Janeal's Art and Poems

The Christmas Stocking

2011-12-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

The Empty Christmas Stocking

By Janeal Mulaney

I've noticed presents get more expensive every Christmas

Along with each person, who think they need or want more.

Are we forgetting what the true meaning of Christmas is all about?

Lets refresh our memory shall we?

On the twenty-fifth day of December our Savior,

Jesus Christ was born.

Do we remember that Christmas is His birthday, which is why we celebrate?

Do we put a gift for Jesus underneath our Christmas tree?

Do we hang a stocking for Jesus for the entire world to see?

You might wonder what we would give Him even if we did.

Well, here are a few ideas to fill Jesus' stocking with.

There kindness toward each other,

Peace on earth, and joy throughout the land.

We could put in understanding and forgiveness,

For the people we feel has done us wrong.

Compassion and caring we could give all others throughout the year.

Is Jesus' stocking getting full or is there still some space for even more.

We might put in gentleness and tenderness, for they go hand in hand.

Let's not forget LOVE a most important gift, which He has, gave to man.

So, hang the empty stockings on the mantelpiece.

But don't forget the most important one.

Don't forget your stocking for our Savior Jesus Christ.

Don't forget to fill it full with items Jesus would adore.

The gifts we give to Jesus also make our Christmas bright.

Our Love for the Heavenly Father and our fellow man

For each time we show our love for another.

We show our love for Him

Let's add all the other feelings that God gives each of us every single day,

Not just once a year.

As a painter I see things differently then most people.

2011-10-26T06:35:00.000-06:00

Desert

By Janeal Mulaney

Other people see desert and sagebrush as desolate, starved, and dehydrated. As a painter I see the beauty within the landscaping. Yes at times it can be very dry, and rough, but in my painting it soon takes on a life of it’s own. I am happy to share the sights I see within, the hidden colors that come to my mind’s eye when I look out across the barren wastelands. Maybe it’s a mirage, or maybe I just look for the beauty in every place I go. I don’t know for sure which it is. All I know is I love how my mind works.

A Story Worth All to Read

2011-09-23T19:50:00.000-06:00

This is not a story that I wrote, but I believe it message needs spread as far as it can go. This story is for every soldier who has ever served our country be them man or woman. God bless you all.

PLEASE READ Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees A dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called A student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique. 'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's al ways with me, Even though we are apart I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far. You see he was a soldier And died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught everyone to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day. And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far. God Bless

The Candle

2011-09-18T04:16:00.000-06:00

Candle
By Janeal Mulaney

In the dark

You cannot see

Put flame to me

And let me breathe

It’s been too long

For you to have no sight

Alone and afraid no light shines bright

With my thin flame I will make you see

Your life is empty and just a shell

Within your heart no love will dwell

You pain is over and your tears are dry

Do not let him kill what is the best inside

In the dark you cannot see

Put flame to me and let me breathe

For in your heart love should dwell

Forget the fear and who caused it dear

Alone and afraid is no way to be

When you true love is waiting for thee

With my flame I’ll help you see

With an open heart love will set you free

Love Poem

2011-09-08T09:11:00.000-06:00

Love and Other Systems

By Janeal Mulaney

The brush of your skin against mine

The sparkle in your eyes when you look at me

A salutary tear rolls down your cheek

These are all systems for the reason I hold you in my heart

I long for the sight of you when you’re not around

I wish for your tender lips seeking out the touch of mine

My fingers grave to stroke your strong muscular body

These are the systems I long to call you my very own Love

Wanting to hold you in the twilight hour

The feel of your heart beat beneath my cheek

Our limbs intertwined until we become one

I know it is Love for you are the reason my heart goes on beating

I Am There For You

2011-07-19T23:30:00.000-06:00

I Am There For You

When you’re down or feeling low. Look for me and I’ll be there, my shoulder you can lean on, I will hold you while you cry. When your troubled and feel you have no where to go, look around you have a place, I call home. Ask for love and I will give you a cup that runs over all the time. Sometimes you may feel lonely, but you will never truly be alone, trust in the angels you may not see. But a true friend you will always have in me. Ó

By Janeal Mulaney

Wolves

2011-07-15T05:11:00.000-06:00

Right now I'm working on a night painting with three wolves howling at the moon, a friend requested it. While painting my daughter came up and said she wanted one too. So I guess I'm going to be busy for a while painting wolves howling at a full moon. I'll be putting it the painting up soon on my blog. This summer has been hecktic but fun.

On a Cold Winter's Night

2011-01-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

On a Cold Winter’s Night

The snow was flying in the wind, as the temperature dropped.

With the clouds hanging overhead, the day melted into night

On this long cold winter’s night, I bundled up in front of the firelight

Soon you would be home to cuddle up with tight, warm chocolate a waiting

S-mores resting on a plate ready to be heated, when you cap comes off your head

On this long cold winter’s night, I bundle up in wait by the firelight

You’re late, but then the roads are bad, so it will take you longer to share our bed

The windows are frosting over, but I look outside anyway waiting for you

On this long cold winter’s night, I bundle up in front of an open door to wait

Still you do not come, but I hear sirens in the background from a short ways away

A cold chill runs through my body, and I fill the black close in around me

On this long cold winter’s night, I collapse in front of an open door.

You come to me, one last time you say my name and whisper I love you

I love you now and I always will, take care of yourself and I’ll be around

On this long cold winter’s night my love had to say goodbye

Let Me Be Your Hero

2010-11-16T06:18:00.001-07:00

I’ll be the one you can run to

When your life has turned upside down

I’ll have a shoulder you can cry on

When your tears fall like rain

I’ll wrap my arms around you and keep you safe from harm

If you’ll let me be your hero, I’ll be where you belong

When your day turns as black as night I will be your day and sun

If you let me be your hero, I will turn your life around

Open up your heart to me, and ask me to come in

I will be your hero on that you can depend

Let me be your hero when your hair fades to gray

For I will be with you always just waiting for what you say

Call me and I will come to you

Cry and I will comfort you

Ask and I will answer you

For I am always here for you

Let me be your hero

Fall Colors

2010-11-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

Fall Colors

By Janeal Mulaney

It all starts with one fresh brush,

The paint is in swirls, but what for is the rush,

All the fall colors are ready to go,

God touches the brush and raises his hand

Then slides over the canvas in a smooth flow

Low and behold there are so many colors

Reds, oranges, yellows and browns

God brought fall alive with the flick of his hand

Trees are turning, while plants go in to hiding

Winter is coming but first all the leaves falling

We look up to the heavens and thank God for beautiful sight.

Janeal's Art and Poems: My Mother Esther Mulaney

2010-11-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

Janeal's Art and Poems: My Mother Esther Mulaney

My Mother Esther Mulaney

2010-11-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

Esther Mulaney 1936-2010

A Celebration of life for longtime Lamar resident, Esther Rosilda (McEndree) Mulaney will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at the Lamar Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor John Morrison and Jack Martin co-officiating. Interment will follow at Maxey Cemetery.
Esther was born on August 15, 1936 at Deora, to Edward Robert and Rosilda Adeline "Addie" (Venn) McEndree and passed away on October 22, 2010 at her daughter`s home in Centennial, at the age of 74.
She is preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter Juanita Esther Mulaney.
Esther is survived by her husband; James Charles Mulaney of Canon City, daughters; Janet Verhoeff of Centennial and Janeal Mulaney of Lamar, grandchildren; Tara Mulaney of Lamar, Michael (Amy) Mulaney of Kahului, Hawaii, Skyler (Jessica) Mulaney of Pueblo, Brenna Verhoeff of Centennial, Tatia (Kevin) Magoon of Anchorage, Ala., Sean Verhoeff and Kenton Verhoeff both of Centennial and great-grandchildren; TJ Torres, Metika Escobar, Lychelle Escobar, Elizabeth Kelley, Lina Mulaney, Colm Verhoeff and Kade Magoon. She is also survived by her siblings; Evelyn Dean, Audrey (Wilfred) Kincade, Darline Manly all of Lamar and Dale (Kathleen) McEndree of Republic, Mo., as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Johns through Peacock Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Peacock Family.
For current information and online condolences please visit the Web site at peacockfuneralhome.com.

My Mother
She was an angel among us, with open arms to hold us whenever we were frightened or sad.
She would chase away our fears, and tears with her kind words and loving smile.
Even though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit and memories are flying high
Surrounding us with her love and gentle ways.
She is now a guarding angel doing the work God has meant for her to do.

Frozen Limb

2010-10-22T17:29:00.002-06:00

One is the real painting the other is the painting reinhanced by adobe photoshop. Both pictures were done by Janeal Mulaney.

The Wail of a Banshee

2010-10-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

A Banshee’s Wail

Last night she came, outside my window

At first I thought it was a hoot owl in pain

But the voice was shill and carried by the wind

A Banshee’s wail drowned out the sheeting rain

I know what it means when she comes around

Someone I love will cease to exist in this world

Her wail will bring the reaper to carry them away

How do I gather the strength not to come unfurled?

Who will it be, who is she after, how do I find out?

When will it happen, this soul that will flee?

Then I look down and what do I see?

Oh my God she was after me

Artist and Writer

2010-09-26T22:55:00.001-06:00

Get to know Janeal through her paintings and writings. Mother of three plus two special children that never gave her labor pains. Grandmother of four beautiful grandchildren who are her pride and joy. She learned how to Love, fight, and enjoy life through her parents. Seeing the world through her eyes is sometimes twisted, other times neon, but always intertaining.

in reference to: Facebook | Janeal Mulaney (view on Google Sidewiki)

Without You

2010-09-22T12:35:00.000-06:00

The night is long without you

The day is an endless mass of tears

I can’t believe you are no more

Or I have to live the rest of my life alone

People say I’ll find someone new

Time will heal all the pain I’m going thorough

How I wish I could believe what they say

Maybe I would if I could get over you someday

To me right now I can’t see the end

Of this horrible hurt that tears at my heart

Of a loved one gone to quickly in life

How can I go on when my heart is now only part?

Love Is

2010-08-29T04:33:00.000-06:00

Love is caring enough for another person to let them make their own mistakes and fix them after it has been made.
Love is butting out even when you feel you should handle the problem
Love is shutting up even though you feel you should be speaking up
Love is letting go, but staying close enough for them to use you as their sounding board.
Love is letting them cry on your shoulder whenever they need a shoulder
Love is saying your sorry even when you are not wrong

Don't I know you

2010-08-10T08:07:00.001-06:00

As I looked in the mirror one morning I saw this woman staring back me

She reminded me of someone, someone I should know, but something was off

There were wrinkles where none use to be, the light in her eyes wasn’t as bright

Still there was something so familiar about the woman who use to be a girl

Now I'm reminded of my own parents, with bits and pieces of me left over

Don’t I know you? The girl you use to be, sometimes wild, and sometimes free

With a sparkle in your eyes of the laughter, and high of all life had to promise

A smile that use to out shine the sun, in wrinkle free skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom

I remember you, before marriage, and motherhood tamed your wild spirit

I remember you, the woman you became, now not so wild and free, but in it's place is majority

Don’t I know you? Some dreams have come true, while others have gone flat as a tire

But through all those years and the wrinkles that have set in, I still see the girl I use to be

In the wonderful woman who has had her ups and downs, there is still the girl who laughs and is wild

With a spirit that soars through the night wishing upon a star to be free

Yes I know you, the girl I use to be, as well as the wonderful woman I have become

I know me

In the Rain

2010-08-10T02:42:00.000-06:00

Picture taken by Amy Mulany my daughter

I love to take a walk through the rain

The fresh air, the gentle drips that splash in puddles at my feet

The gray clouds with an electric currant running through them opening for more to fall

The sound of rolling thunder, as though God is speaking to those who want hear

As I wander in the rain

Just a tad of suspense and fear of the unknown

Icy fingers reaching out to lick my skin through the clothing I wear

Flashing light beyond the trees, as I count until the crack of thunder comes

The energy I absorb from the air that swirls the drops of rain all around me

As I wander through the rain

I see the flowers reaching out to drink

The grass turns greener with every step I take

The leaves flutter with the breeze that brings the drops onto my head

I breathe in to absorb the wet cool breeze as I search the sky

As I wander through the rain

By Janeal Mulaney

Silhouettes Images of You

2010-07-19T05:29:00.000-06:00

Silhouettes Images of You

By Janeal Mulaney

You came into my life when I was feeling lost,

You opened up my mind and heart telling me there’s more.

When I would talk, you would listen,

When I would smile, you would laugh.

When I would cry, you would hold me tight,

When I would doubt, you would tell me more.

Now there is a silhouette, a face I have yet to see.

An image in my mind of a special person, I have yet to meet.

You talk about the wind, clouds, and even rain,

You talk of stars falling in my eyes, and make a poem from my name.

You tell me how I’m to be treated, as you heal each and every scar,

My silhouette shines down on you, as my soul soars above the sky.

The image of your silhouette haunts me through my nightly dreams,

Are you a gentleman or a wild wolfish beast?

Or could you really be something in between?

I know it does not matter for the silhouette I want to meet

Be you part wolf, the other part my gentleman.

For in my dreams your silhouette surrounds me like a cloak.

Separating us from others who may never understand.

How I could care about a silhouette image of my wild wolfish gentleman.ã

Should Men Carry Their Own Condoms

2010-07-13T20:04:00.001-06:00

There are arguments for both sides to carry condoms, and I know my story is in no way unique by any means, but if it helps one person out there than it has been worth writing.

I was twenty years old, and my fiancé at the time had moved me to a different town. I had been on birth control for two years and like many women I had carried condoms with me since high school just in case. I had lived with Cole for over six months and had a few more weeks of pills left, but I couldn’t get back to my regular doctor to get a new prescription for more pills at that time. I told Cole about not having anymore pills and told him he would need to go pick up condoms, or buy some the next time we went to the store. He hated wearing them, so he didn’t bother to buy any. My pills were gone, our wedding was planned for the next month, and I’d asked him if he was going to get some, he said it didn’t matter.

So we started our family early. Our first child was born eight months and eleven days after our wedding. I was breast-feeding so I was still unable to take the pill. My husband and I again had a talk about what we should do about birth control. He was still against buying condoms. Our second child was born seventeen months and one day, after our first child.

After fourteen years of marriage, we went our separate way like so many couples do today. After we had separated he came over one night to talk, and he brought up our children. He informed me that he hadn’t been ready for kids, when we had ours. So I asked him why he hadn’t bought the condoms all those years ago, if he hadn’t wanted kids at that time. His answer had been it was my responsibility to take care of the birth control.

I thought then as I think now, all those times he wanted sex, what was his responsibility, when was his responsibility suppose to start. I’m sorry but I’ve heard this story from so many women, he didn’t want to use a condom because he doesn’t get the same feeling, or they break anyway so why bother. I’ve heard men claim over and over how some woman tricked them into marriage because they got pregnant with their child, or how they have to pay for a child because some woman said she was on the pill.

Why are you guys listening to some woman instead of making sure yourself, that you will be safe while having sex with a woman? You buy your own clothes; you buy your own socks and shoes. So I suggest you buy your own condoms, that way you get to have a say in when your children are conceived.

Gentleman it can make a difference in your child support later on. If you don’t want the responsibility of paying child support or raising children when you are not ready for children, be responsible enough to buy condoms. There are times women do not feel it should be up to them to cover up something on your body.

Is There Any Truths to The Story about The Headless Horseman Story

2010-07-13T06:54:00.000-06:00

The Headless Horseman Myth

By Janeal Mulaney

The best-known myth came from the imagination of Washington Irving through a short story called ‘The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow’. Although it has shown up in many different states for various reasons they all seem to stem from the one short story.

The first time I heard the legend of the headless horseman it was in Colorado, it was indeed different then the headless horse I later read about in the school library. In my hometown it didn’t have a covered bridge in the story, this might have been because we had no covered bridge, but we did have an old rickety bridge that crossed over a canal and that was our bridge in the story. Our story also left out any reference to a man named Ichabod Crane. In fact it left out all the caricatures except for the headless horseman.

I’m not sure what started this fable or ghost story, maybe an adult started the story to keep children away from the old bridge which in fact had started to rot away and was no longer safe. I just know as a child, we were told the headless horseman stayed on the bridge to collect children’s heads, and he would take off the head of anyone who tried to pass over the old bridge and throw the bodies into the canal so no one could find them.

Reading over the Internet I’ve found even more stories about the headless horseman and why he was created for different purposes. In Texas it was due to cattle rustling, and he was called El Muerto, or the Dead One. It is claimed that anyone who saw him ran screeching like banshees into the night.

In Ireland and Scotland among other countries there are also legends about a headless horseman.

It is very easy to imagine these fables have some kind of fact behind them, with all the wars that have come and gone throughout the years of our Nation’s history as well as wars throughout the world. Many myths are made up of some kind of truth, maybe there was a Hessian soldier that was in the British army, and maybe he was beheaded. A lot of people were back then, some are still beheaded today. We do know that there was a man named Ichabod Crane, and there have been millions of schoolteachers throughout our history. So it’s not too far of a stretch to believe the short story was made up with more truths than fiction.

What ever is fact and what ever part is fiction it has became a wonderful classic for children as well adults.

Stranger in my Life

2010-07-11T08:32:00.000-06:00

Stranger in my Life

Not too long ago I meet you, you said all the right things
You whispered and spoke of a love so wonderful
I fell into your arms ready for you to sweep me away
For months you cherished and loved me like I had never been before

I thought our love was special I thought our love was true
The tender way you touched me, the sweet cards you sent
Told me of a love that was written within the stars
As I fell more and more each day, you made dreams come true
You gazed into my big blue eyes and told your sweet lies

For you know I was head over heals in love with you
I gave of myself more and more with every breath I took
Until you had everything you wanted
I had put all my faith in you only to realize that you deserved none
I put all my trust in you only to find you were never thrust worthy
I believed in you only to realize you wanted to use my love to your own means
One be one the promises you made you broke in everyway possible

Never once did I understand what you had truly done
Until that faithful day you left me for another who will now be used
I hear you each night in my dreams telling her the same lies you once told me
I feel for her for someday soon she will be where I once was

I cannot warn her for you have spread so many lies she would not want to believe
That you are the enemy to one and all women who have a tender heart
And want to believe that there is goodness within each person
Now I know that although you may still have some good buried deep within

You are too twisted to ever try to reach the wonderful love God placed within
By Janeal Mulaney

Sign of Love

2010-06-29T07:30:00.004-06:00

Love is saying your sorry even when you are not wrong, love is shutting up even when you feel you should be handling the problem. Love is caring enough for another person to let them make their own mistakes and fix them after they has been made. Love is letting go, but staying close enough for them so they can cry on your shoulder. If they need to.

How to Get The Boy Next Door

2010-06-24T09:59:00.002-06:00

How to get the Boy next Door?
Well first my boy wasn't exactly next door he was more like across the alley. Actually it was my boy's parents who had moved into the house across the alley, my boy actually lived in another town. Daniel was a few years older then I was, and his younger sister had wanted to set him up with Marissa, my older sister.
Our families joined together one weekend for a barbeque, and Daniel had come to town so this was the perfect time to introduce him to 'the girl of his dreams', Alisa decided. Marissa thought the idea was a great one, but dinner changed all that. Daniel didn't exactly fit Marissa's idea of a handsome prince, and she wasn't what Daniel had envisioned as his ideal angel either.
Daniel took one look at Marissa's younger sister, and the rest of the day was a blur. To him she was more then the ideal, she was the exceptional angel that he had dreamed about over the years. Daniel asked his father about her, who was she, what was her name, and where did she come from?
His dad told him whom I was, but unfortunately I was already engaged to another man. Daniel didn't give up he came home more often, in fact he showed up every weekend. Daniel hoped that I would see the light and find him in spite of the other man.
My fiancé helped him out a lot in that aspect; within the next month my fiancé was truly history. He couldn't make up his mind on anything to do with our wedding. Then when he finally did figure something out, the something he figured out was that he was gay, and I didn't have the right parts to make him happy. Thank God. I was thrilled he figured that out at least before we were hitched.
So I was free, and wondering what the devil had happened to my life, and me. I spent a lot of time in a daze, then one night I went over to my parents' home and Alisa was there. She was looking for someone to go to a concert with her. My sister had turned her down, because she didn't like rock and roll music. So she asked if I would like the extra ticket.
Stay in town and watch the past year of my life float by before my eyes again for the hundredth time, or go to watch one of my favorite bands. I said thank you and I would love to go, after all I wasn't stupid. Daniel came in late Friday night. The next morning we packed up the car with drinks and eats, and then we headed to La Junta where we would pick up his best friend Steve. Steve climbed in and we were off again to Colorado Springs for the concert. By the time we had reached Rocky Ford both Alisa and Steve were asleep, and I was bored. I had sat in the back seat behind Daniel, and finally settled on putting my feet up on the back of his seat.
After singing along with all the songs on the radio, and still being bored I came up with a game I called irritate Daniel, the object of the game was to see how long it took him to catch my toes. Stupid yes but hey what's a girl to do when she half bored out of her mind. I would pinch his earlobe with my right foot's toe just before I would stick my big toe on my left foot in his other ear. Lets just say I figured out a totally different way to play footy.
We made it to the concert and went our separate ways until the band shut it down. We meet back at the fence we went into earlier. Spent the night camped out in the car in Manito Springs. The next day we messed around the springs, before we headed back to Lamar.

Winter Splender

2010-06-23T20:35:00.004-06:00

I fell in love with this painting as soon as it was done, I guess because it's somewhere where I would love to be in winter. It also took second place in our county fair. Hope you like it too.

Pillow Fights

2010-06-23T19:59:00.002-06:00

Pillow Fights
By Janeal Mulaney

It was just days after my children and I moved out of my ex-husband house, the movers were do to unload our beds and other furniture on Monday, but until then my children and I had slept on the floor of our new apartment for the last two nights. My children and I had a lot of emotional baggage weighing us down with all the hurt and differences that were accruing in our lives. My oldest and youngest had been at each other’s throats all day. My oldest son decided to be the mediator as usual, but it hadn’t been working so as we got ready for bed the other two were still fighting.
The first blow came and Mitch hit both his sister and brother with one swing of the pillow. Before long we were all whacking each other with my old feathered pillows. We ended up tearing two of them apart and the feathers were flying everywhere, we were laughing so hard our sides were hurting, but we keep letting off steam and stress as we’d pick up another pillow and start up where a torn one left off. The pillow fight went on and on, the kids were laughing so hard they couldn’t even hit each other anymore. They were missing more then they were hitting someone, but the exercise was therapeutic for four people that had their whole world turned upside down in the space or one afternoon.
I was never so thankful that I had bought pillows every chance I got. We had gone through seven feathered pillows that night throughout our pillow fight. The stress was gone, but the mess was left to clean up before we could go to bed that night. The kids shook out all the bedding and I used the vacuum to suck up all the feathers from the carpet.
As the kids chatted back and forth about who got the best of whom, I vacuumed up all the feathers from the broken pillows. Then made out our temporary beds again. After laying down the kids talked to me about all the things that had been going on inside their minds with the separation, and us moving out of our family home. I tried to answer all their questions truthfully without putting all the blame on their dad. I tried to make them understand how couples some times grow apart, and how dreams can and do change throughout the years, and how some people want one thing and then for what ever reason those feelings aren’t there anymore. I’m sure if I talked to some professional about how we worked through our anger and hurt over the separation of our family, I would be told that I had handled it all wrong. I don’t know what the right way is, all I know is my kids and I bonded that night. That night they learned they had the freedom to ask questions, and talk to me about how they felt about any subject they wanted or needed to talk about.
We had many pillow fights after that, and I learned to buy some foam pillows just for the pillow fights, but that was truly one of my favorite pillow fights.

Hold on To Me

2010-06-23T19:43:00.001-06:00

Hold on to Me
By Janeal Mulaney

When your troubles out weigh your blessings
Hold on to me
When you see no sunshine in sight but only rain
Hold on to me
When you feel all alone and you have no home
Hold on to me for I am with you
When you can shed no more tears for too much pain
Hold on to me for I am always there
When the troubles of your world are too many to endure
Hold on to me because I’m holding you
With all the strength in my arms I will carry you
So hold on to me
With all the strength in my legs I will walk at your side
So hold on to me
When you feel your friends have forsaken you
Know I am your one true friend to talk to
When your road home is to dark to see
I will be your guiding light so have faith in me
When the winds and rains soak you to the bone
I will be the fire that comforts you
When your troubles seem to heavy to keep going
Have faith in me and I will carry your load for you
For my children who believe in me are never alone,
For I am there for you always
You just have to ask for me to come in

Brothers, Sisters, and Favorites

2010-06-23T19:15:00.001-06:00

Brothers, Sisters, and Favorites
By Janeal Mulaney
I come from a home where my parents wanted a large family. However it was not meant to be, my mother had several miscarriages, and a premature baby who didn't live for long after her birth. My father had to go buy a baby doll at the store so they would have clothes small enough just to bury my oldest sister in.
They finally got lucky the next child they had was full term and she is my other sister, and then one more time they got lucky and had me, almost three years later. Which is a story within its self. (Maybe at another time I will write about it.)
All through my childhood I heard how I was the favorite by my sister, and to tell the truth I always felt she was the favorite. We were as different as night and day, my sister was very feminine, she liked to cook, sew, and read. She was also great in school and a wonderful artist. She looked like mom and dad; never caused hardly any problems so she hardly got into any trouble.
I was all tomboy and didn't look like either of my parents, I never really applied myself in school, after all it took up eight hours of my day, when I could have been at home with the animals, climbing trees, working on my bikes, and getting my jeans all grease soaked. As I got older, I did the chores that were set for us as quickly as possible, so I could do what I wanted to do, I didn't want to spend any time at all in the house until the sun was down, or there was a blizzard outside. I bucked every rule my parents ever set, if I asked why I couldn't do something, and the only reason I was given was because they said so, then I did it anyway. That answer just wasn't a good enough reason for me not to do what I wanted.
I grew up grounded, spanked; and with more time outs then there were days in a year. I was literally my parents’ worse nightmare, and that was before I became a teen. Heck my heroes were Bonny and Clyde, which my friends and I played at being daily, in an old van my parents owned. (I still say that was the reason they sold it.) Ha, Ha!
As I grew up I helped my father in the shop, and on his jobs where he needed someone small to crawl in and out of tight places.
The one class I did start liking in school was art, but I was always compared to my sister, who according to my mother was so much better, so I soon started doing poorly in it too. What the heck I wasn't any good at it, so why bother wasting my time on it.
Still I was told I was the favorite, and I still couldn't figure out how my sister felt that way when I was never good enough, always in trouble, getting yelled at and compared to her. To make things even worse even the teachers in our small town would ask how I could be related to such a wonder student when my schoolwork sucked. That was when I truly became rebellious and mouthy to everyone.
I looked my teacher straight in the eyes, and asked. if she was truly an idiot, or if she had to work at it? Then I told her, you know my parents, both of them have black hear, dark eyes, and are over five feet seven, do I really look related to them. I'm adopted you twit.
I was just starting my first year at high school. My homeroom was called the principle office for the next three years. If I wasn't ditching classes, I was roaming the hallways this was how I spent my eight hours away from home. Some how I managed to graduate from school, personally I think the teachers got together and said, if we don't give that child higher then an F, we may never get rid of her so I made the D honor roll; what the heck, D is still the forth letter in the alphabet so I came in forth, right. Not bad if there is three hundred and some students, right!
That was along time ago now. Since then I have raised three of my own children, and now have four grandchildren. I've heard from each one of them how another one was my favorite, at one time or the other. My oldest and my youngest thought my middle child was the favorite, at one time, my oldest and the middle child thought I favored my youngest, at times. My middle and youngest thought my oldest was my favorite.
I can honestly say all three of them are my favorite.
How can I have three favorites?
Very easily, my oldest is a girl and she grew up a carbon copy of me. I know her inside and out. She is full of spirit and love; she is loyal to her family and friends, even though she has been let down by them at one time or the other. Sometimes she forgets while doing for some she lets others down, but her heart is always in the right spot. Sooner or later she will come back and be there for those that were neglected at an earlier time. So yes she is very much my favorite because I see myself in her every single day. I know she will have bad times, but she too will make it out on top because of her spirit, and the love she has for her own children and life.
My middle child is also my first son, who is about as far from my personality as anyone can be, he thinks everything through before he does anything, and his patience is so awesome. He has been my rock, my mentor, and my teacher, throughout my adult life. He is like the big brother I always wanted, but never had. He reminds me of the man I admire most which is my father, and he has the same easygoing attitude. He too has a heart that is filled with love and although he does not show it as often as the other two of my children do to just anyone, you can bet he shows it to his wife, the lovely woman who saw the stunning man he really is. He is excellent in everything he does. He has great morals and standards as well as takes great pride in himself and everything he accomplices. He is most definitely my favorite. He is who I always wanted to be.
My youngest is also my baby boy; he is a mixture of his grandfather, himself, and me. He is and will be one of the best men I know he has a heart of pure gold, but like me he lets his emotions rule and thinks later. He too reminds me of my father in different ways then my oldest son, he loves and cares deeply for his family and friends, he's not afraid to show his feelings for the ones he loves. I take pride in seeing him with his wife and baby girl every day. I know for them he will become the man he has always wanted to be. I see the same look in his own eyes that I still see in my own father's every time he looks at me. He's had hard times and good, but the thing that I admire most is no matter what happens he takes the blame for his own actions, wether they were right or they were wrong, he takes the fall then picks himself back up, and dust himself off. So yes he is very much my favorite.
So that is why I ask, are you the favorite? The answer to that is yes, in some way or for some reason you are your parents’ favorite, but then again you too will have to share that title with all your other siblings. For in some way they are just as special as you, and your parents love them unconditionally also.

Site Updated - Today!

2010-06-23T19:10:00.003-06:00

Hey, I just noticed there were some widgets and fun sidebar items I could add that you might enjoy, so I thought I'd let you know they're on the right side. Just take a peak and enjoy all the newest parts of my blog. I'll be updating my blog more frequently now. Don't forget to stop by and take a look.

Meanwhile, stop by and take a look at Bliss - my book about art and poetry.

April Fool's Day Story

2009-03-11T02:43:00.003-07:00

April Fools Day Mom
By Janeal Mulaney
I was expecting my second child in April, and actually the doctor had declared the due date around the sixteenth of May. I knew the baby would come before then I just was not entirely sure when. I awoke for some reason in the wee hours on April first and decided I would play a prank on my mother, like I usually did every April fools day. Just usually not quite that early in the morning. So it was three o'clock am no big deal she would get over being woke up at that time of day by the time I saw her later. So sweet little me punched in the numbers of her line and waited patiently for her to answer her phone. She said, hello in her sleep-induced voice, and I moaned extra long for her benefit, before I said."Mom, I'm in labor, we need to get to the hospital fast.""How far apart are the contractions?" she asked."They're only a minute apart, they're coming fast, I must have slept through most of them," then I let out another moan. I heard the phone drop and my mother's voice franticly calling to my dad to wake up. I tried screaming into the phone, but she was already gone. My father heard me, and picked up the phone. Through my laughter, I told my dad it was just an April fool's joke. My dad started laughing with me as we both heard my mom's van start outside of their house. All of a sudden we heard the door slam as she rushed back in to get my father to hurry up, and find out what was keeping my sound asleep husband, who should have already been out to the car with my bag. Through his laughter and tears, my father told her it was an April fool's joke and I was just fine. She went out shut off the motor to her van, came back and told me after I had my child she was going to shoot me. I still don't understand why, she would want to do such a thing? I guess she did get over it, because I'm still here, and all three of my children are grown.

A winter Memory

2009-01-27T07:56:00.007-07:00

My Favorite Winter Memory
By Janeal Mulaney
Of course I was still a kid, and our Christmas vacation had just started. Three whole weeks without school what could be better, I awoke to falling snow, and not just the tiny flakes without moisture but big gigantic flakes the kind that make the best snowmen. It was still early and the snow had yet to cover the ground adequately, but I had my hopes. We had not been able to build a snowman yet this season, nor had we been able to make snow angels, or have a snowball fight. What good was winter without all those things?
Bause of the bitter cold, I had been trapped inside, it was a fate worst then death to this tomboy. I grabbed my jeans and sweater and headed for the bathroom. Today I was going to be outside and able to play in the wonderful white powder. I looked outside once again and smiled with delight. The snow was already over three inches high with more on the way. My daddy met me as he headed toward the kitchen; "hey spunky are you ready for a snowball fight?" he asked, as he passed me in the hall.
"I can't wait daddy, I'll be ready to head out in just a minute," I said, knowing that the chores had to come first, but even they got me out the house.
Side by side Daddy and I feed the horses, cows, chickens, dogs, and cats. Then headed to the barn to milk ole bossy our white-faced Hereford, she'd been with the family longer then I could remember. I loved all our animals, and enjoyed the time I helped with them, most of our animals we had raised from babies, so all were friendly the same way with Bossy's twin calves, that had been born the spring before, I had named them Randy and Sandy, and taken care of both in the small corral on the other side of the barn until they were big enough to join the tiny herd we had. If you can actually call three cows, and two bulls a herd. Dad gave me the honor of going out to break the ice in the water tank, while he milked Bossy. As I walked out of the barn into the corral both calves came to greet me, they were as ready to play in the snow as I was. Sandy nudged me on the right shoulder then Randy would nudge me on the left back towards Sandy making me their human basketball. We walked and slid all the way to the water tank that way, and then I took the small hammer out and with my child strength I hit at the three-inch ice to break through. I had just cracked the ice across the tank when the calves decided to both nudge me in the back as I was applying the hammer to the ice once
again. I somersaulted straight into the tank the ice split and I went head first into the iciest water I'd ever felt. I came up stuttering and sputtering over my ice cold shower. Randy and Sandy must have been worried, because as I was trying to get my footing to get out of the icy pool of water. Both calves grabbed a hold of my coat and were pulling me up and out of the tank. My dad must have heard the splash and looked out to check on the noise, then ran to get the old blanket before leaving the barn. Randy and Sandy had pulled me out as I lay on the ground both of them laid down beside me and put their heads across my back, to keep me as warm as possible, until my dad was there to lift me up and carry me to the house. I caught a severe cold and was in bed for the next two weeks. The snow had come and gone; right along with Christmas before my over protective mother would allow me to get out of bed. The minute I was up, Dad told me to go check the stock with him, I dressed and we went out to the corrals where the cows and horses stayed, everything was normal the horses were frisky and running around absorbing the suns' rays, most of the cattle were still eating all except two calves who stood looking at the house expectantly.
"Why aren't they eating, daddy?" I asked, as we neared Randy and Sandy.
"The only time I've gotten them to eat, since the day you went into the water tank is when I put the hay in that corner where they can see the back of the house. I think they are worried about you, and until they make sure you're well, their going to stand right there."
I walked up to the fence where both calves moved me around with their heads, just like they had that day two weeks ago. I started laughing and hugging them back, and then after one more nudge they walked over to the rest of the herd and started to eat. My dad and I just looked at one another.
It's been years since that time, but I will never forget Randy and Sandy and how much they meant to me for years, they were always there, and I know they loved me as much as I loved them. I have many more fond memories of all my animals, but this one I hold dear, because you hear and see about dogs and cats even horses who take care of their masters, but never about cows. I think all animals can sense a person's need when they are in trouble and instinct takes over. God knew what he was doing when he made animals, and he made man. God made a connection between the two, and I think God for that connection every day. ©

The Empty Christmas Stocking

2008-12-02T08:22:00.004-07:00

The Empty Christmas Stocking
By Janeal Mulaney
I’ve noticed every Christmas, presents get more expensive
Everyone wants more and more.
Are we forgetting what Christmas is all about?
On the twenty-fifth day of December, we celebrate our Savior birth,
Jesus Christ was born.
Do we remember that it’s His birthday we celebrate?
Do we put a gift for Him beneath our Christmas tree?
Do we hang a stocking for Him for the entire world to see?
You might wonder what we’d give him even if we did.
Well, here are a few ideas to fill His stocking with.
There kindness toward each other, and the rest of our fellowman.
Peace on earth, and joy throughout our land.
We could also reach for understanding and forgiveness,
For the people we feel have done us wrong.
Compassion and caring we should give throughout each year.
Is his stocking getting full, or do we still have room for a whole lot more.
We could put in gentleness and tenderness, for they should go hand in hand.
Let’s not forget the love he gives us each and everyday
I still feel LOVE is the most important gift of all.
So, hang the empty stockings on the mantelpiece.
But don’t forget the most important one.
The empty stocking you hang for Jesus Christ.
Don’t forget all the items that make our Christmas bright.
Our Love for the Heavenly Father and our fellow man
For each time we show our love for another.
We show our love also for our savior
Let’s add all the other feelings that God gives each of us everyday,
Not just once a year.

2008-12-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

Why do I like you

By Janeal Mulaney
Sometimes I smile, Sometime I cry

When I think of you often I sigh

You're oh so cute and very sweet

I find your smile can't be beat

We talk all night, we laugh out loud

To stand by your side makes me proud

You share your dreams and your past

I know our friendship was made to last

The way you listen makes me like you more

Your deep rich voice touches me to my core

But most of all I like the way your hold me tight

Oh yeah that is why I like you!

Field of Flowers

2008-10-03T01:34:00.003-06:00

This is a close up veiw of Field of Flowers, which I also rotated to the side. One of the wonderful benefits to having a abstract painting. You can have four painting in one. I like that idea. Thanks again Janeal.

The Valley by Janeal Mulaney

2008-08-27T07:58:00.004-06:00

The Valley was painted in May of 2008, the original painting sells for 120.00 without a frame and with the frame it is 150.00. If you want to bid on this or any other original painting on this blog or on another website please leave it in the comment box, along with your email address. Thank you Janeal

The Butte

2008-08-27T07:26:00.002-06:00

The butte was just finished in July of 2008, the idea for this painting came from a area just south of where I live. This painting is for sale at 130.00 without a frame, 160.00 with a frame. Like all the others this painting also collects bids please leave yours in the comment box if you are interested in owning one of my painting along with your email account. Thanks Janeal

The River Forked

2008-08-27T06:46:00.006-06:00

A River forked was also created in the fall of 2007 the colors are calming as well as the cystal blue water. This painting is for sale for a 130.00 without the frame, with the frame 160.00. Enjoy the picture. Janeal

Desert Oasis

2008-08-27T06:12:00.005-06:00

Desert Oasis was made in the fall of 2007 I love the colors and imgane of some peaceful place in the mist of all the death that a desert usually brings. It sells for 130.00 with out the frame with is 160.00. I also accept bids on all of my paintings. Hope you enjoy the pic.

My Cabin in the Woods

2008-08-19T00:38:00.003-06:00

This picture was also painted in Oklahoma and sold a month later. I was home sick for the rocky mountains and this scene came to my mind. I love water falls and old fashion bridges, which once again this was a first for me. Expect to see more bridges in the up coming future. Of course I love to paint mountains and streams so you will see those in a lot of the pictures I paint. I do hope this is another one you enjoy looking at. Thanks Janeal

Spring Fever

2008-08-18T23:38:00.005-06:00

Spring Fever is another favorite of mine. This picture was painted just after we recieved another three foot of snow on top of the four foot we already had laying on top of the ground. I was ready for spring to hit. So in Feb. 2007 I started my warm spring on canvas. This Picture was sold in Oct of 2007.

Valley Spring

2008-08-18T22:58:00.006-06:00

Valley Spring is a painting which was finish in the fall of 2007, I was working on road construction down in Oklahoma at the time this painting was done. I love the virant colors as well as the peaceful meadow which took shape in my mind while I was painting. My favorite part of this painting however is the fishing rock. It sells for 200.00 without a frame, 250.00 with. I hope you enjoy the peaceful quality of this painting.

Cabin in the snow

2007-11-05T15:37:00.002-07:00

Cabin in the snow was one of my snow scenes, and has the first cabin I ever painted. Not perfect yet but I get better with practice. All though this painting sold last winter, while I was in Okahoma, it is still one of my favorites. I thought I would put it up on my blogger for those of you who enjoy snowy weather, or just like to look at a nice oil paint. Soon I will have two more winter scenes for sale and I hope you will be interested in coming back for a visit to check them out.

Mountain Peek

2007-05-15T11:07:00.000-06:00

Mountain Peek is one of my favorite orginial painting, as to date, with it's snow capped mountain to the clear water fall stream and sky; it is a place I would love to live and be. Mountain Peek is for sale at $250.00 without a frame, sales at $300.00 with a frame. If you would like to find out more about this painting or any others please contact Janeal Mulaney at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com
Thank you for the visit to my blog, Janeal

Lake Cove

2007-03-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Lake Cove is my newest originial oil painting, which I painted in March of 2007. The sale price on it is $175.00 without the frame $210.00 with a frame like most of the other paintings it is 16" by 20". If you are interested in purchasing this painting. please email me at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com

Snake River

2007-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

The River
By Janeal Mulaney

The river flows through its turns
as the under water current churns
the water laps upon the shore
as it leaves little treasures galore
Sea shells, starfish, and things children save
all treasures are left by an evening tide or a wave.

Snake River was painted in July of 2005. It sales for $130.00
without frame and $165.oo with frame. It calm intwined river the painting flows toward the room giving it a calming effect. I would also like to introduce one of my poems with this painting. Some of my poems and paintings are already published into a Book called Bliss and you can find it at http://www.lulu.com/content/388941
If you have any questions about this painting or the book, please email Janeal Mulaney at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com
For the rest of this poem or other writings contact Janeal Mulaney. Thank you for visiting my blog. Janeal

Historical Paradise

2007-03-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

Historical Paradise, was painted by Janeal Mulaney in March of 2005 the river valley through the mountain pass brings serenity to life within another time and place. This picture sales for $250.00 without a frame and $275.00 with a frame. As always if you are interested in purchasing this painting please contact Janeal Mulaney at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com. I am also interested in any comments you would like to make about this painting or anyother painting with have been posted on my sites, thank you. Janeal

Pink Mountain Lake

2007-03-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

Pink Mountain Lake, was painted in Sept of 2005 with it calming lake and beautiful scenic view of the pink mountain, all is right with the world. This painting sales for $175.00 without frame 210.00 with a frame. Thank you and if you have any more question about this painting or any of my other please email me at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com

Butte River Bend

2007-03-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Butte River Bend is a painting, that was finished in the spring of 2006. The price is $150.00, with out, $200.00 with a frame. The picture is 16" by 20" with vivid colors of spring, and calming water. The artist is Janeal Mulaney. If you are interested in this painting or any other painting on this site you can email me at spunkylilangel29@gmail.com