summer porch

 Welcome to my summer porch.  Have a seat and a cool beverage.

 In the evening, I light up a strand of sparkly lights.

 These are my new pillows from the marvelous new shop, maisonette in Hastings-on-Hudson.

The solid backing is a gorgeous green.

 The wonderful shop owner Maria made this lumbar pillow for me which I love.

 Here is a sneak inside the shoppe, maisonette.

It just opened a few weeks ago and I am so delighted to have a store like this nearby.

 My daughter fell in love with these comfy paisley chairs.  We have our eye on a few other items to add to our own maison.

summer braids

My daughter swims everyday and when I pick her up from swim practice, she usually sports a new braid.  This one is called the "Katniss Everdeen" braid from Hunger Games.  Sorry for the dark and mysterious photo.  I keep spotting braids everywhere from accessories to home decor.  Do you love summer braids and how a movie can inspire a new do?

knock knock

pve design home illustration, knock knock series

I thought it might be fun to capture a home and have you play a round of "knock knock" - "guess who"~  If you know what blogger lives here, leave a comment and if you are right, then you will win a set of pve design notes from my etsy pve shop.  If you would like to submit a home for me to illustrate - feel free to contact me directly here and click on contact.

monday motivation - Grandma's

 

Both of my Grandmother's were equally inspiring to me as is the artist Grandma Moses.  She did not begin to paint until she could no longer do needlework due to arthritis.

This is one of my favorite works by Grandma Moses.  How marvelous that she found something to stay vertical....such as painting to motivate her to live to 101.  I am always motivated by others who say "If not now, when?"

Do you have a Grandma in your life that has motivated you to always try new things and to never be afraid to try?   We are after all works in progress at any age or stage in our lives.  I love thinking about learning new things that can be so motivational to a long life.  I am not a Grandma yet, but I can hardly wait for the day!

summer designs

 I am bringing back some summer prints that I designed and offering my design services for print and or pattern design.   These designs were printed on silk and cotton.

 Can you imagine wearing a shirtdress in this or swim trunks for a little boy?

 Fresh as a daisy print would be a sweet bikini and cover-up ensemble.

Starfish in soft pales certainly would be sweet as wallpaper in a summer house.

If you need a print, feel free to contact me, I am adding this to my print design service in September and accepting new orders now.

summer salon

I wanted to share with you some artwork that I created for a lovely client who is about to launch her blog.  This is just one of the illustrations that I did.  She has not yet launched her blog but when she is ready, I will make the introduction.

Most women can appreciate the need to book an appointment at a salon but what about a few women meeting over the summer in a salon setting to meet, read, share a cup of tea or perhaps a glass of chilled wine.  How many of you are in a book group that takes the summer off or do you continue to meet?
Love to know what you are reading now?

alone time

   I enjoyed a "red velvet" ice cream cone the other day alone.  

Oh, it was heavenly.  I must admit I felt a tad bit of guilt. 

I bought some new sunscreen at the pharmacy too.
I did all of it alone.
Nobody told me to hurry up.
Nobody.

Followed by a bike ride was the perfect alone time for me.  

Do you allow yourself to take time alone?

Nothing like a little alone time to be ready to take on the world.

artist found here.

we the people

 We the people......

of the United States

declare

 a little domestic tranquility

It does begin at home.

 A linen tablecloth seems right and ready for casual entertaining.

It was good enough for the Committee to sign the Declaration upon.

Stripes, ginghams and plaids stand united.

Perhaps some fresh blueberries will be on your table.

and a sparkler to light and hold up high and stand united and be the star of the show.

Today.
We the People~
all need to stand united and celebrate our Independence.

fresh peaches

My sister sent me this photo of my Dad.  He adores fresh peaches and loves asking others how long it takes for a peach tree to bear fruit?

We take for granted living in the land of plenty but my Dad always wonders how people can starve in some countries when we have so much.  His entire life has been devoted to building Paul's - a business based on bringing the freshest produce and feeding many.  His longevity, I think may have something to do with eating so much fresh fruit and veggies.  It could also be that he found his purpose early in life and stuck with it.   In his 85th year, he still loves peach season and finding the freshest crop around.

monday motivation - more joy

One part of motivation can very often be the desire for something more.  It can be a thing but it can also be learning something new that brings more joy into one's day.  I have been so delighted with this site joyus and host Kelly Moore.  I have been incredibly pleased with the items that I have ordered and the inspiring videos.  If you would like more joy, click on joyus.  My wish for each of you on this glorious Monday is more joy.  Tell me what you sort of joy is under your nose today?