Have you ever seen hollyhocks in person? I love them. My parents planted some last year and I was fascinated by the way they stand tall and firm with brilliant color all the way up the stalk.
This love of hollyhocks has been with me since the first time I ever saw them as a young girl so it’s no surprise that when I was wandering around etsy.com and came across this painting that I jumped on it.
Amy (SkyArt) was selling an 8×10 print of her original canvas “Hollyhocks.” The reds and yellows spoke to me and I knew it was exactly what I wanted to put in our family room. I loved that it was original artwork instead of something that you could find anywhere. It was bold and beautiful and unique.
So, I contacted the artist, Amy (you can do that on etsy.com) and asked her if she was selling her original canvas of “Hollyhocks.” She said that it was already sold but she would be willing to custom paint one for me. What luck! She let me pick the size of the canvas and everything!
A few weeks later we had her totally original artwork hanging on our wall and it makes me smile every time I see it instead of a big blank space. I was even more pleased when I realized that the bottom portion had a gorgeous aqua blue color that hadn’t shown up in the photos online. The texture and color and abstract lines are exactly what I wanted
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Amy also added a bonus to my package – she sent a copy of the 8×10 version of “Hollyhocks” for me to give away here on my blog. Lucky us!
I have been working on April’s content for “A Life Well Crafted” workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking. The theme for next April is “A Person of Influence” and I think that hollyhocks represent the kind of people of influence that we can all be. They remind me of so many women I know – women with graceful strength and brilliant color.
Who is a “Person of Influence” in your life? What are you doing to stand tall and strong as a person of influence to others? What do you love about hollyhocks? Leave a comment about any of these ideas and I will randomly pick one to win Amy’s 8×10 “Hollyhocks” print.
Giveaway closes Halloween, Friday, October 31 at 10 pm. Talk about a great treat!
Sneak Peek - April: Life Well Crafted
Added on Saturday, November 1 ————————————————————
Congrats to our random winner of Amy’s “Hollyhocks” print:
9 lisa d
What a beautiful painting! My person of influence is definitely my parents. Both of them show me daily what being a servant of God is. They raised four kids to know God and to serve Him. They genuinely care about others, whether it be visting their neighbor paralyzed from ALS or my mom knitting hats for the soldiers in the war — they not only influence my but amaze me as well!
Lisa – email me at kolette@kolettehall.com with your address and I’ll send you the “Hollyhocks” print. Enjoy! Thanks to everyone who commented and shared your thoughts. I was inspired reading them and appreciate you making an impact on us all.
Love the hollyhocks…you are so lucky to have that painting, Kolette. It looks beautiful on your wall.
The Hollyhocks are beautiful – what an incredible painting. No question who my person of influence is … my amazing aunt, Katherine. She was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer nearly 3 years ago and has lived her diagnosis as she did her life – with incredible grace and passion. She’s surpassed the odds for living and is such a motivator to me.
I grew up with hollyhocks growing along our driveway. LOVE them! I love the little dolls we made from buds (head) and blossoms (body/skirt) held together with a tooth pick.
My best Friend is a person of influence in my life. She helps me along life’s journey to make the right choices (mostly), appreciate what life brings and to look for the blessings in things. Thanks for the chance to enter!
Hollyhocks remind me of my Aunt Patsy. She is an avid gardener and has the greenest thumb I know. She is also a person that I deeply respect and admire. She is steadfast and endearing. Thanks for the chance to sneak peek a little and to think of something so worthwhile.
I love the colors in your painting! My mother-in-law grows hollyhocks – I’d never seen them before. My children make me want to be a better person and a more positive influence to others.
My mother is a person of influence. Not only for me but others. People from 80 to 2 years old are drawn to her because she genuinely cares. She sees opportunities to help others constantly and takes advantage of those opportunities.
My children are persons of influence. It would be easy to go through life selfishly. But when you are actively teaching a child to be a good citizen, they learn best through your good example.
What a beautiful painting! My person of influence is definitely my parents. Both of them show me daily what being a servant of God is. They raised four kids to know God and to serve Him. They genuinely care about others, whether it be visting their neighbor paralyzed from ALS or my mom knitting hats for the soldiers in the war — they not only influence my but amaze me as well!
Wow, fantastic giveaway! My mother is my person of influence just because she is so amazing, confident and determined! Hollyhocks is so terrific and I love the colors of it. Thank you so, so much for even having a giveaway like this.
I love the hollyhocks!
My person of influence would be my great-grandmother who lived next door to me as a child. She was an immigrant and shaped me in so many ways, spiritually, culturally, personally, she shaped the way I cook, the way I parent, and so much more.
Im turning 28 in three months and I have got to say the person who influenced me the most and still am are my parents. Sounds cliche, I know, but it’s the truth. When I was in my teens, Id deny that they are the ones who influence me the most but now, when I have mellowed down, hopefully matured and with kids of my own, Im so proud to say that despite my crazy rebellious ways, my parents’ ways still stuck to me. They have influenced me so much on my beliefs about everything.
I used to say Id never be like my Mom. But here I am, today, trying to be exactly like her. Trying to be the mom she was to me to my kids
Hollyhocks remind me of growing up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. They grew in our yard and the yard of my grandmother who also lived in St. Clair Shores. They were flowers that stood for the relaxing days of summer for me…a time to spend with family & friends and relax from the hectic school year for kids (and later for me as a teacher, as well). Hollyhocks represent beauty and color on sturdy, dependable stalks. Summers in my youth were filled with that color and beauty and that dependability of the family and friends there helped to shape the person that I would become, growing up in that loving environment.
What a gorgeous painting!
A person of influence would be my husband – an influence for me and my daughter but also the hundreds of people he “teaches” to be authentic adn true in their lives. He has shunned academic glory and money to pursue the work he loves – helping others.
The person who has made the most influence in my life is my Father Mickey. He has always shown me his strenght while showing me his love as well. He had a way of always sharing the best of him. He loved everyone around him and they felt the same. He died two years ago after battling cancer for 8 years. What a pillar of strenght he was. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God for having such a wonderful father and friend.
Kolette thanks for all your inspiration as well.
Lisa
As always, you have such inspirational thoughts and help others find the good and do a bit of soul searching.
My person of inspiration is my Mother. She passed a way two weeks ago. Her death was not expected and has completely changed my life. The person she was and the reasons I loved her have been on my mind constantly. She is all I think about.
She inspired me to be more giving. To reach out to others more and help those in need. She was so generous and would give all that she had. Especially to children.
I love her with all of my heart and miss her.
You are amazing Kollete. Thank you AGAIN for lifting me spirits. I LOVE your blog. Still working on my “Good Book”
journal too!
Hugs!
Kim Rose
Idaho Falls, ID
Kolette:
I love your work. And I so appreciate that you make me think. Your artwork makes me think of standing tall. Moving in the breeze, but standing tall. Thanks for all you do.
Can you believe my neighbor thinks they are like weeds and is always displeased when my hollyhocks rise up every summer…how can you NOT love a hollyhock?
I think you are a sweetheart for the classes you have created, they are really adorable.
I’ve enjoyed the “Giving Well” so much. Each day I anticipate the new project and can’t wait to see it. I will definitely take your year long course.
I don’t grow hollyhocks. In fact, I don’t think I’ve even seen them here in Oklahoma. The wind here would probably blow them over. They are beautiful flowers and your painting is gorgeous.
Oh I love hollyhocks! When I think about my dream garden they are always in it. Once I put a note in a stranger’s mailbox because their hollyhocks brought me such happiness on my drive to work.
What a beautiful print Kollette! And the sneak peaks of the big class are enticing me to consider taking it! Still have to convince hubby though!
Love that picture that you picked out and it looks like it works perfectly in your house. Don’t get many hollyhocks here in AZ but they are gorgeous flowers….love happy flowers!
Thanks for sharing.
What a great print! Hope you enjoy it for a long time!
My husband is a person of influence! He is deaf and has such an effect on people–especially on mission trips that we take. God works so much through him.
Also, doing children’s church has made such a difference in my life. I love seeing the children respond to it. I hope that it influences them in a positive way.
The hollyhocks are beautiful! I have had a few ladies of influence in my life. But I try to live my life by biblical principles and the examples and live lived by Jesus.
My best friend from high school and I recently reconnected. i amazed to see that he is such a person of influence to me now as he was way back when.
Love the artwork – I don’t think it was there when I visited you guys! Don’t enter me in the drawing, but I wanted to post how I have loved hollyhocks since by dad used to make me bud dollies from the flowers in my grandparents yard. And my dad is a great influence in my life. He is a no nonsense guy, but loves me so much and has always been there for me. He’ll jump in and wash every dish on the table, something I don’t see many men do and he took such good care of my mom through all her cancer stuff. Thanks for the post!
Beautiful painting! What a great find, Kolette! Funny that I popped over here after reading Jason’s “Be a Fan” and find you asking what we do to stand tall and influence others – because I was just thinking about that today, and how strongly I feel that my most important role is that of a cheerleader, and reinforcing my loved ones’ belief in themselves.
Person of influence? Oh, that’s hard to narrow down! I have been fortunate to have so many wonderful people in my life – online and off. I come from a long line of amazingly strong and faithful women. The men in my life have been unafraid to demonstrate their unconditional belief and pride. And, my friends? Well, they are just awesome! And then there is my online network of creative and inspirational friends. My life is truly blessed.
And Hollyhocks?! I LOVE them! I have one that appeared in my garden several years ago as if by magic! I look forward to its blooms every year! Even did a layout of it for one of Lain’s challenges!
The person that has been the biggest influence on my life is my mom. I learned all from her. She taught us how to be good people. She was a great example!
What a beautiful painting! I’ve been realizing lately what a huge influence my grandmother has been. She is in the last stages of her ovarian cancer and I have been spending oodles of time with her. Because this time is the most precious, I hadn’t realized how much I’ve learned and taken from experience with her until more recently. I’m spending all of next week with her and I’m really looking forward to it. Thanks for the post!
My 7 year old daughter is my hollyhock Person of Influence. I often modify my behaviour so as to set a good example to her. Even when she is not there I think to myself, “now how would I want Elise to behave and therefore how should I behave?”. She has also taught me to see the world through new eyes again – these are the eyes of a child who has the adult experience and understanding that I have. She has taught me to have wonder again, to appreciate the small things, to simplify life and not get hung up on the little things, and that making daisy chains is a seriously GOOD way to spend an afternoon! She has taught me that my husband is a really amazing dad to her, even though he leaves me to do all the hard work (LOL!!). She has made me step back from my 7am til 9pm stressful career and realise that life needs balance. And from watching her I have learned to loosen up and show how I feel – so now you will find me walking down the street and suddenly I will do a little skip just because inside of me I am happy. I am sure that you will have just as much influence from your new little guy next year, and he will influence you and Jason’s lives as much as Elise has influenced mine. Ali
We moved from the south to the north and I only discovered hollyhocks this past season. They called to me at the greenhouse where I bought some plants for my gardens and oh how I quickly have come to adore them.
They do stand proud and tall and are both a great reminder for us to be that way in life and to commemorate those in our lives who have influenced us. For me, it is not one person but my parents and a grandmother who helped to raise me. They have given different parts of themselves that have culminated in the person I am today, one who believes in working hard, volunteering often and loves gardening and crafting. I am thankful to them all.
My Dad is a real influence on me. He is always there for me, listens when I need it, advises me when he can. He accepts me for who I am, willing to help me when I need it and teaches me so much. He is such a sharing, giving and patient man that I can but wish that I can be as brilliant and inspriational to someone as he is too me.
I have Hollyhocks growing on the south side of my house, LOVE them! They add an assortment of colours, they add movement outside our window when the breezes blow, and generally just add something to our vintage house.
I am influenced by my surroundings, in those surroundings is my DH (who is an artist even tho he won’t admit it) who puts up with all my moods, my adult children who are also artists – one working in that field, some friends who are always encouraging me to try new ways of marketing, new artwork, etc and most of all – nature around me.
My mom was always a great person of influence in my life — she always told me “I can do it” even when I doubted myself. I try to influence my neices by setting a good example, teaching them the odd things in life like how to eat an Italian ice — and how to use one of those little wooden “sticks” … and telling them I believe in them and I am proud of them. Hollyhocks remind me of my mother, she was a proud gardener and always grew them around the house. I love the colors in the painting, it would look great in my house!
Thanks.
Sara
A person of influence in my life is Jenni Ballantyne at http://thecomfyplace.blogspot.com/
Jenni has incurable cancer and yet she writes almost daily on her blog and includes her daily “what she is grateful for” segment. She never gives up, she does not try to hide her fear of her anger and yet she still fights her disease and stays up-beat for her 7 year old son. I have never met her before, I only know her through her blog. When I am feeling low because of my MS I know she will cheer me up. I mean, what do I have to complain about? I am not dying, she is and yet she is always there for me.
I am trying to stand tall and strong to be an influence for my children and others that I know with MS. I want my children to know that even though MS is not a great thing to have, it could always be worse and that I am doing every thing I can to slow it down.
I have always loved Hollyhocks. We had them when I was growing up in Bountiful Utah. I love how they stand straight and are always reaching for the stars. I should see if they will grow here in SC. Thank you for the Hollyhock inspiration. I think I will use them to represent me and how I am still standing tall, even with my cane, I am never going to stop reaching for the stars.
Have a groovy week!
Love and God bless,
Shaun
The “person of influence” in my life has to be my husband of 18 years. He is definiately my rock – always sees the bright side of situations…is constantly reminding me to do the same. We just lost his father to cancer this summer and I was glad I could be his rock during this difficult time.
Hollyhocks remind me of my childhood growing up in western Iowa. My mother had such beautiful hollyhocks – I agree…they are quite impressive flowers – love them!
Hi Kolette…
My mother-in-law gave me heirloom hollyhock seeds a couple of years ago…my dear sweet husband pulled them up as weeds this summer:) Starting all over again in the spring GRIN.
My Dad passed away this week…and by far he is a huge person of influence in my life. But in our grief…I am trying to live like my Dad did…with dignity and courage. I have two teenagers who really need ME right now, so instead of crawling in a hole and covering with a blanket I am trying to be present for them.
Thanks so much Kolette for your kind words that you have sent me lately. They have been much appreciated and taken to heart!
Denise
http://www.dancinglydenise.typepad.com
The painting is gorgeous, and the print would have a wonderful home here. My husband, Jon, is the person of Influence in my life. He has supported me through chemo and a long recovery and never complains. He brings me cards and says “I love you” everyday. Today he called from work and said that he hoped that the green blanket in our car wasn’t too special as he had given it to a fellow whose car had run off the road and as he stayed with him until the police arrived and then forgot about it when he left them to go to work. I just told him that the blanket would be a reminder to that person of a random act of kindness. He is my hero everyday.
My mother is my Person of Influence. She was a Navy wife and was often left to care for the 3 of us by herself. She never let it show that she was stressed. She showed us all that you can do whatever it is you want to. She taught us to not get discouraged by our situation. She is my Rock.
Wow, this is tough. Only in the sense that I feel the need to be brief since it’s just a comment but I feel like I could write pages and pages on this topic. Just today I was at work doing something and I remembered something my Dad told me 15 years ago when I first graduated from college and started working – he is definitely a person of influence in my life. Probably the huge-est on this earth. God would be another big influence in my life and I’m grateful for that. I am currently in a new job and in that job, I need to be a person of influence. I work in Human Resources and in that role, you have a lot of ability to influence and I work really hard to influence in the right way. Thanks for the opportunity to share. This is definitely going to be a topic in my journal.
Wow. So many people have influenced my life in their own way. Most recently though would have to be your husband! I was at CE, and dealing with issues involving my mom’s health. He gave me some words of advice, and I followed through with what I needed to do in order to find peace with her situation. Then, a few weeks later, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was because of Jason’s spirit, determination, and life wisdom he shared there that I have been able to deal with this “bump in the road” in a positve and peaceful way. If you could please tell him thank you, I would appreciate that!
Thank you for sharing your HollyHocks with us. I feel so very blessed that they grow like weeds here in New Mexico, and I get to see them as I drive around our mountain town.
God Bless you and your family.
I think a boy named Ed Sayer and his wonderful attitude as he lived his too short life with cystic fibrosis has been a big influence in my life. He died at the age of 23 while awaiting a lung transplant. He was a swimmer and I can remember him sitting on the edge of the pool at swim practice at about age 12 with my youngest daughter who was 6 at the time and just recovering from another bout of pneumonia, and he was teaching her how to “huff” up the crud in her lungs after she had swum her warm up, a disgusting but necessary lesson that I was not able to teach her. He helped my complete nerd of a son learn to love his gifts and share them with others, which over time made my son accepted and then popular. When Edwas in college he could still swim the 100 yard butterfly in a minute flat, on about 1/3 of a normal person’s lung capacity. He never quit, never stopped trying, even when it meant dragging a oxygen tank everywhere he went. He was an absolute nut, full of wit and charm, and always looked for the good.