Highland Presbyterian Church

Highland Presbyterian Church, Street, MD

How many of you completely forgot yesterday was a weekday? I kept thinking it was Saturday and was thrown off every time I realized it was, in fact, Tuesday. I am thankful Brian had off yesterday, but it sure did make me confused on what day it was!

While visiting family for a 4th of July cookout yesterday, I wandered off a bit to examine a beautiful church across the street. It called to me with its church bells, which chimed every hour, and then drew me in with its beautiful steeple and stained glass windows. It was the epitome of a country church with its white clapboard siding, perfectly manicured landscaping, decorative windows, and of course, the church bells. This digital image was the result of my exploring. I could have stayed there for hours checking out all the details including the quaint graveyard, but the family celebration continued on across the street and my obligation was there. I'm glad I have this image to remind me of the few minutes I had, quiet and alone, drinking in the splendor of this quaint church.

Today I am working on another article for The Mighty discussing why holidays can be stressful and anxiety-ridden for those of us with Chronic Lyme Disease and other chronic illnesses. I find the writing process to be very cathartic and soothing, especially after a difficult day like yesterday, so please keep your eyes out for that, if the article is chosen by the editor to be published.

I hope you all had an enjoyable and safe Independence Day yesterday! Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Increase the Diffusion of Knowledge- Harford County Artist

Washington D.C.

Last night was one of those memorable nights as a mom; the moments that grab at my heart because I know I won't have many more opportunities for evenings like this with my two oldest children. After dinner, my oldest daughter, a senior in high school, and I sat down together to put together and send out her graduation announcements. As we were sitting there, working together elbow to elbow it was not far from my mind that in just a few short months she will be off living on her own in Florida. It strikes fear but also pride in my heart. I know she is ready, but am I? I am clinging to these memories as much as I can. Just as my heart was getting sad about my "baby" graduating, she decided to put on some funny videos for Brian and me to lighten the mood. Oh my gosh. As we were working, we laughed our butts off at these funny videos to the point of tears. After a while I begged for mercy because tears were streaming down my face, my belly and face muscles hurt, and it exhausted everything in me. Sometimes we just need a good belly laugh to fix everything that is wrong.

After wrapping up her graduation announcements, my oldest son, who is in college, came to me and asked for help with writing an essay about a poem for his college English class. He doesn't ask for help much, so I was honored he approached me and wanted my editing skills. After going over his first draft of the essay, it was well near 11:00PM and exhaustion set in to my bones. It filled my heart, as I went to bed, that my "kids" still need me every once in a while. I raised them to be confident, independent young adults, but a mom still wants to be needed every now and again.

I love my children with the deepest cells of my body. While I enjoy and take pride in watching them grow up into their own people, it is bittersweet letting go. Soon the house will be down to 4...me, Brian, and the twins. And soon after that it will be down to 2. But, this is how it is supposed to happen. My little birds growing up and flying away...

Have a wonderful day. Tonight is my youngest daughter's last choral concert tonight and I am looking forward to seeing her hard work pay off as she sings her heart out. Lots of "lasts" are happening in May...but with a last there is always a birth of some sort, a new beginning. Here's to new beginnings!

xo

Moving Gently Into the Night- Harford County Artist

About this image: It has taken me years to realize that I am an empath. I think becoming ill with Lyme disease and dealing the neurological effects of the disease has moved me more deeply in that direction. I absorb the emotional states of those around me. It is not something I want to do, but something that just happens. So, this is why I found myself alone, in my truck, in the parking lot of a church last night as I waited for my youngest daughter to complete her first day of chorus practice. The practice is one and a half hours long and I couldn't stomach sitting in the waiting area the entire time with all the other parents. I am not antisocial and they are not mean, but I just crave peace, alone time, and calmness.  So, after being in the church for about 40 minutes, I strolled out to my truck. While I was sitting in the front seat, I saw the bell tower and steeple rising beautifully into the dusky sky. I was totally inspired. As I sat and stared at the changing light on the steeple, I thought to myself, "I love how gently we are moving into the night." It was like watching a slow motion video of a changing sky, a changing light, a changing world as the sun sank deeper on the horizon. And when it was fully dark, I went back into the church again refreshed and ready to deal with the crowd of parents and kids again.

Have a peaceful Wednesday, y'all.

xo

Oxford Hotel- Digital Art of Historic Building in Oxford, Pennsylvania

About this image: The town of Oxford in southern Pennsylvania is a quaint and beautiful place. I had the honor of showing my work in the art gallery there this past month. Last Saturday, when I went to retrieve my art, I drove by this lovely historic building, the Oxford Hotel. I loved the stars below the windows, the double chimney, and the details below the roof line. They just don't make buildings like they used to. From what I understand, this building is now apartments.

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day. Enjoy the ones you love today and remember we are never guaranteed tomorrow. Perhaps in celebration of a day of love, maybe you could perform one act of kindness to a stranger...pay for someone's coffee at Panera Bread or Starbucks, hold the door for someone, or deliver a care package to the homeless. All kindness matters. Hugs to all.

xo

The Elysian, Chicago- Altered Photography by Tracey Grumbach

About this image:  The early morning fog hung just between the moon and the tops of the buildings, low along the skyline of Chicago. I watched it shift and drift as if it were its own living, breathing being as it weaved its way through the high rise buildings, caressing them in its dewy grip. I sat just long enough in the hotel window to see the clearing between me and the next building, The Elysian, and I raised the camera to take this shot. Then, within seconds, the scene and light shifted and moved again. That was back in 2013 and I still remember the quiet in the room as the kids were still asleep with rhythmic breathing. It was one of those moments that get frozen in your mind to create a beautiful, dreamlike memory.

Happy Tuesday! Have a beautiful day...

I Was a Great Reader of Fairy Tales- Digital Art by Tracey Grumbach

About this image: A passed over 2010 image of a local bed and breakfast in my archives got a breath of new life in this digital art piece. I loved the fairy tale castle feel to the structure and would have killed someone to live there and own it myself. Just kidding. I really wouldn't kill someone. Ever. Unless it was self defense, of course. But, I digress. On a plane ride to Florida this weekend, I had plenty of time to use my digital skills to translate this old picture into what I consider a beautiful creation of my imagination. Fairy tales...I am living my own fairy tale because I choose to see the magic in each day of my life.

Speaking of fairy tales, I am proud to say my oldest daughter had a very successful trip college hunting in Florida this weekend and has made a commitment to go to Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL to study Film Production. She will be moving there in August to start writing the fairy tale beginning of her own life. I can not be more proud of my kids. My oldest son is back at college seeking a business degree while working at a local restaurant and my twins are working hard in homeschool. I am the luckiest mom in the world.

I hope to see you at the art show opening Friday night from 5-8PM in Oxford, PA!  I can't wait to see everyone! Stop in, see the art, and let's chat about my pieces. See the flyer below:

Also, mark your calendars NOW for a new art show opening soon at Arts By the Bay Gallery on Friday, February 3 from 7-9PM!  I will be there with 5 pieces hanging and I will be working the desk, so stop in and see me!

I hope you have an amazing Wednesday and spread a little magic dust of your own today.

Forgotten Wreaths- Digital Art St. Michael's, Maryland

Forgotten Wreaths- Digital Art by Tracey Grumbach

About this image- This is another one of my rediscovered old photographs that caught my attention. The original photograph was taken back in 2010 during a trip to St. Michael's, Maryland. If you didn't know by now I have, for a long time, been fascinated by houses and old buildings. This one was no exception. I was intrigued by the overgrown grass growing around the front door making it look as if no one was coming in and out of the residence. But, yet it was decorated for Christmas with beautiful wreaths. The home itself was in great condition with a beautiful golden eagle ornament sitting atop the peak and the dual matching chimneys. The semi-circular porch  reminded me of a carousel top and don't get me started on the beautiful attic window. I totally could have lived here.

Speaking of forgotten wreaths, this year is the longest that we have ever kept up Christmas decorations. We finally took down the tree and indoor decorations on Tuesday but our outside decorations are still up, although they are unplugged now. We have been so busy, we just haven't had time. Our house has the big empty feeling it gets every time we take decorations down. It seems cavernous and echoey. I miss the tree, but I don't miss the cats making toys out of all my ornaments, lol.

Today is full of errands after teaching homeschool. I will be off to the bank to deposit the last of the 2016 checks for art sales, then to Oxford, PA to deliver the three new pieces to the gallery there. Next, I need to rush home and prepare for my daughter's IEP meeting (I homeschool her but have a good relationship with the local school where she receives speech services and I maintain a current IEP for her in case she needs to return to public school.). Next, I have to rush home for a phone conference with my oldest daughter's admissions and financial aid counselor for a college she is considering. Then, I need to pack and get ready for our trip to Full Sail University. We will be leaving tomorrow and coming back on Monday after touring the campus and local housing options. After this trip my oldest daughter will be able to make her decision about what college she will attend.  I am so blessed to have my God-daughter and my oldest son watching the twins and running the house until we get back.

Try to stay dry out there! At least it is a bit warmer, which makes the damp a bit more tolerable.

xo

St. Louis Old Courthouse Dome

Just like everyone else in the world, I am beginning to think of some new positive habits to form in 2017. I don't do resolutions (as I've said every year), but I usually a choose a word that will help me keep focused on my goals. This year my word will be HABITS. I won't reveal what positive habits I am planning on developing in the new year just yet...I think I will wait to reveal that in my New Year's post, but I've been thinking and preparing very hard so that on day 1 of this new year I can begin.

What resolutions/words/intentions/goals do you have in 2017?

About this image:  This beautiful dome is inside the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri. My cousins are still recuperating in the hospital there, but they have made amazing, miraculous progress, and we are hoping they will be released January 5th to outpatient therapy. A meeting today with the neuro team at Children's Hospital will reveal whether they are still on track for that date. Please say a prayer they are.

Anyway, this dome is just fabulous. The detail and brilliance with which it was built all those many years ago is mind blowing. The building was completed in 1828. Architecture isn't what it used to be in my non-architect opinion. This courthouse saw history in the making because this is where the Dred Scott case was tried.  All the trials, including the Missouri Supreme Court case, related to the case were held in this building. There are other notable cases that were held here as well.

I hope you stay dry on this wet, gray day. I will be homeschooling the twins today and then attending a house warming later this evening for co-workers of my husband. Make it a great day.

xo

I Sought To Hear the Voice of God- Mobile Photography by Tracey Grumbach

Basilica of St. Louis, King
Also known as Old Cathedral

I sought to hear the voice of God 

and climbed the topmost steeple,

but God declared: "Go down again-

I dwell among the people."

-John Henry Newman

My beautiful mother came into town on Monday, driving herself from Lynchburg to northern Maryland by herself. I am so proud of her because she is not much of a long distance driver and yet she loaded her car up with gifts and necessities and made the trek by herself. After my father passed away, I worried that she would never visit Maryland again unless we drove to get her and bring her back. But, she proved me wrong and I am very proud of her.

I've been enjoying the time with her. The last time I saw her was in October when the twins and I took a trip to see her and combined it with a field trip to see Thomas Jefferson's homes that are located within an hour of her house. We always have a great time visiting her, either at her house or at mine. We've spent much of the time playing various games. We are big into playing games in the evening so we've pulled out dominos to play Chicken Foot; cards to play Nerts (a very fast competitive card game similar solitaire); dice for a game called Left, Center, Right; and cards again for a game called 7Up 7Down. The twins are now old enough to start independently participating in most of the games, so it has been a ton of fun.

Today we are heading out to have lunch with one of my mom's sisters. I haven't seen her in a while and it will be good to spend some time with her. Life is busy this time of season, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am looking forward to hosting Brian's side of the family on Friday evening, and my brother's family on Christmas Eve. I am not much of a hostess (I HATE to cook) but I will do my best and I am sure everyone knows by now that when I host family it is very laid back and not fancy at all.

I hope you all are finding quiet time to enjoy the season and relax. Have a wonderful Wednesday, y'all.

xo

The House on Main Street- Digital Art By Tracey Grumbach

20 Little things that bring me joy:

1.  The smell of fresh laundry
2.  A fire in my fireplace
3.  Lavender Essential Oil Linen Spray on my pillowcase
4.  My morning organic decaf coffee with a teaspoon of hot chocolate mix
5.  A walk along a wooded trail in any season
6.  The crunch of autumn leaves under foot
7.  The first winter snow
8.  The smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven
9.  Moonlight or sunlight sparkling like diamonds of the water's surface
10.  Learning a new skill
11.  Laughter- I am an empathetic laugher so when I hear laughing I automatically laugh
12.  My alpaca wool socks keeping my feet toasty
13.  One square of organic dark chocolate with cherries
14.  The feel of dirt under my nails when planting a new seed
15.  Watching a good football game on a Sunday afternoon
16.  Cuddling under a blanket reading a captivating book
17.  Feeling my cat purr as she curls up on my lap
18.  Playing a board/card/dice game with my family
19.  Christmas carols on Christmas Eve
20.  Comfortable fleece long underwear worn as leggings

What is one little thing that brings you joy?  Take notice of it and plan time in your day to experience it...even if it is just for 5 minutes.

Have a beautiful day.

xo

Life Is Really Simple- Mobile Art by Tracey Grumbach

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

~Confucius

Life truly is simple. There is nothing more important to me than my family. Spending quality time with each of my children gets harder and harder as they grow into adults, so I am thrilled when I have the opportunity to be with them alone, away from the other kids. This weekend I got to spend some quality time with my oldest and his girlfriend. We had brunch at Miss Shirley's in downtown Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. It was great to just sit and chat about his life, reminisce about when he was young, get to know his beautiful girlfriend better, and enjoy a meal together without the distraction of other siblings. That doesn't happen so often now days since my oldest is working and going to college. 

This weekend I also had a date night with my youngest son, who is turning nine along with his twin sister this week. We went out to dinner together and then went to see Santa Paws at the local Community College. These are precious times that build a sense of history and meaning into their young lives. In January I already have a college visitation trip planned with my oldest daughter, and a date night with my youngest daughter for dinner and a Peter Rabbit theater show. Each of my kids is so different and unique, this alone time with them allows me to see that more clearly and let them know how much I love and appreciate each one as an individual. 

As busy and hectic as this season gets, I wouldn't trade these hours spent with my kids for anything. I hope you are able to slow down and find time for those in your life. After all, isn't that what this season is all about...family?

xo

Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge

We build too many walls and not enough bridges.

-Isaac Newton

If interested, you can find the history of this bridge here. I suggest taking a minute to check it out because it has quite the history!

Have an amazing Sunday.  xo

The Steeple

The Steeple

At some point I have to be honest with myself and realize just how far behind in blogging I am.  I've been waiting to share my digital creations with you all until I feel like I have something of worth to say, but look where that has gotten me.  Terribly behind. 

Truthfully, I prefer creating now days rather than talking or writing. I still enjoy writing, but don't like the pressure of having to write just to share my newest creations. So, I've decide to yet again allow the blog to go through a sort of transition and give myself permission to share my art without having to write. Between homeschooling, my health, and summer time activities (such as yard and garden maintenance, day trips, pool outings, and vacation, there just isn't going to be a lot of time or energy left to force myself to write.)

So, without further explanation, please sit back and enjoy these digital pieces...one a day until I can catch up.  Have a beautiful Thursday.

(This image was created this past winter while on a ride through Pennsylvania. Snow was still on the ground and I just had to get out and go for a drive one day. I came across this beautiful church in Lancaster County, I believe. I loved the stonework.)

xo

Rock Presbyterian

Transcript of the Historical Sign on location: Rock Presbyterian Church was founded in 1720 in North Milford Hundred, Cecil County, Maryland. First called New Erection on the Branches of Elk River, then Elk River Church, Great Elk, Upper Elk, and since, 1793, Rock. Present church erected in 1761 and remodeled in 1844 and 1900.

I love old buildings and this church in Fair Hill is no different. I love the stone work and the details that caught my eye one day as I was traveling for a real estate shoot. I caught a glimpse of this beauty out of the corner of my eye down a side road. After my shoot and on my way home, I turned off and took a couple of photos.

If you are interested in the history of this gorgeous church, you can find it here. Have a wonderful Friday. I will be out and about today visiting the Elkton and Havre de Grace galleries that show my work. I hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you on the other side.

The Bellagio by Night

Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Las Vegas Strip by night...

The lights and water show in front of the Bellagio Resort.

I love the human element in this image...everyone recording
the lights and water show on their phones. 

The beautiful Bellagio

At the Bellagio looking across the lake to Paris Resort and Bally's.

Amazing how many people stop to photograph, video, and watch the water show
in front of the Bellagio Resort.  The Cosmopolitan is the resort with the blue lights in the background. 

The Bellagio Resort

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!  I am filled with business on Saturday... a real estate shoot and then off to Elkton and The Gallery at 122 Main to pick up my remaining pieces and cash out the show that is benefiting The National Capital Lyme Association!  Hurry there to buy the rest of the pieces to help support this amazing non-profit!  Then I'm celebrating Halloween with my little ones (one is a sheriff this year and the other is a neon skeleton...whatever that is, lol!)

Don't forget on Sunday my 6 page spread in Artful Blogging goes on sale!  It should be available at any large news/magazine/bookstores such as Barnes and Noble!  I already have my complimentary copy and it is a great issue with lots of inspiring artists!  Grab your copy on Sunday!

Hugs to y'all!  xo