Pet story

Owning a pet provides a companion, one to care for, to walk, to feed, to love and to tell stories through many adventures.  A pet also tells of a time and a place and makes a memory.  As a child, I watched "Lassie" and had a dog name "Snoopy."   Lucky me.

One such lucky fellow is a Westie name "Winston" and his Master tells tales here.  

I always enjoy reading the latest scoop!

Illustration of "Winston" the Westie by pve design

Another lucky four legged friend, "Monty" illustrated below has quite the life of Riley!

If you do not know Monty already, click here, after all it is "Monty Monday!"

You may follow the exciting adventures of this handsome lad.

I adore his name and his sleek physique.

Illustration of "Monty" by pve design

If you own a pet, no doubt you have a "pet story."  Never have I met a pet without some sort of story or adventure.  The first time they touched "grass" or "snow" or "sand"-and the first time they got a "tick" or were "sick."   The first time I met "Bobool" - my husbands childhood dog in France, I must admit, I was (un peu- in french means, a little) nervous because of the stories I had heard.  "If Bobool likes you, you are in" -- he would retort.  Great, (I thought) to think that it all came down to the likability of a "dog and I."  It is true how a pet can immediately be your friend or foe.  My brother has three dogs and when he came to visit, my dog, "Bentley" would not stop barking at him.  It took threes days before he warmed up to my brother.

Illustration of "Bear" the Bermese Mountain Dog by pve design

Training and teaching a pet can be quite a challenge, "repetition is after all the mother of learning."  Many commands repeated, sit, down, stay, come, are all rewarded when done with finesse.  They say that the dog needs to hear his or her name repeatedly and that "2" syllable names work best.  I did meet a Yorkie named "Hercules."   Giving a little dog a "big" name surely will relieve any future pet insecurities which might lead to "pet therapy!"

Illustration of  the feline, "Simba" by pve design

Recently, I phoned a friend who was just on her way to take her cat to be "put down" and she was crying, a twelve year pet story to tell or to paint.  Never easy to lose a pet after so many years and so many stories.

Do you have a pet story?   Love to hear your pet story or illustrate your pet for you!

Sunday Grace

It is Sunday and we could all use a little grace in our day.  

image of Grace

illustration by Grace for Brooklyn Film Festival

Grace is an illustrator, model, photographer.  What an amazing life she lives.

Here she is in Black and white, which is always elegant and timeless.

Here she is in full color, surrounded be these handsome young things.

I love the way her hair is styled.  Just goes to show that it is all about the hair.

Golden hi-lights and golden girls need a little gold.

Grace infuses an element of "heart" in her linear illustrations.  I heart them.

In these shots, Grace reminds me of the legendary model "Veruschka."  She had a penchant for leaping like a gazelle and her long mane of straight hair ,elongated her height.  I think most importantly, a loud and clear message is to make your life beautiful, meaningful and unique.

This seems to be a natural for this gal as she works as a model, an illustrator, a photographer and a unique individual.  See her here.

After all - Sunday is a day for giving Grace and for not working, right.  Let's hope and pray that Grace is resting today, Sunday.

Muffling the summer heat

Spotting mufflers worn on one of the hottest days of Summer in NY City, I decided to draw this chic gal, sporting a simple shift, a gladiator sandal, slouchy summer bag, tunes and a "muffler." Could it be that the shops, offices all blast the cool air conditioning which requires for a scarf to provide a bit of warmth or could it be a sort of solidarity scarf to bring peace.  Wishing each of you a peaceful weekend.  Off to find a stylish "muffler" to bring a cool calm to my inner zen.

easy as riding a bike

illustration for J.McLaughlin -Fall 07 Mailer "Mark your calendar"

Growing up one of seven, one of my favorite things in the world was riding our bikes or as we would like to say "tearing up the neighborhood."  Kentucky for the most part is flat compared to where I live now so it was made for riding horses and bikes.  A nice flat terrain with peaks and valleys not hills and dales like here.

illustration of bike in front of the Vogue Theater

One of my memories was riding to "Roppels" market for a candy bar, or riding to the "Vogue" theatre in St. Matthews to see what was showing.  At around 7 years young, I asked my Mom for 10 cents and proceeded to put on my blue flowered parka and rode to Roppels.

Coming back, crossing Lexington Road (the busiest street) then coming to the "triangle" and getting into the "waving of, no, you go, back and forth"  I finally went and was hit by a car.  The man drove me home and after he left, I took off my parka and had to go to the hospital for 13 stitches in my head.  My brothers say they are convinced that was the beginning of my bike ride catastrophes.

illustration of the banana bike

Then in 3rd grade, I had a crush on "Boland"  (last name with-held to protect the innocent.) Boland had a "Banana" bike and I wanted in the worst way to ride his bike.  So one day he kindly let me and we all were "tearing up the neighborhood" and I did the "stand-up on the pedal" thing and came crashing down on my you know what.  (My flower!)  Ouch.  Went home and back in those days, the Dr. came to my house.  

from the multi-tasker, bike of erin wasson, photo from the selby 

Many bike accidents for me, however, I still get back on and ride.  I guess we all have our own scars to show.  How many of you have bikes and where do you keep them?  This bike is a city bike, brought inside, like a piece of furniture.  May each of you have an easy weekend, one of bike rides and warm memories.

three scoops

image of my "3 scoops"

Just the other day, I had sort of what I like to call a Super Mom melt down.  I had glommed on way too much, things were back to back and I felt squeezed and squashed by the end of the day.

I even sent a "rant" to sweet Seleta, a blogger and Mom of four "offspring."  She was kind to reply and let me know that she has days like these too.  (Hence the reason or reward for shoe purchases and Hair care.)

image of twin scoops

After a storm, one always has the ability to see things more clearly.  Just yesterday, I came across these photos that take me back to a kinder and gentler time.  A time of anticipation for my roses to bloom, right outside my door, a time preparing for our local Spring concerts at our school and a time of rewarding my 3 scoops with an ice cream after a job well done.  I always tell people, I have 3 scoops.  One "Chocolate, one vanilla and one strawberry."  When you see their hair-color, you get my point.

In my melt-down, I failed to see all the goodness, and all the rewards of my labors.  How lucky am I to have 3 healthy scoops.  That said, after a visit to the pediatrician that we have been seeing for nearly 12 years, (my sons now tower over him), I was reminded of how important it is to allow time for "reward", for  "praise" and for 3 scoops of ice cream.  So when the going gets tough and you need to take a break, I suggest "Ice Cream."  Exactly where we were headed when these photos were taken years ago.  This reminds me to take time for life's sweetness. After all, one is never to old for Ice Cream, especially on a hot day.  We went to a diner and had 3 scoops.  We all left happy and smiling, a sweet reward.

toad-aly cool!

Frogs legs are a delicacy in France.  My eight year old daughter was open and willing to try them and she wanted them everywhere we went, "Do they have frog's legs?"  I thought that this print would be a fun design for her in a bikini or perhaps a tie for her Prince of a Dad!

I have been fond of frogs as long as I can remember, drawing them that is.  Anyone else eating frogs or seeing frogs?  (hopefully not kissing any!)

the perfect ride

image of Audrey Hepburn

Summer is a fantastic time to go for a bike ride.  Audrey Hepburn has always been a favorite of

mine.  She makes riding a bike look chic and fun.  Her little friend certainly adds an allure to the photo.  I can't but help of think of Dorothy and the witch riding her bike with Toto too, "I'll get you my little pretty."

I could not resist taking this photo of this illustration while in Paris.  This was hanging in front of the Library.  Parisians ride bikes to get around and they always manage to look well turned out, sporting suits, dresses and often a basket or bag is in tow with a baguette of french bread.

Now that is what I call the "perfect accessory."

So to the drawing board I go inspired by these ladies and their jaunty bike rides.

For my elegant ride, I will pick this chic ride from Venilover.  That leather seat reminds me a a stunning saddle.  I quite like the "horn" to honk!   All I need is a basket and a little pup for my perfect ride.

finders keepers

cover of "Found Style"

Look at what I found for only $1.00 at a Antique Fair while we were at the North Fork last weekend.  I am loving this book, chock full of inspirational vintage ideas for modern living.

image from inside "Found Style"

Over the years, I have found many items to create my space and this book, "Found Style" - immediately spoke to me and gives some guidelines to follow as you like,

1.  Use restraint with the objects of desire.

2.  Blend old and new.

3.  Create a keynote. (or one focus, be it a wall of portraits, or the color of the room)

4.  Buy pieces with a purpose.

5.  Don't fret.  (allow yourself time and energy to let your look happen - great advice!)

I looked closely and yes folks, none other than the dynamic duo of David and Amy Butler who own and operate Art of the Midwest, a design studio in the small town of Granville, Ohio.  I really love the logo.  I also am a fan of Amy Butler and really love her textile designs.

image from inside "Found Style"

Look at this lovely girlie portrait, the palest shade of pink hangs as the keynote, with a neutral stage of seagrass and a hip chair to sit and peruse some books or the next best thing, the floor and a soft pillow.  Style is truly where you find it and not something that can easily happen too fast.

One must let their own style evolve over time and find it along the way.  How have your found your style?  Care to leave a comment, please share.

All the top!

pve design has been added to the Best of the best at Alltop.  You cannot imagine how honored I am to be featured on Alltop, in the Art Category!  Take a look!

North Fork Weekend

The Mr. and I are off for a weekend of fun and frolic (sans the children)  We are heading to the North Fork of Long Island, to Orient Point to attend a grown-up birthday party.    Much of the area was potato fields.  Now it is vineyards, beach, charm and yes a few potato fields still exist.

The views are wonderful, the smells are salty and the air is plenty.  We hope to have dinner one night at here.

Hope to take a walk here and to dip our toes in the water.

We are staying at at B & B, and most of them are quaint, like this idyllic spot.

Nothing showy, just simple.  Hope it looks like this

Porches, rockers and green grass.  Blue water.  Fresh fish, potatoes and hopefully not too much traffic on the North Fork.  Happy Weekend.