I have a favorite spot in our local park that I intentionally drive by as often as possible.
This morning it was looking particularly ethereal, with the crisp morning air creating wisps of fog where it met the water.
Contemplative is a word that describes me on any ordinary day, but the past few days I have been feeling stretched thinner than usual by worries both near to my heart and those of strangers, and finding a way to take what I define as personal flaws and showcasing them at the front of my mind. Giving them tiaras and trophies like they deserve to be applauded.
Last night I picked up my devotional (Savor by Shauna Niequist) and the day's passage was about grace. How fitting.
"Grace isn't about having a second chance; grace is having so many chances tha tyou could use them through all eternity and never come up empty. Its when you finally realize that the other shoe isn't going to drop, ever. Grace is an even better gift...its forgiveness without forgetting, which is much sweeter than amnesia."
Amen.
Forgetting isn't really possible So let's do our best to forgive, and be thankful for shoes and morning fog.
XO,
Hi friends!
How are you? How has your week been? I've been thinking it is a day ahead all week, so basically in my mind today is Friday. Tomorrow morning I'm going to be a bit annoyed when the alarm goes off at 6:20. Oh Saturday...you can't come soon enough!
Here are a few things I've been up to around here...
My first podcast interview!
My friends Jen and Danielle interviewed me over at She Percolates and it was so.much.fun! I talked about my definition of success, how I balance my day job with my art, who I would love to have a coffee date with, and I spill the beans on my newest project. You can give it a listen here!
This Girl's Doodles out in the world!
I'm super excited and humbled to have my artwork for sale in some local shops! You can purchase canvases, prints and cards at Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap Room...
I have a variety of prints at The Tin Cup, an adorable new tea room and gift shop in town...
And my coloring books are available at Veach's Toy Station...
This local support has been overwhelmingly awesome! I'll also have a booth at The Autumn Artisan's Bazaar November 6-7 with lots of new mugs, tote bags, prints, cards and maybe some other goodies. It will be a fantastic place to buy lots of handmade holiday gifts!
#presentoctober!
October is my absolute favorite month, and I want to be as present as possible, so I'm sharing a photo a day on my Instagram where I take a few moments to stop, breathe, and be thankful and present. You can find my photos by searching #presentoctober and feel free to join in by sharing your "present" moments. {I did my first periscope about this...are you following me? I'm mandyford_art}
New projects!
I've been busy on a few new projects and I'm so thankful for the flow of work coming my way. This tree is part of a commission piece for a local college...
I created another free coloring page, just in time for all things fall! Click the image to download...
You can also grab the October calendar here.
And if you listened to the podcast, you know that major things are happening with the coloring book!! I can't wait to share more...hopefully next week!
Have I told you how awesome you are?!
I love each and every one of you. Hoping you have a lovely Friday tomorrow...oh yes, tomorrow IS Friday.
XO,
