So now I know what a sabbatical feels like. ...I think. It wasn't 100 percent. Close, though. Over the last year or so I've drawn just a couple of houses and a hotel twice, created Christmas cards for the loveliest ride-or-die this girl could ever ask for, made a few more hundred From-Our-Sandcastle-To-Yours Christmas cards for the most creative hotel GM with THE million dollar view that delights her to no end to share with her guests, and then this one... this sweet little home that kicked my tushie all over the place and taught me something very, very important. Again.   

I needed to rest my brain and rest my pens. And my eyes didn't mind the break either. But drawing is me and it never disappoints. It understood and sat quietly, and let me regroup. I needed to go under for a bit and find my purpose. It had slipped away and I couldn't reach out and touch it anymore ...as if it had been stolen from me. But I learned that your purpose is unconditional, and it waits for you to come and take it back. Because you belong together, no matter what anyone else says. It's really nice to have something to hold close -- something that fits like a glove, fills your soul, welcomes you in with the "Oh there you are, Peter!"..., and humbles you.

Thank you for visiting my site, and thank you for supporting me. I have learned so much from drawing for others. I know what front doors really say, and that the porch light stayed on until the last kid was home each night. And I know that huge well-worn kitchen tables sit right inside and down the hall a little bit soaking in the morning sun where everybody's day starts. I know about that window up there -- tucked away and quiet enough to open that your parents never heard you sneaking out. Or sneaking back in. I know about that shady little section of roof that was more like a tree fort and the best place to crawl onto and curl up with a good book. And I know how important those metal patio chairs and gliders are to you because that's where your grandparents sat and watched you grow up.

And I know that there aren't many gifts much better than this. For either of us.

So please know what drawing your homes has done for me. And please know I'll never stop.

Wishing you happiness, peace, and memories.

-- Julie xoxo!