Blessings in this New Year, everyone!
I hope 2016 has started well for you, and that you’re still on the positive side of any resolutions you’ve made—if you’re a resolution-kind-of-gal.
As 2016 begins, I’m celebrating the New Year, yet also deeply mourning the loss—albeit, a temporary one, due to our steadfast hope in Christ—of this beautiful woman…
Judy McMahan, such a dear friend.
She passed away New Years Eve after a seventeen year battle with cancer. I’ve known Judy since I was five, and it’s so hard to imagine this world without her light, love, and laughter. And yet, I know all still exist. In the afterlife. And in me. And in every life Judy touched. And she touched a bunch!
Judy was a friend, mentor, and a beautiful sister in Christ who came alongside me in such a sweet way as I helped walk my own precious mom, June, to heaven in 2009. To think of those two—Judy and June—together again makes me smile. For a believer in Christ, “the end” here is really only the beginning! Thank you, Lord.
Please remember Judy’s husband, Bob, and their two daughters, Alice and Kellie, and the rest of the family in your prayers this week. I’m headed to Atlanta for the memorial service this weekend.
Quick update from my writing desk…
I’m putting the finishing touches on the last novel in the Belmont Mansion series as we speak, and am so excited to share Tate and Rebekah’s story with you. Then I’m eager to get back to the last novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series. I feel so blessed to be partnered with these Southern mansions to tell the real history of these magnificent homes, and the romances set against the history of Nashville in that era.
And now, my writing desk itself…
Last year I showed y’all a picture of an old farm table my husband and I found at an antique store in Franklin, and that we refinished for my “new” desk…
Remember this from a post last fall?
(click to see the original)
I thought I’d come back and show you the finished product in my office. I decided to go less formal this time. More Joanna Gaines (my new girl crush!) and her Fixer Upper style. Who else loves that show?
Can you say, “Road trip to Waco?” 😉
Not picture perfect, by any means. Not with all this writing. But very cozy.
And never fear about Jack. He still has his place—right by the window where he can watch the school bus and the children, and all the neighborhood comings and goings.
So how is your 2016 so far? What are you most looking forward to this year?
Much love from Nashville, and blessings in this New Year!
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Lovely. I watch Fixer Upper all the time. You are off to a good start!
Fixer Upper sisters at heart! : ) Thanks, Lenora!
Oh Tammy, my thoughts are with you in the loss of your precious friend. But you are exactly right, one day a better day for all of us will arrive and our lives will begin rather than end. How precious is that thought!
Just let us know when you head Waco way and Britney and I will meet you there. Chip and Joanna certainly have a wonderful flair that we love as well.
I hope 2016 is one of good health and happiness for you and your family. Be safe, dear friend! Smiles and Blessings to you! Melanie
That trip to Waco is SO a deal, Melanie!What fun that would be. Thanks for your prayers for Judy’s family. Blessings to you, Britney, and your entire family!
We’re huge Fixer Upper fans, Tammy! My husband and I both went to Baylor, in Waco, like Chip and Joanna did.
A funny story… We spent Christmas is sunny southern California, which is arguably one of the most gorgeous areas in the nation. My husband was shopping and happened to strike up a conversation with a woman who was working in one of the stores. When she found out he was from Texas she said, “I like living here and all, but I REALLY want to move to Waco, Texas. It’s just beautiful there.” My husbands eyebrows shot up, because we know Waco and on the whole it’s not a town that’s ever been known for it’s beauty. My husband murmured, “Really?!” And she said, “Yes. I watch this show, on HGTV, called Fixer Upper…..”
🙂
How funny, Becky! #Perspective ; )
Love what you did with your buffet. We are big Chip and Joanna Gaines fans also !
Thanks, Bonnie. I say, “Buffets aren’t just for the dining room anymore!” : )
So sorry to hear about Judy, Tammy. I know what a precious friend she was to you.
Oh, how I love your new office, an especially that desk! Just perfect. Can’t wait to see it in person! 🙂
And I can’t wait for you to get here! #GirlTime!
So so sorry to hear about your friend! Hugs!
On the other side of things, I love Fixer Upper! I keep wanting to call Joanna and ask her decorating questions. The new office table is gorgeous. And the storage unit buffet (?) behind it is lovely. Happy New Year and may peace fill your days.
Bless you, Angie, and thanks for your sweet condolences. When you have a chance, share Joanna’s number with all of us, would ya?! We’ll call her and tell her when to expect us at her new B&B. ; )
Happy New Year, Tammy. I love Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their show rocks. Also really like both the table and ‘buffet’ in your office. Your new place looks fabulous. Amazing how one piece of furniture can change the appearance of a room, isn’t it? Your decorating prowess puts most of us to shame, so no need to channel Joanna Gaines–but, like you, I’d love to visit Waco. 🙂
So good to see your smiling face here, Miss Judy! I think Nashville—and I—need another visit from you. Loveless biscuits, anyone? 🙂 Love you, friend.
I am so sorry for your loss but so grateful for the promise that we all can enjoy if we believe in our Savior! Your writing desk is perfect and yes, I love Joanna, Chip and Fixer Upper
I watch it every chance to see what I missed the first time around !