Off to the Races!

After several years of planning, it looks like we are going to build this legacy home! However, before I share with you the photos of our awesome slab and the framing that is underway, I want to fill you in on some of the interesting research and ideas that went into the design of this authentic Hill Country home. When Cary Kipp, Kipp Flores Architect, asked me to describe what I had in my minds eye ( ie what I thought the elevation and style would be) I kept saying an Argentine Hunting Lodge but with a Hill Country, Hacienda look. Then I chuckled and said " I have never been to Argentina and I couldn't tell you what a Hill Country Hacienda looks like but let's see what you come up with after I describe it in alittle more detail.

I see a Hacienda style home that has a Hill Country, Texas look verus a Spanish/Mexican look. I want to incorporate the ideas of the Sunday Houses ( casitas) for each of our children, have it look like it's 100 years old, timeless, classic and will be classic and timeless in 100 years from now. I never want anyone to say, "this home was built in 2010" because of the materials or style we choose today. It needs to be relaxed, casual, comfortable just like it is when you live in the country. Yet, a bit more sophisticated then primitive and true to the materials and colors of this region and the landscape.

I like the idea of using natural materials and local artisans particulary those who pride themselves in the "grass roots" style that is authentic to the Hill Country. One of my observations while living in Fredericksburg is that some people are building homes that are beautiful and the style could be seen in San Antonio, Aspen, Ashville and other wonderful places. I wanted this home to be as authentic to Fredericksburg as a new home could be including rain water collection, standing seam roof, native stone, antique wood floors, 150 year old doors, antique hardware, flat ceilings, Sunday Houses, cedar stay fencing, gas lighting, wind mills, cisterns and then naturally couple it with magnificant views, wildlife, wild flowers and native grass, catus and a sky so big, you know God is looking at you through the stars at night.

OMESA

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Blessing OMESA

Fritz, my mini dachshund and side kick, left out early this morning to bless OMESA as planned. The wind was blowing, sun peaking through the the random clouds and Enchanted Rock was a brillant pink. Because of my busy-ness, I have not opened my daily devotional in weeks but I decided today I would pray and read from God's Calling as I bless OMESA with holy water. Without much thought, I opened to June 12 and here's what I saw: House on a ROCK! Synchronistic ...yes! A wonderful way the spirit of goodness nudges us in validation and support.

"He that heareth these sayings of Mine and doeth them is like unto a man who built his house upon a rock, and the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon the house and it fell not, for it was founded upon a ROCK"

The secure, steadfast, immovable life of My disciples, THE ROCK HOME, is not built at a wish, in a moment, but is laid stone by stone, foundation, walls, roof, by the acts of obedience, the daily following out of My wishes, the loving doing of My Will. ( God's Calling, page 123).

Greek Proverb

...plant a tree, write a book, have a son and BUILD A HOME....note I said HOME...so this will not be just any house, or just any project...this is a lesson in life, love and holiness...as I learn much about myself, others and God during this journey. You see, I have planted a tree ( beautiful white and pink dogwood at our Gilbert Place home), wrote a metaphorical book which is complex and difficult to understand by some, had a son with a little help from my husband ...and now the ground is prepared for a sacred structure. A HOME....A HOME that mirrors the interior castle of all who live there or visit...A HOME that becomes a beacon of light from the Mesa ridge and examplifies the fruits of the spirit....... ..........( Galatians 5:22-23) A HOME of love, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, joy, faithfulness,patience,and self-control. Is this possible?

I plan to bless the site in the morning with holy water and prayer as I ask God to bless the journey to completion as well as the result..... a sacred HOME on sacred GROUND. Please pray with me that this rock HOME be an example of holiness for all who enter the gates .... pray that the artisans and all those who use their creativity, minds and their hands be safe and blessed as they contribute their talents. It's with gratitude that I pray ...