Vertical Creativity

Live Laugh Write

2010-07-27T17:04:00.000-04:00

While living a little bit in the Twitter world, I came across a local woman (York County, PA) who shares a passion for writing as I do. Her website is great and she offers a Fearless Writing workshop (which sounds fabulous!) Please check out her website, Live Laugh Write. Let me know if you sign up for her workshop. :0)

Let your creativity flow fearlessly ~ deAnn

What Adults Can Learn From Kids

2010-07-26T13:29:00.000-04:00

I noticed my last post was April 13, 2010 - that was ONE month before the due date of my daughter being born (May 13 was my due date). But, she is like her mom and decided to be early - she was born on April 20, 2010. Needless to say, the past three months have been very busy, hence no recent posts!

I found this 8 minute talk on TED, a wonderful website with many different talks from premier speakers on interesting topics like creativity (my favorite!). Take a few minutes and watch this video. The young girl speaking is 12 years old and incredibly intelligent. Her talk is thought provoking, especiallly since I've just had a baby and have two teenage boys at home. I hope you enjoy it too.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Visual Faith

2010-04-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

The term, "Christian art" has always bugged me. What comes to mind when I hear that term is the stuff in many Christian bookstores or images of Jesus hanging on the cross, or Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. To me, that is "religious art," and there is great meaning and beauty in that style of art.

But not all Christians create that style of art. Nor do they need to.

Sometimes the art I create is rather "dark" coming from an unknown place in my soul where sorrow and guilt meet Jesus unexpectedly. Through that interaction, expression happens, bringing to life a pencil-sketched visual image of my human reaction as I process what took place in my soul. And it often doesn't look very "Christian" and I'm pretty sure it would not be appropriate to hang on the wall in a Christian bookstore.

Other times, an image or visual phrase births in my mind directly from God Himself. In those moments, it would be disobedient to not express that through some artistic medium. Again, this may not have any significance to anyone but me. Often, it's a prompt from God to trust Him, trust myself through Him, stay on the path, have courage, slow down and be still - listen to His still small voice. It's our way to communicate. I listen to what He places in my heart then I respond by bringing it to life through clay sculpture, a painting, or a drawing. Once I see the visual response to His words, I'm moved even deeper into what He's saying to me. I can't deny hearing it because now I see it. Seeing is believing, right?

My relationship with Jesus is only magnified when I respond to Him through creating art. As a good friend used to say, "God becomes Hi Definition, full Technicolor and THX surround sound!" He was right.

I'm a Christian. And I am an artist. My artistic genres vary. Sometimes it's dark and mysterious from the hallows of my broken heart. Sometimes it's an over flow of His loving grace and acceptance. Sometimes it's a word or phrase He shares to encourage me or to correct me. Sometimes it's a project so grand I know I can not do it without relying on Him one hundred percent. It's always different. It's always intimate. It's aways special. And to me it's faith portrayed through art...that is true Christian art.

May you meet with God as you "sit before the canvas" and express what He's placed inside you. Don't worry about what others will think of your art, they never have to see it, unless you offer it to them. Just express what is in your heart and allow God to bring to you, your "visual faith."

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Nurturing Creativity

2010-04-07T12:20:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love," her memoir, speaks about the creative muse (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit, in my opinion) and nurturing creativity in this 20 minute, but worth while, video. I'm not sure where she is spiritually, but that doesn't really matter when you listen to her words through your own spiritual filter. I'm inspired by her talk and believe this is a good topic for discussion among artists who love Jesus and seek to collaborate with the Holy Spirit in their creative endeavors. Basically that's the point of her talk, however, not in those exact words. But meeting with God and allowing Him to create through us in our work is the heart of Vertical Creativity - not so much for the "awesome" stuff that will come out of such moments, but because we are forever changed and transformed each time we encounter our loving God.

I hope you enjoy this short clip.
Grace & peace,
deAnn

See The Light

2010-04-04T14:01:00.001-04:00

If you have the funds and love photography, you need to go to the SEE THE LIGHT seminar featuring Dewitt Jones and Jonathan Kingston. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to attend, but the funds are super tight with our baby girl due in May. But, with God, I know nothing is impossible. We'll see what He has in store for me. :0) BUT if you can go - by all means - GO! What an experience it will be!

If you don't know who Dewitt Jones is, click here. He's amazing and inspiring and funny - he spent 20 years shooting for National Geographic, just to mention ONE of his accomplishments. I've heard him speak before - he's awesome.

The seminar is in Hawaii, October 23-30. Please click here to read more about this seminar!

Here is a little excerpt about the seminar:
The Art of Photography is the Art of Seeing Deeply
Every photograph is a moment of personal expression and self-discovery.
Join Dewitt and Jonathan on the magical island of Molokai for a 7-day seminar as they teach both the technique and the spirit of photography.

Photograph from the highest sea cliffs in the world, wander through ancient rain forests, swim in the warm waters of secluded beaches. Explore the reasons why we photograph and discover new ways to see -- more and more deeply. Live together as a family of photographers searching for both images and insights.

If you go to this seminar, I'd love to hear about it and see your images! Email me.
Grace & peace,
deAnn

April Inklings - Read Online

2010-03-29T15:39:00.000-04:00

This special edition of Inklings will span Spring and Summer due to my upcoming maternity leave. The next edition will be October. That seems like such a long time away! Until then, read this packed edition celebrating springtime and new beginnings. Click here to read online

Grace & peace ~
deAnn

p.s. on page 33 you'll read about my unexpected pregnancy...and maternity leave.

The Role of Art in the Church

2010-03-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

This YouTube clip is J. Scott McElroy, founder of The New Renaissance Rising and author of Finding Divine Inspiration.

Scott will be speaking at Living Word Community Church next Tuesday, March 9th at 7pm and our arts community can not wait! As you will see, LWCC's coffee bar art gallery, The Gallery @ Common Grounds, is featured in the video. That was very cool to see!

I love the message of New Renaissance Rising, as it speaks of the passion God's put on my heart. Even though the day of prayer for the arts mentioned in the video (Nov 21, 2009) has passed, it's a prayer we can continue to lift before our creative God.

Please come, be inspired, on March 9th, 2010 - hear Scott's heart and gain a better understanding of the divine importance of the arts in the local church. As artists, you'll gain encouragement to keep on creating, as it's got a bigger purpose when you collaborate with God in your creativity. All things are possible with Him.

I hope to see you at LWCC on Tuesday, March 9th at 7pm in The Gallery @ Common Grounds. For more information about [The Arts @ LW] click here.

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~
deAnn

Artist/Writer J.Scott McElroy @ LWCC

2010-02-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

Scott is an awesome guy. His book speaks of that which is on my heart. As I've gotten to know him more, I appreciate his heart for the arts and for God's people to collaborate with the Holy Spirit through the arts.

I couldn't be more thrilled to have him speak at our church. Here are the details:

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

7:00 PM

The Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar

Living Word Community Church

2530 Cape Horn Road

Red Lion, PA 17356

717-755-0089

This event is free and open to the public. Coffee and refreshments will be available.

Here is some more info about Scott...

J. Scott McElroy, author of Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity (Destiny Image), and founder of The New Renaissance Rising will speak at Living Word Community Church in Red Lion, Tuesday March 9th, at 7pm. His topic will be "Finding Divine Inspiration: Collaborating with God to change the world through a New Renaissance in the arts."

Scott hosted the Animal Planet TV series “Wildlife Journal” (2004-2007) and has worked in creative professions for over 25 years, as an award-winning radio producer, writer, visual artist, and an international voiceover artist. He spent 20 years with Emmis Communications Indianapolis radio stations, has been a writer and film reviewer and produced and choreographed over a dozen televised fireworks synchronized-to-music shows. He has also narrated projects for clients such Visa, Intel, Land O’ Lakes, US Bank, the FCC, and the 8 disc Promises for Life scripture CD series. He is currently the Director of Arts at Vineyard Community Church in Indianapolis.

He speaks and teaches on the spiritual power of the arts, the Church's place in the coming “New Renaissance” in the arts, learning to collaborate with God through listening to His voice, how integrating the arts into the Church is essential for the maturity of the Body of Christ and more.

In Finding Divine Inspiration, Scott says, "You have a place in history no one else can fill. God planned good works (and work) for you even before you were born. Your destiny is joyful collaboration with Him, and that collaboration ushers His kingdom into the world."
Contact: deAnn Roe, Director of Creative Arts at Living Word Community Church: 717-755-0089 x126 or via email. For more about [The Arts @ Living Word] click here.

"Bad-Boy" Caravaggio

2010-02-23T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Calling of Sts Peter & Andrew

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Oil on Canvas, 1602

I found this interesting story on NPR Music about Caravaggio, "the first of the bad-boy artists." Rome, where he was both hailed and rejected, is hosting a major exhibit 400 years after his death. Click here to listen. To read some history about the famous Italian artist, Caravaggio, and to view a nice collection of his stunning artwork, click here.

Enjoy!

grace & peace,

deAnn

NYC Photographer Lanie McNulty @ LWCC

2010-02-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

Lanie McNulty @ The Studio

Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 PM

Living Word Community Church

Red Lion, PA 17356

Join us for Lanie's gallery reception and art exhibition, "Lifted Up In New York City."

We hope you can stop by LWCC's coffee bar art gallery, The Gallery @ Common Grounds.

For more information, click the link above.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

For the Artist at the Start of the Day

2010-01-26T21:50:00.001-05:00

For the Artist at the Start of the Day
By John O'Donohue from his lovely book, "To Bless the Space Between Us."
(c) John O'Donohue. All rights reserved. www.johnodonohue.com

May morning be astir with the harvest of night;

Your mind quickening to the eros of a new question,

Your eyes seduced by some unintended glimpse

That cut right through the surface to a source.

May this morning be a morning of innocent beginning,

When the gift within you slips clear

Of the sticky web of the personal

With its hurt and its hauntings,

And fixed fortress corners,

A morning when you become a pure vessel

For what wants to ascend from silence,

May your imagination know

The grace of perfect danger,

To reach beyond imitation,

And the wheel of repetition,

Deep into the call of all

The unfinished and unsolved

Until the veil of the unknown yields

And something original begins

To stir toward your senses

And grow stronger in your heart

In order to come to birth

In a clear line of form,

That claims from time

A rhythm not yet heard,

That calls space to

A different shape.

May it be its own force field

And dwell uniquely

Between the heart and the light

To surprise the hungry eye

By how deftly it fits

About its secret loss.

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

The January Gallery Booklets

2010-01-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

January Gallery Booklet, "The Heart Behind the Art"

Featuring the artistic work and stories from our studio artists. This exhibit runs the month of January at Living Word Community Church - The Gallery @ Common Grounds.

Winter Edition of INKLINGS

INKLINGS is a quarterly publication - a collection of written pieces composed by the people of the LWCC community.

Click the links above to read The Heart Behind the Art and INKLINGS booklets online.

The booklets are published by Living Word Community Church.

Enjoy!
grace & peace,
deAnn

Encounter - February 5

2010-01-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

Join us for a uniquely artfilled worship experience at Living Word Community Church.

Click here for all the details.

You will not want to miss this evening featuring NYC artist, Lanie McNulty and an evening filled with sweet worship of our God and Creator.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

The New Renaissance Rising

2010-01-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, author J. Scott McElroy of the fabulous book, Finding Divine Inspiration, is one of the brains behind the outstanding ministry of The New Renaissance Rising.

It's a movement to reintegrate inspired art* into the church and spiritually powerful art into the culture. A movement that will connect artists with the ultimate Creator and their true selves, invigorate the Body of Christ and convey God's love to the world in creative and authentic ways. * "Art" includes all forms of art. (Excerpt from the website).

I encourage every Christian artist to check out the New Ren Rising website. May you find inspiration and encouragment for your creative and spiritual journey.

Grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn Roe

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T08:54:00.001-05:00

Well, here we are 8 hours and 38 minutes into the new decade of 2010. I hate the dreaded “new year’s resolutions” because I come up with grand ideas about things I want to implement into my life this year or some other ideas that are really out of my reach, in reality. Pastor Brian preached last Sunday about experiments instead of resolutions (at least that is what I heard.) And instead of a huge resolution, I’m shooting for some smaller experiments relating to my creativity. Here is my list so far, which is small… it to is an experiment. :0)

1. I will sketch something, anything, in my sketchbook every day for one month (starting today, January 1).

See, I told you it was small. I’m still working on my list of life experiments that would be fun and beneficial to me and my creative growth and spiritual growth this year. I have a few others brewing but I’m not ready to post them YET.

The idea is take little experiments that are reasonable and manageable in size and timeframe. If I sketch something in my sketch book daily for one month I may create a habit and that is a good habit to have. Even If I simply sketch my foot or a wall or a tree, nothing fabulous that will be gallery worthy, but I’m getting practice and who knows what doors this experiment will open for me in my creative closet.

So, I begin there. One month of daily sketching.

What experiments are you willing to try in order to fuel up your creativity?

grace & peace,

deAnn

p.s. Oh, why the moose? Well, I just liked it. Happy New Year!

Spiritual Gifts and Art

2009-12-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

A good friend passed this "daily reflection" onto me, knowing that I'd be interested in it: Spiritual Gifts and Art. Take a look at it and reflect upon the thought.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

I Played My Best for Him

2009-12-21T14:29:00.002-05:00

For some reason this year Christmas music has really been speaking to me. Lyrics I've heard over and over have become mute to my ears and heart. However, God really captured my emotions one day when the familiar song, "Little Drummer Boy" came on my Pandora Christmas Radio Songs station. I've always dismissed the song, only hearing the prominent "pa rum pum pum pum" segments. But this time, I really heard the lyrics. Actually they went straight to my heart. I'd like to share them with you, minus the "pa rum pum pum pum's."

Come they told me,
A new born King to see,
Our finest gifts we bring,
To lay before the King.

So to honor Him,
When we come.

Little baby,
I am a poor boy too,
I have no gift to bring,
That's fit to give the King.

Shall I play for you
On my drum?

Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time,
I played my drum for Him,
I played my best for Him.

Then He smiled at me,
Me and my drum.

At the artists' gathering last week, the studio, I had these lyrics for everyone. We read through them quietly and shared anything that stood out. Some stated that they never really noticed the lyrics before and really liked them. Others made note to certain parts of the song, "I have no gift to bring, that's fit for the King." One mentioned the fact that the animals kept time - which brought up a neat thought about how nature participated.

There isn't a line in this song that doesn't speak to me. I can relate to the little drummer boy, as I believe all artists can. I am a poor boy (girl, actually), with no gifts to bring, fit to give a King (Jesus). But all He wants is for us to show up and play our best for Him (or paint our best for Him, draw our best for Him, write our best for Him, or create our best for Him).

Then He smiled at me, me and my drum (or canvas, etc.)

As we head into the last few days before Christmas, remember the words of the "Little Drummer Boy." It has a deep spiritual message for us all. Often we judge our "best" by how the world sees our artwork. But God doesn't see it that way. As an offering for Him, He only expects we show up and do our very best.

Then He smiles at you, you and your art...

Grace & peace,
Merry Christmas,
deAnn

Moving Towards Embracing

2009-12-15T14:38:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite Celtic writers is John O'Donohue. I have just about every one of his books. A particular special book is "To Bless the Space Between Us" - it's filled with poems for just about any place you find yourself in the journey of life.

As I continue to adapt to the idea of being pregnant at this stage in life, I sensed God nudging me towards this special little book sitting on my shelf, remembering that between the pages lies a poem titled, "For a Mother-To-Be." I've never had any reason to read this poem in the past, but now - it's a different day. God used this poem to launch me out of the devastation stage of my surprise pregnancy into the acceptance stage, which is leading quickly into the embracing stage. I'd like to share Mr. O'Donohue's touching words with you now.

For A Mother-To-Be
by John O'Donohue

Nothing could have prepared
Your heart to open like this.

From beyond the skies and the stars
This echo arrived inside you
And started to pulse with life,
Each beat a tiny act of growth,
Traversing all our ancient shapes
On its way home to itself.

Once it began, you were no longer your own.
A new, more courageous you, offering itself
In a new way to a presence you can sense
But you have not seen or known.

It has made you feel alone
In a way you never knew before;
Everyone else sees only from the outside
What you feel and feed
With every fiber of your being.

Never have you traveled farther inward
Where words and thoughts become half-light
Unable to reach the fund of brightness
Strengthening inside the night of your womb.

Like some primeval moon,
Your soul brightens
The tides of essence
That flows to your child.

You know your life has changed forever,
For in all the days and years to come,
Distance will never be able to cut you off
From the one you now carry
For nine months under your heart.

May you be blessed with quiet confidence
that destiny will guide you and mind you.

May the emerging spirit of your child
Imbibe encouragement and joy
From the continuous music of your heart,
So that it can grow with ease,
Expectant of wonder and welcome
when its form is fully filled

And it makes its journey out
To see you and settle at last
Relieved, and glad in your arms.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

December 4, 1988

2009-12-07T12:15:00.003-05:00

I posted this years ago but in remembrance of my step-dad, Jim Applewhite, I wanted to republish it.

December 4, 1988

One morning as I traveled the back roads between Dallastown and Jacobus on the way to meet a friend for coffee, I listened to a favorite CD when the lyrics of one song caught my attention. I hit track #9 again to listen intently from the beginning. Prompted by the gifted song writer, vivid images filled my mind.

On a Sunday, just days from turning nineteen, I found myself in a place I did not wish to be...in a hospital wing filled with the smell of death. In a small room with a solitary bed laid my beloved stepdad, Jim. On his right, sat his mom, my grama. On his left, quietly sat my mom. I stood, awkwardly, near the foot of his bed. Silence gripped the room. Poisoned with cancer, we waited for death to take him forever captive.

I don't know why I felt I needed to be there that day. He was admitted on Friday because my mom and the visiting nurse could no longer care for Jim at our home. Even though unconscious it was obvious he was in severe pain. The cancer was having its way with his flesh. My mom, as skinny as a rail after three months of living in hell, needed a break. She and my grama took a walk outside. I promised to stay with Jim and let them know of any changes. As they left the room and headed for the clean sweet air, I stood there alone looking over a man who I loved so dearly. Slowly, I moved in closer. I wondered why was he hanging on like this? All the doctors couldn’t believe he was still living. Then I remembered a conversation I overheard right after he was diagnosed, three months earlier. He promised my mom he'd never leave her. I think he believed that. As did she.

Tears fell loosely over my cheeks as I gazed at his beautiful but sunken in face. His eyes opened but focused aimlessly on the ceiling tiles. Moving even closer I could see the grimace on his face caused by the pain that was ravaging his body. Holding on to keep his promise, silly man. I took his hand in mine and leaned close to his left ear. With everything I had, I whispered these words through constant sobbing, "Rest, please rest. I will take good care of mom, Kris and Nick. I promise you." I could almost feel him relax as if those were the words he needed to hear before embarking on the journey before him.

A few moments later, my mom and grama entered the room. They took their normal places on either side of him. I stood close to my mom. Then it began. His breathing became irregular. The tension in the room could be felt so clearly. His chest quickly rose tall as his eyes widened. Mom and grama stood up, knowing what was happening. Then his chest slowly fell, as his body exhaled for the last time. A peace came across his face and could be seen in his body as well. The excruciating pain was gone. But so was he.

After a brief moment of ear-piercing silence the room then filled with uncontrollable cries of agony. I've never seen my mom like that before. It’s a memory I wish I could erase. I don't remember much after that. But I do recall walking out of the hospital that afternoon, feeling as if we were abandoning Jim. It was early December and the sun was setting low in the semi-clouded sky. It was a stunning display of vivid colors: orange, purple, and blue. Standing still in the parking lot, I deeply took in the day’s last light and reflected on the beauty in the sky as a devastating sadness covered me like a wet blanket.

My mom, who had walked ahead of me, turned and asked what I was doing. I said, "Mom, Jim's painting the sky for you. Isn't it pretty?" She and my grama stopped and peered to the west. All three of us stood silently in the parking lot, watching the day come to an end through our tear-filled eyes and with shattered hearts.

Jim was a very talented artist - oils were his preference. He enjoyed painting sunsets and other nature scenes. His final masterpiece was spectacular.

It's funny how words from a song can spark such deep memories. The lyrics stated, "Love is watching someone die." Powerful words, and so true.

The musical artist I referred to was: Death Cab for Cutie; Album: Plans; Song: What Sarah Said

~deAnn Roe

Unexpected Turn

2009-12-01T13:38:00.003-05:00

The path of our life took an unexpected turn on September 14. At age 39 I find myself pregnant, which would normally be very exciting however, my husband had a vasectomy 10 years ago. So, to say we were surprised would be an extreme understatement. I have two amazing boys from a previous marriage, one a senior in High School, the other a freshman in High School. We were so close to being "empty nesters" with dreams that included just my husband and me. Yet, God has other plans for us and our family.

Having to sit my teenage boys down and tell them I was pregnant was so strange. I felt like a teenage girl confessing to her unsuspecting parents that she is pregnant. The blank stare on my 17 year old's face was hard to figure out: "my parents still do that? Ugh! Delete that mental image!!!! Delete!" Or was it a look of relief because now he knows I am not dying of some disease, (which I found out later is what he thought. I was very sick and going to the doctors a lot that week, his mind went to "mom's dying.") My 14 year old said, "well, that's cool, mom. I hope it's a boy."

To be completely honest, I was devastated with this news. I had several uncontrollable meltdowns. My emotions ran a muck and I was a mess, then I felt deep guilt for my feelings about this pregnancy. And I had terrible morning sickness (and afternoon and evening sickness) which compounded my overall emotional status. My husband, on the other hand, was ecstatic from day one! We don't have children together. He has two kids and I have two. But now we will share in the amazing gift of being parents of our very own child. That is a blessing.

Around late October or early November, God answered my agonizing prayer and softened my heart towards being a mom again. I moved out of the devastation stage and I am clearly in the acceptance stage. Dare I say, I'm even a little bit excited about having a little baby. Fear still grips me with normal thoughts: How will we afford another child? We've maxed out on space in our house, where will we put the baby? Will I be a good mom? Childcare! Oh my gosh, what will we do when I have to go back to work?? All valid thoughts, but I have to trust that God is going before us and will pave the way for each of these worries to be taken care of.

Now I am 17 weeks along and definitely have a "baby bump." There is no mistaking that I'm pregnant. No longer are people left to wonder if I've had too many plates of my beloved nachos. (Strangely, I can't stomach the idea of nachos at this time! Pregnancy is so weird.) I'm beginning to fill out the maternity clothes lent to me by awesome friends and we've been thinking of names for this little one. Being the overly cautious person that I am, I've not let myself get too excited just in case something tragic should happen. But I sense God gently saying to me, "embrace this pregnancy with all your heart, deAnn." I don't want to disobey my Father and "sorta" be thankful for this gift He's given us. With that said, I feel I'm leaving the acceptance stage and entering the embracing stage.

On December 17 I have my biggie ultrasound to look closely at the baby. And while peeking in on him or her we will see if it's a him or her! Knowing, at my ancient childbearing age, that the little one who's currently living under my heart is a growing healthy baby girl or boy, will be one giant step in the embracing department. God knows I need a heavy dose of that right now.

Spiritually speaking, the moment I looked at that home pregnancy test (and then another home pregnancy test), fear was not alone. What I heard God saying to me amidst my strong tears was that He will answer my decade long prayer through this pregnancy and baby ~ my prayer to be transformed more and more into His image. And to do that, because I'm a stubborn one, He needed to get my attention in a gigantic life changing way. I have two choices going forward: continue to keep my heart closed off, keeping transformation at bay OR allow Jesus to help me destroy the sky-high brick wall that has held my heart captive for a lifetime. Where do I buy spiritual TNT? Oh wait! That is not needed, I just need to embrace this new direction for my life and trust that God is closer than my skin.

He will do a work in me. This little one is a grander gift can I can even imagine.

I explain all this to keep you in the loop of what's going on in my life and why I've not been great at posting lately. It's been a roller-coaster of emotions and I've not felt very creative in any way. But as I open my heart to the future that's before me, I sense my creativity will flood back in with force. I'll share more in coming posts about how this has affected my creative life, it's been an interesting journey, to say the least.

Many of have known what's happening and have sent me emails that have encouraged me right when I needed it most. I can't tell you how much I've appreciated that. God used you at a troubling time to speak to me about this gift He's given us. And to be truthful, those words of encouragement have helped to propel me out of the devastation stage. I am so grateful for you.

Now I wait for next regular OB appointment on December 8. I need to hear the baby's heartbeat again. And again. And again. And I'll share the news from the upcoming December 17 ultrasound. Girl or boy, as long as it's healthy, I'll be happy! At my age, they scare you with all kinds of stuff that could happen. But again, I'm trusting God. We'll take what He gives us.

Thank you for listenting and sorry for the long silence.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

The Benefit of Slowing

2009-10-20T12:28:00.003-04:00

Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?

*******

I got this as an email forward today and found it very apropos. It's stunning just how fast we allow our lives to move and we miss everyday miracles and gifts meant for us to witness. I know my life is zoomy and I don't like it. I often contemplate how I can slow the pace down and be present in the moments I'm given. I've not come up with any grand idea on how to do this - but I know that it does take initiative on my behalf. I must have a healthy self-awareness and then be highly intentional with my time.

So much good stuff happens in the slowness of life. I have to honestly ask myself, "What good stuff happens when I'm zooming through life?" Not much, because I can't see it - I'm going too fast.

Grace & peace on the slow journey ~ deAnn

October Exhibit ~ "God of this City"

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About the current exhibit at LWCC, titled, "The Textures of York"

Our photography group, Aperture, has taken two York photo outings and the images in this exhibit are from those who participated in these outings.

Originally, I’m not from York. I’m a California transplant. Quite frankly, I used to think that York was rather dull and boring. But as I explored the downtown area, with all its history and beautiful architecture, through my camera lens, suddenly I grew fond of this little town I now call home.

Like any town or city, York has its shadowy streets and garbage-filled allies, people asking for money, and the stench of depravity. Yet, just as other towns or cities, York has its bright spots, filled with vivid color and life. The downtown area is one of my favorite places. I enjoy the restaurants, art galleries, little boutiques, and specialty shops.

Our photo outings to York really surprised people. They saw beauty even in the broken and tattered. It’s a special and unexpected beauty—the kind that God enables us to see as we grow in Him and we learn to “see the world as He does.” In that Holy seeing, we learn to love as He does as well. I hope that through the photography on display you will see a new and beautiful side to our already beautiful city, York. And we thank and praise the God of this city!

To read the Heart Behind the Art booklet online, click here.

deAnn Roe
Director of Creative Arts
LWCC York 717.755.0089 x126 droe@lwccyork.com

Don Miller at LWCC

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Check out the flash below in the previous post. Tickets are still available to join Don Miller's "A Million Miles Tour" at Living Word Community Church in York, PA - Friday, October 23 at 7pm.

Click here for all the details and to order tickets online.

Hope you can make it!

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Donald Miller: Million Miles Tour

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Opening Reception, 9/4/09

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Please excuse the poor quality of these images. I borrowed a really nice "point n shoot" camera from a friend so I wouldn't have to lug around my huge dSLR. However, I didn't have time to really get to know this little camera before using it, hence the blurry images. But, I think you can get the idea - the opening reception at Mulberry Art Studio was beyond my expectations!!!

So many friends and friends-of-friends came out for First Friday and the Vertical Creativity Collaborative Exhibit at Mulberry! It's wonderful collaborating with other artists for exhibits - we had 8 involved in this one. That means there are 8 circles of friends who stop by! Can't beat that!

My dear friend Lisa who was such an incredible help the night of the opening reception! Love ya, Lisa!

The room looked fabulous! The live saxophone music provided by Brian Wise of Inspire Studio of the Arts set the perfect atmosphere.

This is one night I'll never forget. A dream that was placed in my heart over a year ago came to life this past Friday. God is so good. I am already looking forward to the Second Annual Vertical Creativity Collaborative Exhibit at Mulberry! Next time, I hope to fill the whole gallery, both floors.

I'll post more photos from the opening reception. Blogger only allows like 5 images per post. So, more to come!

Thank you to every one who came out in support of Vertical Creativity and the 8 amazingly talented Christian artists who participated in this exhibit. If you missed the opening reception, fear not = the art is up for the whole month of September.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn