One Canvas and a Fresh Perspective Later...

I had driven circles in the parking lot of the school-turned-booze fest known as Sips and Strokes for about fifteen minutes before I finally took a deep breath of gumption and walked into the din of tipsy ladies. Most of the students took the title quite literally, sipping on their purchased goods from the liquor store next door as they put on paint smeared aprons and pumped out the specified amounts of primary colored paints we would be using that evening.

We began putting brush to canvas about 20 minutes after our scheduled start time. A mad rush of latecomers and throngs of chatty females were the cause, but the instructor commanded attention with the aid of a deafening microphone, and everyone instinctively got down to business pronto (A result of getting chastised by your teacher in elementary school, no doubt). What I didn't expect was to enjoy it - alot. We were allowed some version of creative freedom (as much as our limited color palette would allow), and were given step by step instructions.

While everyone's picture turned out to be a mirror image of the other, I took pains to separate mine from the pack. My flowers were a little more abstract, my vase a bit off-center from the rest of the group, and I had splattered paint onto the bottom of the canvas...mainly out of rebellion. Unfortunately nothing could be done about the elementary colors or the low quality of paint which dried flat and dull onto the canvas. But overall, I have to say that it allowed most people in the room to step out of their comfort zones and be creative for a change, showing them that even the most Type-A personalities can let loose every once in awhile.

Painting to the Beat of Someone Else's Drum

Preparing myself for the evening that lies ahead of me, I packed a change of clothes this morning that included an old shirt filled with holes, jeans worn thin by love and time, and a pair of flats much more comfortable than the heels I'm currently rushing about in. I'll be changing into this attire and meeting the women I work with for a few hours of painting. Unfortunately it isn't quite as creative as it sounds. The place is called Sips and Strokes, and while its name may conjure up a few risque thoughts, it is simply a school of sorts, where you can learn to paint something while having a glass or two of any beverage of your choice (that you provide, of course). I'm assuming the main draw is for people to go, have some fun with friends, and actually produce a painting half-worthy of hanging on your wall. For me, the catch lies in the fact that everyone must use the same colors and materials to paint whatever the teacher has in mind that day. It has the same effect as being locked in a room and fed stale white bread while having a view of a sumptuous buffet.

I'll be following up on this tomorrow for the aftermath, but for now I can say that my painting will not look like a copy of all the others. Surely they can't throw me out if I want my flowers to have a little more life in them, perhaps by using colors other than the red scheme that appears in every house outfitted by Kirkland's. This may just be my opportunity to confirm to the office gals that I'm really not "One of the Girls" - something I have a feeling they've thought for quite sometime now anyway. Its going to be a freeing experience after all. Tonight there's gonna be a jailbreak!

Such a Time as This

I've gotten about a quarter of the way through a Beth Moore bible study that was given to me for Christmas. Although I would love to say I was much further along, given that I've had the book for three months now, I can't help but smile at the timing God's Word has. Had I progressed into the chapters beyond the point I'm at, I wouldn't have received the eye-opening bonk on the head that I've been getting for three days straight. The study is an in-depth look at the book of Esther, taking me line by line through the verses as the days go on. Even though I've heard the phrase, "For such a time as this," so many times, I really never knew the context or how it could apply to me - until this week.

Given the situation I find myself in, and the way I've desperately been clawing at the walls of my work life trying unsuccessfully to escape, the full knowledge that God has placed me in this exact environment and with these exact people takes on new meaning. Yes, I can still pursue the avenues I feel I'm being led down. But until I am able to see a money trail leading me down that path, I'll have to stick to roads that are a little greener. Just knowing that He put me in this place makes the day go by quicker! That, coupled with the fact that I'm now certified in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World vacation counseling, puts a smile on my face that outshines even fluorescent lighting!

Earning My Ears

Snow and ice covered the roads and parking lots yesterday. Sunday services at church were canceled, and we were able to spend another day cocooned in our condo. Instead of watching another movie, we decided to honor God and get some much needed refilling by spending some time in prayer and bible study. During this time, I prayed about the path that I was heading down career-wise, seeing if it was the best decision for my Christian life; and ultimately the most pleasing to God. A month ago I had found an area of focus that I wanted to devote some time to, so I had been passionately researching and getting to know the industry a bit. Things had started off relatively smoothly, but just this past weekend I had hit a rough spot and questioned whether the door was closing on this or not.

The morning ended, we were able to make it outdoors in search of food, and day turned into evening, bringing with it revelation in the form of technology actually working WITH me for a change. The issues I had experienced were smoothed over, and I even discovered the Disney College of Knowledge; a curriculum designed to certify you in all things Disney travel related. What could be more perfect for combining a long-time passion with a new found career path?

I continue to be watchful of making steps with God and not ahead of Him. At this moment I believe I'm getting the green light to "Earn My Ears," as the certification puts it so fittingly!