Playing the G.L.A.D. Game

Hello all-
So I'm very excited! I got an art gig! For those who do not know...I am an artsy fartsy thing. I attended Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan (back when it was a reputable college and not just an extension of Ferris State). I also met my husband there. We were both alone, both a 2 hour drive from our families and we made a connection. We became very good friends and after about 6 months we started dating. A few months after that, I became pregnant. Oops. We decided to marry and now almost 12 years later...here we are. The pregnancy and subsequent marriage has been the foundation that has shaped my destiny. (as only a marriage and a baby can). The Lord has used those first pages in the book of "Mike and Sandy and kids" to draw me closer to Himself. Hindsight is 20/20 they say and they are right. I can look back and see the Lord guiding my path and teaching me along the way. I once heard it said "You can move a large door on small hinges." I learned a lot about sacrifice, patience and forgiveness over the years. The one thing I have wished was different over the years is that I wish I had used my artwork to expand my horizons more and maybe even bring in a few extra dollars. I have done some freelance work in the past, but nothing so exciting has what I have had the opportunity to be involved with right now.

From the time I was 13, and the very first time I knew it existed, I have wanted to go to art college...specifically Kendall College. So you can imagine how exuberant I was when I passed my portfolio review and received the financial aid to attend Kendall. I had been going to Baker College (a business college) in my hometown of Owosso, Michigan for about a year and a half, but decided to transfer to Kendall. I was petrified, worrying if I could afford to go and feverishly trying to find a job, scared to death that I wasn't "good enough", and worrying about being alone and friendless. But...I settled in, got a job as a work study for the college, made a couple of friends (I met Mike the first day of school in my first class) and discovered that I was a purty dern good artist. The classrooms were so dynamic and exciting. I learned SO much. I miss that classroom setting. It illuminated a part of myself that had previously always been in shadow. As I said, I learned so much about myself. Well...when I got preggers I realized that some poor choices on my part were now taking prisoners. I would not let my baby take up my slack. He would be afforded the same opportunities as any other child. Time to grow up Sandy. So my art education and that corner of myself had to go back in shadow. I don't regret it for a minute, however. The Lord has such good gifts for His children. Being a wife and mother agrees with me. I am truly blessed. I do miss that lonely shadowy corner. I am eager to light it again.

So you can imagine how excited I was when my girlfriend approached me with an opportunity to do my artsy fartsy magic. Amber jumped right in and got involved with this charity, G.L.A.D. (Guiding Light Assistance Dogs...they are canines trained to be gentle and patient as children who need a bit of work in their literacy read to them) and is making their website. She is a true computer geek and quite ambitious. Amber mentioned to the GLAD ladies about my bead making. We met for lunch and they want me to make doggie beads. I had made a few samples for them to take a look at and my little glassy gems were a hit. The interesting thing is, that during the course of our lunch and discussion, the fact that I was an Illustration major in school came up. Immediately I felt that same fearful panic that I felt when I first got to Kendall College. "I never finished my degree! What if I'm not good enough? What if they don't like my stuff?!" I rode it out.

You know...on a side note, I have to mention that I think the Lord has a sense of humour. He KNEW they were going to ask me about this and how I would react. Not a warning? No "Hey Sandy, heads up!"??? What's up with that Lord?! I was so nervous and excited at the opportunity. Man, I hope they like my stuff. Ok....ok...breathe.

The GLAD gals asked me to do some illustrations for some booklets they are giving to some of their sponsors. I ran out and got some watercolor paints and brushes, watercolor paper and a new dry erase board to help organize my thoughts. I made one doggie painting and realized how rusty I was so I have another watercolor paper prepared and stretching on a board now. Weeeee!

So...here I am, this great opportunity to be able to use my gifts and talents and I'm in seventh heaven. My little corner has been promised some open shutter time. My Hubster is very supportive so I feel free to prioritize the time to do this right. Thank you Lord. He must have been up there with the angels..."See what's coming up? Ha ha, I can't wait to see the reaction when she realizes what I lined up for her." So I'm riding it out my nervous anxiety until I get into my groove and I'm enjoying the blessing my Heavenly Father has sent me. I'll post some of the illustrations when completed. Well thanks for sharing in my nervous excitement. You all have a lovely week.
God bless!