This Date Only

The unrelenting question I'm expressing within
I identify my person while releasing my sin
Rusted in remorse, tattered and bruised
Slowly I get back up, beautified and abused
Exposed I become in piercing the pain
I emerge from the prison preoccupied with you
I find pleasure and grace lifting up my head
I can surely see your face grazing into place
Go away...yet please stay... I'm battered and abused
I've closed my heart for a reason, thus I must pray
Why do you always turn away and leave me here without an image
And thus I must pray... again... I can't take much more
I want to run away... I want to fly
But I must wait on you...
So sick of sitting here... So sick of all the abuse
Guilt overwhelms my heart, laid down by your desire
I am broken inside, left by your pride
Where are you?
Heart like a plastered grid of paper
Covered, mattered, and used
Marred and disfigured by the blood and scars
Am I just a number or another face to you
Erase, smudge, and dodge the circle
Yet...still what am I to do?
Narrowing the time and pain
Each day becomes a memory of relentless gain
Someday the promise will come true
My heart will gravitate just right
And soon I will be next to you

Mixed media oil painting
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Thoughts of the color red
Pains of over birthing
Time pounding in my head
Still reminiscing
Realizing what was said
No compromising
Still I see the red
Pounding against my chest
Rhetorical sustenance
Abandoning the wont
Unbridled Words
Unbroken Words
Remedial discussions
As if now
I break the flowing
Of over knowing
Soliciting a solace
Rasping the thoughts
Overcoming the encumbrance
Ending this moment

 

This poem and art journal page is about overcoming hindrances and negative thinking patterns. Sometimes a pattern of thinking can hinder us from moving ahead or accomplishing something; perhaps a chore, goal, or dream. It is good that we always try to be aware of these hindrances in our minds. Even if we are not strong enough to overcome them; if we are aware of them, we can work toward overcoming them. Sometimes this process can be unpleasant to experience, especially if it is painful. We can choose to counter these negative thought patterns by replacing them with positive thoughts. Just think about something else. Think about something good and positive, something that is uplifting and encouraging to yourself. And once a habit of this is achieved, one has gained control over their thoughts and the process of their thoughts. This gives you freedom from the negative and helps you achieve your goals, dreams, and whatever else you may decide you want to accomplish in life.

Art Journal Page
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Growing Into Love

Amplifying Passion
Into recognition of the disguise
Of Love
Bursting Out
Into the premonition of fear
Guarding the heart
Spreading Forth
Around the stimulation
Of directional substance
Proportional Knowing
Expanding the thought
Til intensified dreams
Cultivating Prediction
There all along
Hidden in the depths
Enduringly Hoping
Coming out of hiding
Exposing my heart

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Free Collage Sheet

Here is a free downloadable collage sheet for you all. You may download this sheet by going here to my flickr pages and clicking on the All Sizes button directly above the image. You may also view my free downloadable ATC backs here as well.
I must note that the sheets I post here are from my private collection of images and are free. They are not to be sold or reproduced in any way. They are to be used for creative personal use only.

I will be posting more free collage sheets in the future here. If you would like to know when they are posted, you may subscribe to my blog.

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed holiday season filled with love, joy, and peace.

Waiting For Him

Though turmoil encompasses me about
All the tyrannical times of pain
I've been undulate round about
Please relieve my suffering
Please take this cup from me
Nevertheless, not my will
But Thy will be done

Why have these storms come upon me
The distress and anguish of soul
Yet I will gladly suffer
In hopes that Your people be made whole
Why?... I love them

Every heart transcends beauty
From the least, small, greatest
Each one is like a rose
I can fully see their potential
Love...is in mine eyes...

I shall but serve Thee
My King, my Lord, my God
Though the cup has been bitter
I still love Thee with everlasting love
I'm still all Yours
If You choose to have me...

Waiting for You still...
Come quickly Love... Quickly
Lest my heart faint without Thee
It is everything to me whether Thou shalt tarry
Come now Love

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Sojourning in this place
Solemnizing Your Spirit
I see beauty and grace
Hidden behind a smile
Yet I've not seen Your face
But I see Your heart
So soft I savore
I taste
Let me breathe You in
Consume You
Capture You
Overcome by desire to have
My intentions...are they good?
Surely not
Immersing into You
An illusory clue
Of glowing fire
My heart plays a harp
Of love songs to You
Instrumental words with soft hues
Passion increasing
Excelling destiny
Captured...Yes arrested
By You
I'm once again All Yours

Art Journal Page
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Love is Freedom

Love is Freedom
Freedom to Live
Freedom to Be
Freedom to Fly

To be captivated by love is to be free...totally free!
Swept away into a garden of bliss and delight.
Passion ignited by love is an explosion of true and pure worship. You become drove into utter bliss and captured in passion that is fueled by love. Your desire for this love becomes desperate. You live, breathe... You truly love.
The object of your love becomes a spark of desire at every turn and glance. Captivated and invigorated...! You become enthralled into submission of warmth and affection that necessitates your entire being. You become luminous with radiating light from within.

Oh, let Thine light radiate from within.
I'm in love... drunk in love!

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Balance Paid In Full

I am a warrior of love, whose shield is love and my sword is charity.
I am Agape Love! The love that conquers all!
Ah . . . to be drunk with love and saturated into its entire being,
consumed in its purity,
overcome by its beauty . . .
Conquered by love!
With true love there is only selfless giving. Love conquers all in patience and kindness.
Love is pure beauty in its finest form. There is no evil in true love.
Love is a dream I dream; a taste I taste; a feeling I feel; a kiss of energy and life. Love is a rose so delicate, yet one that cannot wilt or fade away. Pull it apart and it will still remain, for its spirit lingers in the depths of majestic surprise and beauty. It consumes your heart before you know it, even as you stand guard and watch.
Ah . . . yes . . . love . . .
Let me drink of thine cup.
Let me become drunk in thy wine.
Let me savor thine taste . . .
Yes . . . love!
What hast Thou done to me my Rose of Sharon; my delightful cup?
Oh Lord . . . I delight in Thee.
Thou ravish mine heart with Thine words toward me . . . my Lord God Most High!

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

A Little Birdy Told Me

A Little Birdy Told Me
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

I spoke to the birdy
It said all is fine
How could this be
With all the cares of life

The birdy told it's secret
It did confide in me
To be happy
All you do is believe

Believe in what
I thought

The birdy started to sing
It is all about the mood
And in Whom you believe

Birdies have no worries
Cause we sing all day
We trust and rely
Without care of things

The secret is simple...
Trust in God and
Just let your heart sing

Mixed media painting collage
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Noticed

Noticed
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

Upside down
How to start
Processing appearance

I hold onto
Promises
My heart aches

I believed
I trusted
I knew

Falling apart
Confusion of heart
Fear overwhelms doubt

I gasp for strength
Air please
I grow

I believe
I trust
I know

You are
You will
I Am

This piece and poem represents what a heart goes through when experiencing doubt and the fear that stems forth from the doubt. Sometimes we want to run. Sometimes we may want to hide. And it is ok to hide for a while. But when we are ready... then we must face those fears head on with hope that our doubts vanish. And if the doubts don't vanish, then we must find the inner strength to move on. It is during these times that we grow. The purpose is to learn how to grow without giving up.

Collage with painting.
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Does it matter if I am blue?
What if I was black or white?
What is the color of our skin,
except an outward covering of the heart.

If I was purple, would you see me the same?
What if I was pink or green?

All to often we judge others by the appearance of their outward; but it is the inward that holds the heart.

True beauty is the modesty of a beautiful heart. And the heart is our soul that shines forth and becomes our personality.
It is when we become conscious of that personality that we become conscious of our own heart.

Mixed media oil painting
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Get Over It!

Don't fret over stuff, just be yourself. Create what you want and don't worry so much about what people think. After all...everyone else isn't living your life, you are. Enjoy It!

I decided to play along the the girls at "Point Blank Period" this month. The prompt was "Get Over It". So I decided I would do a mini book with the idea. I will be filling the little pockets in this journal with pages of writings of things that I just want to vent about or just get over. Each page has at least one pocket on it, so I can tuck them full of stuff.
I also made another little storage book similar to this one. You may view it by clicking here. Thanks for looking. I hope you all are having fun creating.

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Confidential

Confidential
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

Mixed media collage

U R Loved

U R Loved
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

When you care
When your there
When you talk
When you love
When you give
Because you are mine
Because you are you
I love you

Mixed media collaged ATC
Writing and art ©Tonya Ashe

More Numbered Fragments

Two more ATCs in my Numbered Fragments Series. You can view the other cards in the series by clicking here.

Much blessings, peace, and love to you all!

She is...

She is...
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

She looked outside the window
In thought of the dreams
That caressed her inner shadow
Somehow such sweet things

She looked into the mirror
In thought of the seen
That covers her outer shadow
Somehow such lovely things

She noticed how protrude
How deep and intriguing
A wonder of disguise
Yet still the real thing

She peered into the depth
And noticed her broken wings
She picked them up and wept
Then laid them on the sink

She washed them out so clean
And made them both like new
Now she is ready to fly
And face the world anew


This is a poem about our individuality. Each one of us is unique. We all have hidden dreams and desires. There are things we want to achieve as we journey through this life. I believe it is important that we try to achieve these dreams and desires, even when we don't succeed. It is not so bad when we fail to achieve them; it is when we give up trying that ultimately hurts us. We all need hope and something to look forward to. The idea is to never give up chasing those dreams. Never quit when your wings to fly get broken. Just let out the tears and wash off those wings. Put them back on. Then try again. And if you find, it just doesn’t work; then try another path until you find the one that is comfortable to you. And if you never find that path....create one!

Handpainted collage
Writing and art ©Tonya Ashe

Impression of Serenity

Impression of Serenity
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

Away into the timbers
A moment with you
I softly remember

My feet was wet
With moisture from you
Misty morning dew

Your presence bolder here
I savore the time
When I walked with you

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Lady in Waiting

Lady in Waiting
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

My heart has a window
That peeks out to the world
Its beauty is beholding
Its capture is love

Fierce in departure
Time passes slow
Grasping the knowing
Seeing the overflow

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

My Love Overflows For You

My Love Overflows For You
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

Never have I felt so loved
Never have I been so in love
I am so in love with You
I'm so Yours
All Yours!

Art Journal Entry
All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

The Love I Have For You

The Love I Have For You
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

I have walked through hell
And been burned alive
But when I think of You
It made it all worth while

I have carried my cross
Through the stairs of hell
Because I seen my Reward
Waiting for me up there.

Been knocked down
Countlessly to the ground
Yet picked myself up
And still carried my cross

Each bitter step I took
I kept holding on
To the cross of Love
The greatest Love I've known

Broken, scarred, and marred
Bittered in my soul
Yet I've held onto
The love I had for You

Never will I faint
And never get back up
Because I keep seeing You
My bright and morning Dove

Nothing of this life
Or world matters to me
Because I'll have Your Love
For all Eternity

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

In My Heart

In My Heart
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

It is not all about me...
It is about inspiring you. It is about sharing my heart with you. It is about inspiring you to create and find the artist within your soul as well.
Every piece I create is a part of my heart that I share with the world. It took me a while to learn this as I have grown over the years into the artist that I am, but I feel as though I have come a long way from where I started.
We all have a strong desire to be noticed. But the question we all should ask ourselves is; how are we being noticed? Is it our own individuality we are sharing, or individualities of others?
I want to be noticed by God as the unique individual that I am, not by the individualities of others. God made us all unique. He gave us all our own talents and gifts.
You are seeing mine here. It is my heart as the individual that I am. Perfection does not exist here, but an open love for God, others, and a balanced love of myself.

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Near To Thee

Near To Thee
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

A life with passion is a gift.
A life with a passion to help others is a gift of beauty, whether the beauty is hidden or open.
I see beauty when I see women who are passionate about helping others.
And yet amazed to see those that are reaching out even by means that go unnoticed by others.
I believe true beauty lies within the ones that are giving not to receive from others, but to just give and help others.
We all should have a deep inner desire to love, help, and give to others. Even if it is just a prayer for the peace of the world, however small, it is a sacrifice of oneself; a selfless moment in time, when the person directed all their thought into the need of someone else. Absolutely beautiful!
So many women suffer because of this selfless beauty to give in their hearts. Some give to every man that comes their way. Some give only at home to their husbands and children. Some have gave to many. I not only see beauty in the ones that only give of themselves at home, but also in the ones that give on the street.
I am touched when I think of all the times that women give out of charity, even if that charity was hidden or only kept to themselves. Some give of themselves to protect others and to lift up others.
I pray today that all women would be released from bondage, the seen and unseen, the known and unknown. I speak life over the heart of every woman, that we all may live in freedom and peace, full of joy and love.

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Gift of Heart

Gift of Heart
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

So Selfless
So Giving
So Precious
So Loving
So Enduring
So Tender
So Beautiful
Is the Heart
Of a Woman

Hidden within every woman is a unique heart that is a gift she gives to her husband and family. Every morning she wakes in thought of how she may please her husband. Throughout the day she thinks of ways to make him happy. Her life revolves around the needs of her family.

And if you have been blessed to have the gift, cherish her with all your heart. For the selfless love she gives is priceless, and far better than any riches. For a woman with a beautiful heart is a joy and fulfilling love that God created to be adored, cherished, and esteemed above all other earthly possessions.

Respect and honor in all honesty and truth this precious gift from God. For she is a rare unique treasure. Treat her heart with gentle tenderness and loving-kindness; always understanding and merciful; compassionate of her feelings, and adoration of her heart.

This gift is not to be controlled, but to be loved with great esteemed love; and if you do so, you will find that she will give you your hearts desire, for it is her desire to please you.

Pro 31:10-31; Col 3:19; Eph 5:25,28; Eph 5:22; Gen 3:16

All Writing and Art by ©Tonya Ashe

Little Birdy

Little Birdy
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

The little birdy said
I shall fly away
My wing is a heart
And love is today
A course of bliss to
Flow across the skies
Into the paradise
Where I soon abide

All writing, design, and art ©Tonya Ashe

A Book for Storage

I am still making stuff to store my supplies in. This time it is a book. I made the pages so they have pockets to slide stuff into for safe keeping. I haven't decided yet what all I will be keeping in it. As you can see in the pictures, I have many ideas; cards, scraps, paper, pictures, findings, fabric scraps, etc.
I made the book out of an old vintage book I found. The book was already falling apart so I decided to recycle it.
Also used the VP August Kit.

Storage For My Supplies

I made this cute little storage box and jar to hold my supplies that I use for my various projects. I decided this time to give everyone a peek inside the box so you all could see some of the vintage goodies. I cannot get enough of this stuff... :) I love to collect things like this and recycle them into my projects. I hope they inspire you to make your own storage for your supplies as well.
Lots of love!
Tonya

My Hero Book

This book was made to celebrate my Hero and Beloved, Jesus Christ. He is my King! I love Him so much! ;)

I made the book with the Kenner Road Mister Kit that I won from one of their recent giveaways. You can view more information about the details on each page by going to my Flickr Gallery.

Scars

Scars
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

SCARS

Red... within the voice
Time... is a choice
Paths... created as I go
Blood... exposing the pain

Shattered... it all remains
Broken... for your gain
Controlled... within the vain
Why... is it always the same

Beaten... by your want
Slapped... for your haunt
Disgraced... in your pride
Living... in your life

Stolen... everything
Kept... nothing
Left... something
What... SCARS

This poem represents the heart of a woman held in the chains of abuse, whether that abuse is mental, perverse, physical, or verbal. I believe this includes pornography of all forms, and anything that causes a woman to be vulnerable and exposed before a man. What the man does not realize when he does these acts, he leaves scars. These scars never go away. They are always there to haunt the woman. This is sad. Because the root of it all is pride. Pride causes domination and the need to control the woman. Pride fuels the desires of lust. And the hearts of a man keep putting wood on the fire.

Why do I write this? I write this because it is the truth. It exposes the pride of a man and the heart of a woman. Deep within every woman is a heart solely devoted to the one she loves. When the man abuses this fact of heart, the woman can become marred and all the beauty and submission that he so longs for and desires becomes marred with scars; which overtime leads to rebellion and opposition.

For all you women going through this...
Hang in there! Don’t give up your dreams. And when you can’t stand up on the outside because of the abuse, stand up on the inside. Rest assured, the exposing of the abuse; the truth is growing everyday. Keep your head and heart up on the inside.

All Writing & Art ©Tonya Ashe

A Friend

A Friend
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

A peek into the mini book on my recent art journal book page
All writing/quotes are ©Tonya Ashe

How do you measure a friend?

How do you measure a friend
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

Art journal book page inspired by a friend

So Holy

So Holy
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

You move so soft
And yet so firm
You touched my heart

Caressing moment
Exploding passion
Burned into my heart

Platonic beauty
Never ending grace
Captured my heart

Yes, I’m all Yours!

This piece is inspired by the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, God Almighty; a person I love with all my heart, mind, and soul. There is not another One like Him. He is my Beloved. And I am His!

Artwork ©Tonya Ashe
Background picture by my beloved Father ©Larry Ashe

Integrity and Love

Integrity and Love Above All
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

This page is about what I believe and how I live my everyday life. This is my recipe for life. I believe life is not all about receiving from others, but giving as well.

Give & Love others not to receive, but because you want to truly give.
Walk in Integrity and Excellence. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Mat. 7:12

This is who and what I strive to be. I believe that love is the most important precious recipe anyone can have in life. When I love and help others it makes me feel so good inside. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

That doesn't mean that it won't hurt sometimes. Because sometimes it can hurt. But the idea is... when it hurts, to never give up. Never let the disappointment destroy your own dreams and desires. Giving, gives me a boundless beauty and grace, that no one else can take away from me. It is the gift of love, and that gift is far more rewarding than any other gift one can have. Why? Because...Love conquers all... True Love is boundless. It never fades or becomes obsolete. It is a beautiful rose that never wilts or fades away. And even if that rose dies, its beauty is still left behind as a fragrant sacrifice that flows leaving beauty and continual warmth in the air that seeps into the hearts of everyone that crosses its path.
©Tonya Ashe

True Love

True Love
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

This picture was made in celebration of someone whom I have learned so much from. I have never known another person so selfless, so beautiful, and so loving as Jesus Christ. He is my Beloved! He is the One who lifts me up when I am down. He is the One who gives me strength when I am weak. He fills every empty void in my heart, every longing and desire I have. He is the reason I love. He is the reason I create in love. He is the true inspiration behind all my creations. Although I am inspired by the work of others, nothing compares to the love and inspiration I find in Him. He fills me with great peace and assurance as I pass through each day. He is the reason I create. For it is Him that inspired me to be the person that I am. And even when I fall short of love. I know I can always go to Him. And where I fall short, He fills and completes. His presence is what I live for. His love is why I love. He is everything I could ever want, desire, and more. His love completes me. Romans 8:38-39
©Tonya Ashe

Recipe book

Recipe book
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

More pics of my recipe book. I think I may want a cupcake now. Me getting hungry justing posting this update about it.

More recipe book

More recipe book
Originally uploaded by Tonya Ashe

This is a Recipe book I made using the VP July Kit. It is now filled with all my secret recipes and other delights. Yes, yummy cupcakes, cookies, you know all that stuff :)