JudyAGoddard, Artisan

And the Rains Came Down and the Floods Came Up!

2011-08-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

And it beat against that house! But our house has stood firm because it's on a firm foundation! Both physically and Super Naturally!

Yesterday afternoon the creek had risen to up under my cabin studio deck, just a few inches from the first step up onto my deck.

At 7:00 this morning, Tom came in, woke me up and told me we were flooded! Eight inches inside the studio! Water almost up to the house! and a puddle in the basement!

At 7:30 Doug Cowie called. Tom was supposed to work at his house today. He prayed immediately and just as immediately the waters started to recede!

At 8:00 the puddle had become about an inch in the cellar, but just around the rediculous drain that's in the floor right in front of the door. (Tom says that when things get back to order he'll fill in that drain!) He waded (almost swam!) back down to the cabin studio to put my canes and charts up out of the water, rescueing my LPs while he was there.

At 11:00 we took a ride to the library and stopped at the end of the driveway on the way back to walk up to the "Little White Bridge, which if you don't pay attention, you won't notice". There's a sink hole there and some ominous looking cracks in the black top. The waters are raging under the bridge and crossing over portions of the road. Earlier Tom had placed some arrows to show where the water had been. Now it's back down much lower.

This is the sink hole in the road that was formed by the flood.

This is our next door neighbor's house, on the other side of the creek.

Do we have some water damage? I guess we do! Are we all tied up in knots about it? Why should we be? Nothing is so precious that it would break our hearts to loose it, except our animals, which are high and dry and probably don't even know there was a flood!

God is good all the time!

www.JudyAGoddardArtisan.blogspot.com

We Were Not Naked, We Were Nude.

2011-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well. what's the good of living in the woods if you can't stand out in a hurricane? On a warm night in August, with the winds whipping at 60 mph and the rain so fresh and inviting, how could we resist stripping down and running out, with soap in hand to glory in God's creation?

I remember back in college, my art history prof told us that the term, "naked" connoted shame.
But the term, "nude" suggests the unclothed body without a sense of shame.

I guess that makes us shameless!

I love where I live! I have the freedom to enjoy all that God offers and in a shameless state of enthusiasm and praise!

So we stood out in the storm, with the streaming rain cleansing the day's sweat and bringing fragrant refreshment.

Please, please, please! Don't let your life go by without standing nude in a hurricane!

Goodnight, Irene.

The Holiday Rush Will Be Starting Soon!

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Pro"

Last night I participated in a "Webinar" held by Tim Adam, from Handmadeology Pro. There was Tim, in a little box up in the left hand corner, as live as live can be! To the right of him was a much larger box where he displayed his power point images and used his curser to point out aspects of what he was talking about. The discussion topic was, The Holiday Rush, Setting Goals. It coincided with the release of his Holiday Rush Goal Setting Spreadsheet. (designed by Jason.)

Most of what he talked about had been covered in the blog posts and videos that he had already released concerning the spreadsheet. But it was good to have him go over it in real time and expalin how it works. (One small caveat; If you're using a MAC, some things on the spreadsheet will look different and none of the links will appear. Tim and Jason say they'll try to figure something out.)

But the real gems, as far as I'm concerned came in the Q and A afterwards. There were not a whole lot of people signed on so the questions came from just a few of us. They were wonderfully pointed questions, some of which demanded pin point answers. Others were questions of opinion which Tim was glad was offer.

His partner, Jason, also chimed in with technical help and useful suggestions as well.

As a first time webinar it had it's bumpy moments, but all in all I think it was successful and I look forward to attending the other two in the series.

As a test for his blog, Handmadeology Pro, I think it was a tight little demo well worth the subscription price of $10.00 a month.

The thing about Tim Adam is that he's just so gall darned cute! And he really seems to have a passion for helping others achieve their dreams as entrepreneurial artisans. His sincerity shines out.

"Tim"

He's one of the "Good Ones"!

RANT

2011-08-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, if I'd brought home a take of $80.00 for a show I'd paid $55.00 to get into, I wouldn't have been "thrilled" but I wouldn't have been bummed either. And I'm learning to be mad at me for making such a dumb mistake!

When am I going to learn that just because I live in a sea resort area doesn't mean what I have will sell at a sea resort show?? Please! Someone! Next time I think about a summer beach show, someone slap me?

What I Sold (in oder of purchase)

"Old Barney
by the Sea
Growth Chart
$45.00

Howling Wolf
Hiking Stick
$15.00

Mercy Mug
$5.00

Ceramic Barrette
$5.00

Birch Twig Barrette
$5.00

Pine Twig Barrette
$5.00

Wednesday Blog

2011-08-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Farm
About half of my garden has now now gone to seed. But that's a good thing! Having only purchased Heirloom Seeds this past winter, it's exactly what I've been waiting for! We've had a wonderful bounty of lettuce, peas and beans. The broccoli, not so much. 80( I started out with 12 healthy seedlings. Most were gobbled up by some yucky looking caterpillars. But 4 remained to grow into lush plants. But of those 4, only one developed a head! So, I carefully watched it and saved it and let go to seed. The only problem was, when the flowers dried up and fell off I couldn't find any seeds! I think I waited too long to harvest them. By the time I went to do so the pods had already fallen off. Next year I need to look for things that look like they might be unopened flowers that have turned brown. Apparently they are the seed pods. So, I live and I learn.

Tom Thumb Lettuce

pole beans, Kentucky Wonder

snap peas

Ah! Next years harvest, safely put away! Next February, when my mind turns to the growing of things green, I can gaze at my seeds and smile.

The Cabin
Last fall, while wandering through Lowes, we stumbled upon a display of outdoor braziers and indoor wood stoves. I fell in love with this funky little cast iron number, and since it was relatively inexpensive, we decided to buy it for the cabin. Since I live in the woods and we need to cut fire wood anyway, we figured it would be a great solution to the "electric space heater problem".

Tom priced stove piping and discovered that it's (to us) astronomically expensive. So, being the mason that he is, he is building me a chimney! And, right beside the steps on the deck is the beginning of a respectable wood pile. It's up on blocks because every once in a blue moon the creek floods and we wouldn't want our hard earned firewood to float down to the sea!

The Cane Cozies
I'm working away on the concept of the Cane Handle Cozies. I'd figured out a way of attaching buckram to one side and then using velcro as a closure. I wasn't happy with it. It was still bulky and I didn't like the way it looked when it was fastened. So, on I go, looking for the perfect solution.

The Biz
11 days and counting down to my next craft show. It'll be at the JCC of LBI, in Surf City, at the Fire House. I always feel like I won't be ready. I'll be ready!

My Leap of Faith, Leap of Faith.

2011-08-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Biz

How exciting is this! I've been included in a list of entrepreneurs who have taken a "Leap of Faith" I'd love it if you go and take a peek at the article. (I'm # 54) It's my first time participating in something like this. Makes me feel kinda proud! Here's hoping it's good for business!
Just click on this link;
http://blog.drshannonreece.com/2011/08/08/how-64-entrepreneurs-have-taken-leaps-of-faith/
http://blog.drshannonreece.com/2011/08/08/how-64-entrepreneurs-have-taken-leaps-of-faith/

Dr. Shannon Reece

The Farm

And... Poof! One chick becomes five!

The Art

I spent yesterday afternoon trying to sew cane handle cozies on my sewing machine. Of course, the tension on the bottom, inside the workings went all wonky and I ended up spending a frustrated afternoon! So, one of today's tasks it to solve this and get on with sewing my cozies.

I pulled a muscle in my left shoulder over the weekend. I don't know what I did, but it's a darn nuisance! As it's early morning, I'm hoping it loosens up as I move around.

New and Amusing, at least to me.

2011-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

THE FARM;

If I named my chickens I'd call her "Pinky"

We have achieved chick! I walked into the Spare Oom this morning and found this little beauty waiting for me!

How exciting! Now we have to go to the feed store and buy a bag of
"chick starter" There will be sisters , and probably a brother or two. This makes me happy!

Last night Tom and I took a stroll through the veggie garden and found these wonders! That's our first tomato!

You see, this is our first successful garden in many years. In 2000 we got our goats and then we had to adapt to the learning of curve of, "if goats can find a way out, they will." and the first place they would head was the veggie garden. Then, in 2002 I became sick with Lyme disease and was ill for 4 years. So there was no gardening during that time. Last year we tried again but were not so successful. THIS YEAR we decided that we would make a team effort, work together and see if we could really make it work this time. Jeepers! Such lushness! And yet another learning curve of, "how can we make it better next year!?!"

THE BIZ;

I've been working on a new idea. I'm developing what I call a "Cane Handle Cozy" My first attempt was a knitted cozy that slipped over the handle.

When I asked people's opinion, the number one concern was the that the cozy would be slidey and folks would be uncomfortable, fearful of their grip slipping. And they were slippery that way.

So next attempt is made of handmade felt, lined with rubber. It sure doesn't slip! I still have to tweak it, but I should have a finished product really soon.

A Visit to the Maine School of Masonry

2011-08-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

This past May Tom and I drove to Maine to visit with my sister, Ginni, and her husband, David. On the day that I went on my "Progressive Loon Hunt" David introduced Tom to Steven Mitchel, owner and head dean of the Maine School of Masonry. One, Steven says, of only two private post high school masonry schools in the country.

On our way out of town, driving to visit with Tom's cousin on the coast of Maine, we stopped by the school, in Avon. I got to meet to Steve and take some photos of his student's recently completed final exam projects.

He gave us a tour and showed us the dorm rooms he had built into the school building. He has beds for 8 students. (Sorry, no photos of the dorms.) The students can simply roll out of bed, drink their coffee and enter the class rooms without ever going outside!

"Mitch" as he is commonly called, is a great guy with a love of the craft and a love for teaching. When he talks about his students you can see it.

If you'd like to know more abou the Maine School of Masonry just click on the link!

What's New.

2011-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

THE FARM

19 days ago I began putting eggs into the incubator that I borrowed from a kindergarten teacher friend of mine. I was soooo careful to set it up right and follow all the directions. I marked on the calendar when I was supposed to take the first egg out of the turner and place it gently on the screening on the bottom the incubator. This morning, I stretched and rolled and thought, today I move the first egg! And in a terrible blast of cognition, I realized I had NEVER put the water in the reservoir at the very bottom! I have probably cooked all my chicks. (no exclamtion point. It's too sad for an exclamation point.)

Well, I'll move the egg anyway, AFTER I put water in the reservoir. And I'll begin putting new eggs in the incubator today. Maybe in another 21 days I'll have chicks. Who knows, maybe I'll have a new chick in 3 days. It's been very humid here. Only God knows. We'll see.

THE BIZ

I visited festivalnet.com on Saturday and found a craft show listed in Surf City on Long Beach Island. It's being put on by the JCC of LBI on Sunday, August 21. Just for ha has I emailed them asking there were any open spaces, and, Shazam! There were two spaces left! At $55 I felt it was worth the gamble and I bought one. Now I have 3 weeks to prepare. Eek!

THE ART

L'Chaim, To life!

Acutally, I had been thinking about painting so Jewish themed canes for quite a while now. So, Saturday afternoon I drew up 3 new designs and I've been diligently working away at them. I personally love them. But, I personally love all of my canes.

Tea for Two, Me and You

2011-07-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Anam Cara ~ Heart Friend, Closer than a sister, Soul to soul. That's what Maureen is for me.

This tea cup was made from the clay my husband dug out of the ground.

I'm developing a line of pottery that I'm calling, "Mercy Mugs." They aren't perfect. Some of them are lopsided. Some of them are cockeyed. Some of them have lumps and bumps that you probably wouldn't find a finished, retail mug. But that's the point.

Just as God shows mercy to us even though we are lopsided, lumpy bumpy imperfect examples, so I'm showing mercy to these mugs. And you look at them, maybe you'll remember the mercy shown to you, and be grateful.

www.leaningonthepromises.etsy.com

www.measuremecharts.etsy.com

www.beavercreekwoodworks.etsy.com

Creating My Brand

2011-07-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

This is also my entry for Inspiration Avenue's weekly challenge: WINGS

I'm getting ready to purchase a booth banner.
Please leave me a comment and tell me what you truly think of this banner.

What describes my brand?

Leaning on the Promises

I hand paint walking canes and sticks and hiking sticks.

When I look at my competition I see nice products that are mostly carved or that derive their artfulness from the combination of different woods.

Mine are distinctive because I paint them. They are finer than most. They are “eye popping”.

What makes my canes different?

My attention to detail.

My color choices;

(I only use 7 bottles of paint; black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, silver and gold) All of the variations you see are a result of my own blending.

My sense of imagination and playfulness.

My desire to provide a useful product that inspires Spiritual thoughtfulness.

But my brand is not just my product. It’s also my desire and ability to delight my customers.

answer these three questions?

What do people value most about your organization?

I deliver what they expect, or beyond their expectations. What they see in my shop, or what I deliver in sketches and communications is what they receive. I also make sure that they receive their product on or before schedule.

What makes you distinctive from your competitors?

The quality of my artwork sets me apart from my competitors. Most of the canes I see on Etsy are beautiful in different ways. And for those who cherish the beauty of natural woods, there are plenty to choose from. But my canes make a different statement. I strive for “eye popping whimsey”. Whether a customer considers my work folk art, decorative painting, fine craft, my goal is to paint something that delights the eye.

The second part, but not the second in importance is that I include words of inspiration, cunningly incorporated, as a puzzle. Each puzzle cane has a snippet of scripture or of a popular prayer, written in such a way that, in order to read it easily, you must know the “key”.

What is it that you do well and consistently deliver to your customers?

My number one desire is to delight my customers. Nothing is more important than that! I will bend over backwards to bring the exact details to my custom orders that my customers expect.

IA Weekly Challenge: Nursery Rhymes

2011-06-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

My favorite nursery stories were always the Beatrix Potter books. Each book tells the story of a different animal, each with their own unique personalities and adventures.

This canvas growth chart combines some of my very favorite characters;

Squirrel Nutkin

Peter Rabbit

Jamima Puddleduck

Jeramy Fisher

This particular chart was a custom order. If you'd like one of your own, or if you have another idea for a custom canvas growth chart, then drop me a comment or visit my Etsy shop;

May 26, 2011; The Progressive Loon Hunt

2011-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

When I arranged with my sister to come and spend some time with her at her beautiful home in Western Maine, one of the questions she asked me was, "What is one thing that you really want to do or see?"

It didn't take me more than a minute to respond, "I want to see and/or hear a loon!" I've been a birder most of my life and although I'd been to Maine a couple of times already, I'd never seen or heard a loon.

A couple of days after my request Ginni emailed me the exciting news, "I have some friends who live on lakes. We can go kayaking and they guarantee you'll see a loon!"

(Now, I'd never met her friends, but I've lived with me all my life and I know, when hearing a phrase like that I'm pretty much sure I won't see a loon.) But, ever hopeful, I got excited and looked forward to not only seeing my loon but meeting my sister's friends as well.

Ginni, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is a yoga instructor and the ladies who so fervently assured me of a loon viewing are all members of her Thursday afternoon class in Rangeley, Maine.

Our first stop was to visit Jeannine, (a poster artist) who lives on Long Pond, in a wonderfully funky cabin that was originally built in the 1960s. It's filled with wonderful art, a mad collection of fabulous antique furnishings and the most amazing view of the lake! Dawn, another yoga enthusiast joined us there as well.

Long Pond (aka Bear Mountain Lake)

Notice the ripples in the water? It was very windy all day long. Not a good day for small craft boating! 80( But we got the binoculars out and scanned and scanned. And Ginni was pretty sure she saw one! Just near this lovely point. But look as I might, I couldn't see one. But what I did see was wonderful! And Jeannine was a gracious host, providing wine and snacks and introducing us to her newest small furry doggie friend.

After this, the first leg of our adventure, we jumped in our cars and drove over to the home of Ainsley and Dolly. They live on Loon Lake. (Sounds like a likely spot, eh?) Ainsley and Dolly live a log cabin, right on the edge of Loon Lake, with their four dogs.

Ainsley is an artist, working as stone turner. She makes exquisite bowls, bottles and vases. Her studio is in a little cabin that sits right next to her home. www.sherocks.net

We walked through the pines to the edge of the lake. We steppped out on the boulders and we ventured onto the dock, but, search as we might, there were no loons!

Loon Lake

Left to Right;
Jeannine, Ginni, Dawn, Me and Ainsley
Porter is in front.

This is Dolly.
She took the photo

So, intesad of standing around feeling sorry for ourselves, we went inside and had a little wine!

The next stop on the Progressive Loon Hunt was to Dawn's house. She lives on Quimby Pond.

She is a scientist and world traveler and makes stained glass as a hobby.

Quimby Pond

Well, the wind still hadn't died down. It was late in the afternoon, really more like early evening. We stood on the dock and scanned the coves for signs of loonage. We did actually think we'd seen a couple, but they turned out to be something in the water that wasn't moving. That's a dead giveaway that they aren't alive. But we went inside, met Mr. Dawn and got to see her little cubby of a stained glass space. And we got hear about the time her cats cornered the mink in the cellar!

After that it was definitely time to say our farewells. No loons. 80(

But I had a wonderful time. I feel that I really got a chance to know the great folks my sister hangs out with. They are all such special people, each with their own unique artistic leaning.

As I've mentioned before, Ginni has an incredible gift of hospitality, truly an artist in her own right!

On the way home we made one last stop at Rangeley Lake, just a stop at the scenic pull over, but by then sun was setting, the wind was still blowing and there wasn't a loon to be seen.

Rangeley Lake

Ah well. What a wondeful day I had!

Examples of Judy Goddard's Knitting Skills

2011-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Work in progress

Smalls Falls, Madrid, Maine

2011-06-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

The week before Memorial Day my hubby and I took a road trip to visit family in New England. Our first stop was Madrid, Me, home of Star Barn B & B the most wonderful Bed and Breakfast Inn I've ever visited. (And that has nothing to do with the fact my sister owns it!)

On day two of our visit Ginni and David took us to a local state park called, Smalls Falls.

Under the canopy of fragrant balsam we climbed the path that led us up to the top of the falls, which careened down over a series of steep cliffs.

Being unusually hot for Maine, the mist that the falls sent shooting into the air were delightful!

The falls take several steps down the side of the mountain, each creating a new and fascinating
cascade, some of which plummit into natural bowls created by centuries of pounding water.

We saw lots of wildflowers.

I don't know what the other flowers are called,
but these are "Stinkin' Benjamin"!

Our generous hosts;
David and Ginni

Judy!! Get down from there!!

My honey and me!

A quiet moment's grateful "thank you"
to the Creator of all this beauty.

IA Weekly Challenge: Over the Rainbow!

2011-06-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I was away on vacation last week but now I'm back!

And here's my submission for the weekly challenge;

The very first ever Rainbow!

If you like this hand constructed, hand painted canvas growth chart, you can purchase it at Measure Me Charts

Star Barn B & B, Madrid, ME; My first vacation blog post...

2011-06-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

...and the first leg of my "whirlwind" weeklong vacation!

Madrid, Maine is waaaaay out in the western part of the great state of Maine. Near to skiing, hiking, antiquing, but right smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful, peaceful and restorative place on earth!

This is the unlikely place that my New Jersey suburban bred and raised sister chose to call home and where she and her husband created a destination spot for those who crave natural beauty and a place to partake in all the wonders of an active outdoor life.

For this where they bought an 1860 farmhouse with a big ol' barn and over 100 acres of woodlands, streams and ponds. They renovated the farmhouse into a Victorian showplace, filled with antique treasures that were left by the previous owners. The first time I visited and saw all the splendid furniture and curios I felt like she had certainly hit the jackpot! The barn was turned into a five bedroom bed and breakfast, large enough for her to offer single rooms as well as use as a retreat center for folks who come together there for interests from bible studies to quilting to yoga.

This is Ginni's yoga studio in the "barn"

This is my sister Ginni and her husband, David.

If you'd like more info on Star Barn Bed and Breakfast, Madrid, Me., then visit their website;

http://www.starbarnbandb.com/
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

God's Promises to His righteous people

2011-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Promises of God to His righteous people.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plan I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Gen. 15:1 God is my exceedingly great reward.

Exodus 23:22 If I live righteously then God will be the enemy of my enemies and the adversary of my adversaries.

Deuteronomy 33:27 God is my refuge. He upholds me in his everlasting arms.

2 Chronicles 16:9 God looks for those to whom he can show his strength, to those whose heart is perfect towards him.

Ezra 8:22 The hand of God is upon me for good.

Job 11:15-19 ...then you will lift up your face without shame, and you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter then noonday and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and testimonies.

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall compass me about with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 37:4,5 Delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.

Psalm 37:23,24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in his way. Tho he fall he shall not be utterly cut down, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 50:15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in the Lord at all times, pour out youf heart before him, God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will be with hold from them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 3:5,6 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.

Isa. 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isa.40:31 But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint

Isa. 10,13 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.... For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you.

Isa. 54:14 In righteousness shall you be established; you shall be far from oppression; for you shall not fear; and from terror; for it shall not come near you.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.

Matt. 7:7,8 Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

Matt. 18:19,20 If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two more are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.

Mark 11:23,24 Whoever shall say to this mountain, Be removed and thrown into the sea, and shall not doubt on his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says will come to pass; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, what things you desire, when pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them..

John 9:31 Now you know that God does not hear sinners, but if any man is a worshipper of God and does his will, He hears him.

John 14:12-14 Truly, truly I say to you, any man who believes on me the works that I do, he shall do also; and greater woks than these shall he do, because I go to my Father. And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that my Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I shall do it.

John 16:32 These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:34 … It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

1 Cor.2:9 Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the hard of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

2Cor.1:20 All the promises of God in Him are yes and in Him Amen to the glory of God.

Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 9:16 Let us therefore come boldly into the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and does not upbraid; and it shall be given him.

1 Peter 3:2 The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers…

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon Him: for He cares for you.

Scriptures of Hope

Ps. 9:18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.

Ps. 33:22 Let your mercy O Lord, be upon us according as we hope in you.

Ps. 38:15 In you, O Lord, do I hope: you will hear O Lord, my God.

Ps. 43:5 Why are you cast down, o my soul? And why are you disquieted in me? Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.

Ps. 78:8 …That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.

Ps. 146:5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for His help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Prov. 23:18 There is surely a hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jer. 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

Romans 15:4 That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Scriptures that let me know God understands and protects me.

John 3: 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed every thing in His hands.

Phil 3:21 – 4:1 Jesus is given power to bring everything under His control, to transform my lowly body. I can stand in the assurance that Christ is transforming me. I am safe in this transformation.

Col. 2:2,3 I am encouraged in heart and united with Christ in love so that I may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that I may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 John 2:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.

Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jer. 20:10a, 11, 12 I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced, their dishonor will never be forgotten. Oh Lord Almighty, you examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance against them, for to You I have committed my cause.

Zeph. 3:15b The Lord, the King of Israel is with you. Never again will you fear any harm.

IA Weekly Challenge: Purple and Green

2011-05-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I saw an interview on the CBS tv program, "Sunday Morning" of a singer named Melody Gardot.

She's the same age as my son and lives in Philadelphia, just like my son. Several years ago, while she was attending college, she was hit by a car while riding her bike in the city. Her injuries were devastating. During her long hospital stay she began undergoing music therapy, to help her deal with unremitting pain. She discovered that while singing and performing were the only times she was pain free. She has a wonderful, sultry, bluesy quality, for me, remeniscent of Peggy Lee.

The interviewer asked her if she had any other passions and immediately she responded, "France!" She loves all things French. And right away my mind jumped to painting a cane for her (she uses a cane) with grape vines, to symbolize French wine.

I haven't sent her one. I think I'll get the courage up and do so!
In the meantime, I have one for sale and you or someone you know can purchase it at
Leaning on the Promises

IA Weekly Challenge: Tropical!

2011-05-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Did you say "Salsa" or Sales??

It just so happens that last week I painted this

Tropical

growth chart!

It was a special order but it came out so nice and the customer liked it so well that I've listed it in my Etsy shop,

Measure Me Charts

If you're interested in purchasing one, but you'd prefer different animals, then just let me know! I'm make one special,

just for you!

Self Promotion" Getting Over the Icky Part

2011-05-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

To those of you who are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you like what you see.

To those of you who are followers, I have a question.

OK, newbies can respond too.

Many of you know that I paint walking canes. I LOVE doing it! It’s been so very satisfying and I’m selling more and more of them now.

And, here it comes..... I’m really good at it!!

I’m proud of my work and so, so happy when folks tell me how much they love them!

Once or twice I’ve gone out with my canes and walked around, the mall, the park, the craft show. It always makes me feel just a little dishonest because I don’t need to use a cane.

But I want as many people to see them as possible.

Is this something I should get over? It’s OK for me take my canes for walks, right? Shouldn’t I take one everywhere I go?

I’d appreciate some feed back. OK, what I really want is everyone to comment and tell me that there’s nothing wrong with strutting my stuff and I’m being too sensitive.

But if you disagree, then let me have that too!

Thanx for your consideration!

IA Weekly Challenge: Sacred

2011-05-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

What is sacred? For my Godmother sacred is what she shows the world; her relationship with her God.

Here's the cane that started it all!

Two years ago my Godmother asked me to paint her cane to take on a cruise. She wanted it covered with symbols of her Christian faith. I was delighted to be asked to make something special for her and poured my heart into making it as good as I could.

And this is what I ended up with!

Now I paint all my canes with the same intense desire to do my very best.

If you'd like a hand painted cane made just for you or your loved one, then contact me, or visit my shop, Leaning on the Promises

Easter Sunrise

2011-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Up at 5. On the road by 5:30. We didn't have far to travel, just a couple of miles down the road. And was it worth it? It always is! But this year? It was GLORIOUS!

And the topper was, that because the spring was late this year, the trailing arbutus was still blooming! I wish we all had smellavision! The sweetest fragrance on earth!
I hope you all had a joyfull Easter.

Whimsey Wednesday

2011-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Are you mad for color?

Does brilliance send your senses reeling?

Is gazing on vibrant hues like water to a thirsty soul?

Hi! My name is Judy Goddard and I designed and painted this cane because I am mad for color!

To see more Hand Painted Walking Canes visit;

Leaning on the Promises

IA Weekly Challenge: Wedding

2011-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

I met a lovely lady at the Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Somerset, NJ, in March. Her son is being married this Saturday. She was using a cane as she walked around and looked at all the lovely items offered for sale.

She particularly enjoyed looking at my canes and when I learned about the upcoming wedding I offered to make her a cane to match her "mother of the groom" gown.

The gown is floor length, deep navy blue and is covered with crystal beads cascading down in garlands of flowers and vining leaves.

I knew she wanted something that reflected the design on the gown, but not as "much", something that she would be proud of on the day and be able to use afterward as well.

I mailed it to her a couple of weeks ago and, according to her, I got it

"Just right!"

And THAT is my delight!!

To see more Hand Painted Canes, visit

Leaning on the Promises

The Nautical Cane

2011-04-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

This is my second nautical themed cane. A friend from church asked me to design for his dad for Christmas. And this one was designed for a lady in town who met me at a craft show. Since I've always lived within 10 miles of the beach I guess I should have thought sooner of sea related designs. Sometimes my independant artist streak, not wanting to do what everyone else is doing, get in my way!

So, now I've listed one in my shop, Leaning on the Promises

Price; $50.00 ships anywhere in the USA

IA Weekly Challenge: Angels

2011-04-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Christmas, several years ago. I based it on a felt wall hanging I made for my church back in the 1980s.

Visit Inspiration Avenue to learn how to enter weekly challenges.

Today I paint a bridal shower card!

www.finishthis.etsy.com www.JudyAGoddardArtisan.blogspot.com

Here Comes......

2011-04-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

Well, here he is. The Easter gorilla has been caught, yet again, by the sunrise on Easter morning and he still hasn't finished his rounds!

It's hard work, you know, being the Easter gorilla! Who can blame him for taking a few minutes here and there to rest his feet and have just a little snack?

So, if, when you go and hunt for the Easter eggs he's hidden for you, you'll probably find a couple that are a little cracked. He's prone to be all thumbs. And if your chocolate bunny is missing an ear, you'll know the Easter gorilla has been there!

But remember! It's Easter! And the Son has risen!

Meet My Godmother

2011-04-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is my Godmother. She's not the one I was given when I was christened as a baby. That was Aunt Louise, who was a lovely person, I'm sure, although I don't really know because I never really knew her.

Joan Santomenna is the mother God gave me when I was 14 years old. My dearly loved Mommy was sick all of my life and really incapable of taking proper care of me as I entered adolescence.

I came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in Joan and Rol's livingroom. She guided me around, and sometimes through, the pitfalls of teenage life. And at the center of every conversation was Jesus. The answer to every question was the Lord. Every situation, every dilemma was brought before the throne of God. That's not to say that I was always prepared, or that life always flowed and there were never any waves. But she always reminded me to turn to the Lord with any problem.

Two years ago Joan treated her husband, my beloved Rol, to a cruise through the Panama Canal. Having been through a difficult health situation, she asked me to paint a cane for her to use on the voyage.

Everyone who saw it commented and before I knew it friends were asking me to make canes for them! Thus was born;

Leaning On The Promises, hand painted puzzle canes.

If you would like to own a hand painted cane you can find them at

http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

You can view weekly entries for the Inspiration Avenue challenge at

Angel Faces Charity Auction begins May 1st.

2011-04-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a club of wonderful artists in a team called Inspiration Avenue.

We are a small and faithful band dedicated each to her own artistic vision, as well as to helping to nurture and promote the art of the others in our team.

Last year Inspiration Avenue held a charity auction for Angel Faces, a non profit orginization that helps young women whose faces have been disfigured. Our second charity auction begins on May 1, 2011. Members of Inspiration Avenue are donating items from their Etsy shops.

My shop,

Leaning on the Promises, is donating this puzzle cane.

Beginning May 1st, you can visit Inspiration Avenue and place bids on items through May 7, at noon.

IA: Roald Dahl

2011-04-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but, didn't Willie Wonka sport a fine walking stick? I'm pretty sure he did!

Wouldn't he have loved one of mine?!?

Fortunately for you, you can get one!

Visit

my Etsy shop and pick out the one that suits you. Or contact me and I'll make you the cane of your dreams!

Whimsey Wednesday: Aunt and Uncle Beast's 60th Anniversary

2011-04-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Aunt and Uncle Beast are neither beasts, nor are they our aunt and uncle. They are, in fact, the parents of a high school friend. When I was newly married we became friends with Walter and Marlyn and when I became pregnant we asked them what they would like our children to call them. Marlyn piped right up with, "Aunt and Uncle Beast!"

Aunt Beast is a character in the Madelyn L'Engle book, "A Wrinkle in Time." She was an alien on a distant planet who had many arms and was covered in soft, warm, brown fur.

Perfect!

One year, for Christmas, I did a cross stitch picture of Aunt Beast, (this time a crocodile) and Uncle Beast, (this time a brown furry beaveresque animal). They have treasured it.

So, when we were invited to help celebrate their 60th wedding aniversary I knew just what to do! No gifts were permitted but who could argue with a card?

IA: Self Portrait

2011-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over on Inspiration Avenue is "Self Portrait". I think it looks like me. Judge for yourself. Visit my facebook page and you'll see. https://www.facebook.com/judyagoddard There's also some odd photos in my Photo Album section. I'd love to have a few new friends!

Since I'm crazy busy right now

spinning dog fur

knitting a baby blanket

painting a new gorilla painting (the Easter Gorilla)

finishing up my son's portrait

painting 2 custom order canes

making and glazing pottery

eating

sleeping and

breathing,

I figured a sketch was the best solution. To see other's self portrait entries at Inspiration Avenue, click here! http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/

If you think you'd be interested in a hand painted walking cane, canvas growth chart or if you're looking for someone to do a little hand spinning, drop me an email.

JudyAGoddard@aol.com

Beaver Butts.......?

2011-03-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

I know that there are many of you out there who have heard me talk about my wonderful home and all the animals we share our life with. And you may have heard me wax eloquent about our beaver family.

They've lived with us since at least 2004. That's when we first saw them in our back yard.

They've helped themselves to our trees, both and big and little, and thinned out our woods. Our policy has always been to live and let live. Why get all worked up if they take some trees we really wish they wouldn't. Once we noticed that they were interested in our hundreds year old trees that measured 5 feet around and more we just wrapped them in chicken wire. That seems to have done the trick. (I was a little peeved when they took my miniature apple tree!)

So, here's the thing....

My husband has fallen in love their leavings! No!! Not that kind of leavings! I'm talking about all the pointy stumps theyleave behind. We've taken to calling them "beaver butts."

Tom envisions all kinds of decorative items thathe can fashion from the beaver butts.

He sees table lamps, photo holders, vases, and any number of other cool things that folks might like to have in their homes, made by real wild beavers from the famed "Pine Barrens" of New Jersey.

So, I want to ask all of my oh so talented followers what they think of the idea. The few folks that Tom has mentioned the idea to have said they thought it was a really great idea. But, you know, friends might not want to hurt your feelings.

Please! Tell us what you think. And don't worry about hurting our feelings! Lay it on the line! Tell it like it looks to you!

Is it a good idea?

Do you think folks would buy, because they think it's unique?

World of Whimsey, 3/23; The Tim Tam Tree

2011-03-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

A Po-em by Judy Goddard

(She holds a daisy and bows)

Willie was a little boy who very slowly grew.

He lived in the far off land of the red kangaroo.

Wille didn't want to eat, each meal he'd try to flim flam

The only thing to pass his lips were biscuits labeled Tim Tam

Each night his mum and dad would shake their heads and worry.

Willie climbed the stairs to bed, but he was in no hurry!

He snuggled down beneath the covers to wait for sleep to come

And as he drifted off to sleep, he pretended he had, at least, a crumb.

A dreamy dream came to him and what did he see?

Upon a distant hill a wonderful and dreamy tree!

Running in the dreamy grass, he couldn't wait to reach

The lovely hill and fancy tree bright with fruit, he could not reach!

Up he spread his little arms and joyously he found

The branches of the mighty tree bending toward the ground.

At last! He thought and then he danced round and round that tree

And gathered up the those wondrous fruits, Tim Tam biscuits falling free!

All that night he sat and ate until he couldn't eat no more

And when he woke, here's what he found;

Tim Tam wrappers, like fallen leaves, littering his bedroom floor!

☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

This painting was one of my first "Alchemy" special Etsy orders, painted for a five year old boy.

Tim Tam is a brand of cookie available in GB and Australia.

You can see other examples of my whimsical artwork at my Etsy shop!

www.JudyAGoddard.Etsy.com

Thank you, Pat for spurring my imagination to write this poem!

www.leaningonthepromises.etsy.com

www.measuremecharts.etsy.com

Ramblin' Rose

2011-03-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Ah, spring! The crocuses have croaked, the peepers are croaking, and all the birds and bees are doing that thing which brings on the opposite of croaking!
The buds on the trees are getting nice and plump and little tiny leaves are pushing their way out of the stems on all the rose bushes.

In celebration of spring I present my Cascading Roses cane! Here are a dozen American Beauties.

For those who rely on the support of a cane, wouldn't it be a lovely statement to say, "my loved one gave this cane! Isn't it beautiful?"

You can purchase this cane at

www.leaningonthepromises.etsy.com. You'll also see other hand painted canes there. If you don’t see something to pique your interest I’ll make one just for you!

Inspiration Avenue: Fade

2011-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Fade: become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly;

<<>>

This is a painting I began a couple of years ago but never finished. It's supposed to be an angel greeting the sunrise on Easter morning. As you can see, the angel has "seemingly" disappeared.

So the angel is faded! That works, right?

☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼☼

2/16/11

OK! My BFF just gave me her spin on my painting and I want to share it with all of you. When she looks at the painting she sees a person who is passing from this world into the next. He/she is waving good bye as he/she fades away from this world to appear in Heaven. I like that too!

To see more of Judy's artwork visit her Etsy shop;

Whimsey Wednesday: Arrrrrr!

2011-02-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

Follow the trail of gold doubloons to the treasure chest! X marks the spot!

My happy pirate exults in his prize as the pretty mermaid tries to gain his attention.

She's saying, "Yoo hoo! Look this way, Mr. Buccaneer! I just love a man with a great big chest!"

You can purchase this and other hand made canvas growth charts at

JudyAGoddard.Etsy.com

Inspiration Avenue: Furry

2011-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

I know I've posted this painting before. But I think it's my best example of painting fur, so, for Lisa, I hope

this helps.

This is my kitten, Angela. She loves to lie under the lamp and soak up the extra heat. It's

kinda like a sun lamp. She's sleeping and soaking up rays at the same time!

Whimsey Wednesday: Ray's Birthday Card

2011-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

As you may guess, tomorrow is Ray's birthday.

I just (just!) finished drawing this and wanted to share with all my Whimsey friends. No hippos or ewes here!

Ray is much too erudite for cliches.

80P

PS: I should probably translate. "Hippy Birdies 2 Gnus"

Whimsey Wednesday: Holy Cow!

2011-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

The height of my artistic life! I made a cow!

I replied to an Etsy Alchemy request for a kitchen towel holder that looks like a holstein cow. So, after much deliberation, planning and execution, here she is. My friend David named her "Bossy"

Clay is such a cool medium! I just love working in 3D. Maybe that's because I don't have a whole lot of depth perception. It's such a challenge. I love it!

Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge: What's Your Favorite Month?

2011-01-17T05:42:00.002-08:00

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm bit on the odd side. That's not a bad thing, though! And having said that, it won't surprise you when I tell you that my favorite month is January.

morning

Don't get me wrong! The Spring is so lively and bursting, full of

sweet smells and delightful breezes.

Summer is just plain hot! (my least favorite season)

Autumn is beautiful and full of the comfort of

a full harvest.

afternoon

Christmas is so full of stuff! Love and Joy and Peace and busyness and stress and obligations.

And when it's all over and the tree is out in the goat pen and ornaments are all back in their boxes, the last cookie has

been eaten, then it's time to settle in.

twilight

January is peaceful. January is muffled in the soft grays of thick clouds. It is beautiful in it's brilliant snows and crystal blue skies. It's fascinating and breath taking in it's million sparkling lights on drifted snow and cold but running, twinkling streams.

dusk

test

2011-01-17T05:42:00.001-08:00

I'll be the first to admit it, I'm bit on the odd side. That's not a bad thing, though! And having said that, it won't surprise you when I tell you that my favorite month is January.

morning

Don't get me wrong! The Spring is so lively and bursting, full of

sweet smells and delightful breezes.

Summer is just plain hot! (my least favorite season)

Autumn is beautiful and full of the comfort of

a full harvest.

afternoon

Christmas is so full of stuff! Love and Joy and Peace and busyness and stress and obligations.

And when it's all over and the tree is out in the goat pen and ornaments are all back in their boxes, the last cookie has

been eaten, then it's time to settle in.

twilight

dusk

Whimsey Wednesday: If I ran away to the circus....

2011-01-12T19:04:00.001-08:00

Horses, horses, horses......... that's all I ever thought of when I was a girl. And, when I sat in class and stared out the window and dreamed of running away to the circus, I was always the bare back rider!

Judy Goddard is an artist in the disciplines of pen and ink, painting, pottery, knitting and crochet. She sells her creations in her online shop;

My Inspiration: The Creator

2011-01-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I go outside, and stand in my yard, and look around me and say to myself, "How can I stand how good God is to me??" When I drive down the road, and see a hawk cross the highway, or if I take a walk with my honey and see three different kinds of fern along the side of the path, when I sit by the lake and look up just in time tosee the bass jump out of the water to grab that wonderful dragon fly! Have you ever gone scuba diving? I've been blessed severaltimes to scuba in the Caribbean. Oh! My! Golly! The sea turtles! The parrot fish! The sting rays!

What a privilege it is to live in this world and be able to share it, and sense it and love it! I mean, I live in New Jersey and Ishare my homestead with Beavers! Foxes! Deer! Red Headed Woodpeckers! Coyotes! Skunks! Great Blue Herons! Screech Owls! Snapping Turtles! Great Horned Owls! Box Turtles! Painted Turtles! Buzzards! Luna Moths! Wood Ducks! All on 16 acres. That is a miracle!

My Creator continually shows me things that totally amaze me. That's why I say, "Life is just so full of cool stuff!" Thank you, God!

Do do do, lookin' out my back door!

2011-01-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

4~6 today!

I'm such a little kid!

I love where I live!!

Here's a coupla snapshots from the deep woods. (right outside my studio window)

Whimsey Wednesday: The Queen is now amused!

2011-01-06T13:52:00.001-08:00

Well, here she is! In all her glory! She's waiting for her subjects to return with the day's food. They adore her. She's a good queen and a great mother!

This is my first professional illustration job. I certainly hope it leads to many more!

Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge: Dreaming in Color!

2011-01-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

I do! I do! I really, really do!

But, right now, I'm groovin' in shades of grey.

I won't go into details too much because I don't want to spoil my weekly challenge week, coming up soon.

But for now...

We just dug out (or I should say, 'he' dug out! Thank you, honey!) of a 30 inch snow, the day after Christmas. That's a lot of snow, for us!

I love it when it looks like it might snow, how steely the sky looks! Either a flat, even grey, or those wonderful billowing sooty clouds that skud across the sky! I love it while it snows. I love it as it melts off my roof and fringes my windows with fantastic icicles. I am exceedingly grateful to my hubby for his fabulous shoveling skills, and also to our friend, Jack, who plows us out. (Our driveway is almost a 1/4 of a mile long!)

Have you ever noticed how many shades of grey there are out there? Put your seeing glasses and count them!

☃☃ This image is a portion of a painting that I made, featuring my kitten, Angela.

You can see the whole image and purchase it as a blank note card in my Etsy shop; ☃☃

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors......

2011-01-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Today I broke one of the ten commandments. Although, maybe not, since the person who had what I coveted, which is very real, was not a real person, but a fictional mouse.

I am a person who "inhabits" books. And most of the time I find the movie to be less wonderful than the book. This is true of this movie. but it was a very fine adaptation, nonetheless.

My husband and I went to see the Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is my favorite of all the Chronicles of Narnia. And, as my husband puts it, "Everyone loves Reepicheep!" But when he got into that little coricle and paddled up that wall of water, fearlessly, with grave yet joyous anticipation, I wanted to go too!

I, like Lucy, Edmund, Eustice and Caspian, have to wait. And I know I have work to do until I meet Aslan on that sandy strand. Everyday has it's own special adventures and my job is to meet them,whether they are sweet or darkly sour, with grace, learning what I can and looking for opportunities to share what I learn.

I think I'll know when the time is right.

But I envy Reepicheep!

and I can wait. (I hope I get a little coricle of my own!

Inspiration Avenue Weekly Challenge: Well, how did it go?

2010-12-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

What were my artistic objectives in 2010?

The first one that comes to mind is that I wanted to make canes and sell them. I wanted to know if I had truly latched on to an idea that would satisfy me and that I could sell enough of to allow me to continue to make them.

The conclusion to this resolution:

I've sold right around 20 "Inspirational Puzzle Canes".

I did my first "Mega Show"

I didn't sell enough to cover the cost of the show, I did sell enough to convince me to keep on trying! I know what to do to be more successful at the show I'll be doing in March.

My second objective?

( my "Alms" bowl; Throw your spare change in,

and when it's full send it to the charity of your choice.)

To call myself a professional potter.

I bought a kiln in October, 2009.

I started reaquainting myself with the medium in December, 2009.

I bought a kick wheel in April, 2010

My year end conclusion?

I have developed the biginnings of a line of ecumenical ceramic pieces that I hope to refine and present for sale in 2011.

I've also taken several custom jobs, providing folks with pottery items that are

"just what they wanted!"

My third objective:

To move into the little cabin I own, which I've had to keep rented in order to pay the mortgage, and to make enough art to pay the monthly rent. I use it as a studio. I don't live there, but I sure could!

The conclusion:

Well, not yet. I only moved in in September. But I'm well on my way! And the joy I feel while working in my special place is, indeed, priceless!

My fourth objective:

To treat my art as a full time job.

To have a "Place to Go" to get away from phones, friends, family and concentrate soley on my "play". It takes up many hours. (Or, rather, the time I'm not there takes up many hours. The hours I'm there fly by like minutes!

So?

As a Christian, my goal has always been to hear what the Lord is saying to me and to do His will. I think, maybe, I'm finally listening!

I don't think I could be much happier than I am right now!

It's like I've found the life I've been looking for all along!

There is a contentment in my center and an anticipation of continued success.

God is very, very good to me!

Whimsey Wednesday: The Queen is not amused!

2010-12-31T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have been commissioned illustrate a little book about the ant and the grasshopper, or in this case, cricket!

This is a rough sketch of the "Queen Ant".

By the time I'm done with her, I'm sure she'll be Opulent!

Maybe I'll have her finished by next Wednesday!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57529310/6-blank-note-cards-cats

Illustration Friday Challenge: Winter

2010-12-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

This is my kitten, Angela, during one of her more quiet moments. Usually she's what we affectionaly call "Superconductor Kitty"

Right now she sits quietly on the window sill and waits, waits, waits. It's as if she's asking, "What time does the show start?" Answer? Not until she stops sitting there!

This print, with two others are available for sale as blank note cards in my Etsy shop, at

Tea, Anyone? World of Whimsey enty

2010-12-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a whole of Alchemy searching lately. I've been accepted to a show in March that costs $595, which means I gotta do a lot of art to pay for the space!

This is one of the sillier ord

ers! My customer is a college student who wanted me to paint a particular dinosaur on a tea cup. Her friend eats, breathes, lives dinosaurs and he just started a tea cup collection! Go figure!

I've been having a wonderful time fulfilling folks wishes, the crazier the better!

Do you have something off the wall that I can produce for you?? Just let me know!

The Juxtaposition Between Faith and Fantasy

2010-12-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

How's THAT for a title!?

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯

I'm submitting my Christmas Card, for now, although many of you have already seen it in the challege for Whimsey Wednesday.

I really think the theme lends itself to further contemplation.

(my, my! how wordy she is this morning!)

See, the thing is, I've always been one of those folk who really, really, really want fairies to be real! But I'm also a person of deep faith in the reality of God and His plan for my life.

So, while raising my kids, I truly wanted to let them know that imagination is a wonderful gift and we should use ours every day.

✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼✼

So, with that said, when you look at the image on my Christmas card, what do you think of?

Now...

Let me submit to you the inscription on my card...

"Santa's Helper wanted to wish you a happy holidays, But.....

He was momentarily distracted by the truth.

Our wish for you is a Very Merry Christmas and the deepest blessings for 2011."

☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝☝

And that goes to all of my incredibly important cyber friends, who, although I may never meet you face to face, I love and appreciate with all my heart.

Judy

Whimsey Wednesday: Santa's Helper

2010-12-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here comes Santa's Helper with a candy cane just for you! When, suddenly, the light of a star arrests his attention.

This is my Christmas Card for this year.

For those who have not yet been informed....

While our children grew we chose not to emphasize Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, et al. Instead we invented gorillas to bring the Easter eggs, tooth money, valentines, etc.

I hope you enjoy my bit of Whimsey!

Inspiration Avenue weekly challenge; Once Upon a time.... The Tim Tam Tree

2010-12-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

THE TIM TAM TREE

A Po-em by Judy Goddard

(She holds a daisy and bows)

Willie was a little boy who very slowly grew.

He lived in the far off land of the red kangaroo.

Wille didn't want to eat, each meal he'd try to flim flam

The only thing to pass his lips were biscuits labeled Tim Tam

Each night his mum and dad would shake their heads and worry.

Willie climbed the stairs to bed, but he was in no hurry!

He snuggled down beneath the covers to wait for sleep to come

And as he drifted off to sleep, he pretended he had, at least, a crumb.

A dreamy dream came to him and what did he see?

Upon a distant hill a wonderful and dreamy tree!

Running in the dreamy grass, he couldn't wait to reach

The lovely hill and fancy tree bright with fruit, he could not reach!

Up he spread his little arms and joyously he found

The branches of the mighty tree bending toward the ground.

At last! He thought and then he danced round and round that tree

And gathered up the those wondrous fruits, Tim Tam biscuits falling free!

All that night he sat and ate until he couldn't eat no more

And when he woke, here's what he found;

Tim Tam wrappers, like fallen leaves, littering his bedroom floor!

☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

This painting was one of my first "Alchemy" special Etsy orders, painted for a five year old boy.

You can see other examples of my whimsical artwork at my Etsy shop!

www.JudyAGoddard.Etsy.com

Thank you, Pat for spurring my imagination to write this poem!