fresh picked blueberries

Don't you just love blueberries?  Nothing says summer more than blueberries, seeing them on display in the produce aisle or at an open road side stand makes me think that Summer can not be far away.  I think of making fresh blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, blueberry cobbler. This "pint" of berries are from Maine, a low-bush variety.   Maine looks like this, water, boats, blueberries and Lobster boats.

 One wants to dive right in these adirondack chairs and watch the time of day and boats go right by.  Eating a bowl full of fresh vanilla ice cream and some blueberries, now that is easy living.

the little prince

The Little Prince is one of my favorite books.  Not only am I inspired by this story  but I am always amazed that this book pulls rank, right behind the "Bible" and "Gone with the Wind."  Antoine de Saint Exupery the author and illustrator not only has a way with illustrations, but the words also are enlightening.  The book was published in many languages and this is one of my favorite lines;

"It is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye"

I painted this nursery for a little prince inspired by the book "Le Petit Prince."  I apologize that the photo does not show my decorative painting up close.  Little stars were hand painted around the room for this little prince who has a heart of gold.

This book is a perfect gift for all little boys as well as girls searching for their "Le Petit Prince."

It is a perfect start to a royal library of classics.

waves of green

My sister Liz painted this for her son.  She wanted to do something nice for him.  Now that is what I call something more than just nice.  I feel like I am surfing on waves of green. 

cinco decorno

Some blogs go where no man dare go on the Cinco de Mayo.  This time Cinco deCorno is bent on taking it outside and transforming her backyard patio ready for any patio par-tay.

I just could not resist doing a little sketch to show what I envision.  The best compliment is that she posted my illustration.  Flattery will get you everywhere.  Let me know what time the party starts and we will all bring a little pot of something to add the festivities.

apron strings

I have a penchant for aprons and never feel that I can get down to work with out sporting an apron.  The fit and cut of the apron has to be just right.  Several years ago, a dear friend gave me an apron from the venerable food institution from the city.  It has been one of my most cherished possessions which I wear on decorative painting jobs.  Another apron from a dear friend who returned to the area after living in Paris, it is my "cuisine" apron for preparing meals.  My friend Kwana, gave me a sweet short apron from here for when I just want to add a little something to brighten my day. Below is one of my favorite chef's, Suzanne Goin of The Hungry Cat, in California.

You see aprons give people a "I am totally confident" air and a sense of getting down to business.

One of my favorite and fondest memories of when I came to New York was having dinner with my soul mate at "Mortimers" in the city, the men waiters wore long white aprons and they looked so polished, yet ready to serve.  My first American Express Card was used there for my first meal out to celebrate my first job.  I felt smart and on my way for adventure with this plastic card like Diane von Furstenberg.  All I really wanted was one of those long white aprons to glide effortlessly in my own work.  Wearing an apron makes me feel finished.  Liken it to my very own lab coat or bib if you will.  Perhaps I am tied to my very own apron strings.    The strings must be long enough to tie in front and I like to tie them below the waist, ready to seize the day and tackle the next project or meal.

Do tell, do you wear an apron?  There are so many types, french maid aprons, cobblers smock, pinafore, butcher's apron.  Try one and see how much better you are at your task.  Carpe diem!

spring awakening

Each and every spring, I am awestruck with the beauty found in nature.  From stark black and white to a glistening light, blossoms awaken like delicate beads being strung on branches to provide adornment and a shady spot.

Enjoy your weekend and awaken to a lovely spring.  I took these photos while visiting a dear friend on a raw gray spring day.

juggling it all

Juggling all the daily demands of a career and family life are not for the weak nor the timid. Working to love my work, elating clients, polishing a sparkling home and "my people"- all satisfied requires discipline and organization.  

Then there's a morning of a waking up to a sick child or the dog and appointments to said Doctor require immediate attention, or the plumber is running late for the backed up sink, causing the oh so well planned day into a tail-spin of utter chaos - boiling it all down to what truly matters.  

Throw in the additional task of keeping the flame of a blog burning brightly with daily posts, tags, and creating inspiring and interesting things so readers will provide you with comments of love and applause.  Need I mention the juggling of car-pools, to and from activities, grocery shopping, preparing healthy meals all while trying to locate the missing sock or doll's shoe the size of a dust-mite, it is a sure fire way to put me on the edge.  I mean, don't people know that I have a business to run as well as my blog fans to provide a daily dose to!  

How do you juggle, do you do it all, or have help?  Have you patented some sort of contraption to juggle it all or c'mon, tell me your secret?  I know that there are many books with the "I don't know how she does it"- sort of mantra.  I want to keep it real, so share and give it up in your own words.  Do you make time for yourself?  Time to get your urban zen on with yoga, or make it to the gym for a power work-out, get a hair cut more than once every five years, take your own self to all the various places and then plan the next vacation along with your child's college and retirement.  I think you get where I am headed. Leave a comment or your secret to juggling it all.

summer-time

Summer-time is just round the bend, where shorts and tee shirts provide casual style.  This is an illustration which I did for J.McLaughlin.  Picture this lovely gal stepping out for a quick stroll to pick up some fresh cut tulips and then to her best friends for a glass of wine on the terrace.  Summer-time is the perfect time for adding fresh casual classics and getting together with friends.  Never enough tee shirts or shorts to look cool during the summer heat. 

random acts of quirkiness

Miss Cavendish has invited me to a cup of tea and a game of tag. A random game where I need to list "Six Random Acts of Quirkiness." Now does that sound positively delightful or what. Nothing could delight me more than these quirky little cakes Miss Cavendish made, that were sent to me for my birthday.   They are exquisitely made and no calories.

Here are 6 and only 6 of my quirks-

1. I own the book " How to read a person like a book" all about how to read certain gestures -

which fascinate me, especially in public spaces.

2. Must have a micron pen and paper near at all times to doodle or list with which to capture quirky gestures.

3. Intrigue with the "execution of craft" and a bit obsessed with how things are crafted.

ie, how can an Hermes bag be $10,000, but I still would love to have one!

4. love white sheets and white towels.

5. lorna's natural moisturizer, i love it.

6. my epitaph, could it be one of my quirky drawings, a picture is after all worth a 1,000 words!

   

Thank-you Miss Cavendish!  Anyone on my blog roll who would like to divulge six random acts of quirkiness, please play along... I tag, Mrs.Blandings, Little-Byrd and Elements of Style.

cozy and plush

The word cozy conjures up images of an overstuffed chair, a hug from a loved one, the warmth from a blanket and a hand written note in your mail box.   This chair was painted by artist Kimberly Applegate.  Her name is even cozy and plush.  Her work has a true "joie de vivre!"

Do you have a "plushy" spot in your home, a comfy chair or something that feels luxurious?

Nothing holds the key to my heart like a handwritten note, a card or box full of earthly delights. I love to curl up on my plush velvet sofa and hand write notes - to stay in touch or to send a thank-you note.  I am pondering a wall of framed notes, stamps and all that I have saved.

Call me sentimental.

I have a weakness for anything green, anything paper, anything plush and of course anything that is made by hand by another artist. We need to support one another, right!

I found this in my quest to live a plush life.

Oh, did I mention, fabric, thread, glue, scissors are also included in my weakness area.

I have such incredibly fond memories of learning to make my first dress in third grade and sewing with my Aunt Mary.  I still have my sewing machine.

Go on, live a plush life. You owe it to yourself or to someone special.

My daughter wants to use it as an ottoman for her dolls.  What a cozy and plush idea!

Here it is for those of you who adore robin's egg blue, nests, eggs, and creating an artful life.