Wednesday, June 30, 2010

the inn and the studio

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This is the entrance to the Don Gaspar Bed & Breakfast Inn, a very private little sanctuary.

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This is where we ate our breakfast each morning. Travis is anxiously awaiting those breakfast room doors to open and so was everyone else.

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The entrance to the breakfast room-The food was incredible--some kind of casserole or quiche, delicious breads, cheeses, fruits, granola loaded with pecans and walnuts, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, juices and coffee.



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The entrance to Jane's room.

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Randall's studio on Canyon Avenue.

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Walking in the front door--Nancy is working hard. Right above her is a canvas of Randall's daughter. To say she is beautiful is the understatement of the century. She really resembles Randall's wife, Valerie. Valerie is the manager of the Inn where we stayed.

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This is my workspace. I was just fine working right under that original C.S. Lewis painting until Valerie walked in one day and said, "No pressure sitting here, huh?" Of course, we were slinging paint everywhere. I will tell more about the C.S. Lewis painting another day.

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And this is my journal--I did the background color and Randall demonstrated the ruling pen by writing part of my favorite verse in my book--"The Lord is my strength and my portion forever." Notice how his letters dance and come alive across the page--what a talent and gift and lots of hard work through the years.

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This phrase is taken from my favorite verse listed on the top left of my sidebar.

Here is a link to learn more about Randall and his incredible art and calligraphy.




5 Comments:

  1. Wow!! I'm sure it must have
    been hard to leave such an
    inspiring place! And that
    breakfast menu alone would
    make me want to stay!
    Going to head over and take
    a longer look at some of
    Randall's work.
    Thanks for sharing all of
    these wonderful things with
    everyone, Dianne.
    Love you,
    Sandy
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  2. What a life changing experience! God's beauty is certainly shown in the talents of His children.
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  3. I always say, Dianne, you are a good steward of God's gifts...
    You honor well His blessings to you ♥

    What beautiful work and talent!

    Wishing you lots of SONshine!
    ~Maria
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  4. Hello, Sweet Friend,

    First I want to thank you for this moving post! Love my time here...always...always a place well worth my time.

    Next I want to thank you for answering my comment requesting your permission to use your "Billy" post as a feature on my blog.

    I'm sorry that it has taken me a while to get this up and running again. When our granddaughters were here I would upload the pictures each evening that we'd taken that day after they went to bed and write a post. Last Thursday was their last full day with us and we just devoted that entire day to playing house and watching DVD's and anything else fun we could think to throw in. :-) Friday around noon they left with their momma to head back to Maine (we live in WV). So I've been keeping super busy around the house here since trying to help the aching heart to not be depressed, but instead thankful for the time we did have together. I've also recently had an increase in the dosage of one of the meds I take for my fibromyalgia. Those generally aren't good times to be doing any blogging.

    BUT...I did a post today to participate in TINSDAY with a German friend. I got along fine with it, so I wanted to let you know that I have already done and am saving for tomorrow (Thursday) the post on Billy. I would have loved to have posted your picture in the article, but didn't ask permission ahead of time so instead I painted a picture of you with words. ~wink~

    Love you...and wish I could give you a hug. We may never know this side of Heaven who it is that I KNOW needs to read this specific post, but you and I both know that HE knows who it is. Father, to you we commit this precious writing of how you intervened time and time again in this young Billy's life...because You love him so. We thank You for the way You "arranged" circumstances for Dianne to have a student teacher with her that was able to present what Dianne was not allowed to share. We thank You for the directness with Scriptures, with Billy's desire to know more. We thank You that You are an all knowing, all powerful God, full of Grace and Love...and for the peace that came to Billy's heart because of Your working. With that same power and grace we trust that You will bring this post to the attention of the heart or hearts of those who need to read Billy's story, so that they may one day recall their recognition of Your Work in their life/lives as well. In Jesus' sweet and precious Name. Amen

    Hugs to you, my friend,
    Dianna
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  5. Diane, I love this!

    What kind of ink or painting did you use to paint the letters?

    I am doing something similar... and was just wondering over that thick white?

    Thank you!
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