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:
1 – 200 of 251 Newer› Newest»Wow, Carol! Really weird that I had just sent you an email from the daily painters site. Hope you are all OK and perhaps the house is too. The best thing is that you are not in it and you got your most valuable things.
Take care,
Seamus
Fire insurance and each other. Everything else can be replaced. Your house and your brand new studio, Carol this is such a huge drag. I'm sending tons of love and good energy your way - and I love that you're posting in the midst of things literally burning down around you. Right on sister - can't keep a good woman down!
Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to hear about your home. I am sure it is surreal for you right now.
So glad you are safe with your family.
I am sending hopeful wishes in this time of loss. Maybe your home, or some of it was spared?
Teri
I am so sorry. Thank goodness you are alive and help will come!
How devastating for you ! BUT the most important thing is you and your family are SAFE !!!
All the very best to you and the others that have been caught up in these fires.
I just got this via email...had to comment. I am so heartsick to hear about your situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you (from Birminghamm, AL). Do keep us posted. I'll pray for more good news to come to you and for peace and provisions. God bless...Amy
This is terrible. I'm so sorry. All your hard work building that lovely studio. Thank God you and your family are safe. I hope you will be able to keep your spirits up and try to find a good ending to all of this. I'm thinking of you up here in Canada. Best of luck.
oh Carol! I am so sorry to hear this! How terrifying! after living in San Diego a few years with wild fires, I can only imagine what you've faced! You guys are in my prayers!
Oh my gosh Carol, I am so, so sorry for you and your family. Thank goodness you are all ok and could get out in time. 300 homes gone, I can't even imagine it. I don't even know what to say other than I'm just so sorry and for what it's worth I'll be thinking and praying about you guys.
Your poor studio too. :(
Oh my God Carol, I am sooo Sorry to hear this, thank God you are safe! please let me know if there is anything I can do to help! You and your family and neighbors are all in our thoughts and prayers...
I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to lose your home. Thank goodness you are all safe and well and have saved all the important things. All your friends and fans will be praying for you I am sure.
Best Wishes
My thoughts are with you, but I can't begin to imagine how you feel today. I'm just so glad you are here to tell the tale and my wish is that it is not as bad as you fear.
Oh Carol, I'm at a loss for words....I'm so thankful you got out safely!
You are a treasure, the prayers of many surround you.
Lee
Yosemite
I enjoy your posts everyday and I'm now sad for you - I send you my thoughts and wish you all to be strong enough to overcome all this.
The other good news is that all of you are safe together! I'm so to sorry to hear this sad news. I'm sending all my best wishes for you and your family. Stay strong and the three of you will make it through.
Oh, Carol, what a shock to read your news, when I was expecting comments on your painting. It just took a second to sink in. My heart breaks for your loss, but everyone is so right. You, your husband and son are the most important, and irreplaceable. Bless you all during this rough time.
Jan
How devastating! So sorry to hear that you have to live through this nightmare! I admire your clear thinking when you had to decide what to take and that you manage to post in this very stressful situation. All the best to you and your family.
Carol, I am so very sad for you, your husband and your son. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. "Starting over" looms so large when you face such losses, and it is so difficult not to dwell on things that MIGHT be gone (like special photos, etc). I hope your son is as resilient as you and your husband seem to be. It is so fortunate that you have the trailer! My prayers are with your family during the weeks ahead.
Carol.... am so sorry about the loss of.... everything. This is where what really matters in life comes to the forefront... followed shortly after by a huge depression I imagine.
I hope there is some miracle and your studio was spared (and of course your house would be great too).
Sending you good thoughts for a really quick recovery from this.
Hope all is well! My heart and prayers are with you and your family! What a difficult time to deal with. I am so glad you are all safe. Thanks for still taking out time to let us know the situation.
Good heavens!!! Thank god you all are safe and sound...........my thoughts are with you guys ,,,such a harrowing event! Take care and stay safe!
That's awful news, Carol! Most importantly , you and your family are safe! Our house burnt out when I was a child, Mum and Dad rebuilt everything and life went on. I hope the fires end soon and you , David and the family get back on track as soon as you can.
Lots of love and positive energy from the UK xx
Carol, am so sorry to hear that you think it is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you, David and family. And my heart goes out to you all. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. With love, Kay
Dear Kerol! I very much regret that there was a fire!
Well that you, the husband and children in безопастности.
All material can be restored.
I write to you from Russia, from Moscow. My name is Xenia.
Has found your blog a floor of year back. Since then always you I read.
You are extremely talented Kerol! Your pictures bring pleasure!
I hope your house won't suffer!
Excuse, transfer machine.
Carol, crazy news and so sorry to hear about it but like most people have said you and family are safe and thats most important. always look for the positive which must be difficult right now. Hope all the other families are safe.
Good luck from a new fan in the UK. Discovered your site only two days ago and was inspired to try painting again.
Karl S
Carol this is such shocking news. I know that we all hold you in our prayers. Sending you a hugh hug.
Wow. That is such sad news. Devastating to lose all your so loved possessions but thank god you got yourselves out. Sending hope that your new home and studio are up and running soonest.
This is seriously bad news, Carol! I am so sorry! Good to hear you and David are alright. Everything else can be replaced, although it really sucks to do that.
Just after I fixed a bit wood rot on our house this morning :-( I checked some new paintings on DPW and read your shocking news. I checked some news about it on the internet. It's a small world. Terrible. Wish you all the best over there...Bert
My heart goes out to you, your family and your neighbors. God bless you all.
that is so tragic, every artists worst nightmare - thinking of you, Thank God you and your family got out x
So sorry. When you hear on the news that 23 homes burned, you don't think that it's someone you know.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank God you are safe.
I'm so very sorry. Devastating news. You have a bigger network of supporters than you can imagine.
Oh Carol- I am so sorry! I can't imagine how you all must feel. Like you said what do you grab?- I am just glad your family is safe and together. I know it must feel overwhelming but it will all be okay= different but okay! You and David are an incredible team together and you will pull together to get through this. Please let us all know what we can do to help! Thoughts and prayers with you all!
So so sorry. Prayers for you and your family and all who have lost so much. Happy that you got all your paintings, but that beautiful studio -- so sad about all your losses.
I just woke up, poured my coffee, turned on my computer and the first news I saw was about the fire near Austin. I immediately thought of you and your family and held my breath when I saw it was Bastrop. I am so sorry and can't imagine how it feels. I do know that you have the spunk and positive energy to pull through and will somehow make lemonade out of lemons. I will be on the look-out for a little treasure for the still life shelf in your new studio.
Sending you a huge hug and hoping for the best for you, your family and your neighbors.
Carol such devastating news, thank goodness you and your family are together and safe. As others have said everything else is replaceable in one way or another. May you continue counting your blessings and finding whatever hidden pearls may be revealed in this.
With love, Dee
Carol, Thinking of you, your family, and your neighbors. Glad you were quick thinking and were able to get out in time and that you will be able to recover from this at some point (hopefully soon). Hoping for some good news and that the fires are contained.
--Paula
Carol - we thought of you guys immediately when we saw the news last night and hoped it wasn't so. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please let me know if I can do anything to help. So glad you are all ok. LOVE to you all.
Well I just woke up and read this devastating news. I am so sorry for you and your family and your community. Thank goodness you've got the only thing that can't be replaced - each other. I'm heartsick for you. Warm hugs and thoughts from Canada.
I'm so sorry to hear about your home. I can't imagine what you're going through. So glad you and your family are safe.
Dear Carol, my heart goes out to you. We've never met, but your art and your wonderful sense of humor brighten my life every day. You and your (very wise) husband did exactly the right things in a panic situation. Continue to stay safe & let us know how you're faring. I wish there was some way I could help (from MA!) but know that you're in my thoughts & prayers. Stay strong!
Linda White-Habelt
I am so sorry...I just read this. It is such a emotionally traumatic event to loose a home. You are such a positive person to be able to push forward as you do. You are a positive influence to all of us. I had a similar experience about five years ago, though, not with a fire, but with ice and storm damage. We lost our home and it was so traumatic, particularly our children, since they were raised in this home. My prayers are with you.
My heart just broke when I read your post. I'm deeply sorry you are faced with this horrible situation and I hope and pray for the best outcome for you and your family. You touch and inspire so many and we are all thinking of you. Stay safe.
Carol,l was so sorry to read your post this morning. Praise God that you and your family are safe . I will be praying for you guys.
Carol and David. So sorry to hear about the loss of your home. Glad you are safe. Take care, and best wishes for you and your family.
Nora MacPhail
Carol, what a shock it was to read David's DPW news this morning, and your blog as well...what a frightening experience to say the least!!! my heart goes out to you all! Thank God you are all safe, and can keep in touch. You are in my prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear. You put so much energy into that beautiful studio. Still, Liz W.'s right. You have each other, and escaped unharmed. Thoughts and prayers are with you. xo
What can I add? I am so shocked and so very sorry. Please keep us posted and we will pray for all of you.
Oh wow! I am SO sorry to hear about what you are going through. Your family is safe and that is THE most important things. I ditto what Liz Whilzen said, all else can be replaced. But so very sad and hard to go through. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way so that they might help in some small way.
I'm so sorry to hear about the fire. Liz W. is right. You escaped unharmed and have each other. the most important thing. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way. xo
So sorry to hear about the fate of you home and studio. Thankfully you are all out and safe. My sister lives in Steiner Ranch and also does not know the fate of her house this morning. Prayers go out to you and everyone else affected by the fire.
Oh Carol - how overwhelming and devastating. I am grateful that you and your family are safe, and have a few of your belongings - but the losses are huge and my heart goes out to you. Please keep your (huge) list of fans updated and let us know what we can do to help.
Such terrible devastating news. I'm so so sorry.
Carol, my heart goes out to you on your losses. Your paintings are an inspiration to me and I hope you can get back on your feet again soon.
So sorry to hear this Carol. Sending you and your family lots of good vibes!
Devastating news, can't think of anything else after reading this! I hope you feel all your follower's and friend's arms around you and your family!
Sorry to hear of the frightening news, and for your neighbors too. Wishing it just missed the home.
Hope and pray for the best, prepare for the worst. Sounds like you have covered those bases. Wishing you the best in this very bad situation.
I am so sorry for you & your community. Please, please let us know what you need.
Carol,
Wow, i'm so sorry to hear this news. I get my updates in email too and just opened it up. I am a lurker but love your work so much. So glad you and your family are ok and that you have the fire insurance and also the camper and both vehicles with you. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Take care. Man this is just terrible beyond words:(
Love you guys! You know that if there is anything that I can do, we are here for you. Forever and always, Karen
Wow - how devastating.
You are in my thoughts, heart and prayers.
God Bless you and your family.
Carol and David--so relieved that you and the family are safe and sound. Everything else is replaceable. I echo Roxanne on the San Diego wild fires--it is frightening how quickly these things can happen. And so glad that David had the mind to take both vehicles and your rolling home!! You will be in everyone's thoughts for many days to come!!
Oh Carol, I am so sorry to read the news of your home... you must be reeling! Glad you and your family got out safely. Sending good thoughts and wishes your way!!
Just received your post in my inbox and was shocked to hear about the fire but I am so impressed by your positive attitude about everything. I am so glad you and your family are unharmed and you had time to grab a few things. It puts into perspective my angst over someone stealing a few beach umbrellas from our property a couple of days ago. I feel for you, especially losing your long awaited and dearly loved studio but I know you will weather this unfortunate storm with finesse and come out even stronger.
Oh my! what a horrible shock for you all. i am so glad you had time to get out and even gather some things.
you are in my thoughts.
thanks for letting us know.
Carol I'm so glad you and your family are safe. I'm sorry to hear about your home and studio. I pray this will all end soon. There are fires near me and it is very frightening.
There will be many things that can't be replaced, which is why I feel so much for your family right now. The good news is that you had a little time to rescue some essentials and get out alive.
I know you will try and dissuade me, but I'm donating the proceeds of my last posted painting to your family and hope you treat yourselves. Even if the painting doesn't sell, I'm hoping your'll accept the $80 from our family.
Hope it isn't all bad news in the days ahead.
Best regards
I'm so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. You keep me smiling everyday with your quick wit and happy paintings. Thank you for being you and so glad you are all safe. You have no idea how many of us are with you.
So Sorry for you, David and your son. For now, I'm sure it feels pretty awful. But the most important thing is all of you are safe( and your little paintings!.
Just keep thinking in your new studio and the fun in replacing the art supplies.
Cristina.
Sending you lots of good thoughts from Colorado. Some new brushes and panels sounds like a good idea.
So very sorry to hear of your possible loss. May you have peace and comfort whatever the outcome. Know that hundreds if not thousands of followers will be praying for you and your family plus all the others that will be affected by this tragedy. I feel when you look back on this you will see that it all worked out in some amazing ways. Best to you and your family!
I forgot to ask you not to publish my last comment. I'm trying to stay low-key and avoid putting you in an embarrassing situation.
I would however ask that you let me have an address that I can send a gift to. I'm in France when the sale ends but will give it my full attention on my return on the 25th.
you sound in typically good spirits. Lets hope there is good cheer and a little sunshine ahead.
Regards
I just found your site because of Barb Cooper. I'm so sorry for your loss of your house. Thank you for telling us what you found important to take with you in evacuation -- we all try to think ahead of a disaster and never are quite sure what to grab.
How awful Carol, I am truly sorry! Thank goodness you and your family are safe. You have an extended family of artist friends, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Barb Cooper sent me here.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for enumerating what you took with you -- no matter how often we try to plan ahead of what we would grab in an emergency, we never know.
I hope that you will have a easier time in the future.
Carol:
I'm a new subscriber to your blog. I lived in Austin for three years (moved back to BC Canada 2 years ago). I knew it was hot there this year and wondered about fires. I am so sorry to here about this. My boys I always loved hiking in the piney woods around Bastrop. This fills me with sadness. The area of BC I live in has constant fire alert every summer (Okanagan). I'm so sorry and I'll be thinking about you.
Carol, I am praying for you and David and all those affected by this tragic situation. Thanks goodness you have a place to stay. I can just see lots of plein air still life being produced now. Stay safe Carol and David!
Carol, you are the first person I thought of last night when I heard about the Bastrop fires. So thankful you and your family are safe. And your beautiful studio. WEll now you know how to build one even better! Please keep us posted and let us know how we can help. Maybe... an auction for Carol on the Daily Paintworks site. :-)
Dear Carol -- I have been admiring your paintings and posts for a long time, so I feel like a friend, a friend who is very sorry about your great loss. But you clearly have an indomitable spirit and will prevail.
This is devastating news! I'm so sorry to hear that you may have lost your home and that new studio. Good thinking to take the camper. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Tell us how we can help.
Wow!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to you today!
Thank goodness for your neighbour and your quick decisions. Sending the love your way that you're so good at sending others!I'm sure with David's pragmatism, he's already thinking about what this will give him the opportunity to improve on.
Carol I am so sorry to hear your news, what an awful tragedy. At least you had some warning, and to be able to think clearly enough to get your stuff together, that was very good.I know from experience, in a panic, this is not always possible.
Please know I am thinking of you and David and your family. I was evacuated three times with fires in Australia, but luckily we only lost our back fence.
Take care,
Rae
Dreadfully sorry to hear about your disaster, Carol. Hope things work out for you, best wishes from the UK.
Oh Carol, I'm so sorry to hear this news, but very happy you all are safe and that's what's most important. Thinking of you and your family.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear about your home burning! It is fortunate that you were home at the time and able to grab the few things that you could and get to a safe area and that you and David and your son are safe. It is good to hear that you have fire insurance and that you will be able to rebuild your home, garage and studio... as others have said, the most important part is that you are all safe!
One of the silver linings I see in this cloud is that you will be able to be creative and design a new home,garage,office and studio with
hopefully all the features you enjoyed in your previous home plus more!
My heart felt thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely
Kim
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wow, I can't imagine going through that loss. You and David are so generous, I hope the world wide web can come to your aid as you have to others in need. As all the prevoius posts have said, you have each other and your lives which are truly the most important. Material possesions can be replaced, but not a life.
Carol, this is heart-breaking news, for sure. My heart and prayers go out to you and your wonderful family. How can we help? What do you need? I'm out of state, but I can surely send something. You and David have given so much to those of us out here in cyber-land. Please just mention anything - now or later - and I'll do my best to help.
So so sorry to hear this news -- what a tragedy for your family and for your town...!
I don't know what to say.
Is there anything we can do for you?
I am so sorry.
Carol - I'm so sorry to hear about your house. Having been through the "pack a bag in case you have to get out fast" scenario just recently, I guess the only thing you might have forgotten is the fire insurance docs! I know it panicked me when I couldn't find mine!
I'm guessing not having the docs is a situation many people find themselves in!
Now - practical matters - I've tweeted this post and Karen's. I'll also be highlighting what's happened in "who's made a mark?" as it's a day late. Is there anything else I can do to help out? Just drop a line if you think of anything.
Carol,
Just got this news. Devastating. Fingers crossed that some of your household and studio may be saved. I have to fly to Europe today, and confess I am nervous about doing so, but I am back in a couple of weeks. If I can help out at all, PLEASE let me know...
I will be thinking of you. Stay safe!
Jill Carver
Dear Carol and David,
I just saw this news on Karin Jurick's blog. I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. What a panic you must have been in, one minute enjoying a visit and the next getting frightening news from a neighbor. I am thinking a lot about your little boy and he will process this experience. I have two young boys of my own and shudder to think of them going through something like this. I am so sorry this has happened to your family and community.
I hope you can feel all of the positive energy coming your way from the blog world. I'm so glad you are safe.
So very, very sad for you and your family, Carol. From one artist to another, to lose the entire body of work - devastating! Good news is, you know the artist and the fire didn't touch her talent. Blessings to you!
So sorry to read this, Carol. I think my folks, Gene and Jo Castillo, (http://jocastilloartblog.blogspot.com/) lost their house as well (east of Tahitian Village). Can't get out there to check. Thankfully, they're summering in NM so are safe.
David and Carol...You must be in a daze!!!! to say the least! God be with you. What can anyone say.....
I'm confident you will literally 'rise from the ashes' and flourish.
my warmest wishes and prayers to you.
Brian
so sorry about this!
I've thought of a few things I could say but they all pale next to the thought of what you must be feeling right now. Thank god you both have survived - that is the most important thing - a chance for a new beginning. You will move on from here. My thoughts are with you.
Thank the Lord you and your husband made it out fine. So glad you have fire insurance. Good luck in the upcoming months, it'll be a big job to replace everything but the most important thing is that you're safe!
I live in Houston so we're quite familiar with the drought and the high temps Texas has been experiencing. I wish you the best,
Joan
More good news, besides the fire insurance, is that you and your family are all okay. We could handle losing a few small paintings, but not the Marines.
I guess one nice thing to look at is that when you rebuild your studio, you can rebuild it exactly the way you want, with all the little inconveniences designed right out of it.
So sorry! Thankfully you are all safe. Prayers and good thoughts are sent your way. Hugs and love.....
So sorry Carol, very glad that you and David and family got out, stuff can be replaced but it hurts, I know, I have been there. Glad that you were insured but despite all that take care of your selves, its a horrible thing to go through, thinking of you from Cornwall UK.
Carol, I am so sorry! At times like this I WANT to write something positive, but everything that comes to mind likely will read as trite. I have never experienced this type of devastation, and I am not qualified to offer anything in the way of comfort. I do feel compelled to tell you that I remember a Forest Ranger in a film about forest fires who advised us that fire is necessary for renewal...that fires in the forest are on the surface bad...but later there are gifts that are revealed. Every ending is a beginning, we just do not know that at the time. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I am so sorry that what you are going through. My heart goes out for you. No word to say to comfort you.
You and David are amazing people. In the midst of this catastrophe, you and David still taking care of DPW and your posting!
It is such a relief that you and your family are safe, and your precious paintings.
May God bless you, give you strength to go through, make you stronger, restore everything even better!
Dear Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear about this hardship you're facing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Everything will be o.k.
Carol, how Awful! I'm hoping and praying it will all be there when u go back. Can't even fathom losing my studio-not to mention home - not sure which would be worse. Holding a hope and a prayer for you.
Deborah
Oh my goodness! I can't even imagine. My heart goes out to you, Carol. So glad you are safe.
Carol, God Bless God, that you and your family are well.
Your house will be a happy memory, but the best is yet to come. It may not seem like that at moment, but it will.
You will have great support around you.
Cyn.
Oh Carol, my heart goes out to you. What terrible news. I am wishing you the best, and sure hope that you house is OK. The good news is that your family is with you, you have insurance, and everything can be replaced.
Te mando un abrazo Carol, espero que todo se solucione de la mejor manera para ti, tu familia, y tu trabajo.
Wow Carol. So sorry. But you all are Ok? So sorry. What can any of us do to help?
Carol, I am just so very sorry to hear this news...so glad that you and your family are safe...honestly, my prayers are with you...hopefully your home and studio were spared...
Oh My! All that, and here you are keeping your blog going. . .
You put so much into your new home and studio, as can be seen on your studio blog. Heartbreaking. A thousand best wishes to you.
What is that saying? -- "Life is like a dew drop on a lotus leaf."
Maybe we'll be seeing more of your great plein air painting for a while. I'd look forward to that!!
Sorry to read this Carol... Glad that you all are ok.
Carol,
I'm so sorry for a loss of home you may have to deal with, but so grateful that your family is all safe and sound. Silver lining: Now you can fix the things you wanted to change in your previous studio. Take care!
My heart goes out to you and your neighbors for your pain in the unthinkable loss of so much you value. Blessings and love to you in this time of great transitions. May you continue to feel the love from all those you have touched and our best wishes to you and your family and friends. (-: Carole
I am so sorry to hear this devastating news, Carol. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know you are a strong woman and you have such great people in your life. I have seen wonderful things come out of tragedy, especially for good people, so I am expecting wonderful things for you very soon and in the mean time you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Neiley
I was shocked when I heard someone announce this on Facebook. I'm so sorry for your loss, but happy that you and your family were able to get out safely. How scary! Hopefully you're able to rebuild and turn this tragedy into a new beginning. God bless you and your family.
today I was telling - a friend kind- of teacher how I admire the way you paint!! you have your family and your talent with you...and if you did not forget to put your hopes among .... you will make a new begining...I do wish you the best!
gülhan başarı
My heart goes out to all of Texas... so difficult for all of us to watch such devastation.... But to hear that you have lost your wonderful home and studio makes me quite ill. All of us who so admire all that you and David are doing are with you in thought, heart, and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear this.I loved the pictures that you shared of your new studio. Hopeful and healing thoughts to you and your family.
Carol and David, what a terrible thing! So glad to hear that you all are OK, and very clever to pull the camper along to safety with you. We're thinking of all three of you, and sending best wishes for a speedy return to normalcy your way. - Bobbi, Joelle, and Suzanne
Oh Carol, my heart goes out to you and your family. And Liz is right, you can't keep a good woman down (or a strong one and you are both!). Hang in there. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, N
One can't imagine what it must be like to be in your situation...scary and sad. Glad you got out safely and that you are together. That's what matters most.
Take care - I will be thinking of you in the days ahead...
One can't imagine what it must be like to be in your situation...scary and sad. Glad you got out safely and that you are together. That's what matters most.
Take care - I will be thinking of you in the days ahead...
Carol, I'm heartsick to read this and hoping that maybe it won't be a total loss. Remembering you and your family with prayers. Kathy
Thankfully you had a few minutes to grab some things...but what a sudden and sad loss. I am sorry for you and all the neighbors who are homeless. Hope you all stay safe, keep your terrific sense of humor. Your many friends and fans are sending lots of good energy your way.
Carol, it is so shocking to hear about your news. I'm so thankful you and your family are safe. 300 homes...I can't imagine where those families will begin...but with the support of each other.
Hi Carol, so sorry, so is there some way to help? We definitely want to do something you've been such a blessing to me. You're in our thoughts and prayers!
Take Care,
Chris
Carol, I'm hear through September selling our nearly empty house. Please let me know if you'd like a place to stay or if you need anything. So sorry. x kim
So sad to hear this but thankful you made it out. I am a watercolorist and have lived through many hurricanes. I often wonder what it would be like to lose a body of work, supplies and my studio. But we know stuff is just stuff... So glad you have your camper to get you by... Sad for those that have lost their lives.
What a terrible thing to happen. Thinking and praying for you and yours. The most important thing is you are all safe but I can't help think about the beautiful you and your husband so lovingly built :(
Oh, NO! This is terrible!!
I keep typing and erasing lines because they seem trite... I can't imagine going through that. But thank God for insurance, and at least you had some notice and were not all out getting groceries or something. So you have your paintings and computer and rv.
(Oh no! Your cups and bowls and bottles! ..Well, your completed paintings to date should take a huge jump in value because the subject matter has become rare. And knowing you, you'll find amazing new inspiration in your hunt for new things!) Hang in there!!
Dear Carol, you build up so much, and you gave us so much. I wish you strength.
Very sad to hear this, Carol, as is everyone. I must say you have an excellent attitude and I am sure you and your family will soon put this behind you. Thank God, your family is safe!
My heartfelt sorrow goes out to you. I am truly overwhelmed by your loss but, thank goodness, you and your family are safe. My grandson lives in Round Rock and even that is too close. I will be in Austin in mid October for his wedding at the Oasis. I will look for your paintings in galleries while I am there.
OMG Carol, I've popped you into my Prayer Pot. So glad you are all ok and got out in time and a place to live in the meantime.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear that, and so glad to hear that you were able to get your family out of there with so little notice about the fires. I've never had the pleasure of attending a workshop, but I have been following your work for years. Myself and my immediate family have seen the devastation of Katrina, Hugo and Ike, so your loss is heartbreaking to me. But I also know you are an incredibly strong person with a wonderful sense of humor, and you will come out the other side of this better and stronger, just like we have. Please let us know if there is any way we can help.
Carol - I am heartsick for you. Please tell David that I include him too. What about your son?
I can only comprehend a fraction of what this must mean to you all and am sending prayers as it is the only way I can help at this point but will send you brushes when you need them..
So glad that you and your family are safe! Good thinking all around and take good care.
My heart goes out to you and your family and neighbors.
I am glad you are safe and got what you did.
I am watching a neighbors house being rebuilt after a devastating fire last winter.
Their new house is strong. And beautiful and full of hope.
You will prevail- your spirit is too huge not to.
with love ,
Sally
I am so sorry to hear about this! Thank goodness you and your family are safe -- sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way.
Terrible news Carol! I am so sorry for you all,I can't begin to imagine what it must be like.I am glad you are safe.
Speechless. So sorry. Praying for you guys. Be safe. Know you're in hundreds of people's thoughts...
We're just heartsick for you. I wish there was something we could do. Thinking of you and so glad that you and your boys are safe.
I am so sorry about your house, art and possessions. I am glad you and your husband are ok and are in a safe place. Wish you all the best.
Carol and David, I'm so sorry for your losses. As others have stated, material things can be replaced. Lives cannot, and you are blessed!
Prayers for you and your neighbors.
Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank goodness your neighbor warned you and you got out safe! And how smart of your husband to take both cars and the RV. I will pray that things are not as bad as you fear - for you or your neighbors.
Dang, girl! That really bites! Good call on the vehicles and RV- I imagine if you are needing supplies, there is a crew of your fans who would be delighted to be of assistance, really, and I know I mean me for sure- want me to mail you some paintbrushes?
Good luck~ camping out can be kinda fun... hope the weather cooperates... maybe you should think of moving to Minneapolis~ the schools are great and we rarely have wildfires...
Prayers for you & your family during this horrible time. Thanks goodness for your neighbor alerting you all.
Carol, Jen and I want to extend our sympathy and thoughts to you, David, and your son. Thank whomever or whatever you believe in that all that was lost is replaceable. All the best.
PS: Your 1,2,3,4 list got my wife and I thinking about what we would take, and clean underwear definetly hit both of our lists as well.
-Brian
Carol, what sad news. I love your positive attitude despite this devastating news. Love your paintings, you are so very talented.
My prayers will be with you and all those who have lost their homes. Thank you for sharing with us.
Leigh
I am so sorry Carol it probably seems so surreal but the most important thing is you are all safe. You can replace a house, a studio but never your loved ones.
Sending my best to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Grateful that you are OK and looking forward to seeing your beautiful paintings when this is behind you. Best wishes.
Jim Murphy
What a shock to read your update! Dear ones, so glad you are all together and safe, and even this tragedy will somehow bear fruit. God's blessings to all of you, and the other families who suffered similar loss. Grace!
Carol, let me add my condolences. I am so sorry but so glad you have your wits about you at this time. May God be with you and David and your little boy. You all are always welcome to come out to our place to set up. I believe we have an RV hook-up spot at the ranch near the pole barn where we painted all those years ago.
Sounds as if you have your very characteristic positive outlook. The devastation seems mighty. Hope the fires will subside very soon.
God bless the Marines. Suzanne Stewart
Carol, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds as if you still have your characteristic positive outlook.
You all are always welcome to come set up out here at our ranch. I believe we even have an RV hook-up over near the pole barn where we painted all those years ago. when your boy was a baby.
I am very serious about this. I will try to contact you in the morning if I can. Leaving for a couple of weeks.
May God bless you and David and your son. I am so very sorry.
oh Wow, thank goodness that you are all safe and unharmed! What a shocker. Something good has to come from this eventually. Sending lots of love, Marina
Carol, so sorry to hear this! Thought of me and my family are with you.
-F
Carol, my heart aches for your loss, and those of your neighbors. I have loved reading all your posts with each new painting and love your sense of humor - I see that still with this last post. Keep the faith. Thank God your family is safe. How can we help? Can we send painting supplies? I know the insurance will cover much of your loss but that will take a long time. Maybe set up a fund that we can all donate to? Do let us know. You're in our prayers.
OMG! My thoughts and prayers are w/ you. You do have your family!
Carol, I'm so sorry for the loss of your home and studio. I'm glad you and your family are safe and that you at least have your camper to live in while you rebuild. My prayers are with you.
Carol and David, I'm so glad that you and Jacob are safe and sound. I wish you guys the best. I'll be sending you positive thoughts. If you need anything, let me know.
ML, James
Carol, what terrible news! I'm so thankful that you and your family are safe. My prayers are with you all.
Hi Carol, just come across your bad news and looked at the studion setting up pictures. I can't believe what's happened to you all. My thoughts are with you and your husband
Sorry to hear about your tragedy. I live in Australia and I really do understand the power of fires like that - they're almost other worldly in their energy, shockingly fast and overwhelming. Good to know that living, breathing things are ok - phew!! Thoughts to you and yours..
Hi Carol,
I am sorry to read about the burning of your neighborhood and home. I am amazed at how calm you seem. It's as someone else posted, "Can't keep a good woman down." Remember the phoenix.
Debra
Carol, I follow your work form time to time, and am saddened by your news. Thanks be to God that you are all safe. Good thoughts are coming your way from the UK....
Maggie
Carol, I am so so sorry for you and your family. Karin Jurick made us aware of the situation and of a link so that we can donate to help you. If anyone is reading this and wants to know how to help... Karin Jurick has a link on her blog today. I am so glad you are safe, but am very sad about the loss of your studio and your paintings. I hope that the donations will get you back into art supplies asap!!!! Blessings, Anne Marie Propst
Like the rest, I can't even imagine how you feel and what it must be like to have your entire neighborhood gone. I am literally crying - I am so very sorry this happened.
You know, that you were so close to the fire before leaving is amazing. God bless you and all... and the good neighbor that came to your door!
I have just been so sad since I heard this Carol. I am thankful that you and your family got out though. I know it is a difficult time and I will make sure to keep you guys in my prayers. You are already in my thoughts!
Hi Carol,
I am so sorry. It would be wonderful if somehow your house escaped the fire. I wrote about this on my blog Thank goodness you are all safe.
Take care of yourselves.
XO Barbara
You don't know me Carol,
I have been looking at your daily painting site for a few years from the UK and I checked in today to see your shocking news. I agree with Liz Wiltzen - (just found her site recently through yours):if your family is safe, you can take stock and make a new home: it's the lost photos, heirlooms, keepsakes that are irreplaceable. I hope things are sorted out quickly for you and your community, and you don't have to camp out for long... keep painting, and posting when you can!
Best wishes
Chris Bingle
So sorry for your loss! Your wonderful attitude and legions of friends and admirers will help get you through. Thinking of you.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. Thankfully, you're all okay. My prayers are with you and your neighbors. Wish we could send all the rain we're getting up here to TX.
Dear Carol,
Just saw the news about your home. I am so sorry and so thankful you all are okay. You are so strong as written in your post and I will pray for you as your rebuild. You are such an inspiration and phenomenal artist. You always portray such tremendous light in your painting and it also shows in your life. Dyanne
ugh! I cannot imagine. I love your choices of things to grab upon having to leave... your paintings are amazing and you have a strong will, you will be back. You, your house and your studio... am so glad you and your family are safe... thoughts and prayers headed your way!
I am so terribly sorry to hear this, Carol. It's incredibly sad, but I'm so relieved that you and your husband are okay! Things are replaceable (although it still sucks!), but a life isn't. Praying for you and your family and sending huge ((( hugs ))) your way!!
Thinking of you and your family and all your neighbors. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry to read this, Caroline. I hope there'll be good news then!!!!!
Dear Carol, I'm a pastel artist in Washington state; you don't know me but I've been following your beautiful work for a long time. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your home/studio. I can't imagine what you and others in Texas are going through. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So glad to hear you are all safe. I'm so sad to hear about your home and studio. You have been in my thoughts ever since I heard about the fires in Bastrop. You and your family are welcome to my home for a meal or a shower or a place to crash. Really!
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter just moved from that area last year. Her friends and neighbors also had to evacuate. No news on them as yet. I'm sure you must be numb right now. I hope to hear more about what you'll need in the future, Surely we could talk Jerry's Art A Rama into donating some supplies since they are based in Austin.
God be with you...
Sharlette White
So sorry about this huge change in you and your family's lives. Glad you are all safe, though the loss of both your material goods and priceless family mementos and artwork must be hard. My thoughts are with you.
How horrifying, Carol, on so many levels! I hope you let all your blogosphere friends and fans know what you NEED to help soften the blow & get your lives back on track! For example, if you just list some of the things that you've lost, I bet some of us out here have extras & would happily send them to you when you're ready for them. I mean, everything from oil paints to wine glasses! We're all thinking of you and hoping for the best.
I'm so sorry to learn that this is happening. Glad that you and your family are okay and that you were level headed enough to grab your small paintings and so sorry for anything that's been lost.
I am so sorry for your loss. I love that you rescued a bunch of your paintings. Don't forget to claim business interruption for the time you cannot paint!
I am so sorry to hear this devestating news. I am so glad you and your family got out safe and sound and have the camper to stay in. My heart goes out to you and your neighbours for the days and weeks ahead. Sending love and thinking of you from Canada.
I just read your devestating story. How very sad for you and your family. Hopefully soon you will be able to built up your life again, and your painting. Good Luck with all of that.
Love Helma (the Netherlands)
We drove back from Houston yesterday (MONDAY) on 290 and were talking all the way back about you and your family. We had decided to come by your house to see if you might need any help loading anything up. Then we got to Hwy 21 and it was closed. We felt sick at our stomach and so, so sorry to come home and read that you and so many have lost everything. Let us know if there is anything we can do. You have my email address and we would be so happy to help in anyway.
Bless you all,
Jana & Mark Rooke
What a terrible thing to have happen. I am so sorry for you all. Will pray for you and all the fire victims and an end to these awful fires and disasters.
Good grief, Carol! Please know that Julie and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers here in Georgia.
Dear Carol (and David), my heart and soul ache for all your losses. I join the choir singing joy for the fact that you and your family were able to get out of there safely.
Thinking of you here in Columbus, OH.
Love,
Robie
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