Well, today is the day, my new icon workshop begins. If you could keep me in your prayers, I would appreciate it. You all really helped me when I did my last workshop. This is a daunting physical and spiritual exercise, and any assistance with prayer on your part would be terrific.

I noticed while blogging around that lots of people had a few days of a warm spell. Aside from the basement being a big hassle, it was terrific. I got all the fall clean up done that I had neglected. I was working outside all day, in short sleeves, in the sun. What a gift! It is cold again already, and may snow again soon, but I was so grateful for the chance to experience a little warmth.

I have been busily preparing for my workshop, getting all the boards gessoed and all my paints mixed and the studio cleaned up. I actually feel like a real artist, since I have paint and gesso all over my clothes. To celebrate, I got (at the thrift store) a funky green shirt to wear to the class tonight, so I can look the part. Have I mentioned how much I love the thrift store? I went there to find a container to mix my paints in. I have to mix a few base colors, as well as flesh tones, and in order to get continuity between the many little containers, I have to make a big batch. I also needed a tool to mix the paint thoroughly, and a rubber spatula to get the paint out and into the little containers. I found the perfect enamel coated 9x13 baking pan, a frosting knife (from Pampered Chef) and a spatula, all for $3.00. Previously I got 13 aprons there, for a dollar each, so my students all are covered up, and all the glassed for rinse water for a few cents each.

I heart the thrift store!!

So, what else. School began again. I love doing school with my kids, really, I do. But during a week like this, I have to use every fiber of self control not to let that priority drop in the ranking. Thankfully, I have been doing this for 10 years, and that last little fiber of self control has had quite a work out. But still...

Please continue with your caption suggestions in the post below. I have some good one's, but would love a little more competition for the prize.

I'm off to conquer the day (yeah, right). Here is a little something to take with you:

Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness and remission of sins~

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

(See, I just randomly opened my prayer book, and that's where I landed. Blessings!