bon voyage

Pardon me while I step away for a "bon voyage" to travel to visit my in-laws.  At this time, it is important to visit some very special people in my life.  Promise, that I shall return inspired and content that I have had this time to let those who I love know how special they are to me.  Anyone care to guess where I am headed?

I am planning on un-plugging.

A bientot!~

magical monday

My weekends seem to be that of a warrior.  My husband had hours of cleaning up debris from fallen branches and I finally caved in and cleaned up after the construction crew.  It actually did not take me that long.  A shelf is now host to paint cans, brushes, tools, rags, bags and I cannot wait to see the faces on the men when they arrive this morning.  I feel like the Fairy Godmother.

Identify a problem and then a solution to solve it or make it all better.  Often we may not think that we hold the magical powers to change a situation but we do.  This was a surprising revelation to me.  

Just imagine a pile of tangled ropes, masses of yarn sprawled about and one can suddenly create magic.

I found this rug on pinterest and it reminded me of how I felt after creating magic from the chaos.  Find the magic on Monday by solving a problem.

If you had one wish, what sort of wish would solve your problem and make your monday more magical?  Tell me.

marathon weekend

 I have been waiting for the perfect moment to share this magnificent piece created especially for me by

the incredibly talented Amanda from "Our Humble Abowed" -  You are probably wondering what it is.  Take a closer look.

 Imagine yourself in New York City.  One of my most treasured cities in the world.  I have always loved maps and cities and industrial design.  

 Here it is all framed and ready to hang.  I just adore it.  My favorite part of Manhattan is Central Park and I asked Amanda to create a modern tribute around that.

 My sweet framer said this piece was "insanity" and he wondered how did she do this?  It is all cutwork and she does this while raising two little ones?  I now call her Amanda scissor hands!

Just like I imagine how can someone run in the marathon? It is marathon weekend and I want to wish all of the marathoners all the best.

carefree

 Some of my best work happens to be loose.  I did this one day on a carefree summer day for a childhood friend's Mother.  Her Mother happened to have fallen and gone to the hospital so she thought this would provide a nice home-coming welcome for her.

Upon feeling that I have arrived at a finished interpretation, the artwork is matted and sent.  I always feel much more relaxed at this point but I know that I work with a certain anxiety to please.  Is it me, or does it seem that when we have a playful attitude that our work is all the more satisfying.  Wishing each of you a carefree moment this weekend.

in the abstract

There is something so refreshing about taking time to enjoy life in the abstract.  This is a commission that I captured at a wedding and the more I admire the couple stealing away a moment in the left hand corner, I also love that larger than life abstract work of art and the huge drum light above. If you could own any work of abstract art, which famous artist would you look to?  Often I dream of one day creating large loose colorful abstracts when my new studio is finally ready.  I cannot wait to paint in the abstract.  Would you buy an abstract work of art?

artful arrangements

Artwork of an artful arrangement from a wedding.

 How about wrapping a vase with some rustic burlap for the holidays.
An elegant arrangement with a rustic twist.

Setting the table with linen and an assortment of votives creates a lovely ambiance.

Will you be arranging anything artful for your tables during the holidays?

beyond expression

I especially love when a commission is ordered as a gift.  What a sweet way to commemorate one's companion with the gift of art.  I added a bit of white to the left eye but failed to take a scan before I sent this work off to my client.  I just love this sweet dog's expression.

 Speaking of gifts,  I am beyond expression and full of thanks, a reader sent me an e-mail telling me that my blog is now a "blogs of note" by blogger.  Thank-you blogger.  I am smiling from ear to ear.

a merry halloween

Have yourself a merry halloween.  My daughter went to school a ballerina but we have snow on the ground and it is cold, so she donned a merry mask tonight with warmer attire.  I wonder if this will be her last year for trick or treating.  Excuse my late post, our internet was down, no phone, no cable but we are one of the fortunate to have heat and electric.  Enjoy your night.  Be safe and be merry.

tweedy week

Here is a snippet of my week which reminds me of a tweedy melange.

Above is a commissioned illustration that I did outdoors of a home, that reminds me of a Swiss Chalet.

I was such a gorgeous morning, the leaves were falling and swirling all around me.

Apples were given to me which made me smile.  I enjoyed my day!

 Finally got a rug pad for this rug that I added to the kitchen by the built in pantry.

Been stocking the pantry with beverages, holiday goodie boxes for gifting and napkins.

Master Bedroom deep floors and lovely light walls and warm sun!

 My floors are stained a lovely deep rich warm stain.  The Master Bedroom walls are moonlight white, Ben Moore which reminds me of fresh egg whites.

My Waterworks .25 tub made it successfully into the Master Bath although it is not yet "bath ready" because it needs to be situated by our plumber.

 The Simply white color with the glass tile in the shower looks 

a tad warm, so I am giving Martha "Bakery Box White" a try which has a tint of misty watery blue.

 Made an Apple Pie.

 Cleaned, chopped and cooked some fresh veggies for soup.

 My daughter on the left (and her dear friend) had Colonial Day at her school this week on Wednesday which was great fun.

Thank-you for fellow friend Victoria and blogger- Art House Design, for loaning such a charming dress, apron and bonnet for the day.

I told you my week was tweedy mix of random musings!

tweed tailgate

This weekend, we look forward to going to our son's tailgate at Union College. 

My tweed Jacket is ready along with a plaid blanket and umbrellas.

 I am preparing some treats to bring along, black bean dip, some fresh cheese, breads, fruit and a thermos of hot apple cider.  What sort of treats would you bring to a tail gate?