First Oil Painting

In my Oil Painting Class I completed my first full painting today! I still need to sign it! The black you see at the top is the easel it is on -- holding it in place. It was so much fun learning to paint the translucency of glass in the blue bottle and all the shadows.

Oh So Good Whole Wheat Rolls

So over the last year I have discovered how much I like to make homemade bread. There is just something so great about getting your hands into it and kneading it yourself.

I made a double batch of these rolls today because they freeze so well and are a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (or snack!!)

Here is my recipe:

Whole Wheat Rolls

1 1/2 cups cold tap water

1 package yeast

1 T. sugar

1 1/2 c milk heated

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 T. - 1/3 cup honey (depending on how sweet you want it)

1 egg, beaten

2 t. salt

3 cups whole wheat flour

additional whole wheat flour and white flour

Mix cold tap water and sugar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute and one minute only! Then add package of yeast and stir for one minute. Then let it just sit in a warm place for 5 minutes until foamy.

When milk is lukewarm add it to liquid along with, oil, honey, egg, and salt. Stir. Then, stir in 3 cups of whole wheat flour to make a thick paste. Beat it with a spoon; let stand 2 hours until light and high.

Then, stir flour to make a stiff dough, alternating wheat and white flour. Knead dough for 12 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic. Next, let it rise until double, this should take about 2 more hours. Punch down and knead again.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Next roll dough out on a greased board. Roll into golf ball sized balls and place into a greased cake or pie pan. You should fit about 9 to a pan. This recipe will make about 2 pans of rolls. Let rise and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

These are delicious!

New Etsy Storefront and Vintage Postcards

Today I uploaded a few Neiman-Marcus vintage postcards and added a storefront to my store.

Take a little looksy . . .

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageDefinition?ga_search_query=vintage+definition&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Aim Number 4: Art

From time to time this year I will chime in and let you know how I am doing with my "aim of the year". Aim number four for me this year is to further my own education in art. So to get started I signed up for an oil painting class. I have never painted with oils because they are expensive and I have no idea of what to do with them. On the first day of class I painted several oranges and a little pot. I am learning to mostly work with the light and see value. You can can see what I did on the first day of class below.

It's amazing that even through this experience how you can learn so much about yourself. There are some seriously talented painters in the class and I found myself not wanting to go to the class on the second day. I realized it was because I was feeling inferior and I was fearful. When I realized what I was feeling I knew I had to go because I want to try and learn new things and I was surprised and how quickly I became fearful. I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7). I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to realize truth. Besides I am meeting some neat people in the class and who knows what sort of adventure He has me on.

Giving Oil Painting a Go!

Wintery Walk

Yesterday . . . just to be brave (and to get a little exercise) , Adam and I went for a walk in the below freezing weather. I just decided that we can't let this weather win us and make us stay totally inside.

So I bribed Adam with a steaming glass of hot chocolate upon our return and he decided to come! We got all bundled up and ventured out on a walk. Here's a few pics:

Here's us trying to smile, but there was a slight freezing wind in our faces.

And now we are over halfway done, so I am doing a dance!

We walked up where you can view the river, it's pretty amazing looking, but burr!

Frozen Beach.

The Aim of the Year

Earlier this year, January 2nd, I sat down and wrote out a few ideas for what I want to accomplish this year. They are not in order of importance nor are they all of equal importance. They just reflect what is on my mind right now and what things I want to either step into for the first time or continue to step into this year. You can tell I hesitate to use the cliche word "GOAL" b/c it's not a pass or fail kind of a thing for me, it is however hard to put this out for the whole word to see. oh well!! :)

1. Continue blogging

2. Get a job

3. Further education in art therapy

4. Continue my own education in art

5. Deepen my relationship in my marriage

6. Journal with the intention of writing out what I am thinking

7. Pray for my husband daily

8. Continue to develop new relationships

9. Read new books in areas of interest

10. Read and daily apply scripture