Hello to all my dear friends, you who have born with me through the years I've been here and given me that estimable and incredible support and suggestions with my art... (please read)

Here is my last update ...indefinitely. I'm not 'leaving' per-say, but it may end up that way. I'm just about to leave on my internship with Eagles' Wings Ministries in Clarence, NY. I'll leave about halfway through September to join them for a 9 month internship, I don't know what will come after that.

I've been working my butt off this summer and am dreadfully excited for Saturday's now. Sunday's are always very busy for me...and for the first two months of summer I worked Saturdays. I got a little too worn out working that much, however, and so now I'm only working Monday through Friday so I have time to prepare for my internship and purchase all my needed possessions.

As for started art projects, I don't know if I'll ever finish any of them. I'd love to finish the charger and soldier commission, and promised my sister-in-law that I'd paint her a preggy picture (she's due in October!! first grandkid for my parents ), but she hasn't given me one to paint yet so I'm just about out of time. Maybe I can draw on up on paper, that always takes me many hours less. I'd love to do a really good job with it though, and I have ideas for it that flow better on the computer.

I can't thank you enough, especially ones who have taken time again and again to talk to me, for giving me help with art. I've learned almost all of what I know from watching you here, and from your suggestions. I've just finished my first detailed human portrait, (the only other human portrait I've done was of my best friend Liz which you can find tucked away somewhere in my gallery)...and I'm actually shocked how good it turned out. Don't get me wrong, I know it has its own faults, but it gives me faith to believe in myself and the courage to try new things. People really aren't as bad as I've always thought. You have given me that insight. You've encouraged me to try. You've believed in me even through the short notes and quiet words. I've just thought of ~DancesWithHorses and tears pop into my eyes at the memory of all the help she gave me, along with all the good memories I have stored up from the rest of your relationships with me. I'm so excited to see where your talents will carry you.

Try new things. Have faith. Be encouraged. You're not there yet, but you are sure getting somewhere, and if you raise your eyes from your current circumstances and look around...you'll realize you're not alone.

I love you all very much,

Kristy

(Comment I'll be checking back for comments before I leave)