Our French Bastille weekend in Washington D.C.

This past weekend we were down in Washington D.C. On Saturday we displayed our 1972 DS Pallas Citroën at the Hillwood estate museum and gardens for the French Festival. The festival is presented in partnership with Alliance Francaise de Washington. Held at the mansion of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Our friend Judy who coordinates with the museum and Alliance Francaise a display of Citroën's that are part of the celebration. For 3 years John and I have been asked to display and join in by Judy, this was our first year we were able to attend. On Saturday the temps reached 93 and the humidity seemed to be 1000%! We spent the day with friends and by the time my touring the museum and gardens was completed I discovered appreciation in the grace of aging.

Marjorie Merriweather Post was a leading American socialite and founder of General Foods, Inc.

Heiress to Father C.W. Post and Mother Ella Letina Merriweather she inherited The Postum Cereal company that became General Foods, Inc.  Born on March 15th 1887 died on September 12th 1973 in Washington D.C. Living between her dash 1887-1973 Post left a legacy of a dedicated philanthropist and business woman for all. Post's first collecting passion was 18th century French decorative art.

I was intrigued that Post owned a pair of 20 carat diamond earrings which belonged to Marie Antoinette and that she donated millions of dollars to charities. The Kennedy center in D.C. received $100,000.00 from Post. She was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government. Throughout the day on Saturday I learned about this amazing woman full of grace as I leisurely spent the day with friends, exploring in the air conditioned museum and walking the gardens and observing the exhibits. 

"And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!"

~Audrey Hepburn~

A painting of Marjorie Merriweather Post in her later years. throughout Hillwood nearly on all surfaces and hanging on walls are photographs, portraits, oil painting of Post. At first glance one might almost think she was narcissistic. But quickly you understand the complexity of this socialite and her sincere gracious lifestyle. A savvy shrewd businesswoman secure in her own skin, comfortable with her maturity, glowing from within.

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in the woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows."

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Post was married 4 times...

Married Edward Bennett Close in 1905 and had two daughters with him. Adelaide and Eleanor

In 1919 they divorced and Post started collecting French decorative arts.

Next married Edward F. Hutton and had their daughter actress Dina Merrill.

The marriage to Hutton ended in 1935

In 1937 - 1938 Post lived in Russia with her third husband United States Ambassador Joseph E. Davies in 1955 that marriage ended and Post purchased Hillwood in Washington D.C.

In 1958 she married Herbert May divorced him 6 years later.

In 1973 as Post's final act of philanthropy she opened her estate as a museum as a gift to the public. Living in her dash Post's profound passion for the arts grew her collections. Displayed in the mansion as when she lived there and touring the museum you are able to view everything up close. Now onto the Citroën's on display outside in the motor court.

This amazing 1950 Traction Avant 11CV Berline Legere belongs to our friend Brad. Brad, his wife and his daughter drove down from PA to display their Traction Avant which means front wheel drive.

Once upon a time this 1981 CX Pallas belonged to Princess Grace. It was in the Prince of Monaco car collection and went up for auction from Prince Rainier's Palace fleet. Our friend Brian from Washington DC owns it, nicknamed "The Princess" Such is a stunning car. Brian and his fiancé Alicia enjoy this rare beauty with history.

See the Principaute de Monaco license plate

Mon amie Judy's adorable Citroën Truckette. It is a derivative of the 2CV. Brought over from France, Judy lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. 

The 1972 DS Pallas belongs to John and I. Driving down from Philadelphia around Baltimore John says to me "Did you just hear a funny noise?" I said no, nothing unusual ... well notice the left front hubcap? That funny noise was our hubcap blowing off!!! Today John located 2 mint condition vintage DS hubcaps, one for replacement, one a spare. C'est la Vie, it's always one thing or another with these vintage French motor babies.

Judy, Alicia and I toured the mansion, but I will concentrate on the private areas of the house.

This is Marjorie Post's bedroom suite. Decorated in French style as the downstairs is.  We honestly lingered admiring the richness and sense of her spirit which seems to still be present in Hillwood.

As in the rest of the house exquisite chandelier's have rock crystal drops. Rock crystal is my favorite and these are magnificent. The table case is filled with around 50 items and each is made from Bloodstone, Marjorie Post's March birthstone. Aquamarine is also March's birthstone. Bloodstone is a dark green opaque quartz flecked with red, it symbolizes courage. 

Photo of Post's private sitting room. Notice the Black and White framed photo on the right, a picture of JFK and Jackie.

Off the bedroom is a silver and pale blue dressing area. My favorite section of Post's bedroom suite. Marjorie not only dressed here but also had breakfast here and conducted business in here.

This photograph of an amazing sconce is hands down my favorite lighting in the house. There are four identical sconces on the walls, the dressing area is stunning and allowed a greater understanding and appreciation of this confident woman.

Be still my heart... the next photos are displayed behind glass in her dressing area. As though  out the buildings I used my iPhone5, no flash, many photos shot behind glass ... I tried my best.

Diamonds and Pearls ... Sigh

Aquamarine - Marjorie's other March birthstone

Marjorie's private bathroom is in her bedroom suite/dressing room area.

Alicia and I commented about how the scent of powder, of talc had permeated the area, still lingering in the air ... Marjorie's essence remains if you still yourself and feel her lingering presence of elegance.

Marjorie's bathroom is small but feminine.

Perhaps it is what I feel and suspect, Marjorie's spirit is still present. I spent time observing her private area, reading encased letters to high society socialites, thank you's, invitations and photos of the events. A brilliant business woman and one of the wealthiest woman in America.

Throughout the mansion there are portraits and photos of her taken throughout her lifetime. Each displaying a woman of grace and beauty one of confidence, one truly comfortable and happy in her own skin.  Long before Botox or fillers, just natural beauty and poise.

I photographed so many rooms and French decorative items in the mansion but chose to only concentrate on the personal side of Marjorie. Believe me the Icon Room is filled with cases.

Fabergé eggs, music boxes, Fabergé clocks, all beautiful ... But it was learning about Marjorie which was my reward of the day. I have a different slant now on the aging process and I will embrace the decades of self discovery and the gentle creases of time. Truly I feel ready to embrace, to accept the process of age, oh sure I will continue using my Micro Retin - A 1% but Marjorie imprinted on my soul ... Kid you not.

Shall we look at a few photos I snapped with my phone before I got in trouble with the guard in the Cartier exhibit? Yup, you heard me right an entire exhibit in a building housed on the 25 areas of gardens. Gems and items on loan from the Smithsonian.  John and I toured this exhibit arm in arm as I dreamed of wearing such dazzling gems! 

Wish the guard hadn't caught me, as I wish I had more snaps to share.

Marjorie's dressing table grooming set. Elegant silver, Art Deco.

Coral bracelet, earrings and ring, OK I agree bad photo!

The painting has the Cartier jewelry Marjorie wore with this black velvet gown.

Emeralds, dazzling ... Sigh

Photo of the cutting garden. Throughout the 25 acres there are amazing vivid flower gardens, a puting green and garden statuary. Before we headed out Judy and I went to Marjorie's Rose garden, breathtaking beauty, lovely fragrance. Judy and I sat and chatted and reflected on the days activities.

There were continual scheduled activities. Dance and flirtation of the fan performances. Baroque Guitar, strolling Mimes, strolling Nobility of French whimsy Madame ToutseSuite and Marquis Aubergine. 

But the biggest effect the day had on me was the realization to be more mindful of aging gracefully. I felt the presence and left empowered by the inspiring woman named Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Before I take you to Le Chat Noir, I leave you with my poetry inspired by the day.

Mirror, mirror - oh dear!    

It often seems growing old in our culture is considered taboo,

but what is true is that it will certainly happen to me and you.

Slowly and softly as you go through your life year after year,

Creases of time, those tiny little laugh lines start to appear.

So do those crinkles and wrinkles have you buying lotions and potions?

Truth is, the cosmetic industry is playing off our vanity and our emotions.

Consider your face a visual time capsule of learned insight,

Embracing your radiance and wisdom is your intended birthright.

You realize your own unique beauty has always come from within,

where grace and elegance dwell in your heart and has always been.

© Vera

6 of us ate dinner at Le Chat Noir, Judy, Les, Alicia, Brian, John and I. Le Chat Noir is a French owned restaurant on 4907 Wisconsin Ave.NW. A French neighborhood restaurant & Wine lounge in Friendship Heights.

Menu of Le Chat Noir

inside Le Chat Noir

I was intrigued by these waxed and pressed real leaves spot glued to the wall.

Lower left corner I captured a smidgen of Les. 

Another photo of these leaves, you better believe I will be doing this somewhere at sometime in the near future. But with my coloration in our row-home I believe I will wait for the painted leaves of Autum. The silver wavy head belongs to hubby John.

Please join me on July 25th back at our row-home as I post a very special post about memories which will include our vintage camera collection and special tribute of a ballet presentation. I bounced that post feeling inspired to sit down and write this one.

Photo sources:

1-3 Hillwoodmuseum.org.

4-7 taken by hubby John

All others by me - Vera

Artistic endeavors

My heart wishes to one day reside in Tuscany. I long for it's incredible light, a truly magical light, artisans have flocked to for centuries. The ancient walled hill towns, Tuscany's rich harvest, the old olive trees and it's first cold press extra virgin olive oil. Greenish and fragrant, my preference. Through the abstract the hill towns of Tuscany form a heart seen from the air. Funny how my heart feels the calling... Since age three I have had a reoccurring dream of living with John in Tuscany. Reoccurring every October, refining the design details over my lifetime. I've even written a poetic fable of my desire and one day soon I will share it with you. Even if it is not meant to be in this lifetime I still dream... I still believe.

I faux painted an oxidized metal look to our dining room wall and inside the kitchens side and window wall. My painted wall's technique exhibits the colors that stir my emotions and gives me warmth and comfort. My favorite color is the nuanced tones of terra cotta and brick red. The olive branches in the vintage olive jar from the 40's give us a little bit of Italy smack dab in the city of brotherly love, faux of course. Throughout our home they appear, some in my hand painted branches on furniture, some just branches in vases and garland. A symbolic gesture of universal peace, ever since God gave Noah the sign after the flood that the water had abated, when a bird appeared to Noah with an olive branch in it's mouth.

In this photo I am directing you into our kitchen. Absolutely, hands down the room I spend the most time in. Truly the heart of our home as I am an avid cook who invents culinary adventures as fearlessly as I can. Crossing eyes, fingers and toes hoping they successfully turn out! To me cooking is just another form of my artful expression and honestly the way I show love to people I care about. My form of nurturing. 

This photo shows how I continued a painting technique into the kitchen that runs the dining room wall into the kitchen. A cream and grey checkerboard wall. It is actually 24x24 kraft paper pieces we cut down and I faux painted. We installed the squares with wallpaper paste to form the design. It runs the length of the dining room into the kitchen. John and I made a mirror from a trash picked glass paned cabinet sash. It is the 20th anniversary weekend (July 4th) of the mirror framed window. John walking to the bank spotted it on the curb on trash day and brought it home figuring we'd make something from it. We then crafted the frame surround and made an apron trim on the bottom.

On top of the window frame that John cut to replicate our doorframe I hand painted an olive branch. On top every one of those adorable miniature pitchers John and I over time collected on Sundays at our local flea markets.

A cast iron basement window gate my son gave me serves as our pot-rack. It is 200 years old and during a renovation in town some one discarded it for a modern replacement. Amazing, how someone would elect to trash the old for something new with no history, no legacy. We took it and had it chemically dipped, the metal is eroded which I enjoy, afterwards I applied my paint finish on it and John cut and bent all the hangers for me. 

The vintage from the 50's French license plate from Paris (the 75 designates that) is displayed behind the gates scroll work. I had originally planned to install it on our vintage Citroën DS Pallas car but realized it was missing the hole we needed for our 1972 model and purchased another one for our car and display this one.

I unexpectedly became a Poet on Jan. 1st, 2013. John and I headed up to bed around 1AM after celebrating New Year's Eve. During my nightly prayers (champagne induced prayers) I asked God for a new artistic endeavor, as I was once again feeling restless and needing to further express myself through my art. I awoke at 9AM with words flooding my head and instantly I knew it was time for me to once again pick up a pen. But, by the time I had gathered a pad and pen it, this mysterious journey of poetry had quickly vanished. I remember thinking wow that was a weird dream. Funny, but the next day once again poetic gathered words were racing through my thoughts and pulsating through my body and I was able to write/complete my first poem, seriously - my first poem ever. 

The creative process of writing was different this time around, because the words flooding my thoughts were rhyming and entirely a different emotional feeling and calling than when I had written a novel back in 1999-2001 "Destiny needs no rest". I finished it 6 months before 911 sadly changed our World sensitivities and understandings. Specially because it was about a special task force formed from the world secret agencies. My book covered the globe as it touched on terrorism, profiling, the witness protection program and discussed subjects that seemed too close to 911. Didn't parallel per say, but was close enough that I decided to shelf the novel. I even had after many, many, did I mention many rejection letters I was asked by a publisher for additional chapters to submit because they were considering publishing it. Although I honestly never wrote it for fame ... Seriously.

I painted a diptych to go with my poem below. Please read the poem and then view the close ups of my art. We have a 24 inch matte stainless steel picture ledge in the kitchen we purchased from Crate and Barrel that we alternate artwork on. Currently displaying my diptych of my poetry, each measures 9x12.

The poetry I wrote and share with you today is titled Abstractions. While writing it I was guided by my muse up above to challenge me to paint a diptych to express the emotions of the poem. An entirely new concept for me. Hate it? Let me know. Get it? Let me know. Understand my intention?  Please acknowledge it so I will know if there should be future poetry/art combos. So below is the poem followed by photos of my art.

Abstractions

For me it's a synergy, a whirlwind of ideas in different colors that arrive gathering in my creative thoughts like abstractions, often becoming a mind obsession. 

They awaken my senses and instantly I feel charged and alive, simply put, thinking in abstractions is the key trait in my ongoing artistic expression.

Emotions of sheer energy is what I intuitively receive daily, like energizing "whispers" that are heartfelt from a muse up above.

Gentle messages serving as my inspiration, mystically sent down to earth that encourages me to creatively strive thereof.

In my mind, color arrives and often times playfully collide, as if life expressions are whispered in a gentle shade of pastel.

But sometimes they arrive in vivid energetic colors that seem to shout to me it's message in a joyous life affirming colorful yell.

Realizing abstract expressions are often my next heart beat away and can feel like a time warp disguised in the meaning of thoughts lingering in the day.

Sometimes there are unexpected distractions that command my attention and cause me to focus my energies on other matters that lead me astray.

But even without intention or focused discipline the fulfillment of self expression is my life's ambition and driving force.

Clarity can suddenly appear as poetry or guided through a paint brush as my muse redirects me and I realize it's meant to run it's course.         

Throughout my many decades I have been artistically preparing to leave behind my legacy of my purpose driven life,

It's been a precious gift of self accomplishment while enabling me to sail through difficult times of strife.

© Vera

Two 9x12 brush painted on gallery wrapped archival canvas. I always finish all sides of my paintings in case someone wants to display it unframed. This painting is to demonstrate the synergy I received writing Abstractions.

This canvas demonstrates being swept into a whirlwind of ideas when colors collide.

close up

Hanging down from our kitchen beams are decorative lights John and I made. Two sets of them. We folded hand made art paper origami style and cut and put them onto strung White Christmas lights. They are lined with liner paper and then the handmade paper floats on top.

Enjoy a wonderful 4th of July as we celebrate our countries Independence Day. I'll be back to post in two weeks when I post about our vintage camera collection. Plus a little extra tribute.

XX,

Vera

At home in our soulful Row-home

After awaking today, I've decided to stay home, to joyfully allow my spirit to play and roam.

In peace and calm a soul can celebrate in it's own unique way, I guess best described staying home is very similar to a mental health day. So today my mind gets to sing it's song, one that is creative, happy and strong, for I truly know in this blissful day being at home is where I belong.

Join me at our row-home for a little revealing and sharing of things that make my heart sing in happiness today. Every morning we wake to our Hopscotch rug. It reminds us to remember to embrace the child within, as we walk to our Shoji screened bedroom closet. An antique Burmese Buddha from the mid 1800's greets us with positive energy.

Our Buddha from Burma has a rich developed patina and is carved in a spiritual teaching position. I adore how this Buddha has aged gracefully. 

As we round the corner of our bedroom we take notice of a cross designed by Doré Callaway of Burlap Luxe and smile at our vintage Philips poster.

A vintage poster purchased on impulse that brought a smile to both of us cat lovers. Simply framed in a glass poster frame with a charcoal grey mat cut by John. 

We recently purchased a Bowler hat pendant light, handmade from a real felt derby in England. We decided to put a Edison filament bulb in it. As it is not needed for task lighting, just as an accent. We have had a fondness of Bowler derby hats ever since the TV series the "Avengers". The British spy-fi cult classic. A television series created in the 60's, produced until 1969. I fell in love with the rugged trench coat wearing agent John Steed, the savvy Seville row suit wearing guy always sporting an umbrella. Amazed as he would spin his derby on his fingertips and glide it into place on top of his head with a pat. Oh and Emma Peel played by Diana Riggs ... OMG I wanted to be her. Sexy, cunning, smart and holding her own next to John Steed.

My favorite "Avengers" year was 1967 which included "Winged Advenger". We own the 1967 collected digitally remastered series ... And I am willing to admit there were times I was completely perplexed understanding some eposides.

We looked for what seems forever to find the perfect wooden sign to hang against the exposed brick wall upstairs.  I found this huge oval one many years ago on eBay. It is a hand painted double sided sign that hung outdoors in Wisconsin. Fanny Farmer was an American candy manufacturer and retailer that started out in Rochester New York in 1919. The store grew to over 400 stores then in 1992 it was purchased as a sister brand to Fannie May. Sadly in 2004 Fanny Farmer filed for bankruptcy and merged into Fannie May.

I try to collect things that have a sentimental heartfelt meaning for us. Fanny Farmer is a fond memory from my childhood. My Dad had two favorite stores to shop at when I was young and when he asked me to come along I jumped right into the car to go. One of Dad's stores was Finkles Hardware in Lambertville, NJ which still exists. I loved that store of curiosity that was situated along the canal. The other store was Sears in Trenton, Dad loved buying his power tools. Driving there meant we passed the Fanny Farmer store and that always resulted in having a little white paper bag filled with candy for me with Dad saying "Don't tell Mom". A sign very similar hung outside the building in West Ewing on route to Trenton.

At Sears we would wander through the power tools, the appliances and always the Television/Electronics dept. Sears was located in the city of Trenton and there was a multi level parking lot (free of course) to park in. Our visits always ended on the top floor at the hot dog vendors stand. Both of us always ready to enjoy a dog with French's yellow mustard, relish and a frosty ice cold Root beer soda. It's been over 30 years since I've eaten beef or pork but I still can taste those hotdogs on the toasted bun that spun around on a grilling rack done to perfection. In my mind's eye I can see my Dad's smile and pointing gesture letting me know I had mustard on my face!

Meet Harvey, a needle felted swinging bunny that was purchased at Easter time from an artisan in Italy. Why the name Harvey? Well looked like a Harvey to me. He captures the essence of playful bliss.

A new summer purchase for my sitting room, a starfish pillow from West Elm.

I love white pencil starfish and we purchased the wire basket from Crate and Barrel and this is where I'm displaying my collection of Starfish this season.

Walking down the steps you notice 3 vintage folding camera's and 2 photos from the 50's of Paris. Just part of a large vintage camera collection John and I own. I will do a future blog post on the collection.

Now we are almost on the first floor

I like to incorporate architectural interest in our home. I purchased this very old (said to be from the 1800's) barn glass-less window. It had a strong smell of musty age, OK mildew. I tried just about every suggestion to rid the smell. Finally a wash of bleach and water and a long day laying out in the sun saved this piece. I applied a white limed paint technique to it.

We hung it equal height to our Living room double hung windows on a delicate chain 3 inches away from the wall. I wanted to enjoy shadow play and it captures it nicely. The number 9 hanging down is our number that seems to play out throughout our married life. It's become our favorite number followed by 5 for me.

I admired this hand-carved Corinthian column capital from Restoration Hardware for the longest time. 20% off was motivation enough to recently purchase it.

We needed additional table space when entertaining and since I've always loved the idea of layering under surfaces.I placed it under our vintage lucite waterfall table. Looks like a museum piece ... lol

A close up view

Sitting on top of our Sapien bookcase from Design Within Reach is Christopher Mouse. A needle felted mouse handmade in Amsterdam and a gift from John. He playfully rests upon a book titled "Cat Crimes" my son had picked up at a vintage store and gave me saying "this book may stink, don't know, I haven't read it, but thought the title was cute". The book remains unread and serves merely as a prop.

An antique riddling rack from the champagne region of France sits at the ready filled with fine wines in our Dining room. Always ready to uncork a bottle in celebration.

A wire basket contains corks infused with memories and laughter of times spent with friends.

OH .. If these corks could talk! Want to know my favorite music? Well it's the sound laughter and conversation makes when it blurs into a fun evening. Oh and we love sultry Jazz playing throughout our house,

Summer time and we're entertaining with light refreshing menus. John bought this French galvanized bucket for me. What could be better than it filled with bubbly Prosecco and Pellegrino on the countertop. 

Close up, love it.

So in my playful way I leave you with wine and roses and Lavender from Provence and end with my poetry of Soulful Home. The Peach roses were given to me by John and I dried them.

XX,

Vera

All photos taken by me - Vera

Soulful Home

It doesn't take much cash to inspire and dwell in a soulful home,

where beauty and creativity exist and your spirit can playfully roam.

Perhaps perplexed but determined, you wonder what to do with your place,

aware it will take personal expression to make it your own unique special space.

Your home is where your personal style comforts you and proudly welcomes each guest.

Reflecting your hobbies and family interests as you lovingly over time layer your nest.

Why not incorporate ephemera like collectible memorabilia you have acquired,

let go of your worries and embrace your homes nuances and you will be inspired.

A combination of vintage mixed with new can mingle with high end displayed next to low.

Restoring, reinventing, up-cycling while envisioning a new purpose your efforts will bestow.

Try a composition of the past, present and a nod to the future to establish your look.

Personalize a corner into a cozy reading nook, relax, be inspired by a new decor book.

There are vintages stores, recycle and repurpose shops within a short drive right in your city.

Seems to me not exploring their items to envision potential possibilities would be a pity.

We all appreciate a patina that overtime develops it's rich character from a proud past,

honestly all it takes is a little effort to bring back beauty that will forever last.

© Vera

Conner and Pearl

Welcome sweet summer and beautiful blissful June! More weddings take place in June than any other month of the year. Just in the United States alone over 2 million couples are wed annually. I recently read over $72 billion is spent every year on U.S. weddings. Truth is, to me all weddings are magical and another confession, I cry at every single one I attend. John and I celebrate our anniversary in December, I wore Winter White in a month that less than 8% of couples exchange their nuptials in.

Phillipa Lepley is one of London's leading coulture bridal designers. Her Baby Olivia Hanbury Pearl dress simply put, took my breath away when I first saw a photograph of it. The Baby Olivia Hanbury Pearl dress has 80,000 2mm seed pearls hand sewn on. Exquisite in it's intended delicate feminine design. An elegant gown any future Bride can find inspiration from as she daydreams of a fairytale wedding, planning their special day.

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,

a church filled with family and friends.

I asked him what kind of wedding he wished for,

he said one that would make me his wife.

~ Author Unknown ~

This photograph helped inspire my classical beautiful Pearl in my poem Connor and Pearl. I wrote it through the young Groom's voice, in the moments right before exchanging their vows. I hope you enjoy it. There is a tenderness, along with precious emotions expressed on a Grooms face. It imprints in your memory watching as he first sees his Bride on their wedding day. This heart warming reaction is the core essence of my poem.

I will return back in two weeks as I invite you back to our Row-home for a lighthearted visit. I want to personally thank all of you endearing Earth Angels that have either emailed or left a comment of comfort for me during my expressed grief and cyber tribute of my Dad. Your words were heartfelt and I sincerely appreciate all your kind words. Some sent cards with beautiful sentiments and below my poem Connor and Pearl is a photograph of a painting entitled "Grey Calm Sea". It is a gift that was enclosed with one of Kerrie Sanderson's water colored notecards "Broken Shell" along with her touching poetic words of comfort. Kerrie is a friend from Sea Cottage blog and her store Sea Washed. The canvas "Grey Calm Sea" Kerrie painted as a gift to me on the night my Dad passed. The Dove mini canvas is also a painting Kerrie did, slowly I have been purchasing mini canvas paintings of her beautiful art, her talent resonates emotional beauty in my heart as I grow my collection.

XX,

Vera

Connor and Pearl

At the top of the stairs everyone's eyes are focused on my lovely Pearl.

Pearl smiles at me and suddenly I'm dizzy and my head is all a swirl.

With each step down, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh is the sound of her Taffeta gown.

Her long golden hair is simply upswept and adorned with a princess tiara crown.

Her soft pink lips whisper to me "I love you", oh what a beautiful sight.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh down the stairs she floats in sun's bright light.

For many years I've dreamt of this very moment on my wedding day.

A promise for life, when we exchange our vows of I do, we will gleefully say.

Every single detail was anxiously planned by us for nearly a year,

honestly I thought today I'd find myself crippled by groom's fear.

To magically fall in love with a classic beauty and amazingly make her my bride,

leaves me standing here wiping tears as I am completely overwhelmed with pride.

© Vera

Paintings and note card by Kerrie Sanderson of Sea Washed

Photo's Pinterest, last photo taken by me - Vera