Forever a Student

My latest project

     Summer vacation is over and this teacher didn't go back to teach. It is my turn to be the student again and I'm loving it. I'm meeting with Dilleen Marsh on a weekly basis.  She is amazing.  When I arrive we sit down and she gives me an inspirational pep talk--and this past week it was exactly what I had been thinking about.  I've become somewhat of a Pinterest addict.  It is a great ap to find all kinds of beautiful and creative art and design (and recipes), which is helpful to fuel the imagination but on the other hand can also be intimidating.  Kind of like when you visit the 'Parade of Homes' and come away with lots of ideas but also knowing you will never own a house like that!  It's the same with what I see on Pinterest.  I can't imagine ever having the skills that those artists and designers have.  Dilleen reminded me that we are put on this earth to learn as much as we can and that includes developing our talents. I may never reach the  pinnacle I would like to, but at least I am trying. I am working on it every day.  When I tell people I didn't return to work I want to explain that I am still working and hoping to reach those 9,000 hours sooner than I first expected! 
     Right now my main project is a picture book that I wrote three years ago.  It's called "Grandpa and Grandma are going on a Mission."  I've finally got the sketches completed and I'm laboring to get it drawn in Adobe Illustrator--meaning that I am learning as I go.  I had one class in Illustrator, but there is soooo much to learn.  I am hoping to have the illustrations finished in two months, then it is off to the presses.  I'm excited about this book and hope it will be loved by the grandchildren of those brave grandparents who leave them for a time to do the Lord's work.  My husband and I hope to be able to do that one day--and we know that mission will be a blessing to our family.

  Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.  And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.  D&C 130:18,19

No Fear!

Children's Friend illustration by Dilleen Marsh

Illustration by Dilleen Marsh

     When I receive my monthly Children's Friend (the LDS magazine for children) I quickly flip through to see the illustrations first.  Then I get out my reading glasses and look for the tiny writing that gives credit to the illustrator on each page.  For years I've been a huge fan of Dilleen Marsh's illustrations.  She has worked for the LDS Church magazines and has been art editor for the New Era (for LDS youth).  I was excited to discover that Dilleen now lives in Southern Utah.  It's been on the back of my mind for months.  I woke up a few days ago, overcame my fear, and decided to contact her.  I found her web page and left a message.  She called me that same day and instead of asking me to come to her, she came to me.  She looked at my work and now I'm going to be learning from her on a regular basis.  (Perhaps she could see that I really needed help!)  She is very warm and kind.  She not only has an amazing artistic talent but is remarkably wise and willing to share her knowledge. It's a dream come true!
     Dilleen is currently showing her work at Dixie College Sears' Gallery with three other artists.  Her oil paintings of our area are gorgeous and she has several illustrations from past church magazines on display.  The show runs through August so take the time to stop in before it closes.  
     Another art show not to be missed is at the St.George Temple visitors' center.  Julie Rogers' paintings of the Martin-Willie handcart company are an emotional and visual feast.  
     On my last visit with Dilleen we discussed "the precious decade" we will both soon enter.  At our age the next ten years will be important ones.  When a woman is trying to reinvent herself it's best to face it with no fear.

     "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  2Timothy 1:7