A busy summer and The French Door
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted on the blog. Here’s what’s been happening in my world.
Since the end of school I made the decision to stop having paint workshops for the summer and start them up again in August at our new location, The French Door.
I have not picked up my professional camera since May. I know bad blogger. But I did take some pics on my iphone. My goal for this summer is just to relax and have fun. We are opening the new store in August and I know I’ll be very busy, so in the meantime. R & R.
June 1st – June 8th we rented a camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana. It’s a couple of hours from home. We had all of our kids, their significant others and grandchildren all together. We fished, relaxed, played and bonded. We stayed at a camp called “Makin Waves“. It was amazing! It was clean and updated. Had wifi and a fully stocked kitchen. The beds were comfortable and the view was awesome. We were right on the beach. You can click on the name to find out more and to see pictures of this amazing camp. If you go to Grand Isle, we highly recommend this camp.
These are just a few pics I snapped of the view from the back porch/balcony.
It was very peaceful and relaxing.
Went home for a few days and loved on this little girl.
Went by my booth at Chic & Shabby to restock paint and waxes.
A few days later left for a Disney cruise with these ladies. I have to say it was the most beautiful cruise ship I’ve been on. Clean and immaculate. The service was excellent. We enjoyed every moment. But it was HOT when we went on the excursions. It was well worth it!
The view from our stateroom.
Here I am swimming the beautiful ocean in the Bahamas. Ahhhhhh. Refreshed and regenerated! The water was perfect.
When I get back to Franklin, we have progress at the building. The previous tenant is finally moving out! He was supposed to be out by May 1st. That didn’t happen. It’s now the end of June.
So I took one last trip to the beach. My daughters, son in law and granddaughter took off for Orange Beach, Alabama to celebrate the 4th of July week.
This was a beautiful sunset one evening.
The fireworks show was spectacular!
It was hard to leave this view, but I have a conference to go to!
So home for a few days and Sadie is like Ok mom are you staying home now??
But then it was off to New Orleans for the Iconnect retreat. I learned from other successful women, walked around the city with my friend Toni and listed to live jazz music. We stayed at the Bourbon Orleans. Bad blogger again, I have no pics of the lovely hotel. It was a great experience!
This was the view from the balcony off of our room.
Live music each night in the hotel bar.
Sights around the city!
Now finally back to Franklin to stay!! The building is empty now. I am going to give you a tour, but please, don’t FREAK OUT. We have much to do!
This is the future home of our new store, The French Door.
We love the beautiful french doors and iron gates too!
This is the showcase to the left
and to the right.
So this is inside facing those french doors.
This is looking in to the left side of the store. That’s my granddaughter Haylee, who came to visit us in Franklin for a few days.
And this is looking over to the right.
This is in the back of the store looking toward the front.
This is looking toward the back which will be a kitchen/workshop area when we are done.
I really have to harness my inner Joanna Gaines here ya’ll. This is truly a fixer upper.
So this bathroom is just sad. When I looked in here, it’s like a theme from a scary movie played in my mind.
Needless to say when the city turned on the water something was leaking inside so they turned it off. What would I do without that man of mine? He is cleaning up the water with a wet vac. Monday we will turn it back on to see where it’s coming from and hopefully be able to cap it off.
Stay tuned! The cleaning crew starts Monday, then carpentry work, plumbing, electrical updates and painting. We are hoping to move into The French Door Saturday, July 30th and be open Monday, August 1st. Our grand opening party will be sometime in the Fall! Wish us luck!!!!!
Toni Barrilleaux says
Just can’t wait to see it. Think of me if y’all need some part time help.
Debbie says
We can’t wait to get all of the work done, then on to the fun stuff! Please check back with us later on the part time help. We’d love to have you!
Sabria McGuire says
Thank you for taking over this building. I remember buying jeans for $10.00 in the 70’s from the wooden counter. I love our city.
Thanks again
Sabria McGuire
Chief of Police
Debbie says
Thanks Sabria, It took us long enough to get in but we finally did, not for the hard part, getting the building ready! I know what you mean! I may have sold you a pair of jeans, I worked in that store when I was 13 years old on Saturday! We love Franklin too and want to do our part to #revitalizefranklin!
Kathy mannina says
What a fun journey! You will enjoy fixing it up as much as opening! ????
Debbie says
We have enjoyed the whole process! Thanks Kathy!
Mark Culter says
Is that the old Fremins. What a wonderful story, so nice to see the both of you enjoying your lives.
Good luck on your remodeling, hope to stop by one day when it’s finished. I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful
Debbie says
It’s the old Friedman’s building. Thanks Mark! We are loving every minute!
Robin Ecuer says
It has great potential inside. Can’t wait to see it completed. Best of luck!
Debbie says
Thanks so much Robin!
Margaret Todd says
So excited for y’all! I just adore a good makeover, and that space is just screaming for TLC! You and Kathy will do phenomenal things there, and brighten that little spot on Main Street. Thanks for all of your energy and efforts toward improving Franklin though all of your ventures throughout the years! Good luck!
Debbie says
Thanks Margaret! We are loving every minute!