a reflective spot

 I had ordered the book AERO Beginning to now, by Thomas O Brien and when it arrived, I carefully unwrapped it and knew that it deserved time alone to lose myself in his collected style over a spot of tea.

There is a vintage quality yet a streamlined calm without being too pretentious or off putting.  His interiors are welcoming, warm and intriguing.

Over the years, I am learning that part of what inspires me are those that bring an air of grace and calm to my life.   Do you treat or reward yourself with simple treats, a new book, a cup of tea and then taking time to sit, to reflect and to look at life from another artisans eyes.  Now, I am ready to get back to work after taking a spot of tea and inspiration.

Congratulations to Andie of Divine Theatre blog on winning the Never give up pouch.

reading

 This weekend, I have to spend some time catching up on my reading list.  

I have created a Pinterest board with many books, some I have read and some that are on my list to read.

My sons gave me a kindle and I have noticed that my reading has gained momentum and speed.

I love the convenience of being able to highlight a word, look it up immediately and save it.

There is something nice about a real book and old fashioned book shops that I adore but anything to keep me well read is a plus.

Love to know what are you reading now?

Tania Vartan

I have asked my dear husband who works in the adjacent office building to hop next door to pick up a copy of this book signed by Tania Vartan whom I have long admired for her beauty and talent.  I will be at my daughter's first school soccer game today and it is times like these that I wish I could be in both places.

              The event is today- Tania Vartan:  A Memoir of the Decorative Arts  1970 to 2011

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 

 5:30- 7:00 pm 

Rizzoli Bookstore 

31 West 57th Street.

Allow yourself a few moments to browse the site of Tania Vartan.

novel exchange

While walking in the villiage of Southampton late yesterday afternoon in pursuit of a needle and thread to hem my new Kayce Hughes dress which has a definite air of graciousness. I popped in to a book seller to inquire about this book which is flying off the shelves. Could it have anything to do with our respect for elevating rules of civility during trying times?

Amor Towles debut novel "Rules of Civility."

My plan is to pour a wee martini after 5 and crank up the victrola and listen to some Billie Holiday and devour this book. Interested to know if anyone has read this yet?

grateful heart

How do you start your day?

While in Chicago, when we would go back to our hotel, we would put up our tired feet and read for a spell. Funny, we were both reading memoirs of lives with jagged starts.

Sometimes we read out loud when we came across parts to share with one another.

I finished reading the memoir, "Townie." Even though parts were intense or as our Mother says, "violent" I still felt a grateful heart in the midst of defeat.

My sister read "The Cracker Queen" and we kept trying to remember the four things the author wrote to live by;

Love

Forgiveness

Gratefulness

Purpose

Do you ever stop to think how different your day might be with a grateful start?

image

creating space

Would you like to create more space for HAPPINESS?

The secret is in giving room.

Sometimes all we have to do is make a little room.

Have you read this book?

Are you creating space in your life for happiness or are you suffocating it by hoarding or holding on to things that are taking up space?

Summer is a time for giving space and adding a little creativity.

friendship

Curious, has anyone read this book?

I love the title and anything having to do with the proper care and maintenance of friendship. Speaking of proper care, today is my dear friend Kwana's special day. I wish her a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead.

Happy Birthday dear friend!

Cheers to a new year of taking chances and getting out of your comfort zone.

I will be here to make sure you follow your heart and write towards your dreams content!

loved

"I wish I had died before I loved anyone but her."

If you have ever loved, then I suggest reading "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. The love story of Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson told from Hadley's perspective.

Winner of note-cards give-away is Sharon Taylor of A Lifestyle thing. Congrats to you, Sharon.

that house

Just when I told you I was signing off for the weekend, this book called my name and I had to share it with you. I just picked it up "to read" for the weekend. You do know that I have a secret passion for illustrating homes and for finding perfection in each one. I bought a copy of this book for my "real estate" friend who is always telling me about "this house" and "that house."

If you have a secret obsession for creating a perfect home then you will love this book.

Every house should have a hidden room for reading and laughing out loud. From my perfect home to yours, have a perfect weekend.

art rules

Art actually rules my life. I mean that in a good way. When you find something that you are passionate about and then try to set your own rules to your life, it is then that you are in fact making changes to live the life you want.

Pick up a copy of Chris Guillebeau's book!

Are you living the life that the remarkable you wants?

home within

One way to enjoy Summer Holidays be they at home or abroad is to find the "home" within each of us. Today, I think of those far away from home and how they find time to make room or a spot in their space to reflect their love of home. It could be a small corner, romanced with letters, photos of just something "familiar" that reminds us of those we love.

Are there books or images that you have collected that make you think of a far away place that you want to bring home?

Years ago, I started to collect poignant images that I carefully glued into a book that I titled -"Interiors of the heart."

Dreamy rooms, sumputous sofas, walls laden with art and all things that I felt made a room a home. A mix of European order and American nonchalance, some images more formally cluttered and others just casually right.

I began this book long before I had my own home, nor even had the "twinkling" a home would loom in my horizon.

We looked at so many houses while our twin sons were wee lads. On more than one occasion, I hopped out of the car, vowing we would never find anything we could afford, nor would I want my own dog to live in. Funny thing is, we did not even own a dog at that time.

images are from my journal and my home, back view.

We have learned to make room within our home as well as in the garden.

Tell me, what makes your home within more evocative?

beach books

New York Times photo

Nothing could be finer than some shades, a hat, and umbrella, and a stack of books.  Every time Summer rolls around, my stack of books stands at the ready - even if my trips to the beach are day trips or jaunts to my local pool club.  Where there is time, you will find me tucked inside my book, a bit of knitting and sketching galore. 

What is on your summer shelf of books to read?

sunday shelf - "series"

A "series" of books has always been a part of my world as well as my sons.  Although they are older, these books still remain on the shelf.  Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, The Hardy boys, and other series of fortunate and unfortunate events which have provided a great source of wonder and immediate escape.  A collection of swiss army knives given by my husband to the boys, you know how most boys are about toys.  They are on a shelf up high and are part of a series too.

So, tell me, do you have a series of items or books on your Sunday shelf?

the art of persuasion

On my list to read is "Persuasion" by Jane Austen.

I cannot fathom having so much influence over a friend to sway her from her destiny of a certain love.  Have you ever read either of these books, above and below?

For the New Year, I made a promise to read more and to also put into practice some of the words that I have read, "The Art of Influence" by Chris Widener.  Most artists are often isolated and part of the work is to retreat and go within.  Much of the creative process is intuitive so to help myself, I am turning a new leaf and putting to use, the "the art of influence" and "persuasion." After all, this can only help me in many other areas of life such as raising my children and dealing with life and all the drama.

Speaking of coaxing, how do you twist things in your favor in order to solve or create a problem?  ( I am noticing that several of you are quite successful with this art.)  I encourage each of you to leave a comment, pretty please.

a special feeling

"A Friend is someone who likes you" - the cover of the book by Joan Walsh Anglund.

I think that is a good rule of thumb for friendship.  Why would you want to be friends with someone who didn't even like you?

This sweet illustration gives me a special feeling and I think of it whenever I read a book.

I have a rule, I never ever say "no" to books for myself or my children.   These books gave me special feelings as a child and to this day I still find them incredibly sweet.  A sweet refuge.

Yes, " love is a special feeling."  Look at these young loves, back in the day when a single flower was all it took to make you feel special.  How about that red dress?  Is she the most gorgeous gal!  I love how she is perched up there, feet off the ground and speechless.   These books make me speechless.

Photo of Joan Walsh Anglund who published more than 90 books.

Look at the aura this artist has!

It was Mary-Laure from AUREA who inspired me to go back in time and remember my first love, my favorite childhood books which gave me a special feeling.  One such very special author and illustrator who made a hugh influence on me is Joan Walsh Anglund.  I was smitten with her illustrations and remember being so inspired to draw her sweet girls.  I would make a wide U then give it hair and bow and two dots for eyes.  (No mouth.)  

 For the longest time, I would go straight to our local library and check out "A friend is someone who likes you" and vow that I would tell them that it was lost, but being the honest citizen, I just had to return it.  Alas, I found it on e-bay and could not be happier.  These books take me back to a time of pure innocence.  A time before 9-11, a time when there was a special feeling of love, trust and goodness.  I want so much for my children to remember happy books and to live in a world of peace.  These little books give me a special feeling of peace all over.  

Look at this charming doll which was produced based upon the character in her books.  She has so much to say but no mouth.  As an artist, I think Joan Walsh Anglund was brave to leave the space wide open.   This brave cowboy was also a memorable story for many of my little boy friends.  I especially love his hat, it gives me a special feeling that he is not only brave but he trusts his style.   He looks "wanted" to me.   Take a look at her sweet books and see if they give you a special feeling.  Thank you Mary-Laure for making me remember my childhood in books.