Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, TX

This sketch was a very special request for my son-in-law Hector.  It is framed with his Honorable Discharge certificate from the US Air Force.  

Wilford Hall Medical Center is located in San Antonio at the Lackland Air Force Base.  Hector was stationed here from 1991 to 1997 and worked with the general medicine / oncology and HIV units.   Ironically, he grew up in San Antonio and when he joined the Air Force he hoped to see the world!  Personally, I'm really happy he stayed here in Texas and is now part of our family.  I am proud of him for many reasons, but at the top of the list is for his service to our country.  Thank you, Hector!

Cat Mountain in Austin

I was so happy to be able to do this sketch for my daughter, Katie and her husband, Hector this Christmas.  

They've been married for just a little over a year and were so excited to finally buy their first home together a few months ago.  

Cat Mountain is an area, just outside of downtown Austin.  From their deck above the garage, fondly named "The Tree Top Lounge" they have a birds eye view!

Saint Malo's Church / The Chapel on the Rock

Each year in my travels, I keep an eye out for that special church that will be our Christmas Card for that year.  This was what we picked for our 2015 card.  

In September we vacationed in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  On the way to Estes Park, we drove past this magnificent chapel and did a quick u-turn to go back and take a look.  Here is her story:

During a quest to find the impact site from a falling star in 1916, Monsignor Joseph Bosetti came across a large rock formation just east of Rocky Mountain National Park.  Stirred by the biblical phrase "upon this rock I will build my church " Bosetti soon begin to envision a church perched on the rock he had just discovered.  As with many dreams, Bosetti's lack of funds delayed construction for nearly 20 years.

Eventually, land for the church and retreat center was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo, and Denver architect Jacques Benedict transposed Bosetti's dream to paper.  With Mount Meeker as a backdrop, the Chapel on the Rock took shape.  Here in this dramatic Rocky Mountain setting, Bosetti's dream was completed in 1936

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!  

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.