Heart & Soul Art & Music

Lest Ye Think I've Been Resting on my Laurels...

2011-12-16T07:08:00.000-06:00

That's another way of saying, yes, I have been painting a little whileliving in DC. It's been hard to squeeze it in but here's some recentwork. Life is fast paced here in D.C., loving it! Expecting more timeto paint when I'm back in Alabama in May. We're trying to take it all in while we can

Whew! What a week! Politics, Politics, Politics!

2011-08-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a week here in D.C. I was right up there in the middle of the vote on increasing the debt ceiling. We were actually on the House Floor watching as the voting was going on right up until just a few minutes before Gabriel Giffords came in. Unfortunately there was such a crowd we were ushered out just before that happened and I saw it on TV when I got home. I was on "the hill" taking a seminar in "Congressional Operations" that I was very fortunate to get into. It was a great 4 days finding out what really goes on in the halls of congress...and walking those halls and listening to Senate and House hearings.

One of the hearings I attended was on the severe drought that is happening in Africa. 39,000 have died in the past 90 days due to starvation, disease, and extreme conditions as they are refugees fleeing from the fighting in Somalia. The drought has come on top of the terrible conditions with the conflict there. They told of one woman who had carried her child on her back for 9 days with no food to speak of. Our burdens here are so light in comparison to this and many other areas of the world. Even here in our own country there are so many suffering.

Another hearing I listened to, again about Africa, was a doctor who had been working at a clinic there and has developed a new method of treating hydrosephalic babies. The incidence of this in Africa is much greater than in the U.S. and there are only about 4 neurosurgeons to handle all of the cases. Many more deaths are happening due to this problem. Our leaders have difficult jobs. I know we're all cynical but we need to choose wisely who we vote for and look out for the good of everyone, not just our own interests.

Meanwhile, every day this week I listened to the Daily Audio Bible on my I-phone and guess where they are broadcasting from? Africa. I believe there's a reason God is opening my eyes to all these things. I met someone in the seminar from JSC (Houston) who has been working with a group in Africa and they've dug a well in the community. I may have to get involved. Maybe you should too.

In addition to all that I sold my original of my "Ready to Ride" painting this week. Cool! Prints are available on my FineArtAmerica site if you're interested. I've spent 26 years of my career with the shuttle program. We will definitely want to remember this era so this is one that I hope folks will want to have.

The funny thing was, I had to have it shipped from Alabama to Alexandria which is just down the road from where I'm living in Arlington. Not sure how the buyer found my site but it was a birthday gift for her husband. Thanks to my friend Rhonda for handling that shipping for me.

Hope you're doing well and, if you're back home, I hope you have power and no damage! Bad storms in Alabama AGAIN! What's up wi dat!

...and btw...GO JUNO to Jupiter! Nice launch today.

Take care!

Tina

Where Does Time Go?

2011-06-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's almost the end of June and time for the fireworks of the Fourth! We've been so busy since about mid-April there has not been time to look up. We've moved to D.C. for a year and it's just now beginning to kind of feel like home. We've been home to Alabama twice on whirlwind trips and, though I miss friends and family, I'm adjusting to life here. It's good to be off the road and home to "Home 2" since we've been on the road for 10 days with my job and for a quick trip home. I haven't touched a paint brush in months but plan to start doing a little painting here soon. I'll post when I can. Meanwhile, enjoy the 4th! Also, check out this blog that I just ran across... Fiona and Twig ...cool stuff.

Lady Di...Oil on Canvas 18" x 22"

2011-03-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

What a beauty she was. Tragedy that we lost her. With the royal wedding coming up I thought of her and wanted to add her to my portfolio. Prints available on FineArtAmerica.com under my site shortly.

Purchase framed fine art prints on FineArtAmerica and let me know what you think!

2011-02-26T09:32:00.000-06:00

oil framed prints

a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!

2011-01-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

You must check out my daughter's blog and keep up with her life in Germany...
a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!: "A friend and I took a trip to Innsbruck a few days ago. We had a day off and decided to get out of town and see something. Innsbruck, Austri..."

Visit Fine Art America

2010-11-26T20:53:00.004-06:00

oil paintings

portrait paintings

exploration paintings

The Rickles Family

2010-09-16T22:20:00.000-05:00

At long last I have just delivered the mega painting I've been working on for about 4 months now. The Rickles family, one of the best looking families you'll see. This was a gift to my sweet friend Peggy who worked with me for 12 years and was my right hand. She has been a huge influence in my life as one of the sweetest and most loving Christian women I've ever met. She has made coconut or strawberry cakes for me for every birthday and Christmas for the last 15 or so years and has been there for every sad or happy milestone in my life. I'm forever indebted to her for blessing my life. I know she was Heaven sent. This painting is to go over her mantle in her beautiful new home and is 45 1/2" wide x 34 1/2 high". I was so tickled that the colors blended beautifully with her room and that she was so happy with it. She's the little lady in the center. What a great mother and grandmother for her children and grandchildren. What a joy to be able to do this for her.

Vote for my painting!

2010-09-09T21:49:00.000-05:00

Please support me
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September 2010

Painting Contest by

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Misha - Another Arizona model

2010-08-31T20:19:00.000-05:00

I recently finished this piece that I started at the workshop in Arizona (see below). Misha modeled for us for about 3 hours. She was a very pretty young girl with a terrific voice. She and I had to do an accapella solo for the class. I'm afraid hers was MUCH better than my quick verse. She looks a little solemn in this pose but the lighting on her strawberry blond hair with the blue was very nice. I hope I did her justice. I'm currently working on a family portrait of a very dear friend who insisted I could do a family of 10. It has been quite a challenge although it is a beautiful family. Hopefully it won't be too long until I can post that one.
More later!

Wishing you Joy!

Tina

Finally Finished "Fil"

2010-08-13T21:46:00.000-05:00

Such a joy to paint "Fil" our Hopi Indian model at my Arizona workshop (see that story below). I've finally finished him but the photo doesn't do it justice. Oh well, until I can get a better camera and find out more about lighting it will have to do! On to the next project!

Stay tuned! Tomorrow night is the "Dragonfly Ball" at the Burningtree Country Club in Decatur with my band, "The Valley Cats". Life is good!

Arizona Workshop - What a week!

2010-07-24T01:07:00.000-05:00

I have had a wonderful time this week in Prescott Arizona with my friend and fellow artist Glennis Black. You just can't imagine how magestic those red rocks of Sedona are...that was about an hour drive...well, that is if we hadn't gone to Jerome first. Jerome is an old copper mining town turned artist colony that would have been really neat had the galleries and shops been open : ) Never mind we took 157 curves, sharp curves, in 12 miles on the ride up. Yep, that's with me driving about 150 of those. If you know me at all you know what a scaredy cat I am. You would have been proud of me though. I did finally have to pull over and let Glennis experience it. What a roller coaster. It was gorgeous though. BUT, what we were here for was a 4 day portrait painting workshop with Chris Saper and oh my goodness, I can't believe how much I've learned...not only about painting portraits but the whole business. I'm so excited to get back home and put some of what I've learned into practice. Thanks Chris for a very in-depth study and for all the excellent information. I really should wait until these are finished but I did want to show you what I've been working on. We had some great live models to work with and I especially enjoyed our Native American model. His skin tones were wonderful to paint plus he was kind enough to share with us some stories about his native Hopi culture. I'll post these again when I have them completed. Please do comment and let me know what you think!

Take this survey and tell me what and when you'd like to paint!

2010-05-25T23:02:00.000-05:00

Click here to take survey

Next Saturday - Paint with me!

2010-04-18T08:06:00.004-05:00

Yes it's beautiful outside today! I'm going to get out and plant some seeds, plant some impatiens in my shady backyard, worship God and his magnificent creation, open the windows and let the crisp Spring air flow through the house, celebrate a birthday and take a rest from the rest of life. All the while I'll be looking forward to next Saturday morning's "Coffee, Tea, and Painting Therapy" session which will be at the home of Cindy Griswald - address is 17567 Martin Dr., in Vestavia subdivision. Take 72 W and turn left on Lucas Ferry Rd., take the first street on the right (Jeffrey St.), keep going until you see Martin Dr. on your right, go through the 2 way stop and Cindy's house is the first house on the right facing Martin Dr. The house number is on the mailbox. Can't wait to see her home and enjoy some food, friends and painting this landscape scene which was furnished by Anna Tominack. Take a 4 hour break from your Spring chores and join us to enjoy learning something new! All supplies are furnished and it's only $45 per person. All you need to do is sign up using Paypal over to the right on this blog or e-mail me at TinaS@pclnet.net. There are spaces available so sign up today!

On Writing....

2010-04-17T07:55:00.001-05:00

In 2007 I jumped off a cliff and decided to do a CD of some original songs. Along came Sister Grace and a flurry of exciting things for us. We've been sort of on stand by due to some events in our lives and I'm missing those days. I'm wanting to dig out my guitar and get off on a tree stump somewhere and howl! I was reading a blog by Sara Beth Fair earlier this morning and was so inspired. She's not only a gifted artist but an excellent and inspired writer. It made me think of the time that I was heavily into writing for our CD and how close I felt to God during those days. Some of the words that came were definitely gifts from Him and I felt inspired this morning to post this one... thanks to my dear friend Whit who helped me bring this one to life, we need to do some more writing...

I Keep Calling Out Your Name

Hello it's me again

I hope you’re listening today

I've tried to talk to you before and you've ignored me

But I keep coming back anyway

Seems like I would give up

But I'm you’re God and I am offering my love

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain

All I ask is that you call back to me

I’ve always been your friend

I know the treasures in your heart

The stories gathered there

And I've prepared some things

That you've not seen so far

Walk with me and believe

And we’ll solve some mysteries

You know I am the source

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain

All I ask is that you call back to me

I see you try and make it on your own

Saying you don’t need Me

But wouldn’t you feel better in My arms

All it takes is you believing

I keep calling out your name

In your joy and in your pain

All I ask is that you call back to me

Tina Murrah SwindellWhitney Hubbs©3/07

Lexi - Mom cried

2010-04-09T20:03:00.000-05:00

At last I finished the big oil portrait I've been working on for a couple of months. It's 30" x 36" oil on canvas. I was working from a low resolution digital picture which made it very difficult to see the details. That's ok, I just used a little artistic freedom! I received a note from the person who commissioned the painting for his wife....she had tears, which he said was very unusual for her. I was so thrilled that she loved the painting! I believe she actually took the photo of Lexi on the beach and I was struck by the colors in the dress as well as the seagull and his shadow...not to mention the water. Such a joy to paint.

Looking forward to the next "Coffee, Tea, and Painting Therapy" session on April 24th. Still looking for what I want us to paint. Any ideas?

Save the date! The Valley Cats will be at Panoply Sunday, April 25th 2:45

2010-04-01T19:22:00.000-05:00

Hope to see you in Huntsville on April 25th. Our band will be performing on Sunday afternoon at 2:45, April 25th. Hopefully it will be a great time to get out and enjoy some fine art, food and music. Mark your calendars!

Slideshow of Today's Painting Class

2010-03-27T18:46:00.000-05:00

Today was such a beautiful day! We had a wonderful breakfast at Robye Andrews new home and embellished our somewhat plain photo model into something beautiful! Sorry if you missed it! Enjoy!

The Simple Way of Love

2010-03-17T23:28:00.000-05:00

My sweet niece Marla Delong has written a beautiful book that is a must have. Her quotations are so well written and the depth amazed me. I'm so proud of the way God is using her and her dedication to serving him. The site is under construction but you will be able to order soon using PayPal. Meanwhile, e-mail me at tinaS@pclnet.net and let me know if you'd like a copy. They are $25 each.

Do you honestly believe that you are loved?

This simple little book is a warm, grace-filled, thought-provoking invitation to taste and discover what it means to live deeply loved in a relationship with God.

Read it in twenty minutes, but be changed for a lifetime.

“The Simple Way of Love” is a visual parable of what it means to dwell in grace. The dialogue between art and words will take you on a journey to the inward places of your heart that will challenge your innermost beliefs and help you discover the secret that can deeply transform your life.

The Simple Way of Love

Check out "Click Chick!" and the Valley Cats

2010-03-13T14:51:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend Stephanie Fenton (also my sister in "Sister Grace")has started a new blog called "Click Chick!" and she is taking some excellent photos these days! She had some most unusual and interesting characters to photograph last night! Well, it is true! She has posted some photos of "The Valley Cats" from our photo/video shoot last night. Check out her blog but please, continue on to some of the other things she's been posting and check out some of the links from there. Special thanks to Steph, Deon Hargrove from Railroad Bazaar, and Tom "Sound Doc" Macgruder for using their special skills to make us look good last night! Well, they did the best they could! We'll be posting the video when it's ready.

Who would have thought....

2010-03-06T22:19:00.001-06:00

When I was about 5 years old I discovered this picture of my entire family other than me. I remember Mama was at the kitchen counter, probably rolling out the dough for some of those daily home made biscuits we grew up on. I can clearly remember standing there just barely tall enough to see over the kitchen table and staring at that picture for a long time. Then, the moment I became so upset at not being in that picture and ripped it in half. My mother couldn't believe that little temper (which would later get me into lots of trouble). I guess I hadn't figured out yet that when the picture was made that family of brothers didn't know they were going to have a little sister come along. Well, who would have believed it would wind up blown up on a huge screen at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville today when my brother, Roger Murrah, was honored in an interview as a legendary songwriter in the Hall of Fame's "Poet and Prophet" series. I went through lots of emotions and memories listening to the words of his songs and to him talk about his life, his songs and the journey that brought him to this well deserved place of honor. I'm very proud of my brother. Songwriting and the success he's had is not something that happens over night. He's spent countless hours honing the art and craft of writing and struggled through many years to see that dream come true. He's been a huge influence in my life and I'm so thankful to have shared an ounce or two of the success he's had and to have been a part of that history he talked about today. Way to go bro! Keep a-kickin'!

Let Hope Shine in Your Work

2010-03-05T06:09:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share a newsletter I get with you. I thought this was very encouraging and I want to continue to strive to let Christ's light shine in all that I do. I hope you will find encouragement here. You may want to subscribe to the newsletter too. (The photo is a preview of the portrait I'm currently working on. I'll post again when I'm done. It's a full body 36" x 30" oil....I love painting!)

March 4, 2010

Volume 5, Number 5

This is the bi-weekly e-newsletter you requested from the National Women's Department, to bring an encouraging perspective to the hectic lifestyles of career women and working moms.

Let Hope Shine in Your Work

by Kristin Huffman

I remember when my first-born child was beginning to chow down on real food. I tried diligently to introduce him to a variety of pureed vegetables, fruits, and meats, all in the appropriate order. But he had his definite likes and dislikes. He’d gravitate toward sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin and refuse the green things. Being the firm, principled mother, I let him have what he wanted.

One morning he woke up and looked like he had a tan, one of the instant bottle-variety tans. In fact, he was orange. I carried him all over the house to look at him in different lights, but he was definitely orange.

In a panic, I called the pediatrician who quickly reassured me that the carotene in the orange veggies had changed his skin tone from the inside out. My son would turn back to his normal color if I varied his diet.

Since then, I can spot babies who love carrots. Their skin gives them away!

As I live and work with others, I have also learned how to recognize those who have Christ and His truth as their foundation, those who base their whole lives on Him. They shine from the inside out, exuding hope and confidence and joy even when work is tough. Keeping Christ at the center of our lives shows through to the world.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus describes what people look like who follow Him and put His words into practice. It’s a story about people who build houses. The wise man built his house on the rock—on a solid foundation. When the storms came, the house didn’t fall because of its strong foundation. The foolish man built his house on the sand, a foundation that fell apart when the storms came.

In our lives, Jesus lets us choose how to build. Will we trust in things that won’t last? Will we trust in strength outside of God? Will we be battered by the storms of life?

Or will we trust in Jesus and His promises? If we follow Him, live like Him, and participate in building His kingdom, that foundation will support us through any storm.

Living in this world is difficult. We face temptations and struggles and worries. But we can trust Jesus as our foundation. In our relationships, in our families, and in our work, He will show us the path we are to follow. We can stop and breathe and listen to Him with our hearts and minds.

As we make space for Christ, we ask Him to lead us. He will help us make the right decisions, use our gifts creatively, and trust Him for the outcomes. He even gives us the courage and determination to accept His leadership. We need to lose our fierce desire to do it our way, and let Him lead us, His way.

What a relief to know that He will be our strength and our hope—even when the world crashes in around us. What a relief to know that others will see this hope shining through us, from the inside out.

Reprinted with permission. Originally published as “Let Hope Shine in Your Work” on 03/2/10 at TheHighCalling.org.

To view previous issues of Women @ Work, click here.

Happy Birthday Daddy -100 years today!

2010-02-26T06:53:00.000-06:00

My sweet Daddy would have been 100 years old today if he were still with us. God rest his soul. I miss him every day. I just had to do something to commemorate the occasion. What sweet memories I have of a blessed childhood and living on the farm. The old photo is of Daddy, my brother Mike and me....(I know, nice bangs)

Feb. 13th...Get Into Red..Sign up now!

2010-01-18T17:08:00.000-06:00

Paint with us on February 13, 2010. $45 per person for a 4 hour painting class. We will be painting from life this time and this will be the "February" calendar pages for our calendars we'll do in December. Beginners welcome! Experienced too! Hope to see you there (my house)!
Sign up safely and securely using PayPal on the column to the right of this post.
Enjoy your week!
Tina

Painting Class Slideshow

2010-01-12T23:08:00.000-06:00

Jan 9th Painting Class Slideshow (click on the link)

The heart is just to get you in the mood for February!

What a great class!

2010-01-11T19:40:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone who came Saturday. We kicked off the new year with a landscape painting for January. Great group. Hope those of you who wanted to come and couldn't make it will join us Feb. 13th. Sign up over to the right. 6 slots available!
Have a great week!
Tina

January Class Full!

2009-12-21T22:52:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited about my first "Coffee, Tea, and Paint Therapy" class being filled! Thank you to all who have signed up! We're going to have so much fun! I've opened up the February class for sign ups for those of you who missed the January one. (See the sign up through PayPal over to the right). I'll get busy figuring out what we're going to paint in February. Should be something about love I would think...chocolate and roses come to mind, maybe some champagne glasses...hmmm. Send me a photo if you have an idea!

Wow, I can't believe Christmas is 4 days away. I still need to make sure I have everything and figure out what to cook for us here. My Murrah family will be in Nashville Christmas Eve so I'm headed up there to visit and cook (and paint a little with my Sister-in-law Lissa). Gotta have Mama's cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, Mrs. Smiths rolls, sweet tea and hopefully Lissa's coconut cake...yeah! Add a few more pounds. Bill is so busy managing the Athens Railroad Bazaar I have hardly seen him this week. Go by and see him if you get a minute and pick up a guitar or two : ) Looking forward to a little time Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to celebrate with our daughter. We started a little early with our trip to Denver for her Dec. 2nd birthday.

We had a great night at the Red Caboose Saturday night. Thanks to all who came and celebrated the season with Sister Grace ! Our next event will be in February at the Guntersville State Lodge with a group from Vestavia Hills UMC in Birmingham so we're looking forward to working on some new songs to share with them. We may even play our own instruments again. Let us know if you would like us to come and sing at your church service or if you're planning a ladies retreat in the spring. We'd love to share our ministry with you.

Wishing you all a cozy Christmas and rich blessings in the year ahead!

Tina
P.S. (A day at home today with no one to talk to so I'm a little verbose, sorry!) Here's the latest artwork...tried out charcoal drawing again. That's fun too but I do love my oils! This was a commission for a sweet friend, Charlotte at work. The photo this was taken from was very special to her....

Only 3 slots left in the January Painting Class!

2009-12-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

Sign up today over on the right side of this page and secure one of the remaining slots in my January 9th "Coffee, Tea, and Paint Therapy" classes. See my story of how I became a painter on my website under "about Tina" and learn why I think everyone should try it!

Don't forget - Saturday Night - The Red Caboose in Elkmont

2009-12-15T23:25:00.000-06:00

We're counting down the days now 'til Christmas! Looking forward to Saturday night and hoping to see lots of good friends...including YOU! Be there!

Swindell's Still Kicking! (What a morning!)

2009-12-03T13:12:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I'm home today packing for this quick little trip to Denver for my daughter's birthday. All excited, can't wait to see some real snow (though we may miss some here in Athens)! So I'm, as usual, doing about 40 things at one time...packing, drawing, framing something, cleaning the kitchen, taking the dog out, reading about SG in the local magazines (check that out below), cleaning out the Thanksgiving food from the fridge...etc. when I go to check the dryer. Bill is so sweet to always do the laundry...well, except for the folding and putting away part which I take care of...so, he's thrown in a load this morning and left the dryer running. I open the door and what do I find...one little brown bear ((Ellie's toy), some towels, a black pair of socks, my two brand new 40%modal/60% cotton long sleeve Gap t-shirts in a pale golden and deep royal blue...yes together, AND...along with assorted socks and underwear from the blackest black to white....MY BRAND NEW SILKY BLOUSE AND CAMISOLE FROM CHICO'S!! Well, thank the Lord, it all came out perfect some how or another so he's still living! I was about to go down to that Railroad Bazaar and pick him up by the collar and tell him a thing or two! Mercy, after 30 years you'd think I'd ban him from the washing machine...but then we'd never have anything clean would we? Whadya think? Would you let him keep it up?

Check out "Athens Now" and "Limestone Living"!

Yep, that last one is Ellie after a bath on a cold day : )

Later!

Tina

Great Time at the Red Caboose last night!

2009-11-29T11:06:00.000-06:00

Thanks so much to all of the wonderful friends and family who came out to the Red Caboose last night in Elkmont to hear us. Special thanks to our guest, Adam Henly who added some great saxophone to some of our songs including our original "It's Just Not Christmas". That one is slowly but surely becoming a classic Christmas song...what all writers hope for! It's been recorded by Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers, Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell (I even got to sing on that one!) and, most recently Bonnie Bramblett. Oh and yes, we did get to hear it on Muzak in an elevator....so, we're very thankful for the success of that song and for our opportunity to work with Johnny Sandlin who produced the Allman Brothers back in their heyday among a host of others. "It's Just Not Christmas" was co-written with Johnny's wife, Ann Sandlin and Debbie Cochran.

Join us again on December 19th! Gary Compton at The Red Caboose says he's getting lots of calls already on that show so call soon for reservations @ (256)306-6201 or e-mail theredcabooseonline@gmail.com.

See you then!

And btw.... Take the time to enjoy all your blessings right now, and if you're spinning too fast, Slow Down!

Tina

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T09:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm so thankful for SO many things that I've been blessed with in my life, my family, a beautiful daughter, a husband who is there for me, my brothers, my church family, my work family, my music families and so many wonderful friends who are there for the good times and the tough times. God has blessed me beyond all my expectations. I pray for those in my world who are struggling through various things right now, illness, marital problems, loved ones overseas, loss of jobs and other things that I may not even be aware of. May we all remember all the ways in which we have been blessed today and enjoy special moments with those we love.

Tina

Sister Grace - Christmas at the Red Caboose - This Saturday!

2009-11-24T17:54:00.000-06:00

Register for "Coffee, Tea & Paint Therapy"

2009-11-20T23:28:00.004-06:00

Register at the top right of my blog and we'll paint this scene in our January 9th "Coffee, Tea and Paint Therapy session. Every second Saturday of the month!

Latest Portrait - Elizabeth

2009-09-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

Here's pretty little Elizabeth that I just finished. I took the sunflowers from another photo and added the fence as a backdrop. She was such a joy to paint. I learn more each time I paint a portrait. I truly learned my lesson this time about measuring prior to starting and sketching to assure that the eyes, nose, mouth are in the right spot. I've started a new portrait of two little girls and I'll post those soon. Please sign up to be notified of my posts and I'd love to hear your comments!

Thank God Dreams Survive

2009-07-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the moon landing I'm posting our song "Thank God Dreams Survive" on our website and hope that you'll go out and listen and honor those who've dedicated their lives to the space program. NASA is a positive force in an otherwise mixed up world. I'm proud of all we've done and continue to do that helps mankind the world over. Join us tomorrow at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville for our moon landing celebration. My band "The Valley Cats" will be performing from 1:00 to 5:oo. I'm very proud to be a NASA Girl!

The Latest From My Easel

2009-06-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest few paintings I've done and let me know what you think! Crazy mixture but someone wanted a Sundrop, someone wanted a dancer for a child's room and then I was inspired by a painting I saw in a window a few years ago and found out it's by a Russian artist. I have wanted to try a different style and it turned out sort of interesting. If anyone is interested in any of these or something similar give me a call. 256-497-3838.

Davis Family

2009-05-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

Here's an oil paintin that I finished recently as a wedding gift. 36" x 36" oil on canvas.
Call me at 497-3838 if you're interested in a commissioned painting.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

I decided to try painting Jesus today. Couldn't let Carole & Claire post theirs without seeing what would happen if I tried. He developed on the canvas as I watched. I'm so thankful that HE LIVES!

2009-01-11T18:45:00.000-06:00

Yea! My client came to pick up her portrait and was very pleased. I'm so happy that she liked it! This is an oil portrait on 20" x 24" canvas. I've worked on it on and off for about 6 months. I hope it's one that she will treasure. I feel that I did capture the sweet spirit of these two young boys. They were a delight to photograph...so full of energy but so well mannered.
Looking forward to my next portrait challenge! (Below you can see the photograph that I painted from.)

Rooster Swirl

2008-12-27T09:51:00.000-06:00

I just painted my kitchen red and needed something to hang over my stove. Here's my first shot. I called it "Rooster Swirl" and it's acrylic on 16" x 20" stretched canvas.

I like it but also have another idea in mind.....later.

What do you think?

My Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-30T14:06:00.001-06:00

A snippit of my Thanksgiving memories for those who are interested

Lilly

2008-11-11T17:26:00.000-06:00

How 'bout this sweet little black cap capuchan monkey? I pulled an old photo I snapped of her this morning and decided to paint her. Her name is Lilly and she belongs to a friend. I also wanted to paint the beautiful fall leaves so this is a combination of the two. The scene is out my back door. Let me know what you think! This is acrylic on 18" x 18" stretched canvas. The original as well as prints are available for purchase. Contact me for details. I'll post the portrait of the Hudson boys when the owners have seen it. I'm finally done with that one!! Yea!

Tina

On The Road Again!

2008-09-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

We're almost home...in Atlanta....luckily we found GAS!! First problem we've had.
See everybody soon!

T

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh92/valleycat1/Swindell%2008%20Tour/?albumview=slideshow

Vist my new website!

2008-08-10T00:42:00.001-05:00

Yea! My new site is up and running. I'm still tweaking but check it out!
You can click here: http://www.tinaswindell.com

Everything's Coming Up Roses

2008-08-03T17:28:00.000-05:00

Yes, I love roses. I've been looking for something to paint for my living room for a while now and this was actually painted from a picture on a beautiful gift bag. It's 36" x 48" acrylic on canvas . If anyone is interested in a Giclee print (which looks almost like an original) just let me know. Life is not always "a bed of roses" but when I look at others lives and compare my own I know that I have been so very blessed. Most of the time everything comes up roses thanks to all of the love in my life.

Hudson Boys

2008-07-17T23:41:00.000-05:00

Check out these sweet little boys that I'll be doing a portrait of. We're trying to decide which photo to go from. Which one do you think? I have narrowed down to these 3. Probably won't use the one where they're grinning on the steps but I thought it was a cute photo. They were so exceptionally well mannered and calm during the photo shoot. They were anxious to shoot some fireworks...it was around the 4th. I went to their beautiful home for the shoot and their Mom, Paula Hudson, was patient and gracious. Can't wait to get started on the portrait! I'll post a photo of it when I'm done...may be a while.

More later....

Tina

Let's Go!

2008-07-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a few days...been doing some negative self-talk and I've just decided to let that go and dig back in. I'm painting, booking band gigs, plotting and planning and ready to move on with things. Just purchased a website template and will be launching my website soon. I'll let you know when it's ready. I'm excited and have a lot to figure out but I'm ON IT!

Here's a really good article that I was "Led" to today that just might inspire you too. Thank you Redbook and Kathy Cano-Murillo...click here for her inspiring article.

Let's go!

Tina

Happy Trees

2008-06-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.photo.gif

30" x 48" oil on canvas

This painting was taken from a sunset photo I snapped at the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago. Added a little interest with the "Happy Trees" as my husband called it, using a secret technique I learned from a Savannah painter. Let me know what you think.

Tina

Kacey's Tea

2008-06-21T10:56:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated our daughter's college graduation with a tea in our back yard given by our sweet friends/relatives, Sandra, Camilla, Whitney, Jennifer, Robye and Bree. Thanks so much for the wonderful memories! I just had to share!

The Latest

2008-06-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

From A Distance......36" x 48" Oil on Canvas

Here's a couple of new things off my easel. Couldn't stop singing "From A Distance" while I was painting this. Started out experimenting with Pointillism and sort of ended up with Impressionism. This is not exactly what I meant to do but then it never ends up being what I start out to do. Does everybody know the words to "From A Distance"? My favorite part is

"From a distance we all have enough and no one is in need. There are no guns, no wars, and no disease, no hungry mouths to feed. From a distance we are instruments marching in a common band. Singing songs of hope, singing songs of peace, they're the songs of every man. God is watching us, God is watching us, God is watching us from a distance"

....I love the Bette Midler version. Beautiful song. Says so much.

Don't ask how I came up with this next one...it's a strange bird that sort of "happened" when I was experimenting with painting tears. I was just letting things flow (melancholy week) and they developed sort of wing like things and then I decided to add the blue...I was really just trying to do an abstract for Kacey's new apartment using the colors she wanted. Does one of the "things" seem to have a face? Strange, don't know how that happened. It's called "Nature Cries" or "New Life"...can't decide. What do you think? The photo doesn't exactly capture it ...it's 24" x 48" acrylic on canvas.

Back to the drawing board....

Be sure to sign up in the top right corner so I can keep you posted.

Tina

Sunday Bliss

2008-05-04T23:15:00.001-05:00

24" x 36" acrylic on canvas
I've had such a good weekend between the great weather, a sweet visit with my niece yesterday and a fabulous concert by Mandisa, steaks at Outback with my friend Whit, excellent worship service this morning led by my good friends Jonathan and Greg Young, Buddy Carter, and Mike Cole (who once again did my song...Wayfaring Stranger...gotta learn that). So, I got home and celebrated with this crazy abstract I whipped up. Decided to name it "Sunday Bliss"....thought that was better than "Curley Q's" which was the first thing that came to mind. We'll see if the kiddo likes this for her room! If not, I guess it'll be up for bids. Gotta get rested up for the week!

Have a good one!

Tina

Note Cards Available - "Contemplation"

2008-05-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

Note Cards - 3 1/2" x 5", blank inside, packages of 10 with envelopes

My friend, Gail, suggested that the painting below (which is now hanging in Bree Davis's beautiful new bedroom in the sweet home she just built) would make some nice note cards....SO... I got busy and ordered some and they're here! I'm so excited to be offering my first note cards and hope to have more later from other paintings. They are available for purchase in nice little packages of 10, 3 1/2" by 5" blank note cards with envelopes. Packaging is acid free and archival. See me to purchase them or place an order using Pay Pal...it's free to sign up and you can safely use your credit card. Just click on the Pay Pal button below.
These would make great little hostess gifts to have on hand... or you may just want to use them yourself!

Thanks to everyone who suggested titles for this painting. I did finally settle on "CONTEMPLATION" which was suggested by Sandra Arnold. I'll leave it to your imagination what she's "contemplating".

Let me know what you think of the card idea! Good one? Other ideas? I love feedback!

More later!

Tina
$10 + $1 shipping for each package

Roxanne - A Fine Life - Bree's Bedroom - You tell me!

2008-04-14T20:58:00.000-05:00

Lots of things have gone on since I started this painting a couple of weeks ago. As some of you know I just lost my sweet brother Glen who has fought cancer for over 10 years. I will miss him so. It was really hard seeing him suffer. I'm glad he's at peace now. We buried him on Tuesday of last week. Over the weekend I've been nursing a stray cat who tried to have babies but was just too young I guess. She had surgery tonight and we're hoping she will live though her kittens didn't. We're not sure she will make it at this point. Life brings many trials sometimes. You just have to keep kicking and find joy where ever you can. Through it all I keep going back to the canvas. Somehow there's peace there for me. This painting is for my friend Bree's bedroom in the new house she just built. Can't decide what to call it. What do you think? (24" x 36" acrylic on canvas)

KC Meets the Gov

2008-03-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

See that little Chickadee on the back row just to the right of the governor? That's my little Leadership & International Studies major, Kacey Rebecca Swindell pursuing her political career. She organized the first ever student delegation from Birmingham Southern and they just trekked on down to meet the Governor recently and have a gathering in Montgomery with delegations from some other Alabama colleges. I hear there were some competitions...they won them all! Nah, me proud! Nah. : ) Ain't she somethin! Yeah, dat's my girl!

Never A Dull Moment!

2008-03-04T06:41:00.000-06:00

Check out the big time we had at the Roller Derby with the offspring! Yeah, we're up for just about anything I guess. Now we talkin' attitude honey! Dees girls mean biness! Kacey had been once before and thought Bill and I and a couple of friends should experience this little nitch of life. Ok, I've been there and done that....very interesting...got some colorful pics...

Celebration Shrimp

2008-02-20T06:39:00.001-06:00

Well, this little arrangement caught my eye when I looked through some photographs that my friend Robye Andrews took at an Anniversary celebration given by another good friend, Adonna Mitchell. The lighting was just right and I know the photo will be in some food magazine soon! I may touch up a bit but this is what I've been working on the last two nights.
Let me know what you think!

Find joy today!
Tina

Available for purchase
5" x 8" acrylic on canvas $75

Workshop Fun!

2008-01-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I held a beginner's workshop in my home for 3 of my friends...well, one was a true beginner, the other two have had a little experience. It was sort of an experiment for me in how well I like teaching. I think I like it. Seeing others get inspired about painting is such a thrill. Getting over the fear of trying it is the biggest hurdle. After that you just let go and let it happen. We had a lot of fun and I hope they learned something. I do every time I paint one. Let me know if you'd like to try it. I may plan another one soon. Here's some photo's and the painting that I did as the demo.

This painting is available for purchase through Pay Pal...just click below.
18"x 18" acrylic on Canvas
$50 + $20 shipping & handling

Carole Foret Style!

2008-01-16T07:33:00.001-06:00

Well, whatdya think? Wow, I'm so
excited with some new techniques Carole Foret taught me last night at her "9 to 5er" workshop. I'm going to be off on a whole new painting journey now. I'm running late for work, have to go by the cleaners and the bank and get to work by 8:00...meeting at 9...yep, nine to fiver alright! Gotta go but I just couldn't wait to show off my new painting.
So much fun! Thanks so much Carole for a great night meeting some of your students and learning how you do it all! I loved it!

If you're interested in buying this painting it is available for purchase.

$75 plus $20 shipping & handling Acrylic on canvas 18" x 18

Upper Elk River Trip

2008-01-13T21:52:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a Kayak trip down the upper Elk River on an early winter afternoon. I snapped the photo that this painting was painted from just before Bill flipped over and froze himself in the chilly waters. Ohhhh, that water was cold...bless his heart. I may do a little tweaking on this one but it's 24" x 36" oil on canvas. Let me know what you think!

This painting is available for purchase through Pay Pal...just click below.
24"x 36" oil on Canvas with frame $200

Artistic Domesticity

2007-12-28T21:05:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited with my new French Easel...I guess that was a Christmas present to myself. Found a good bargain yesterday at Alabama Art Supply. Had to have it. I tried it out in the kitchen today as I was trying out a Gumbo recipe I got from my Sister Grace Sister, Carole Foret. She's always inspiring me. This time it was her mother's recipe and she made this cute little book using IPhoto on the mac where she documented making the Roux (pronounced Roo) with her mother and her sisters. Now wasn't that a neat idea! I guess that will be my next project...been wanting to write a book! Anyway, here's some photo's from my day in the kitchen being domestic and artistic. Good combination!

6"x6" Canvas board $30 plus $5 shipping

Tabby Painting

2007-12-26T22:41:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest. Shot this photo of my brother's cat sitting in the window a few months ago and loved the way the light hit him.

8x10 oil on canvas board $30 plus $5 Shipping

Divine Nobodies - Great book!

2007-12-25T16:26:00.001-06:00

If you have to do something earthshaking in life to gain God's approval or be somebody famous, why would Jesus have been born in a manger? Why would the most profound miracles that we experience be those that pop up in normal every day life through the loving acts of strangers we meet every day? These are the kinds of questions posed by Jim Palmer in his book "Divine Nobodies" that was a gift to me from my sweet niece, Marla Delong of Knoxville. Jim found, on his spiritual journey, that he was putting so much energy into trying to do something great to please God (and others), he was missing the whole point of letting the Spirit live in his heart everyday and guide his actions. You have to read the book, he says it so much better than I can! It was so perfect for a Christmas read!

Tina

Watch the sky on Christmas Eve!!

2007-12-21T10:46:00.000-06:00

My friend Dauna is quite a writer in my humble opinion! She supports our Science and Mission Systems Office as a writer (same office I support as a Program Specialist/Lead Admin Officer) and is also a fellow songwriter. She works right down the hall from me and is a really neat person. I'm so impressed with her writing. She makes science interesting, understandable (for us non-engineers) and fun. Please take a few minutes to read about the beautiful sky we will be blessed with on Christmas Eve. Get out your telescope! You may just see Santa while you're at it (wink)!

Fun With The Valley Cats

2007-12-18T22:06:00.000-06:00

Last weekend our band, the Valley Cats, played for a company Christmas party for ICC (International Code Council)in Birmingham at the Grayson Valley Country club. We had a great time, great food, great new friends. Special thanks to KAREN NORTHY for the booking through our Gigmasters site. Here's a little video I put together from some clips that they were kind enough to take for us while we were playing. (My little Canon camera does a great job! I take it everywhere I go. )

Karen was very happy with our performance and wrote some wonderful comments for our site. Thanks Karen and ICC for the gracious hospitality and your kind words! It was a joy to meet you.

Never mind my 22 yr old daughter thought this video was from the 70's. The sleeves are a bit much I admit. Need some fashion guidance...help somebody! The guys look sharp in their new shirts though, don't you think?

Mama G

2007-12-13T23:19:00.001-06:00

Well, yes, I'm this skinny in my dreams...I don't know what happens to those digital pictures, they make me look so much bigger. My nickname in the Sister Grace group is "Mama Grace"...thus the Mama G that I cooked up at Meez.com above.

Fun fun, you should try it. You create your own little characters and dress them. I'm going to play with this more when there's more TIME! Oh yeah, and btw, she's singing our original Christmas song that goes:

The reason for the season is that love came down
A savior sent to save us from ourselves
It's so easy to forget what the season's all about
When your mind's on everything else

Chorus
Slow down, hear the church bells ring
Slow down, hear the children sing
Take the time to enjoy all your blessings right now
And if you're spinning too fast
Slow down

You started in September and your're still not done
The shopping and the baking and the cards
While you polish every spoon
Decorate every room
Don't forget to think about that star (and)

Repeat Chorus

There's no way to give enough to match what God has given you
And no one else is gonna miss all those things you meant to do (so)

Repeat Chorus

Copyright 2006
Tina Murrah Swindell
Whitney Hubbs

Merry Christmas Cheer...click below to see the Swindell's in action!

2007-12-13T22:47:00.000-06:00

Couldn't help myself this little thing is so cute...

It's My Baby's Birthday!!!!

2007-12-02T12:11:00.002-06:00

Ok, I've got a wedding at 4:00 it's 1 o'clock now and there's Christmas decorations laying everywhere in hopes of bedazzling the Swindell home. Maybe it'll happen soon! I was out until 1:00 a.m. the last two nights singing to strangers and I'm just about pooped, but, what am I doing? Taking a trip down memory lane. I started looking for a birthday picture to post and really embarrass my sweet 22 year old daughter and ended up spending 2 hours going through old pictures....seems like yesterday. I'm so proud of my baby who's grown into a wonderful, thoughtful, creative, smart and wise young woman. Here's some birthdays from the past that I discovered on my little trip this morning.....oh, well I stuck a couple in that weren't actually birthday but I couldn't resist. Happy Birthday Babydoll!!!!!!!!!!!! You are SOOOOOOOOOOO loved! Mom

Cairo Impressions

2007-11-28T07:26:00.000-06:00

Hello,
Hope you have your shopping and decorating done....I don't. I'm taking it easy this season...maybe it'll all get done...maybe not. I need some motivation here.

Here's the latest painting. My daughter Kacey wanted me to do a monochrome street scene from Cairo. Let me know what you think!

Joy!
Tina

Ball Family Memories

2007-11-13T05:56:00.000-06:00

Walter & Addie Ball were the parents of 13 children in Limestone county Alabama. Probably due to the loss of their mother when the children were young and the strong Christian upbringing, the family was very close all through their lives. My childhood is full of memories of family reunions and gatherings where I came to know and love each of them. They're all gone now and hopefully together again. These are some beautiful memories of the love of this very special southern family. Be patient when you click on the arrow in the box below. It takes a few seconds to start and the screen will be black.

Enjoy,

Tina

Having A Ball at the Ball Reunion

2007-11-11T07:52:00.001-06:00

Please sign up to get an e-mail when I post by entering your e-mail address in the box at the very top right. It's free! ...and feel free to leave comments and keep in touch. If you have something you want me to post just send me an e-mail at TinaS@pclnet.net.

Joy!
Tina

Hillary Brings Hope!

2007-10-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big politics person, I guess I would call myself independent, but my daughter is a definite Democrat like my Dad was and she is a big Hillary Clinton fan. I must say I did find a lot of hope in Hillary's speech today at the Winfrey in Birmingham...maybe even a politician that I can almost believe in. She promises to bring change which we desparately need in this country. She promises to bring the troops home, to restore the middle class, health insurance reform, to do away with the unfunded mandate of "No child left behind" and to concentrate on alternative energy sources such as solar power. I have to say that she seemed real, dedicated, and experienced. It seemed appropriate that I was there with my daughter to see what could be our first female president. We were able to have seats at Bud Cramer's table just one table over from Hillary and we got to shake her hand. I told her "You give us hope Hillary!". I did snap a somewhat blurred picture of Kacey shaking her hand and I've posted a few others including one of her assistant who we saw run by the table with the makeup bag just before Hillary got up to speak. It was also a kick to see the secret service guys talking to their watches. We'll see what happens. We made a great memory!

Joy!
Tina

BSC Homecoming

2007-10-08T13:45:00.001-05:00

We got to go to Birmingham Saturday and have a cookout with our daughter's sorority, Pi Phi, and attend the first Homecoming football game since 1939. They just re-instated the football team after all these years. Kacey is the President of her sorority and has turned out to be quite a leader at BSC. Not that I'm proud of her or anything! She's truly making a contribution to the school in many ways and it will be something she can always look back on with pride. Hey, their banner was beautiful and they won first place with that! Go KC!

This is Kacey with her friend Lauren from New Mexico at the ballgame.

Joy!
Tina

Quickie Monet

2007-10-08T13:38:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I'm thinking maybe I should work on other things besides portraits. This is a quick one I painted last night from one of my photographs taken at Monet's garden in Giverny, France this summer. I have a virtual plethora of great shots from that trip to Cairo and Paris. They are so much easier and faster than portraits. Can't wait to get them all painted. I'll be working on these for a long while. More later!

Enjoy Columbus day!

Joy!

Tina

2007-07-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sister Steph on her birthday. She's loving her new red car! We went for a ride and stopped at Starbucks for a cup of mocha and cruised around the town. Yes, I said RED car! Happy Birthday Stephie!

Love ya!
Mama Grace

Top of the Mountain

2007-07-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's a lucky day today, 7/7/07 and today we're at the peak of our mountaintop with our recording project. Today is the last session. This is a life long dream of mine to record but, more than that, it's the beginning of a new day for Sister Grace. Our wish is to spread some seeds for God's kingdom and this cd is only a tool for that work. At the top of this mountain we're looking out to "fields ripe for harvest" and we're just workers in those fields. Please pray for us on our journey.

There were a couple of other mountaintops reached this week. My friend, Ahthony, our web developer who supports my office, is at the Grand Canyon and sent these magnificent pictures yesterday. Then, this morning I read my daughter's blog that takes you on her trip this week to the top of Mount Saini. I was so proud this morning and so touched that they read from the bible at the top of that famous mountain that I cried and cried. Don't know why really but it was pure joy and humility and thankfulness for God's blessings to my family. You can read her blog if you click on "Kacey's Blog" over to your right on this page. It's unbelievable that she's 21 and already has seen so much and learned so much of life. Of course, I'm a proud parent...as she says, not gonna lie.

I hope that you'll be inspired by these pictures and let me know when you reach some peaks in your life too. Life's full of peaks and valleys, just have to pray for more peaks!

Joy!
Tina

More Birthday Fun

2007-06-30T21:13:00.001-05:00

Last night continued my birthday celebration with MORE FOOD...I went with my sweet friend Jennifer to Mikado to celebrate both my birthday...this is the first time we had a chance to get together...and her daughter, Britney's birthday. I haven't been to Mikado in years and it was lots of fun, especially the onion volcano! Now I'm in the mood to pull out the old wok.
I'm reading a great book about our town right now called F5 by Mark Levine. Bill couldn't put it down and convinced me that I needed to read it too. It's about the 1974 outbreak of tornadoes. It's beautifully written and not only is it a vivid reminder of those terrible tornadoes and their destruction, but it's about everything that was going on in our country at that time and the attitude and mood of the country. Bill was able to get an autographed copy and attended a session last night with the author at Athens State University. ...of course, I was at Mikado doing more celebrating! Check out the book! Many Athens people were interviewed and it is a great description of Athens in those days.

Joy!
Tina

Saweet Birthday!

2007-06-20T23:08:00.000-05:00

Today was my special day of the year and all day I've basked in the glow of warmth from all of my cherished friends. My sweet husband called from Philadelphia first thing to sing Happy Birthday with Harley, the grandchild of our friends Mike and Marge McGlinchey. Then it was on to work to find cards stuffed under my door and a phone message from Peggy Sue and sweet San, and call from de'Shawn inviting me to lunch next week. Jennifer had already called and invited me to dinner one night, Robye called for lunch too, then lunch today with my dear friends who I've worked with for years at NASA... Diane, Pam, Connie, and Adonna (we missed Christine!). After work Whit and I shopped for a bit, Kacey called from Egypt (to bad... the phone dying in the middle of that conversation), then fun with my "Sister Grace" sisters tonight. We had a little fashion party, dinner, gifts, singing, dancing, etc. I even got a card from Barry and Margie and e-cards from Kacey, Carole, and Marcia! Also, some great news that my brother Glen is responding very well to his chemo...no signs of tumors where they had seen them a few weeks ago!! Praise God ...prayer does work! I'm so blessed with wonderful friends and family. Thank you Lord for every one of them and the special joys they bring to my life. Here's some pics from my special day. (To download you can right click and copy to your desktop). I'm feeling good about 51!!

Our Baby's in Egypt!!

2007-06-17T13:17:00.000-05:00

We are so blessed with our daughter Kacey and, of course, are proud parents. She has been in Cairo for 2 weeks and will be there for another 4 weeks. She's studying at the American University of Cairo for her study abroad term this summer. She attends Birmingham Southern College and is majoring in International Studies. Check out the link (see the links to the right) to her blog that she's updating daily while she's there. We will be going there to visit her in a few weeks. Can't wait! Keep blogging Kace! We miss you here in Alabama!

Blessings!
Tina

Back At Duck Tape

2007-06-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

Today I had a great day in Duck Tape studio with my sisters from our group "Sister Grace". We're almost done with our CD and I'm so excited that one day soon we will have it all packaged and ready to go. I'm so thankful for my group and the opportunity to do this. Love my sisters! My birthday present was a NEW CAMERA!!!!...(re: the post below where I lost my old one about 6 months ago on our kyak trip). I'm hoping to keep everyone up to date with our adventures now that I finally have a camera again. Be sure to sign up using the icon in the top right and get an e-mail when there's a new post.
Happy Father's Day to all the guys!

Love,
Tina

2007-06-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

We went to Birmingham last night to see Bruce Cockburn and Ricky Lee Jones at the City Stages festival. Sorry Ricky Lee, you just didn't make the cut for me BUT Bruce Cockburn is a brilliant writer and genious guitarist. I've never seen better. Bill's been loving his work for years and now I understand. You have to see him by himself with his guitar. He can make it sound like there are at least 3 people playing. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I also got to know Mark Hamilton and his sweet wife Elizabeth and their two children, Sara Beth and Tanner. They had made dinner and invited us to join them when we stopped by their house on the way to City Stages. Mark was the lead singer for a band called "50 Pound Head" back a few years ago and recorded with Johnny Sandlin at Duck Tape where "Sister Grace" is recording now. I got to hear some tracks from their CD and he has a great voice! Here's a pic of he and Bill as we were hanging out at the VIP area.

More later!
Tina

New Camera! Finally!

2007-06-16T08:25:00.000-05:00

Yea!!!! Happy Birthday to me. I'm ready to roll again!

Tina

The VP NewsFlash

2007-05-10T16:43:00.002-05:00

At my office we're working on a quarterly newsletter that's really cool! I'm testing a way of polling folks to see what they think of it. If you don't work in my group you probably won't have any clue about this so please, bear with me while we play around with this poll. If you want to take it just to help us test that would be great too. Take the poll below...

more at twiigs.com...

In the studio tomorrow!

2007-02-06T00:50:00.000-06:00

SISTER GRACE (check out our blog at www.sistergrace.blogspot.com) will be recording with some of those famous musicians from Muscle Shoals at Ducktape Studio in Decatur, AL with Johnny Sandlin producing. (Check out Johnny's bio @ http://www.johnnysandlin.com ) ....We start laying down rhythm tracks on four original songs tomorrow! We decided to jump off this cliff and see how it goes...faith! It's going to be fun! More later 'bout that! Our first 4 songs are "Love Flows Free", "All Day", "Home Again", and "Your Love Never Fails". I'll keep you posted!

Sunset at St. George Island

2007-02-02T23:11:00.000-06:00

This is a beautiful sunset we caught at St. George Island on our first Kayak adventure at the end of last summer. We tried a two person boat and decided we'd get two next time...of course I was just learning but we tended to row in opposite directions. We got pretty good at it eventually after spinning a few times. Ha! It was kindof cozy though...and Bill could row while I took pictures. I wouldn't advise taking a camera on these little excursions however...see my previous post ...I'm still mourning the loss of my camera. I'll get one soon!

The family farm...

2007-02-01T07:48:00.000-06:00

Since I don't have a camera to take some wonderful snow pictures this morning...I strolled through my picture folder to see what struck a chord. Yep, this one did it. This is the farm where I grew up and I'm sad to say it's for sale. It could be a beautiful place for an auditorium and gardens for Athens. I've shared this idea with a few people and am dreaming that someone will agree. I sure do hate to see it end up as a subdivision....oh well, one can dream!

The day my camera took a dive!

2007-01-31T20:38:00.000-06:00

I really have to get a new camera to keep things interesting here in blog town. This was one of the last pictures taken with my great camera before it took a little dip in the water and we had to say goodbye. (Tear) With this cold weather I'm longing for the nice warm day we had with our new Kayaks! Come on Spring!

Welcome to my blog!

2007-01-28T12:56:00.000-06:00

I've been exploring! It's so nice to have friends who are not as technically challenged as I am. I'm learning about blogging and thought I would start my own. We'll see how it goes. Join me on this journey. Welcome to my world! Sign up by clicking on the subscribe button below to receive updates and we'll be in touch!

Tina