Friday, September 23, 2011

The Beginning of the Beginning


Carol here: Today we are camped in Texas with everything we now own, at an RV park near Lake Travis, where we have been since the fire. Thankfully we got both vehicles and the camper out. The camper is now full of donated clothes, food, toys, art supplies, etc. Thank you all sooo much!!

Today we will drive to Harper, TX to visit my folks and extended family for a couple of days. We have spent the last few days tying up loose ends here and saying goodbye. We got the cars checked out before the drive across country, handed our land over to our neighbor who is staying to rebuild, and purchased everything we will need to survive for 5 days in the car (books on tape & caffeine!).

David and I will both be posting here. We'll shoot for once a day, but in reality it will be as much as we have time for. Here's hoping for smooth sailing. Oregon or bust!!
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40 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    All good wishes go with you and your family as you make your way to Oregon! Safe travels and I hope you enjoy the excitement of a new home, a new studio (yay!) and so many beautiful vistas to paint!

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  2. Crystal CookSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I hope you guys have a great trip. :) Books on tape are a necessity for a looooong road trip. Wishing all three of you the very, very best. Along with a hope for no crazies out on the road!

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  3. ShannonSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Safe travels! Big change- exciting and scary! You have a lot of people rooting for you. :)

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  4. cj roughtonSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    I guess I just don't want to lose track of you guys!

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  5. Nancy LaliberteSeptember 23, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Safe, safe travels to you all! We love books on tape, too (even more than the portable DVD player!).

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  6. Shelley RossSeptember 23, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Triumph over tragedy. I love how you and your family are handling this with spirit and grace. Best wishes to you.

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  7. Peggy KingsburySeptember 23, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Texas' loss is Oregon's gain. Best wishes for safe traveling.

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  8. UnknownSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Good job handing this so well. I'd be wreck! I hope this ends up being a positive experience for your family and am so glad you are all together.

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  9. Michelle Wells GrantSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Carol, I'm sending you and your family positive, healing thoughts and best wishes for a new beginning. I'm a friend of Jennifer's and have only today learned that your house burned down and that you are all going to Oregon. I have long admired your work, in fact just recently ordered your 2 small paintings books. I know you will all be so missed but a new beginning can also be an exciting thing. Best of luck!

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  10. Karin JurickSeptember 23, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Happy Trails, my friend.

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  11. Juli SchusterSeptember 23, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Best of luck in this new venture :)

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  12. Ricki TreleavenSeptember 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about the fire. You have such a great attitude about it, though. Eugene is a lovely place, but they weigh your garbage and charge you by the pound up there, so buy as many recyclables that you can!!!

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  13. Virginia FloydSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    Bon voyage! Texas will miss you!

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  14. Kathy CousartSeptember 23, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Best wishes and peace be with y'all as you start this new chapter. Lots of bright and shiny new opportunities await you all in your new home state. Travel safe and have fun along the way together- Hugs to all!

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    Safe travels. May each of you have everlasting "fun" memories of this time on the road together, and the adventures yet to be discovered in Oregon.

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  16. Jo ReimerSeptember 23, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Lots of us Oregonians are glad to have the Marine family joining us. Now there's a better chance we'll meet someday, perhaps in Eugene or here in Portland.

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  17. FasiArtsSeptember 23, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Good luck to you all. Sorry to hear about the fire.

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  18. Ann MarieSeptember 24, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Safe travels for you and yours. Texas will miss you.

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  19. Connie NobbeSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Just curious, how did you decide on Eugene as your destination for your new life?

    Can't wait to hear more about your adventure! Prayers up for your safety and happiness.

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  20. Alice Saltiel-MarshallSeptember 24, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I have followed your loss since RarMar posted it. Your acceptance and faith amazes me but more importantly it gives you the ability to embrace what will come. I have no doubt it will even more wonderful than the life you knew in Texas! Bravo to you, David and Jacob.

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  21. Linda PoppleSeptember 24, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Carol, I am soooo happy for you, David and Jacob! What fantastic attitudes you have and you and David are such wonderful role models for your children! To be present in the moment and look forward to your future is a gift. You all have inspired us in so many ways. From one Texan to a future Oreganan (Oregano? :-)) happy trails to you!!

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  22. janncamSeptember 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    The very best of luck to you all. You have risen above your calamity with such courage and grace; your success in your new life will be assured.

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  23. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Best of luck! Angie

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  24. SYLVIANESeptember 25, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    Best wishes for your new and happy life!

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  25. Leah Campbell BadertscherSeptember 25, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I love following your painting blog and just saw this post about your home and family. HUGS and prayers - you are surely going to be an inspiring pioneer and adventurer for many people in this regard, just as you have been as a painter and teacher. Best, best wishes to you and your family!

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  26. Karen M SchmidtSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Best wishes to all of you ... what a grand adventure! I hope you take lots of pictures along the way. Praying for your safety and for good neighbors when you reach your new home. Bon voyage!

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  27. Mary spiresSeptember 25, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Safe travels.....you guys got a big basket of lemons, but I'm sure this batch of lemonaide will be the best ever! What a wonderful example of living an authentic life....with the true spirit of adventure!

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  28. Carol FlattSeptember 25, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    Carol, David and Jacob...I am so happy for your wonderful resolve and positive determination in this exciting new part of your lives. You were brave and so wise to see it as an opportunity to further enrich your lives. Those lucky Oregonians to have you all!
    God Speed...
    Carol

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  29. Lee EklandSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Blessings on your Exodus!
    Lee

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  30. B LanctonSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Best of luck and safe traveling to your new home. Texas will miss you, but you are going to a wonderful area.

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  31. Kelley Carey MacDonaldSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Best of luck and Happy Trails to the three of you! Godspeed!

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  32. JJSeptember 25, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    (((((HUGS)))))

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  33. Judy JonesSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    As a Eugenian, I thought you might like to know that it rained here in Eugene today. Not a lot, but a little more is expected tomorrow. It is cooler with the wonderful smells of autumn leaves in the air. I know it is sad to leave home, family and friends, but just keep on truckin'. It's all good.
    Cheers!

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  34. Lorraine ShirkusSeptember 25, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Jacob's face . . . that's THE face. You're right. You have to have it and use it.
    I imagine your grief over a lost ceramic pig . . . there are so many little things in one's life that have meaning however insignificant they may appear to others. I KNOW you WILL be fine but the sadness you must feel now alongside with your new beginning, I feel I should stay present with and learn from.

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  35. Candy BarrSeptember 26, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    You're maybe the first to have a veritable Online Family who genuinely care for you, David and Jacob! When you let us know your Eugene address and a list of needs - be careful what you wish for! :-) We'll be having a Move in SHOWER for ya'll! Enjoy minimalist lifestyle while it lasts. Stuff can be overrated (watch hoarding: buried alive ha)

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  36. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Love your work AND your attitude! As you know, good thoughts are with you wherever you go!

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  37. HorstSeptember 27, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    A safe trip to your family, can't wait for your arrival, we got some more rain today, we hope you packed enough green color, you'll be needing it here.

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  38. Mary Sheehan WinnSeptember 28, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Wow! That first photo of you says it ALL.
    Thinking of y'all.
    XOXO

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  39. carolyn cobb artSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    the NW has good wine, i understand, and i have a gps that shows me the way to oregon!
    just hope your gps shows you how to get back to texas. thank the gods of virtual
    reality that we can stay in touch with you!
    god bless

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  40. Beth CollinsOctober 16, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Such good news learning you have moved to Oregon. Maybe now I can get into one of your future classes here. Welcome to Oregon.
    Beth (Portland)

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