Catherine Ethington :: Art Giveaway! And the winner is...

This Valentine's Day, let's get festive! Not in a chocolate wrapped in pink and red foil kind of way, but in a "I like your soul," kind of way. 

by cat

8x10. hand drawn. ink.

Sometimes I still feel like my 16 year old self, the self who wants a valentine, like some cheesy cupid merchandise that's supposed to be a token of love. As if something from the holiday aisle would satiate my desire for affection...

These days, I'm not so much about the extras--not to say a bundle of fresh flowers from my guy doesn't go a long way--because it does; a handful of white peonies can definitely mend things the eye can't see. But now, the month of February is a celebration of having love in my heart.

Last year on the 13th of this month I gave birth to my son, my sweet, meek and mild child. Bringing him into the world was like meeting love for the first time--all over again. The next day being the 14th, I teased my husband by asking what I was getting for Valentine's Day, though the tease was just an attempt to mask my true eagerness of a gift. He said something funny that I can't remember now and then asked the same question of me. I retorted, “Our baby is your present. I made that tiny human and pushed it out for you!” As I heard myself saying the words they turned from a sarcastic quip into a genuine statement. The act of bringing our son into our lives was spiritual, authentic sincerity and romance. Our creation of love.

There was nothing missing, nothing to make it sweeter. Not even those amazing chocolate eggs with the cream inside, yes I'm talking to you Cadbury.

I long to feel that way again, and often, and keep it with me always--to become preoccupied in gratitude and distracted with love.

I'm happy, and I hope to capture that happiness by realizing that I have something to contribute. I hope to be receptive to love given as well as generously offering it to the world we are a part of.

Not there yet? Me neither. By miles. But I plan on practicing the idea that this is the month of love--an opportunity to embrace love more deeply and often.

So, in the spirit of practicing this, I made a little something for you.Yes YOU dear reader!

We wanted to celebrate the launch of Doe a Deery by having a fine art giveaway!

This illustration is hand drawn with ink and is approximately 8x10” framed in an 11x14” frame. I think the classic black really makes the detail pop, don't you?

Leave a comment about how you are going to celebrate love this month, and this original could arrive on your doorstep! I know you'll love it!

Updated Feb. 7... Thanks everyone for entering!

Kimber, our winner, writes a fun blog with five of her sisters! Check it out!