The artist formerly and currently known as Amanda Jolman graciously offered to contribute some sketches to my book. I am thankful for that, I really am. The giveaway this week and next, that's weeks 4 & 5 for those of you math-types, is a print of one of Amanda's sketches. She found a native Frenchman who retired into the printing business and he's willing to print them on watercolor paper and such a thing would be suitable for framing for yourself or talk about a unique gift for that special someone...my, my.
This week's sketch is Mary's feet. In the book, it accompanies my reflections on Gabriel's announcement to the young girl born to be queen. I envisioned Mary sitting on some bedding with her knees pulled up to her chest and Amanda drew the feet to complete the picture.
We each bring our own insights to art and here are mine in relation to this beautiful sketch. I haven't run these by Amanda; they are my own cockeyed lookings. I see two feet (John, you're brilliant)...no, hold on just a moment. I see two different feet. Look at them. The one on the left is childlike, that of a little girl. Just look at it. The other foot, the one on the right, is older, it's been walked on awhile. Amanda's sketch splendidly captures the two-footed life of the one named Mary. On the one foot, she was a young girl, most likely a tweener. I believe in many ways Mary grew up alongside her son. On the other foot, Mary suddenly had to take steps far beyond her years; she aged all at once - girl, you're a woman now. In addition to the obvious physical weight she carried, she also bore an old man's words deep within, in the place of pondering: This child will rend your heart. Mary - the two-footed mother of God...my, my.
How do I enter these next two weeks, John? Mercy, I'm glad you asked. Would you be willing to help me spread the word about this book? If you have a blog, would you link here? If you are all a-twitter, would you whatever-tweet-people-do here? If you're on Facebook, would you mind pointing the faces of friends in this direction? All I can do is ask, but sometimes you have not because you ask not...so I ask. There's a short selling window on a Christmas book, so I've got to carpay dayuhm. As to leaving a comment, just say hi or something.
I'll reveal the other print next Monday; it's another favorite of mine. Plus, I'll introduce you to Amanda via a brief Q&A. I think you'll like her.
I'd be glad to link to you and share your word-goodness w/ my peeps, tweeps and all other matter of friends.... ;)
ReplyDeleteThe sketch is just beautiful. Looking forward to meeting Amanda!
Will link up today. Gorgeous sketch. And lurve what you saw in them.
ReplyDeleteNetworking via technology. Count me in! Lane
ReplyDeleteJust posted a plug and review of your book on Facebook. Love your observations about the sketch.
ReplyDeleteI will try to create a link to my blog, but in the past I have not been very successful at doing that. But I will give it a plug.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that...will do it again.
ReplyDeleteHad you on the blog for a while now, both my readers visit the Shame often. Put a link on my Facebook status, also sent you the ol' friend request. Can never have to many of those.
ReplyDeleteJohn!! Please let me quote from your book during my group's annual Christmas concert. I've written two concerts about SEEING like we've never SEEN before, but you say things so much more... well, CONSISELY... than I've ever said them. How do I get permission to quote?
ReplyDeleteI am a father of three children, a 12 year old boy, a 2 1/2 year old girl, and a 1 year old girl. The girls are developing so quickly. The 2 1/2 year old seems to be acquiring a dozen words a day. She is constantly "testing the waters" in her social interactions with her mother and I. She is picking up phrases her mother uses frequently. Her favorite is, "Holy Moley, Goodness Me!" She also likes to attempt to walk in her mother's assortment of shoes, boots, and heals.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw this sketch of Mary's feet and you pondered their significance, I reflected on my daughter's development due to the presence of her mother and I wondered......
How much did Jesus acquire in how he approached life, how he interacted with others, how he talked, how he walked..... from watching his mother?
I wonder if the writer of I John knew that Jesus learned how to walk by watching the feet of his mother when he instructed us....
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. I John 2:6
My I follow in Jesus's footsteps as he surely must have followed in his mother's.
Your blog is becoming a buoy amonst the waves of my doubts and wanderings. I have asked others in my FB circle to check out your blog.
ReplyDeletehappy to blog about your book. amanda's sketches are lovely, and i can't wait to get a copy myself to read and see all you have poured into the pages.
ReplyDeleteasiabeth.blogspot.com