Today I have some pretty serious bad news. We're about 95% sure our house burned down. At around 2 this afternoon a neighbor came by and told us there was a forest fire very close and we needed to evacuate. We didn't really believe her until we went outside and saw the huge billowing orange cloud just down the street. So we grabbed a few things and hit the road.
What on earth do you grab when you think ... maybe ... your house will burn down??? I grabbed:
1. my computer
2. my purse (with new iphone)
3. some clean underwear
4. all my small paintings
My husband also had the very good idea to drive both vehicles, and pull the camper while we were at it, just in case. So now we are camped at an RV park in Austin and have been listening to every bit of news we can come by. They say our neighborhood is completely gone. So we are pretty sure. They haven't contained the fire yet, and since there are multiple other fires burning at the same time around Texas, taking up all the other fire-fighters' time, they aren't even sure when they'll be able to put it out. They say about 300 houses have been lost, so far.
The good news is, we have fire insurance. I'm trying to think of more good news, but that's all I got. Oh, I got my little paintings out, so all the auctions are still good. And I was even ahead, so I can still post for a couple of weeks. Meanwhile I'll be searching for new brushes, panels, paint, etc. Not to mention a new studio.
251 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 251 of 251Carol, I'm so sorry to hear about that fire and your house. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carolyn
Carol, I follow your blog EVERYDAY and am sick to hear that your house may be gone, but so glad you and your family are safe. You'll have a blank canvas to start again soon I hope. Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
carol, we don't really chat but i am a committed admirer of your work and follow it religously. i am so very sorry this has happened to you and your family. to everyone! what can one say? it's wonderful that you are all safe and as they say that's all that counts, but for an artist to lose her work, her studio, it is heart breaking. God bless you and yours and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
suzanne
Carol, I thought of you immediately when I heard about the fire yesterday. I'm so sorry. If you want to come to Houston and stay with me and my husband (another German) you'd be very welcome. And I have a studio!
Sending positive thoughts to you.
Rose
OMG! I hope for you.
Oh, speechless...
Prayers...
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is a terrifying situation and I am happy that you all are safe and together.
Oh Carol, I'm so sorry about this! However, I'm glad you got the warning in time to get out!!! Thinking about you!
Hi Carol: I am also praying for you and your family. What a disaster, and the beautiful new studio!! Thank goodness you had fire insurance, but as I am well aware (my studio flooded in July and I am still in the process of getting things back in order)that it is very hard to get your home back to what it was before. So many things you never realized you own! Take care my friend.
Carol,
I’m so sorry to hear about the fire. All those things that might be lost – that must be so overwhelming and sad. If there is anything I can do from here in Illinois, let me know. My husband and I are thinking about you and hoping for the best!
Shannon
I am an English artist living in France and have just discovered your blog today. I am so, so sorry for you, how devastating. Just wanted to send you my thoughts and best wishes at this awful time.
Heard about the fires in the news and hoped it wasn't in your area. So, so sorry about your house and studio. Glad you are safe. Will be praying for you all. Love and hugs!
It's so awful, I don't even know how to make a comment that doesn't sound trite.
Many times we take so much for granted. We put things off until another time. This shows the importance of "living life" every single day. We never know what tomorrow will bring, but the most important is the love and safety of your family.
I'm so glad you all are OK...at least physically OK. Remember, you are surrounded by family and a planet-full of friends.
Floods here in Vermont, and Fires in Texas what a devastating summer for some. Glad you could save some things and be well. So sorry for your loss and the ensuing entanglement of events to follow...
Carol, I'm so sorry. How horrible! I wish you and your family the very best in recovering from this tragedy.
I am so sorry to hear about your house. I'm so glad you have fire insurance, but what an awful process to go through....it will be months before you feel at home somewhere again. I hope things go smoothly and you can continue to paint. Can we send anything to you? I have a closet full of supplies and I'd love to share them. You can email me at debrossclayart@gmail.com.
I hope you and your family are still safe. I've been praying for you guys since your post on Sunday. You are always such a diligent blogger, I've gotten used to hearing your blog voice and seeing your daily work. The silence is deafening. Hope to hear good news soon...
I hope you and your family are still safe. I've been praying for you guys since your post on Sunday. You are always such a diligent blogger, I've gotten used to hearing your blog voice and seeing your daily work. The silence is deafening. Hope to hear good news soon...
I talked to a friend in the hill country west of Austin yesterday and he mentioned this fire. I'm so sorry you've apparently lost your home and studio. Happy that the neighbor warned you so you could get out safely with a few things... and that you have insurance. Thinking of you from Illinois during this very surreal time.
Our hearts go out to all of you who lost your homes. Things can turn on a dime and show us all what is important. You are such a spark of life and inspriration to so many of us. You must know you are in our thots and prayers.
I've been thinking about you ever since I heard about the fire in Bastrop. I am so glad you all got out ok, and you have some kind of roof over your head.
Anne Stickney
My prayers are with you Carol. I'll help as soon as I research the best way.
Dear Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear that you, David, and Jacob have lost your home. Glad you're all okay and that you left with those very important items! Thinking of you and all those who suffered loss from the incredible fire. We know you'll come back strong! Hang in there.
Very sorry to read this devastating news,, may God send you all the help you need at this hour.. my sincere prayers for you both..
Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of your home to these horrible fires! Texas is just so parched. We need rain! You and your family are in my prayers.
So very sorry to hear your news.
Dear Carol,
there so many of us praying for you and I hope you feel our 'presence' at such devastating time. Please, hang in there. If there is any way any of us can help you, please, let us know.
Can't wait to hear from you again.
Carol, I have never met you, but I am greeted by your emails and beautiful paintings every day. I have you and the rest of my fellow Texans in my prayers.
So glad to hear that you and your family escaped safely. So very sorry about your home and studio. I enjoyed seeing your blog about building the studio. It will take time to rebuild, and I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
It is hard to put into words how sad I was to hear about your home. I am grateful you were able to get out with what you could. Mostly I was happy you all are safe. Good thoughts and prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
So sorry for your devastating loss Carol, but thankful you and your family are all OK! Hope our donations and thoughts help ease you through this rough spot soon!
All the best in the world to you, you have eachother. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Carol and David--I'm heartsick for you, but glad you're all safe. Hoping and praying for the best as you recover from this devastating event.
Carol,
I am so sorry to hear about your losses. What a devastating fire! Thankfully you and your family are safe. Sending positive thoughts your way.
Loriann
I'm so very sorry for you all too, Carol! But thank God you are safe and that you do have a temporary home! (although small) I'm sorry for your lose, but know you will be fine very soon. I wish all the best for you all and will pray for all those in Texas! Maybe a relocation IS in order...a new beginning!
I'm very sad for your tragedy!
Dear Carol and David you are amazing people and I admire you!
I'm glad you are all safe!
Life goes on, good luck!
I am so sorry to hear the bad news and we wish you a quick recovery and please consider Oregon, if you consider relocating.
John & Barbara Bradbury, Schomberg Canada.
Having seen so many photo's of your Area it is shocking
to see such devastation. We are routing for you and
your new and a bright future hopefully won't take too long
for you and your family. You both have inspired us a lot
many blessings From Babs John and Jo WIP blog.
I'm so sorry Carol. We're just so glad to hear that you and your loved ones are safe. We've just had a scary fire season here and am truly feeling for you. What an inspiration you are for keeping up with the blog and the business in the midst of it all. Wishing you strength for a good recovery.
What a frightening and horrible tragedy. We're so glad to hear you and your family are safe and we'll keep you, and your neighbors, in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol, what a challenging time for you and your family. Grab hold of that home "inside" - the shelter within that does not waiver. Best wishes for a smooth transition. I'm very glad that you were not hurt. Sometimes really bad things happen to us and we are stronger in the end. Not much comfort, I know. Thanks for inspiring me with your lovely lovely art.
So many people have been supportive ! that tells you something about the kind of friend/teacher/person you have been throughout your art career... you have touched so many lives, mine included... we are sad for your loss, and would love to give support in your recovery !! we are all glad you and your family are safe, and can start to rebuild your lives.. -Sandy
Hi Carol,
I am so sorry for the loss of your house and paintings. I have followed your daily paintings for years now and someday want to take a workshop. I am thankful that you and your family are ok, and that you can rebuild.
Sending good thoughts and best wishes to you. Please know that you are appreciated and valued--even by those you've never met.
Carol- feel so bad for you. Wow... you have touched so many lives with your teaching and your paintings.. you are so loved. That fire can take your possessions, but not your spirit. You have a great attitude, and you will come back even better. Thinking of you lots !
So glad you got your beautiful paintings.
A very frightening thing to experience. You have the good wishes of so many people who love your art and sense of humor. Remember that when one door closes another opens.
Wow, I just read about this, this is extremely sad... It's good to hear you guys are ok, Our best wishes for all of you.
My heart goes out to you and your family and to all the people affected by this tragedy. Possessions can be replaced, but precious lives can not. I'm so thankful that you are OK. You're in my prayers. Gail
Carol, what can you say? I'm so very sorry for your loss!
I'm sorry to hear that! But you know, we have a Chinese phrase 5that says "new one won't come until the old go" which in some cases new things can inspire you better so let's be positive and i hope you stay safe! x
sydsense.blogspot.com
I'm so sorry! I haven't checked your blog in quite awhile and just now saw your posts about the fire. How awful. I'm so glad you and your family are alright. A move to Oregon? Welcome to the west coast. May God bless you and turn your tragedy into triumph.
This is a pretty neat project! I think my favorites are the first and
last one because they really captured the essence of the original. I know there's a project somewhere of an artist that did paintings that look just like photographs.
I'll try to find a link to share with you because that one was
pretty amazing too!
Pictures to paintings
photos to paintings
photo to painting
picture to painting
painting from photo
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