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Last night John and I were treated to a special painting party. Now, let me say, I can’t say I’d have ever pictured a day that we would be sitting next to each other lost in creativity. After 35 years together, I can say I fell in love in a new way with my husband last night.

As many of you may recall, John spent countless hours volunteering his time and construction talent to help build our dear friend and artist, Cassy Tully’s dream studio and framing shop. September through December were a flurry of activity making this dream come true.

Cassy studied in Italy and her shop reflects that Tuscan warm glow. Before the project began, Cassy presented John with a proposal of her dream studio dubbing it “Room to Bloom.” And bloom it did!

So were we really in Italy painting?  No, but it sure felt like it.  Enveloped between the warm yellow heavily textured walls, and archway behind us, surrounded by exquisite art, the front of Cassy’s studio looks out to the main street of Plymouth, Wisconsin. Peering outside through the large glass windows with the original stained glass that sit atop the windows, which perfectly match the Tuscan effect, cars whizzed by, and the family restaurant across the street was aglow. Next to Cassy’s studio is the new wine bar to our area called Pourvino.

Cassy got us started for our night of painting with each of us first sketching what we wanted to eventually paint. I decided on a tea cup, and of course in the color perwinkle, as that is my favorite color.

John began his sketch and we had to guess the location he was drawing. Near and dear to his heart are the many hours spent on a bench that sits in front of our home, which he spent talking with Cassy when she lived with us for the summer. Many hours of mentoring and bonding that bench holds.

Looking out into our yard from that bench and many days of sunshine, was the scenery John decided to sketch, and then paint.

I have to admit I was nervous about both sketching and painting, as I feel like I am not good at either. But with Cassy’s expertise and patience she shared with me that sketching, as well as painting is just a series of shapes.  Sure enough!  Before I knew it, I had drawn a tea cup with pencil and chalks.

John did beautifully with his sketch of our front yard and I loved peeking out of the corner of my eye to see him lost in his own little world. To see John relaxed and happy is one of my greatest treasures because he works so hard.

As I began to paint what I had now sketched, I was worried I’d make a mess of the whole thing. But again, Cassy cheered both John and I on, giving us tips as we moved through our enchanting creative venture.

As we painted away, people walked by on the sidewalk, some glancing in at us, or looking at the paintings in the windows.  Some made  their way into Pourvino. It was magical to be transported to a new place within myself, lost in thoughts of shapes, colors, and paintbrush gliding along the canvas, with the bustle of outside activity going on.

As John and I were well on our way creating our “masterpieces,” Cassy took a break and scampered outside, and down two buildings, to the best pizza place in town to pick up our to go order.

After filling our stomachs with delicious pizza, we picked up paintbrush once again to add the final touches to our paintings. True to all artists, one must sign their work, and Cassy encouraged us to do just that.

As I think about the wonderful evening last night, I can’t help but be reminded of how important experiences are. It is not the stuff in our lives that count, but the moments that carry our hearts through each day. It is what makes us rich. Rich in love. Rich in friendship. Rich in what matters.

Today, I count my blessings for feeling like the richest woman on earth after painting the night away.