Riotous color array!

A glance from our dining room into the kitchen reveals an open concept living space. Back in the 80's we removed the kitchen wall. We built a European style soffit that measures 18.5 inches down from the ceiling with the wood trim. We researched size recommendations to help keep cooking odors from taking over our first floor. We exposed a section of brick with the wall removal and built it out architecturally with a antique corbel.  There is a matching one on the other side.

Our decorating style reflects a simple uncluttered aesthetic. We prefer to surround ourselves with pieces from the past, present with a nod to the future. A neutral backdrop, I've hopefully have enhanced with my hand painted faux techniques on walls and furniture.

A photo looking into the dining room from the kitchen. One wall is papered with a handmade Japanese real leaf paper. I know with my love of moody and dramatic lighting it may be difficult to clearly see. It's been up for around 30 years. After we put it up one of my designer friends purchased the same paper but in a different color. Long story short, her leaves starting falling off one by one. Apparently the leaves were not adhered properly when the paper was made. John with his dry humor and quick response to her problem said and I quote, "of course the leaves fell off, you put up the wallpaper in October right, during the fall?" Yup, really said that and he lived!

Close up photo of the Japanese wall paper. Yes, it is a dark asian red. Although perhaps a bold color choice throughout the years we have never regretted it.  Our home doesn't remain static at all, but there have been certain design decisions we continue to appreciate and live with. The leaf wallpaper and the grass cloth in the living room are two of several.

Back in June 2013 while shopping in Whole-Foods I found myself in the flower section, OK, I always wind up there. I was instantly captivated and emotionally happy looking at the riotous color array of Gerber daisies. I suddenly found myself mentally composing a poem. In my minds eye I was transported to a location at 5th and Main. Since it is a couple days away from Valentine's day I decided to recreate a bouquet of colorful Gerber daisies that was the inspirational spark for the poem. Funny my usual choice would of been white roses from John, but this year a happy colorful energetic burst won.

Most of our country is locked in a horrid winter with below zero chill factor temps and more snow accumulating then I ever remember. Today I thought I'd leave you with poetry about love of a house, love of a newlywed couple and take you in verse to a garden party. 

I purchased the grey sea washed heart mini canvas painted by Kerrie Sanderson of Sea Cottage. To me it represents just how precious the heart is and how it can be quickly swept away in love. 

source: SHEKNOWS

In my humble opinion I truly believe, the extended kindness and devotion of lives built together, when you both truly 

surrender to love it can last forever. 

5th and Main

In our neighborhood the old stone cottage at the corner of 5th and Main

sold and has been renovated, thankfully now it doesn't remotely look the same.

Sadly in a down market it met foreclosure and sat soullessly vacant for a few years.

Falling home appraisals, break-ins and vandalism had become our biggest fears.

We have always been a historically charming enclave of home ownership pride.

Recently gossip spread from house to house as the preacher married his new bride.

A handsome bachelor delivering sermons and homilies most of his adult life,

rumors swirling around that Preacher Will purchased the cottage for his new wife.

An invite arrived for a garden party at 5th and Main and the card's design was simply divine.

I doubt with the neighborhoods excitement and curiosity anyone would dare decline!

We arrived at the antique iron garden gate as instrumental music softly welcomed each guest,

Will with his bride Shirley stood with big smiles with a "make yourself at home" request.

Shirley is a delightful beauty with Auburn natural spiral curls that fall freely and long,

looking at the two of them standing together, forever is absolutely where they belong.

They met at a pottery class, each making white clay garden pots with scalloped edges.

That are scattered about the curving tumbled brick walkway along the Boxwood hedges.

Planted in the pots are Gerber daisies, an absolute burst of psychedelic color profusion.

Grown in a riotous color array, with garden gnomes adding to the backyards magical illusion. 

Will told us that Shirley is a horticulturist at the Botanical gardens in the city

and their wedding was held within the indoor landscapes that are exquisitely pretty.

A Black and White striped tent was pitched to shelter libations and appetizer selections.

Delighting us there was even a table with homemade appealing delicious confections.

Shirley baked Chamomile and Lavender cupcakes with soft purple icing peaks.

As she generously shared recipes for flowers in cakes and her baking techniques.

At the start of dusk twinkling white fairy lights lite the trees and vitality filled the air,

it became abundantly clear that 5th and Main was once again graced with loving care.

© Vera

Happy Valentine's Day

Being an observer...

My concept for our living room design was to welcome our guests to linger. As if the room itself provides a warm hug. I intentionally chose a very neutral sepia tone palate and created interest with a tactile look and feel. It is all about sensory textures in our living room and the nuances of mood and drama they create.
Mongolian lamb dances with linen and leather, the warmth of Asian wooden statues and African stools that with every year of their ancient past added richness in their patina of a life before our time as caretakers.

We don't think of these pieces as decorative but as soulful collected treasures adding to our living space as our 34 years in our home evolve. Our house was built in 1934 and we purchased it the same year we were married in 1979.
Olive jars appear on our first floor rooms suggesting the fruits of many plentiful harvest yields from France and Turkey of olive production in the countryside.

When the leaning mirror was delivered years ago from Crate and Barrel, Max and Simon for awhile thought it was a magical portal to another room or placement! I understand the cognitive science of the mirror self awareness test. Yet they both were very aware of the mirror reflection and also very curious. Both investigating behind the mirror, eventually they loss interest in the new mysterious portal.
I consider observation a precious trait as I mature. Also my motivating reason for writing poetry.
I think of myself as an artisan with a curator's aesthetic in a lifelong journey of observation.

"To acquire knowledge, one must study, but to acquire wisdom one must observe."
-Marilyn Vos Savant-

Around two decades ago I embarked on a spiritual journey of knowledge in understanding of beliefs and cultures. I remain the same religion (Catholic) I was born, but I still seek further understanding. I found a kinship and peacefulness in Buddhism. Although I am not a Buddhist, I meditate daily and have put into my lifestyle many of the lessons I have learned. Both logical and conceptual from the philosophy of Buddhism. 
I started collecting antique Buddhas around 17 years ago. I remember standing in front of a Buddha in an antique store and feeling the sheer energy of good karma the statue emitted. I was enamored and that very day purchased my first of many buddha's in our home.
My floor Tibetan buddha is from as told to me a Tibetan monastery. Hundreds of years old it faces the front door and greats everyone who enters into our home.

The legacy as I know is that he was one of a pair that flanked the doors of an inner covered pavilion. His position facing the door is perfect Feng Shui because of his hand gestures. The hand that extends upward with facing palm you can feel the energy of protection, meant as a sense of deep inner security. The hand on his lap, palm up and open is like a blessing and welcome to all. John and I purchased a slab of Uba Tuba granite to elevate him and we placed brushed nickel legs underneath. The necklace he wears was my Moms, she passed in 2010. It is a W14K with gorgeous crystals from the 1940's. On special occasions I will borrow it from buddha and wear it on a special evening out. The "Loved" crown was created by my friend Doré Callaway of Burlap Luxe.

I also collect many vintage and antique pieces that are displayed in our living room. Having a neutral sepia toned background allows the faded colors to be center stage and pop. The painting technique is called Polychrome and it was invented in the early 1800's. The hand carved wooden Artifacts on the ledges are from left to right - Alter folk art cave buddha from Laos, a buddha from Thailand, Burmese buddha from Burma/Myanmar, Indonesian woman statue from Indonesia and a relic of a mounted puppet head form Indonesia.

This ledge has from left to right an - Indonesian statue, Bird from Africa, a Burmese monk from Burma/Myanmar, an elephant from India and a Nandi Bull from India.

I accumulated this collection slowly and enjoy the carving and tactile feel of each unique piece.

The Black and White photography enhanced with a tad bit of amber was taken by John (left photo) and the right by me. They are photographs of our beloved French vintage 1972 Citroën DS. These photos were taken a few years ago of the Kenwood Cherry Blossoms in Bethesda MD. They have around 1200 mature Yoshimo cherry trees that are also along the Tidal Basin. 

Along the 21 foot of expanse of wall we ran a steel cable. We have also installed a steel cable in our sitting/reading room. It makes for a changeable art gallery wall. All art is printed on canvas attached to foamcore for display. Hooks are placed on the backside and hung with monofilament.

In our house we go through rolls of canvas like paper towels!

The steel cable is attached to the wall on both sides with a turnbuckle.

John and I wanted an industrial touch to our living room with a coffee table made from a railroad factory cart used for transporting trunks used in the furniture factories transporting large pieces of furniture around. It was important to us that we purchased one in original condition around 100 years old that still had the legacy type on it.

Ours is a Lineberry railroad cart. Manufactured by the Lineberry Foundy and machine company in Wilkesboro, NC. We liked the one from Restoration Hardware, but it didn't have any ghosting of the original name and the glass size was too big for our needs. So we found a cart on eBay in original condition and purchased our own 3/4 inch glass top.

I lightly sanded it to get the real roughness off it. Then I applied 4 coats of bri-wax. Every now and then when it appears the wood needs a moisture drink I use Formby's Lemon oil treatment on it.

We love seeing the actual mechanics of the cart and also shows off the cowhide and sisal beneath.

Our sofa is from around 3 years ago. It is a flax colored linen we ordered from Anthropologie named Jayne. It is no longer available

Our Lion Gargoyle has proudly hung in our living room protecting us since John exposed the brick wall in 1981.

I had John drill through this large French olive jar and put in an accent light. Thankfully he was successful.

These sit on our window sill.

The zinc B on the wall is from Anthropologie.

Aww there's Max!

This is a Sapien bookcase from Design Within Reach.

15 years ago we purchased this amazing car garage from the 1950's found in Paris, France.
But we purchased it at a 50's boutique/gallery in Philadelphia. The owner Mike also owns a vintage Citroën. 

John and I have most of our 1:43 scale car models housed in the garage. John installed lighting in it and he seems to enjoy that while we are relaxing our service garage is always open and at work!

Below is the reason why I write, hope you enjoy my poem.

Being an observer

I'm an observer of life, collecting words to express the nature of an idea or thing.

Intrinsically words gather and flutter in my mind and writing allows my heart to sing.

Inspiration arrives to me in a state of abstraction, like visionary ideas meant for me to ponder.

Where my mind can meander a guiding creative thought to leisurely enjoy and wander.

Some poems may be expressed words of my own learned life lessons that I try to teach.

Ideally each poem is meant to be felt emotionally in your heart, which I hope to reach.

My journey of observations have led me to this moment of time and to this place,

to hopefully entertain and inspire you with my gathered words of love and grace.

Observations have become my daily muse, a mission with enthusiasm and my purpose in life.

Inspirational poetry sure beats time spent reflecting on a struggle over times of strife.

© Vera

Too many snow days and a poetic escape...

source ESPN-NFL

We missed the first snow storm of the winter. We had flown down to Florida to visit with my brother, sister-in-law and my Dad on December 7th. On Sunday the 8th the Philadelphia Eagles played a home game with the Detroit Lions and won in blizzard conditions. 8 inches of snow.

Watching the game in Palm Beach County in 82 degrees poolside, while eating an incredible lunch of grilled fish prepared by my brother Kevin to say the least was surreal.

Many more snow falls to hit Philadelphia and leave us all in the frozen tundra.

This snowfall fell overnight and dumped 10 inches with a crispy ice coating on top. It was about this time John and I both came down with the H1N1 Flu. Then yesterday Philadelphia was hit hard with blizzard conditions and over 13.5 inches of snow.

Nearly two weeks of fighting the H1N1 flu we are still indoors wrapped in faux fur. While outside our Prius has a pretty fluffy blanket too. I had a warm weather sea breeze dream (OK, it could of been a vivid fever dream) that I found so incredibly real I sat down and wrote this poetry of the dream. Enjoy and stay well.

A Fisherman's Catch

I'm full of wanderlust on this January night and want to be peacefully swept away from our icy wintry mix.

Dreaming of Greece I was greeted by sea breezes and sunshine providing me with my warm weather fix.

Walking barefoot in the sand, collecting nautilus shells I had seen at the Corfu museum earlier in the day.

I wandered along the shoreline without any destination or a plan, the lovely seashells showed me the way.

They lead me to a magical fairytale sea cottage, I didn't know they really exist.

I ventured up to the charming white cottage and knocked on the door, I couldn't resist.

A woman with a kind aura appeared, her soft flowing curls framed her face so lovely and fair.

Curls caressing her waist with shimmering light from her sun streaked sandy blonde hair.

She welcomed me in and introduced her Greek husband, a real Adonis proud and strong.

In love, living together in this fairytale cottage, you know is where they belong.

Over the evening they shared their inspiring fable, I totally believe to be true,

told in much detail, in their cottage of luminosity in painted hues of watery blue.

Once upon a time... while fishing for crustaceans off the shore of the Aegean Sea at night.

Casting his throw net into the water illuminated by a full moon big and bright,

he accidentally captured a beautiful siren of the sea, who was very seductive and charming.

The surprised fisherman didn't make any sudden moves that could threaten or seem alarming.

She sang her song, a beautiful mesmerizing melody, elusive and very rare.

An untamed mermaid of enchantment, to speak to her, should he dare?

He introduced himself as Alexio, a fourth generation artisanal fisherman out in the full moon fishing.

For he to capture such a admired beauty of the sea was certainly what his heart was wishing.

Her voice spoke softly and she said her name is Miren, which means of the sea.

Miren explained she is a sea matron of enchantment, who secretly longed to be set free.

Free from the sea, to walk on the sand and run along the shore.

Freedom to be a woman was something she always believed she'd adore.

Truth is, Alexio had no one to love and had a lonely life,

and he deeply hoped to one day make Miren his wife.

They met every month during the full moon for an entire year.

During their twelfth clan-destined visit, the fisherman faced his biggest fear.

The small fishing boat got caught up in the moons gravitational force.

The waters choppy and threatening, had pulled Alexio way off his course.

The mast in shreds, the boat capsized, a horrific storm at sea became a real tale of survival.

Praying to spare Miren from her fishtail and life in the water brought about a new fate arrival.

Alexio was drowning and might of very well died that night,

as he prayed to Poseidon to save Miren and make her future bright.

I am willing to die under these crashing waves, please give Miren her wish, just take me.

In exchange for his unselfish prayers, Miren and he were released from the sea.

Poseidon granted their hearts desire to live together on land, as husband and wife.

So they moved into the sea cottage and accepted the arrival of their new destined life.

But sometimes at night when the waves hit the shore,

The call for this mermaid to return to the sea has strong allure.

If off the islands of Crete you're lucky enough you might catch a beautiful sight,
and see a mermaid under the full moon swimming peacefully in the waves at night.

© Vera

Sparks of Inspiration

Happy New Year and welcome to my first official blogging adventure!

At the top of our landing upstairs our sitting/reading rooms opens up. My husband and I have worked side by side over the years to completely gut every inch of our row home and reinvented it for our casual lifestyle. Years ago we knocked down the hallway wall of the middle bedroom and installed a skylight to flood the room with light.

This is where I go to read and face the challenge of a blank paper pad. Be it to draw or write my poetry. Funny while waiting for that creative flash of inspiration the blank page is both exhilarating and terrifying! I always start with the "old school" habit of pen on paper. I personally feel it's a more soulful connection. Once my idea and concept has been crafted I switch to writing/refining and making the final changes on my computer.

Over the summer I made some changes and additions to the area. I purchased a new small grey velvet sofa, a floating lacquered grey shelf, a small cowhide rug and I repainted the mantle with a faux grey technique.

The photos printed on canvas in B&W were printed by John who works in digital media. They are of my son Christopher and are my favorite photos of him. Taken by my beautiful grand Gabrielle while out and about with her Dad and brother Dane (a mini me of Chris) a couple of years ago.

My son Christopher and only child passed away suddenly on November 2nd, 2013. The holidays were very difficult for us, my sons children and loved ones and friends left behind.

Throughout our house we have pieces my son designed and gifted us with. Chris was a talented carpenter. The mantle was a gift 18 years ago he made for me. He crafted it from all architectural salvage.

The very weathered mirror was made from a 200 year old farmhouse in Buck's County PA. One year for my Christmas gift Chris replaced the glass with old mirror and it has hung here since. I've only made a few enhancements of a paint and glaze solution to bring out it's faded charm.

On Christmas I received a magical message, a true Christmas gift on my sons favorite holiday. A powerful message that he was at peace. Christmas Eve was a very difficult emotional evening and while trying to fall asleep all I managed to do was cry a river and toss and turn. Sometime early Christmas morning I did fall asleep. I dreamt that Chris was in Heaven, filled with beautiful deep shades of sapphire and cobalt with streaks of lavender. There was movement in the heavens filled with blinking glistening stars. Chris was floating and his back was turned as he reached into the heavens and plucked a bright star and placed it on top his tree. Chris turned around and smiled at me, the warmest smile I've ever seen. I felt his love flow through me as I felt a warm embrace of peacefulness. I fell back asleep, a resting sleep I hadn't had since November 2nd.

Awoken by a phone call from my cousin, we chatted for awhile but I didn't share my dream. I needed to process through it. Realizing it was a gift of release of the anger stage of grief and one of acceptance of my loss. I went downstairs, fed Max and Simon (fur kids), cooked breakfast and over breakfast I shared my amazing dream with John.

Afterwards I went on-line and found a company in the Netherlands that you can purchase and name a star in honor of someone. Chris's star is a bright star visible in Northern America, Canada and Northern Europe.

I had told John there would be no gifts exchanged on Christmas. We would approach the day just like a normal Wednesday (as Chris loved to say Hump day). I never thought that on Christmas I would receive a gift ... a remarkable gift of peace from my handsome son.

I believe in this quote:
"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny"
C.S. Lewis

In this room I display my most treasured things. The Buddha is an antique Burmese. I collect Buddha's and they are in every room of our house. The wire crown adorning Buddha's head was made by my friend and very gifted artist Doré Callaway of Burlap Luxe.

The door with the art I painted is the back guest bedroom.

I find inspiration and enjoyment reading my great collection of decorating books. Many written by bloggers.

Meet  >^..^< Maxwell Smart ... my photo assistant

Now onto my poetic flash of inspiration. As a young girl watching TV on Saturdays the Tin Man movies had a major influence on me. Starring Myrna Loy and William Powell as Nick and Nora Charles and their adorable back flipping wire-haired terrier named Asta. I would watch those reruns and dream of being married one day to my own Nick. I loved their sense of playfulness, their wonderful filled with adventure marriage. Nora's gorgeous fashions and Nick the charming cocktail drinking detective. Very attentive, much in love husband. But it was adorable Asta that caused my affection for wire-haired terriers that has made them my favorite dog breed.

This is Rex, I named him that because... well he looked like a Rex to me! Rex, as well as the adventures of TinTin served as the sparks of inspiration for this poem.

Henri and Rex

Adventurous French charming Henri is eight and adorable Rex is just three.
Inspiration of this duo started with Henri in diapers being read to on Mom's knee.

Mom's childhood books "The Adventure's of TinTin and Snowy" reading the entire collection,
needless to say Henri's first word was dog, no surprise a Fox Terrier was his pet selection.

No, not all white like Snowy, there are a few ginger patches under his chin, back and chest.
From day one, an undeniable strong bond as they playfully run the entire sea's edge abreast.

Boy and dog in their inseparable adventurous duo, enjoying and living in Brittany, France.
Dad runs a multi-generational business and need only look up to see them in a quick glance.

Amongst the salt fields of Fleur de Sel and Grey salt are Dad's legacy genes,
retiring with Henri running this proud business occupy his nightly dreams.

Many years will past before this dream will actually turn to destiny of what will be,
for now, it's Henri and Rex sharing adventure running along the shore of the sea.

So it comes down to the moral part of this story I've told as a rhyming fable,
if your child asks for a companion pet, please say yes, if you're willing and able.
© Vera

Holiday Wintertime Ballet

It is the night before opening matinee and Violet mouse has been rehearsing her performance very diligently. Carpenter and set designer Christopher mouse has finally completed the wintertime ballet set. It's been snowing non stop in Paris for days and the winter birch trees are magically transformed into an ice coated glistening winter wonderland. This evening it is a gorgeous sight. All the mice who inhabit this hauntingly beautiful old opera/ballet theatre have decided to produce their ballet with this theme.

Chris ever the hard worker, delights in playful antics, so tonight before opening day reflects just that. Chris jumped into the swing reserved for the angel, deciding to enjoy all of Violets and his efforts. He is always up for hard work followed by play.

This theatre was made by Dore Callaway of Burlap Luxe fame and was featured on her blog posting of December 20th, 2012. I have long admired her talent and I follow her blog. I wrote Dore and asked/begged her to allow me the opportunity to purchase it for my own productions. I even wrote a poem about the theatre and sent it to her! You will see the poem at the end of this posting. Over the past year Dore and I have become cyber pen pals and she was highly instrumental in me starting up my blog.

sources: Theatre - Burlap Luxe, trees - Department 56, Violet - Penny White 

Violet

Wanderlust guided by moonbeams and stars up above,
I ventured in time to a place filled with love.

While waiting for sleep and full of wanderlust I was swept away,
to a location in Paris, France, tonight my soul needs to play.

Once upon a time in a place of grandeur and grace,
I instantly knew I was in the right place.

A very old abandoned French Opera theatre of decay.
Outside there was a tiny mouse holding a sign and wearing a Beret.

Perhaps a mouse holding a sign might keep you away!
But he welcomed me in under an ancient archway.

His sign simply said Mademoiselle Violet's opening night.
Inside I encountered the most adorable vision ever so right.

A ballet of a young Violet, who is a mouse,
who inhabited this centuries old Opera house!

Violet in purple right down to her ballet slippers with her tutu all a swirl,
transcending the audience into her miniature dream world.

Pantomime to tell her story, while the tempo and melody grew stronger,
delighted my senses and I wanted to linger longer.

But reality came with a barking dog,
all because a runner was out for their morning jog in the fog.

Gray skies of Paris I awoke to today,
memories of Violet that will never fade away.

© Vera 

I will be back in the New Year to kick off my blog. Until then enjoy a magical and peaceful holiday season.

XX,
Vera