....AND BABY MAKES THREE!

Meet Ben and Leslee! Both high school coaches and expecting their first baby. This couple, a great addition to our community, is excited their family is about to grow from 2 to 3. Last Saturday, about an hour before sunset, I grabbed my Cannon Rebel film camara and met them for a little photo fun! I got carried away, as usual, and shot several rolls of film. Fortunately we (hey! this was team work) got a dozen "keepers". There was however, one paricular shot that I really liked and thought I'd share. The colors are so interesting and have not been enhanced. I typically prefer black and white photography but lately I'm drawn to color again.

Do you have a preference? The color shot (above) or the black and white (below)?...just curious.

City Slicker!

As promised, here is a photo tour of Terrie and Laura Browder's newest unhosted B & B, 'City Slicker'. Antique doors grace the exterior of this attractive home with nice curb appeal.

With an eye for detail, the Metropolitan-Texan decor of this 4 bed, 3 bath home is simply smashing! Well appointed in every way, guest are sure to delight in all aspects of their stay.

Additional amenities include a saltwater pool in a lovely backyard.

Upon entry, step onto brick floors

and find yourself in the library complete with

overflowing bookshelves.

Relax in front of the fireplace

and watch your favorite games on a large flat screen TV. Comfortable leather, eclectic collections, original art and photography, provide a pleasant setting to unwind or party.

Only a few steps away from a modern kitchen, this house is a perfect place to entertain.

The living area also opens into a great dining area which features an enormous chandelier made from the wooden staves of french wine barrels.

Off the dining room, in passing to the downstairs master bedroom,

(note: European feed sacks and pitch fork collection are objects of interest.)

bath and laundry, you'll find a lovely antique piece serving as a butlers pantry/wet bar.

Once again passing through the dining room, you'll enjoy the ambiance

a

and convenient access to the kitchen.

Bowls of vintage Bakelite domino's ....

and contemporary hounds tooth fabric are one of many examples of how modern meets western!

Up stairs, you'll find two more amazing bedrooms and one large bath.

What a perfect place to read....

Across the hall there is a 'bunk room' which will sleep a crowd

and provide additional space for movies and games!

The fourth bedroom is located in a detached guest house which overlooks the pool and has it's own kitchenette.

It's plain to see why these houses are so popular! So the next time you have a family crowd or friendly group gathering for a few days in Abilene, forget about reserving a five rooms and book
'CitySlicker" instead!

Terry Browder

Sayles Ranch Guesthouses

www.saylesranch.com

325-669-6856

A job on a ladder.....things are looking up!!!!

Last month I shared an all time career low in, "....an artist falls on hard times!", which involved painting interlocking CC's on the latrine floors of the boys locker room floor. So you can imagine my enthusiasm when friend and neighbor, Terrie Browder, called and offered a paying job!



Terrie, a designer/decorator extraordinaire, has fabulous taste and his own unique 'stellar' style. As you will see he has an amazing eye for putting together beautiful homes! Not including his own personal home he shares with wife Laura, he has re-designed, re-modeled and re-decorated six(6) homes in a 2-block radius. All of which are currently available to rent. In each of these accommodations you will find the finest amenities. For more details and contact information, visit http://www.saylesranch.com/ . The newest 'unhosted' B & B, called City Slicker, is the home I was recently hired to paint in. Taking inspiration from the November 2008 Architectural Digest's article on, Dianne Keaton's, Hollywood home, Terrie had me paint a quote around the home's spacious entry. Though time consuming, I couldn't be happier with the end results!

,
The chosen quote.... A KNOWN PAST AND A SENSE OF PLACE OPEN DOORS TO THE MIND.



Thankfully, I didn't have to do all the math (Thank's, Terrie!)....I was up to my elbow's in chalk, tape and black tape!

Because the house is wonderful and you have discriminating taste, I asked Terrie if I could post about City Slicker. You are going to absolutely love this house! So, Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll give you a tour around the place and share a few interesting details I picked up from Terrie, himself!

If you find yourself in Abilene Texas, and need to rent a beautiful, well-appointed house for a weekend, week or more, look no more.

Check back for 'jaw-dropping' charm!

....birthday girl!

Four years ago today, the most amazing thing happened! Nathan and Beth had their first baby! She was tiny and precious and they named her Carter...it was love at first site!

She quickly grew as babies do, becoming a little girl with bright blue eyes.

She was thoughtful....

sweet.....

captivating....

and mischievious!

SHE SKIPS, TWIRLS, SMILES AND DREAMS! Delight preceedes her every step.

God has poured out His love to her, right through our hearts and we better understand the

power of His unconditional love and the reality of forgiveness.

In Carter's eyes, His truths are fresh and new. We celebrate you Lord, through the life of this

little girl who reminds us how beautiful and amazing YOU are. Thank you for the precious gift of

children and the beauty they bring to our lives. Happy Birthday dear Carter! For someone only four years old you've made quite a splash! What a difference you've made......I love you with all of my heart!