Wednesday, October 24, 2018

An empty nest is just another beginning!


Last week, I talked about our "first" homes.....  
Coming full circle brings us to "empty nesting," where Rob and Judy live today in The Woodlands.  After the two homes in Sugar Land on my last post, they built a beautiful home in Sienna Plantation (see "Growing up in Sienna Plantation" 1/2/18) where they made many more family memories... but eventually, kids grow up and move away and jobs take us to new places!   Still, each home plays a roll in this thing called life!!    But it doesn't end there.... the future awaits and their "Hill Country Getaway" below (posted on 1/16/18) will bring new memories...  cookouts, maybe a few grandchildren, family celebrations and even more adventures than we can imagine!     




Thank you Judy and Rob for allowing me this glimpse into your past... and future.  It was truly my honor to capture it on paper for your family!!



Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Do you remember your first home?



Do you remember your very own first home?   
I do!!  Mine was in 1980 in west Houston, a "starter" home by General Homes for $59,900!   I remember using wooden crates as end tables, making my own drapery and the birth of both of my daughters!  I remember 1st birthday parties and even a few trips to the emergency room for my active toddlers.... So many memories!

This home was my clients Judy and Ron's first home in Sugar Land.   They lived there for seven years and after their third daughter was born, they declared it officially been outgrown and moved just two blocks over to this house!



Also, in Sugar Land, they lived here for four years!   When preparing to work on this sketch, Judy wanted to be sure the basketball hoop was in the picture, obviously fond memories for that family.   

Our homes are so much more than just a house.... it's where we LIVE, we celebrate special occasions, and even sometimes endure heartache... but mostly it's the everyday life...  of shooting a few hoops with dad after work while mom gets dinner on the table.   That's what life and home is all about and why I love sketching them!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Girls Weekend in NY


There's not much better than a "girls weekend"  ... 
and for my client Stephanie, this year for the Fourth of July, she visited with friends in Pine Plains, New York!   They enjoyed the festivities of the holiday along with sightseeing in the Hudson Valley and Berkshires area.   

As a thank you to her good friend and host, she asked me to do this sketch of her home!  It's one of those home that has a beautiful front entrance, but the fabulous view and where they really live is in the back so that's what I sketched!!  Anybody care to join me on the porch??




Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Congratulations to Emma and Johnny


A few years ago I sketched St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine!  
One of my favorites!  

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Emma, a bride to be in Maine contacted me about using that sketch as her wedding invitation!  I've done several party invites, a Save the Date and even a Car Dealership grand opening announcement, but this is my first wedding invitation!   In the months that followed we became Facebook friends, and even though we've never met, I've enjoyed watching the festivities leading up to their wedding last weekend!

Congratulations to Emma and Johnny and 
best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!
...and fun for me to add Emily Dickinson to my list of clients!



Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Olde Dobbin Station



My clients daughter is getting married here this winter!  Instead of the traditional "guest book" their guests will sign the mat that surrounds this watercolor sketch to make a beautiful keepsake that they can display in their home and enjoy everyday!    

Olde Dobbin Station is a beautiful wedding venue in Dobbin Texas.... just a little bit west of Montgomery.... just a little bit west of Conroe!  This is the reception hall, overlooking a beautiful Texas countryside.  Also on the property is a charming Chapel and a tiny cottage for the bride to get ready, or a quiet pre-wedding toast!!   

Cheers to the Bride and Groom!!

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Busy Bee!



I have been a Busy Bee....literally!   
I was asked to create this logo for a new local honey coming out to a store near you!!

Inspired by The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, my client wanted a cartoonish drawing, that reminded him of his property in the country where his bee hives are!  A little bit hilly, on a lake under a big oak tree!   This was a fun project to do, I can't wait to actually see it on the honey jar!!


Speaking of bee-ing a busy bee... I am already well into sketching for Christmas surprises so if you think a sketch of a special place, might be the perfect gift for that special person, let me know.   I've got only eight spots left for a guaranteed Christmas delivery!!!

Ho Ho Ho!

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

North Carolina Bungalow


This cute little mountain bungalow is tucked away in a little town is called Elkin, North Carolina, just 75 miles north of Charlotte.  To quote my client :

"It's an Andy Griffin small town gem.  Hilly and gorgeous with lots of wineries, a newly renovated theatre and the warmest people anywhere.  They have a fabulous hiking, nature trail that is a peaceful haven, including a waterfall and bike trails and is fully accessible. Charming old homes never cease to delight!  Civil war sites also abound."

Wow!!  I can't wait to visit!!  

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

New growth for the Family Tree!




It's such a treat to do my Family Tree's for clients.  I learn about their family in the process and pour as much love onto that paper as I am able!   

Last weekend was a special treat as I got to add Shelby and Olivia to the branches as they have welcomed two new babies into the family since I did this sketch last summer!  


Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Sweden



It's been a busy summer, so once again, I got behind on my posts for Accents in Art.  Several weekend trips out of town and in July, I got to spend 10 days in Sweden!  

My daughter and I spent a week on the beautiful island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea and 3 days in Stockholm before heading home!   Our hosts on Gotland were so curious about my "homeland," having never visited the USA before, so it was fun to share with them my love for Texas!   I left them with this watercolor so they would remember me and I look forward to hosting them sometime in the future!!  

Medieval Visby City Wall on Gotland

Lighthouse on Gotland

Ancient Viking Burial Grounds

Narrow stone streets in the Old City of Stockholm


Monday, July 2, 2018

Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio

Wilford Hall Medical Center
Lackland AFB - San Antonio, TX


My son-in-law, Hector first met Tony in 1995 while performing CPR on a patient at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio.  That was the beginning of a beautiful and lifelong friendship.  Recently, Tony retired from the United States Air Force and to commemorate this special occasion, Hector asked me to do this sketch along with (not shown) all the location Tony has served over the years from Afghanistan to Cincinnati to Philadelphia.  
Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your service Lt. Col. Tony Zarka!!



Thursday, June 28, 2018

Picking up roots


"And where we love is home.
Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts"

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.


Moving away is always hard... but when friends gather to send you off in love, it helps!!  

I was so happy to be able to create this sketch for my client as a Going Away Gift before their friends picked up roots and moved to Colorado.  
Their beautiful home in the Grogan's Mill Village of The Woodlands.  The combination of stone and wood has such a warm and inviting look and no doubt was filled with many warm and cherished memories as well!

Monday, June 25, 2018

Lanier Theological Library in Houston

 Lanier Theological Library



Do you have that special place that brings you peace, clarity and perspective for life?  For my friend and pastor at my church, Mark Sorenson, this is the place.   
Lanier Theological Library located in Houston.   

Earlier this month Mark received his ordination and as a gift to him from the staff of our church, 
The Woodlands United Methodist, I was asked to sketch this special place for him.

I often do sketches to be given as gifts... for graduation, weddings, moving away, anniversary's but this is the first time I was able to be present when it was given!  
What a special treat for me!!  

Congratulations Mark!


Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Super Summer Sale starts today!

To celebrate the first day of summer,
I'm offering my first ever...

SUPER SUMMER SALE
50% off all Original Art on my website


From Fall Harvest to Spring flowers,
My favorite scenes in National Parks,
Churches and Schools (Hook "em!)
and more....

Check it out at:
http://www.accentsinart.com/p/theres-more.html


here's just a sampling of what's available...







Monday, June 18, 2018

Home away from Home!


I haven't posted in quite awhile... 
life got real busy... 
it has a way of doing that, doesn't it?


You may remember from my Lent post on March 13th that I became a new grandma - a "Bebe" to be exact!
I spent a few months in Austin with my daughter waiting for, and then helping, with sweet baby Ellis!

She lives in this cute Austin bungalow, built in 1930, just north of campus in an historical area called Hyde Park.  We spent many afternoons on this front porch, watching the world go by and waiting for baby.



I have so many favorite moments from those months, but one of the best was being the first to wake up in the morning and sitting quietly in the living room, watching the sun light stream into the window to see what this new day would bring.  Just seeing this sketch again after 3 months brings a peace to my heart and soul.  


Saturday, March 31, 2018

"He is risen!"

Luke 24: 1-6

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes the gleamed like lighting stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; He is risen!"




Rejoice!!  He is Risen, Indeed!!

Thursday, March 29, 2018

"It is Finished"


Luke 23: 44-46

It was now about the sixth hour and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour because the sun was obscured:  and the veil of the temple was torn in two.  And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice said "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT."  Having said this, He breathed his last breath.



Today we pause to remember your sacrificial love
That shone light into the darkness
That bore life from such emptiness
That revealed hope out of devastation
That spike truth through incrimination
 That released freedom in spite of imprisonment
And brought us forgiveness instead of punishment.

Thank you that we can now walk in the light of your life, 
Hope, truth, freedom and forgiveness,
This day and everyday.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

"Hosanna in the highest"


Matthew 21:7-9

They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them.  Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  And the crowds that went before Him and that follow Him were shouting:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the name o the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!"



"Triumphant Entry" can't even begin to explain the energy and excitement in the crowd that day... the Savior they had waited for...for hundreds, if not thousands of years had finally come!  Just imagine how you would feel if you happened upon that scene an hour after Jesus had gone through... you just missed it!!  That pit in your stomach.. you'd flee like you had just missed a once in a lifetime opportunity...



But that's not the way it is.  That's why we call it "The Good News".. you haven't missed it!  Over two thousand years later, you can still choose to follow Jesus and experience..
"the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding."  Philippines 4:7a

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

"You are the light of the world"


Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on it's stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  


In this age of social media and anonymity, I see so much negativity and judgement and it saddens my heart.  I read "comments" and wonder what in their life made them feel this way.   It makes me wonder how I am perceived by others...  a comment on Facebook, an encounter at the grocery store, or in the parking lot after church, when everyone seems to be in a rush to get someplace.   I feel like we're in such a rush that we've lost that personal connection.  Years ago, I realized e-mails had replaced picking up the phone and actually talking to someone... now it seems we are communicating through texts and emoji's!!   Sometimes, it works best, but I think I'm going to try to pick up the phone more and do that old fashioned thing called talk!!

Isn't it our responsibility as Christians to let "our light shine" bright and clear for all to see!!   We are like the lighthouse, shining to hopefully steer the way to safety for others.  I pray that those that I encounter will see the "Christ Light" in me, and I can make a difference in their day...whether it be just a friendly smile, or a long conversation about what makes my light shine!!  

Who is watching you?  

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

"You are altogether beautiful"

Song of Soloman 4:7

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; 
there is no flaw in you."




Meet Ellis James Peterson
born March 1st

My baby had a baby! Wow!

The miracle of birth... there is nothing like it!
I am overwhelmed when thinking of the perfection in this  precious child... he is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14)  I am in awe that he is finally here and so excited to watch his little life unfold!! 

There are miracles all around us.  Designed in perfection, by perfection...created by God's Holy hand for us to live in and experience and enjoy until that day that we pass into eternal life with Him in heaven.  

Open your eyes today and take in the beauty of God's creation around you in a new way, 
one of wonder and with gratitude... 
for a baby's smile, 
a beautiful sunset, 
spring flowers, 
a gentle touch.  

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

"Behold, the winter is past!"

Song of Soloman 2: 11-12

 "Behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."






Christmas and New Years are suppose to be cold and wintery...but by mid January I am already counting the days until Spring!  How wonderful that we can count on the bluebonnets each March in Texas, and that the birds will build their nests and our grass gets greener after the dead of winter.  
Our lives have seasons too... and with each spring, I feel a newness to my life and the opportunities I have in my daily life.  No matter our age or station in life, we get to make the choice of where we will "live" today... to cling to our past, to dream of the future or embrace where and who we are today...

I choose today!

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

"For our brothers and sisters in Christ"



Matthew 25: 40

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."




This is the home of Mike and Dottie Clark at 
Casa Aleluya in Guatemala.      
In 1989, while on a mission trip, Mike Clark literally stumbled on the suffering, homeless children in Guatemala City and immediately recognized a need, and with his wife moved to Guatemala to make a difference.  Now almost 30 years later, Casa Aleluya has been home to over 5000 orphaned, abused and mistreated children.   Originally adopting a "handful" of kids to care for, their orphanage has grown to 15 acres with 11 dormitories that are "home" to over 400 kids, plus staff, an Elementary and Junior high school, vocational school, and health clinic.

In the summers of '15 and '16, I had the privilege to spend a week at Casa on a mission trip with TWUMC.  We were there "just to love on the kids" but the gift was mine to receive!  

Whether it is a week long mission trip, an afternoon at the Food Pantry, or building a home for Habitat... the opportunities to serve are unlimited.   Or like Mike and Dottie who saw a need and dedicated their lives to helping to fix it....
It is in giving that we receive.  





  



To learn more or sponsor a child at Casa visit their website:
www.casaaleluya.org

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

"I can do all things..."

Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ 
who gives me strength."



Visiting Yosemite National Park is on my "bucket list!"
I see photo's of El Capitan and wonder how in the world someone could climb the face of that granite monolith.   It seems insurmountable.  Life can be like that too...  problems arise that seem to be impossible... we say "how will we ever get through this, over this, around this?"  But with God by our side, we can!  Always!    
Sometimes the way is straight forward, climb up the face of your "challenging situation."  Sometimes we take the meandering trail and eventually get to the other side.   Sometimes we just fall apart, and Christ will carry us the whole way.   Each challenge will bring it's own direction, but it makes no difference, the result is the same, and we can rest assured that Christ will give us the strength to get through whatever comes our way.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

"Follow Me"

Luke 5:11

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So, they pulled up their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.





Imagine that.... drop everything and just go!  
Twelve regular guys, people like you and me, from various walks of life, chosen to carry on the name of Jesus Christ.  Not the richest, or smartest men in their community, and not the ones with celebrity status or best known... just twelve guys who believed in Christ and were willing to walk away from their livelihoods and their families to be His hands and His feet going forward.

So I must ask myself...  I am just an average person, leading a pretty ordinary life....
What am I doing to advance His Kingdom??




Tuesday, February 6, 2018

One more Christmas sketch to share!



  The last of my Christmas sketches was for my client Anne as a gift to her husband.  He particularly loved working in their yard and the flowers were gorgeous so we went with watercolor for this piece.  

It's my pleasure to create these works of art for my clients!   I love the stories that go with them and it's an honor for me to be a part in preserving so many happy memories for them.
_____

Next Wednesday is the first day of Lent and once again, I will share some of my favorite Bible verses during this Easter season.   I'm going to mix it up a bit this year with some both watercolor and pen and ink, a few favorites from previous years ... and one very special photograph you won't want to miss!!  

If you enjoy my blog posts via e-mail, I hope you'll consider sharing them with your friends or family during this 
Easter Season.


Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Conroe Home for a Christmas Gift


My clients found the perfect gift for their parents... a home sketch, complete with the Model T that his dad has restored in the garage!  This was fun to do, partly because of the cars... but also just knowing that it would be cherished after raising a family, making memories and living life and all that it brings here for the past 40 years.