africa + christmas

a couple Northern Ugandan boys

last night a got home late after going to the hospital with one of my players who got a really bad concussion in our game. so i get home, opened my computer. don't know why because i hate getting on it after i work on one all day long. then i randomly found a song a youtube by Sara Groves called "I saw what I saw". It was about her time in Rwanda.

I watched it and cried. Completely aware of the fact that I had forgotten about Africa. I mean I remembered, but forgot at the same time. I miss that place so much.

So then I went to a bunch of random sites to see how war-ending efforts are going, especially in Uganda and the Congo as the LRA (the Lord's Resistance Army) is continuing to abduct children and force them into their army to try and over throw the government there. I checked out Invisible Children and realized it's still going on and I forgot about all those kids.

Ugh.

Anyway, one thing I love about Invisible children is that 100% of there profits go to helping in the war in Uganda. Not this pathetic, buy a 300 dollar (RED) iPod and 4 dollars goes. Wow. Way to go Apple. As much as a rave about your projects and am obsessed with them that is ridiculous number.

So here is my Christmas wish. Since I never know what people should get me for Christmas.... Invisible Children have started a product line called "Mend". It's a hand bag making line, giving the women in Uganda who's kids have been abducted by the LRA a way to make money and provide for themselves, without having to sacrifice their bodies. I actually was in the application process for being the design liaison for this line in May, but turned it down because of KAA. It is an incredible program.

Anyway. I want a bag. One of these bags, the women make.
I'd like the MEND cinch-black-pink-and-polka-dot one to be exact.

I always never know what to do with my life. Now I really don't know. Memphis. Kenya. Uganda. Sterling. Wichita. Who knows. Well He does, but I'd like to.

confession time.

i have to make a confession.

no crushes this time. unfortunately all hope for some have been lost. but here's my real one....

i listened to christmas music on my way to work today. i don't know what's happening to me. the once scrooge mentality that i possessed just can't wait for candy canes, twinkle lights, and the colors red and green to be flooded everywhere.

plus i'm in the middle of making christmas stationery/letterhead at work. i think that's only encouraging my desire to see santa fall through a chimny.

mmmm.... i just thought of christmas cookies and got real excited. yum.

I have a crush.

It's time.
After being off of here for a few months I'm gonna start blogging again. I know you are all so excited. So at least to make me feel better read through this first one :)

The last few months have been CRAZY so i'm not even going to update any of you on them, except to let you know I am a graphic designer/college basketball coach who is trying to take one day at time in the little town(s) of sterling and lyons kansas. learning a lot right now so i figure i might as well share some of it with whoever wants to know.

main thing right now: i have a crush.

yes, that's right a crush.

since i've been in lyons working i have had the great opportunity to meet some pretty incredible people. most of them are over the age of 65 and i think that's why i like them so much. so my crush is an older, local artist who has the sweetest, most compassionate heart. i just finished designing some postcards for him and his wife's show coming up in Ellsworth this month and every day he would come in just to check and see how things are going. i have loved listening to his many stories and just getting to know him. i am sad that i finished his project because now i don't get to see him. long story short, he stole my heart. i hope i get to work for him again sometime soon!

panama and camp

(had to add a pic! this is some of my favorite people and me mud wrestling before graduation!)

A lot has happened since my last post. My show. Graduation. Moving Home. It's been a crazy time, but only gonna get crazier! Which I am so ready for!

Part 1:
I leave for Panama on Sunday. pray pray pray for us. you can see what we are up to on our blog at
http://scpanama.blogspot.com/.
If you didn't know I am going there with some of the players from the men's and women's basketball teams at Sterling. We are doing a sports ministry trip down there. The men will be playing some international teams as well (we might get to too! just have to wait till we get down there to see!)

Part 2:
The day i get back from Panama i will be headed to KAA (www.kidsacrossamerica.org) for the summer. We can't have our phones or use internet so if you ever need anything or just get really bored and want to write a letter you can send it to this address.

KAA 2 c/o Erin Thiessen
26272 Private Rd. 2232
Golden, MO 65658

Part 3:
Would someone please find me a job for when I'm done at camp? thank you :)

Love you all so much. I will miss you all so much! Make sure to keep me updated on your lives as well.

xoxo.
Erin

Senior Art Exhibition

Below are several pieces from some pieces featured in my Senior Art Exhibition. The show is running at Sterling College from March 29-April 9. The gallery reception is on
April 2nd from 7:00-8:30 in the Sterling Art Center (located on the corner of 8th and Washington)
If you are interested in any of this work or other pieces please contact me at erindthiessen@gmail.com

Title: Kibera
Medium: Acrylic on Masonite


Title: Missions Chapel Kick-Off
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: Sterling College Music Brochure I
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: Sterling College Music Brochure II
Medium: Computer Graphics


Title: The Garden
Medium: Acrylic on Paper


Title: The Mara
Medium: Digital Photography


Title: Hawa
Medium: Digital Photography


Title: Self-Portrait
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

For Mel...

I got this amazing ring for Christmas this year from Mel. I had to take pictures the other day for some profile things for my art show and here is one of them. Just reminds me of how talented my cuz really is. You rock sister!

Art Show Part II

Here is one of my larger paintings.


Title: Woven Garden
Media: Acrylic on Paper