iHannas Postcard Swap by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

It was an exciting year for the iHannas postcard swap. The cards came from everywhere and were all original in design and this year I received a bonus card for 11 total! They came from Israel, Kodak Island Alaska, Jacksonville Florida, Shoreline Washington, 2 from Phoenix Arizona,  Redwood City California,  2 from Sweden, one I couldn't read the postmark, and last but not least Texas.

The top one with the pretty zinnias was from Alaska and she put a treasure of a cute ladybug pin on the top that was from the 1940s. The one below, in the spirit of autum colors had leaves that were made from paper that had flower seeds in them and it was from Texas.

Such fun making new friends all over the world! Creativity is putting your imagination to work!

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Creativity takes courage and  I thank all of these creative souls for sharing their art with me and Hanna for hosting the swap.

Painting like Picasso! By Leada Wood Texas Artist

Picasso was  co-founder of the Cubism movement which was an avant-garde art movement that forever changed the face of painting and sculpting. Subjects and objects in cubism are broken into pieces and re-arranged into an abstract form.  The kids used simple shapes, fun colors and recycled cardboard to do their versions without too much regard to realism. Its harder to do than you imagine. I think they did a marvelous job and it was  another fun day in the studio.  Thanks for dropping by!

Happy Thanksgiving! by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy. Thanksgiving isn't just a day, it is how we should live our lives every day. Gratitude can transform ordinary days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change opportunities into blessings. There is always something to be grateful for, all we have to do is open our eyes and heart and look for it.

"In all things give thanks." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Birds, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

When we were children, times were simpler and it seemed logical that if we wished it, our thoughts might make them become true. It is always better to look on the bright side and have hope and see things through the eyes of a child. Seeing that our world is still full of wonders and miracles.

"And I learned what is obvious to a child. That life is simply a collection of little lives, each lived one day at a time. That each day should be spent finding beauty in flowers and poetry and talking to animals. That a day spent with dreaming and sunsets and refreshing breezes cannot be bettered. But most of all, I learned that life is about sitting on benches next to ancient creeks with my hand on her knee and sometimes, on good days, for falling in love."  --Nicholas Sparks

Happy Birds By Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will.      -A.W.  Tozer

On the ground sits a bird that's too afraid to fly.
Beautiful wings could make it soar, but the pain of past failure is its lonesome cry.
 God has said unto this bird,"Trust and have faith in me, for i will carry you in your flight.
The miracle of life is waiting for you to see."
The bird said to God "but I can't fly I am weak. I will fall and feel pain. It's happened before when I tried to fly.
I'm afraid of being hurt again.
His voice was soft and reassuring , God said to the bird,
"I created you, and I will protect you. Your lonesome cry I have heard. Have faith in me. That's all you need to do.
So stand up, bird, and spread your wings. The wings I lovingly created to let you fly. If you fall I'll pick you up, and lift you back into the sky."
With trembling legs and unsure wings, the bird finally looked to the sky. It took a deep breath and took the chance. The bird began to fly.
Thank you God for believing in me. Thank you for giving me  wings. Thank you for your protecting hands. Your glory I will now sing.
                                 

Happy Birds by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

We all need a little hope in our lives. That is what keeps us going...it anchors our souls and keeps us steadfast. It's that small still voice that says never give up...keep trying. Hope is stronger than fear.

"Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all."  - Emily Dickinson

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

"Happy birds" by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

My Happy Birds all in a row have flown the coop and are making their ways to their new homes. iHannas 2017 autumn international postcard exchange was fun but now I must move on and create new images and stories. I have been getting little works of art in my post for a couple of weeks now from everywhere. Thank you to Hanna Anderson who lives in Sweden for hosting yet another wonderful exchange!

Here are my happy birds along with the envelopes I painted for the international cards. I was afraid that they might get lost on such a long flight. I sent cards to Israel, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Sverige, as well as Indiana, California and Washington. I will share the ones I received on another post later. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birds Series by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Listen to your heart,

it harbors sacred things.

Give from your heart;

abundance it brings.

Pray through your heart; 

guidance in need.

Follow your heart,

it knows how to lead.  

                                                        ----Paul Sutherland

Happy Birds series ©2017 Leada Wood, iHannas fall postcard swap

Happy Birds, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things.
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings. --Mark Harris


Happy Bird Series, ©2017 Leada Wood, iHannas 2017 fall postcard swap

Happy Birds, by Leada Wood, Texas Artist

Go Confidently in the direction of your dreams and Live the life you imagined. --Thoreau

Happy Bird Series, ©2017 Leada Wood, mixed media, iHannas 2017 fall postcard swap