Author I am an author. Around the age of ten, it began with a composition notebook that was splattered with lots of acrylic paint. I began writing about things around me, feelings, little every day moments. I was fascinated with the things God was teaching me and how writing was such a connection to Him and this world. Stacks of journals have been filled from all seasons of life. Now, my journals are a bit more sophisticated with embossed gold flowers and pretty pages. Yet, still the same as those first composition notebooks. An outpouring of the heart and life's journey. I never thought that writing so much and so often would amount to much more than stacks of journals in my closet. Nevertheless, I now have the honor of sharing with you my first book Bride Behind the Boots.
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WifeI am a wife. Proverbs 12:4 "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." That is my daily prayer. That I might be a wife that is a treasure to Caleb, bringing life and encouragement. Yes, marriage here on earth will only be but a blink in the grand scope of eternity with Jesus. But while we are on this side of heaven, doing life together, it is one of the greatest opportunities to serve one another in such a Christ-like way.
He looks at me often and says “YOMO”...our abbreviation for “You Only Marry Once”...we came up with this when the whole "FOMO", “Fear Of Missing Out” statement was trending and it just stuck. I often say “We are so married.” after completing a task with a rhythm or flow that can only be found with him due to our years spent together. I met Caleb right out of high school and within that first week of knowing him I knew he was the one I would marry. The decision to become his came as easy as my next breath. On March 8th, 2014 we joined in a covenant of marriage and are striving to glorify Him in all that we do together. Being his wife is one of my greatest joys. I can say supporting, loving, walking with him through all seasons is a gift. He is the organized firefighter to my crazy artist mind. I will protect our marriage with scripture and prayer daily. I am the bride behind the fire boots. I am the only person on this planet that has the job title of being his wife; he is my treasure. |
MotherI have the honor of being called “Momma” by three of the most beautifully rambunctious crew of three little women. Since I was little this is the only job title I ever dreamed about. From the moment someone deemed me “responsible enough” for a job with kids I took it. It began with babysitting, to camp counselor, to nannying, to youth leader. Eventually leading to one, two, then three little girls of our own. Motherhood is sanctifying and full of so much love and grace. The girls help me write, dream, paint, and create on a whole new level. They teach me more and more every day.
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ArtistI am an artist. I completed my first year of middle school to find that my parents were planning to move from central California to the west coast of Florida. My new house would be three thousand miles away from the small town I was born and raised in. I survived the summer move. Come fall, my gray converse sneakers shuffled through the halls of my new school looking for the unfamiliar classroom number on the wall. There it was, my next class. If you could even call it that. The room was more like a back storage room converted into a makeshift class. The young spunky teacher said “Welcome to art class.” That tiny room was the place where my deep desire to create was sparked. I leafed through the stacks of large coffee table art books often. My first sketch was copying Edgar Degas french impressionists ballerinas from one of those big books. My heart danced when I added the acrylic paints and was amazed at the results. The blank canvas before me was transformed, using only my hands and mind. I was hooked. I continued to draw and paint taking every art class available in my high school. I completed my normal credits early and took three art classes my senior year, practically living in the art wing. I completed my Associate of Arts degree at the local community college taking drawing and design classes and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine arts in Studio Art with a minor in painting. My year spent at The University of South Florida was full of lots of studio hours and creations. That year was also my first year of marriage and the pregnancy test showed two of the most beautifully painted double pink lines I had ever seen. My heart's desire switched from an art degree into being home with our children. Seaside Lane became my art outlet. Painting wooden beach signs, portrait watercolors, baby shower chalk boards. Simply making people smile with what my hands can make. Currently I enjoy painting with acrylics, watercolors, and pencil sketching. Mostly about Jesus and my family. I wouldn't trade this art journey for the world and still know the best is yet to come.
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EntrepreneurIn 2014 I established Seaside Lane as a way to share my words, art, and family journey with others in hopes to spread joy, smiles, and encouragement. “Seaside” came from my love for the ocean. I am a girl who will take any opportunity to sneak away and bike to the beach to feel the salt on my skin and sand in between my toes. “Lane” is my last name. Morgan Ann Lane. I dreamed up “Seaside Lane” I imagined it as a street sign. A destination I wanted to type in the GPS on my phone. A place I always want to visit. Maybe a little street in a beach town, always full of joy, art, and sandy toes. Early on, I began painting wooden beach signs for people. I sold these little painted signs at craft shows and on Etsy. Then came watercolor portraits of people of their wedding day. Over the years I have painted things from wooden oars to gym sneakers for commission. However, upon gaining the title of “Mom” the fine detailed commission work has come to a close but it has opened a new chapter for Seaside Lane through writing books. Thank you to those who have been with me from the start and those who are just now joining this art journey. Each one of you encourages me to keep on painting, writing, and pushing for beauty in this life here on earth.
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