The Paint Barrel

A friend and I had a fun night out a few weeks ago. I enjoy finding local fun things to do and finding something inexpensive is even better! We choose to meet up on a Friday night at The Paint Barrel. Everyone arrived semi on time and we were all eager to paint a sunset vineyard (everyone paints the same thing). All items are included (canvas, brushes, and paint) and if you would like to sip on a glass of vino while painting then you can do so at a low price. My friend Raquel was a little nervous and I was mega nervous. I had to share with her the flashbacks that I was having. I attended a private school for Junior High and for my art class we all had to paint Starry Night by Vincent VanGogh. I still remember that C- that I received on that painting. I think I should have at least got a B for effort. As I sat in front of the instructor at the Paint Barrel I was thinking of my parents proudly displaying my rendition of Starry Night so I could totally create this Sunset Vineyard (and I will proudly display it). Now that I have seriously bored everyone with my pathetic 8th sob story, let the pictures do the talking!

Plenty of space to accommodate many people (a Bachelorette took place here)

The instructor's area

All smiles before we even started, soon it turned into slight smile

Ready to get our paint on

Loved how my sunset turned out and the hills were beautiful (yes I did this on my own)

The final product!

I am looking forward to going back again! There are so many fun paintings but the one I really want to create is a sailboat sunset. Maybe I should find an easier painting class.....

You've never failed and you wont start now

I lost my auntie on Friday.... a hard cancer battle.... I cannot take the heartache. Here is a song that I am clinging to and I hope this song brings others joy and peace.

Oceans Where Feet May Fail Me
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

These are the lyrics and I love them, totally applicable to me currently. I think back at our last conversation and I can still hear her voice nice and clear. Wishing I could have spoke to her longer, wish I could have seen her, wish I could have told her that I love her one more time, wishing we could have spent another afternoon sipping tea, and the "wish I could" continues......

This is not a good bye but a see you soon! When she was first diagnosed she shared with us and I will never forget that day. Later she attended my baby shower, my son's first birthday and my 30th birthday bash. Treasuring each moment. Hold your loved ones close, tell them that you love them, and cling to the hope that "my soul will rest in your embrace." Anyone that is struggling with the loss of a loved one and needs encouraging I am here to give you the hope that can only come my Heavenly Father. The one and only way that I am making it through is by the many prayers from family and friends and the assurance that I will see her again!

My sweet auntie Rosie and my son 

My sweet auntie, myself (4 months pregnant), cousin Monique, and my sister Nancy