I painted this for the book about Savannah, Georgia (bulldogs, sports team). But today I’m sharing this because I’m rattled by an experience that happened to me a few hours ago. I was nearly attacked by two large dogs. I was on my patio when they ran at me full tilt, barking aggressively (I know the difference between a bark when dogs are just messing around, and a bark that sounds like a junkyard dog who sees someone jumping over his side of the fence, or a police attack dog on command, etc.).
I yelled “No!” and held my arms out, holding a cardboard box I was planning to take to the recycling as a shield (which they could have torn through in a heartbeat, but they were distracted by it and froze). I screamed, “LEASH YOUR DOG!” to the dogs’ owners.
While the dogs were probably only secondarily distracted, I told my daughter (who was screaming and then echoed “Leash your dog!”) to go inside. She opened the door and we both popped in. My daughter heard the woman say, “they don’t bite”.
I didn’t hear that, but it’s irrelevant. As my husband said, “Everyone thinks their dog won’t bite until it does.” But it really doesn’t matter if they would have bitten me or not, the dogs were aggressive. The dogs locked eyes with me and I felt certain that they were going to attack me. It did NOT seem like just a warning bark, or an “I’m bored and will bark at strangers” bark. It felt like an “I’m going to take a bite out of you” bark. So, even if that were not true, it was clearly AGGRESSIVE and whether or not they would have bitten me if I hadn’t been a quick thinker and remembered my training for when threatened by a dog (never run, stay calm, try to distract their locked-on-you gaze, get away calmly during the window of distraction), is not the point. It was not OK! And they were in our space, near my patio where I was standing legally, whereas they were trespassing with two unleashed aggressive dogs.
They have been frequently trespassing and totally ignoring the signs not to trespass or fish in the lagoon that is behind these houses. Among other things.
I hate confrontations, but the genie is out of the bottle. There is no going back to hoping we can serve out our lease without those people knowing we are frustrated by their rule breaking (they hang out for hours on every major holiday, nice days, weekends, often- and of course it’s quite unpleasant to have them doing this just outside our yard- feels IN our yard, as the space is small). But… Now that I’ve screamed at them “LEASH YOUR DOG!” it’s a game changer, as they now know that we don’t like what they do.
I can’t say anything more about this, in case there’s a legal issue in the future. Just please think good thoughts. I need to be able to enjoy being outside. It keeps me focused on positive things and I’ve worked very hard on my garden. Oh well, these things happen. Life is never perfect. I will bounce back from this, and we’ll deal with whatever happens next. Thank you for listening. It’s not a big problem compared to the world’s horrors, it’s just a terrible day in my little world. The dogs didn’t bite me or my daughter (I think only because we got away!). But I am grateful for that! Today could have been much worse.
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- The Sound of Silence, Return of the F Chord!
The author resumes practicing the challenging F chord with “The Sound of Silence,” reflecting on their preference for Disturbed’s cover. Although they play a simplified version, they find it demanding and require focus to master new shapes. The message encourages persistence in learning guitar, highlighting the joy in musical progress. - “Don’t Try so Hard”
The song “Don’t Try so Hard” by Amy Grant serves as a relaxed guitar practice focusing on beginner chords (G, C, Em, D, Am). The aim is to develop smooth strumming and awareness of rhythm. The song’s inspiring lyrics resonate with feelings of anxiety and acceptance, highlighting music’s power to connect emotions. - Authenticity and Confidence when Playing Guitar
The content describes a beginner’s guitar practice of “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher, focusing on confidence, connecting with the song, and consistent strumming. The author reflects on the challenges of playing without rehearsal and the journey of learning electric guitar, emphasizing the importance of practice and personal connection to music. - Powerful Original Song, my Love Story
The post discusses the author’s journey of writing a song titled “Soulmates Never Apart,” inspired by personal experiences with her husband. Using simple chords, she emphasizes storytelling and the emotional impact of songwriting. She encourages others to reflect on defining life events and consider writing their own songs, promoting healing and gratitude. - Power, Freedom and Passion in Learning Guitar
Today’s guitar practice emphasizes power, freedom, and passion through “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle. Utilizing just four chords, the session encourages creativity and emotional connection with the music. The participant expresses a deep desire to support and heal loved ones, while affirming faith in Jesus for their well-being. - Playing Guitar Faster, Casting Crowns “Nobody”
Today’s guitar practice emphasizes speed, focusing on the song “Nobody” by Casting Crowns. We will improve chord transitions using familiar chords G, Em, C, and A. This exercise aims to enhance finger movement, making slower songs feel easier later. Additionally, the author shares personal updates from Savannah, Georgia. - Singing and Playing with Passion
Today’s guitar practice focuses on Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus Name, God of Possible,” using beginner chords G, C, Em, and D. The goal is to engage with new songs, enhancing skills like strumming and emotional expression. As familiarity grows, players will transition to more complex pieces while maintaining passion and connection with the music. - Playing my First Electric Guitar!
Today’s guitar practice marks my first experience with an electric guitar, transitioning from acoustic. I recently acquired a used cherry red guitar, which I painted with a lion design after removing numerous stickers. I’m focusing on beginner songs with four chords to enhance my emotional connection and reduce reliance on looking at the fretboard. Although challenging, I remain committed to improvement and enjoying the learning journey. - Painting on my New Electric Guitar! ROAR!
In this video, the creator shares their experience of painting their first electric guitar, a cherry red model, while navigating indecision about the design. They choose to paint a small lion, inspired by their Christian faith. Transitioning from large canvases, they utilize tiny detail brushes and acrylics suited for instruments. Excited about this new artistic journey, they also mention learning to play the electric guitar, building on their acoustic skills. - I am a Child of God! Learning Guitar
Today’s guitar practice focused on basic chords (G, C, Dm, Em) for the song “No Longer Slaves.” The emphasis was on improving techniques like playing chords accurately and experimenting with tempos. Despite frustrations with missed notes, the practice brings joy and the commitment to keep improving is inspiring. A future guitar painting project is mentioned. - Learning Guitar: My Journey with Electric and Acoustic
After nearly a year of guitar practice, the author shares excitement about mastering new techniques, particularly finger strumming alongside using a pick, exemplified through their favorite song “Bring the Rain” by MercyMe. They discuss a new electric guitar gift and reflect on seasonal changes while preparing for Christmas. - Letting Go while Learning Guitar
The post reflects on the author’s emotional connection to music while playing guitar, emphasizing personal growth and the joy of learning. They focus on the importance of practice, experimenting with tempo, and connecting with lyrics, particularly in MercyMe’s “Here with Me.” Despite challenges with certain chords, the author encourages fellow learners to enjoy their journey. - My First Original Song! “Come to God’s Garden”
The author shares their first original song, “Come to God’s Garden,” inspired by their gardening experiences and relationship with God. The journey of songwriting has enhanced their guitar playing skills, promoting a deeper understanding of chords. They express excitement about creating simple songs, encouraging other novice guitarists to engage in songwriting. - Guitar Painting and Special Announcement
The creator expresses excitement for a guitar art project inspired by their original song, “Come to God’s Garden.” The design reflects their blooming garden, featuring frogs, flowers, and grapes. They share a personal connection to nature and invite others into their creative journey while celebrating Father’s Day. Updates on their musical progress are encouraged. - Inspiration for Lighthouse Painting on Guitar
The post describes the author’s struggles and progress in mastering the Bm chord while learning to play guitar. They express enjoyment in learning Casting Crown’s songs, incorporating personal touches like a lighthouse design on a painted guitar. The author encourages others on the guitar journey, emphasizing the importance of practice and connection with the music. - Electric Guitar Painting – Lighthouse
The author paints on an electric guitar for her husband, inspired by a specific song from Casting Crowns. He requested a lighthouse design, which he loves. While the painting is complete, he now needs to learn to play it. The author plans to perform the song soon and wishes everyone well. - “Who am I”, learning to play Casting Crowns
Did you guess correctly that the white roses design (in my post from earlier today, the painting on my daughter’s pink electric guitar) was inspired by song lyrics from this Casting Crowns song “Who am I”? I hope you can see that my guitar playing is improving! Today’s practice involved a few things. First of all, I find it a bit challenging to play with a capo so far down the neck. But, very important to get comfortable using a capo, otherwise I’ll be limited in what I can play. Second, this song gave me practice with a short intro that repeats as an interlude. I tried playing it at different speeds. I preferred the slower tempo, I sound too manic when I was playing it fast. Third, the song has a strong pattern of chord changes, so there’s good practice in changing the chords in steady rhythm, trying different tempos and creative license. I love Casting Crown’s songs, and “Who am I” is one of my favorites, so that helps. It’s always easier to play with emotion if we connect with the song. If you saw my painting on the electric guitar earlier (I posted that video today), the song lyrics about a flower fading fast was part of the inspiration for the white roses. Life is so short, let’s love while we’re here, and be joyful in spirit, as we never know when this day will be our last. or the last of someone we love. Thank you for being a part of my journey to learn how to play guitar, while also painting on guitars. I’m already feeling the rewards because I’m playing songs that I truly love. I connect so deeply with “Who am I”, such a beautiful song! God bless you and yours, xoxo - Painting on Electric Guitar – White Roses
Painting white roses on my daughter’s electric guitar – she wanted me to paint a design inspired by the “John F Kennedy” cut rose bushes that I planted in our front garden (they are very large and pretty when in bloom, and smell beautiful!). The song I’ll be playing next in this blog series about learning how to play the guitar (while also painting on guitars!) has lyrics that mention “a flower quickly fading, here today, gone tomorrow” – maybe you’ve guessed what song it is? That song is also the inspiration for this floral painting. I’ll be playing the mystery song (I know some of you probably guessed it right away, so it’s not much of a mystery to you!) on acoustic guitar, as I don’t know how to play electric yet, and I’d need a left-handed one anyway. By the way: normally I show you the entire painting from start to finish, but my memory card reached its limit, and I was painting away, didn’t even notice, until I was nearly done! Then I popped a different card in and the rest is what’s on the video (GRRR!). But, if you enjoyed this, check out my many other painting videos that show the entire project. - “Desperado”, learning new guitar skills
Learning guitar adventures continue! Today I’m practicing a beginner version of the Eagle’s song “Desperado” that creeps into intermediate level a bit. The chords are familiar, but instead of chords appearing only at the beginning of a lyric (first level beginner), or every few words (second level beginner), the chords sometimes change in the middle of a word (advanced beginner/early intermediate). Changing chords more often, and in more challenging places, means I have to play faster, smoother, and try not to get too rattled while doing it. I love singing this song, so that helps. It’s best to choose songs we know quite well when trying something a bit harder, so we can focus more on learning new skills instead of figuring out the song. If you are also learning how to play guitar, I hope- like me- you are having a ball! And a painting update: We’ve purchased another guitar for me to paint on and we’re picking that up tomorrow, so I’ll be working on that soon. We wait for great bargains on used instruments, and sometimes there really aren’t any good deals. That’s OK, I have plenty of things to work on when waiting. Looks like my next painting adventure will be on an electric guitar. I’ll share it when ready! - Singing & Guitar – “Homesick”
MercyMe’s song “Homesick” evokes profound emotions about loss and hope for reunion with loved ones. The author shares personal struggles with grief and learning guitar, specifically challenging chords and the advantages of finger strumming over using a pick. This method fosters deeper emotional connection, despite some difficulties in speed and sound. - Come to “The Well”, Learning Guitar
“The Well” by Casting Crowns is a great beginner song that encourages players to use a capo and learn new chord positions, helping break reliance on visual cues. It offers opportunities to develop muscle memory, emotion in playing, strumming, dynamics, and engagement. Consistent practice is key to improvement. - Painting on Guitar, Lion and the Lamb
The content outlines the author’s journey of learning guitar and painting designs on guitars. Inspired by the song “How Great is our God,” the author incorporates lyrics into their artwork. They plan to share progress videos and new painted designs related to the songs they’re practicing, encouraging subscriptions from viewers. - “How Great is our God” & Painting on Guitars
The author shares their ongoing journey of learning guitar, highlighting “How Great is Our God” as a beginner-friendly song ideal for practicing strumming at various tempos. They emphasize relaxation with the music and hint at a painting inspired by the song’s lyrics while encouraging followers to subscribe for future updates. - Painting on a Guitar – Eagle and Wings!
The artist shares their first painting on a guitar inspired by the song “Wind Beneath my Wings.” They reflect on their journey as a beginner guitarist while also recalling their painting experience with a ukulele. Despite challenges, they are determined to improve their skills and continue creating art on various instruments. - “Wind Beneath my Wings” & Painting on a Guitar
The post discusses the use of a capo in guitar playing, particularly for beginners attempting advanced songs like “Wind Beneath My Wings”, which the author plays and sings in an embedded YouTube video. The author shares a personal experience about misaligning the capo and emphasizes the importance of mastering basic chords before transitioning to more complex arrangements. Additionally, there’s mention of a new guitar painting project and a note on local wildfires in Savannah, Georgia. - Adventure Continues: My First Painting on a Musical Instrument, Bluebird & Flower on a Ukulele!
The author shares their excitement about painting directly on musical instruments, showcasing their first artwork on a ukulele inspired by song lyrics. A video documents the process, and they hint at future projects, including guitar painting and advancing their guitar skills. They express joy in playing more challenging songs. - “If I Could Turn Back Time”
The author shares their journey of learning guitar, focusing on the song “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Cher, which introduces the challenging Bm chord. They practice chords in small increments and emphasize mastering them for long-term retention. Additionally, they plan to start painting a ukulele, showcasing creativity outside guitar playing. - Mystery solved – SKINK! An update to my Easter show
The author updates followers about discovering a skink eating strawberries from their garden after expressing excitement about their patch. To protect the strawberries, the author plans to cage the area. They also announce a new YouTube playlist titled “Sharing Life,” featuring videos that reflect personal experiences and artistic inspirations. - EASTER SHOW 2026! Painting, Music, Garden Tour
The show features a personal presentation, including a painting inspired by MercyMe’s song “I Can Only Imagine,” along with guitar performances. The artist shares her gardening journey of transforming a neglected property over four years. The message emphasizes joy in art, music, and nature, and includes wishes for a blessed Easter. - Dust in the Wind, Guitar and Lent
As Holy Week progresses, Lent concludes, leading to Easter celebrations. This period emphasizes reflection and acceptance of life’s changes. The author’s guitar practice with “Dust in the Wind” serves as a metaphor for introspection. Amidst spring’s beauty in Savannah, new art inspired by song lyrics is being created for Easter. - Here I Go Again on my Own
The author shares updates on their guitar oil painting and learning journey, expressing gratitude for family and friends during challenging times. They are tackling more complex guitar songs, including “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake. The author also looks forward to spring and plans to share garden updates soon. - Chords and Paint
The author shares progress on both an oil painting of her guitar and her guitar-playing journey, shown in a video. Initially limited to four chords, she’s now added four more, though struggling with transitioning. She reflects on a song that reminds her of her grandpa and is adjusting to playing while standing. She invites readers to subscribe. - One Day at a Time and Lenten Roses
The writer reflects on a stressful week, including jury duty and personal challenges, while finding solace in the song “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.” She shares a video of her singing that song and playing it on guitar, a continuation of her journey to learn how to play. She also shares her own design inspired by Lenten roses from their garden, symbolizing hope and beauty amid life’s hardships. Lent signifies reflection and renewal. - Guitar and painting journey continues with “How Great thou Art”
The author shares their journey of learning guitar and creating a unique cover of a meaningful song, “How Great Thou Art.” A touching experience at a nursing home highlights music’s power, inspiring the author. They also discuss their oil painting progress and interactions with neighborhood birds while singing, emphasizing nature’s beauty. - Guitar and Painting Journey Continues!
If it seems my guitar is a bit out of tune, it probably is. After last week’s unfortunate incident with the broken string, I decided not to try to tune it just before filming for the blog! You might remember that last week I had to play ukulele instead. Today I’m back with new strings and I’m playing the same 4 chords I’ve been doing, a song recommended to beginners “You Raise me Up”. BUT – I’ve been working on other chords and hopefully I’ll share a song with 5 or 6 chords next time! I’m practicing an easier version of the dreaded F chord. I have small hands and might not ever be able to do the advanced F chord. That’s OK, I’m playing for fun. So, I’m making progress, both on learning guitar and on working through a difficult time I’m going through right now. By the way, you might have noticed that my guitar oil painting is coming along, as it is visible in the background of my guitar video. Here’s a current photo of it (still unfinished, planning to do more to it): I’m also getting ready to paint on my first instrument, a ukulele (I’ll try a guitar in the near future, but I want to start on the smaller surface of a less expensive uke first). I’ve decided to look at one of my own bluebird paintings (this is a copy of it printed on a very small canvas compared to the original oil painting, to the right of the ukulele), as reference inspiration for the uke painting, which will also feature bluebirds, similar to these but probably not exactly. Here’s the ukulele project laid out, all ready to paint on: Please don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already – you’ll get updates in your e-mail. - Ukulele too!
In this blog post, the author shares updates on their journey learning guitar and ukulele alongside painting a guitar. They discuss their approach to chord learning, using color-coded notes and online resources. Despite challenges like breaking a guitar string, they remain determined. The post concludes with a teaser for future updates on their artistic endeavors.
