beloved Moses

Just the other day, I went to see the movie, "Marley and me" and walked out with tears.  I had a dog growing up named "Snoopy" and remember to this day the call from my mother while I was away at college.  Snoopy was gone.  Our life with our dog Snoopy was gone, all in an instant.  I know what it feels like to lose a dog and the way you never ever forget them.

Earlier this month, I found myself here and felt compelled to draw this guy, "Moses" who is at rest and the most compelling post of the owner and Moses (January 3rd post).  I decided to draw him and his Master. I shall be posting a series of drawings that are dedicated to dogs that have gone before.  If you have a special photo of a canine (or feline) that you would like to have honored, please send me a photo. 

sea salt

My thoughts turn to that of salt and light today.  I love salt, not just any salt, but really good harvested sea salt.  One salt that comes to mind is "fleur de sel" which comes from the Isle de re and there are Salt tasters, who are likened to that of a wine sommelier.

Just a pinch is all you need to take you away to a warm and sunny spot.  I encourage you to try this little luxury.   

fork in the road

My sister Liz's painting "A fork in the road"

Our Father often quotes Yogi Berra, who is known for his "berraisms" - "When you come to the fork in the road, take it."  How many times have you been standing at that fork in the road and had a hard time choosing.  Which one would you take, the straight path on the left or that winding road?  Did you decide which fork to take?  

timing

pve design work area, a time to work

There is a time for everything.  After the long weekend, it is my time to paint and to focus on completing  work and my dream to illustrate an exquisite book. In the above photo, do you see an hourglass. I have it near me, given to me by a dear friend.  It reminds me that time is valuable as well as timing.  Do you believe in timing and being at the right place and time?  If given the opportunity to pick a time and place, where might you be now?

cabinet of dreams

My cabinet of collectibles

My cabinet is full of collectibles. Royal Copenhagen China purchased in the city at an Antique shop for a song. A miniature bust, a gift from an Aunt who traveled the world and shared her stories and artifacts. Treasured porcelain place cards to mark one's place of honor at my table on special occasions. The pretty pink decoupage plate, a hand-made gift from my daughter which serves cookies or chocolate in style. Life has swiftly carried us away to a time where these items remain in a cabinet, under lock and key. Perhaps an inaugural dinner is just what I need to prepare to set my table with my fellow high ranking constituents. Will you be celebrating history in a special way by creating a special table or planning a memorable menu?
The sheet of calligraphy tucked behind is the "grace" that was recited on my wedding day, a special occasion. A day full of creating a life of dreams.

Let each of us give grace to the cabinet in charge and hope for the coming years to instill a life of honor, gratitude and dignity to our country.

We have a winner!

We have a winner. Random Number Generator via Math Goodies was fun to use! So the winner is blogger, small expectations. One ocean scene coming right up this cool cat. Thank you to each of you for your wonderful comments. Please visit often as I shall be doing more gift of art giveaways!

bibliophilia

bibliophile-
one who loves books.

"All the best blog" book shop illustrated by pve design

When asked to illustrate a small little work for a blogger with an avid case of "bibliophilia", I immediately visualized a charming shop which one would ride their bike to, and spend hours perusing the shelves and the stacks of artful companions not only for content but for layout.

Wenlock Books, an old book shop in the UK.- Wikipedia

I love losing myself in old fashioned bookstores, the ones where the shopkeeper greets you by your first name and fetches the latest hard to find vintage out- of -print publication that you have been on the prowl for. "The Bookworm", painted by Carl Spitzweg, Wikipedia

How many of you have a little shop on your blog and need a store-front? I think I will stay inside and peruse some on-line shoppes, after all, bloggers really do have all the best books and chic finds. Feeling bookish today?

The gift of art - giveaway

On the wall of Visual Vamp, artwork by pve design

The above image is from Visual Vamp, see my "gift of art" hanging above the etagere.

Take a look at her post today and see more delightful photos of her stylish home.

Inherited Art collection of pve design

On my wall are several small works of "inherited art." The two above works, top - the hay stacks, bottom- the snow scene, were painted by my husbands Grandfather when he was a young boy of twelve. The orchid was given to me, (a secret) it is actually not real, although I love "real flowers" in this case I love the fact that this one is low maintenance.

Two more paintings that hang on my wall. One I found at an Antique store in Kentucky and the bottom one was a gift from an artist friend. I am drawn to the water and beach scenes. I do love landscapes and the four seasons. The gift of art is timeless, it knows no season and can easily be handed down. Today I am giving a gift of art. I will draw a winner on Monday's post and draw a small treasure for you to hang on your wall. Leave a comment, what would you like to have hanging on your wall and I will draw it for you. The winner shall be selected randomly.

All comments will be entered up until midnight Sunday. Winner shall be posted on Monday.

on the ice

"On Ice" - Illustration by pve design for A.Tierney

Positively polar today, as the temperatures dip, the snow is falling and school is delayed for a few hours, so we have a fire in fireplace, the cocoa is ready and I feel as though I am literally in the rink ready to roll with the punches that the day brings.  Anyone feeling on the brink with all this frigid weather?  I would love to be on a warm sunny beach rather than on the ice.  How about you?

tender morning journal

The tender mornings are a time to wake with the rising of the sun and greet the day with my journal and write as well as draw my thoughts and dreams here.  I have been reading "Write it Down, Make it Happen"- and highly recommend reading this and writing or drawing your thoughts, fears and hopes down.  How many of you keep a journal and when do you write or draw your dreams down on paper.  What is your favorite journal.  My journal collection seems to be growing however, nothing beats the Moleskine journals.  There are a few other that I love too.