St. Teresa de Avila
St. Lucy
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Sketch A Saint
My friend, Christi is making pendants out of some of my saint sketches. Here are a couple of images!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Win 3 Catholic Kids Books!
Hello Everyone! Thank you for all the pre-orders today!
A couple of my fellow authors and I are planning an event for kids in the spring, but we need your feedback! Please follow this link to participate in a survey!
A couple of my fellow authors and I are planning an event for kids in the spring, but we need your feedback! Please follow this link to participate in a survey!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Pre-Order for The Story of Saint John Paul II: A Boy Who Became Pope
PRE-ORDER is now available!
Click on BOOKS to buy!
“We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures. We are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son…” - Pope John Paul II
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
It's Time
Well this has been quite the year. I still don't know where God is going with it all, but there's hope that even I can't screw it all up if I try my darndest to remain faithful. The following passage has sort of been my theme prayer for today and yesterday and the day before that.
"Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about."
- John Henry Cardinal Newman
And it is a comfort to know that I'm not in charge. I just have to say yes.
Yes to moving to Boston.
Yes to figuring out finances with my arty brain.
Yes to finding a job or jobs.
Yes to each new day.
Yes to the unknown.
Today I sat down with a couple of my gal pals who are getting their books published too (or have already!) And it was so exciting to learn all the ways to market a book and make money! Honestly as ignorant I am about finance in general, it made me want to learn how to do it all! Manage expenses, mail books personally and put together talks. It's daunting for a I-Just-Want-To-Draw girl like me. The last time a felt on top of things was in High School.
The problem is I live in my head too much. I could daydream and draw my way through life if I didn't have to make money to you know eat and be an adult. I just want to make things. A tree house. A pop-out book. A mural. For nothing. I just like doing those things. Contracts, taxes and profits make me squirm. Maybe once I learn how to do all that like I pro I'll really like it. And I'll kick myself in the shins for not getting excited earlier. And I'm the daughter of an extremely successful finance director. But anyhoo. Let's talk about something more exciting like...
The CATCHING FIRE PREMIERE (Gleeeful Sounds)
I don't know why I've devoured these books a gillion times. But I have and tomorrow I'm wearing my nerdy mockingjay pin proudly and staying up way too late... again. Staying up with my sister while she writes her papers has been cozy and cathartic but very irresponsible. She slips in episodes of "Growing Pains" and it's like I can't stop to sleep. Or she'll show me performances from 'The Voice' or 'X Factor' and there goes half the night.
So again I hope I can handle all the things I feel very bad at doing. If I do them well, it's only because of Grace. I'm naturally only wired to draw, read fairytales, talk about very silly things and listen to very serious things. All the practical stuff... uff. It's like martian.
~
"Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about."
- John Henry Cardinal Newman
And it is a comfort to know that I'm not in charge. I just have to say yes.
Yes to moving to Boston.
Yes to figuring out finances with my arty brain.
Yes to finding a job or jobs.
Yes to each new day.
Yes to the unknown.
Today I sat down with a couple of my gal pals who are getting their books published too (or have already!) And it was so exciting to learn all the ways to market a book and make money! Honestly as ignorant I am about finance in general, it made me want to learn how to do it all! Manage expenses, mail books personally and put together talks. It's daunting for a I-Just-Want-To-Draw girl like me. The last time a felt on top of things was in High School.
The problem is I live in my head too much. I could daydream and draw my way through life if I didn't have to make money to you know eat and be an adult. I just want to make things. A tree house. A pop-out book. A mural. For nothing. I just like doing those things. Contracts, taxes and profits make me squirm. Maybe once I learn how to do all that like I pro I'll really like it. And I'll kick myself in the shins for not getting excited earlier. And I'm the daughter of an extremely successful finance director. But anyhoo. Let's talk about something more exciting like...
The CATCHING FIRE PREMIERE (Gleeeful Sounds)
I don't know why I've devoured these books a gillion times. But I have and tomorrow I'm wearing my nerdy mockingjay pin proudly and staying up way too late... again. Staying up with my sister while she writes her papers has been cozy and cathartic but very irresponsible. She slips in episodes of "Growing Pains" and it's like I can't stop to sleep. Or she'll show me performances from 'The Voice' or 'X Factor' and there goes half the night.
So again I hope I can handle all the things I feel very bad at doing. If I do them well, it's only because of Grace. I'm naturally only wired to draw, read fairytales, talk about very silly things and listen to very serious things. All the practical stuff... uff. It's like martian.
~
Monday, November 11, 2013
Thank You
Hello Everyone! And I mean everyone who prayed, supported and thought of me these last few months. Whether you were front and center, or whether you were behind a close door asking the Lord to help me through the book and all my other travails, I cannot tell you enough that the answers to your prayers were what sustained me. I won't give you all the details, but I can tell you that it IS a miracle that I finished on time. Originally, in an ideal world, I would have loved to have nine months to spend lavishing my love on my artwork, and well I guess six months would have been okay too. And that would have been at my physical and emotional best. When I was given two months, at probably the least opportune time, I thought, "Well, Lord this one is on You." And it was completely. In utter need, I leaned on Him and on all of you and soon I can share this book as a THANK YOU! It really feels like a project made by a community of friends!
Friday, November 8, 2013
DONE!
33 illustrations ALL DONE. With two hours to spare. I made my deadline.
Praise God Almighty in Heaven. It is a miracle that I finished on time and that I'm not terribly embarrassed of any of my drawings. When I tell you it's a miracle I'm not kidding. I've never had to do illustrations that would take me a week to do in two days, and ones that would take me three days in one. And none of them are awful. Emotion hurricane.
To celebrate here is another sketch that did not make it to the final. Whoop!
Praise God Almighty in Heaven. It is a miracle that I finished on time and that I'm not terribly embarrassed of any of my drawings. When I tell you it's a miracle I'm not kidding. I've never had to do illustrations that would take me a week to do in two days, and ones that would take me three days in one. And none of them are awful. Emotion hurricane.
To celebrate here is another sketch that did not make it to the final. Whoop!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Happy All Saint's Day
For all the prayers from Heaven. We thank you.
I only have five illustrations left! Again, if it weren't for the prayers and support of so many people, near and far and in heaven I wouldn't have gotten this far.
Also, here's a shout out to Cassie Pease, whose lovely designs always inspire me! Visit here site here.
I only have five illustrations left! Again, if it weren't for the prayers and support of so many people, near and far and in heaven I wouldn't have gotten this far.
Also, here's a shout out to Cassie Pease, whose lovely designs always inspire me! Visit here site here.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
JPII: The Lost Pages
In honor of Blessed John Paul II's feast day I'm sharing four sketches that didn't make it in the final cut of the book. Enjoy them, and stay tuned for the books release!
~
John Paul II, thank you so much for helping me give from my poverty! May I be a more joyful sufferer and giver, because mostly I just whine.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Title and Release Date!
Hello Everyone! The countdown for the release of my first book has begun! I'm hard at work, but if all goes well The Story of Saint John Paul II: A Boy Who Became Pope will be coming out January 1, 2014.
Prayers, emails and calls are much appreciated.
I will periodically release some of the black and white sketches that were rejected for the final!
ISBN-10: 0819890138 ISBN-13: 978-0819890139
Prayers, emails and calls are much appreciated.
I will periodically release some of the black and white sketches that were rejected for the final!
ISBN-10: 0819890138 ISBN-13: 978-0819890139
Monday, September 30, 2013
Springtime and Two Saints
Two Papas will be canonized April 27, 2014. And my heart is full of joy.
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” ― John Paul II
"It often happens that I wake at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the pope!" ―Pope John XXIII
~
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” ― John Paul II
"It often happens that I wake at night and begin to think about a serious problem and decide I must tell the pope about it. Then I wake up completely and remember that I am the pope!" ―Pope John XXIII
~
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Pitch
Fear is the most limiting emotion I know. It taints your heart and makes it small; hither and thither is your soul tossed. You cannot simply push this dark figure out, it must be cast out by Humility and only then will it be followed by Joy.
- F
- F
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Tinkerbell Collection #1
I had a blast working on these background layouts for "Tinkerbell Hidden Treasures" by HitPoint Studios. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Chastity Project!
It's out: The Chastity Project
I'm so thankful for these amazing people and the message that they've been sharing for so many years. If you are struggling with sex, purity, self-image, relationships and love I highly recommend this resource. Thanks especially to Sarah Swafford, Jason Evert and Crystalina Evert who have given me a kick in the teeth many a time.
Friday, August 23, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday (Now Saturday)
- 1 -
Alright, so it ISN'T friday anymore, but to me it is because I haven't gone to sleep and I still have 25 minutes of Anne of Green Gables The Sequel to watch. That to me warrants this irresponsible conduct, despite the fact that two of my good friends are tying the knot tomorrow.
(I'm afraid I don't know who designed this little quote.
It's very lovely both in form and content!)
- 2 -
Oi, it has been the weirdest week. Most of the editing of my book went on this week and it felt like the limbs of my child were being taken by woodland elves. My limbless child is now at least readable for the age group intended and I'm sure in a month or two it really won't seem so bad. But most of my lovely similes and metaphors are now a thing of the past. This being my first book I shouldn't complain, but here I am complaining.
- 3 -
I've also been indulging in lattes and Jane Austen inspired literature. Not to mention sunshine and all the pretty light tricks it does with the tree leaves, it makes for very nice runs.
This beautiful poster design was made my Kristen Smith!
To find out more about her designs go to link
- 4 -
My prayer life... I've been getting to daily Mass surprisingly often and praying the Rosary oftener still. Daily Mass is one of those gifts that sustains you in such a miraculous way. In my own human insanity I forget that when I am lukewarm. Then when I start up the practice again and I find myself in that intimate setting with Jesus I am so grateful I took the time out to go! All the spiritual food that brings you back to sanity is there, including Jesus himself saying, "You are mine!"
- 5 -
Oh! look I have a new header. The next few months will bring many changes to the blog, so that when my book is out it will be nestled here comfortably. Also, please buy it when it does come out :)
(very deep Jim Rohn, very deep)
- 6 -
And heck, I forgot to tell you all that I met Lino Rulli at World Youth Day in Rio. Here's a link to the his HI-larious talk show. LINO RULLI
He also wrote this book that I listened to on audio book.
What a humble guy.
I'd never have the guts to write about all of my failings and then ask other to read about them!
- 7 -
And here is my favorite resource for a daily quotation/excerpt from the writings of St. Francis de Sales.
~
I clearly need to get some art on this blog. Once I get it together there will be soooo much of it! Be ready!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Some Wisdom From Lucy Maud Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery is most famous for her book, Anne of Green Gables and all the sequels that ensued. She taught me a lot about life and a lot about me. Really, classic children's books carry more wisdom than most pop literature out there right now. Enjoy, and do go read her books!
“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more... though I know that IS the noblest ambition... but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams
“Oh, sometimes I think it is of no use to make friends. They only go out of your life after awhile and leave a hurt that is worse than the emptiness before they came.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
“That doesn't sound very attractive," laughed Anne. "I like people to have a little nonsense about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island
“I can't help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It's as glorious as soaring through a sunset... almost pays for the thud.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“We pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self denial, anxiety and discouragement.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” ― L.M. Montgomery
“Those who can soar to the highest heights can also plunge to the deepest depths and the natures which enjoy most keenly are those which also suffer most sharply.” ― L.M. Montgomery
“I do know my own mind,' protested Anne. 'The trouble is, my mind changes and then I have to get acquainted with it all over again.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island
“It's not vanity to know your own good points. It would just be stupidity if you didn't; It's only vanity when you get puffed up about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl
“Fairyland is the loveliest word because it means everything the human heart desires.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Selected Journals Of L.M. Montgomery, Vol. 3: 1921-1929
“The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.” ― L.M. Montgomery “Having adventures comes natural to some people", said Anne serenely. "You just have a gift for them or you haven't.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“I'd like to add some beauty to life," said Anne dreamily. "I don't exactly want to make people KNOW more... though I know that IS the noblest ambition... but I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams
“Oh, sometimes I think it is of no use to make friends. They only go out of your life after awhile and leave a hurt that is worse than the emptiness before they came.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
“That doesn't sound very attractive," laughed Anne. "I like people to have a little nonsense about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island
“I can't help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It's as glorious as soaring through a sunset... almost pays for the thud.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“We pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self denial, anxiety and discouragement.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” ― L.M. Montgomery
“Those who can soar to the highest heights can also plunge to the deepest depths and the natures which enjoy most keenly are those which also suffer most sharply.” ― L.M. Montgomery
“I do know my own mind,' protested Anne. 'The trouble is, my mind changes and then I have to get acquainted with it all over again.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island
“It's not vanity to know your own good points. It would just be stupidity if you didn't; It's only vanity when you get puffed up about them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl
“Fairyland is the loveliest word because it means everything the human heart desires.” ― L.M. Montgomery, The Selected Journals Of L.M. Montgomery, Vol. 3: 1921-1929
“The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.” ― L.M. Montgomery “Having adventures comes natural to some people", said Anne serenely. "You just have a gift for them or you haven't.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
NEWS: Book Contract
After pitching my kids book three years ago, having it turned down, then coming back to it two years later rewriting and re-illustrating it, sending out queries and searching for agents I finally, finally have a publisher!
Okay, now for the catch. The deadline is scary tight. I'm doing all the praying and mental prep work I can do right now so that I can endure my coming hermitage with courage and limited whining. Honestly, these next few months are a "Jesus I trust in you" gamble because I don't know how I'm going to do this. I mean I'll do it, but I really do want the finished product to be really good. I figure too since the story I'm working on about Pope John Paul II's early life has so much to do with trusting and loving God's will above our own I can literally use those moments when I have nothing left and somehow it'll make the book so much more genuine and from the heart. At least I'm banking on that happening.
I'm not sure how much I'll be able to show you guys as I go along, hopefully some promotional pictures at least!
~
I was really tempted, actually no I was pretty mad at God when the making of my book wasn't going be as I pictured it (as in leisurely). But again, while I can only see the moment, He sees my past, present and future, and this is His book ultimately. That's why I'm making it, so it can be published whenever He wants to. Which is apparently... sorry can't tell you! Hehe.
Thank you friends & family for all your support over the years, months and days it has taken me to get to this point!
APPLAUSE AND MAJOR FREAK OUT
Okay, now for the catch. The deadline is scary tight. I'm doing all the praying and mental prep work I can do right now so that I can endure my coming hermitage with courage and limited whining. Honestly, these next few months are a "Jesus I trust in you" gamble because I don't know how I'm going to do this. I mean I'll do it, but I really do want the finished product to be really good. I figure too since the story I'm working on about Pope John Paul II's early life has so much to do with trusting and loving God's will above our own I can literally use those moments when I have nothing left and somehow it'll make the book so much more genuine and from the heart. At least I'm banking on that happening.
I'm not sure how much I'll be able to show you guys as I go along, hopefully some promotional pictures at least!
~
I was really tempted, actually no I was pretty mad at God when the making of my book wasn't going be as I pictured it (as in leisurely). But again, while I can only see the moment, He sees my past, present and future, and this is His book ultimately. That's why I'm making it, so it can be published whenever He wants to. Which is apparently... sorry can't tell you! Hehe.
Thank you friends & family for all your support over the years, months and days it has taken me to get to this point!
Friday, July 12, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday (Summa Time)
- 1 -
Hello Summer! It's hot and sticky and wonderful despite it! I will now inundate you with links and things!
First off 1Flesh.org is up and running, so follow this link for awesome tips on Natural Family Planning. Bring Sexy Back!
- 2 -
Fr. Robert Barron talks about "Love and Responsibility"
- 3 -
Fr. Robert Barron talks about Marriage.
- 4 -
Read some of Tristan Macdonald's beautiful poetry, inspired mainly by the Catholic faith (but also sometimes by Star Wars.)
- 5 -
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A drawing a did for the cover of a cd mix.
- 6 -
Your 20s are NOT the new 30s
TED Talk!
- 7 -
I will hear about The Book in just a few weeks! But not before I leave for Brazil!
hugs,
Fabi
I will hear about The Book in just a few weeks! But not before I leave for Brazil!
hugs,
Fabi
Monday, July 8, 2013
I Confess
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do;
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
The Fava Bean
Well, my work for the day got cancelled—thank you for your steadfast ways gaming industry—so before I go do anything else useful with my day I figured I'd chat up the blogosphere.
This has been a crazy, beautiful amazing month. Thank you St. Joseph for your powerful intercession, you seem to be following me around even if I don't ask you to pray for me. I finally discovered where on earth my father got the idea that my name, Fabiola, means "offering to God". For the life of me throughout the years I've gone on all the "meanings of names" websites and the definition is always the same: bean, bean picker, fava bean... just beans. I always thought my dad was just trying to make me feel better, you know beans could be offered up to God or something.
So yesterday, I was looking up the feast of St. Joseph, which is March 19 and I know this well because it is my sister's birthday, but I wanted to see if I could find another day when he might be celebrated. There weren't any other feast days dedicated to him so I just scrolled down the Wiki page and I came upon how his feast day is celebrated in different countries. The first and most prominent party for good old St. Joseph happens in Sicily.
St. Joseph is considered by many to be the Patron Saint of Sicily for preventing a famine during the middle ages. "According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if he answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast in his honor. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet."
Now for the weird part people.
"The fava bean was the crop which saved the population from starvation, it grows well even in poor, rocky soil, and is a traditional part of St. Joseph altars and traditions."
So yes, the story is slightly idolatrous but still pretty cool.
And just to take the point home.
"In Roman times, the fava bean was considered food for the poor, used mainly as an offering to commemorate the dead on the first day of November. The name of an ancient Roman family the Fabi, comes from fava bean, as do the common names Fabio, Fabia and Fabiola." (source)
Pretty cool right?
So thank you St. Joseph for your prayers. Thank you for being there for me when Disney said no, so I could work on Lolek, and for the brilliant young man working at one of the schools under your patronage. I like him very much too. So I really do hope I get to glorify God with my life and offer myself completely to him, in thanksgiving for everything that he has done for me.
~
I drew this wee picture of Mary last week. Enjoy!
Have a happy July!
This has been a crazy, beautiful amazing month. Thank you St. Joseph for your powerful intercession, you seem to be following me around even if I don't ask you to pray for me. I finally discovered where on earth my father got the idea that my name, Fabiola, means "offering to God". For the life of me throughout the years I've gone on all the "meanings of names" websites and the definition is always the same: bean, bean picker, fava bean... just beans. I always thought my dad was just trying to make me feel better, you know beans could be offered up to God or something.
So yesterday, I was looking up the feast of St. Joseph, which is March 19 and I know this well because it is my sister's birthday, but I wanted to see if I could find another day when he might be celebrated. There weren't any other feast days dedicated to him so I just scrolled down the Wiki page and I came upon how his feast day is celebrated in different countries. The first and most prominent party for good old St. Joseph happens in Sicily.
St. Joseph is considered by many to be the Patron Saint of Sicily for preventing a famine during the middle ages. "According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if he answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast in his honor. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet."
Now for the weird part people.
"The fava bean was the crop which saved the population from starvation, it grows well even in poor, rocky soil, and is a traditional part of St. Joseph altars and traditions."
So yes, the story is slightly idolatrous but still pretty cool.
And just to take the point home.
"In Roman times, the fava bean was considered food for the poor, used mainly as an offering to commemorate the dead on the first day of November. The name of an ancient Roman family the Fabi, comes from fava bean, as do the common names Fabio, Fabia and Fabiola." (source)
Pretty cool right?
So thank you St. Joseph for your prayers. Thank you for being there for me when Disney said no, so I could work on Lolek, and for the brilliant young man working at one of the schools under your patronage. I like him very much too. So I really do hope I get to glorify God with my life and offer myself completely to him, in thanksgiving for everything that he has done for me.
~
I drew this wee picture of Mary last week. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
A Palette of Things
You know, the thing about being employed by legit companies is that they never let you show anything. It's like there is this library of accumulated work that no one is allowed to visit. However, a while back I did create some backgrounds for the "Mr. Potato Head Play & Create" game published by Callaway Digital Arts that are simple, but at least you are seeing some color on the screen. A bunch more aren't officially available yet so one day you may see them.
Have a lovely week!
- Fabi
I can't wait until I can show the background concepts I've been doing for a Tinkerbell game! I'm learning so much! I don't think I'll ever be able to show the drawings I do for Hasbro, which is a shame, but if the toys of the concepts ever come out they will definitely be found here. Yay!
~
I'm so very grateful to all the people who have made the last few weeks a beautiful and joyful whirlwind.
These are the highly involved party bags I made.
And it paid off because I was called a hobbit for giving presents at my birthday.
My friend, Irene drew me a lovely card. Visit her website here :)
And a big shout out and thanks to BrandonVogt, for not only contributing to the last post, but for finding me a whole list of people who are willing to endorse my book.
~
I had this whole big plan for a birthday post with twenty-six super quotes, but it did not happen, so here are only six, and I feel like I'm sort of six sometimes so that works.
- 1 -
"You are seeking for secret ways of belonging to God, but there is only one: making use of whatever he offers you" - Jean-Pierre de Caussade
- 2 -
"Your objective is to receive grace now so that you can receive glory later, or even more simply put, to cooperate with God in his work to save your soul." - Andreas Widmer, The Pope and the CEO
- 3 -
"If we go astray at the beginning and want the Lord to do our will and to lead us as our fancy dictates, how can this building possibly have a firm foundation?" - St. Theresa of Avila, Interior Castle
- 4 -
"Men and women are on a journey of discovery which is humanly unstoppable–a search for the truth and a search for a person to whom they might entrust themselves."- Pope John Paul II, Fides et Ratio
- 5 -
"You are ambitious: for knowledge... for leadership. You want to be daring. Good. Fine. But let it be for Christ, for Love." - St. Josemaria Escriva
- 6 -
"Optimisim is wrong: evil exists, and life is a war against it.
Pessimism is wrong: good is stronger than evil, and good must win in the end.
So fight, because optimism is wrong. But fight with confidence and even joy, because pessimism is wrong...
Life is a fight, but the fight is fixed. 'His kingdom cannot fail.' " - Peter Kreeft
~Have a lovely week!
- Fabi
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Uproar on Huffington Post: The Pope said what?!
So remember the time everyone thought Pope Benedict XVI said it was okay to use condoms if you were like a male prostitute with AIDS? (Not what he meant guys!) Well, an article has been going around about Pope Francis. Here is the link below if you haven't seen it yet and below that is a very congent response from Brandon Vogt.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/pope-francis-good-atheists_n_3320757.html
"I was thrilled to hear the Pope's remarks, which were simply a reiteration of traditional Church teaching, but I'm afraid most HuffPost and reddit commenters have misinterpreted them. The Pope is not saying that "All people are saved." What he's saying is that all people were redeemed by the blood of Christ since Christ's one sacrifice was for all (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:15 and 1 Peter 3:18.)
However in Catholic thought, Christ's redemptive act on the Cross is not the same thing as salvation. Salvation comes when we accept that redemption. Christ died for your sins, but you must accept that free gift by believing in him--accepting his proposal of love and following him with your life.
So while Christ redeemed all people, even atheists, that doesn't mean that all atheists have accepted that offer of salvation, and thus it doesn't mean that all atheists will be saved.
The key Church teaching in this regard is paragraph 16 of Vatican II's "Lumen Gentium":
"Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel. She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life.
But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator. Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature", the Church fosters the missions with care and attention." "
And then he added, for the sake of clarity the following...
"Suppose you destroyed your friend's car causing $10,000 in damage. You're taken to court, and the judge sentences you to 10 years in prison for the crime. But then I burst in and tell the judge, "My name is Brandon Vogt. I'm Fabi's friend, and I want to pay for her deeds. Whatever it costs to fix the car, whatever it costs to make things right, I'll pay it." The judge agrees.
Now even though I offer to pay the charge, you have a choice. You can either accept my free gift of freedom or, though it would be a strange option, you can reject my offer and choose to go to jail anyways.
Christ's redemption of all mankind is analogous to my paying off your $10,000 charge (to "redeem" literally means "to buy back" or "to restore.) Christ has paid the debt for every person, but you still have a choice whether to accept that act of redemption--it's not forced on you. You make your choice by how you live your life and who you worship: God or yourself, self-giving love or self imprisonment."
Thanks Brandon!
~
Update: Brandon just posted a more thorough response here
http://www.BrandonVogt.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/pope-francis-good-atheists_n_3320757.html
"I was thrilled to hear the Pope's remarks, which were simply a reiteration of traditional Church teaching, but I'm afraid most HuffPost and reddit commenters have misinterpreted them. The Pope is not saying that "All people are saved." What he's saying is that all people were redeemed by the blood of Christ since Christ's one sacrifice was for all (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:15 and 1 Peter 3:18.)
However in Catholic thought, Christ's redemptive act on the Cross is not the same thing as salvation. Salvation comes when we accept that redemption. Christ died for your sins, but you must accept that free gift by believing in him--accepting his proposal of love and following him with your life.
So while Christ redeemed all people, even atheists, that doesn't mean that all atheists have accepted that offer of salvation, and thus it doesn't mean that all atheists will be saved.
The key Church teaching in this regard is paragraph 16 of Vatican II's "Lumen Gentium":
"Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel. She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life.
But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator. Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature", the Church fosters the missions with care and attention." "
And then he added, for the sake of clarity the following...
"Suppose you destroyed your friend's car causing $10,000 in damage. You're taken to court, and the judge sentences you to 10 years in prison for the crime. But then I burst in and tell the judge, "My name is Brandon Vogt. I'm Fabi's friend, and I want to pay for her deeds. Whatever it costs to fix the car, whatever it costs to make things right, I'll pay it." The judge agrees.
Now even though I offer to pay the charge, you have a choice. You can either accept my free gift of freedom or, though it would be a strange option, you can reject my offer and choose to go to jail anyways.
Christ's redemption of all mankind is analogous to my paying off your $10,000 charge (to "redeem" literally means "to buy back" or "to restore.) Christ has paid the debt for every person, but you still have a choice whether to accept that act of redemption--it's not forced on you. You make your choice by how you live your life and who you worship: God or yourself, self-giving love or self imprisonment."
Thanks Brandon!
~
Update: Brandon just posted a more thorough response here
http://www.BrandonVogt.com
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Publishing Land
I was walking around my town with a book, looking for a good home for this much beloved work that had been lovingly bound by time and words and pictures. I finally came upon the magic portal that would perhaps lead me to the destination I so greatly desired– publication. The Publishing Land that stretched before me was a minefield and I, just a hop before square one, observed, "Gee, this is a whole lot less exciting than I thought. There seems to be a lot of squares for waiting, and the coffee isn't even free."
- F
P.S. The meeting I had today went really well ;)
- F
P.S. The meeting I had today went really well ;)
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Primavera en Guadalajara
I sketched a little while I was there. I made the drawing below as a favor to my cousin who celebrated his six month anniversary with his girlfriend.
More Lucia
I stayed at my Tita's house and sometimes I got bored so I drew things in the tv room (not the boy character, he wasn't there.)
Lucia's horse and a forest fairy
Also, I discovered PicStitch while I was there...
tongue tacos for dinner
church
Mariana's apartment
Auntie with her grandkids. They played a game I drew the backgrounds for!
Trip to the fabric store so Tita could use her magic fingers to fix a dress.
manicures and pet shop
flower arranging
pool time!
Nuptial Mass
cocktail hour
dinner
Last Day
I decided this is a very effective way to capture the essence of a trip without taking 300 pictures. You can have the 300 pictures, but no one wants to see 20 pictures of the same building.
~
Now I'm home, working for Hasbro and Hitpoint Studios, still hoping very much that Lolek (my book project) becomes a reality soon. My hair is two inches longer and my kitty had his first surgery for swallowing something stupid. AND the sun and warmth is back and I feel like I could fly.
Question: If you could live and work anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Enjoy the spring and summer my season bound friends, and may the gentle Lord kindle your hearts.
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