A Stroke of Art

If you live near a city or an artsy town, you may have visited studios hosting painting parties. Friday evening, two of my daughters, my niece, and I spent the evening at Stroke of Art where art is a party. The cozy studio tucked into a corner in Withamsville, Ohio hosts painting parties, special events and art for children.

Our Instructor Carrie

When we arrived, our instructor, Carrie, greeted us with a kind welcome. She set us up with easels, canvas, paints, water, brushes and pallet knives. As a group, we selected the painting we wanted to create. Even though we followed the same idea, our choice of colors and our personal styles made our finished art unique.

As much as I appreciated the perfect set-up with generous supplies, I loved the laughter, encouragement and camaraderie with the girls. We snapped pictures, reminisced, admired each other’s work and just enjoyed being together.

No matter your ability, I highly recommend this fun experience.

Do you have an art studio where you can paint or have an art party? If you do, please share.

Spring is Coming

Tired of snow and cold weather? It’s almost March and soon we’ll see tulips blooming, trees budding, and daffodils dancing. Children will run outside and play, and winter coats will return to our closets. 

As much as I love winter, I also appreciate spring. I’m sure God knew we’d need a ray of hope towards the end of the white, cold winter. 

I hope this photo, I took near Travelers Rest, SC a few years ago, brings you joy and hope for spring.

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson

Book 3 in the Weddings by Design series

Stitched together with love and laughter, The Dream Dress introduces us to Gabi Delgado, wedding dress designer. Trouble is she spends more time sewing hems, altering bodices and securing beads than sketching dresses. Has designing become a distant dream lost in the piles of satin and lace? Not if her friends can help it.

This romantic comedy has just the right blend of funny, lovable characters who take Gabi with them on their journey as they serve God. From Gabi’s rude and demanding boss to her attractive acquaintance, Jordan Singer, author Janice Thompson punches up their story with humor and romance.  I laughed out loud at this delightful tale of wishes and dreams.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about weddings, falling in love, the wedding industry or just a sweet read. Five stars.

Description from the back of the book:

A lowly seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own original dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. But when Jordan Singer, reporter for Texas Bride magazine, visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is humbled in his influential--and unnervingly handsome--presence.

Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing this book honestly.

My Poetry

I've added new tabs to my blog. If you enjoy reading or writing poetry check out:

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/small-town-oem.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/my-poetry.html

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/haiku.html

Thanks for stopping by.

A Valentine to God

Photo:Blue Peeling Paint Background/www.toasto.com

Home at Last by Anita Higman

Anita’s latest with Heartsong, Home at Last, takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Olivia and Noah discover that everything they believed may be tumbling down around them.

Olivia set aside her own goals and dreams to care for her employer for more than twenty years. Noah believed his mother and resented his father. Two people caught in a web of deceit struggle to regain trust. Only God can lead them to the truth.

Anita delivers a tender story of love even as Olivia’s innocence and Noah’s worldliness clash. Through emotion and searching, the story carries the reader through the ups and downs of discovery and acceptance. The beautiful, but rundown old house where Noah grew up and Olivia’s lived for more than twenty years is a fascinating backdrop. I love when a home or town act as another character in a story.

Anita’s writing, as usual, paints a beautiful picture of life and the abundant love God has for His people. This quick read will stick with you as you contemplate how trust in God can change your life.

A little hope for winter...