Pollyanna Art

Images & Insights On the God Inspired Artful Life… Featuring Cheri Douglas & Her Artful Friends

Hello! Welcome to the first written post of Pollyanna Art. This is not just a gallery of art, though it is that. But beyond that it’s a way to give thanks to God, the author of the artful life and discover ways to live it throughout our day. So it is appropriate that I launch PollyannaArt.com on Thanksgiving!

Cheri & Barbara Anne (Which is which??)

So what is Pollyanna Art? Well, for starters let’s meet Pollyanna. Pollyanna was a best selling 1913 novel, by Eleanor H. Porter, that has been considered a classic in children’s literature. Because of her optimistic outlook, even in the face of terrible circumstances, she became the lead character in a series of novels that came to be known as the “Glad Books”. Pollyanna, an orphan surrounded by stern and slightly abusive adults, transformed everyone around her with her habit of playing the “Glad Game”, finding something to be glad about no matter what happened to her.

Sounds pretty good to me, but in recent years, it has become popular to use “Pollyanna” as a sarcastic term indicating that a person is so positive that they are clueless or naïve about reality. Nothing about Pollyanna, suggests that she was simple minded. She just chose to honor her father’s memory and play the “Glad Game” he taught her so that she would always find joy in her life. Our Heavenly Father wants us to play the Glad Game, that’s why he gave us art!

I have spent a lot of years as a teambuilding consultant to literally hundreds of teams and I can report from experience that a team with a Pollyanna is a lucky team indeed. It is the cynics of the world who drag others down. But for some reason our culture has begun to find cynicism more chic or politically correct than joy or optimism.

A parallel move to the dark side has happened in the world of art as our culture has descended into the negative zones. Artists, hailed by the “so called” legitimate art world as true artists, are largely dark, abstract and evocative of tortured negative emotions. The media has been full of scandalous images of irreverent views of God or the crucifix. For this type of expression, these “fine artists “ have received American tax dollars from the Endowment to the Arts and other public funding sources. Uplifting joyful expressions of talented artists, who have honed their skills so that you can actually tell what the art is about, are given little attention as serious art by the movers and shakers in the world of fine arts.

My belief is that art is the expression of the love, beauty and joy God himself places in our hearts and souls.  When we produce with our lives beauty, love and joy as a gift offering back to Him, we are creating art! In this way many things we might do become our own kind of art. Art might be a loving cartoon scribbled on a child’s lunch bag, a photo album designed to celebrate a blessed time, a family tree painted as a wall mural, a thoughtfully placed candle, a stool painted with a scene of God’s wildflowers, a beautifully written note, a painting of Jesus, a song of worship, or a fun filled skit. All are expressions of art.  When these heartfelt and loving expressions of joy become a way of life, it becomes a joyful, loving, Artful Life.

In my opinion, the tortured, painful, immoral stuff, most frequently passed off as fine art, is a perversion of the gift of art given to man by the Almighty God! So, I am just a Pollyanna about life and art, and I’m proud of that! I think art should make us, and God glad. It should leave everyone a little better because it was expressed! We really have an audience of only one for our art, and that’s God, himself.  Who else could matter? Who else could really know what fine art is?

So come on back if you are OK with joy and love! That’s Pollyanna Art! We’ll talk about the artful life. We’ll share examples. And, we’ll talk about the things that might help or hinder our freedom as Americans to live it every day. Live a Pollyanna Artful life and be filled with the beauty only God can give! 8=))

Dear Sweet Brothers and Sisters of Haiti…

The world watches as you experience a nightmare of pain and loss!

We long to hold you close and give you comfort. So we remember you and your loved ones today from every corner of the world.

Do not believe that God has left you! God is with you in this fallen world to help you to survive such terrible disasters as this one through which you are living today! We watch in horror and pray to God for your rescue and recovery.

Our words fail to express the depth of our sadness as we share in a tiny way in your huge pain. Only God’s Word can comfort in a supernatural way at times like this. I will keep a list here of scriptures that might encourage your heart at such a difficult time. Your lost loved ones made a difference and were important to God. Know that you and your family members are loved by your brothers and sisters through Christ, around the world!

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, Jesus, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Phillippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Jesus because he cares for you.

1Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD, himself, goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

2 Thessalonians3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Romans 5:4 Perseverance produces character; and character produces hope…and hope in Jesus does not disappoint!

One of my men followers on Twitter tweeted …”Ever notice how men shop? Run into a store, grab what you came for, pay, then leave. Can’t stand shopping!”

So, my Pollyanna Art campaign to help people survive America’s economic mess and still have a blessed Christmas through Artful gift giving, should be especially attractive to men.  It will save you money and keep you from having to go shopping. That’s the good news!

The bad news is that Artful giving requires a lot more commitment and intention on your part than stopping by the mall to grab something on Christmas Eve. Artful giving requires more heart than money.  But if you commit yourself to this, you are sure to be a hero to your loved ones this Christmas

Art happens when you dig down deep inside and find something of beauty, love and joy that God planted uniquely within you…and you share it in an expression of your love for another.  Now before the gag reflex sets in from reading all these girly words, let me sell the idea a bit and give you some specific suggestions to get you started. See, I am a woman and I was a daughter. I have a pretty good idea about what we want from the men in our lives.

Anyone can grab something from a store, and that’s OK.  But it is the truly rare and special man who does something that shows he really notices what we need and long for.  The themes to keep in mind for women are romance and nurture! So lets think about how God might touch a heart through you. I am going to see if I can come up with 12 ideas for husbands and dads, in the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #1:

Are you a writer?  If you aren’t, fake it or ask an editor to help you. I’ll help you! This is my very favorite idea of all. Nothing says love more than a personal note that expresses why you appreciate your loved one.  Think about these questions…What is your most precious memory of this person? What makes you most proud to be associated with them? What makes you consider them a gift from God’s heart to you? How do they enrich your life? You can answer these 4 simple questions. But make it a true treasure by getting off your computer. Put these answers in your own handwriting (or printing if your handwriting isn’t legible). Put the letter in a fancy gift box that communicates, ”this is important”, or frame it in a beautiful frame! On Christmas, deliver your note by reading it aloud to your loved one(s).

ARTFUL Gift Idea #2:

Another great Artful gift is some spoiling quiet time. Fill a basket with new washcloths, bubble bath, shower gel, and body powder (all available in the grocery or dollar store). Enclose a permission slip for a 2-hour bubble bath retreat while you take the kids out somewhere. When time comes for the bubble bath, be prepared, light a candle and place a fresh flower in the bathroom.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #3:

Now here is a little known secret. There is nothing sexier than a man with a vacuum cleaner.  We women all have fantasies of coming home to a clean house. We think about these little miracles especially, during the busy holidays.

So, find out when there is a window of opportunity, make sure you know where all the cleaning supplies are, and go to work like Santa’s elf cleaning before your sweetheart comes home. Make up a note that says something like, “ Home cleaned for my sweetheart ______________, who deserves being treated like a Princess!”

ARTFUL Gift Idea #4:

Are you a gardener? Secretly plant something like an “American Beauty” Rose and put a sign in front, “An American Beauty for my American Beauty “Cheri” (but don’t use my name or you could be in trouble.) Fill in the appropriate name. Then give her a map to follow in a Christmas card to find the flower planted.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #5:

Silhouettes on the wall are always a sweet reminder of loved ones. Take kids silhouette photos and have them take yours. Print them out and use the prints as patterns to cut silhouettes out of nice solid colored paper. Mount them in a frame or on a nice piece of wood. Place this scripture in the middle – Proverbs 31:28-29 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

ARTFUL Gift Idea #6

Write a poem about your life and love for your wife and children. Don’t worry about this being highbrow literature. Put your own personality into it. Just tell the story of your life in limerick form with all the craziness, humor, and feelings.

Include a special line or two for every member of the family to honor each of them. Humor is great!  Print a copy for everyone and sign it. Then perform it as a part of the family festivities on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #7

Make an acrostic out of your loved one’s name to show what you see as their best qualities. Kids like these for their rooms and wives like them just because! Print it out in color on some attractive paper and frame it. Below is an example of an acrostic name…

Christian Faith

Heavenly Smile

Eternal Truth

Rich in Love

Inspiring Woman

(Pardon the shameless self-promoting sample. Think I’ll give it to my husband @Boomerjeff)

You don’t have to line it all up either.

Could be…

Charming

SHaply

BEauty

CaRing

Kissable

ARTFUL Gift Idea #7

Create a family prayer journal for 2010. Label a binder and put in a section for every member of the family. Insert an opening page that tells your family that you will be praying for their needs every week of the New Year. Invite them to write the concerns they have in their section so you will know how you can pray for them.

Include a section on Thanks, and have everyone put anything they have to thank God for in that section. Pray as a family each week over all the things you as a family have to be thankful for. Sunday is a great day for this type of family activity. You will be leading your family to build faith and trust in the Lord with this activity. All will be emotionally secure as they see your faith grow too.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #8

Make a Favorite Scripture Poster. Print out your favorite scriptures to let your family know what is important to you, and turn them into a poster. Add some favorite quotes by great leaders too, if you like. Poster frames and decorative stickers are available in Craft Stores. You can also start by reading my favorite scriptures on my blog.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #9

Declare a FIX-IT DAY once a quarter next year. Give the dates as a gift with a binder for listing the things that need fixing. Be sure to put the dates in your calendar and keep track of the list so you will have the supplies you need. This will not be a fun gift if your wife has to organize supplies of hear you stomping around grumbling when FIX-IT DAY arrives.  YOU must take care of the details to make this a worthy gift.  In fact you should write a pledge to take care of all the details and raise your right hand and take the pledge on Christmas! EEEWWWWW! (Remember it was a guy who asked for this list!)

ARTFUL Gift Idea #10

Here is another gift that is no good unless you take care of the details. Wives get very tired of organizing stuff in most families. They will esteem you highly for taking care of everything from time to time and letting them have a vacation from responsibility.

So how about a picnic basket with a written promise inside that you will fill the basket, arrange all child care, and take her on a scenic drive and picnic day for just the two of you. Invite her to bring a book or nail polish or just herself to have a day totally devoted to relaxation with you serving her every need and requiring nothing in return. I promise you will get something in return. The key is your don’t require anything.  You will be a hero for sure!!

ARTFUL Gift Idea #11

Pull out a wedding photo and/or marriage license no one has looked at in a long time…maybe even a picture of your first Christmas. Get it a new frame and use some letter stickers from a craft store to spell out something like, “I’d marry you again in a heartbeat!” around the edges of the glass in the frame or on the frame itself.

ARTFUL Gift Idea #12 …Finally !!

I have saved the grand finale for number #12. On my site, under the “Inspirations” section, I have posted something special, just for you. It is a page of Christmas Gift Coupons. Just print copies and fill them out with services, favors, or privileges you promise to various members of your family. They can then cash them in during the year.

Here are a variety of ideas to get you started thinking:

Back rub

Body massage

Cooking & cleaning up dinner

Breakfast in bed

Taking a child to an event

Coming to watch a child’s event

Coaching a child’s sport

Child care, while wife goes shopping

House cleaning

Carpet scrubbing

Picture hanging

An evening of games

An evening our bowling or paintball

Playing dress-up with a daughter

An afternoon of football or going to the gym

Cooking and serving dinner to an evening for girlfriends

A weekend away and you take care of all detail organizing.

…you get the picture

I hope you have found something here to try this year for Christmas that will not only save you money, but will make your family the envy of families everywhere. Being Artful is simply taking time to find what God invested in your heart that turns into a work of beauty when you find it and give it away. Be artful! Be blessed!!

My most Artful gift from @NixiNoxo

“The gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2Cor 8:12

Lots of people are nervous about Christmas coming and not having money this year because of lost business income, lost jobs, or lowered paychecks. Maybe this can be an opportunity for us to embrace the Artful Life and see what blessings God planted in our hearts, that we can give away without spending much or any money.

You don’t have to consider yourself an “artist” in a worldly sense, in order to live out the Artful Life. If you can find what God placed in your heart of beauty and joy to give away, you will be one of His most incredible artists and everyone around you will be blessed.

My daughter gave me the ultimate Artful gift last year. I’m sharing it here to give you an idea. I think I’ll share more ideas for an Artful Christmas in the days ahead. Nicki has to reach into her Artful self to find ideas to bless everyone, because she has 5 children. Even with good jobs, 5 Children in Christian school can make you feel like a pauper, by the worldly commercial standards.

But the world of commerce can’t begin to touch the beauty of this gift. She couldn’t have bought it anywhere at any price. And to me it is priceless!!! Bingo! That is God’s view of Fine Art!

I have 9 grandchildren and you see each one’s silhouette arranged by age in this framed plaque. Below the cut out silhouettes are written sentiments about us, as grandparents, decorated with scrapbooking stickers. Isn’t this beautiful? Isn’t it an incredible gift? She didn’t just include her own children either. She knew it would mean much more to us if she went to the trouble, of running around getting all of our grandchildren’s silhouettes. Now this is what I call Pollyanna Art! It is uplifting and inspiring every time I look at it. It is straight from the heart of God to us…via our daughter!

Pray for inspirations, or use other people’s ideas to bless your family and friends this Christmas. I’ll give you more ideas here, but this is one of my favorites. You would be amazed at the supplies and potential gifts you have all around you too. Most of us have STUFF! Don’t worry about not being able to go get more stuff!! You and God together have all the stuff you need. And what your family and friends really need is to know how much you love and care for them.

Have an Artful Christmas with your unique ideas and God’s inspirations. Leave a comment and let us all know what inspirations you come up with!!

Live the Pollyanna Artful Life and Be Blessed!!

I’m making a big pot of soup today for a group of hungry teenagers who will descend upon us around dinner time for a Bible study.  The house smells soooo good with the aroma of bean soup wafting through. It’s warm and cozy and raining outside. Perfect for setting up a Christmas tree.

All that made me slightly nostalgic and thinking about past years.  That made me think about  “Stone Soup”, a lovely little fairy tale I use to tell my children. Since I am trying to figure out how to do Christmas without much money this year, I chuckled to myself about the story….

In the old Stone Soup fairy tale, strangers trick a starving town into giving them some food. It is usually told as a lesson in cooperation, especially amid scarcity. According to the story, some travelers come to a village, carrying nothing more than an empty pot. Upon their arrival, the villagers are unwilling to share any of their food with the hungry travelers. The travelers fill the pot with water, drop a large STONE in it, and place it over a fire in the village square. One of the villagers becomes curious and asks what they are doing. The travelers answer that they are making “stone soup”, which tastes wonderful, although it still needs a little bit of garnish to improve the flavor, which they are missing. The villager doesn’t mind parting with just a little bit of flour to help them out, so it gets added to the soup. Another villager walks by, inquiring about the pot, and the travelers again mention their stone soup, which hasn’t reached its full potential yet. The villager hands them a little bit of seasoning to help them out. More and more villagers walk by, each adding another ingredient. Finally, a deliciously nourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by all.

That’s when the ARTFUL LIFE inspiration hit me! This would be a very inexpensive and charming Christmas Gift.  Package up a soup recipe, all the dry ingredients, spices, …and of course a STONE.  Add the story above and tie it up with a big bow and voila!…an ARTFUL thoughtful gift someone will have a lot of fun enjoying and sharing with their family.

Here’s a soup recipe for you too!

Mixed Bean Soup

With fewer than 300 calories and just 4 grams of fat, this soup is healthfully filling.

Servings: Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

1/2 cup dry baby lima beans or garbanzo beans

1/2 cup dry pinto beans or kidney beans

1/2 cup dry navy beans or great northern beans

4 cups cold water

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrot

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil

3 cups water

1 14-ounce can vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes

1-1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable juice

Fresh marjoram (optional)

Directions

1. Rinse beans; transfer to 4-quart Dutch oven and add the 4 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. (Or, omit simmering and soak beans in cold water overnight in a covered Dutch oven.) Drain and rinse beans in a colander.

2. In the same covered Dutch oven cook the celery, onion, carrot, and garlic in the hot oil until tender, stirring once or twice. Add beans. Stir in the 3 cups water, the vegetable broth, thyme, marjoram, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered, for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir in the undrained tomatoes and vegetable juice. Heat through. If desired, garnish with fresh marjoram. Makes 5 servings.

The beautiful part of the story of stone soup is the pulling together of people during difficult times. We are in difficult times in America. God has helped us through difficult times in the past. He will help us now. And, He will help us again in the future. Stone soup is another way to make the artful touch of God’s love and beauty in your heart shine through your spirit to light up a troubled heart within your reach! God bless your Stone Soup!  (Some might call this button soup…Same thing!)

1. What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?

2. Why does Santa have three gardens?

3. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed?

4.  What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

5. If Santa Claus and Mrs. Clause had a child, what would he be called?

1. Claustrophobic

2. So her can Ho-Ho-Ho!

3. Because he had low elf esteem.

4. Frostbite.

5. A subordinate claus.

Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”