February Love...Valentine's Day

I don't want to use the word "love" lightly, because I truly really love mostly people in my life, but since I am a passionate person, I guess I do "love" many things.  This month all my posts have been about people or things I love.  Since it's Valentine's Day, of course, I'm going to share a few more things I LOVE and that really give me joy.

 My sweet daughter and my funny husband...This is our past Christmas card (well one version).  We take a picture every year and I thought we needed to spice it up a bit and be a little funny.  Shane is actually wearing my mom's Christmas sweater--no he doesn't typically wear lady's clothes.  Most recipients loved it except one couple who seemed very offended...oh well...this is us most of the time, so we thought it is more fitting than just sitting there smiling nicely for the camera.

Oh, yes, I guess, that cute little lapdog Mazie I love too...most of the time!  She is high-maintenance to tell you the truth, but she has brought lots of joy to all our lives.

Aside from these two loves of my life, I have the sweetest little niece that I'm completely enamoured with---which brings me to another love--BABIES.  I am drawn to their big, smiling eyes, their chubby cheeks, chunky legs and their pure joy.  I am still sad that I could only have one baby of my own, but my little niece gets lots of love and attention by me.  How could she not?  Look at her!

In addition to these lovable people in my life, I'd like to share one more thing that brings me great joy...

PAINTING of course.  Here are a few of my favorites that I guess I do "love" either because of the intent behind them or just the feeling I get from how they turned out.

 

© Jill's Dream Artwork (this one is still for sale in my shop too!)

© Jill's Dream Artwork

Above, I really loved the process of making it because of the colors, the inspiring and motivational quote AND the leaves and flowers are actual pieces from a journal page I created, so there's a lot of "me" in it.  It is truly one of my favorites--it sold at a boutique I have things in and I wish I could've met the person who bought it because I like to meet the people who buy my creations.

I'm also taking an online painting class called True Free Spirit given by the wonderful Mindy Lacefield.  It's pretty much out of the zone of what I typically paint and I'm loving this class--it's whimsical, funky and teaching me to be free and child-like!  Here's a sample of a few things I've created or am still in the process of creating in this fun class.  No they aren't perfect...but I'm really having fun learning new techniques, using new supplies and expanding my horizons.

I hope you have tons of people, events, hobbies and "things" in your life that bring you joy and love.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, Love, Love

Happy Valentine's Day!  May you receive hugs, kisses and sweet moments with those you love.

Happy Valentine's Day

My husband I have been together since the end of our senior year of high school, so we have been through a lot--good, bad and many Valentine's Days.  Though we definitely have our fights, we also have a lot of fun together.  And...he has been wonderful through many tough physical/health times I've had and I really feel so grateful for that. 

Love is what you've been through with somebody. 

~James Thurber, quoted in Life magazine, 1960

Yes, I'd love it if everything was hugs, kisses and romance, but I've learned that's not life, sometimes unfortunately.  But I think those tough times has made us stronger and gives us a stronger history.  Having a daughter has also put a spin on the way we spend Valentine's Day now but I'm okay with that because she's our love too.  She's made our lives so much richer and full of LOVE. 

So, Happy Valentine's Day to you.  May you spend it with someone you love.

You Have my Heart

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching--tomorrow is already February!  I just finished this painting and titled it "You Have my Heart" which I think is a great message to the love in your life.  After I finished this painting, I now picture it in a girl's bedroom probably because I have a daughter.  I also think it's important to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us, so a daily reminder through a painting is a great way to do that I think.

I hope this sweet painting finds its way to a little girl's room or in someone's home and displayed where the family can see this loving message.