This summer, I have experienced the pleasure of getting to know my neighbor Janice Nowakowski, who is so delightful, creative and described by me as a very fast thinker. When you hang around with Janice, creative ideas seem to explode; just visiting with her is pure joy! She has opened up the world of antiques and refined junk to me. She inspires me to visit sites around Abilene searching for “good finds” with potential for greatness!! We have so much fun planning and discussing her latest projects. During one of our recent discussions, Janice peaked my interest in going to Baack’s florist to see its transformation, authored by Janice and another talented friend of mine, Cynthia Deegan. Visiting Baack’s, I fell in love with the bright-colored ceramic vases and candle holders, the oval grapevine baskets and of course, the gorgeous plants! As I entered the plant room, my eye was immediately drawn to a beautiful sun catcher created by Janice, made from an old window frame, hanging amidst the butterfly plants. When I commented to Janice about how much I liked it, she told me to take it. I was shocked, but also so appreciative of such a beautiful and creative gift from a friend whose talents I so admire!! BG and I immediately hung it in our walkway near Fee’s garden.

After another visit with Janice, questioning where she comes across her “fabulous finds”, she expanded my decorating horizons by referring me to It’s About Time-a unique store in Abilene full of new discoveries! During my later visit to It’s About Time, I became acquainted with Pam Sumrall, a friend of Janice’s, who is also a design consultant for this amazing store. I felt like Pam and I had been friends all of our lives. She was so kind and helpful to me in acquiring a sense of my own preferences in design. She looked at design elements we were using in both rooms and encouraged me to think in different ways about those items. Pam helped me find the perfect color of khaki for our walls and taught me so much about decorating in my own unique style. Among Pam’s many suggestions: bringing elements of nature inside through use of a variety of textures (including textured fabrics, rocks (which I love), pillows, artwork, etc.), adding hints of outdoor green, use of the wonderful khaki scarf as part of my new centerpiece, glass domes, feathers, bird nests, etc. Pam showed me how to use groups of books (something important to me), color, and groupings more effectively. We gathered several items from the store for me to take home on a trial basis-what fun–we will have a whole new look in a few months! I found Pam a delightful and fascinating person and look so forward to spending more time with her!