Did I ever mention I want to be an artist?

I want to paint! As a matter of fact, I want to paint trees!

I know it sounds weird, but I have the most amazing tree in my front yard (I'll have to take a picture of it). I love that tree! It is HUGE and provides the most amazing shade. It keeps our home cool in the summer and it's the last tree in the neighborhood to lose all it's leaves.

I thought it would be a good idea to take photos of trees at the museum today - to assist me in painting them. I came to that conclusion because I sat down last night to attempt to paint one - and I discovered something pretty darn amazing. Painting is NOT as easy as an artist makes it look! As a matter of fact, it's NOT EASY AT ALL!!!!! I can tell I am going to need to "TRAIN" for this....

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

View outside of the museum - what a glorious day!

More photos....

Picasso!

OH MY GOSH!!!!! There is SO MUCH to Picasso that I didn't know! What an amazing exhibit! RUN - DO NOT WALK - to the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond, Virginia! You don't want to miss this once in a life-time opportunity to see Picasso's work!

Feb 19, 2011 – May 15, 2011

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts proudly announces a landmark exhibition in honor of its 75th anniversary, Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris. VMFA is the only East Coast venue for the exhibition’s seven-city international tour. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 19 through May 15, 2011, is co-organized by the Musée National Picasso, Paris and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets are available now.

Drawn from the collection of the Musée National Picasso in Paris, the largest and most significant repository of the artist’s work in the world, this exhibition represents works produced during every major artistic period of Pablo Picasso’s eight-decade career. It includes 176 works from Picasso’s personal collection – art that he kept for himself with the purpose of shaping his own legacy. Altria Group is the presenting sponsor for the exhibition.

“By bringing this major international exhibition to the Commonwealth, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating its 75th anniversary year in a significant way, by presenting a remarkable gift to all Virginians and Americans,” states Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia. “I encourage all our citizens and those outside the Commonwealth to come visit Virginia's museum and enjoy the Picasso exhibition. Virginia is a wonderful destination for so many experiences, including world-class art.”

“This exhibition is without a doubt a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the American public,” says Alex Nyerges, director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. “An exhibition this monumental is extremely rare, especially one that spans the entire career of a figure who many consider the most influential, innovative, and creative artist of the 20th century.”

In addition to showcasing some of Picasso’s most outstanding works, the exhibition tells a compelling story about the development of the artist’s career, his artistic inspirations, and his profound impact on modern art.

The unique opportunity to exhibit Picasso’s work at this time is possible because the Musée Picasso National in Paris is closed for renovations until 2012, allowing for a global tour of this full-scale survey to travel for the first and possibly only time.

“We are extremely proud to be partnering with VMFA to bring such a significant art exhibition to our Richmond headquarters community,” said Marty Barrington, executive vice president, Altria Group, and VMFA trustee. “With the Picasso exhibition, VMFA continues to realize its vision of world-class quality that will make Richmond a leading destination for fine art in the United States. Altria is pleased to support this exhibition, which will enrich our Richmond community in many ways.”

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Book Review)

Inspired by real events, this moving novel tells an epic story through
an intimate focus on two lost lovers. Readers will hold their breath as
they sail through this emotional and honest tale of hope, faith and love
in the face of uncertainty.

I wanted to read this book because I am inspired by drama at sea. I sat on the edge of my seat as I watched Titanic sink into the abyss (EVERY time I watched it - too numerous to recall). The respect I have for the power of the ocean, not to mention the never-ending cycle of life that thrives underneath, tied together with the millions of “treasures” lost in the unknown (never to be re-discovered) are some of the many reasons I am in awe/inspired by the ocean.

I loved this story because it revolved around HOPE, about never giving up, around miracles and God’s complete control over everything. I enjoyed the way the chapters flip-flopped from one character's story to the other (keeping us completely engaged).

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, faith-inspired hope, love stories! The author's style/flow reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks novel (I just happened to watch Message in a Bottle last night-oh my gosh, can you say CRY YOUR EYES OUT!).


Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift and The Homecoming. Dan is finishing up his 5th book with Revell, and has also begun work on a novel with Guideposts. He is part of a team of authors writing a new series called "Miracles of Marble Cove." A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area. To learn more about Dan and his books, visit his website at www.danwalshbooks.com

Available April 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.