Tessa Avery

[tessaxcolette]

Born and bred in Merrock, Maine on May 14,1991 Theresa Colette Browning-Avery would join three older siblings; Theo, Jace, and Cordelia in the Browning family. Left town at 20 as a new wife only to return in 2017 at 26 as a mother of two and a new author. Married to (name to be determined) and mother to Gabriel, Alicent, Eloise, and Emilia. Aunt to Roselyn, Riley, Lilly, and sister-in-law to Lynn and soon-to-be Cage. Known as the do-gooder and Miss Prim and Proper while growing up, Tessa followed her parents’ every word until she finally broke free after the birth of her son. These days she's estranged from her parents for she's learned that she wants to live her own life.

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[tessaxcolette]

Happy Birthday Theo! @theobrowningfd

Happy Birthday to the best big big brother there is. All of my life you have been right there for me when ever I needed you, whether I knew I needed you or not. Even with 11 years between us, we have always had a close relationship and I'm so thankful for that. I could not have navigated this life without you. Thank you for being my brother, friend, and sometimes a stand-in father figure. I love you more than words can express. Happy birthday!

For your birthday, I got you a ThisWorx car vacuum cleaner because seriously with two babies on the way you'll need it. I also figured with you spending so much time with Jace out hiking you could use a new raincoat, gloves, and some hiking poles. You're not as young as you might think. New dad-to-be or not. I could not help the books. Being an older dad you're going to need to up your knowledge and dad jokes to impress your new little ones once they reach their teen years. Lastly, a birthday cheesecake that I promise to only take one piece of. How big of a piece is still to be determined.

[docolives]

"Oh, I'll remind you right now," Livvy replied with a laugh, pulling her champagne glass away from her lips with a grin. Having spent a pretty penny on the dress -- not to mention the shoes -- she wasn't going to turn away from any compliments. "Thank you very kindly, you look gorgeous, yourself. As usual!" If there was one thing this town did right, it was cleaning up for a formal event, that was for sure. "Looking, contemplating. Too many champagnes in to analyze."

[tessaxcolette]

“Smug much these days,” she teased, chuckling at her joke. Tessa held no fear that Livvy would ever take her joke seriously. For all that Livvy had done for Tessa over the last 19 years, Tessa knew Livvy was a good, kind, selfless person. She was the type of person someone would love to call a friend. That never stopped either of them from accepting a compliment when one had been hard-earned. “Since you’re reminding me, girl you look hot! And might I add gorgeous as ever,” she complimented her friend. Even at 33, Tessa could not help blushing when a compliment was thrown her way. “You’re welcome and thank you! This look takes days to achieve. That seems to be the thought of the night; however, I’m more dealing with sold. No time to contemplate. If one wants something, one must purchase at that moment… or maybe I’m just unlucky tonight.”

[tessaxcolette]

[oliverxsutton]

It’s a whole set of new challenges nowadays too! I get what you mean there. It’s… a whole different world when you’re a teenager compared to when you’re working or living with them. The views are so different. What you’re going through is different. I’m the same way. I learned that there are a lot more important things now that I can worry about. And soon things will change again, and we’ll figure it out again. Hopefully! Well, I may end up taking over more classes next year since this year is my first one at the school so we’ll see!

[tessaxcolette]

I believe I’ll take these challenges over the ones from my teen years. I know... I know, not many adults would say that, but I love my life, pre-teen and all. You are correct it is a whole different world from the one we grew up in. There’s so much more to navigate through these days as an adult, a parent, but most especially as a teenager. Life always changing! You never know where you’ll be a day, week, or a year from now. It has always amazed me how one simple decision… choice can change our perspective on life. We’re constantly evolving and always learning. Something most teenagers don’t understand is that is all right to not know everything because they are young and still growing. Ahh, I did not realize it was your first year. Welcome to Merrick! Hope you are finding our little town welcoming. I do hope you take more classes next year. I feel my son could benefit from teachings.

[tashamlawrence]

Tasha smiled thankfully as she sat down, "I can't even use the excuse of corraling a kiddo or two," she said with a laugh, settling in to her seat. Originally Tasha had gone into law school thinking she'd be working criminal law, one where she'd help helpless families like what her family had gone through after her brother. But halfway through law school she shifted into different branches of law and fell in love with it all. Moving from LA to a small town had allowed her to dip her toe into those different branches now and she absolutely wouldn't change a thing about it. Plus she had come to adore some of clients and consider them friends, like Tessa. "Oh yes please," she said with wide eyes and a big nod, "and I've been good. Busy with work and decorating the house. But good. How about you!?"

[tessaxcolette]

Tessa burst out laughing at Tasha’s comment. She could easily recall the number of times she found herself running late due to her children being out of control and that was the nice way of saying that. “If you would ever like the excuse I’m willing to lend a kid or two.” Growing up Tessa never imagined herself as a mother. Her thoughts were split between getting out of this town and exploring what all the world had to offer her and how to make her parents proud of her. Because if she made them proud, they would give her the attention she so desperately craved. Not until she became a mother did she understand how wrong her parents had been. They should have helped her to spread her wings, not hold her back. “I had a feeling the coffee would be needed,” Tessa replied as she chuckled. “I’m glad to hear that. Busy as well, which is why I’m here. I require a contract drawn up.”

[jaceeverett]

WHO: Jace & @tessaxcolette

WHERE: From Brush to Canvas, coastal area

WHEN: Snowflake Gala (January 25, 2025)

"Shopping, or just looking?" Jason asked as he stopped next to Tessa, lifting his glass of champagne to his lips and looking up at the art work in front of them. It had been a little while since he had spent any one on one time with his sister, knowing how hectic and ... well, maybe a little gross the holidays had been for her family. But the gala was as good a time as any other to catch up, to talk art and family and everything else in life. "I'm thinking of picking up a piece or two, but having a hard time deciding which."

[tessaxcolette]

“Looking at the possibility of buying. You never know when one will call out to you,” Tessa answered her brother’s question. It had been a while since she had spent time with her brother Jason. Between helping Theo after his accident and then her family ending up in what she likes to call the Christmas Quarantine of 2024, there didn’t seem to be any time to even have coffee with Jace. That fact made Tessa a little sad. Hopefully, she could modify the situation in the coming days and weeks. “That would be why I’m waiting for one to call out to me or not be sold already. There’s a lot of great pieces here tonight.” A thought occurred to Tessa as she responded back to Jace. “And you’ll be hanging these pieces in your trailer?”

[tessaxcolette]

From Brush to Canvas - Winter Gala 2025

Tessa Browning-Avery's Dress and accessories

[tessaxcolette]

Who: Olivia Hartman @docolives and Tessa

Where: From Brush to Canvas, coastal area

When: Snowflake Gala (January 25, 2025)

“Please remind me later on to tell you how hot you look tonight,” Tessa stated as she came to stand next to her friend Livvy. She could not help smirking at the other woman before her attention turned to the artwork she found herself in front of. “Are we just looking, analyzing, or contemplating on buying?”

[tessaxcolette]

Who: Chandler Linwood @chvndlr and Tessa

Where: From Brush to Canvas, coastal area

When: Snowflake Gala (January 25, 2025)

Chandler, right? We met at Pause for Paws. Is it bad that ever since our run in I’ve been trying to figure out where I’ve seen you before. Then it hit me, the fire station. I tend to be there often since I volunteer on the fire department committee and my brothers are firefighters. On another topic how’s your night going?

[theobrowningfd]

Seeing Tessa out and about was a welcomed sight after knowing her and her kids and husband had been cooped up for weeks. "How are the kids feeling? Better I hope, and I know how that goes, more than you think," he said with a chuckle and a quick tap on his ribs with his right hand. But things had been good, really good as of lately and it was just nice to sit back and relax. "Of course, why do you think I got a few pieces?" Asking with a smirk, as he also enjoyed the aforementioned dessert, and would gladly share it with his sister. He had also grabbed some water for each of them, careful balancing the plate on the glasses, and took a sip of the cold liquid. "Good good," he said with a chuckle, "wonder who bought the most expensive piece here," he replied as he pointed about the crowd before turning to Tessa.

[tessaxcolette]

Tessa knew she shouldn’t be chuckling at her brother’s past misery, but she couldn’t help laughing when he tapped his ribs. “Kids are feeling much better and are finally back at school.  You seem to forget who was at the hospital that night and came to your house every day once you were released from the hospital.” Tessa still had nightmares about that night. She never wanted to face the possibility of losing a sibling again. “Only a few?” She asked, only to quickly add, “Hey! Those are mine.” When she saw him enjoying one of the cakes. “Thank you for the water. I did not realize how much I needed a non-alcoholic drink,” she expressed. “We are two horrible people. If I had to guess I’d say our parents. Not that I’ve seen them here, thankfully. Although, that couple over there looks promising.”

[theobrowningfd]

Who: @tessaxcolette and Theo

Where: Snowflake Gala

When: January 2025

"Hey you," Theo said as he slid into the empty seat next to his baby sister before offering her up a plate of some desserts he snagged. "How's it going?" He asked, sliding the plate towards her, giving her a small nod to take whatever she'd like. Popping a small cookie into his mouth, he wiped his hands on a cocktail napkin before adding, "please tell me you're down to people watch for a bit."

[tessaxcolette]

After spending over four weeks cooped up in her house with only her husband and kids to socialize with, Tessa was happy to finally be out in public again. “Hey yourself, stranger!” She said, greeting her older brother and taking notice of the dessert plate he slid her way. “A little winded. Forgot how much I love to dance and forgot how inactive I’ve been lately,” she replied with a soft chuckle. “Now you know if you place a plate with cheesecake on it in front of me I’m going to take it,” Tessa told him just before she popped one of the cheesecake bites into her mouth. Once her mouth was empty she added, “I’m always down for people watching with you.”

[oliverxsutton]

Being a teen was hard, I remember that. I also had a lot of baggage and was figuring everything out, so it was quite a time, truly. It feels completely different, like the world flipped on its head. Maybe that's just part of getting older? Realizing change and longing for the 'good old days'. There is that too, and those lessons are really important. I'm learning now. Oh yes, my grandmother always reminded us that it's important to just be honest about our feelings, no matter how silly it might seem. Eighth grade, actually.

[tessaxcolette]

Being a teen is hard for everyone. It’s just hard in different ways for each person. A great number of people would have said I had a great life during my teenage years. However, if they had seen what went on behind closed doors they would see things differently. You’re probably right; although, I’ve noticed that as I got older things that seemed to matter so much as a teen didn’t matter anymore. If only we could live the ‘good old days’ knowing what we know now. That’s an important lesson. Your grandmother is a wise woman. I guess you’ll have to wait another two years before having him in your class.

[theobrowningfd]

There were a handful of people that had flashed through Theo's mind as he awoke after his injury. All of his siblings were amongst the people he worried about the most, and not just the but every day before and afterwards. He was thankful for the bond they shared even despite things that had come and go over the years. Now that he was home and settling in, still recovering, he was grateful for the stream of visitors and the well wishes and good they brought him. He looked forward to seeing everyone every day, and was glad Tessa came by every day to check in and bring food. Smiling as he closed the door behind her after she came inside the house, he replied, "I needed to get up and try to stretch." He was sick of laying down and not doing anything, "plus Riley texted me and told me he locked the door when he left so when I heard the bell I got up." He shrugged, then grinned as both dogs were excited for the visitor, "I think they're getting sick of me. Though they're always happy to see you." He replied as he sat down on a stool at the kitchen island.

[tessaxcolette]

Tessa’s heart still ached for all her brother had been through. Her whole life Theo had always been strong, brave, and heroic but that night in the hospital she saw a sight of her brother she had never seen before. He was vulnerable, which made him more courageous than Tessa had ever seen him before. She knew what his job was all about; however, she had never truly thought about the risk Theo put himself in whenever he answered a call. The reality of it all now stared her in the face. “Since I’m not a doctor, I’ll take your word for it. However, the door being locked would not have been that big of a deal. I do have a key after all. Not that it would have been that easy for me to unlock,” she said, making fun of herself. “I doubt that. They were most likely happy to have you around all the time. They are happy to see me because they know I always bring them treats. Just the way you’re happy to see me because you know I bring food.”

[cordelianewman]

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided that I would join the crowds of people doing Elf on the Shelf, not to mention I bought one for each of the kids -- because it doesn't matter how old they are, everyone deserves to believe in a little bit of magic. Or at least play along but when I say these elves have been stressing me out, it's an understatment. Someone send wine and yummy food to soothe myself while I spend another night googling cute creative ideas for these damn elves. And yes, I may be complaining but I'm secretly loving every minute of it. Please someone tell me they have ideas or are doing this for their own kids? @merrock

[tessaxcolette]

I really am trying to contain my laughter right now. You’re just not making it that easy to do. I mean if you were going to participate in the Elf of the Shelf game you could have at least given me a call. I would have gladly given you some pointers or at least helped you avoid all the missteps I made during my first year. Believing in magic is always important and with everything that’s going on magic is a must. If I’m sending you wine I’m coming along with it to enjoy some as well. You love me. The joys in life complaining and yet secretly loving it at the same time. Now I have ideas but what have you done so far?

[oliverxsutton]

So I take it you're just as lost as I am. I wish I understood more, but I can't keep up. Which is funny, because when they're in trouble, they don't want to fess up to what they did. I can see that, though. Because among their peers they don't want to be judged and long for that sense of belonging. And it's entirely possible that I have him in my class. Ha, fair.

[tessaxcolette]

So very lost! I try my hardest to remember what it was like being a teen, but that doesn’t seem to help. It was a different world than ten, fifteen, twenty years ago. There’s a difference between being in trouble, facing your actions, and forcing others to face theirs. Learned that lesson the hard way. I think everyone feels that way only as adults we’ve learned that admitting our feelings is better in the long run than trying to hide them. That would depend, do you teach sixth grade?

[oliverxsutton]

I’ve come to the realization that I don’t understand half of what middle schoolers say anymore. Maybe I am getting old or haven’t caught on to American slang as much as I think I have, but oh my. They also ask so many questions, which I definitely will always encourage. They are also brutally honest. Today I had a student ask me that because I’m from the 1900s if I know Gandalf. Sure. So I just let that one sink in for a bit. Does anyone else miss being blissfully unaware of what century we are currently in?

[tessaxcolette]

While I would like to agree with you that you haven’t caught on to American slang I can’t. This would be because I live with one of those middle schoolers you are talking about, and I hardly can understand him. It’s like they speak their own language. I’ve found that they are only brutally honest with adults. When talking to each other they have a hard time telling the truth or speaking honestly. My boy isn’t even a teenager yet but boy does he act like one. I wish I could relate but I was only alive in the 19th century for nine years.