STARRY HOSTS
‘BOUTANOUR’ AWAY
‘BOUTANOUR…
(pronounced… bout-an-hour)
It is a term, I remember using as a child
to describe the distance from home
to our desired destination…
It always seemed to take
approximately
ONE HOUR
to get
groceries, clothing, movies, friends,
anything!
“How long does it take?”
‘BOUTANOUR!
Taking loooooooong car rides
was what we did
when living
in the middle of nowhere…
YA’ DRIVE!!!
I’d tag along with my parents
and all of their friends,
as a 3rd wheel
…
Everyone would meet up
at some ‘LOCAL’ restaurant
which
was always
“BOUTANOUR away!
I was thoroughly entertained
watching the grown ups
having a grand time
eating, drinking and sometimes
a little dancing
would slip into the mix
if a jukebox was in the house.
By the end of the night,
the tablecloth became my makeshift duvet
and we would snuggle up together
until it was time
to take
the loooooooong drive
back home
….
“BOUTANOUR away!
In those days…
the security of seat belts
was not yet
‘realized’
and as a pencil thin kid,
the best seat in the house
was calling my name
...
which was the back shelf
of the car
overlooking
the metallic rear deck…
aka..
the trunk
with a picture window
that had a view
to die for,
literally…
I COULD’VE DIED!
Thanks be to God…
I didn’t then!
Snug as a bobble headed bug
on the rear car rug…
it was stargazing at its best.
So many nights,
I drifted off into the
Land of Questions…
Where does the world end?
How many stars are in the universe?
Who made all of this vastness of wonder?
Looking out of that window,
driving along the dark Arkansas highway
and seeing the giant–ness around
was the closest definition to Infinity
that I’ve ever come to know.
This artwork is a tribute
to the limitless nature of our Maker.
It reminds me of the
twinkling heavenly hosts
on those many curious nights…
all coming together
to help paint a picture
of the ONE
who created us all.
I used to make pictures
with the stars in my mind…
they became my bedtime stories
to help me pass the time
on those loooooooong drives home
which happened to be
…
“BOUTANOUR” away!
“Starry Hosts”
60 x 48″, mixed media $3100.00
©KimBullenDesigns
By the word of the LORD
were the heavens made.
Their starry hosts
by the breath of His mouth.
…
For He spoke,
and it came to be;
He commanded,
and it stood firm.
Psalms 33: 6-11
This is incredible Kim. I am always so blessed by your art & the meanings behind them- so spiritual & poetic!
Thank you so much Roxanne! It has truly been such a joy to be able to share what’s in my heart! You have been such a blessing in my life my friend!
You continue to amaze me, Kim! We all heard “Boutanhour” growing up here in our “neck” of the woods. Please keep sharing your stories which are our stories too. You just tell them better than most of us ever could. ❤️
I knew you would know that special word Donna! I love sharing our stories in hopes of keeping the moments of goodness in the moment… and opening our eyes to how beautiful our world is! I love you my friend!
I’ve loved this painting since the moment I first saw it and I’m so glad you’re sharing its meaning with your followers! You have such a gift explaining your inspiration behind each painting and you continue to amaze me!!
I’m so happy you love this one! It is so special to me because of the story it triggers. Thank you for always being an encouragement to me and so many my sweet Saint!
This is beautiful all around. Your painting is beautiful and I love knowing the meaning. Thank you for sharing! xo
Thank you Lisa for your sweet words! It has given me such life to be able to revive stories from long ago and from other’s as well. Hope you are having a beautiful Memorial Day my friend!
I love this painting and the story behind it. You have such a unique gifted way of looking at life.
Tracy!!! This is truly one of my most favorite memories! I could hardly wait to paint it! Thank you so much for your sweet words!!! I love sharing experiences that lighten our walks on this earth! Love you my friend!
You are an amazing artist Kim……your story makes your painting almost come alive!
Leslie! Thank you!!! I do feel the story and art have always become one! Your sweet words make my heart happy… and YOU are an incredible artist!!! Your work inspires me!!!
I just decided to wonder around your blog and found myself on this one. It reminded me of my childhood. Boutanhour or over yonder were two ways distance was described to me as a gold. I, too, used to ride in the back part of the car it I would snuggle between my grandparents as we would make our way to Bastrop in the big green car to see my grandmothers sister. That took me back! Your stories with your artwork are truly something special!