THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM MY CAT(S)

* TO ALWAYS LISTEN - sometimes you have no choice because of the relentless meowing! Hattie Mae does this until I respond and not only respond but respond in the way that she wants.

* GENTLE TOUCH OR A KISS IS BETTER THAN WORDS

*PLAY SPONTAINIOUSLY

*REST A LOT!

*DON'T WORRY IF YOU MAKE A MESS

2 COTTAGES ON LAKE MICHIGAN

It' been an amazing week and the week's not over yet! It's been week of COLOR!

I had a color analysis for myself from Mary Leslie @ The Leslie Studio on Lake Eastbrook Blvd. I turned 50 this past December and there is more and more gray creeping into my hair. It has never been my intention to hide it, I rather like embracing it and view it as a right of passage. But I am not going to do it like a mouse. (a mouse in the house that's another story this week!- entertainment for Hattie, Hanna & Scout). In my 20's I had my colors done through Color Me Beautiful, a wonderful gift from my grandmother. At that time I was labeled "spring" and I was told I would always be a spring. Having a background now myself in color, I was doubting this information. I was finding that my complexion was changing as well as my hair color. More pink in my skin and cooler tones in my hair along with the warmer tones that my hairdresser had been adding, all of which I was feeling didn't look it's best lately. So off I went to Mary.

Mary advised me on the color of blond that should be added to my gray, the shape of my hair that would be most flattering to me, colors that I should wear in cloths & make-up as well as shape & style of cloths that would be most flattering to my figure! Oh I feel like I have just blossomed! Which would be correct, instead of the more delicate colors of spring I should be wearing clear bright sunny colors like a June garden in full bloom. Mary is amazing!

This new excitement has also translated into my work this week. I am presently working on 2 cottages on Lake Michigan, both with existing furniture and colors to work with. Of course being cottages we would like to see them happy colorful places. JUNE places. So here are a couple of photos of some fabrics etc that I pulled for a meeting with my client. Many options for a colorful, fun summer environment.

Architectural Inspirations

We have been so inspired by this artist from Maine, that we just had to try our hand at it. I have long been interested in architecture, which I believe led me to Interior Design, especially residential - houses. I like to take inspiration from something and make it my own. Changing things, like form, color, composition etc. In the past I had mostly painted from nature, in the garden, from the shore, looking at my subject. But lately I am more and more inspired by photographs or other images. I also have a fascination with shape and repeating shape - I'll show more of that later. But for now these are the images that emerged on a cold winter night with a pot of soup on the stove........................................

Gratitude

Gratitude

We had a house guest this past weekend who filled our home with such joy, laughter, positive energy and enthusiasm. Our home became filled will color so amazing, beyond what decorating could do. I am grateful for the gift of friendship that she brought with her, like a spring breeze. So you may need to add some fresh spring life to your home , and of course that is my profession so I can help you with that! But also invite friends over, they are the best decorating you can ever do.

When she left and the house was a little too quiet, here is what I found in her bedroom................................ You are welcome.

spelling

OK sorry everyone, spell check is not working to catch my errors and typos

LEARNING E-BAY

I am learning e-bay and feeling like a child. Dan has very patiently been teaching me. After I got 5 listing made on saturday I had to lay down! There is so much to it, so many details. There is stratugy to it so that your product looks it's best, is represented correctly. It requres research, good photography, interesting descriptions. But all fun, rather like creating your own play store. That is one way that it makes me feel like a child - the play, but also learning all about it. I feel like I am back in school with home work.
These photos are of the 5 things that I have listed this week. So check it out. There are a few more being added tonight. Some of these things are so cool I can't believe that I'm parting with them! So have fun shopping. Search for me by entering vintage hooked rug with cat and it should come up and then you can see the other items too.

Auction Fevor!

I love to attend an auction and I love textiles. This past week in a snow blizzard I was able to experience both. I am excited about what I found, antique matress ticking in blue, a French style whole cloth quilt, colorful picnic table cloths and beautifuly graphic Indian blankets. Color, color, color! All a feast for the eyes in the gray Michigan winter environment. Check out both of my spaces at Eastown Antiques for a closer look. There are also many other treasures that I brough back, a doll size painted dresser with mirror - great for a jewelry box, a giant letter "C" from an old store sign, great hooked rugs, a bunch of old wallpaper brushes................... you just have to go see. Hope it puts a smile on your face like it did mine!