First Word

Carnation Sunny Irises Flower Mosaic Why do I paint flowers? It's autobiographical. In 2015, I became severely depressed. I was bitterly unhappy in my personal life. After having dedicated myself to the wrong man whose duplicity and manipulation was pushing me into emotional and financial crisis, I was starting to hate my life. Of course, I didn't know at the time that he was emotionally messing with my heart, mind and life. All I knew was I was in constant conflict and under tremendous financial pressure with absolutely no support.  I decided rather than focus on my personal life, which was in constant stress, I would return to what made me feel good. I always loved painting. The question became, what should I paint and use as my subject matter. I decided to study and paint flowers of all kinds. Why? Flowers are colorful and represent beauty in the natural world. Since my intention was to lift my depression, I felt that using a colorful and beautiful subject matt...

I am an artist and photographer -- and a writer.  I am a mother and no one's wife -- not anymore. I am bold, fierce and strong -- even when I feel weak. I am sensitive, kind and generous -- although I am not to myself. I pave my own way -- and make my own path. I walk forward and rarely backward -- my head always high. I am feminine and sexy -- and once in a while I strut. I am a nature-lover and nurturer -- and need some in return. And tomorrow I turn 50 -- and that's pretty great! ~ Michelle Lynn Gamble

Pure As I rest in your arms The top of my head snuggled in the crook and the faint sound of chimes in the wind of silence and in the magnificence of a feeling spreading throughout my soul like a slow flow of water and the coming of the tide. Sweetness of the gentle suggestion of the moment that lingers between us like a well-spoken inspiration and quiet smile of appreciation as we enjoy the true bond of friendship. Innocence of the heart without strings of the loyalty without question of the beauty of essence. Warmth in the afterglow of touch in the slow, sensual nature of kiss in the quiet laughter of knowledge in the serenity of perfect connection. If I say this is love If I say this is friendship If say I love you ... And you love me ... Then the stillness embraces the joy of two hearts. ~ Michelle Gamble

Decided to have some mindless fun and visited this place in the Palladio called Painted . I'm trying to decide if the painting looks good or like my 4th-grader painted it. I naturally don't care. It was really relaxing mindlessly painting it. For you wine lovers, Painted also serves a glass of wine with your artistic efforts. I don't drink very often so I didn't imbibe, but I did enjoy the relaxation. Apparently, few painters visit the studio on a Friday afternoon. I visited at lunch time. My companion in tow decided to stroll the Palladio and eventually draw ... out of boredom. I wasn't bored. I was happy and relaxed. I liked the distraction away from my daily stressors. Hobbies are like that -- they provide wonderful distractions. So while my "work of art" may be comparable to my 4th-grader's efforts, I'm still happy about it.