Me? An artist?

I have been drawing as far back as I can remember. I usually do pencil drawings/sketches. As long as I have something to go by, I can draw anything. I have drawn animals, scenery, as well as portraits. I recently started engraving pictures. That is where the drawing board has a black coating covering bright colors underneath it. I use a knife type utensil to scrape off the black coating to outline a picture in color. Instead of colors, some may have just silver or gold. The first one I completed were dolphins. (shown below)

It took me about four hours or so to complete it. I posted this picture on a social media site that I'm on and could not believe the response I received. Just about everyone liked it. The real shocker was someone that my husband works with saw it and wants to buy one from me. I have never had anyone offer to buy my artwork before. That of course made me feel great!

I have always drawn as a hobby. I have dreamed of being a true artist and actually making money doing what I love...but knew that my chances weren't that high. However, this has made me think again about my possibilities. :)

Where is the line?

A couple of weeks ago, I went into the grocery store to pick up a some things. While waiting in line to pay, I noticed the couple in front of me paying for a few groceries with food stamps. I thought nothing of it really. It was nothing that I hadn't seen before. Well, the guy left to go back to get something, that I just assumed they forgot. When he came back, he had a case of beer. The cashier rang them up, and they paid cash. That actually bothered me. It seems to me that if they had enough money to pay for alcohol then the state shouldn't have to pay for their food.

I had made a statement about it on one of the social media sites I'm on and most agreed but one person said that I should pray for the couple and not pass judgement. Sure, I could add them to my prayer list, but was I "judging" them? No, I don't know those people. Nor do I know their situation but I don't think I was wrong by saying that. Believe it or not, alcohol is not a "need". It is a "want". There are many that have a hard time separating the two.

This leads me to ask, where is the line between "stating a fact" and "passing judgement"? Let's say, for instance, if my cousin is a documented alcoholic. They have been arrested 3 times for public drunkenness, arrested for DUI, and is considered a habitual offender in the eyes of the law. Whenever something is said about him being an alcoholic, he would probably say "don't judge me". Is it really judging or stating a fact?

When someone does something wrong, and you actually call them on it, is it judgment or stating a fact? Is there a line? Perhaps...maybe a thin one.

Gotta Start Somewhere...

Hello world! I would have never thought that I would have a blog. It has come down to someone making me, I guess. I am having to start this because of my English class but I think I just might have a little fun with it. Might as well, right? Once I get used to how everything works on here I think it'll be just fine. It will be interesting to see what others have to say as well. In a way, I'm glad I'm having to do this. It gives me a good excuse for trying something new. Wish me luck!