"Feeling Blessed", 11x14, oil on panel, blessings, light and shadow, impressionist paintings, floral arrangements in paint, Greg McLogan, James1:17, Maryanne Jacobsen art

"Feeling Blessed", 11x14, oil on panel

The painting above is a self-portrait of sorts in that I have often looked back over my life and considered my many blessings. Some people have said I live a charmed life. Others declare that I am fortunate, or lucky. So what's the difference between being lucky and being blessed?

Below, I quote the words of author/writer Greg McLogan from his blog "Simple and Deep" because he has summed up this simple truth in a way that I myself could not articulate.

"I have learned that there is a huge difference between thinking and saying I’m just lucky or believing I am blessed. It lies in the difference in the mindset and heart of being one or the other. Being lucky is the idea that by chance, something in the universe made a situation go in your favor. Being blessed is attributing a given situation to the goodness of God or another person. I keep myself in the mindset of being blessed, because I know that things happen a reason, rather than the mindset that things happen by random chance. So to be a Christian, is to believe that there’s no such thing as luck. Saying it was luck or attributing everything to luck denies that God is in control. The credit for everything good that happens to us is God’s. There’s no such thing as luck, because God is alive and well. He cares about us, and wants to be involved in every area of our lives."- Greg McLogan

Finally, I love this quote from the Bible reminding us that every good thing comes down from the Father Of Lights above: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.- James1:17

"The Gate of the Year", 16x20, oil on linen, Minnie Louise Haskins, King George VI, Christmas address, gates, darkness, paintings inspired by poetry, Maryanne Jacobsen art

"The Gate of the Year", 16x20, oil on linen

This painting was inspired by a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins, (1875-1957).

It was recited by radio to a troubled nation by King George VI, the reigning monarch of England during the time when Great Britain was at war.

The Third Reich of Nazi Germany had ruled in Germany since Hitler took over in 1933.  Germany had become a fascist totalitarian state and the Hitler regime had spread terror across Europe.  In September 1939, Great Britain had entered the Second World War.  And in three months, the nation was gripped in the clutches of fear.  With every air-raid siren that pierced the ears of the English people, anxiety increased and fear overwhelmed them.  Uncertainty for the New Year reigned in the hearts and minds of Great Britain’s citizens.

In December 1939, as was the English custom, the king addressed the nation on a BBC radio broadcast on Christmas Day, and, in the uncertain last days of 1939, the king spoke words of peace to calm his nation. He reminded them of the only true King, the One who can provide true peace and real rest in such troubled times.  As King George concluded his message of encouragement, he read the preamble of a poem that had been brought to his attention by his young daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God.  That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

I hope you enjoy this painting, and thank-you, Ms. Haskins, for the inspiration.

"Wish You Were Here", 11x14, oil on panel, Maryanne Jacobsen art, Galer Winery and Estate, Peonies, paintings of peonies, wine, Kennett Square attractions, Chester County Wineries, still life, impressionism, AirBnB

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"Wish You Were Here", 11x14, oil on panel

My husband and I have been using Airbnb and VRBO for years. With very few exceptions we have been very happy with these sites, which offer an eclectic array of alternatives to hotels.

A recent trip took us to a lovely Cottage on the grounds of the Galer Winery and Estate near Longwood Gardens in Chester County, Pa.

The cottage overlooks the vineyard, and it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The peonies were blooming and we were greeted by bouquets of peonies in our room when we arrived. The interior is charming and quite cozy, and we loved the views from the window and front porch. The booking also provides for a complimentary wine tasting!

I couldn't resist setting up a little still life using the peonies to full advantage, as you can see from the finished painting above.

I hate telling about the little gems that we have found along our winding roads, but this one was just too good not to brag about. If you are looking for a great place to stay for a romantic weekend in the Brandywine Valley, I highly recommend this little gem of a cottage!

If you would like to purchase my painting, "Wish you were Here", just follow this link and use the PayPal button. And if you like my work, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and sign up for my newsletter through my website.