Amy Hackworth has written a thrilling post about the Arts on Designmom today.

This drawing is one of my first attempts to use a Bamboo pen and Corel Painter. I found this image to imitate in an old reader called "Friendly Village" that was given to my children by a dear friend. This little blondie reminds me of my own little girl. She is curious and childlike and lovely. 

Photo by Carlton Davis originally found at brides.com. I came across it at designmom.

We were given some blueberry bushes as a gift some years ago. My husband planted them, but we had to wait until the next summer before we discovered a tiny crop of hard red berries appear on the stems. We were anxious to try our blueberries, but knew they were not ready to pick. A week or so later, I fingered through the leaves and stems, but I did not uncover a single blueberry. The birds had enjoyed them, and they were welcome. The following summer, my husband covered our bushes with mesh. The berries thrived, swelled, and blued under protection.  We picked the juiciest, prettiest ones each morning for breakfast. Sometimes it takes some time, but good things do come to those who wait.

Remnants of snow piles were melting a week ago. My children were running outside without a thought of a coat. I admit, we were anticipating spring. The view from our back door this morning had the potential of crushing our hopes. But it didn't. How could it? Snow falling is beautiful. And peaceful. And I am smiling while watching it layer the rooftops.

I spent yesterday afternoon perusing art magazines at our public library. I was easily the most entranced by an article in "American Craft" about Shawn Lovell, a blacksmith whose pieces are stunning works of art.

Images here and here.

John Singer Sargent's painting, "Girl Fishing at San Vigilio" (1913) brought hopeful thoughts to my mind. If such loveliness and peace exist in one painting, there must be countless works of art, literature, nature and creation that inspire the highest, noblest feelings in human hearts.  No need to waste a moment on anything less. The beauty that you or I perceive may be the result of someone's gift of time and talent, like Sargent's painting. Or, it might be the simple recognition of a kindness done, like when I came upstairs and saw my husband helping our little daughter get her hair ready for church. Or, the beauty that is nature's blessing may warm our hearts when we take a walk under the tangerine sunset sky. If we look for it, we will find it.

Painting found here.