surprise me not

I feel as though I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for a surprise.

 A part of me loves surprises and then a part of me not so much. 

 As we sit waiting for Storm Sandy to surprise us or not, we all wonder what sort of wallop lies ahead as we busy ourselves with routine tasks to make us all feel as though we were in control (not).

Here is my pretty white pumpkin perched on a plate with a pretty porcelain berry that I found on my walk.  

I plan to continue on, about my daily business and my routine

Stormy Sandy, surprise me not.

Everyone, be safe and I hope we can all keep calm and carry on.

Let's hope we are all ready and that there are no surprises.

hello and thank-you

A little Hello and Thanks to J.McLaughlin and the new shop in Southport, CT.  I did this illustration about a week and a half ago and love this announcement and the gratitude expressed as well.  How often do you say Hello and Thank-you?  Stop by, tell them PVE sent you.

class act

Every day, I receive updates and information about various products, brands and auctions all vying for my attention.  Mind you I do censor what I feel is worthy of sharing with you.  You know when to open certain e-mails that would make you cringe and are totally unacceptable in my book, however
when this e-mail from Corfield Morris subject title read  "Form is temporary, Class is permanent" - I knew that I needed to share this one.

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804)

Four partially draped figures

In a world of uncensored products and periodicals, I constantly choose to take the high road and associate myself with a certain class, one that is decent, noble and most of all respectable.  Perhaps I strive for high standards and an air of modesty and find partially draped figures less offensive than full frontal nudity.  Take the above work of art which is elegant, timeless and classy.  Is not the human form permanently full of class?

While I may never find myself behind the wheel of a vintage Aston Martin or in the arms of agent 007 or the subject of a partially clad model for an advertisement or nude life model,  I can and will strive to associate with class acts.  I am not a snob but I really find many advertisements offensive and vulgar and having little or no class.  There seems to be no regard for spouting off four letter profanities with no hesitation, it's as if it were cool to cuss and spew words that as a child would have been met with a bar of soap and a full mouth washing of such germs.

Is it me, or is it the world today become numb to class and just covets the bad boy sort of image which I refer to as  déclassé. 

Do you prefer class acts or value shock and awe advertisements?

all ears

I have been working on loosening up and learning to let go and well "listen."  Part of trying to work in silence is to listen to be able to hear my inner guidance.  I am calling it my "all ears" phase.

Often inquiries come to me and never materialize into a "sale" and I now realize that not everything is about a sale or being perfect.  I enjoy what I do and there will always be work for me.  That said, this realization feels like such a treat for me to free up space to try new techniques and to let my own ears and eyes guide me.  I think my very own dog does just the same, especially when there is a treat involved.

It is friday and I do hope that you will allow yourself time to listen and reward yourself with a special treat.

awkward silence

 INSPIRED- HELENE SCHJERFBECK 

There is something so empowering about taking time alone for an awkward self imposed sort of silent retreat.  A moment of silence in this world of sound pumped in, piped in and pulsating.  How many of you out there take time to just observe yourself in the mirror, alone, in perfect silence?  

Forgive me for my silence.  It is golden and much needed.

Not to worry, I shall be back with clanging cymbals and maybe even a gong.

housewarming

What advice would you give to someone looking to own a home?  There is something fun about giving tips to a new home buyer or even hosting a housewarming party for a new home owner.

I guess I have always obsessed over homes which is why I love to illustrate them so much.  In the early evenings, I love to walk and see the glow of lights, the sign of life in homes.  I imagine the soul of the house finding comfort from it's inhabitants.

What would be or what was on your list for your home?  A fireplace, a garage, high ceilings?  Would you want a dead end street?  What sort of amenities would you need?  Would raking leaves appeal to you?

I think this image of the home above conjures up all of the best things that I love about Autumn and coming home.  Take a look over here, sweet-tea-and-crunched-leaves.  Coming home to a warm fire, a pot of tea.  Wishing each of you a happy home-coming.  I hope everyone finds warmth and the joy in their home, especially this time of year.

worldly-wise

Yesterday morning my dear husband sent me a sweet text telling me to "go" to the watershed and see the light.  We both feel that our world holds a bit of magic.

Funny, those were not the only wise words sending me on a journey of sorts when I spotted

 this article in the Wall Street Journal along with the work of Red Stone Studios.

Imagine having your very own map created for you of your world.  Funny how most men's might consist of some sort of cuisine.  I think my map would definitely have a bit of heaven on earth.

What would your worldly-wise map say about you if you were to have one commissioned?

monday motivation - do the impossible

I love that Walt Disney's entire motivation was based on a mouse and having fun.  Now imagine trying to sell or dream that up?

Did you ever stop to think what or why it's kind of fun to do the impossible?  What is on your list to do that combines both fun and something impossible?  Do share.

dormer

  

It's parents weekend and we are visiting our twin sons who are sophomores in college and I thought how sweet this bed is tucked in this dormer....I found it on pinterest.  One son lives in his frat house and the other son lives in a college dorm room and no this is not their room.  

I know that where they live it is not this cozy or sweet.

Happy weekend you fine people.

sweet sister

I happen to have three sisters and today happens to be my dear sweet sister Mary's birthday.

 We both share a passion for hand made artisanal objects. 

This is the second time this week, I have posted hand made beeswax candles.
Clearly, I have a problem.

I want to make a chocolate cake and use these lovely beeswax candles on top.  You can find the candles over here at my latest obsession, herriott grace.   With each passing year and day, I love simpler celebrations with hand made things and special wishes that can't be bought.  Well, yes, some things can be bought, but then there are the things that are home made that are more, well more special.  Made with love.

May all your wishes be simply sweet and full of love.  Happy Birthday dear sister Mary.