Hello! I’m back, and I’m so glad you’re still here after my long summer break.

LITTLE PROJECTS

I got to focus on lots of important things this summer. Those included trips to the pool with my kids, tending the wildflower garden in the backyard, and a long list of painting jobs around the house.

Here’s a before and after of our downstairs family room shelving:

A BIG PROJECT

I may have mentioned that I was going to work on a mural for my children’s elementary school. For the four weeks of summer enrichment camp, I painted two 20-foot murals with some help the last few weeks from my mom and a friend from church. The best part of the whole experience was the encouragement and love from the kids as they walked by each day and observed the progress.

I didn’t design the mural, but I did get to sketch it out on the wall. It is half of a dream project of one of our teachers, who won a grant to make it happen.

Here are a few pictures from start to finish!

READING

I have been reading mostly light fiction, but also this one: The Soul of Shame* by Curt Thompson. It’s excellent!

BACK TO WORK

In an unexpected, but pleasant surprise, I just started a part-time job at one of my favorite local downtown shops, The Lady Jane. I’ve sold my art there for years now and the owner, Sara, has always been such a cheerleader to me and other local artists. Working in the shop will help the family budget, while also leaving time for art and blogging.

PLANNING AHEAD

Another summer highlight was taking a personal retreat to Charlottesville. I spent time getting quiet and enjoying the local thrift shops and restaurants. I got to think about some hope and dreams and tweaks for the rest of this year.

I’m looking forward to blogging weekly again. I plan to continue the “Jesus Speaks to Women” series. I’d love to do more monthly “paint with me” videos and posts, and make more paint templates so you can easily join in. I also have quite a few new Bible verses picked out and illustrated; I just need the time to compile the sets and put them in the shop.

I’m also looking forward to displaying my collection of original art at a local Arts Incarnate Artisan Festival here in Harrisonburg on September 4.

If I’ve learned anything in the last year or so, it’s that we make our plans as we walk in the Spirit, and then commit them to the LORD, knowing that if we accomplish them, He is to be praised and glorified, and if things fall apart, He will be walking with us . . . and is still worthy of all our praise.

Grateful you’re with me too.

COPYRIGHT/USAGE: All writing, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. Please do not repost or resell on another website. I’m happy for you to use my coloring pages and other printables for home, school, and ministry. If you share content, please link back to the original post. Thank you!

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