:00

squaresville

sometimes i just want to fit in.

feel like i am normal,

you know, like everyone else.

happy.

content.

secure.

loved.

confident.

surrounded by tons of friends!!!!

then my friend ray will remind me that 'normal'

is just a cycle on the washing machine...

i looked up the definition of normal in the dictionary.

NORMAL: conforming to...

wait!

i'm not one to conform to anything, get me off this bus!

(sigh)

i think i just needed

to visit 'squaresville' for a time and

catch my breath.

"the only person

you are

destined to

become is

the person you

decide to be."

~ ralph waldo emerson

let the Son shine in~

2011-08-13T06:29:00.000-05:00

finding olivia

so often i find myself hiding...

hiding from my past,

living in regret and shame

afraid to become

what i really want to be...

to see my dreams realized (sigh)

i feel powerful at times,
then again,
i'm tripping over doubt!

i have to admit, it gets a bit

exhausting ...

without my faith, i don't know where you'd find me...

this striking blossom with blades

of deep scarlet,

hues of ruby red and vibrant orange

hides a dragonfly fluttering about

i named her olivia

she represents living 'in' the moment.

since dragonflies

actually fly for such a short
period of time,

usually only for a few months,

they seem to have mastered

taking in what is in front of them

or what i can only best describe

as eckhart's mantra 'living in the now...'

the name olivia itself represents:
fruitfulness, dignity and beauty

galatians 5:22-23 offers to teach me to sincerely care,
authentically cherish...truly nurture my soul,
the relationships of others.
be honest~
keep it real~
stay in the moment

^` but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

~Galatians 5:22-23

i love you big...

2011-07-30T23:06:00.000-05:00

live your passion

2011-07-24T05:22:00.003-05:00

a friend recently reminded me that 'others react to situations

based on their own past experiences' ...and she

daisy dreams

was working towards living a life that offers to make a difference in positive ways.

her passion is to

live with less ego

(i can't imagine her with much of an ego previously, but then we all have our preconceived notions about ourselves... )

she now walks with an attentive heart.

she forwards compassion,

consideration and respect,

she is polite

and mindful of others

in the process

of growing

herself down

she lifts

others up...

kindness

is not a random

demonstration of her character, but

an ever

present virtue

she inspires me

i too wish to spread

peace, love and happiness

with an honesty that is believable

and authentic~

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koh/random-acts-of-kindness-_b_904100.html

words on the surface of the canvas:

desire, destination, determination

lucy finds her man...

2011-07-17T06:48:00.002-05:00

sacred passage

i love how so many things can offer so many different meanings...
this particular piece: sacred passage
is like that
i remember when i first painted it...when i first dreamed the image...i imagine the canvas offers nothing close to that.

life happened.

my choice was to paint the changes or let my brushes rot...was it really a choice? yes (sigh) but the energy to create powered thru.

i have to...want to, need to ...
~ live a life that is faith filled,
honest, authentic and
filled with the colors
He has blessed me with...

oooooh
oooooh
lucy takes the long way home
meets me in a field of stone
she says "i don't know how i'm s'pose to feel
my body's cold my guts are twisted steel."

and i feel like i'm some kind of frankenstein
waiting for a shock to bring me back to life
but i don't want to spend my time
waiting for lightning to strike.

ooooh

oooooh

so underneath the concrete sky
lucy puts her hand in mine

she says "life's a game we're meant to lose.
but stick by me and i will stick by you."

cause i'm like a princess in a castle high
waiting for a kiss to bring me back to life
but i don't want to spend my time
waiting for just another guy.

ooooh

oooooh

lyrics: a girl, a boy, and a graveyard

jeremy messersmith

shout out to the current 89.3....please support public radio!!!!!!!!!!!!!

one prayer at a time...

2011-07-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

harmony in bloom

'...out of clutter find simplicity;

from discord find harmony;

in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.'

~albert einstein

i have a sweet friend who happens to have taken heart to this piece and i told her i would post a blog about it. it was one of my first attempts at working with water color medium. i figured if i used colors that i knew were harmonious i couldn't go wrong.

the experience itself reminds me of what life is like
when i am faced with a challenge...
i often need to remind myself not to fear what is in front of me,
but sit for a bit and think.
think about how to break the task
down into something manageable...doable, potentially achievable...

breathing helps.

giving myself permission to have fun helps too.

if i can remember not to take myself,
the process or the outcome so seriously, all will be fine. and i use that word intentionally. fine, that is. fine is that word typically collecting dust on the shelf in my closet. if others use the word to describe my work (or me) i am almost offended, but for me to use the word ...well, let's just say my therapist would probably fall out of his chair!

finding peace,
harmony and
joy in the every day,
the ordinary,
the challenges of now
is what life is about...

truly being fine
is where i want to actually
live my life
for real...

let's just say i'm working on getting there,
one day at a time...o.k. o.k. sometimes one prayer at a time...

if you remain in me and my words remain in you,

ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

~John 15:7

faith and philosophy...

2011-06-10T18:12:00.002-05:00

'to one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. to one without faith, no explanation is possible' ~Thomas Aquinas
*community of faith*

...i seem to have this insatiable hunger for an understanding of faith...the relationship between philosophy, history and faith. what really gets a giggle is this quote i found:

“God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners.” ~Kierkegaard

'nough said...

happiness factor

2011-05-20T19:16:00.002-05:00

balance of harmony

"happiness is:

when what you think,

what you say

and what you do

are in harmony."

- gandhi

i was inspired to paint the balance of harmony at the request of a friend, inspired by her favorite colors, i challenged myself to paint in hues of the forgotten. the foundation offers the tactile landscape tracing of the word love...it is my hope that all who come to feel the creative weave will realize the essence of harmony is founded in love

more favorite gandhi quotes:

Truth is the breath of my life.

Humility is the key to success.When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won.

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

I think it would be a good idea.

Be the change that you want to see in the world.

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.

Immature love says: "I love you because I need you." Mature love says: "I need you because I love you."

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet.

grandma and me...

2011-05-10T18:00:00.001-05:00

faith

lollipop fields

"grandma," ayla inquired genuinely,

"where do lollipops come from?"

"silly girl, don't you remember?"

"we planted seeds last month!"

lollipod seedlings

i felt her face smile from ear to ear.

then her body jolted from me..."

i'll race you to the fields grandma!"

lollipods

in a split second we both were making our way to the back door, the uneven wooden planks creaking with each stride and announcing our position...

down the steps we flew with uncontrollable giggles! (spring breeze was unable to keep our pace)

generations may have separated us, but we caught our breath within minutes of each other.

i could smell the fresh soil and the tender lollipop blooms just under my feet.

he loves me

"when?! when, grandma,

when will they be ready to pick?"

lollipops for ayla

"patience, my dear....patience..."

little miss sunshine

gone to seed

"it is good to wait quietly..."
from

lamentations 3:26

2011-04-01T11:27:00.000-05:00


God grant me...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things i cannot change;
courage to change the things i can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as i would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if i surrender to His will;
that i may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

In loving memory of
Fr Bertram Griffin -- 1932-2000
in Pace

trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3, 5-6

big love

2011-03-29T11:27:00.003-05:00


big love

"i love you from the bottom of my heart and for you my heart has no bottom"-unknown

loving unconditionally is not easy...it takes work. i don't always know 'the how" either.i feel like i stumble quite a bit. but don't we all? i think that is the beauty of loving big, giving someone every ounce of honest, real, true emotion. the risk is big...but so is the reward.

CRY LOVE: John Hiatt

a moment of steel
a dry-eyed house
did he say goodbye to you
or did you kick him out

i know you're not afraid
to go alone
but this was a marriage of spirit, flesh, and bone

now whatcha gonna do
when the planet shifts
whatcha gonna do
gonna slit your wrists
bleed all over the milky way
the stars in your eyes look red today

cry love, cry love
the tears of an angel
the tears of a dove
spilling all over, your heart from above
cry love, cry love

the trust of a woman in his hand
but he was a little boy, not a man
you loved him stronger than he could feel
yeah he was wrapped up in himself like an orange peel
now whatcha gonna do
with the booze and the blush
whatcha gonna do
when there's no rush
cop a little misery
at the corner store
well' one day that train of pain won't stop no more

cry love...

throwning up ashes on the floor
if this is a lesson in love
well what's it for?
the heart won't remember
the burning fire
the next time you feel the flame
of desire

cry love, cry love..

cry love, cry love, cry love

breathe

2011-03-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

favorite definitions of breathe:

1. live

2. to feel free of restraint

3. to pause and rest before continuing

"smile, breathe and go slowly" -thich nhat hanh

life is a journey...

2011-03-25T10:41:00.000-05:00


*life is a journey*

it's been said that life is a journey that must be traveled...

well sometimes i get up, let my feet hang from the edge of the bed and remind myself to face and embrace the day that's in front of me.

at times, it takes everything i have to paint a smile on my spirit and go for the happy sell, but that's just me.

i know that if i did a 180

i'd have a great deal of landscape

i could brag about traversing...

if you were to walk in my shoes

i'm sure it would offer quite a

remarkable and breath-taking view.

i hold on to the hope inspired by marie curie's quote that i was gifted for something and that i am responsible to attain it...so i continue on in my journey, living life, whatever she puts in front of me, one day at time...with confidence that God is there with me.

"life is not easy for any of us.

we must have perseverance

and above all confidence in ourselves.

we must believe that we are gifted

for something and that

this thing must be attained."

-marie curie

2011-03-13T14:28:00.000-05:00

hope

Psalms 31:24
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."

Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Psalms 9:18
"But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish."

let us collectively pray for those souls affected by the recent quake and tsunami's catastrophic effects...

grace

2011-03-07T17:42:00.000-06:00

he loves me

...jesus loves me still today,

walking with me on my way,

wanting as a friend to give

light and love to all who live.

jesus loves me!

how fortunate am i to be blessed by His love and grace...even when i am weak and drained and totally human.

i am spent.

i have had a long weekend. i think i gave to the world every once of me and now i can only be. i am able to breathe,

i am pretty good at taking up space too...that is about it. i felt so guilty at work today as i made so many mistakes. my mind had been flushed...i was bones balancing on a chair.

i hate that feeling of running so empty that there is nothing left in the tank for me, for my job, for those i care about.

Ephesians 2:8

for it is by grace you have been saved,

through faith-and this is not from yourselves,

it is the gift of God...

march! hunger awareness month!!!!

2011-03-03T15:47:00.000-06:00

wonderland

friends!

we all need to eat!

i don't know about you, but i am not the most favorite person to be around when i am hungry...

the month of march offers us all a chance to make a difference in the lives of many in our community who are suffering in the most unfortunate way...in burnsville, mn, alone there has been a 28% increase in families requesting emergency food from local food shelves.

minnesota foodshare works hard to promote hunger awareness and engage communities in the fight against hunger and poverty, especially in the month of march.

remarkably, a number of generous companies will donate dollars proportionally to the poundage of food donated...!!!!!

here is a list of suggested items one could possibly donate to a local food shelf:

Cereal (hot and cold)
Powdered milk
Pancake mix and syrup
Peanut butter and jelly
Tuna and Tuna Helper
Canned meat
Pasta and sauce
Rice and beans
Whole grain snack crackers
Granola/cereal bars
*Canned fruit
Coffee/Tea
Dried rice (16 oz packages)
Dried beans (16 oz packages)
Cooking oil
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
*Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)
*Personal care products (tooth paste, bar soap, shampoo)
*Disposable diapers (all sizes)
*Cash donations are needed to purchase bulk items
*Gift cards to purchase fresh nutritious food
School supplies (notebooks, folders, pens and pencils)
Warm clothing (hats, mittens, blankets)
*These items are often requested and/or needed.

i'm asking everyone i know to please fill up their grocery cart with some extra goodies and help to restock the food shelves today!

please, honor the efforts of the foodshare program and help to make the difference in the life of another....a family...possibly your neighbor or co-worker.

thanks! and blessings.

here is a link to the 360 communities website, where they 'are changing lives and strengthening communities to a new degree' //www.360communities.org/

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18

please Lord, i could use some patience...and can you give it to me right now?!

2011-02-27T13:26:00.001-06:00

waiting...

i have never been known as a soul with any sort of patience. i have feet which constantly dance to the rhythms of my thoughts. a mind which composes music that only i seem to appreciate.

i used to think this a curse,

and just recently

embraced 'this condition'

a gift.

with many changes in front of me

(several of which i have absolutely no control)

i seek to have the patience to endure

the wait with grace

i can't breath!

just pray! i tell myself.

how silly to think i actually

have any control in what life brings my way...i'm so conceded! so arrogant!

if i could just give all my worries to the big guy with the big shoulder's i could go about my day and use my boundless energy to serve Him in whatever manner he had planned. i really need to trust in this...

this is so much easier said than done...so i pray. i pray for patience it takes during the wait...the wait it takes to see life thru. God bless me and all my shortcomings...especially my inability to let go and give it all to you, Lord!

Life with Christ is an endless HOPE; without Him, a HOPEless end.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a HOPE.
In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

beyond reason

2011-02-11T05:13:00.000-06:00

blossom

with valentine's day soon approaching i always feel a bit unsettled in my skin...

it is a bit silly i suppose,

but the idea of love has always been challenging for me...real love that is.

my faith seeks to gift me with the understanding and peace of an unconditional love

a love that offers a freedom and empowerment of sorts...a love that promises to provide to me a means to begin a journey and reconnect with family, friends...my community, the world.

this big love that God offers seems to be love that is beyond reason, a love that i don't dare question or doubt. i don't even dive into a box of chocolates with that frame of mind...but i am always willing to try a new flavor. i love challenges and i love the idea of real genuine love.

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16

beginnings

2011-01-02T08:10:00.000-06:00

reach out and heART someone

another year has arrived! 2011, wooo hoooo! yippee!!!

i'm excited that a new year is here. but the way i celebrate the arrival of a new year is now different.

in the past i would have seen the arrival of 2011 as an opportunity...a new beginning of sorts...another calendar year promising a chance for me to list things i'd like to do, accomplish, change about me...

but i have realized, that i don't need a new calendar year to start such changes. i just need the moment, now. and in the moment i need to recognize what i am doing, my attitude and what i can do to change so i can move forward.

it is really that simple.

granted, i'm not all that and then some...so i'm not totally there yet, but i do know i can start a new beginning with the next breath i take.

in this moment of now, i choose to reach out and heART someone. so, i'll be in my studio madly creating...be talking to you guys again soon... :)

"art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life. "

pablo picasso

merry, merry

2010-12-02T04:51:00.002-06:00

he who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~roy l. smith

it's that time of year again...

a time to be merry and to give bright.

all i simply ask of myself is that

i not forget why i am celebrating...

that i not forget the reason for the season.

as i find myself out and about

shopping for joy,

i pray i don't forget to give in the now

the real gift of the season...

the gift of love.

by washing the disciples feet, jesus taught us how to serve one another. it was also an example that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.

demonstrate christ-like love and service and give an unexpected gift of service to a member of your family, a neighbor, co-worker...friend. it can be as simple as running an errand or making a lunch.

if you take some time and make it personal and meaningful...

just watch the blessings multiply.

veteran's day!

2010-11-11T05:58:00.000-06:00


confetti susan

make time today to honor our American veterans and service members

thank them for their bravery and sacrifice!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

step up and serve...VOTE TODAY!

2010-11-02T08:15:00.004-05:00

veteran's heart

use your vote

and let it

be your

VOICE!

collectively, we can be heard.

and yes, it is that simple...

p l e a s e

take the time to vote.

it is but

a small gesture of thanks

we can gift to the men and women serving in the us armed forces, along with the many veterans,

who have sacrificed
so much
so that we can enjoy
on a daily basis
a bountiful
of blessings.


"take care of mommy while i'm gone little man..."		"o.k. daddy!"

it is not only your privilege,

but your responsibility.

it is your turn,

step up and serve,

VOTE TODAY!

bad politicians are sent to Washington

(or put in local/state office) by good people who don't vote."

- william e. simon

cheers to hollywood

2010-10-25T07:46:00.003-05:00

hollywood

i wanted to write a blog entry commemorating my friend hollywood. he passed away a year ago today. we had an interesting relationship. one that developed in the strangest of circumstances. both having lost our sight as adults, we became friends while bumping elbows at the lunch table of our 'rehab' center...the conversations would mostly center around us making fun of ourselves and how we failed to navigate from one destination to another or messed up in the kitchen or read so slowly in braille class that we put our teacher to sleep.

i have been re-reading the emails that we exchanged over the years and thought of sharing them so others could understand the person i knew him to be. but, i knew he wouldn't really want that sort of attention...he wasn't that guy. he was humble. he was unassuming. he was the guy who made the quiet funny jokes ...he was the 'everyone's friend'. he didn't steal attention, he didn't want it. he was easy. he wanted things simple. for himself. for everyone. he wanted life to be happy for himself, for others.

he was my quiet, loyal, cheerleader of sorts, wanting to see my dreams come true as much as i did. he was only a few years older than my oldest son. he always seemed to understand what i didn't about the conflict in our house between me and my boys...he was there with a ready ear and a laugh. the laugh was for me. always for me.
his friendship made me a better mother. his listen brought me closer to my boys.

weary traveler

we both loved music, enjoyed the concert scene...well, some concert scenes...i still can't believe i got talked into going to the '9 inch nails' concert....

sisco

we also liked movies, beepball and jeopardy and he adopted me into his circle of influence both as a friend and personal chef (lol). my idea of 'cooking night' was teaching hollywood a new recipe (i also wanted to make sure my friend wasn't just eating warmed up frozen pizza's while on chemo)...i think his idea was to enjoy a home-cooked meal even if that meant he had to put on an apron, boil some water or fry up some burger and endure watching american idol from time to time. we'd invite our 3rd amigo, sisco
to join us...he was the official taste tester...

both sisco and i were amazed by his incessantly positive outlook.

at the time, i didn't think anything of it really. just hollywood being hollywood. but in hindsight, i can't help but hear this young man smiling in each moment that was in front of him and offering the same to others:

"Annie,

Well, things could really be going a lot better.

I Had 2 seizures a couple of nights ago.

The first one happened while I was lying on the couch watching the Twins game. The other while I was in the kitchen talking with my parents, right after we got home from the hospital from the first seizure.

We aall got to bed at about 4 in the morning so yesterday was pretty much a resting day for me.

Igo to Rochester tomorrow, so the timing with that is good, I guess.

I’m not sure about Beep Ball yet on Saturday, but that will all work itself out.

Hopefully you have been having a better time than I have!

I feel great today, so look out world!

Anyways, have a good one!

Hollywood"

my dear friend has been gone a year now. he has left me with the desire to be a better person...i want to walk with a lighter heart, see the humor, be more forgiving, less serious, more playful, less judging...he also reminds me to stay connected to those who are important, friendships are an investment- don't take them for granted

i love you and miss you hollywood

always,

annie (aka a-bomb, ia, grannie annie, gmom, annabelle)

for those of you who have lost a loved one or know someone who has lost a loved one, check out: the dragonfly project

http://www.dragonflyproject.org/

(a message of hope for those who are grieving)

"In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after crawling up the lily stems to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what had happened to him. Soon one of them felt an urgent impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down at his friends below. Then he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number.

The fact that we cannot see our friends or communicate with them after the transformation which we call death is no proof that they cease to exist."

by Walter Dudley Cavert

2010-10-12T17:10:00.003-05:00

occupation of a mother's heart

our youngest son, chris, a proud army soldier,

is presently making his way to another side of the world.

to a place where peace is an unrealized idea,

the subject of fairy tales.

i'm proud of his courage, the pride evident in his work...
BUT, i'm drowning in crocodile tears.

fear and worry takes up residency

in my heart and mind.

i can't seem to escape these relentlessly anxious thoughts.

i remind myself to breathe.

his son, logan, swaddles in my arms.

i welcome the gifts

this precious 3 month old brings to his grandma...

the smell of new

innocence incarnate

steady breath upon finding sleep

trust without condition

i hold him tightly,

whisper stories of his father's love,

compassion

faith

courage

and determination.

i am upset when i can't bring him comfort.

logan's deep belly cries hint

to the realization: dad is gone,

he is not soon to return..

i understand his wailing...i want to wail, but i choose

prayer instead

i turn to God.

He knows me,

He knows i need time

i ask for the peace

that surpasses all understanding

i seek strength

beg for patience

selfishly i hold on...willfully wishing for control,

but i know

i know

i must let go and

let God.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives,

do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled,

nor let it be fearful." -John 14:27

stepping into now....

2010-09-24T17:30:00.004-05:00

i am on a journey...and not exactly sure where i am going, but the travel from moment to moment has been challenging. as i wander about, i ask myself some BIG questions. uncertain of the find, i practice breathing.

my creative process has become a bit more flexible, introspective... conscious. reflections seem to find their way to my fingers, from there it is anyone's guess. all i ask of myself? keep it real, be honest.

chasm of truth

and the question remains...
do you see what i feel?
as i step into now, i feel excited, scared,
anxious and hopeful...
i realize i am not on this journey alone.

supported by loyal friends and family members...
blessed is He who surrounds me
generously with loving,
patient and understanding souls.

annie young arts

thank you for being a friend.....

feel the fear...face it with faith!

no God, no peace, know God, know peace..

unconditional love

'keep your dreams alive...remember, all things are possible for those who believe."

-gail devers

this day i know l-o-v-e

take a breath

the reason for the season...

happy wishes for momma bear...

you complete me...

sweet nancy

this, too, will pass

Art Madness!

shredded and stretched...

art exhibit !!!!! sept 1st-30th

God bless the day I discover, you...

b-r-e-a-t-h-e

restless at midnight

it's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.

~dale carnegie

patsy cline's lyrics often ring in my head and echo a familiar message that i ask myself way too many times...'worry, why do i let myself worry?'

common sense has told me it is a waste of energy. i know from past experience that it offers no positive results.

how long did it take for me to figure this out? well... to be honest, for me to fully embrace the art of letting go is not something i have completely glommed on to...

but i am at least aware of the concept. that is a HUGE step forward.

today i am hanging an exhibit at the box art gallery in mpls...(2nd flr of the thrivent financial bldg).

i am fortunate to have many wonderful friends come to my rescue and help me with the hang.

i woke in my typical type A fashion. early. like 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. early. my mind already the faded pulsation and echo from the incessant plotting and planning.

then i reminded myself to take a big breath. turn it off!

i promised myself today was going to be different. today i was going to have fun and today those who were with me were going to have fun too!

no micro planning allowed.

'be the river...going with the flow'

that said, i guess i'll spend all the time i now have preparing for my interview. not that don't pack enough in a day eh?

more to come...

"a man’s heart plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps."

proverbs 16:9

b-r-e-a-t-h-ethe box art gallery625 fourth ave southmpls mn 55415sept 1-30, 2011

hours: mon-fri 7am-5pm

guest artist: rita corrigan

if cats could talk....

if cats could talk, they wouldn't. ~nan porter

a visit to squaresville

let the Son shine in~

i love you big...

live your passion

lucy finds her man...

one prayer at a time...

faith and philosophy...

'to one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. to one without faith, no explanation is possible' ~Thomas Aquinas

happiness factor

"happiness is:

when what you think,

what you say

and what you do

are in harmony."

- gandhi

more favorite gandhi quotes:

Truth is the breath of my life.

Humility is the key to success.When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won.

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

grandma and me...

big love

breathe

life is a journey...

grace

march! hunger awareness month!!!!

please Lord, i could use some patience...and can you give it to me right now?!

beyond reason

beginnings

merry, merry

veteran's day!

step up and serve...VOTE TODAY!

cheers to hollywood

stepping into now....

b-r-e-a-t-h-e
the box art gallery
625 fourth ave south
mpls mn 55415
sept 1-30, 2011