As Summer reluctantly eases into Fall ...

I look forward to embracing the new season. Fall, ushers in a season of change, celebration and natures painted leaves. A time to gather and share in friendship. Autumn's when we open our hearts and homes to entertaining and easing into a casual mood reflected in warmth and relaxation. Perhaps it's the shorter hours of daylight that encourage us to fluff our nest and enjoy a mellow state of mind.

We are slowly changing our decor from Summer into Fall. Slowly it seems because Summer was reluctant to give up temperature in the 90's and high humidity. Our Central air conditioning is running while I daydream of cuddling under a cozy throw with a good book or movie. 

Fall brings more rustic textures and more color to our Row-home. I've heard so many people say "It's been a strange Summer weather wise". I completely agree ... Totally!

New introductions are occurring in our living room's color palate, we have been living with neutrals in a sepia color tone, but with the Fall season come's change. I've developed a total appreciation for Black and White photography and it's being displayed more and more throughout our row-home. I find the greyscale alluring and it's making it's debut. We have recently purchased Simon (our 22 pound panther cat) a new sofa. I say this not in jest but in reality. Once delivered it became his. As in - slide across it, happy paws, Stretch out and nap his! It is from Room and Board and named Stella. We went with the stocked soft velvet ultra fabric in the grey Otter fabric ... But seriously if I had known it would be cat nip for Simon I might of rethought the fabric choice! Of course we love it ... Almost as much as Simon >^_^<

Slight fall touches ... In a Philadelphian style gorgeous Indian Summer.

Extremely sofa velvet, no wonder Simon adores the sofa! 

Since my last post I had another Birthday and all I can say is WHOA that's too many candles! Perhaps I should adopt my Dad's outlook on Birthdays. When it works flip the numbers. Well I'm guessing this year I should, because I sure would be once again young.

My sweet and very creative blogging friend Kris from Junk Chic Cottage sent me a Birthday gift. I swear I almost passed out with delight when I opened her gift. I love velvet pumpkins ... Simply love them. Well Kris sent me a large, like very large and beautiful rust colored (my favorite color) velvet pumpkin. See the one on the left? How gorgeous is this??? All of mine are much smaller. Thank you so much my sweet creative friend.

A fall vignette of velvet pumpkins in grey and rust displayed on two antique Senufo African stools along side a glass vase of birch branches and faux pepper berries, Rustic and posh races my heart! With Fall comes more color.

Back on April 23rd I received an email from my friend Doré Callaway from Burlap Luxe who has an incredibly soulful etsy store and beautifully serene blog. I have Doré as a VIp in my email preferences and while writing poetry an email from Doré came in which I instantly read. It included a link to a new piece of art she had just created, A angel altar as she explained was inspired by my dream I had on Christmas and that day purchased a star in my sons name Chris (who  passed away suddenly on November 2nd). I had posted about it on January 5th, 2014. 

Doré explained she normally doesn't explain what inspires her art but this time she did to me. Doré wrote that there's no obligation to purchase it, just take a look.

Well within seconds of viewing it was in my etsy cart from Burlap Luxe and sent out to me that day. We display it on the mantel in our sitting/reading room under my favorite photos of Chris. It's a magical work of art in Burlap Luxe's beloved hauntingly aged style... But for me it speaks to my heart and the never ending love of my son with it's the artistic soulfulness of star and angel. I recently purchased one of Doré's 19 inch rosary's and draped it on the altar. The rosaries are new additions to her etsy store. 

Close up of the interior of the Angel and star altar.

Going through the grieving process you must jump over many hurdles, a difficult one is birthdays. My son's birthday was August 23rd. We spent the weekend with close friends Gary and Chris at their home in Westport Connecticut. It was where we needed to be, because John and I were headed out the door to spend the weekend with them on November 2nd when I received the call from the ME's office informing me my son had passed suddenly.  This was the first time since Chris's death we would weekend with Gary and Chris ... A hurdle to overcome and trying not become a complete puddle on Chris's birthday but turn it into a celebration. It was healing and comforting to be with Gary and Chris as we continue mending ours hearts.

I believe friends become our Earth Angels, each one guided by a star up above.

Who gift us with their friendship and generosity of caring for us through love.

For my part I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of stars makes me dream.

~Vincent Van Gogh~

I've loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

~Galileo Galilei~

Ye stars! Which are the poetry of Heaven.

~Lord Byron~

In memory of Chris, I wrote a poem for him as a Birthday gift, I want to share it with you as I know Chris would like that.  When I was considering blogging over a year ago I talked to him about my desire to write things of substance on my blog. He asked if I would share my poetry, to which I replied, don't think so ... want to have it published one day. Chris said but Mom I think you should share it on your blog, in addition to your stories and design style you have much to offer, I think it will be good for you. That's why with every post there is one of my poems. Be it observational or a fable if it is enjoyed consider it a gift from my son.

I will return in two weeks with a walking tour of the oldest residential street in America which happens to be in Philadelphia. 

XX,

Vera

Star

Feeling inspired on a celestial evening as I sat down to write...

When the sky forms a canopy of twinkling glitter at night ...

And the stars in their luminescence are an absolute delight

I feel energized and protected in their purity of glorious light.

There is one bright star in the Heavens for me that's a beautiful sight,

Part of the Big Dipper, I purchased for my son because it just felt right.

Forever my son you will shine radiantly bright in your heavenly flight.

© Vera

Photo sources:

Photo of Birthday candle hat source is unknown

Both of the star photos are from google images

All other photos were taken by me - Vera