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Saturday, September 6, 2008

IF's Word of the week "Clutter"


Peter's head was often filled with negative words that cluttered his mind and spirit.
His mom knew that it was time to help him clean house before it was to late.
Remember what our moms and dads told us when people said mean things to us?
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."
It sound good, but sadly it was a lie. I use to get my butt handed to me at school.
I was constantly picked on and bullied. It wasn't so much the hitting that injured
as it was the words that people said. Someone will always say, "You're to old, young,
skinny, fat, black, white, yellow, red, rich, poor or something. It has made me
so aware and careful of what comes out of my mouth. I can either bless and encourage
or curse and be negative. I rather bless and encourage. I now fill my head with positive words
and affirmations each day. I am always better than I think I am and I can do all thing through
Christ who gives me strength and creativity. I am a winner and so are you!

28 comments:

kim holt said...

Very nice commentary and wonderful illustration. I absolutely love your retro/modern style.

Eric Barclay said...

Vanessa, I love your work! Really like the old school feel and your use of colors on this one. Great message, too. Have a terrific week.

notmassproduced said...

hey, like this (a lot)

Asja said...

wonderful illustration- such a great idea for the topic!

Vicki Smith said...

Very nice! Great detail and simplicity.

Unknown said...

Wonderful sentiments. This one has such an elegant, clean graphic look - really lovely

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for being the first comment on my blog! It's kind of funny actually, because before I posted my illo I clicked on two that were already up, and you were one of them. I really like your style and how it's retro and whimsical. I added you to my list of favorites. Thank you also for the good advice :)

Kelly said...

Your work is superb! I have added you to my blog list!

rachel stoleru haim said...

Hi there! Your blog is really wonderfull and inspiring! I've read your post about different illustration styles - I totaly agree, although I sometimes feel it makes it harder for me to approach potential clients. But there really is no other way... I've come to the conclusion that the best solution for me is to write and illustrate my own stuff, and I think you should do so, because your illos are full of details and your characters kind of wait for you to tell their stories.

Connie said...

Wonderful! Beautiful colours and depth in the message.

Juan said...

haha... Great stuff. Beautifully done!

Heather said...

I like the way you depicted this, and the way the designs on the mom's skirt match the words. This is so true. I keep telling my son to stop calling himself stupid because his brain will believe it.

Kathleen Rietz said...

Very meaingful...thanks for giving me something to reflect upon as I work tonite.

Lisa M Griffin said...

Vanessa, this is so true and meaningful for children (and adults) of all ages. Words and actions can cut so deep, but it sounds like you had some wonderful support in your corner to help you grow into the giving and positive person you are today. I need to print out this fantastic illustration and post it on my bulletin board to remind me to dump all those nagging doubts out of my own head daily. Fantastic post/illo... thank you for starting my week out with a fresh and postive mindset! =)

Maldito Columpio said...

I love it!
the little words and all the colors...
congratulations!

Fannie said...

Vanessa, excellent illustration and words. Message of truth. YOU are a winner! Thanks for sharing.

INDIGENE said...

Amen! Great imagery!

www.indigeneartforms.blogspot.com

ratsliveon said...

Love the detail on the mother's dress. This illo is wonderful, very sweet :)

Bella Sinclair said...

Excellent, excellent illo and beautiful words. It's so true. I just read a blurb about a study that showed that emotional pain from words lasts much much longer than physical pain.

Without in any way justifying harsh words and name-calling, I'm secretly thankful for all the names I've been called while growing up. I think it made me more sensitive to others' feelings and more tolerant of others' differences. And that's what I try to pass on to my children.

flower girl said...

I love your work!! Wonderful and beautiful... :)

Scooter said...

Loving the colors- yummy!

Mark Cavell said...

Fantastic piece. To me this has a 1950’s ad feel, wonderful line work and colours. Magical

Kay Aker said...

What a great message and image!

Auki said...

Great job!

life without novacaine said...

Wow! Great illo for this topic, you nailed it on the head! Love your colors and illustrative style. I am so glad I found you!
Thank you for your comment on my blog. I'll be watching you for more great creations!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for dropping by the blog....you've got some great stuff here! Nice work.

Lisa Rivas said...

I like this clutter you have in your head Vanessa! Way to go you are the best :)

g said...

Beautiful thoughts & art. I posted this article in my recent blog.
Thank you!