Peaks & Valleys, Courage & Sheryl Brown

Peaks and Valleys

This painting was created by my new friend on Facebook, Sheryl Brown. We have developed a wonderful friendship. Sheryl, coming from her heart with light and love, was inspired to paint “Peaks and Valleys” after visiting Living in Courage and reading my story. I love Sheryl’s authentic art, spirit and courage.  It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sheryl Brown, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a private practice & Artist.

“Here is one of my recent paintings, “Peaks and Valleys,” which was inspired by reading some of the life story of my new Facebook friend, Debra Oakland. Though she has lost a number of close family members, she explains how she has chosen to be happy and not remain stuck in grief and the pain of loss. Interestingly enough, when I started out this painting, I enthusiastically loaded up the canvas with rather too much paint (some of which I transferred to another canvas - to be posted later). I had in mind some colors from looking at photos of a joyful occasion. In the process of working on this painting, however, the phrase - “oh, the jagged pain” - (or something close to that) went through my mind. This painting then became about my perception of Debra’s experience. Our lives here on earth really are characterized by both jubilant and sorrowful times - and everything in between. And sometimes, it really ain’t pretty. I had the feeling that I muddied up the warm colors as I was mixing them, and pondered whether to “clean” them up some by adding another layer. In the end, I decided to leave it as it is. Life isn’t perfect, but we still love it.”

Looking forward to reading your comments and feedback on this new painting.

To see this painting, click here.

Please visit Sheryl Brown at : http://www.sherylbrownart.blogspot.com/

Posted in Articles from Debra's Favorite Blogs, Courage, My Stories | 2 Comments »

Book - The Angel Inside

One of my fun reads that I did not want to put down was “The Angel Inside” by Chris Widener. My husband and I have been to Florence where we fell in love with the city. This book took me back to a place I love to daydream about. Cody and I plan on spending much more quality time there in the future. When you read The Angel Inside you visit the statue of David, learn about the life and art of Michelangelo, while trusting the passion that lives within you will unfold.

This rock was originally cut for work before Michelangelo was even born. Three great artists, one very famous, could not see what the rock could be. Michelangelo knew there was an angel inside the rock.
As you read this book you will take a trip to one of my favorite cities in the world, salivate over the food, learn about the art, people, and living your passion. This book is a gem to read over the years.
I hope you enjoy “The Angel Inside” as much as I did. Many people did not know that Michelangelo was a writer. Here is a short sonnet he wrote which is from the book.

The Marble not yet carved can hold the form
Of every thought the greatest artist has,
and no conception ever comes to pass
Unless the hand obeys the intellect.

Posted in Books I Read | No Comments »