Merry Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Over the years I've sketched many homes, ranging from 700 to 7000 sq ft , but I must admit, the ones I've done for Habitat for Humanity have a special place in my heart!   As a former board member and co-chair of Women Build in my local community, I've been able to experience first hand how much it means to these families to have a home of their own.   I love to donate to Silent Auctions for fundraising, and for several years, I was also thrilled to lend my art to their Christmas Card sales.  

As we gather this weekend with our family and friends, please remember the classic phrase:

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."   

It's not the lights or the wreath on the door... or even the stash of presents under your tree...it's the love thats found on the inside that makes a house a home.   

This Christmas, with this in mind... I am reminded of and especially thankful for The Manger... a humble beginning for a tiny baby that would grow up to become our Savior and King.   

Joy to the World!!

Krista and Frank in White Plains

Christmas came early for Krista and Frank!

Again, Santa showed up early for my step-daughter and her husband in New York.  Since they bought this home two and a half years ago, I've been trying to get a photo to do a sketch...but we always seem to be there for a celebration where cars overflow... or snow is window high!!  Finally I got the photo and was thrilled to give this to them a few weeks ago while we were in  New York for another family celebration.  Whew, the McGregor side likes to party!!   

Scott and Kate in Fort Worth

Christmas came early for Scott and Kate!  

I have been working on several Accents in Art Christmas surprises, including this one for my step-son and his wife in Fort Worth!   

They built this new home just this year... and moved in early summer.  In November they brought their first baby home, and we were thrilled to join them for their first family Thanksgiving!  Of course since we were all together, Santa showed up bringing gifts!  

Love Fosters Hope silent auction

After a weekend of indulging in leftovers and shopping for Christmas, I love that we have Giving Tuesday!  There are so many great organizations to support and I am always honored to lend my talents to worthy causes.   The recipients of this sketch  were the lucky winners of the silent auction item benefitting Love Fosters Hope.   

LFH is a Texas based non-profit  organization with many facts, but one purpose: to impact the lives of children and teens in foster care who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.  

For more information please visit their website: www.lovefostershope.org.

 

Alabama Colonial

Since I've been working on "Christmas surprises" lately, I don't have anything new to post this week, so I will bring back one of my favorites.   I did this for Sally a few years ago.  This was her family homestead going back several generations in Alabama.  Looking at it again, kind of makes me want to make a Mint Julep and sit on the porch!! 

You can see the original photo that I worked from on my "Get in Touch" page on my website.  It's an old sepia photograph and if you look closely you can even see the old car, I think a Model T off to the left side. 

Honoring our Veterans

In 2012, I was honored to be able to do this sketch for the son of Karen Wright, a disabled vet.  This house, located in Creekside Village of The Woodlands, was built for him by the Texas Sentinels Foundation.  

Today, on Veteran's Day, we honor and say Thank You to all of our veterans for giving of their lives and for their service to our country.  

God Bless the USA!!

Karen was kind enough to write these words as shared on the "community" page of my website...

"My son is a disabled veteran was blessed with being given a home in The Woodlands.  To add to this blessing, Barbara offered her spectacular talent at a silent auction to assist in gathering the funds to build this new home.  When the home was completed, Barbara came by, took pictures and drew a beautiful rendering of my son's home.  It is a true art piece and has been placed in my son's office.  My son and his wife appreciate this piece of art and it was a fantastic "welcome to your new home" gift."       

Nussmeier family home

Happy Birthday to Bob!  

This is Bob's family home in Hope, Indiana.   His wife, Katie asked me to do this sketch as a surprise for his 60th birthday!  

This classic colonial home was built in 1833 and purchased by Bob's grandfather in 1936, and after passing through several generations it remains in the family still today.  It was made from bricks that were baked in the kiln on the property to form exterior walls, 15 inches thick, and it was one of the first homes in Bartholomew County to have electricity and modern plumbing.  Bob and his sister, Nancy (the current owner) fondly remember climbing the maple tree in the circular drive when they were kids!  

For another historic home, 
see my post from 4/28 of my first home in Geneva NY