REST

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 
and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

"I come to the garden alone, 
while the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, 

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am his own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there, 

None other has ever known."

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

In my ladies Bible study at church recently we were asked what was our "word" (in lieu of a New Years Resolution) for the year.   Mine is "Today."  

Where busy-ness seems to have become a badge of honor in todays culture, I want to slow down.  To live more in the present, to do one thing at a time, without multi tasking.   Instead of emptying the dishwasher or making the bed while I chat on the phone with a friend,  I will sit and listen, be present.   To improve the quality, not the quantity of Today.

What's your word?  
Name it, claim it and live it for this Lenten season of 
Rest, Reflection and Renewal.

Join me this Lenten Season

If you've "followed" my blog for awhile, you'll know that each Easter I post a series of art, with scripture and a mini-message.   
I've always thought of my art work as a gift from God.  I do believe that He has blessed me with this talent so that I can share with others and praise Him in all things!   

Next Wednesday, is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent.  This year will be my fourth year to post a "Lenten Series."   This year will be entirely new artwork, scripture and a message, found only on my blog.   It will arrive in your inbox on Wednesday mornings during the Lenten Season with a few extras during Holy Week.  

Join me as we Rest... Renew... Transform... Trust... Shine... and as we are Blessed, Remember, Forgive and Rejoice in the Risen Christ!  

I hope you'll share the Good News by forwarding them to others or invite them to sign up on my blog to receive the posts directly.

For those that made suggestions for scripture verses or posting ideas, thank you!!  I loved your input, and you may just see something familiar in the upcoming weeks!!

The Century Tree

Introducing Prints!  

After 10 years of commissioned art, I will now be offering prints of those "special places that create memories." 

The Century Tree holds a special place in the heart of many TAMU Aggies.  It is well over 100 years old and one of the first trees planted on the Texas A&M campus.   This beautiful live oak is the site of marriage proposals, weddings and the spot where countless couples fell in love.  So, I am happy to offer prints of both of these sketches available for those special Aggie lovebirds!

Above - "Century Tree"

Below - "Love under the Century Tree" is a closer up view and can be personalized with initials or names in a heart on the tree trunk, as space permits.  

More details coming soon with availability and pricing!!

Women Build too!

Habitat for Humanity is near and dear to my heart!  

I've been involved with our local Habitat affiliate now for 18 years.  I've worn many hats over the years, but my pink hard hat is my favorite!  This home sketch is of our 2nd "Women Build too!" home, built by a team of amazing women, who call themselves the Can Do Crew, alongside our family partners, Juanita and Pedro.  From Raising the Walls to the finishing touches we did it all.  As Family Partners, Juanita and Pedro contribute 350 "sweat equity" hours before they assume ownership (and a 0% interest - 20 year mortgage!)  

We're currently working on our third home in Cedar Creek, the all Habitat community in Conroe.  You can follow our progress on our Facebook Page "Women Build too!"

    

A Family Tradition

I've mentioned in the past how fun it is for me to get to know my clients and their families. 

By now, I feel like a member of the family for my clients, Judy and Rob.  This, their daughters new home in Bridgeland is the tenth home I've sketched for them in the last couple of years.  (see blog post October 24, 2018)  They've just moved in and it was a Christmas surprise!

From their own "newlywed" home in Sugar Land, to their Hill Country getaway in Fayetteville, TX and the various homes their daughters have lived in over the years... this is where memories are made! 

Once again, thanks for letting me capture these special places for you and yours!

Habitat Gala Silent Auction donation

I'm always curious when I donate a sketch of "Your Favorite Place" to a Silent Auction what I will be sketching!  Usually it's a home, although I've done a club house at a golf course as well as a couple of churches!  This time, it was a treat to sketch a home that was in the neighborhood next to mine and one I walk by from time to time!!

An added bonus....the recipient of this sketch just happened to be chairing the silent auction for "Chip in for a Cure" supporting Canopy at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.  So now, I'm anxious to hear from the next winning bidder and see what's next!

Big Sky Barn in Montgomery, TX

Big Sky Barn

Historic Charm - Modern Luxury

There are few places that are more special then where you get married.  

I have two daughters, one got married in a big church with "the" dress, attendants, candles and flowers and I was honored to walk her down the aisle.  The other was barefoot, surrounded by her parents and her sister in the living room with her step mom, a judge, officiating.  Both memories are priceless to me and I wouldn't change a thing!

I can just imagine that my client, Laurel was beaming with pride when her daughter was married last December at Big Sky Barn in Montgomery, Texas.  

She commissioned me to do this sketch as a wedding present to the bride and groom and I hope it will be treasured for many years to come.  
The Big Sky Barn tagline: Historic Charm - Modern Luxury sums it up with its wedding chapel, reception hall and charming covered bridge.

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Lane and Kyle!