Prayers for the Middle East

The democratic movement that has been sweeping the countries of the Middle East has been uppermost in my thoughts lately. I studied in Egypt, both as an undergraduate and after I finished graduate school, so I know first hand how deeply they yearn for freedom. Freedom to live without fear, away from the shadow of corruption, able to choose their own destiny, and succeed (or fail) on their own terms. With that in mind, I posted this on the sketchbook challenge page:

The theme of this month is "spilling over," and I thought how delicate is this moment in time, when the urge toward freedom is spilling over in the region -- but like a seedling, it can all so easily be struck back by a killing frost, or trampled underfoot.  I pray that democracy is stronger than corruption, and I pray that our government here at home will pay more than just lip service to our founding principles.

Visual Journaling 1-A

Today was devoted to my journal(s).  I have 7 going right now, all different sizes and purposes.  I am still new to the visual journaling world, but am diving right in, learning as I go.  This was the theme of my day:

The next two pictures are for the February Sketchbook Challenge.  The theme is "opposites," and I have been having a hard time with this one.

The next page is a little more obviously "opposite":

I'll keep thinking about this.

On the other hand, thinking doesn't get anything down on paper, and I think the whole idea of the sketchbook challenge is to get people drawing in their sketchbooks.  .....OK, I have my marching orders.

New Year's Resolutions

I have decided that I am no longer going to be a lurker. I joined the Sketchbook Challenge this year, and the theme for January is "highly prized." One of the things I value most these days is the internet community. I am constantly amazed at the creativity of the people who share their lives and their art online. I am humbled by the generosity of these same people, who share their ideas, techniques and knowledge with all of us. I have been a consumer, and now resolve to give back, by participating in this incredible world of give and take.