Silence Must Be Part of the Journey

I know it has been a ridiculous amount of time since I posted last. Three years, no less. Let me just say that sometimes the journey demands silence. Perhaps due to lack of words or to focus on other things, or even some encounters with darkness waiting for the light.

So in respect of your time and interest, I will just briefly catch you up:

 With that brief intro, I think I will start writing again. More later.

 Marilee

Reporting In

Yes, folks, I really did see Miss Mustard Seed. Marion Parsons. I learned about painting furniture, which is very foreign to me.

Of course I found a seat at a front table so I would could be up close and personal for all MMS had to teach us. Those are her Christmas boots. I was loving them, can you tell?

Marion's explanations were very clear and she went around to all the tables to help us and give us encouragement. Everyone produced a different product from the same beginning piece. This put everyone at ease about "performing" and "perfection" and we had such a good time and mingled with each other all morning.

We met in an old house in downtown Roswell, GA and I am sorry but I am coveting the chandeliers. I couldn't find a way to get one down to take home...

 

Oh, and the Venetian mirror. Too heavy. Couldn't get it off the mantle...

Since Dad makes reproduction antiques and many in our family collect antiques, touching wood in any way that changes the natural finish feels very strange. None the less, I did learn how to use milk paint, I made several new acquaintances, my book is signed, and most importantly, I had a great time at Rebecca and Daniel's house.

Daniel taught me some things about my new camera, like adjusting the light sensor. See how the room is very yellow in this nighttime picture?

This is how Rebecca and Daniel's living room really looks in natural white light. Cool huh? I know some of you already know how to do this. Please don't be insulted by my amateur excitement.

Daniel took some pictures of Google

and I took some pictures of Lexi. See that sweet gray hair?

I expected the highlight of my weekend to be my time at the workshop. Wrong. Daniel had been planning to teach me gun safety and take me to the shooting range. On Sunday afternoon, that is what we did. He is an excellent and patient teacher. I learned so much and was quite proud of myself at the range. I shot with my grandfather's, PawPaw, pistol, and felt so much history flowing through me while I was learning and working on my new skill.  What a tremendous joy to have my son teaching me about his passion. It was glorious!

Back home to figure out what to paint, what to picture, and what to shoot. Hmmmm....

I Am Just Giddy

I know. Giddy at 53 is just hard to stomach but giddy it is. Tomorrow I travel toward Atlanta to visit with Rebecca and Daniel in Powder Springs and attend a much anticipated workshop in Roswell, GA. 

 

You will note that the gorgeous house in the background takes second seat to Daniel's cars. This is acceptable to all. And if you know anyone who would like to purchase this lovely abode,

it is going on the market soon. Only the house.

Rebecca called today to let me know that Lexi and Google were very excited that Grandmom is coming to visit. I do love my Granddoggies!

 

Google           Lexi

On Saturday I am going to a workshop with my most favorite, Miss Mustard Seed!!! You have heard me mention her (Marian Parsons) before and tell you about her book, Inspired You. I will be learning how to use her Milk Paint, eating lunch with the bunch, and then attending a talk in the afternoon.

And of course, I will be getting her autograph!!!

(That is mostly for Tim, who is known for collecting autographs, especially from

beloved famous people like Grandmom Tice in the Ladies Choir, etc.)

I have been tossing around what I will paint when I get home. I will be finishing the corner cabinet which is one of the treasures we kept from Mr. and Mrs. Tice. It is well over 100 years old and the shelves and back are painted inside, as was the custom. I am freshening it up so I want to see what milk paint might offer.

It really is more beautiful than this cropped picture depicts...

We also have this awesome rustic table that is calling for some care and maybe some creativity. Perhaps MMS will have some ideas to inspire me. I don't think milk paint does anything to help clutter.

Now, the question is, should I call her "Miss Mustard Seed" or "Mrs. Parsons" or Marian? Oh, the giddiness of it.

Event poster from BrushStrokes by Mary Anne