happy as a clam

How happy as a clam would you be to spend an evening here, sharing New England Clam Chowder and happy conversation? I have always loved homes that are the perfect shade of buttery yellow. What color makes your home happy as a clam?

happily ever after

pve design illustration - june wedding

June is almost over. This is a month that traditionally is full of love and marriage. This illustration was created for a wedding that took place on an island. With love and marriage there is no one person that can attain this by themselves. It takes two to create a strong and passionate love. Tell me, what is the one thing that you are committed to that helps you to live and to love happily ever after?

happy mail

At last, my happy little postcards arrived and I have been busy sending them out. Be kind enough to e-mail me your address and I would be happy to send you a post-card.
e-mail to pve at pve design dot com. I love sending mail out as much as I love getting happy mail! (nothing like a little shameless self promotion!)
Happy monday.

Sunny Sunday

jentrified patio - pve design illustration

This sunny spot belongs to this sunny gal over here. Something about it, made me want to draw it and now I just imagine having my coffee or tea sitting out there on a sunny Sunday laughing at something silly.
I got lost in the border and enjoyed myself immensely. Wishing you a sunny Sunday wherever you may be.

White Jeans

Model Gisele sporting white denim jeans for Summer

Nothing says Summer better than a pair of white denim jeans.  Gisele is sporting white denim and looks terrific.   Are you a fan of white jeans during the summer?  A model friend of mine says there is nothing better than a fresh pair of white jeans to "mess-up!" 

What brand of white jeans do you love for summer or all year?

slow down

early morning slow down, reading with a friend

When was the last time you actually slowed down, long enough to sink into your sofa with a good book and a dog. I was whirling about the other day, and captured this lovely site, my little girl reading with our faithful companion, Bentley. I could not even get upset that he was on the "good" couch. I mean how is a dog supposed to know which one is good from bad? The light was streaming in, and all was right in my world.

So, tell me, how do you slow yourself down and give yourself permission to slack, to be a loaf, a slug, a sloth and just slow it all down. I am giving myself permission to hurry up and slow down.  Today is the last day of school (yes in the North East school ends the end of June) and it is time to embrace summer and slow down.

secret recipe

Do you have a secret recipe or a particular penchant for creating, baking or making?
I designed these cards for a dear friend who loves to bake treats, not only for humans but for canines as well!  I thought that they would make a nice tag for a treat with space to write the on the back.
With the help of Heather over at Real Card Studio, she kindly printed these for me.  She keeps a fun blog too.  These were a birthday gift for my friend.  Inspiration can be the key ingredient for establishing an idea or a home based business.  What is your secret for inspiring others to create?

In tandem

This lovely home belongs to a wonderfully positive gal over here.
Whenever I find my faith lagging, I head over there and she always seems to have something good, and fun to share. Side-by-side, I was drawn to illustrate this home, all I can say, that a higher power jumped right in, "in tandem" you could say!
Every so often, I feel inspired and it just takes over and leads me to a calm spot, one of strength and genuine energy.
(Thank-you Deidra for all your kind comments and positive reinforcement on my blog!)

Who do you find yourself working in tandem with?

laced into

A family heirloom lace, tatted by my Grandmother.

I think I might frame my lace - something like this.

Having read "The Lace Reader" and opening up a box of heirloom lace items given to me by my Mother -I would love to have the ability to read the lace and see what secrets would be revealed.  I also wonder what it must be like to know how to make lace let alone read lace. 

Funny, on my wedding day we had gone to visit my Grandmother (in the hospital, in my wedding dress) and she only had eyes for my brother - It was as though she "paid no never mind" to me but when I spoke to my Mother from our honeymoon, she told me that Grandma thought my dress could have had some lace.  I always loved the clean minimal look and felt to "gussied" up in lace, but now I am thinking that I could be laced into some lace.  How about you?  Are you seeing the secret of lace?  What do you think of lace?

matriarchy

The Matriarch  (Barbara seated at left middle row, Great-Great Grandma -from Germany)

(daughter Elizabeth -"Lizzie" - standing above, top left)

My daughter had one last project to do for homework and it required a bit of familial investigation.  My sister sent this photo of the family titled "Matriarchs."  The woman seated to the far left in the middle row was "Barbara" and her only child and daughter stands above her, "Elizabeth"- called "Lizzie" who was the Mother to my Grandmother "Elsie."  These ladies were on a picnic at Shawnee Park in Kentucky.  I wonder if it was a hot summer day and if they felt the heat under all those layers of fabric up to their necks.  The children seem less enthralled with the photo session but nonetheless ever so patient to sit for this photo op.  

Tell me - do you think your family is ruled by women or are the men in charge?  Well, we just did have Father's day which was a day for all Fathers, but who brings about domestic tranquility in your family?  Is it the matriarchs or the patriarchs?  Now, don't be afraid to divulge if it is all about anarchy.  My answer would have to be the Matriarchs!

Dada

Why is it that the first words I uttered were Dada!  Absurd, because my Dad was working 24-7 to build the business which is still going strong while my Mom raised the seven of us.  A father to seven children and a mentor to many.  My Dad has been a mentor to me and always has something nice to say.  The positivity he exudes is amazing.  For years, I have always made cards for my Dad and I have saved some of them.  Here is one of me and my Dad.  The scan is a little blurry but can you feel the love!

Happy Father's Day "Dada."

take me to the river

A view of the Hudson River, in eastern New York, that flows from the Adirondacks, 350 miles down to New York, out to the Atlantic.  Welcome to my corner, my river, not far from my home, not far from the "Big Apple."

I am full of gratitude for the glory of nature and my corner.

Take me to a river in your corner or any body of water.

moving up

Moving up day, Amelia and I

A moving day for me as my youngest child celebrated her moving up day today.  She will be a 5th grader come fall and I ask myself, "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?"   I did not think that I would be emotional but I was.  June is a time for moving up and on to Summer.  I am full of hope for this class and to see them smiling with confidence shows that they are ready for more.  Are you moving up or anyone around you?

Thank-you Ellen for this wonderful photo.  I shall cherish this moment.

beholden

image from Smith & Hawken

Behold this succulent bag.  To have and to hold.

I received this book The Edwardian Lady by my dear friend over here.

The Story of Elizabeth Holden.

Meet Edith Holden.  She was an Edwardian lady and artist.

Edith Holden was fascinated with Country life and nature.

Her beautiful illustrations are richly detailed and her artwork is a wonder to behold.

I love meeting artists, from another time that I feel a connection.

Part of my intent is to be open to those who have gone before as well as those that are finding their way and creating an artful life.

Who are you beholden to?

in the fishbowl

Marisa, "in the fishbowl" 

I am so excited about taking an e-course (today) called "in the fishbowl" from Marisa at 

Creative Thursday. This e-course will be the perfect extension of sharing her mission as well as mine, which is to inspire others to live the way they want creatively.

My life is all about learning, as an artist those dreaming and living creatively need an inspiring community.  The June 18th e-course session is sold out but you may e-mail Marisa if you are interested in future sessions.  You may even listen to her "podcasts" which will inspire you to set aside a day, with the intent to "create."  We are all creators and have the power to create.

from lettergirl.etsy

Marisa began her creative day on "thursday" and it soon seeped over into other days.  Do you have a designated "creative" day set aside?

laugh in

I am laughing and I hope you are too.  I had a lot of laughs yesterday and this morning I noticed a few less wrinkles and a softer heart.

How about these fine ladies knitting and keeping us in stitches, "punks not dead" and "thug for life" - I found this fun work of art, Bansky is an international street artist whose work keeps me in stitches.  

Do you take time to monkey around, time to laugh?

What would your sweater say?  Put a little laugh in your day, now.

merry paper

I love this hair-square dancing carousel from here

I love paper, it makes me merry!

Thank you to Heidi at Faboolosity.

Ernie's cards are here, which will make her merry!

Good Inspiration in a jar

"Every time you smile at someone it is a gift to that person"-Mother Theresa

Inspiration comes in many forms; literally meaning "breathed upon" - Also, divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.  It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life!  

Both of these jars were sent to me from The Lettered Cottage.  They make great gifts for anyone on your list who might need some good or a bit of being "breathed upon" 365 days a year!  Each jar has a daily quote to draw from.  Do you need some good inspiration?

beach books

New York Times photo

Nothing could be finer than some shades, a hat, and umbrella, and a stack of books.  Every time Summer rolls around, my stack of books stands at the ready - even if my trips to the beach are day trips or jaunts to my local pool club.  Where there is time, you will find me tucked inside my book, a bit of knitting and sketching galore. 

What is on your summer shelf of books to read?

oyster gray

ostrea edulis - wikipedia

While illustrating this home, I fell in love with this gray color, which reminded me of "oysters" which I heart.  One can imagine returning here after a day of errands, and settling down to a divine dinner of oyster stew served on a lovely dish with crackers on the side and some sort of frothy brew to wash it all down.   Oysters on the half-shell, oysters "rockafella"- rolled oysters....and the list goes on for all the various ways one can enjoy oysters. (my apologies to those of you who do not have a penchant for oysters!)

 Suddenly, I am loving all these gray casted tones and then the pop of the red oxblood door. 

Are you feeling gray, or could it be all the 7th gray and rainy day.  As my husband left early to play soccer, he reported, "another oyster gray day!" 

weekend rest

The above artwork, by Rebecca Litt has me feeling inspired to rest this weekend.  I aim to take a nap, on my bed or in our hammock.  There is nothing like sleep to make one feel rested.

Fresh white sheets, and an open window for a little breeze.  Zzzzz.  Have a restful weekend.

upward spiral

Spiral-bound note books are handy for notes.  Here is one that I had a pve design illustration printed on and am thinking about selling these on-line too.  What sorts of notes would you keep in a spiral notebook?

apron strings

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love aprons.  They are great for wearing while painting, cooking, or working to protect your clothing.  Here is one that I had a little pve design illustration printed on which I think would make a sweet gift for a Dad on Father's Day!

What is printed on your apron or who is tied to your apron strings?  

Portobello Portal

Portobello Road, in the Knotting Hill district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, has some of the most colorful portals.  The architecture plays a part as much of the road meanders and curves gracefully.  This lovely blue gray door was inspired by The Adventures of Mrs. Limestone.  How many of you are fascinated with doors when you travel?

black pearly gate

My curiosity is always peaked when I see a pearly gate, a brick wall or a barrier.  I wonder what exists on the other side and long for finding myself perched up on someone's shoulders peering over to the other side of the wall.  No, I am not a voyeur, just curious to know who must live there, what lies beyond or on the other side?  The above stunning home and black gate are the pride and joy of  A Bloomsbury Life~ where one is immediately whisked away to an English garden, full of pleasant eccentricities, witty words and exciting escapades. 

Surely you must have recognized this pearly black gate! What great walls and gates do you find intriguing?

in the black

a black door - pve design illustration

A door painted in black is chic anytime of year.

The twin topiaries flanking the door add a touch of elegance to the entry.  A simple laurel leaf wreath adds a winning touch too.  A black door does have the look of being "in the black."  

What color door do you consider to be an investment?

Sunday - still life

Still life with grapes

Still life with yellow cloth

My husband attended a reception at a friend's in the city where a collection of paintings were on view by the artist Sonia Grineva.  I was unable to attend, however, I was given a catalogue showing her artwork and I thought I would share some art on Sunday with you.

Happy Sunday.  

make an entrance

A walkway or a path leading to one's front door has always been a source of intrigue for me.

Paths that have been artfully arranged and one's that are flush with plantings as well as flowering baskets reflect the warmth of a home and it's inhabitants.  I enjoy illustrating many homes for clients for special gifts to commemorate an anniversary or a special day.

Being a homeowner, I know the amount of tender loving care it can take to keep a home and to nurture all things living inside and out.  How do you make an entrance when you walk into a room or up a walkway?

pixel

Meet Pixel, of Pixelimpress.

Pam was the winner of a recent giveaway and she requested a portrait of Pixel and her love of 

the color orange.

Pixel and Pam radiate an orange glow all around them.  Pixel loves ropes and the garden hose and Pam loves orange and pretty papers which she sells.

Did you ever notice that when you like something, it has a way of gravitating toward you.

I love these fresh thank-you notes.  The X's and O's say it all.

Hello goldfish.  This little fish reminds me of a brooch my grandmother had.

Pop on over and say hi to Pam and to Pixel.  This is one of her photos, and she sells these too.

a rose is a rose

My roses are beginning to bloom.

They love to ramble and roll.

My sweet father-in-law rigged up this suspension wire.

Each Spring, I wait in suspense for my roses.

Are you feeling my bliss.  Take time to stop and smell the roses.

I do each time I pull into my garage.  I also look for the birds in that big nest.

I think they may be Mockingbirds.