Love is out there.

Another LONG week working in the city.

Freshly-fallen snow crunched at my feet as more showered down between the skyscrapers.

Across the street were three construction signs, lined up one after the other.

Someone had drawn a heart on their snow-covered faces.

Someone still believes in love, I thought.

It has become increasingly discouraging for me being alone and single (more than usual).

At times I've given up hope of meeting someone…of finding love.

How fitting I found the hearts.

Three signs (literally) reminding me love is out there.

Vacuuming on Valentine's Day.

I asked several of my coworkers what their plans were for Valentine's Day.

All of them said spending the day with their boyfriend/girlfriend.

When they asked me in return, I replied, "Vacuuming at home."

Sadly, that's the truth.

Even though Valentine's Day can be hard for those of us who are single, I'm still very happy for the people who do have someone to love and be in love with.

They are truly blessed in that way.

I hope to be so lucky.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

"Justin's heart" (Shared Journal - Page 6)

He was standing across from me. An inner peace and happiness warmed me.

I wanted to tell him everything my heart felt but didn't know how. So I said nothing. That was the last I saw him. Gone from my life as if never being there at all.

::: Step one - Pencil drawing :::

At one time I thought he'd be the one to marry. How naive of me.

I've already mourned the loss of him but still wonder how he is. Hard to believe it's been five years.

This is one of my entries for the Shared Journal I'm doing. The sketch book felt a safe spot for it.

::: Step 2 - Underpainting (watercolor and ink) :::

He will always hold his first husband in his heart--as he should. So long as he's not shutting out others who will love him now.

Surely he's started a new life for himself and he deserves that. Wherever he is, whomever he's with, I hope he's healthy and happy and whole.

God bless you, Justin Sullivan.

I love you.

::: Step 3 - Completion :::

Wordless Wednesday - This week's blizzard!

Shared Journal--the beginning.

I just went along with it. It was all his idea.

Fellow artist, David K. Small and I started a Shared Journal!

A journal we'd each add to and then mail back to one another once our page(s) was finished. Back and forth until the journal was completed.

David thought it was a good way for both of us to draw and paint more. And I like to think we'd feed off each other's creativity.

This is the sketch book that was purchased:

(Bee Paper - Aquabee, spiral-bound, mixed media - 9" X 9")

And here's the cover after I added texture medium and then David painted it…..

Love that stylized "D", David!

Here are several of David's entries so far--mine will be in a separate post:

::: Inside flap :::

::: Page 4 :::

::: Page 5 :::

There are no real rules we're following in terms of medium or subject matter, so it'll be interesting what we come up with along the way.

It's been hard giving up control knowing someone else will want to do things their way (I'm argumentative and stubborn…sometimes). But I guess that's the whole point. Letting go and creating something amazing--together.

Let's go for it, smallville!

[To see more of David's artwork, art quilts, acrylic paintings, and MORE, be sure to follow his facebook page. And don't miss out on his art giveaways there either!]