April Coffee Talk ~ Reflections on Painting, Writing, Faith & Joy

By Jayme H. Mansfield @ JaymeMansfield

Today we awaken to a new day, a new month, the beginning of a new season. My heart is full. New life. New hope. New joy. Resurrection.

Even though snow lingers along the riverbanks and knee-high drifts remain next to snow fences and rocky overhangs, there is new life. Barely green-tinged grass pushes from the moist soil. Tiny buds fill the cottonwood branches that stretch over the river. The birds are back, busy making nests from windy winter fallen twigs and Bella and Millies' winter coat shed that dots the yard.

The river, though forever flowing even beneath winter’s ice and snow, now reveals itself with a steady current as it bathes the river rocks. Cows and their newborn calves gather at the banks, a steady symphony of mooing in tempo with the water’s flow.

I remain inspired to paint the heavenly scenes around me. And though my palette is beginning to change — winter’s cool blues and grays ebbing toward spring’s soft greens, warm yellows, and hints of pink and purple—I am thankful for the past months and joyfully await what is to come.

But as for now, I am watching for the bald eagle to again soar outside my studio window. Its silence and speed eludes my camera. For now, the majestic raptor reminds me to enjoy the present—and like the river over me, bathe in God’s beauty and grace and be thankful for a new day.

I hope my creative work inspires you to discover and enjoy your own creativity and special slice of heaven. Where, with whom, and what is your glimmer of heaven? It might be just beneath your nose!

About the author:

Jayme H. Mansfield is an artist, author, speaker, and educator. Having lived in Colorado for the majority of her life and running her long-time art studio, Piggy Toes, Jayme now leads dedicated writing and art retreats (along with horses, of course!) on the Wyoming ranch where she and her husband live. Her favorite journey is pursuing her dreams, finding adventure, and passionately painting and writing with an ever-present artistic flair.

Her award-winning books, Chasing the Butterfly, RUSH, Seasoned, and Portrait of Deceit, are book club favorites, with genres spanning historical, contemporary, and literary suspense. Each of her stories reveal the transformational power of art and faith. As always, Jayme's writing is filled with vivid imagery that stirs the human heart and gifts the reader an abundance of hope and joy. Admittedly, she is a "happy-ending" author as the world needs a great deal more of that.

She loves to connect with art and book lovers! Visit her at www.jaymehmansfield.com for soon-to-be released books, stunning original artwork, and her inspirational and witty newsletter! You can also connect with her on her private FB group, The Painterly Life, for creative encouragement and community.

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