May

May is always an interesting time when you live in Pella. The rush of color, the tourists, the busy Tulip Time schedule, boys with fishing on the brain, the end of a ministry year, wrapped up with kids trying to juggle Little League and school...Tulip Time

Fishing

It's hard for me to believe that the end of May is here and the tulip beds have all been dug up for another year. We have 3 end of the year school parties in the next two days. But, this is the last week of school and we can look forward to a different pace-maybe sleeping in (my goal) and the swimming pool (boys' goal)!

Scott Henderson of Vintage Image Craft graciously interviewed me this past month and is featuring me as the artist of the month in May. He asked such great questions and has posted the interview here. Check out the other interesting interviews with artists such as Carol Duvall.

Taking Flight

Four or five times since I returned from a retreat at Laity Lodge in Texas, I’ve been asked this one question or some version of this question “What was your one take away from this retreat?” And, I’ve played around in my own head…what is the story here? What will stay with me from this experience? Sometimes, when something is still fresh it is hard to sort out the big picture or the real story for me. I’ve been sitting with this thought for the last few weeks-periodically going over my notes, reading the blogs of people I met and reviewing my photos. I still don’t know if I’ve “gotten there” that magical place where I’ve sorted it all out and have been able to pin point “this…this is what happened here”. And, coincidentally, I heard a similar question when I was in Texas “Why are you here?” I was the only attendee currently living in Iowa and everyone wanted to know what brought me there. So many questions and I still don’t have all the answers, but I do know that God wanted me there. There were things for me to hear and see, so even though I haven’t “arrived” at a place where I can clarify this all…here are a few glimpses into what I experienced.


On the flight from Iowa to Texas…why do the fields in Texas look purple from the air? Can someone explain that to me?


I was fascinated with this sculpture from the start of the retreat-it spoke to my spirit.


David said many things but this deeply connected with me “Our job is to get in touch with our own brokenness so that the hope of Jesus can come in.” “Beauty and light comes forth from brokenness.” And pointed to the work of Henri Nouwen “Wounded Healer”.

When discussing his own work, Mako shared “I didn’t have room in my heart for the beauty”. Brian Moss’ worship leading brought me to tears on the very first night. Gwen Meharg inspired me with her prophetic painting. Over amazing food, I connected with Laura Barket, Lance Mansfield, and Mark Philpot. Kelly Barrow, Jack King and Shannon Newby shared studio time, while I was making a glass sculpture, painting and experimenting with beeswax.
Jack King sharing his artwork and new found career

3D studio

2D studio


Early morning light spreading over Laity Lodge.


Layers of shadows, reflections & art- Cody Center

Some camera experimentation…


“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and sun shines bright. We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly as he knows us!” 1 Corinthians 13:12 The Message