All we need is love...

...blog love, that is!

You were introduced to artist Diana Moses Botkin in my previous post. Is is necessary to proclaim that I am a fan?

"Prince of Peace" ©1983 Diana Moses Botkin - Used by permission
(this is a low-res image - visit her site for a better representation)

I purchased a number of "Prince of Peace". (Shhhh - I plan to add mats with a delicate gilded or silvered paper filigree border - or possibly white papers with a black edge - and then frame them for Christmas gifts - for next year, of course. In the past I would have killed myself trying to get them done for this Christmas, but I am slowly wising up!)

Anyway, I just found out her special was extended to December 19th on prints in the "Renaissance" series -- buy 2 get 1 free with free shipping for orders of $50 plus, but Christmas delivery is no longer guaranteed.

If you haven't popped over to her website or blog to see her work, I hope you will do so soon! I especially encourage you to look at "My Father's Business" -- she has infused layers of meaning into this piece (hint: look closely at the shadow - I missed it the first time!) Isn't it an effective device to convey such deep meaning? I'd love to hear what you think.

A New Christmas Song to LOVE!

(plus a little blog love for two friends!)

(photo courtesy of brucgreg at photobucket)

I wrote about this on my creative writing blog, but I wanted to highlight it here also.

Jamie Soles is a talented guitarist and singer/songwriter, as well as a dear friend. He and his lovely wife, Val, live in Grande Prairie, AB Canada with their eight great kids. We love to have them crash at our place whenever they are in the area. It's an extended slumber party with singing on the patio at nights -- glorious!

Son is a must-hear song. It has been playing in the background during our Christmas preparations and activities...and I can't resist singing along. It is such a beautiful encapsulation of the timeless Christmas story that we all know so well.

Please click the play button and enjoy (used with permission).

"Prince of Peace" (c)1983 Diana Moses Botkin

Used by permission

Son [From the Weight of Glory album, 2007]

Joseph, Mary, nine months, carried
Census, senseless, we must go

Travel, painful, comfort, hopeful
No room, what now?
One place more

Barnyard, pungent, cattle, manger
What a time to be a stranger

Dark night, starlight, shepherds, big fright
Angels! Bright light! Good news tonight!

Master, Saviour, Promised Deliverer
Humbled, veiled, God Most High

Redemption, salvation, adoption, new creation
Propitiation, God's own Son

Songs will always ring
From those who've left their wandering
And found rest, true rest
God's own Son

© Jamie Soles Nov 28 1996


You can hear more clips from his album Weight of Glory and purchase this song "Son" or any of his other songs from Jamie's website or from iTunes. I can't recommend him highly enough.

The small sketch featured above is by Diana Moses Botkin, (her blog) a very talented artist and personal acquaintance. Isn't this one of the most poignant depictions of the Christ-Child and his mother you have seen? Diana is running a special on her 'Renaissance' series of prints until 12/15 - buy two, get one free (and free shipping for orders over $50) Contact her for more details.

So....tell me about your favorite Christmas song this year. I love to discover new music!