Mission Makeover is Back!

See our new site and read all about our Denim & Diamonds Reveal Concert that will be held July 21st at the historical Princess Theatre in downtown Decatur. As many of you know, I am involved with Mission Makeover--a charitable team of professionals who generously give of their skills and talents to make over one lucky individual for charity. Mission Makeover is non-profit.

Most of you remember Donna, our first candidate we ever had. She is unforgettable for many reasons, both outward and inward. She is one lovely lady. She, along with our latest candidate will be at our Denim & Diamonds Reveal Concert that will feature Cook & Glenn--Jeff Cook from the super group Alabama. Don't miss our 2006-2007 candidate who is amazing as well in her transformation. That night's event will also feature a silent auction and a raffle! Tickets can be purchased at the Princess Theatre. Email or comment with any questions.

Giovanni's Italian Grill Coming Soon!

My new neighbor uptown cannot move in fast enough! My mouth has been watering ever since the first bit of brick mortar starting falling off of MY walls several months ago from when they started renovating the building next door to me. I cannot tell you how beautiful this restaurant is--and so revolutionary at the same time. For the first time I and many of us will finally be able to enjoy an awesome plate of Bolognese pasta, sipping a glass of fine merlot, outside in the courtyard seating on our beautiful historic square in plain view of our stately courthouse. How sweet will that be? Let's welcome Rod and Shelly Ross with loving Athens arms as they unveil their work of beauty--Giovanni's....said to be opening July 4th weekend! Read more here from our local paper, The News Courier.

Sure Thing

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstance. To choose the sure thing is treason to the soul."

--Bruce Barton
from "The Man Nobody Knows"

Whatever your dream may be, no matter how grand or elaborate, you have within you all that is needed for making it come true. The dream would not have arisen were the materials for turning it into reality not present within you. To avoid your dream because going after it would remove you from the safety of your comfort zone is like refusing to enter your house because you've heard most accidents occur at home.

May you always dare to follow your dream.

My Sister Grace sisters send me "Heartfelt Blessings" some days, and this one was for today--I just had to share it!

My Awesome Dad

Yesterday was Father's Day, and I spent time with my Dad at lunch. Everyday is like Father's Day since we often call each other at work and go have coffee at Pablo's up town. Our offices are just a few steps from each other on the square. My Dad knows how much I love and admire him for being such a good-hearted man as well as an amazing business man. In his retired years, he has written an amazing book that is selling so well, allowing him to travel for book readings and theatrical events about the book. I could have never had a more awesome Dad! One of my favorite memories is when we would work together in the yard on a Saturday, and my sister and I would do cartwheels while my Dad would sit and watch--and even critique. He has always been there for me and given me the time I needed. That is huge! Thank you for being an amazing father! I love you. :)

Jesus' First Miracle

From the Gospel of John

John 2
Jesus Changes Water to Wine
1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."

5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[a]

7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

8Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

The Awesome Cathy Lee Phillips--I had the pleasure of photographing! Cathy is an awesome writer of funny Christian books and was the speaker at our women's retreat at the First United Methodist Church last March. She came to us from Atlanta and came back to Athens to let me shoot her newest promotional headshots for the book she has coming out this fall. She also came to talk to Sister Grace too and shared some awesome news with us. More to come on that as things unfold! See her images in this slideshow...

Fresh off my easel!

After all this being around Walter Jr. from Louisiana (singing on his CD!) and listening to Louis Armstrong as the house music during my art workshop, I was aching to paint something from my heritage of Southern Louisiana! I began this painting in my workshop yesterday as my demo, and I finished it up today. An awesome spread of hot boiled crawfish and potatoes and my beloved Tabasco Sauce. A piece I have several ideas for titles for. Vote for your favorite!

Art Camp Week!

Today my art camps began--and I had a ball teaching these kids! I haven't taught really young kids in a long time, and it was so refreshing to be sitting and teaching these little ones. They were so precious! I utilized somewhat the Monart method of teaching, and it is amazing how quickly young eyes begin to see the world around them more like an artist and can, therefore, amaze themselves with what they can draw. Just an FYI, Katie and Marcie on the right of the image are sisters--both Chinese girls adopted from China. Marcie is an albino Chinese girl--the only person I have ever seen like that in my life. She is so unique and so beautiful! Both of them--all of these children are! They lit up my day today, and I look forward to the rest of the camp with them. We will paint tomorrow--self portraits!

Proud to show their art!



A sneak peek at the painting I demo-ed for the kids...a hint: crawfish!

My Winner!

Captivating Photo Shoot Special!

Last February, I posed a challenge to read the book Captivating, and send in your short personal story to win an awesome "Captivating" Photo Shoot with me. Today, I am declaring the winner! I know of many captivating women, but one sent in a very different reaction to the book than I had. It was a very compelling story, told very honestly, and she came out of it a better woman, realizing her beauty through her troubled childhood. The winner of my shoot special is my friend Marcia Whitaker from Anniston, Alabama! If you would like to read her story, she is glad for you to. Comment to request it. I will post photos from our session--sure to be an awesome shoot--I can't wait!

Women In Art

This is an amazingly done video that my sister-in-law sent me this morning. Enjoy it!!

The Amazing Scott Fenton

Not long ago at Art House here at my studio, where all kinds of artists and musicians gathered to mingle over great hors d'oeuvres and live music, there appeared from those gathered a 16 year old young man with truly amazing talent. He is Scott Fenton, the son of one of my best friends. I knew that he had taken piano over the years, but he totally blew me away as well as others there. Watch this!

WE ARE LIVE!

My band Sister Grace is now live on the web! Our website is finally here--and we thank Bludomain for creating such a beautiful site for us. They totally rock! Please bookmark us! Our site name is: Sister Grace Music dot com: www.sistergracemusic.com Take a minute and go browse our site and let us know what you think! Blessings to you as summer starts!