New beginnings--

We have started on a new journey with our girls. We decided to change from one private school (after the first day of school) to an awesome Private school just a little further away. So we ended up with another week of summer!! Change is never easy but almost always good!! We were led and guided the whole way by the LORD. I believe because we were seeking his will and where he wanted us to be so as best to serve him and lead our girls into a deeper faith and better environment, he honored our prays, our relentless searching and our quick, steadfast actions...he opened doors to some of the nicest people I have ever met. They didn't know us from any past or present settings. These Godly people knew we needed help. Heaven and earth was moved in less than 6 days to apply, meet, schedule and enroll our girls. Perhaps I can rest on the 7th??? In fact, Savannah (10th) boarded a bus today with all the 9th-11th graders for an overnight retreat..talk about loyalty and trust in the father...No cell phones, no text, no fb posts...I can't wait until 3:00 tomorrow when she walks off that bus. Pray without ceasing has been going on since 7:30 this am....I know her experience will be so much better than where she has been! Presleigh starts tomorrow...awesome 3rd grade!!! her teacher already met her today and told her she is excited to have Presleigh. Someone already loves my child....Life is good and filled with many twists and turns..Praise God!!

Tidbits and Tassels - an art gathering

I am so excited to announce the first Art workshop/gathering at My Studio on August 29th. Those attending will be participating in two workshops...although to us, this is definitely not work but play....Perhaps they should be "playshops"!!! This is a pre-Silver Bella event so we meet and get to know one another before the Awesome Silver Bella!! Silver Bella (a paper art event) will take place in Omaha hosted and created by Teresa McFayden. I am looking forward to meeting these sweet ladies who love to create and have fun!! It will be a time of food, fun and art. Hopefully this will be a start to many art gatherings...Hope you will be able to make it over to the studio and play!!

Sweet Summertime.....

Summer is flying and we are having an awesome time here at "the Johnson Resort"...the name given by my sister.   She was just here with one of her boys ...what a great time we had!!   Our annual summer trip to Florida was earlier this month.  It is a time we look forward to all year. These are a few pictures of our trip.

I am still working to move the studio.  The french envy furniture came on Thursday, so it is time to really get things in place.  My first art gathering is August 29th..I need to be ready!!!  I hope this summer has many special moments that will become great memories that will last a lifetime!!

Once begun..Finally Done!!!

All I can say is YEAH!!!! Our major remodel is done...We have been enjoying the pool since May 29th.  It took another 10 days to cure the plaster and then it became a salt water pool.  I honestly didn't know how they would make it a salt water pool...chemicals, maybe??  Nooooooo, they just added 400 lbs of salt to the water and Voila..salt water.  Did I feel a little silly!!!  Our outdoor kitchen/living area is awesome.  We eat nearly every meal outside and enjoy the view.   Nature is back in our yard.  I began a new herb garden with 17 lavender plants, 2 rosemary, basil, dill oregano, thyme and mint (in a pot, of course).    My studio is in the process...we are waiting on furniture and are moving things each day.   I am being inspired as I move things (that I forgot I even had).  My goal is to have all the things that belong in the art studio in there before we leave for Florida on the 29th.    Thanks for following the journey...It has only just begun!!!

 

Nearly Done!!!

Perhaps this title has been used before..at least by our family for the past several weeks!! But this time it is true.  The studio needs painting and the pool need filling (plaster first) and of course, the decorating!! Our target date is Friday, the 29th!!! We can't believe the transformation that has occurred in our yard and the hopfullness in our spirit.  We plan to use this wonderful  setting for entertaining, sharing fun times with friends (new and old) gardening (I will have an herb garden!!)  and creative art "retreats" for those that love to be inspired.  We feel truly blessed by our Lord to be able to do these things and since all good is from him....He deserves the praise and the thanks...

I hope y'all can drop by for a swim,  s'mores by the fire or just a time to sit and visit...

There is a little less dirt....

If you are wondering, the answer is yes.  We are still under construction..or should I say on top of it...our lush green yard has been turned into an oasis of dirt, stone, pipes, wood and a big hole in the ground.  Seriously, it is coming along quite nicely.  In the following pictures you can see where we have come from and to where we are heading.  This will become an oasis of lush green, vibrant texas colors (in the plants we choose) and barrel full of laughter and good times. I am looking forward to the days in the pool, the studio and cooking outdoors.  Who knows--maybe the inside of the house will stay clean...One can only dream!!  Summer is here and we are almost ready!!

At the end of the summe,r I am also looking forward to hosting a  group of women called "the Texas Bellas" in anticipation of our art workshop (in Omaha) in November for a mini-art workshop.  It will be a great time here at the Johnson's, this summer with friends and family.  

Stay tuned.....