My first year teaching was in 1994. The four of us headed to the elementary school where I had been assigned to teach 5th graders Math and Social Studies. My own children were in Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade, but still, I was quite nervous. A young man in my class, who was small in stature, but a giant in his faith, would become my biggest fan...or, for you familiar with the southern term...my "Amen Corner"...which he reminded me of during every stressful moment in the classroom.
Me: Lecturing the students, for the 143rd time about being thoughtful to one another...
Bob: "Ms. Christie, you just fussin' at us 'cause you love us... right Ms. Christie?"
Me: (Looking to Bob) "Yes, Bob, you're right."
Bob: (Who loves his momma, daddy, and Jesus) "Ms. Christie, my daddy says dynamite comes in little packages...that's me...ain't it Ms. Christie... 'cause I'm a little package...ain't I Ms. Christie..."
Me: (Trying, now, to contain myself...and completely giving up the lecture at this point) Yes, Bob...you're right."
Bob: "Ms. Christie, I'm just your little Amen Corner...ain't I Ms. Christie..."
Me: (Loving my Job, loving this child, loving Jesus for letting me have this job) "Yes, Bob....You are my little "Amen Corner".
By this time, the students were repentent, they were all enjoying a little bit of a chuckle ('cause they all love Bob) and I realized then, the importance of having a corner in my world, filled with loving souls who keep me focused...encouraged...and loved...an Amen Corner.
I took a photo of my own little Amen Corner at my art table. (I don't call it a desk, because that would imply that work is done here. I refer to it as the place where the magic happens).
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy...my 3 little mice.... have taken up residence on the old Royal...and are my reminders of the promise that surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and one day I will live in the house of the Lord.
Until then, God has blessed us with this little cottage (our little piece of Heaven on earth) as a muse. Yes, this little house is full of storybook stories needing to be told. A generation of children are coming along, who aren't quite sure if it is okay to pretend, to dream, to imagine, to create. I want to give them these stories. Our children's innocence is being taken at such an early age...this is my way of doing my part.
So, I will give you a little preview of a few of the pages...in no particular order....
The above photo included a little note card I was working on for sweet husband.
You, my friends...my loyal, come-every-time-I-have-a-new-post, friends are also residing in my "Amen Corner"....
I keep little remembrances that some of you have mailed, or quotes from your blogs, and they inspire me every day, as I am about the creative process.
I have eleven more pages to illustrate (the little book is 46 pages) in Eliza's Adventures at Grammy's House in the Country. I know you might think...oh...only 11. It's quite a lot of processing for the ideas to come, just the right ones, to illustrate, get them just how you want, and then paint. My goodness, the number of pages that have been worked and reworked...scratched altogether...and then redone. But what an incredible journey this is. I am learning so so much! I am thankful for a wonderful mentor/friend/kindred .... Jeri Landers. Her advice and tips and materials suggestions have been invaluable.
I have envisioned a series of little books...and I am writing and creating images as fast as my hands and energy will allow.
In between surges of inspiration, I continue to knit, work on my very first hand-stitched quilt..a dresden plate....(the background is my white comforter...I'll be stitching it onto flour sack cloth:)
bake, and play with grandchildren.
We recently went over the river and through the woods to Xavier's Great-Grandmother's farm...here are a few pics....
Ted, the dog, was waiting for us by the tree with the "swing tire"...as Xavier used to call it.
The Sugar Maples were putting on quite a display. Xavier couldn't wait to run through the crunchy leaves and jump in a pile of them in the middle of the front yard.
Then, it was onto the tire...climbing up was a little tough...
But well worth the view....
This photo will remain a forever favorite.
After taking him home, we traveled back to "The Fwanklin House" to our cozy cottage in the midst of the fall displays, and counted our blessings.
My cup runneth over... my heart is full and aware of God's blessings spilling out all around us.
Thank you for all of your encouraging comments...even those of you who send them via email or let me know in passing. It means the world to me.
What an incredible resource we have through our connections with each other and each one's talents and gifts.
Yes, God is Good...All the time....God is Good!
Blessings Friends.
P.S. I had to include this photo, for our sweet little roses are continuing to bloom. This little pink rose was so pretty as I walked into the sunshine-y kitchen, and I was sure it was saying, "Morning, Glory!"
