this was pretty much the moment that i thought to myself, "holy hell, when are people going to realize that i'm not really an artist? am i'm just faking it?" i had just gotten my plain canvases stamped and i was heading out into the field to paint in plein air. there were other moments of complete insecurity when i looked at my half completed work and thought, "this is a pile of poo." that's a direct quote. i seriously contemplated just packing up and going home several times, but each time i thought about quiting i would be surprised with a phone call of encouragement. thank you angels.

i didn't have an easel,
or a chair,
or even all of my regular supplies.

so i stood for 5 hours, working out of the trunk of my minivan, and painted my heart out. when i was nearly done i set them up and took a moment to walk away. when i turned around and saw what was truly there, i began to cry. right there in the spring city cemetary i cried; feeling so blessed and overwhelmed. what i had envisioned when i looked at those plain canvases was right there in front of me. i just couldn't see it after being hunched over it for so many hours.

as i plug in and recharge my ipod, my camera, and my husbands phone... i'm beginning to realize just how sore and tired I am. but i wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

both pieces are acrylic on canvas. the bottom piece has collaged elements including a spring city census from 1850... that i totally cried over when i found. man, i'm a baby! i turned them both in this evening, but will take more pictures on saturday. winners will be announced saturday and all pieces will be available for sale. here are the entries from last year. E already has my un-received prize money spent in her mind: first we need a piano, secondly we get to go somewhere as a family in a PLANE. she simply won't accept the thought that i may not win. i'm just grateful for the opportunity to get out there and do something great, grand, and wonderful.

now i'm truly feeling FINE, both:

F.unky I.lluminating N.atural E.ffervescent

and

F.abulous I.ntelligent N.ickerballs E.nergetic

thank you all so much for the love and encouragment. and thanks to my dear friend kathryn and my mother for watching my kiddles so that i could run around like a spazz with paint all over me. ;-D oh! and the local newspaper interviewed me. so keep your eyes pealed for the next edition of the sanpete country recorder.