Wine & Paint Tonight!

It's here!  It's tonight!  Come and paint with Carole the above painting.  Bring your own beverage, and Carole will have a few hors d'oeuvres and mingle time, then you will all begin painting at 7pm sharp until 9pm.  It's going to be fun!  Grab a friend and make it a unique, fun social event.  It had been open to 12, but we can accommodate a few more, so come on!  If you're out of town, call with your credit card to reserve your spot.  It is $50 per person.  Otherwise, take the risk and get here fast to claim your valuable spot--then take home your own piece of art.  You're invited!  No talent or experience necessary.  Looking forward to seeing you....Want more info?  Download the pdf....

Oh!  If you need to grab a bottle of wine somewhere, please visit Lana at Diesel and Lola on the square just around the corner from the studio.  They have a beautiful wine shop and lovely showcase of chocolates!  Here is the info:

113 S Marion St

Athens, AL 35611

(256) 771-0777

Remembering Jessica

A nightmare has been lived out this past week here in Athens, Alabama--during Christmas, that no family or friend should have to experience--the pain of losing a child. Precious Jessica Michelle Elkins was a light and joy to so many people. We always loved having her at our home. I always admired her good manners! She and my Caroline were best friends during their middle school years while they cheered together.

Jessica contracted what is believed to be bacterial meningitis. The violent attack to her body happened so fast and she is gone now almost like the snap of a finger, but we've been through the "slow motions" of hospital visits, prayer vigils, not believing that this could happen to one of our kids. But it did. She has gone on at age 15 to be missed by her loving family and huge number of friends....so hard to understand....So incredibly sad.

But we have to let our faith pick up from here--the point at which we have no understanding. We can be comforted and strengthened in the scripture Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We can't always know what good comes of bad things like this. But it's there! We have to believe it. I know that it was "good" to be at a prayer vigil with a hundred or so of Jessica's friends praying with them. I know that it is good that several of these friends are growing in their faith and understanding of God and death. That is good. Jessica has donned her wings, and will live on in our hearts--that beautiful girl.

This is Robyn, Caroline and Jessica tubing on the river last summer behind Whitney's boat. What fun that was! I can still hear their squeals of laughter...

This is Jessica and Caroline at Cheer camp several months ago.

Anyone reading, please pray for the Elkins family. Jessica leaves behind her loving parents, an older sister and a younger brother. Coping with something like this can only happen with God's mercy, love, comfort and prayers.

Read about bacterial meningitis and know the symptoms. It is a very fast progressing illness that needs immediate attention. May you be blessed!

As a side note, it might be a good time to mention a great book that will comfort those about Jessica. If you'll read at least the first 3 chapters of this book, you will see the marvelous place that awaits all believers and the place where Jessica is now. She is smiling and more radiant than ever! The book is "Ninety Minutes In Heaven" by Don Piper.

Autumn Glory!

I just love this time of year for the COLOR in the trees, and I marvel at God's creativeness that He shares with us as the seasons change. His work is almost unfathomable to me at times--like this morning after taking my daughter to school, I couldn't resist stopping to shoot some of the trees in the historical district here in Athens as well as in my neighborhood. The last image of the very red tree is from a neighbor who was great about watering all summer. I am so thankful that we have some color this year since I feared we wouldn't due to the extreme drought we've been in all summer--the driest we've been since 1925 I heard....Just wanted to share.

Consumed with the Wet/Dry Vote

I apologize to my readers who don't live in Athens, Alabama for having to read this...My wonderful city of Athens, Alabama has been consumed the past several months with the topic of going BACK to a dry city since going wet 3 years ago? Being a business owner right uptown on the square, I am in disbelief that this has made it to the ballot yet again. Tell me what is so bad about the progress we've enjoyed the past 3 years:

• All the amazing energy and spirit going on around town?
• The drop in DUI's for the past 3 years?
• The increase in tax revenue STAYING in Athens instead of going to our neighboring cities?
  
• The increase in businesses locating here due to the hot spot that we are?
• The increase in funding for our schools? for our children--for our future?
  
• The available tax revenue that has gone toward paving so many of our streets, making our city look so awesome and inviting from its many gateways of Hwy. 72 east and west and I 65 north and south?
• The ordinances that have been well kept by city officials to control the way we live with alcohol in our city--our city will remain a classy, historical town because of this.
  
• The great opportunity to have a choice in having a glass of wine with that awesome spaghetti at Giovanni's--have you been THERE yet? They wouldn't have settled here, bringing a whole new life and buzz to the square, without the legalized sales of alcohol.

As an FYI, I personally don't drink that often--in fact, I check the box, "rarely" on my medical records. But doctors and all health officials tell us that a daily glass of wine can be beneficial to keeping our hearts healthy and stress levels down. The past 3 years I've loved having the choice to buy a drink in my town if I choose to. I don't want that chance taken away. Do you?

To all my Athens brothers and sisters, I urge you to think about this topic (read articles and letters from the News Courier) and

GET OUT THERE TUESDAY AND VOTE!