Orange and Gray

When I was a little girl, my dad always told me, "Bridie, don't forget to stop and smell the roses." I never forgot this piece of advise and from that point on I always stopped to smell the roses. When my husband and I met, he noticed this right away as I would frequently stop to smell the roses  (or whatever other flower grazed our path). Jon finally stopped me one day and asked why in the world I did this. I told him about the little phrase my dad would always tell me and how I was almost compelled every time I saw flowers.

I don't know if that was the intention my dad had for the comment, but I can't help but notice the flowers as often as I do. However, the other day I was sitting and watching the sunset and as the sky faded, it turned into this sweet orange and gray. As I watched this amazing sunset, I was sitting in the grass pondering the dandelion in my hand. What about the Dandelions. For most of you who have yards, you might think I am crazy. But I love Dandelions. I can't help but notice the Dandelions! It is considered a weed, has no scent, and has tons of little seeds within them that take over any area of grass like wild fire. For some odd reason, I like to think of this little weed as a flower. I LOVE them!!! They are so beautiful and fun. Some of you might be familiar with the Five Iron Frenzy song Dandelions. There is a line that they sing that says "You see flowers in these weeds". This whole song depicts the radical love that Christ has for us regardless of how sinful we are. We are beautiful to Him. He also created us to multiply as believers, to make disciples and to thrive among the communities we live in. As messed up as we are, God uses us despite our sin. Not that we have an excuse to live however we want...but that God uses the weak, broken, and humble.

I am currently working on a painting that depicts this reality in my life. Things are not always black and white...sometimes they are orange and gray. I will soon post but for the mean time, I will reflect on the beauty of the One who loves the weeds.

Enjoy!

~B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSe4mZ2bvkg&feature=related

Spring fling!

          I met my husband in January of 2004 and we began officially dating in May 2004. So, I am just a bit partial to Spring. There is a fresh feel in the air, budding flowers popping up every where, and a cool breeze with a hint of warmth reminding all that Summer is soon to come. Best of all, the evenings last longer. I am a night owl and so the more I can get out of evenings the better.
          However, I am NOT a morning person. I am the worst person to be around in the mornings until I have had at least one cup of coffee. I drag myself out of bed, and pretty much drag myself to the coffee pot. I usually have to get up before the sun if I want a shower and coffee before the kids wake up. Lately, as I am showering, and all is dark outside and in, I can hear the birds begin their early morning chirping. For those of you who know me the best, you know I love birds, you know I hate mornings, and you know my usual response would be, "WHAT THE ...... ARE YOU ALL SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING!" Like I said, not much of a morning person.
         I realized, after 20 some odd years of this attitude in the morning, I needed an adjustment. So, by God's Grace, I have been praying for God to change my heart and attitude in the morning. Mostly because my poor husband and boys get the brunt of my attitude in the morning and I think I make everyone just as grumpy as myself, if not worse. This painting as well as some vintage inspiration came to mind. I seriously love birds and would love to have another one around some day. Until then, my paintings will have to do. This painting has inspired a joyful feel early in the morning. I am reminded to sing a new song every day to the one who brings on the day light. I hope it inspires you and gives to a sweet sense of joy.

Enjoy!
~B

Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.

~Psalm 98

Design with taste, Art with Style, and Vintage Joy

Vintage Birdie was created from a compilation of joy for vintage style, my name when said incorrectly, and my love for the vintage bird. I have been bottling up my joy for the last few years and have now decided to begin a blog about vintage art and style. This blog will include my absolute love for vintage and retro style as well as an array of color for the eye. Posts will include some of my collective works as well as other treasured finds. I hope this will be enjoyed by other people who share in this unique style as well as inspire vintage design. Thanks and hope you enjoy!

~B