New Beginnings -

Well, in true Caroline fashion, it has been over a year since my last post.

Oh-my, do I have a lot to update you guys on.

It has truly been a full year of "firsts."

Here is a quick timeline of the highlights.

I had a song written about me (you can hear it in the wedding video below).

Benjamin & Caroline - Highlight Video from Edward Estes on Vimeo.

I got engaged.

I sold my first painting.

I bought a house with my soon-to-be hubby.

I lived by myself, which was also a first, & loved it.

I got married to the best man that I have ever met.

I went to the Dominican Republic and snuba diving (yes, snuba).

Sadly, the camera used to capture these precious memories no longer functions.

I got my first male roommate (the hubby),

and my house became a much more fun and untidy place.

I experienced the first death of someone close to me, my grandfather.

I switched careers - from 7th grade Language Arts teacher

to full time vocational ministry.

I planted my first flower garden (well, the first one actually

in the ground -flower pots in the window sill of my

college apartment doesn't count).

I had my first Christmas as a Mrs. I decorated my house,

made Christmas goodies for my neighbors, and

played "Santa" for the first time.

Although, I don't think my husband was fooled.

Oh yea, and it was my first white Christmas!

Benjamin and I made the first addition to our family, Miss Roxie Sox.

I became an aunt to the most precious baby girl, Chandler Gray.

I know it sounds silly but, if I am ever blessed with children,

I hope I can love them as much as I love her.

And that, ladies and gents, is probably the best ending to a blog post ever.

xoxo,

Caroline

"Under My Umbrella"

It is true that "when it rains, it pours." During these times, having loyal friends is indispensable. Finding a selfless friend who cares, serves, loves, encourages, and supports is rare. This painting demonstrates a personal, cherished friendship with which I have been blessed. I know this friend will help carry my burden when something is weighing me down. And, when it really pours, I know I have an invitation to share an umbrella. And, while under it, we'll probably be singing "Umbrella" by Rihanna....because yep, it's our favorite. :) Enjoy the lyrics...

"When the sun shines, we'll shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be a friend

Took an oath, I'ma stick it out till the end

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella"

Flowers Galore

I often find myself covering another canvas with flowers. I'm not sure what it is; maybe it's that the variety of flowers to be explored is endless, or maybe they are just the most enjoyable, simple thing for a beginning artist to try. Whatever the attraction is, I always laugh at the many ways I choose to depict them. As you can see, it varies from literal, to abstract , to just plain uncanny.