Sweet Inspiration

Sweet Inspiration

Layers. We’ve been creating, dreaming and thinking of layers lately. We’re working on a new collection of artwork and developing the background layers that will accompany each piece. So much fun!

We find ourselves noticing the intricate layers that surround us each day in the ordinary things of life. This one caught our eye. A last vestige of summer that was reluctant to leave. Its slippery lazy layers beckoned us to slow down and enjoy the last moments of a sunny day. In the south, these layers are always sweet, dark and draped in condensation on a porch. Encased in glass with ice cubes lazily melting in a sweet nectar of summer, it’s a layer you just can’t pass up… and we didn’t! We captured it in photos and in long slow sips. Mmm… a glass of ice cold southern sweet tea. Just drink in its layers.

We’ve noticed the layers in ourselves lately too. The wonderful intricate ways in which we have all been created, woven together and formed. We are layers of walking wonders and a psalmist expressed best … "Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together as if embroidered with various colors" Psalms 139:15

So celebrate your layers today and enjoy a sip of some southern sweet tea.

The Velvet Lime Girls

Enjoy the Journey

Enjoy the journey. It’s a phrase that has traveled around the world and now has journeyed its way into one of our upcoming pieces of artwork. It’s such a refreshing thought …. to pause, embrace and enjoy the passing moments within each day.

This phrase was the flashing yellow light thought on the highway we traveled today. It eventually slowed us down and eased us off our trip to a site we’ve passed numerous times …Bellingrath Gardens in Alabama. How many times have responsibilities, schedules and commitments kept you from pausing a moment to enjoy something you’ve always wanted to do? Always thinking, “Oh, I’ll do that next time.” Today, on a trip to check on my dear father-in-law, we paused … and for one hour experienced that out of this world feeling that comes from entering a place of beauty in nature and taking a moment to enjoy the journey.

James snapped a few photos in the gardens today and we hope they inspire you to take a moment to pause. To do that something you’ve always wanted to do.

Enjoy your journey.

The Velvet Lime girls

Laura & James pictured in middle photo (wishing for Rebecca & Marybeth)

Beach Trip

Some thoughts just refresh you. This one floats over the most relaxing place we know … a slouchy, comfortable chair on the beach. Just sit in it for a minute. You can feel the tension seep out through your toes as they sink in soft sand, every care melting away in a caress of sunlight.

A beach rest is a ripple compared to the overpowering wave of deep rest God offers. It envelopes our cares and pulls them out to sea with a strong rip-tide…. leaving us refreshed and restored.

We’re sparkling sea glass lying on the beach.

Washed. Fresh. Clean. Reflections of peace.

So, sit down in our beach chair today and wrap yourself up in the big thirsty blanket of thought conveyed in our art image … a thought about real rest. We like the way The Message says it:

“Are you tired and worn out? Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me … Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” Matthew 11:28 & 29

Laura