tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12337974005456733072024-03-18T05:47:35.753-04:00The Homeless FinchSimple chirps from a studio artist and designer. Exploring vintage finds, home design, up-cycle and painting. Muses over whatnot.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-53702698286443273112018-02-09T21:16:00.001-05:002018-02-09T21:16:37.180-05:00The Homeless Finch Has Found Her Nest: Projects, Plans and Peace<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jehane Lyle, Watercolor on paper, "Cuppa" - detail</td></tr>
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This week has been a complete blast. Getting my hands back into creativity has been wonderful. I had actually forgotten how much I really enjoyed up-cycling furniture. I've been elbow deep in tiles, thin set, cutting wood, fixing drawers with glue and clamps, painting, cutting, pasting, staining, sanding and creating instant patinas. I'm constantly searching online, on the side of the road and the occasional stop at a thrift store for little treasures in need of a redesign.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-NywElL5laFtWo1WrZzuhsZJjwTCLBkO_xB4XO-UyJCO1VhZGqbyrLZvuTCg9UGacnVjAphQ268GZ9D1IgyG7KgzpDjEogMwZIHsR2tv5w9Mj25oBUCfiYv7Qz7B6gNJVG3XGW6lB4/s1600/TileTopRoundTableFeb18Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-NywElL5laFtWo1WrZzuhsZJjwTCLBkO_xB4XO-UyJCO1VhZGqbyrLZvuTCg9UGacnVjAphQ268GZ9D1IgyG7KgzpDjEogMwZIHsR2tv5w9Mj25oBUCfiYv7Qz7B6gNJVG3XGW6lB4/s320/TileTopRoundTableFeb18Progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got several projects in the works and many more waiting in the wings. I find myself constantly planning The Homeless Finch's initial and longer term inventory. As I work with my hands, my mind is in a whirl of creativity and ideas. I am sorting through and developing an action plan, a philosophy and setting goals. My mind wanders through my storage areas remembering so many great things that I have collected over the years. So many unusual objects that I've been hanging onto for 'that day.' I'm developing how this business will play a role in service within my tiny community. I make decisions to only sell local made items with the intent to showcase the artisans of the valley and give them an avenue to sell their creations. My friend Jehane is an artist and an art restoration expert. She has been creating a series of fun, whimsical water color books and paintings on paper (image above) and we are planning how she will be offering these yummy artistic treats for sale in the shop once it opens. Everything feels right. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric's shelves (detail)</td></tr>
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Eric has been busy building custom shelves for a client on the west side of town. His precision is arresting to me. The project has multiple odd angles and measurements and he is completely enjoying the challenge. I ponder over how together we make such a great partnership. We understand each other, but also compliment each other at the same time. He helps me problem solve even if it's his silence that speaks strongly! (HA)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUWtlK-6i7Ymy9NNQoROp5gYcoSB6r2X4tgEXWD87nSkH1uibGhaaPfE37r76I-2MrGMSi0iOvqDw4EwO2PVCOJORP5iexoSTUx6rEFq30htSClbQeOv1VjwD_YyttNV5aJVigs-fHYE/s1600/DeskBeforeFeb18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUWtlK-6i7Ymy9NNQoROp5gYcoSB6r2X4tgEXWD87nSkH1uibGhaaPfE37r76I-2MrGMSi0iOvqDw4EwO2PVCOJORP5iexoSTUx6rEFq30htSClbQeOv1VjwD_YyttNV5aJVigs-fHYE/s320/DeskBeforeFeb18.jpg" width="240" /></a>I am working on a complete re-design of a desk, rescuing a small stand with paint and tile and designing a new tile top table out of natural stone, granite and marble. Each project has challenges and I am enjoying the twist and turn that come as the process is revealed. <br />
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I would normally ask myself, "Why did I ever stop creating for The Homeless Finch?" But I already know the answer. Where I used to live didn't have a market and no one was interested up-cycled creations. In so many ways, I was a <strike>finch</strike> fish out of water! California is different. These are my people. It's a state full of souls who love the environment, try to conserve our resources and celebrate renewal. It is here in this tiny little Ojai Valley that The Homeless Finch has finally found her nest and I am home. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desk Re design in progress (detail)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-26488106127321469652018-02-05T12:56:00.000-05:002018-02-05T12:56:12.004-05:00The Homeless Finch Makes It's First Rescue<span style="font-size: large;">Another Upcycle, but of a different nature</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnOr9bHdYY55mQe-astCWik9yzzWRDL4HYgeiK9JdPpMKIaiBbR9H4oPW5qRyEb7ydHGKoefdlgaXRUe9Ea-GH6ytZAxxlyqwfInJUzRFS5l1OmXWsL64K-os9WMqEWd7OsUJwwux8HA/s1600/DodgeTruckOnRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnOr9bHdYY55mQe-astCWik9yzzWRDL4HYgeiK9JdPpMKIaiBbR9H4oPW5qRyEb7ydHGKoefdlgaXRUe9Ea-GH6ytZAxxlyqwfInJUzRFS5l1OmXWsL64K-os9WMqEWd7OsUJwwux8HA/s320/DodgeTruckOnRoad.jpg" width="320" /></a>A little over six months ago, we were on our way out of town to see my adult kids in Los Angeles. As we got to the edge of town, this little sweetheart of a vintage truck came rambling by in the opposite direction. Almost giving myself whiplash, I swung my head around just in time to see a 'For Sale' staring at me from the back window. Conflict ensues.... Do I keep on the path to be on time to see F.G. and Mimi? Or do I turn it around and chase this rusty crusty red pick up down and inquire. Well, my kids would have to wait <strike>and I hoped they'd still love me</strike>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chase!</td></tr>
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I've been accused of being impetuous. I'm okay with the moniker because I have found that whenever I go with my gut and run in the directions of my crazy ideas, it usually works out very well...most of the time. (wink) This was no different in my mind. We chased old rusty down driving all around Ojai trying to safely catch up and take a closer look. Within an hour, I had negotiated a deal, gone to the bank and snagged her for my own and took off to meet up with my kids! They forgave me the moment they saw the pics!<br />
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Over the last half year, we have spent a few dollars getting a few things fixed on her, but have come to the decision to take her renovation to the next level. There is a guy here in Ojai, C.J., who can help us upcycle this truck into a very usable vehicle and we have decided to send her off for surgery. Currently, we are searching for a 'donor vehicle.' It's kinda like a donor organ, only more involved like putting a new body on a beautiful face. Sounds gross... Let me re-state this. We are searching for a discarded/totaled old Chevy Suburban type vehicle in order to harvest it's engine for our little red gem. Once we locate it, C.J. will begin the renovation. <br />
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Once the transplant has taken place, we will be commissioning her to represent The Homeless Finch as our mascot truck. We are both super excited about this endeavor and I will update you on our progress. <br />
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This past weekend, The Homeless Finch made it's first acquisitions for the new shop. Today, I will start to sort through the finds, design and plan for their upcycle and jump right back into making this dream happen. <span style="font-size: large;">Onward....</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziYIVJw2rFW0Y-s6oF2Hg57deZyMovn_i17ZEmIqonh-MxW3KuuVkkW2O8fV3Troovcl8HS25fKqKRFWpZpERDoX0969ura7sNUorNTHM4l13Mb46PeaLi-GydE3TrOPZooyWk7toMwM/s1600/Dodge1956%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziYIVJw2rFW0Y-s6oF2Hg57deZyMovn_i17ZEmIqonh-MxW3KuuVkkW2O8fV3Troovcl8HS25fKqKRFWpZpERDoX0969ura7sNUorNTHM4l13Mb46PeaLi-GydE3TrOPZooyWk7toMwM/s200/Dodge1956%25234.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-71952164244748014952018-02-02T20:06:00.001-05:002018-02-02T20:18:25.460-05:00The Start of Something New for The Homeless Finch<br />
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"All life is a journey; which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there." - A Little Book of Happiness</span></h2>
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I started this blog in 2011 with the idea that I would be able to share my ideas and give inspiration and instruction to whomever might be interested in the same things that I was...art, upcycling, re-newing that which is vintage, exploring flea markets, gardening and surrounding myself with the things that I love and in which I found value towards making a life well worth living.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34eRLtp0DrjJr99V1yI7uNj478ungkOua0LBrnpr-OBPU4SpPhZ8QLBSW5qlDYSiYBT6sG8S8tRSt0SFMJloDETgseYqpEi8BpdRXt-BtB-SYB1xAljhTrsDPVGzVfKx-IijHLP7poFQ/s1600/LesleySunsetbyEric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="878" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34eRLtp0DrjJr99V1yI7uNj478ungkOua0LBrnpr-OBPU4SpPhZ8QLBSW5qlDYSiYBT6sG8S8tRSt0SFMJloDETgseYqpEi8BpdRXt-BtB-SYB1xAljhTrsDPVGzVfKx-IijHLP7poFQ/s400/LesleySunsetbyEric.JPG" width="218" /></a>After many years and several life changing events, which took me away from blogging, I now live in beautiful Southern California; a dream of mine since I was a teen. I bought a circa 1928 Spanish Style bungalow in the Ojai Valley and am hard at work renovating, decorating, redesigning and loving my new creative and peaceful life here. I've met a wonderful best friend and partner, Eric. You will be meeting him soon too since he will play a major role in the future of The Homeless Finch.<br />
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For those newer people in my life, I haven't addressed 'why The Homeless Finch?' I am a serial upcycler and re-purpose-aholic, vintage maven, fixer upper. I have the compulsive need to rescue all that is homeless. The funny little lost and discarded treasures I find bringing them into my life to make new again... or to which I give new purpose.<br />
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Today, we opened an account and filed for an official limited liability corporation in the State of California, The Homeless Finch LLC. The goal is to open a small retail space (brick and mortar and online) sometime within 2018, but we have a ton of work ahead of us to plan, build an inventory and scout out an appropriate location here in Ojai. We are also in the middle of rescuing this wonderful 1956 Dodge pick up to use as our company vehicle!<br />
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I am excited, after a ton of research and heartfelt exploring of myself, to embark on this great new adventure along with such a wonderfully talented artistic partner. We plan to merge our art, my passion for upcycling, gardening and the work of other Ojai Valley artists and artisans into a jumbled mix of whimsical, useful and fascinating arts, gifts and furniture. </div>
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Nothing should be homeless. Everything is renewable. At almost 54, I am going to renew myself too...again. Join me on the journey...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-74201384313832459772013-06-01T10:50:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.087-04:00Simple Little Work of Art for Someone Who Means the World to MeMy week has been a little trying and I haven't had a ton of time in the studio. I also haven't had the time I would want to read some of my favorite blogs. So if you haven't heard from me, I apologize. Life gets in the way sometimes. Regardless, I wanted to post a mini-project that I did last week. It was fun, quick and a delightful gift to give to my bestie. <br />
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I took this pic...well, I actually stole this pic off of my friend's Facebook page. He posted it a few weeks ago with a caption that read: Happy Dog. This is my best friend's Maltese, Missy chilling out at their beach house in Florida. The overall feel and soft tones in the photo made me want to use it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0obDGIamX8Ar7rUyvbGgWIwt-9o6ykr68J2LH7uOs49xmnqJNqawhrjVH7xiQjdE4tEutxyeKW90NRAs7av28uJrHz9KcV4gWBkh041XSsJH8pWOoSGpdA-SaFGrxHMt8CeD69kH_MSQ/s1600/TedMissy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0obDGIamX8Ar7rUyvbGgWIwt-9o6ykr68J2LH7uOs49xmnqJNqawhrjVH7xiQjdE4tEutxyeKW90NRAs7av28uJrHz9KcV4gWBkh041XSsJH8pWOoSGpdA-SaFGrxHMt8CeD69kH_MSQ/s640/TedMissy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I popped it into Picasa and played around with some of the settings and then reduced the photo into a pencil sketch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p2L7GCKul37oLH4VcuRg7o4qnHqRoQAqkzoD23cGoL93cgPliPu7D6enetCKsr9vkSet3KUjlSyIJAtG5BdO_qiYTTKlpLiJ8h6CMGAj5KYEyDkdMgS3faKA5Ds_brG_-fBVuzfVFf0/s1600/TedMissy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p2L7GCKul37oLH4VcuRg7o4qnHqRoQAqkzoD23cGoL93cgPliPu7D6enetCKsr9vkSet3KUjlSyIJAtG5BdO_qiYTTKlpLiJ8h6CMGAj5KYEyDkdMgS3faKA5Ds_brG_-fBVuzfVFf0/s640/TedMissy2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After printing the pencil sketch version out on a piece of 8 1/2 X 12 watercolor paper, I washed the different areas of the images with gouache. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiogkh7KX_hlZ8pqNXSa-saL92sGdCGcBczc8jr0jZmmwep8Qoo2ZRj647AAmvPTXGwIXzPTjUz1Wy0xRb5OCD_1thQyKOcoFpe0m8U_lDOFBw0W3Ys-HV0A4U6LlcoMu4mk20p40a-w0/s1600/Missy+in+Watercolor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiogkh7KX_hlZ8pqNXSa-saL92sGdCGcBczc8jr0jZmmwep8Qoo2ZRj647AAmvPTXGwIXzPTjUz1Wy0xRb5OCD_1thQyKOcoFpe0m8U_lDOFBw0W3Ys-HV0A4U6LlcoMu4mk20p40a-w0/s640/Missy+in+Watercolor.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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As I worked with the medium, I made subtle changes to the image, changing the lines and direction in the foreground, creating a little more drama in the atmosphere and intensifying the depth of the ocean color. This was a fun, relaxing project and I had a blast delivering it to him at his new art gallery that is under construction as this time. <br />
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It's fun to create something for someone you love. There is a certain nervousness that is involved in such an endeavor, even with something as simple at this little piece of art. In the end, I think he loved it. After all, it has his sweet Missy in the image. Who wouldn't like something like that?! <br />
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***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking this to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/05/paint-party-friday-week-12-year-3-check.html">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-90245629917393929902013-05-24T15:37:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.098-04:00Artist Dates and Small Works Make for More Than Just PaintAs an artist, I have come to realize how important it is to be connected to a community of creative people. I love all my friends, whether they are creative or not. They all play a different role in my circle of friendship. Heck! My husband isn't a creative and I think he is pretty darn cool himself! But my artist friends understand me at a level that is only possible if you are <strike>crazy, weird, nuts</strike> sewn together in way that creative thinkers are knitted. <br />
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<a href="http://ellenmcsweeney.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/the-artists-way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ellenmcsweeney.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/the-artists-way.jpg" width="320" /></a>After reading through the first half of Julie Cameron's <i>The Artist Way</i>, I decided to take the initiative to champion a Artist Studio Date once a month with two of my favorite creative friends. We get together once a month with a sketchbook and limited supplies to create small works of art, but more importantly to connect and talk and share. The idea is to come with a loose idea of what we might paint on the page. We paint, chat and stop for lunch. We sip Prosecco and laugh about our lives, our men and bounce ideas off of each other. These ideas are both about our studio work and about our lives. We are three months into our dates and I wanted to share with you the three pages that I have completed. </div>
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In my bag of tricks I pack drawing materials, a limited supply of brushes and tubes of gouache. Here are the results of each month's date.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksEJi7CsobzcKEOCrNoY5f5u63ecUjI8GgnFIfKrEg63qGudbKEyRz_guEFWwR5bj4sfVoDVeBVeQM4t06smIAMhU6_ePGLNBTe-kv06rh0svCkg7Jz7UewhE02yK461-DMhG9ZrAElU/s1600/Artist+Date+First+Date.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksEJi7CsobzcKEOCrNoY5f5u63ecUjI8GgnFIfKrEg63qGudbKEyRz_guEFWwR5bj4sfVoDVeBVeQM4t06smIAMhU6_ePGLNBTe-kv06rh0svCkg7Jz7UewhE02yK461-DMhG9ZrAElU/s640/Artist+Date+First+Date.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZffKA_yn5PgQQXjmtQZRM2d8Fp-SPEbXPwhtsSnOV_CLxvykXF-knCfER-mWVFL7o_zJmuzsGNDkKM3hQ_J7jNZSh3adgmrXNvbX8RWyPvSTD33g7arOe2okjSRBw2tp4oRv_W_z1QU4/s1600/Riitta+&+Me+in+Studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZffKA_yn5PgQQXjmtQZRM2d8Fp-SPEbXPwhtsSnOV_CLxvykXF-knCfER-mWVFL7o_zJmuzsGNDkKM3hQ_J7jNZSh3adgmrXNvbX8RWyPvSTD33g7arOe2okjSRBw2tp4oRv_W_z1QU4/s320/Riitta+&+Me+in+Studio.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic from the first Artist Date</td></tr>
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In the above small painting, I came with the goal to just paint something without thinking. I brought a few brushes, pencils and gouache. (For those of you who don't know what gouache is, it's a watercolor paint that has nice qualities that allow if needed for a more opaque result than most standard watercolor paints.) I just did without thinking, laying down a layer of bright yellow and then just adding the elements. I have glue relief stamps that I made and tossed in the bag that I used to create the square and rectangular shapes. During the afternoon, one of my friends said, "You can't be erased." It wasn't a direct comment at me, but an overall pronouncement. It stuck with me, so I used it in the piece on the bottom right corner.<br />
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On our second Artist Date, I brought with me a copy of a photograph that my daughter took of herself to use as inspiration. Here is the photocopy. It's a somewhat somber image. She captures herself in many different moods. I thought this image would be interesting to tackle both thematically and structurally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDi4F9B1pHVnEHFAMzjX1fW-mWJLl3YDuFH1czqXPLDFzITTaPYLSYyD7Ksg4dkzINH9I_zDWbWCi_tkvHmowF3xx4rf763J9f2mm2UveK2oe96R0H9_k2XbgcGHxt2kek8cJ56d7FVqs/s1600/MimiMar2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDi4F9B1pHVnEHFAMzjX1fW-mWJLl3YDuFH1czqXPLDFzITTaPYLSYyD7Ksg4dkzINH9I_zDWbWCi_tkvHmowF3xx4rf763J9f2mm2UveK2oe96R0H9_k2XbgcGHxt2kek8cJ56d7FVqs/s320/MimiMar2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below is the small painting I did based on this photograph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIqBSHoBBWUYSV4M0IynFijFdgUbgmlwi0AprB6AvJY0sYrueimHh_bT7LA-uMuMHTwi2rH0tpB_5jHJsJURfsBNhoIli3pnf06hX59HA8RVF-53wYlkcJpcWVcTVgm670kDknr6mU-c/s1600/Mimi+in+Gouache.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIqBSHoBBWUYSV4M0IynFijFdgUbgmlwi0AprB6AvJY0sYrueimHh_bT7LA-uMuMHTwi2rH0tpB_5jHJsJURfsBNhoIli3pnf06hX59HA8RVF-53wYlkcJpcWVcTVgm670kDknr6mU-c/s640/Mimi+in+Gouache.JPG" width="482" /></a></div>
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I decided on a brighter color palette and put down a basic background sketch using pencil. I made the decision at one point to open her eye because I thought the downward gaze would help me illustrate the mood of the image. We, as a family, have been through a lot in the last few months. I wanted to document this moment.<br />
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This past week, we met in MY studio for the first time. Boy was I excited to host the day. We all three have come to look forward to getting together to share our work and our lives. We can say anything and the other person doesn't judge. We 'get' each other implicitly. Weirdos like other weirdos. Hee hee.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1k2umzNVx7JqhYqc-umxiHWQrtt3_PXEp13NrYei38Bj2EEq6WEz2lypmb26XrutRVP70ifLpeSY9Ua4FI2-00UkoUejRdJbn4tO-z68MSFmuz97MB3vjk-isBWCkwvlALEK1LepuyQ/s1600/KathyandGypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1k2umzNVx7JqhYqc-umxiHWQrtt3_PXEp13NrYei38Bj2EEq6WEz2lypmb26XrutRVP70ifLpeSY9Ua4FI2-00UkoUejRdJbn4tO-z68MSFmuz97MB3vjk-isBWCkwvlALEK1LepuyQ/s320/KathyandGypsy.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gypsy the Studio cat!</td></tr>
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For this week in addition to the Artist Date, I was attempting to also participate in an online community linky party sponsored by <a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2013/05/retro-art-challenge.html">Inspiration Avenue</a>. Maggie picks a theme each week and all the participants create something based on that theme. I rarely participate in these parties because my work is my work and I find it hard to paint something that doesn't apply. The theme this week was "Retro Art 1950s and 60s." I had the hair brained idea that I would create my Artist Date page based on the work of the 1950s and 60s artist Mark Rothko. I love his work and thought it would be fun to explore this idea. <br />
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It turned out to be not the best idea. I am not Mark. Will never be Mark. I hated the painting. It didn't feel like me. The rectangles were all off or something. Couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe it was that I drank too much Prosecco? (wink)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzh3kupUPML2NVr9c0Z5NdpdjHTkvpI-eCHEvPECq2pCK-WgmwUx5dkxFxZpeLQr53ZUg2lL6NAQ9aM4rO6DthDm6KIwb5aZ4MeqBGs2j2afJ075bUR_a6_gHti23I-DQgHVtYJIRlPI/s1600/Artist+Date+Sketchbook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzh3kupUPML2NVr9c0Z5NdpdjHTkvpI-eCHEvPECq2pCK-WgmwUx5dkxFxZpeLQr53ZUg2lL6NAQ9aM4rO6DthDm6KIwb5aZ4MeqBGs2j2afJ075bUR_a6_gHti23I-DQgHVtYJIRlPI/s640/Artist+Date+Sketchbook.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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In the end, I was so unhappy with the painting that I added this random tree. Why not? It is what it is for sure. One of my friends said that the painting reminded her of Jasper Johns, another painter from that time period. So hey, it's my Retro Art. Ha!<br />
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An artist's life can be very isolating. I think it is important to get out with other creative people. We feed each other. We validate each other. Sometimes...we just need to 'be' together, if nothing more than to realize that there are other weird people out there just like us! It's worth the effort. I promise.<br />
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***</div>
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I'm linking this post to: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/05/paint-party-friday-week-11-year-3-check.html">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2013/05/retro-art-challenge.html">Inspiration Avenue</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-37243133759158473422013-05-16T08:19:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.082-04:00Pouting, Painting and PonderingThis week I am in the studio doing small works on paper. I needed a break from my larger work after my husband left a door open on my studio allowing a gust of wind to turn the painting I blogged about <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2013/05/sometimes-ya-just-gotta-turn-things.html">last week</a> into a sail which resulted in a large rip in the canvas. I could try and repair the rip and continue, but the painting wasn't really working anyway. I just don't feel like investing the time into something that is already damaged. <br />
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I was disappointed. Yes. I did take most of the day to pout, bitch and complain. I behaved horribly, which I felt obligated to do. (wink) Sometimes...ya just gotta stomp your feet and get it all out! <br />
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Perhaps he did me a favor. The event forced me to change course and start on something fresh and new. My other studio work can wait for a little bit while I explore this avenue. I am having fun with it. I showed this one painting to my friends on Facebook yesterday and I have gotten nice feedback. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVKTA1tvoFfAqX2gsCrpv4hQt41hHHG9c_J4PxM-f_WQg3fVSdPs4l2mPVv3PPvwT9o1uXY94iWD12qzQbwEGHvOPhXDWuoeS8Zp0HO8WQPRKhzIAQDfQIBYNiZR5YvIxhBNLnK_IB10/s1600/Bubbles+on+Paper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVKTA1tvoFfAqX2gsCrpv4hQt41hHHG9c_J4PxM-f_WQg3fVSdPs4l2mPVv3PPvwT9o1uXY94iWD12qzQbwEGHvOPhXDWuoeS8Zp0HO8WQPRKhzIAQDfQIBYNiZR5YvIxhBNLnK_IB10/s640/Bubbles+on+Paper.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gouache and pencil on paper. 6 inch X 6 inch. </td></tr>
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My husband called it whimsical. Another friend called it bubbly delicious! I haven't called it anything yet. Which is kinda strange because I usually name every last thing I paint. Anybody out there care to help a girl out?! Wanna take a stab at a name? Who knows....perhaps I will use it. <br />
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So, I could have remained stuck in that rip-in-my-canvas moment. I could have used it as an excuse to impede the momentum that I am attempting to build in my studio work. To many...including my critical self, that would have been understandable...even justified. <br />
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But why? What was I to gain from remaining in that negative place? What benefit or growth can be achieve if we allow ourselves to be tied down? There might have been something to gain in that place. I think there is something to learn from in every circumstance. But I chose to let it go and move on. I chose to untie from that entrapment and explore what a new freedom might offer. <br />
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In order to feel good about not languishing in that place, I had to completely switch it up and work in a different manner. My husband <strike>knew what was good for him, so he</strike> helped me rearrange and clean up my studio space over the weekend. I set up the tables in a different configuration that is more conducive to working on a paper. It's amazing what a little clean up and switch up can do for perspective! Fresh path.<br />
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Who knows to what this path might lead. I think it is worth traveling. I think that this matters. I think letting go of what ties us down matters. It allows us to move on...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i><b>“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4114218.C_JoyBell_C_" style="color: #666600; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">C. JoyBell C.</a></b></i></span></div>
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***<br />
Linking this post to:<br />
<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/05/paint-party-friday-week-10-year-3-check.html">Paint Party Friday</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-32345303788140196442013-05-10T09:26:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.074-04:00Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Turn Things Upside Down!There is this thing that happens to an artist while working in the studio. It is inevitable We all experiences it from time to time. It's like hitting a stone wall. Let me explain...You have this painting in progress. The problem is...it's stalled. There is no progress. It's trapped in a place. We stand looking, realizing that there are some very obviously things wrong, but more importantly...there is something elusively wrong too. Many times we continue to layer paint, add elements, squint at it, turn our heads to one side, stand with puzzled faces and sometimes just plain walk away in disgust! <br />
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My friend, Riitta and I also sometimes chose to put those paintings in 'time out.' I call it putting it in the closet. Riitta calls it the punishment box! We chose to laugh in spite of our frustrations, because in reality sometimes you just gotta laugh! So why the rambling over this inevitable circumstance? Well.... I've got this on an easel wasting the days away in a suspended purgatory...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzdGbgunfuUjTDFmPtQsFwUOwvg4YhKAOZGOYR-QBm93Pji_nXXeTxAz9cEAvoTzcKRyq632mupaR5Yhi6AV2edIGNV8hRGpcOyWCQ8ez1SlUlVsEDNLQw2gLwjKoYpo_izkQMM84Zxw/s1600/InProgress100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzdGbgunfuUjTDFmPtQsFwUOwvg4YhKAOZGOYR-QBm93Pji_nXXeTxAz9cEAvoTzcKRyq632mupaR5Yhi6AV2edIGNV8hRGpcOyWCQ8ez1SlUlVsEDNLQw2gLwjKoYpo_izkQMM84Zxw/s640/InProgress100.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting in Progress</td></tr>
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So...the obvious problems? Just above the mid-level area of this painting, the colors need to change. Obviously?... This painting is far from worked to completion. So why am I 'stuck?' It's been like this for days, without an answer. Sometimes, I will send an image to Riitta to get her take. But this time...I have just let it sit. Deep breaths...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2eND9RTVxZKgGDjeKMuyB2qAHFQORfAGTZKPhZz5DUCmP6I6j3Hn6Z2dOejq-pxlBPn8PEcBCR0dotZRB50VuHumVP20WbRsxpTqILRtOoP1y5CW7NlwqdLx4pEwEndSSJEHTXtTPfY/s1600/Detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2eND9RTVxZKgGDjeKMuyB2qAHFQORfAGTZKPhZz5DUCmP6I6j3Hn6Z2dOejq-pxlBPn8PEcBCR0dotZRB50VuHumVP20WbRsxpTqILRtOoP1y5CW7NlwqdLx4pEwEndSSJEHTXtTPfY/s320/Detail.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail - Painting in progress</td></tr>
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Okay...so here's my solution. Well, it's not MY solution, it's one of those 'tricks' we are taught along the way. Perhaps, it's just a coping skill we learn...ya know, the skills all of us employ on a daily basis in an attempt to stay sane?!! I am going to put a Voodoo curse on this painting. Just Kidding! I thought I had ya there! (wink) I am going to simply <u>turn this painting upside down</u> and start fresh...well, kinda fresh. I have something on this canvas and I am going to try and re-address it from another perspective. <br />
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Many times this technique will help me re-establish a color palette direction. Sometimes it will allow me to correct composition issues. Sometimes it is just as simple as forcing myself to enter stroke marks from a different direction which can change the overall energy or flow of the painting. I might also cover a few areas that aren't working for me with gesso. We shall see what develops in the upside down world. <br />
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Regardless...this painting needs the big 'switcherooy!'<br />
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So today...I'm flipping out!... uh wait... No. This <i>painting</i> will be flipping over. Yep...Not me, the painting. Got it. (Sometimes it feels like both.) Ha! The key to being able to do this? Letting go... Whatever I thought this painting might be, is a thing of the past. Let's see what happens...<br />
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<i><b>"Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to." Anonymous </b></i></div>
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***<br />
Linking this to<a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/05/paint-party-friday-week-9-year-3-check.html"> Paint Party Friday</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-79416665115591280712013-05-02T08:48:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.093-04:00Finding Answers and Searching for the Recipe One Step at a Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdayMw2AoqneO1w5fggn6Ylwf8ZS6daezQ6x4tjsQS9NXD9n2Pe2gcAlZO7p_w70ivEM4OM1-wA4wP42PfhxR7vOZQOTB3r1iOQHMt-gkfVcAZaRONi_ypFP5ewvl1b9ZxUIwfqsulmig/s1600/FGSmiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdayMw2AoqneO1w5fggn6Ylwf8ZS6daezQ6x4tjsQS9NXD9n2Pe2gcAlZO7p_w70ivEM4OM1-wA4wP42PfhxR7vOZQOTB3r1iOQHMt-gkfVcAZaRONi_ypFP5ewvl1b9ZxUIwfqsulmig/s320/FGSmiling.jpg" width="181" /></a>My son is a musician and a song writer. He discovered his passion for music at age 13. In high school, he was an honors student and pretty darn amazing at remembering facts and figures. He always excelled in the sciences. He had a gift for understanding scientific concepts. When he was quite young, he would love to get as gifts large coffee table books covering all sorts of biological and animal life subjects. He would devour the contents and to this day can still pull up details about strange creatures and organisms.<br />
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He is one of those people who is fascinating and is knitted together quite differently from most others. He has the intellect of a geeky kid, but not the personality. He is extremely outgoing and social. This fact has made growing up tough for him. Even though he was one of the smartest kids in his classes, he struggled to perform academically because of the negative distractions. He has not had an easy road. At the age of 18, he has experienced much more hurt and heartbreak then most people do in a lifetime. His struggles have been epic...but he is a survivor.<br />
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I was told once by an elderly lady whom we came into contact with when he was a toddler that I had been given a gift. She told me that I had been given a child that was here to change the world. Oh course, she was saying this based on his current headstrong and unrelenting behavior, but somehow she saw something in him. During some of the toughest days as a mother, I would cling to those words, thinking that they meant something. I told myself that she must have been an angel send with a message. It got me through a lot. I am grateful to this day that she took the time to impart her words. We should all do that more often.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTGmDPVqvgOA1PMIVCK9OW5OMqCVRQLd0O3phUZhUjUcKLSXyCTcwRGpTHskXQDm4KS00m9qswpzZpBE0HFSekR5K3X61n4GSsmgrRn-xUjjYShWOLPBJMneGJR2lj__q17x4wn961Y0/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTGmDPVqvgOA1PMIVCK9OW5OMqCVRQLd0O3phUZhUjUcKLSXyCTcwRGpTHskXQDm4KS00m9qswpzZpBE0HFSekR5K3X61n4GSsmgrRn-xUjjYShWOLPBJMneGJR2lj__q17x4wn961Y0/s640/DSC_0595.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris 2011. He spontaneously joined a group of street performers. He played for two hours with these guys who had mad respect for him. He even drew a pretty huge crowd of people. I think he still sees this moment as one of the<br />
happiness afternoons to date. </td></tr>
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I had always just assumed that both my kids would have a great high school experience. That my house would be filled with friends and parties, football games and school activities. I assumed that I would be able to guild them into choosing the best, most well selected colleges that would match their passions. I guess that I always thought that if I worked hard and became the best mother on earth, that they could move mountains and that everything would work out just great. I assumed a lot, but learn oh so much more. They say that when life throws a curve ball, you better have your mitt ready. Well, we caught the ball...and we are still trying to recover from the sting...we are also looking for the recipe to the right lemonade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw1U_9sgxHdfWxANigP_Ou3sRPaKgPsvgWmjQBUEHNPJeiobnhv954tV4l6l_gAr0RW-4NQdrZ3MS11Y79qpvQW-q-UIc6VU8XfMYNpzv2wA_xuOl9TiEPvPJ-6s0hpnkBMYEXUhKgQg/s1600/FGWalkingBoost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpw1U_9sgxHdfWxANigP_Ou3sRPaKgPsvgWmjQBUEHNPJeiobnhv954tV4l6l_gAr0RW-4NQdrZ3MS11Y79qpvQW-q-UIc6VU8XfMYNpzv2wA_xuOl9TiEPvPJ-6s0hpnkBMYEXUhKgQg/s640/FGWalkingBoost.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
This image was taken back in 2012 by my daughter, who is a gifted artist and photographer. I have a ton of images of him throughout the years walking away. Kinda a strange happenstance. I realized this during the last 6 months...that he always seemed to be walking away, in search of something. Perhaps we will help him find that something now.</div>
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So now we are on a new road. A new normal. A one day at a time future. The recipe is somewhere out there. No doubt Life will point us in a direction. Life has a way of doing that. I still believe that I am that great mother who can help my kid move mountains. It just so happens that we've moved to a new range.<br />
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<i>"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"</i></div>
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<i>Dale Carnegie</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-35463534472836652632013-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-26T08:07:08.547-04:00Taking a Moment to Breathe. Reflections from the Studio<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/michelleob415504.html" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote"><i>You may not always have a comfortable life </i></a></div>
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<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/michelleob415504.html" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote"><i>and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once </i></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/michelleob415504.html" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 26px; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote"><i>but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.</i></a></div>
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<span class="bodybold" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="bodybold"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michelle_obama.html" style="color: #0000aa; text-decoration: none;" title="view author">Michelle Obama</a></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVSZWQ2eCv8CVpzAAEFYxGhyvswODyqKpnCR1S_0-Vs0981_8l0YdHsaV71LVAXYriY3UBQs9Ul8yu8WT6qD4zivHGzrvte5ItsHGD6T7ALXxXtT7tW8PS-1gzkkKdCoZ4JTgRqWWxj4/s1600/Redo-Detailaltered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVSZWQ2eCv8CVpzAAEFYxGhyvswODyqKpnCR1S_0-Vs0981_8l0YdHsaV71LVAXYriY3UBQs9Ul8yu8WT6qD4zivHGzrvte5ItsHGD6T7ALXxXtT7tW8PS-1gzkkKdCoZ4JTgRqWWxj4/s400/Redo-Detailaltered.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The last week has showed me that sometimes hope and courage in combination can move mountains. Many of you know about the struggles our family has faced over the last year, especially the last 6 months. There has been a huge turning point to the positive and I am...for the first time in a long long time able to breath again. The hope that I have held onto so dearly has changed shape going from a desperate hope to a hope that with it carries a smile. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">A mother's love for her child is like nothing else on this earth. It's gentle and sweet during the easy times, but tenacious and ferocious like a lion when put to the challenge of defending and saving her own. I know this having experienced it first hand. Don't mess with the mamma! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For the first time in my life, I have used my art to get through it all. It has distracted me when I needed to be distracted. It has comforted me when I needed comforting. Through this time, I have re-connected with my artist child, clinging to it like a baby clings to it's blanket. I don't intend on ever letting it go again because I realize that it is so much an important part of who I am. I am amazed at what I have learned about myself. Without this difficult trial, I might not have ever found my way back to me.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMZza2RbpI78JAjBlGITlfm6Oe5rUaON_I_r5kXwoim9M-LQYgVQOce09aYpae-B8QlAysrWpzx0cjRdISlxGdhe3AV8u0VL_7vgNXM32Yiyk-D87bLWbtzaaUzG5cj_U7aq24LGjO-o/s1600/FG+in+Gouache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMZza2RbpI78JAjBlGITlfm6Oe5rUaON_I_r5kXwoim9M-LQYgVQOce09aYpae-B8QlAysrWpzx0cjRdISlxGdhe3AV8u0VL_7vgNXM32Yiyk-D87bLWbtzaaUzG5cj_U7aq24LGjO-o/s640/FG+in+Gouache.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F.G. in Gouache, Gouache and Charcoal on Paper</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This was a quick painting based off a photograph that I took back when my son was 12. He was standing up on a hill in Central Park in New York City. I saved the photograph for years hoping to use it in the studio. On a particularly gloomy day, I decided to make this piece using a combination of Payne Grey in Gouache and charcoal. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The road ahead will not be easy. But if I have learned anything, I have learned that every path has a purpose...no matter how dark it might be...there is always light somewhere down it. You just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Linking this to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/04/paint-party-friday-week-7-year-3-check.html">Paint Party Friday</a>.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-77510092705637909402013-04-18T11:24:00.000-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.090-04:00Still Trying to Get By...Snapshots from the Studio<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBz0-LyZoTAr20Kzy0XVDMwhuu2YK07MxZBmpO0dEA7lAE5VuoirjUZugSFx_XWdmjdAWcYAEpRt8olc2LUt-uJV8-6jJJDiofO7Ms3KkSBM3mRGFCS1OjKMcCyPvWN0jfDArwOq3_Z8/s1600/PaintingFinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBz0-LyZoTAr20Kzy0XVDMwhuu2YK07MxZBmpO0dEA7lAE5VuoirjUZugSFx_XWdmjdAWcYAEpRt8olc2LUt-uJV8-6jJJDiofO7Ms3KkSBM3mRGFCS1OjKMcCyPvWN0jfDArwOq3_Z8/s400/PaintingFinished.jpg" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px; text-align: left;">"Traverse," acrylic on canvas. 24 X 30 inches</span></td></tr>
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Well, I thought that I might be able to pull this blog up out of the dust, but life is just too crazy. Perhaps I will just put tiny thoughts down and post a few images for now. I am not taking 'professional' photos of the work yet. These are just iPhone snap shots of the paintings on easels in the studio space.<br />
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On the right, is one of my recent paintings. I completed this about a week ago and it is no longer on the easel in my studio as pictured here in this quick snapshot on my iPhone. It is sitting on the hearth of my fireplace along with a basket holding a blanket.<br />
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Here are a few more snapshots of some recent work. The first one is an older painting that I took back into the studio for a few changes. Sorry....the pic isn't centered, but hey, it's the best I got for ya now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PROyrH2vup8WWD0oOQ-d2xY2bUFxnWhjgQD-1JVAcWZU3E-FmCOdPBa2O5kb1yy4uJHyJh59dfYbvYgXondgvmuxFEXOOkETIw4OhsYfbZ9rXOt8CCnFP7yuUW2o251kdHk8iUYUzz0/s1600/Redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PROyrH2vup8WWD0oOQ-d2xY2bUFxnWhjgQD-1JVAcWZU3E-FmCOdPBa2O5kb1yy4uJHyJh59dfYbvYgXondgvmuxFEXOOkETIw4OhsYfbZ9rXOt8CCnFP7yuUW2o251kdHk8iUYUzz0/s640/Redo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px; text-align: left;">"Finding Answers" - Acrylic on canvas. 3 x 5 ft.</span></td></tr>
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This second one is another recently completed painting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW29zvNEUybETzwyJRUg_B7Fs_9pmBtfmOUsXiXhSiXAlhW4_CHYEfL2DCbl0rd6VrDgCC-KR4jjFocZe5aO62HjPC4ehzxrXz5HnKQO5W0bdych0GJVi72GZA82tdhZojeD_qiYZAM0/s1600/Mood+Disorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW29zvNEUybETzwyJRUg_B7Fs_9pmBtfmOUsXiXhSiXAlhW4_CHYEfL2DCbl0rd6VrDgCC-KR4jjFocZe5aO62HjPC4ehzxrXz5HnKQO5W0bdych0GJVi72GZA82tdhZojeD_qiYZAM0/s640/Mood+Disorder.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mood Disorder, Acrylic on canvas 3 feet by 5 feet.</td></tr>
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I've have two paintings in progress in the studio. I just took this quick snapshot of them sitting side by side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxAAlAY2BMH4YuK0m5ThwMMXuZWpJmURm3BHuo3d9GWcEl7MLJSlSXY35G5DysbumMuhLQhkCTCnkYsOPZSwOOWr1RGyBDONtm2XtbZViaYr1KLflZwe9v4G9g5IKqLSzIwNJEtjrV34/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxAAlAY2BMH4YuK0m5ThwMMXuZWpJmURm3BHuo3d9GWcEl7MLJSlSXY35G5DysbumMuhLQhkCTCnkYsOPZSwOOWr1RGyBDONtm2XtbZViaYr1KLflZwe9v4G9g5IKqLSzIwNJEtjrV34/s640/photo+(26).JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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The long, tall canvas is just in the beginning stages. I like to put a background of color down to start. I just let myself paint and try not to over think the choices. I know that most of it will be covered up in the end. <br />
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The large, square painting has three layers of paint at this point. I started with straight-out-of-the-tube color in a block style,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztfz2sDKCU4SMNJ_y0H9_S0nSvJpH2S8Hjgw_OV1vSSt0d7E5FXguignVMB-IQScCcTSd5orF4cNI5cfi0qSzbz8rqbfH97eY2KMwVpaLPo2-1K3n5qs6k2HgX37yLKLDuTpjU1IplJ0/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztfz2sDKCU4SMNJ_y0H9_S0nSvJpH2S8Hjgw_OV1vSSt0d7E5FXguignVMB-IQScCcTSd5orF4cNI5cfi0qSzbz8rqbfH97eY2KMwVpaLPo2-1K3n5qs6k2HgX37yLKLDuTpjU1IplJ0/s640/photo+(28).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then painted a wash over and added a few opaque areas of white.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL4QouwU8iwfVo0-2wQZ967u5DE2ytFELn8BA9AOK6CJaUHtzgjlNdlQRmSu2vbnuj80kcLioUhuXwm5ti1gb_MsD79y5JN9upC8kxAFP3Y2t1N75ZZZdkTvSPPMqyibUzRT4ePWhVx4/s1600/photo+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL4QouwU8iwfVo0-2wQZ967u5DE2ytFELn8BA9AOK6CJaUHtzgjlNdlQRmSu2vbnuj80kcLioUhuXwm5ti1gb_MsD79y5JN9upC8kxAFP3Y2t1N75ZZZdkTvSPPMqyibUzRT4ePWhVx4/s640/photo+(27).JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, I covered the surface with gesso and created a mottled surface with plastic bags. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB36iO7tkp3doEOLySj-5Svi0iHbZg146Kdh_cHAkW0kW2F6ZJssHaEBl6MM1NqYTxY-VA-m7FutJIsknYY1DXvRwBmaMO1JaPlUyaAmWeQ22hNoTJf67id-MpGYfwnfPDGCQFiB04AQA/s1600/photo+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB36iO7tkp3doEOLySj-5Svi0iHbZg146Kdh_cHAkW0kW2F6ZJssHaEBl6MM1NqYTxY-VA-m7FutJIsknYY1DXvRwBmaMO1JaPlUyaAmWeQ22hNoTJf67id-MpGYfwnfPDGCQFiB04AQA/s640/photo+(25).JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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Here are a few more detailed snapshots of the surface texture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsxc09ihr4WDBtfvI7PryNVnu_WIg08rsejR6Qkb5sTY-yx5WzlM6pEDtAohDZ4R_oPDg0bNk2LUN7lTFYQUKMCK6x-J7sPoQ-YJyPIJDE6pIKpCi7l_67y2l83ZZmu2bZuPH7ACt168/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsxc09ihr4WDBtfvI7PryNVnu_WIg08rsejR6Qkb5sTY-yx5WzlM6pEDtAohDZ4R_oPDg0bNk2LUN7lTFYQUKMCK6x-J7sPoQ-YJyPIJDE6pIKpCi7l_67y2l83ZZmu2bZuPH7ACt168/s640/photo+(23).JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFBJApn4d1Hni4_jJgsMZlSvzcFSkWOGNyHA7QpyxO9O8hYMhjsgY_iPR0EtnlKDeSaC9xuFFhuyycpA49TkGaYxUI2jmHpv3rcmOpnXflZIg2ixEFPW-MImsXQWggIFpKMN_aI9evYY/s1600/photo+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFBJApn4d1Hni4_jJgsMZlSvzcFSkWOGNyHA7QpyxO9O8hYMhjsgY_iPR0EtnlKDeSaC9xuFFhuyycpA49TkGaYxUI2jmHpv3rcmOpnXflZIg2ixEFPW-MImsXQWggIFpKMN_aI9evYY/s640/photo+(29).JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I will be putting some sort of wash over this surface soon and add some imagery. Still pondering on this one.<br />
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So that is it for now. My personal life is spinning all around currently, so you will have to excuse my lack of consistency and not-so-great photos. It's all I can do right now. I'm okay with that. Hope you are too!<br />
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Favorite quote this week: In dreams and in love, there are no impossibilities.<br />
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***</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-35778805845033861062013-04-10T11:07:00.002-04:002013-09-23T18:29:51.080-04:00Life is a Journey. The Homeless Finch Returns.Hey! Hello! Remember me??!! My last blog entry was back in August of 2012. I just dropped off the face of the earth. Well, I didn't really do such a thing. But I did have an abrupt happening in my life that changed it forever. I have decided to come back to my blog and start back writing. It's been too long. But I have been through an extremely painful time of my life and I just wasn't able to keep up with The Homeless Finch. The places I have been were all too difficult to open up and write about and all too encompassing for me to be able to ignore in my writing. I'm a truthful person...almost to a fault. But I knew what was happening needed to remain private and was all too crazy to share in an open forum like my blog. Perhaps I will share some of what has happened in a retrospective way in the upcoming weeks.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/552954_10151815184508502_1529117155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/552954_10151815184508502_1529117155_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone Pic from the studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In every dark day, there comes an enlightenment. I have learned a lot about myself and have grown exponentially as a person. Life is a journey. We pack a bag and in it we take ourselves, our heart, our hopes and our dreams. We live thinking we know certain truths, certain rules, ways of thinking. As a mother, I have learned that nothing is defined in truths, rules or thinking. We cannot live our lives thinking that if we do all the right things as a parent, that everything will just magically fall into place. Life is a constant flow of redesigning our paths to fit what lies ahead of us. It's about finding our true self. It's about adapting to what is, not what could have been. It's about the simple things, like stopping to notice something sweet in nature...to recognize the beauty around us. It's about today. It's about right now. <br />
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I am currently working on week 5 in Julie Cameron's <i>The Artist Way</i> and will most likely write about my related experiences. I have been writing my Morning Papers religiously for over a month and participating in Artist's Dates bi-weekly. I consider myself an artist in recovery. If you don't know what I am talking about, I will explain in upcoming posts. I have finally started back painting in the studio and will show you my progress. I am working toward finally finding my artistic voice; a voice I was not entitled to as a child and have never really been able to find throughout my adulthood. Life is a journey...<br />
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Expect a change in the "look" of my blog coming up soon too! Glad to be back!<br />
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***</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-53527404530064098902012-08-24T10:09:00.000-04:002012-08-24T10:09:26.581-04:00The Start to a Cozy Guest Bedroom and Throwing the Towel in on Making Money in the Blog World<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUumeYmpAMrSr9-qdikvGmTCrAWchk7maCGmJGLxvSDtFmXhtx4ZabP8ehYIFpg5Llt4CFSvVvho02Vwa-7y2z3tjRW9DVc29B1VAnh1eiOVT8W5DQ3deOaLVApe0z6vzJF6znglWgejw/s1600/DSC_0360-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUumeYmpAMrSr9-qdikvGmTCrAWchk7maCGmJGLxvSDtFmXhtx4ZabP8ehYIFpg5Llt4CFSvVvho02Vwa-7y2z3tjRW9DVc29B1VAnh1eiOVT8W5DQ3deOaLVApe0z6vzJF6znglWgejw/s400/DSC_0360-edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These walls are not yellow! See next image. More accurate.</td></tr>
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<br />
Just wanted to check in to let you know that things are much better (for now!) around here. Getting my teens back into school this week has given me a little time to myself. I have slowed it down a bit around here. I've also been trying to feed our souls, like making a nice snack in the afternoon for them and still getting the mani/pedi that I so desperately needed to do for myself! That darn hot towel on my legs was to die for!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWAr4pnmuCtu7ZO-aqKNRpZOvXfr62-obwyz1o7ID9THFowMmCrIkFXcAr72LVOKJmczfTI0eZFQZwhFHZI2WT1cs7qRwu4YFhNtJiEF2Tphn9AhbC6tB1Y10tyQTz7iLDJbwmTSbrCk/s1600/DSC_0355-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWAr4pnmuCtu7ZO-aqKNRpZOvXfr62-obwyz1o7ID9THFowMmCrIkFXcAr72LVOKJmczfTI0eZFQZwhFHZI2WT1cs7qRwu4YFhNtJiEF2Tphn9AhbC6tB1Y10tyQTz7iLDJbwmTSbrCk/s400/DSC_0355-Edit.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, slightly blurry and that lamp cord needs<br /> to be hidden...but I really don't care. <br />Spending more time on things I care about! </td></tr>
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In between I have been slowly working on a guest bedroom. I found a beautiful Ralph Lauren bed ensemble of which I am totally smitten. I placed the bed off-center from the room and I kinda like the juxtaposition that it creates. I am using my <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/04/small-console-table-gets-face-lift.html">Pineapple Table</a> as a side table. I picked up that cool mango wood lamp with a burlap lamp shade at a consignment shop that I ducked into yesterday. Set it up on some of my favorite country style decorating books adding a little ice blue vintage ash tray as a table coaster. Simple. (click the highlight <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/04/small-console-table-gets-face-lift.html">Pineapple Table</a> to see that project from last year. Pretty cool)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn_VNiCnzsoq43gWus76b2OHZiQWmJ69elPeFSVFA0wn94va1D3p-L-jh062oss79vk1bv4tIr9FPtKWxM7UxNncAW55A_O0bjd6ACtcAARV_tibaJ4iIk3jIRe0SOtVKmIfIMoGNTDw/s1600/DSC_0362-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn_VNiCnzsoq43gWus76b2OHZiQWmJ69elPeFSVFA0wn94va1D3p-L-jh062oss79vk1bv4tIr9FPtKWxM7UxNncAW55A_O0bjd6ACtcAARV_tibaJ4iIk3jIRe0SOtVKmIfIMoGNTDw/s320/DSC_0362-edit.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this antique iron bed I picked up<br />in Atlanta about 12 years ago.</td></tr>
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For those of you who have faithfully followed The Homeless Finch, I have an update. I have decided to just blog post when I feel like it. I will probably not be as consistent as I have in the past. I am okay with that. I got all caught up in the "you have to stay consistent to build your blog" mantra. I thought that I could actually build my blog to a level of making money. But the truth is that few blogs make enough money to justify the time it takes away from other areas of our lives. You might hear from me twice in one week, but then not again for a month. Hope you are okay with that. If not, oh well you are out of luck!<br />
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Gonna head out today to haunt a few of my favorite antique and collectible shops. Taking it slow. Sometimes, slowing it down is the best recipe for a happier me. See ya soon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28LOTZTvYjGfbP0xSXU94v3ZDVXJ800uylcW9yufbo6JhpSA80oOrfGtpKd_cWPzUvcAZH6eDQOvlkyqYDfeZ23YDDg0sWngepXf_Zq07Lcj1rb2Z-Vx9UrIm2xKoMH-ERqzYqWmGW3c/s1600/DSC_0365-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28LOTZTvYjGfbP0xSXU94v3ZDVXJ800uylcW9yufbo6JhpSA80oOrfGtpKd_cWPzUvcAZH6eDQOvlkyqYDfeZ23YDDg0sWngepXf_Zq07Lcj1rb2Z-Vx9UrIm2xKoMH-ERqzYqWmGW3c/s400/DSC_0365-Edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's a room without an owl?!!<br />Thanks to my sis for this little dude!</td></tr>
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-The End-</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-87456939832239177372012-08-08T09:03:00.000-04:002012-08-08T09:03:42.529-04:00Nature's Promise of a Brighter Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSktNAv373peKriYfv65Cx6uWGrO6yI0s9PEJ3PUAFjgWRM0u9nH0d9pA6HEnfpwounBJrHEl16xqmzjwKKFLx-HAxa5Lw6bXSpPTEtsgTjYzseAzIW1Fcnaw2ht3qczjnP_bTchcecng/s1600/DSC_0350-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSktNAv373peKriYfv65Cx6uWGrO6yI0s9PEJ3PUAFjgWRM0u9nH0d9pA6HEnfpwounBJrHEl16xqmzjwKKFLx-HAxa5Lw6bXSpPTEtsgTjYzseAzIW1Fcnaw2ht3qczjnP_bTchcecng/s640/DSC_0350-2.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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Woke up this morning to the first bloom on an orchid that I moved from our previous house. What a beauty. Is this nature promising me that there is always a chance for renewal? I think it is...<br />
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True confessions...I have been really having a hard time keeping up with my blog lately. Life outside my blog life as been such a tough up hill battle. Motherhood has turned out to be tougher than I ever imagined. There are days that are so hard to face, so hard to keep one foot in front of the other, that the idea of writing about art and home seem so unimportant. For the past year, I have used The Homeless Finch as my refuge from the daily struggles with one of my kids. Now, I have reached a point when I can't write about a sofa, a pillow or a painting. My mind is just too cluttered with sadness. But don't worry about me, I haven't given up hope. Nature helps me remember that there is always hope...there is always a chance for brighter days...and there will be.<br />
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Just hang in there with me. I might not blog as much as I have in the past. I'm okay with that and I hope you are too. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;">o every thing there is a season,</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to be born, and a time to die;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to kill, and a time to heal;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to break down, and a time to build up;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to get, and a time to lose;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to rend, and a time to sew;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
a time to love, and a time to hate;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;"><div style="font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica; text-align: center;">
a time of war, and a time of peace.</div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica;">-</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until Next Time-</span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-88658774692669377842012-07-28T12:35:00.000-04:002012-07-31T20:38:24.305-04:00Little Worn Out Cabinet Becoming A Cute Little Unit to House Sound Equipment Has Me Singing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oz7vIiwZ7ehEyaV9ROdn2OPq1p-AvykUoiuMPPyJH1Tl6TcyPIi-AnwLVRIJo5DAQlA3A77tg2lIlyA0udkHY8ezSw8XUKQIOS3G_zNp17460l-1SnYTt_NRiYPm9qayr9KZt5v-T-A/s1600/DSC_0306-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oz7vIiwZ7ehEyaV9ROdn2OPq1p-AvykUoiuMPPyJH1Tl6TcyPIi-AnwLVRIJo5DAQlA3A77tg2lIlyA0udkHY8ezSw8XUKQIOS3G_zNp17460l-1SnYTt_NRiYPm9qayr9KZt5v-T-A/s400/DSC_0306-2.jpg" width="278" /></a>We have a little room off our pool we call the Cabana. It's not really a cabana because it doesn't have running water, unless you count the hose off the side of the outside. No sink, no bathroom, nothing. It's kinda just a little 15 X 15 place to rest and enjoy the lake views and chill. My hubby wanted to put a small sound system out in the space, so that we could enjoy some music while relaxing with a cool beverage. The problem is that we keep this room wide open at all times and putting sound equipment in this space unprotected was just plain stupid.<br />
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We devised a plan to find a little cabinet that we could use to house the equipment. We know over time that this little cabinet will probably take a beating from the weather, so we didn't want to spend much money. I have a pretty awesome, under shopped thrift store near my new house, so we set out to find a cabinet. Lucky us, we found one. I really like the size, basic lines and the hardware on this little gem. For $14.95, how could we go wrong?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GPMxdIUjG14wrHk00gxwbdm0TDj7x3XZ7AtHmqhDae2REdgdzt35P_tbwUTTWk5oOHpcxP_rRllnI9wuspIU3la3r1KJy-nyxiO4GHujCWN7EiDQEPV5xMlk29koO_kVS6MrEKCw-ZI/s1600/DSC_0307-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GPMxdIUjG14wrHk00gxwbdm0TDj7x3XZ7AtHmqhDae2REdgdzt35P_tbwUTTWk5oOHpcxP_rRllnI9wuspIU3la3r1KJy-nyxiO4GHujCWN7EiDQEPV5xMlk29koO_kVS6MrEKCw-ZI/s400/DSC_0307-2.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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The cabinet was in pretty rough cond<span style="background-color: white;">ition, with a rut in the top from someone's drink and pitted hardware, I had to get my elbow grease and creativity out to get this job done.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqgyEQDNU1828xUOXZBG5XNTiHBuw8mYh_M_cH_UJg_FxhKD2HQ9IUNPqPjtMrLLVFdULDCzDV8lui1dXupCbVGXyyjjaqWsL7_5I3vCoDHHn5eo2D7k16KKtSttO3Uh9fiwYiOp-U_A/s1600/DSC_0308-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqgyEQDNU1828xUOXZBG5XNTiHBuw8mYh_M_cH_UJg_FxhKD2HQ9IUNPqPjtMrLLVFdULDCzDV8lui1dXupCbVGXyyjjaqWsL7_5I3vCoDHHn5eo2D7k16KKtSttO3Uh9fiwYiOp-U_A/s400/DSC_0308-2.jpg" width="275" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I got to work using AS Chalk Paint in Old White on the cabinet and Rustoleum Metallic Silver spray paint on the hardware that we removed. I sanded lightly, applying more pressure to the area that had the rut. Three coats of paint did the trick.</span><br />
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Even my not-so-crafty hubby helped out with the hardware.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and is super amazing at what he does for a living. Let's just say, he isn't a carpenter. Here's proof...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDWZC6j3tsKpLo9PEknf_QVBNDV1qtvbe1BkGDbLkLFjTItQhh_CZzPy8FkQegqwebN7b650Bd_i3x1NlzBaPSHdgc5mxDuc0j0uCTMrhBJfSurU-Z7-tVby4ScKOZk-su4VnOMM7jRU/s1600/DSC_0323-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDWZC6j3tsKpLo9PEknf_QVBNDV1qtvbe1BkGDbLkLFjTItQhh_CZzPy8FkQegqwebN7b650Bd_i3x1NlzBaPSHdgc5mxDuc0j0uCTMrhBJfSurU-Z7-tVby4ScKOZk-su4VnOMM7jRU/s640/DSC_0323-2.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I asked him to drill two holes in the back so he could get the cords and wires into and out of the cabinet. Notice the "workmanship." Oh well, the cabinet is for his stuff and this will work. I said nothing to him about it. I guess I kinda snagged myself here. He reads my blog!! Sorry Mister! (wink)</span><br />
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I finished the piece with a coating of BriWax in Clear to give it a little seal. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Done. Ready to play some tunes...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fun, quick, easy, cheap. My kind of project!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn-ESM1G30tV_0-K3dj05CQ4b7U0H_1RAcnoxqNGVh_ka9EOpAxbVBLmQLpN4gWqh723RR-hbBBu6f3fQZLuqPkMXas2YUnA4quQ6L_zy58l5SBqe_ATz30eeTl7p2MSsybVJ2GP0vK0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1-beforeafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn-ESM1G30tV_0-K3dj05CQ4b7U0H_1RAcnoxqNGVh_ka9EOpAxbVBLmQLpN4gWqh723RR-hbBBu6f3fQZLuqPkMXas2YUnA4quQ6L_zy58l5SBqe_ATz30eeTl7p2MSsybVJ2GP0vK0/s640/PicMonkey+Collage1-beforeafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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-The End-<br />
Linking this to:<br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/pottery-barn-knockoff-shell-chargers-the-184th-metamorphosis-monday/#comment-81261">Metamorphosis Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/wow-us-wednesdays-77.html">WOW Us Wednesday - Savvy Southern Style</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-3569093169210883162012-07-18T11:24:00.001-04:002012-08-02T11:13:07.085-04:00How To Root Coleus. It's Easy. (and a Feature!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cf2PNku5i53tpRmvBtPbqm1SW6ii-Bczvp4U3CRfgLbNXkdqwfRcDKAP31b1kRJqmFJ1Auk_bLoFAjZ6MkBEybX7cu_wcm-nFYrx9yJYhuhtglid8r-RPUFmsHXTE1W_PWA06vpUMa4/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cf2PNku5i53tpRmvBtPbqm1SW6ii-Bczvp4U3CRfgLbNXkdqwfRcDKAP31b1kRJqmFJ1Auk_bLoFAjZ6MkBEybX7cu_wcm-nFYrx9yJYhuhtglid8r-RPUFmsHXTE1W_PWA06vpUMa4/s640/DSC_0291.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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Summer is here and many of us are using Coleus in our gardens and planted containers around our patios and porches. I love Coleus because they are so hardy and thrive in the heat of the summer and the beating down of the sun's rays. They are also filled with all sorts of varieties and colors too. I think they add a little personality to any setting. Better yet, they are pretty cheap. Even better yet, they are the easiest plant to root. I buy a few plants and multiply them through the season by taking cuttings as they grow or get a little 'leggy.' Plus...as if I needed another great reason...they are a delight to have on my kitchen window sill as they root in cut little glass containers.<br />
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So here are the steps:<br />
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1. Take a clipping from the top of your coleus.<br />
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2. Clear away the bottom of the stem of leafs. I do this to cut down on rot in the water. You only need the stem to get roots. Extra leaves just get in the way.<br />
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3. Find a cut clear container, vase or whatever. I like clear so I can monitor the root growth as it comes through. Fun to watch the miracle unfold. <span style="background-color: white;">Fill the container with fresh water that covers the bottom of the stem.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">4. Wait a few days to a week and the roots will start to show. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">5. Wait until the plant has a healthy amount of roots and plant it in a pot with wet soil. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">6. Make sure you give it a little water everyday for about a week to help it establish itself in the pot. Done. New plant! </span><br />
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This particular new coleus found a home on the table on my back screened in patio next to a few succulents. I also rooted that succulent there in the front middle. How did I do that? Well, it was a little baby or offshoot of a large succulent. I just plucked it off and set it in this pot. Watered it daily and now look at it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyNqFqcsKyaeHSG4bpKQLsswJtJ8Ju5h4l1cubGgDiRYx4od1HkrswthUGsWo9UbAN5M0k87I_JqLs7W-d_NNde8T1c-rUNbhy7ruswdLBpKhbhBoPJIDDv4B1MG021PqVMsQ5QqhluM/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyNqFqcsKyaeHSG4bpKQLsswJtJ8Ju5h4l1cubGgDiRYx4od1HkrswthUGsWo9UbAN5M0k87I_JqLs7W-d_NNde8T1c-rUNbhy7ruswdLBpKhbhBoPJIDDv4B1MG021PqVMsQ5QqhluM/s640/DSC_0299.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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So simple. I learned how to do this by trial and error. I clip almost anything in my garden and try and root it this way. Have you ever done this? You should! Get clipping!<br />
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********Before I leave today, <span style="background-color: white;">I wanted to say THANK YOU to Kim over Savvy Southern Style for the nice feature of my White Living Room. I have been posting links to my blog on her Wow Us Wednesday for over and year and this is my first feature! Click</span><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/wow-us-wednesdays-75.html?showComment=1342581125986#c4372248587785090087" style="background-color: white;"> HERE</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">to see the feature. Thanks Kim!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2012/07/white-living-room.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nzjaQhh-ZeyUIcGq2FNShX5bAo-XyTWzTx08JhRPs788YDohAdrfJCgUInLXMLTwj1uD9RekFsMFvm7S5UaHHBiCc2dwu1CqSexrc1_G7xrdXEuAv2BbbwXi2PNl2c9DTdrwqDKG0AM/s640/Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2012/07/white-living-room.html">Click HERE to see the Original Blog Post about this Living Room</a></td></tr>
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-The End-<br />
Lined to:<br />
<a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/2012/07/tutorials-tips-and-tidbits-5.html#more">StoneGable: Tutorials and Tips</a><br />
<a href="http://fishtailcottage.blogspot.com/2012/08/cottage-garden-party-14.html">Fishtail Cottage Garden Party</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-18649311870438234532012-07-12T08:30:00.000-04:002012-07-17T23:16:58.050-04:00My Chippy Vintage Mantel Makes The Move To a More Colorful LocaleA few months ago I did a radical makeover of a chippy vintage mantel. I revealed the mantel in the post entitled, <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2012/01/transformed-vintage-mantel-find-home-in.html">A Transformed Vintage Mantel Finds A Home in My Master Bedroom</a>. You can click on the title to see the full transformation. Just after I completed this project, something happened...we decided to move. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YxEBlViha-FeyyUze8JK_mjfH2chaZHik1Awfct-S_rvCiFLtAZY4MXnHCdtwoP43VBTjG6nV6BGBjox8DSv6QMkncqMeUQob_PpNhhuaGjr1DBp-zv71AR3oT7sUEmXrni63XhWBr8/s1600/MantelinLHPHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YxEBlViha-FeyyUze8JK_mjfH2chaZHik1Awfct-S_rvCiFLtAZY4MXnHCdtwoP43VBTjG6nV6BGBjox8DSv6QMkncqMeUQob_PpNhhuaGjr1DBp-zv71AR3oT7sUEmXrni63XhWBr8/s400/MantelinLHPHouse.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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It was a strange feeling seeing so many of my projects get left behind, like the neat <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/11/unconventional-approach-at-making-over.html">Master Bathroom Renovation </a>and the cool <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/10/white-shutters-window-treatment-in.html">White Shutters</a> that I made for that room. But, for the most part, all my projects and furniture came along for the ride. On move in day at the new house, each piece was placed in a new location, but the mantel just didn't have a place. So it sat in a hallway between my garage door and our family room. It was awkward there. Even my sister expressed how much she hated it in the hallway. When my sister says something like that, I know it is time to make a change! <strike>She's the boss around here.</strike><br />
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It took me a few days of carting the darn thing all over to figure out where to place it. Then I tried something a little crazy. I added to the master bedroom "foyer" area. It fit perfectly and helped give this tiny pass through space a little presence. I added a few things, like one of my red ladder back dining chairs with a pillow and a vintage #5 jug with a small live plant on the mantel. <br />
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It's funny how something that is designed for one location can work in a completely different place. The previous room was pale yellows and whites. Now the mantel is sitting within a very colorful locale. <span style="background-color: white;">I am sure that I will be re-decorating this spot. But for now, I'm okay with it. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> I think it works wonderfully. What do you think??</span><br />
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This tiny foyer to the bedroom is just off the White Living Room that I blogged about just a few days ago. I love the transition of fresh whites to bright colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nJJyNMX-7CbfFomjh-nCCn9MW6gR4ogboCnhaD6JBP0LCFJ__2rsYs68h3aEbtKPY4BpuDE_ayq2FYjIwQdni4hLrvvAEsJJc_NlLGAiSnuibawprv-Xx_vFOG4CT0kfV6QT0v-JxU/s1600/MantelfromBackFarther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nJJyNMX-7CbfFomjh-nCCn9MW6gR4ogboCnhaD6JBP0LCFJ__2rsYs68h3aEbtKPY4BpuDE_ayq2FYjIwQdni4hLrvvAEsJJc_NlLGAiSnuibawprv-Xx_vFOG4CT0kfV6QT0v-JxU/s640/MantelfromBackFarther.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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It almost beckons one to enter to see what is beyond the doorway.</div>
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-The End-<br />
Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/07/show-and-tell-friday_12.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20MyRomanticHome%20(My%20Romantic%20Home)">Show and Tell Friday: My Romantic Home</a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/wow-us-wednesdays-75.html?showComment=1342581125986#c4372248587785090087">Savvy Southern Style</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-68727813450263276972012-07-08T15:06:00.000-04:002012-07-13T08:53:51.936-04:00A White Living Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX5d3ed8tm3Q4JlE3oFCnCr7xEElEZtIP6KVDOiq5Z4vvj-isygZ-YJr5bHwbTTU9JHUjAXIj4zUI2yVt9qwvFaBcfY3rwE_T38VCucqgy21XazV-k09bYI37SHO03AR22yJcE0YpIeM/s1600/PillowVignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX5d3ed8tm3Q4JlE3oFCnCr7xEElEZtIP6KVDOiq5Z4vvj-isygZ-YJr5bHwbTTU9JHUjAXIj4zUI2yVt9qwvFaBcfY3rwE_T38VCucqgy21XazV-k09bYI37SHO03AR22yJcE0YpIeM/s640/PillowVignette.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have always wanted a white room. But let's be honest here. How many of us can not take the risk of furnishing a room in all white and have the audacity to think that our kids will be as excited and keep it clean? For years I have said to myself, "I will have an all white room when my kids are grown and gone." Well, my kids aren't 'gone,' but they are teens and my new home has a formal living room just inside the front door away from the family room and media room. So why wait?!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcjWWICsAfA/T_nE0ApoXgI/AAAAAAAAFMo/BaP_9pofO38/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcjWWICsAfA/T_nE0ApoXgI/AAAAAAAAFMo/BaP_9pofO38/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a>So here is my before pic. The room had a seriously ugly faux finish and garish ceiling. I mean, who paints a ceiling anything but white? Look at those grandma curtains. I knew they were going bye bye. My friend, Ted, helped me hang the art before we painted the room. I knew the painter could just leave the hangers in place. The only thing that was in the room was my pine farmhouse coffee table. I was <strike>hell bent</strike> determined to make this room a white neutral room. Putting furniture into the room would make it impossible to turn back. Weird, I know. <br />
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In a recent copy of Southern Living Editor Lindsay Beirman wrote an article entitled, <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/decorating-rules-00417000078190/">10Tried-and-True Decorating Rules</a>. His number one rule was:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1113794070"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRfWbmAP2HFB7qO8HkOtzfH4O7pSXKzrVaP-HlY69s6_Z5dvHsNO6pqMdMactXOKthef9kdROhISfSEVArUbjIymjVzzGlboLkVtTECMjqMdt60YJfCopCo7-9_ClPrQW56xvFOcbKTE/s1600/lindsay-bierman-m.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/decorating-rules-00417000078190/">Lindsay Beirman. Editor/ photo Southern Living</a></td></tr>
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<strong style="color: #555555; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1. When you just want a room to be "warm white,"</strong><span style="color: #555555; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">meaning not too yellow or too peachy or too anything else, then go with Benjamin Moore Ivory White (925). Don't overthink this—I've already done enough agonizing for everyone and can say for sure that it works pretty much anywhere, unless you're going for museum-like sterility, in which case you're reading the wrong magazine.</span>
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So I took his advice and didn't even try the color in a swatch. I told my painter to buy it and start painting. Yes, I realize, this is a serious cliff dive for me. For those of you who know me, I am the swatch queen. I figured that if Lindsay was that sure, I would just go for it. I am so super pleased with the results.<br />
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Having bought two <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-basic-sofa/?pkey=e%7Csofa%7C138%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C12&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule-_-">Pottery Barn Basic Sofas </a>with the White Twill Slipcover, I needed a white for the walls that had a little variation to offset the bright white (close to blinding white) of the slipcovers. Benjamin Moore's 925 did the trick.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyn8gewLj45c0YNliaSU0xcFv26SqoL_xB8lJvhAombzUPKc4rxLahdQXSz087tUPjQwvnPydqKToCY3aHA76j3AX2WEklPbd95EU4IEE12VTPWOuDQzxZB3lvYQOWTVlA4-KeUdl_bo/s1600/Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyn8gewLj45c0YNliaSU0xcFv26SqoL_xB8lJvhAombzUPKc4rxLahdQXSz087tUPjQwvnPydqKToCY3aHA76j3AX2WEklPbd95EU4IEE12VTPWOuDQzxZB3lvYQOWTVlA4-KeUdl_bo/s640/Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh. Love these windows without those heavy curtains. Clean.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5c9w-ENyP1W_tjUPkkQcif8KpXQaxrqbzsKRoFr-bp9hG11jonvciQ9ga2gC1DI3pOLXIFELC4mgshEBrR2WFd3TwAyfRXUPCITmsusb-IBrCVlGUFcdqsYMSw7bR3qg109PyOpaANg/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5c9w-ENyP1W_tjUPkkQcif8KpXQaxrqbzsKRoFr-bp9hG11jonvciQ9ga2gC1DI3pOLXIFELC4mgshEBrR2WFd3TwAyfRXUPCITmsusb-IBrCVlGUFcdqsYMSw7bR3qg109PyOpaANg/s640/DSC_0226.JPG" width="419" /></a>I search high and low for two matching occasional chairs. I searched at all my local consignment and thrift shops, but couldn't find two matching chairs that fit my needs. I realized that I had to expand my search to local new furniture stores. I wanted a neutral fabric, but a chair with character. Nothing slip-covered. I found these two chairs and fell in love. They are from <a href="http://www.lexington.com/collections/detail.cfm/brand/Tommy-Bahama-Home/collection/Kingstown/item/01-1635-11">Lexington Furniture's Kingstown Collection for Tommy Bahama</a> and are called Maarten Chairs. The chair comes in a variety of finishes. The finish on these particular chairs is a silvery taupe grey and the fabric is a wonderful nappy linen. With nickel finished nail heads, what's not to love?! The console tables under the paintings were in the same collection, which helped tie the taupe color into the room.<br />
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The pillows and throws (also shown in the first image in this blog post) are in a variety of neutral tones and textures. I bought them this week at Pier One and Home Goods. I am still looking for a bench or a pair of ottomans for the open side of the seating arrangement. <br />
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I added an accent of taupe to the inside of the recessed ceiling. The taupe sets the ceiling off nicely drawing the eye in a subtle way. <br />
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I love how the white walls allow my colorful artwork to pop. The center painting is a Haitian Painting by a well known painter, Louis Rosemont. The two paintings flanking the Rosemont piece are two pieces that I painted a little over a year ago. <br />
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In the image below is a 6 foot by 6 foot painting that I found in a consignment shop. I have no idea who the artist is, but I fell in love with it and scooped it up. It stands alone nicely. (see below)<br />
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Here is a quick shot of the dining area that is adjacent to this living room. It's not really complete, but it's fine for now. I am continuing the white theme throughout the entire space. <br />
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Super excited about how this has developed. Oh! and guess what? My teens haven't even come close to my living room! They have not once sat on the white sofas! That's what happens when you don't put a television in a room! <br />
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Now, it's time to go get a little rest. Coco is already ahead of me with that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6NUjSvqlsE8R3FfZNwq9MO5KUtbz4neq_eGFBBDpW4a2Ug-HGfSufEuQSvv8rehd0gVlsAhinnHBmhLRncay_DGNOzG8cTSMR5uCsqvp3huZREgtmnuaK-_t_v-Q5EmtbeV36AaRvIQ/s1600/CocoSleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6NUjSvqlsE8R3FfZNwq9MO5KUtbz4neq_eGFBBDpW4a2Ug-HGfSufEuQSvv8rehd0gVlsAhinnHBmhLRncay_DGNOzG8cTSMR5uCsqvp3huZREgtmnuaK-_t_v-Q5EmtbeV36AaRvIQ/s640/CocoSleeping.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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-The End-<br />
Linking to:<br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/recycled-bottles-and-vases-become-beautiful-centerpieces-the-181st-metamorphosis-monday/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">Between Naps on The Porch</a><br />
<a href="http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-garden-chairs-garden-shed-envy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VeryMerryVintageSyle+%28Very+Merry+Vintage+Syle%29">Very Merry Vintage Style</a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/wow-us-wednesdays-74.html">Savvy Southern Style- WOW</a><br />
<a href="http://www.primpjunktion.com/2012/07/primp-your-stuff-wednesday-linky-party_10.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FaClph+%28%7BPrimp%7D%29">Primp Your Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/white-wednesday-160.html">Faded Charm: White Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/07/show-and-tell-friday_12.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyRomanticHome+%28My+Romantic+Home%29">Show and Tell Friday: My Romantic Home</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-6506323504876438392012-07-04T11:29:00.005-04:002012-07-04T11:30:05.694-04:00HAPPY DAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sending wishes for a </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Happy</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">and </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Safe</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4th</span> of <span style="color: #0b5394;">July</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Celebration</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVHGcUiG66hL_VaEZJJ-oiSKv2hoq1vj3M7wHR8s-2u7RCaV5aspBLNDogDHMO5GN0r2h1trpOdY8nWjJvz6sLuv9gnPflkIYatFozphqwHqdZxtRasTwvBVJ5ondxZduddEM80EjwjE/s1600/Happy4THBloggy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVHGcUiG66hL_VaEZJJ-oiSKv2hoq1vj3M7wHR8s-2u7RCaV5aspBLNDogDHMO5GN0r2h1trpOdY8nWjJvz6sLuv9gnPflkIYatFozphqwHqdZxtRasTwvBVJ5ondxZduddEM80EjwjE/s640/Happy4THBloggy.png" width="474" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Here's to hoping your burgers don't get burnt, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">that none of your fireworks are duds </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">and that you will wake up tomorrow with a</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"> hangover!</span></span></div>
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-The End-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-53451988070206950612012-07-03T12:04:00.003-04:002012-07-03T12:07:35.723-04:00How To Give A Garden Element A Fresh Look: Froggy Gets a Much Needed Face Lift and the Water Garden Finds A New PlaceIf you have been following me for over a year, you know that I have a three tiered fountain that I converted into a planter with a water garden in the bottom tier. I blogged about it in my post <a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-saturdayare-you-spittin-or-are-you.html">Are You Spittin'?</a> in April of 2011. I wanted a small water garden and no longer liked the splashing of all the water from the three tier at my front door! Can you say "showering" my guests?! <br />
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So here it was at my former home at the front door.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFkNaRdzB0KhrCmGWLkKIgKtByJxbBusYx5BwABzuNIVyUARv0Lwq1_rwhc2tE1PFGeyG16q3-lbJHv5dgdTeAlDzTKeIO7k5f7N7JNoQi9e1s6YXBgb8GZ1jAvw1zVsrmiZIu3yJ2VE/s1600/Watergarden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFkNaRdzB0KhrCmGWLkKIgKtByJxbBusYx5BwABzuNIVyUARv0Lwq1_rwhc2tE1PFGeyG16q3-lbJHv5dgdTeAlDzTKeIO7k5f7N7JNoQi9e1s6YXBgb8GZ1jAvw1zVsrmiZIu3yJ2VE/s640/Watergarden1.jpg" width="419" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planter/Water garden at former home.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5id4Ot8zNxoDJ02kKXI_WVOffihS73Z6q-4HkRXtLIS7n6rlckY0l_MN7gFDuOQujLrmyztysuB0E92JyqVpWXuIC3uqtyo9Qzsu422UZqAH-3jbQ17rMk88essklOmfGjZt4BDMpmM/s1600/WatergardenatNewHouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5id4Ot8zNxoDJ02kKXI_WVOffihS73Z6q-4HkRXtLIS7n6rlckY0l_MN7gFDuOQujLrmyztysuB0E92JyqVpWXuIC3uqtyo9Qzsu422UZqAH-3jbQ17rMk88essklOmfGjZt4BDMpmM/s400/WatergardenatNewHouse2.jpg" width="263" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
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I moved this fountain on my own before the movers came because I have worked years on establishing the water plants in this mini-wonderland. I wasn't about to let just anymore move it. I even rented a truck to help me.<br />
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At first I put it near my front entrance, but moved it once again about a week ago to a location on the back of my property near where I walk my dogs. I have placed a little table and chairs here as well. Nice place for an afternoon beverage. <br />
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The little spitting frog that helps keep the water circulating in the water garden had gotten kinda, well, trashed. So yesterday, I unplugged him and took him into my studio for a quick renovation. Here is what he looked like.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TQ5fFJnpZ2z6WWVTqfhvh5-N2547aqwT5tOoihmWt29mFznn8ovQKNMs20EkvdGzjT_fuK5XALCqYXn94qAEW_zNIgglU2YoBFHwb7kl8YqcRUozBmUHaEQgifzNGRP8AUe29zalSPc/s1600/FrogDamaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TQ5fFJnpZ2z6WWVTqfhvh5-N2547aqwT5tOoihmWt29mFznn8ovQKNMs20EkvdGzjT_fuK5XALCqYXn94qAEW_zNIgglU2YoBFHwb7kl8YqcRUozBmUHaEQgifzNGRP8AUe29zalSPc/s640/FrogDamaged.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Renovation</td></tr>
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I decided to use craft paints to bring him back to life. I also wanted to bring the bamboo back to life. Without a little paint to protect it, I am sure it was well on it's way to rotting. I just kinda went to town with several shades of green, brown and blonde. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV8iHtsWq5L6shL3k_bsNt9diWAF_C_C9Ecjy01e_Kc1T62HMRwkRl4WULm1VAhjjcORX0tnAKLH0HE8PR1Wc4-5IoMJFk5_Vo7rWW38-tCJb4V2oZXwJ8Wm-Badc4Dco-7-yL4I1b18/s1600/FrogInProcess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV8iHtsWq5L6shL3k_bsNt9diWAF_C_C9Ecjy01e_Kc1T62HMRwkRl4WULm1VAhjjcORX0tnAKLH0HE8PR1Wc4-5IoMJFk5_Vo7rWW38-tCJb4V2oZXwJ8Wm-Badc4Dco-7-yL4I1b18/s640/FrogInProcess.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started with a base color and added color building textures. Added a little bamboo look as well.</td></tr>
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Finished him off with a little gold to bring back the vertiginous look. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0UUePPxsDVURJWBMv9kn40dpEgPPRkyMmvE1ogHRS1hORuCoqJ7gCPWzEx13oMwlQ07dTxjlnb26yFFWLBbvXYAGTsDRs9YgIf102MwTjogCHX4rCkRyM12BFT5eoQTp1Fcq-xLd6VU/s1600/FrogFixedInStudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0UUePPxsDVURJWBMv9kn40dpEgPPRkyMmvE1ogHRS1hORuCoqJ7gCPWzEx13oMwlQ07dTxjlnb26yFFWLBbvXYAGTsDRs9YgIf102MwTjogCHX4rCkRyM12BFT5eoQTp1Fcq-xLd6VU/s640/FrogFixedInStudio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the Before and After side by side for comparison. Big difference and it took just a few minutes! I could have gotten all annoyed by the lack of detail on the lily pad. But I just let it go knowing that it wouldn't really matter. We have to remember to do that sometimes. Working something too hard at time just kills the fun. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT0CFrZJ5QdLMVxNl5oLce_rOwRjWHfgw2hQr-tiU5O04Zb-3wlgA0b5YzeejM-WgJ3n-wZGaLBgegShTu2dYWM6uhNNJUynpFQSjQZHNQwsYBqfsOz_4Ywci0-JsRTXVYxLewaMcBLY/s1600/PicMonkey+CollageFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT0CFrZJ5QdLMVxNl5oLce_rOwRjWHfgw2hQr-tiU5O04Zb-3wlgA0b5YzeejM-WgJ3n-wZGaLBgegShTu2dYWM6uhNNJUynpFQSjQZHNQwsYBqfsOz_4Ywci0-JsRTXVYxLewaMcBLY/s640/PicMonkey+CollageFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought him a new pump to give him an even fresher look, and quickly placed him back in his world. Here is is spitting away!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsvopT4WytUEuTho0ETihU1oFxu6Y1o3use8j5FBjhXn911Gt0YJIEZw4-2irJOoqIcv2DjwUqUhsggAoCBNs0MQEkXMZbg9ro8-o4MFJi37kX7PS7sQ9xCHXt6GEkUjq1ivBSdIya_s/s1600/Frog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsvopT4WytUEuTho0ETihU1oFxu6Y1o3use8j5FBjhXn911Gt0YJIEZw4-2irJOoqIcv2DjwUqUhsggAoCBNs0MQEkXMZbg9ro8-o4MFJi37kX7PS7sQ9xCHXt6GEkUjq1ivBSdIya_s/s640/Frog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsT7nHPLMOPnx50I61jxlsCv2ate7fLrUN7QYbaNokPzpNU8N2HbS9v3HQZ8NVbhEtijnUMDagwGpBMiyqaaU5M1xXAYLmAYtAnKdukJizRkpmfqEbMVPcQBWZmXQ6h1GttDuqx5yu2U/s1600/WatergardenatNewHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsT7nHPLMOPnx50I61jxlsCv2ate7fLrUN7QYbaNokPzpNU8N2HbS9v3HQZ8NVbhEtijnUMDagwGpBMiyqaaU5M1xXAYLmAYtAnKdukJizRkpmfqEbMVPcQBWZmXQ6h1GttDuqx5yu2U/s640/WatergardenatNewHouse.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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Look at him down there spittin' away! He got his ribbet back baby and is lovin' it. Don't be hating on my for that black cord showing. I ran out of steam and have to go back and hide it under the white rocks. Saving that for a cool afternoon. The Heat! Phew! It's hot out there people!<br />
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Do you have something in your garden that the weather has taken it's toll on? It is amazing what a little craft paint can do to spruce up even the most worn elements. I don't know about you, but I think garden accents cost a pretty penny! Might as well get my money's worth for yet another season!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-389872749393760802012-06-28T12:46:00.001-04:002012-07-03T12:07:58.908-04:00Red Ladder Back Chairs Take a Backseat From The Dining Room But Are Front And Center In Breakfast Nook<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vDhwHkFc6dSXZJU9JfYQ_Av-uVoMmKgNuXmN-9hjdaY_BhHd6354fJ36voyJMeVT1X1Z8vj-WnHvNu7K5Ewa6GQKlvvdesYfHKSq3z-ethsGa_JDEWRAfrnbLLLWORHDSOOwLSvtgnY/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vDhwHkFc6dSXZJU9JfYQ_Av-uVoMmKgNuXmN-9hjdaY_BhHd6354fJ36voyJMeVT1X1Z8vj-WnHvNu7K5Ewa6GQKlvvdesYfHKSq3z-ethsGa_JDEWRAfrnbLLLWORHDSOOwLSvtgnY/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" width="204" /></a>A few days ago I showed you the dining chairs that I found at a consignment shop and the subsequent reupholstering in white. In that post I mentioned that my red ladder back chairs, who had been married to my farmhouse dining table for over ten years, had to go since the dining and living room is being designed using all neutrals. <br />
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Today, I am showing you where they ended up...in my breakfast nook. I don't know if I should call it a nook, because this area has very large, wonderful french windows which open up to the outdoor living space. So it is not really very 'nooky,' but you get the point. Perhaps, I need a new name for the area. If you got one, please share it! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0HTPS0L7NC9fbgiYqK98iz1fZxnFMp-5TiyOuIhgn1pSlx2eir76PeYkGn-CHxEoaFLR7jbfjj1ZN0YdUI_Bx_-kkUdlP5HY4MBPPt99CP34-TuPMQhaStlCEUcJajTIYT2h0vmmdpM/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0HTPS0L7NC9fbgiYqK98iz1fZxnFMp-5TiyOuIhgn1pSlx2eir76PeYkGn-CHxEoaFLR7jbfjj1ZN0YdUI_Bx_-kkUdlP5HY4MBPPt99CP34-TuPMQhaStlCEUcJajTIYT2h0vmmdpM/s400/DSC_0091.JPG" width="266" /></a>I found this super gorgeous round glass top pedestal table at one of my favorite consignment stores. I loved it the moment I set my eyes on it, but felt like it had a lofty price attached to it. But after doing a little research, I learned that was made by the fine furniture company Henredon and had gone for well over 5 times what it was currently priced. I ask myself, "Who the heck spends all that money on such a table and then just decides to sell it for next to nothing?" Well, their stupidity is my gain! (wink) <br />
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This nook (I swear I need a new name) is adjacent to my family room, which I showed you a peek in my blog post. The slipcover fabrics and the rug have the same cranberry red color in them, so the chairs were perfect. <span style="background-color: white;">We eat at this table frequently and I love the glass top because it is easy to wipe up with a little spritz of Windex and a paper towel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0G2xHgUsFPBo2HPI9u-lbfa59FEL31UGccyPMTVhOynCuCtZbSahEr7oZhITRnxsNlM6Gg0Vn79kryWLnO-JSUIbXlA1Ne9m8MFBy-ALrSb1gdFyRZz-zPYvId_XSRCEKiv0f_Lxs8c/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0G2xHgUsFPBo2HPI9u-lbfa59FEL31UGccyPMTVhOynCuCtZbSahEr7oZhITRnxsNlM6Gg0Vn79kryWLnO-JSUIbXlA1Ne9m8MFBy-ALrSb1gdFyRZz-zPYvId_XSRCEKiv0f_Lxs8c/s640/DSC_0131.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I change out the top of the table every few days. My sister, Lisa, just found this totally cute little green owl at Salvation Army for me. As many of you know, I give my owls a white paint face lift. But, I think he will stay green for now. We have had a debate going on about that hole in his chest. Any guesses as to why that hole is there? Come on...give me a guess. Let's see if we can come up with it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigZ_WrGAoC4TJ4p3zKcF8g-7h6_Gcr4dLF0SHTk65rCuLyw7pFiOOEkV2kQNsE3lvPcFm0FhDuqWUiYh-pLGM9zfU97G4OMwramumaBrxttS0FLWybyx8jUeR3SIhdJWJQOF-IRQ0ssE/s1600/Owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigZ_WrGAoC4TJ4p3zKcF8g-7h6_Gcr4dLF0SHTk65rCuLyw7pFiOOEkV2kQNsE3lvPcFm0FhDuqWUiYh-pLGM9zfU97G4OMwramumaBrxttS0FLWybyx8jUeR3SIhdJWJQOF-IRQ0ssE/s400/Owls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I've have done a lot of things like this around my new house. I am hoping to get around and get images so you can see some of my progress. Hope it inspires you in some way. Hey! one more image of that awesome table base!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CEwCrLFb2qLzoJF6WICFaFRdRyOqme8i8KwBamwA7G73zXzfZAuGjcRjX8cN6mpKX4wEM-3HFMve2E1k8YZKBOCy37ncI_-Iu2z_bq476VnZuJ0b7OdCxFUZ0SBpGC-s7TJqyFqCYwk/s1600/tablebase.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CEwCrLFb2qLzoJF6WICFaFRdRyOqme8i8KwBamwA7G73zXzfZAuGjcRjX8cN6mpKX4wEM-3HFMve2E1k8YZKBOCy37ncI_-Iu2z_bq476VnZuJ0b7OdCxFUZ0SBpGC-s7TJqyFqCYwk/s320/tablebase.jpg.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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To die for! Hope you have a great weekend! I'm getting out and enjoying some of this sunshine. That Tropical Storm we had lingering over us last weekend was a bummer. Gonna go put my face in the sun.<br />
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-The End-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-11065085559480497442012-06-26T18:18:00.000-04:002012-06-27T21:28:39.615-04:00Dining Chair Transformation: From Drab to White and Fab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDMih5eo66KZ8iM7qD1dI_0p3ZJ_J3fmgiq163I0VQ6zILlhnAPVkN_V-Vp0E8AQDcT2w4nZRcwBADD-dN3zugxcPed-k0u8BXuJ-YQvNB_0KxBYbkz_JAlIVTf3he9ATn4UjtbZbuUk/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDMih5eo66KZ8iM7qD1dI_0p3ZJ_J3fmgiq163I0VQ6zILlhnAPVkN_V-Vp0E8AQDcT2w4nZRcwBADD-dN3zugxcPed-k0u8BXuJ-YQvNB_0KxBYbkz_JAlIVTf3he9ATn4UjtbZbuUk/s320/DSC_0128.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I have a billion projects going at once. I am so busy with them that have not been good about blogging about any of them! In fact, today I went on a treasure hunt in consignment shops and forgot to take my camera! I haven't posted in a week, so I thought I would share something that I am pretty excited about.<br />
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About a month ago, I was hunting around in a consignment store looking for all sorts of stuff, when I found these dining chairs. Before we even closed on the new house, I knew that I wanted to make the foyer, living and dining room all in whites and neutrals. Since my farmhouse dining table had red ladder back chairs, I knew I would have to switch them out. Don't worry though, those red ladder backs are super happy in a new location that I might show you soon. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqYpdf_SKd7zs1pZ0iZFl9TtYksSMjrpg5XiqUGNyEpmSYkkRrzmrfqloUTSejXrHE1AQXSkE03-JbUvkzRHEsMPPtxbxYZdqtS4VVLAZT54d4viK3Exzih1NwWarFXwrGkhItusSKWE/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqYpdf_SKd7zs1pZ0iZFl9TtYksSMjrpg5XiqUGNyEpmSYkkRrzmrfqloUTSejXrHE1AQXSkE03-JbUvkzRHEsMPPtxbxYZdqtS4VVLAZT54d4viK3Exzih1NwWarFXwrGkhItusSKWE/s640/photo+(12).JPG" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So back to the chair I found. I knew the light wood was perfect for my farmhouse table and the wonderful shell motif across the top of the back added a nice tropical "I live in Florida" feel. I didn't care about the fabric on them </span><strike style="background-color: white;">and it's a good thing because this fabric is u g l y!</strike><span style="background-color: white;"> I knew that I was most likely going to have them recovered. I have the best upholsterer, Chris Green, so all I had to do was find the perfect chairs and fabric. I knew these chairs were most likely pretty high end and after doing a little research, I found out that they were in fact, Bernhardt dining chairs that were originally about $425 each! The gal selling them had marked them down three times and after speaking with her, she took $80 each for them. Steal! </span><br />
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I checked out Calico Corners for fabric, but in the end used materials ordered through Chris. Since white dining chairs can be a frightful thought. I mean, what happens when Sloppy Poppy comes over and spills in his lap?!! My solution? White leather seat cushions, leaving the lovely white on white floral silk pattern for the backs. The leather is easily wiped clean of any spills. <br />
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Chris just finished them this week and delivered them. I'm in love! They look great in the dining room, which I will show you at another time. It's still being re-designed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaia7I8C5IC_WUlQZwwcG06uGkVnqkOXTNGIs-b9836bu-GBdyAiWzQZzIpKAh_4lylyGJwMAircU2Tm36i1zSvYzmPXBiJL-KZyq16ceFbfw5SgHJ4H5-E8HBsaHrjaCLXRtX-nVbps/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaia7I8C5IC_WUlQZwwcG06uGkVnqkOXTNGIs-b9836bu-GBdyAiWzQZzIpKAh_4lylyGJwMAircU2Tm36i1zSvYzmPXBiJL-KZyq16ceFbfw5SgHJ4H5-E8HBsaHrjaCLXRtX-nVbps/s640/DSC_0126.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A9ufXXYkI7c84IIIsQKoN6ukWARUjZ5RuWGojhF9uJaQQVWRVBRnJVriCms9N8Y-_KgnIC_svJ9S5b7y4nw8Wq8F1ARwgv55sQkyge6ifSVCT9IGroP2iLOgTXuwbcq0cI0B2OmImGU/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A9ufXXYkI7c84IIIsQKoN6ukWARUjZ5RuWGojhF9uJaQQVWRVBRnJVriCms9N8Y-_KgnIC_svJ9S5b7y4nw8Wq8F1ARwgv55sQkyge6ifSVCT9IGroP2iLOgTXuwbcq0cI0B2OmImGU/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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One of the fun projects that is keeping me from blogging. I am hoping to get better about this. I promise!<br />
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-The End-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-70886856870813701652012-06-18T11:48:00.000-04:002012-07-03T12:08:24.378-04:00Reminder: It's Summer!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MDHds5bhZ-If2o2HJZcboouyEVoI6zWNmSMIELSJQQEftBOAP756tMUbr-CPNIt-8ufK67SoTOk9cRhMcsBe5eOzWd2FCY__FgfsO6MNyGkOqcafUGRl8JXWlRKk2J7NsETOnnRr4g/s1600/100_0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MDHds5bhZ-If2o2HJZcboouyEVoI6zWNmSMIELSJQQEftBOAP756tMUbr-CPNIt-8ufK67SoTOk9cRhMcsBe5eOzWd2FCY__FgfsO6MNyGkOqcafUGRl8JXWlRKk2J7NsETOnnRr4g/s400/100_0733.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our son on the tube just off the coastline back in 2010</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My hubby and I used to be avid boaters. It is one of the reasons that we lived on the canal at our last house. It afforded us access to the ocean. We had many fun years as the kids were growing spending days out on the boat and even taking several trips down to The Florida Keys and over to the Bahamas for long weekends. But like everything in life, things change. Our kids became teenagers and spending a weekend day on the boat with their parents took a second seat to hitting the beach or shopping mall with friends.</span><br />
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So when we made this move miles from the coastline, we knew that in some way we still needed to be connected to the water. Not in the sense of access to the ocean, just connected to some sort of body of water. This is why we bought a house on a large lake or should I say, why we found this house more appealing than others. It allowed us to perhaps keep our dingy. Yep, a dingy. Which for those of you who might not know what I am talking about, its an inflatable raft style boat that many boaters have on or tethered to their boats for mobility when docked in marinas.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKGhpNsV7zLISUqNL-Eim7wRlMQFpe01Me2sOG-OLKQCaWISCeFGoawFedoMAj4H7wOKRzc086E2KBMPfgiEnFtVJ3X1tKzHgttdGX7q9HxCOrHr7UAgVBYh3AGCYB8jqe2rbV4q5KCU/s1600/100_0928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKGhpNsV7zLISUqNL-Eim7wRlMQFpe01Me2sOG-OLKQCaWISCeFGoawFedoMAj4H7wOKRzc086E2KBMPfgiEnFtVJ3X1tKzHgttdGX7q9HxCOrHr7UAgVBYh3AGCYB8jqe2rbV4q5KCU/s400/100_0928.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">We sold out boat, but we couldn't part with the dingy. You see, the dingy was the center of many of our fun late weekend afternoons. We would lower it into the canal, filled with a snack and a bottle of wine or pitcher of margaritas and crawl around the neighborhood canals. I am sure that plenty of our neighbors got a kick out of us. One neighbor use to say, "Hey there you are...the "canal rats!"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So yesterday after lunch out and picking up his Father's Day present, which was an electric motor for the dingy, we wheeled the dingy down to the lake for it's maiden voyage. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5enHDwaV1pnhpo8lZ1VxPW8rFd51IW8tIaP1GB8WRmMy2q8wDdSCIemnQqkBf00LEbCynXmLJ_MOB3JNp8LnGDQ-_MJjY_JDwPN7yBslQ9EQJsmPLvOMwVzJ-km7Xi0WdXLSrbsT8po/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5enHDwaV1pnhpo8lZ1VxPW8rFd51IW8tIaP1GB8WRmMy2q8wDdSCIemnQqkBf00LEbCynXmLJ_MOB3JNp8LnGDQ-_MJjY_JDwPN7yBslQ9EQJsmPLvOMwVzJ-km7Xi0WdXLSrbsT8po/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2t3vxqkSZyCjx6l-tIeee__BnzFNKAM63F5oG7uOtTqDujVJSp9aXPQkYMJCnyC4epDSIXWNyGjqRIOqn65Va-az7WCykj1GoxiEwrqk8CU28RAKSXf3w58gpjVMx2InZqfLWFAiH5w/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2t3vxqkSZyCjx6l-tIeee__BnzFNKAM63F5oG7uOtTqDujVJSp9aXPQkYMJCnyC4epDSIXWNyGjqRIOqn65Va-az7WCykj1GoxiEwrqk8CU28RAKSXf3w58gpjVMx2InZqfLWFAiH5w/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">We cruised around the lake, checking out a few of the houses that we looked at during our search to see if they had sold. We saw several little turtles stick their heads up to look and dart down into the lake grasses. We also saw several people fishing from their backyards.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We came upon this one man at the southern end of our lake sitting in his yard fishing. As we approached his area, we over heard him call into the house to his wife and say, "Ya gotta come out here and see this boat!" I guess canoes and kayaks are the norm. An inflatable must be an unusual site. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Oh well, I have never been a very mainstream normal kinda gal. I'm not going to change it now. We chuckled and motored on, but on our return past this fisherman, my eye caught something even more unusual than our dingy. Check this out...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikniRbMwSpLf4nDRhJA2QhImtK5HbVOZlNYUfvd4eQaxpunWBMOhUjvimJ01gS5B-1XEhg0mCU6IYH9xzAhSxzjz1IIUXe5pAd_dAunSxQcOswKTPdl8vpHI4u5_iOOIyQUpd4WDIGlWc/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikniRbMwSpLf4nDRhJA2QhImtK5HbVOZlNYUfvd4eQaxpunWBMOhUjvimJ01gS5B-1XEhg0mCU6IYH9xzAhSxzjz1IIUXe5pAd_dAunSxQcOswKTPdl8vpHI4u5_iOOIyQUpd4WDIGlWc/s640/DSC_0101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Heron looking like he is going to sit in the chair.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Look at the Blue Heron. The big bird looks like he ran the man out of his chair and is intending on sitting down and taking a rest himself! So I call out to the man, "Looks like you have a friend that is about to take your seat!" He responds, "The only thing that big bird is looking for is the fish that I catch!" He went onto to explain that we have three resident Blue Herons and that this particular one shows up whenever he is fishing hoping to get a hand out. As we got closer, our dingy spooked the grand monster and he took off running.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMy28FOkCsZu0pOIg-S04Vg5R9VxdLBj1ulEx_vAWcCmk9iO4lJJIgdHjlqxwSB9ufzmdx-2ivd4PrQDQadnklHHDVCkRYpJlQBOkW07I6I2rv0KKUxh2QU2OTz_3d3C3nj3QbM6dKdE/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMy28FOkCsZu0pOIg-S04Vg5R9VxdLBj1ulEx_vAWcCmk9iO4lJJIgdHjlqxwSB9ufzmdx-2ivd4PrQDQadnklHHDVCkRYpJlQBOkW07I6I2rv0KKUxh2QU2OTz_3d3C3nj3QbM6dKdE/s640/DSC_0102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooked bird taking a run for it. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Guess this bird isn't use to such a watercraft in the lake as well! I don't know if from the image you can get an idea of the size of this bird. He would stand as high as my shoulder for sure. I love seeing them fly. It's such a loping, </span><span style="background-color: white;">majestic</span><span style="background-color: white;"> glide. Kinda 'lopey' like my hubby. Here he is captain of his ship on it's maiden lake voyage on his 18th Father's Day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1qxDlsy203H86ihB3YWasvb31LdLSoPek1XzY1dpKzykC-edLY19urF9Ba7jMXxNcl9_EB2Qg5ZuPsVsCfKhpYBOrB1gIAfAr5XOBsdrtmA-5SGFF7ZPprvv6l8NnMb9yNEf89rQv5M/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1qxDlsy203H86ihB3YWasvb31LdLSoPek1XzY1dpKzykC-edLY19urF9Ba7jMXxNcl9_EB2Qg5ZuPsVsCfKhpYBOrB1gIAfAr5XOBsdrtmA-5SGFF7ZPprvv6l8NnMb9yNEf89rQv5M/s400/DSC_0096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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That smile is purely from happiness, the margaritas had nothing to do with it. (wink) Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Remember, it's summer. Time to slow it down a bit and enjoy the gifts around us. Have you thought about how you are going to stop and reflect and just enjoy this summer? What simple thing do you have planned? If not, get thinking about it! Life too short to spend your days unpacking boxes, err, doing chores, err fixing up that room. Like I said...remember, it's summer...<br />
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-The End-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-47071759910419604902012-06-13T11:20:00.000-04:002012-06-14T21:52:31.670-04:00Favorite Furnishings Make For A Room With A Hug<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">More is...well, more. I had a sister in law who use to needle me with a less is more mantra. Yet, her house was cluttered with...well, clutter. More is more doesn't mean too much is too much. It means surround yourself with everything you love, not everything you have. It's like a great big hug.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">A room in my new house is done. It is the room with all my recovered furniture from last year. I talked about this furniture redo in<a href="http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/05/slipcovers-revealed.html"> my blog post Slipcovers Revealed</a>. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">In addition, I</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> added all my little whatnots. This is stuff I have collected over the years including shells from vacations and such. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Unpacking boxes can be a daunting task. But it can hold a fun element. As I was unpacking all my hoards of <strike>junk</strike> treasures, I found myself enjoying opening each ball of paper. It was like re-discovering the joy of having collected these things all over again. Birthday gifts from....me. I even found myself guessing what was inside before unwrapping them. Remember that Halloween party game where you had to reach into a bag without looking and guess the contents? Like that, only better because my ears were not being told that it was human brains as my hand was touching cooked, cold macaroni shells. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Getting back to the point, this room is my little hug. It has my favorite fall-into furniture along with my little loves. Not that this room is that<i> little,</i> I realize. It has some lofty ceilings and a pretty amazing fireplace. Notice that awesome black glass top table in the middle? Just picked that up in a consignment store for a song!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJpjTs1VRSJHkDZNx4S4HFGkPA9adi1p7R1nhb9QRVsNA7YuU8XrE9daW-Lpj9XrF6zJ_OBbALHgEc8xynYirlDWjgapHCR_OKaSmq-oSWcII4ZU3syNhb1yg0by2JNTXtRfb-6hv1l4/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJpjTs1VRSJHkDZNx4S4HFGkPA9adi1p7R1nhb9QRVsNA7YuU8XrE9daW-Lpj9XrF6zJ_OBbALHgEc8xynYirlDWjgapHCR_OKaSmq-oSWcII4ZU3syNhb1yg0by2JNTXtRfb-6hv1l4/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">So, between the crazy combinations of fabrics, eclectic furnishings, this is one of those more is more spots that I love. That old sister in law isn't in our lives anymore, but I bet she would agree that sometimes, more can be more. Less is more....really? What was she really saying anyway. (wink)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">-The End-</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Linking to:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/06/show-and-tell-friday_14.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyRomanticHome+%28My+Romantic+Home%29">Show and Tell Friday</a></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-30023296899165677852012-06-10T09:37:00.001-04:002012-07-03T12:09:16.138-04:00The Truth and a Chandy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YJ3N2gDkU0/T9Siv4xX_qI/AAAAAAAAFCY/F9pxa4D5YDg/s1600/DSC_0080-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YJ3N2gDkU0/T9Siv4xX_qI/AAAAAAAAFCY/F9pxa4D5YDg/s200/DSC_0080-001.JPG" width="166" /></a>Okay, so. I'm just gonna put it out there. Yep. The truth. Not that I think you guys ever thought I spoke anything but the truth. Sometimes...I speak way too much truth. But that's just me. So why would that change at the ripe old age of 48. Yep. 48. I turned that this past month while away from my blog. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An iPhone pic from moving out of the former home.</td></tr>
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So the truth. After moving 8 times since 1988, buying and purchasing and selling, buying and purchasing and selling over and over again, we have landed the house of my dreams. Now, before you get all excited for me, I have to tell you something. In order to get such a place, we had to find someone willing to walk away from an over improved home and had to buy it "As Is." That real estate term, in case you don't know it, states that the buyer is purchasing the property in the current state regardless of the condition of anything releasing the seller from the 2 percent clause. (If you don't know what the 2 percent clause is, look it up...not boring you here with that!!) Outside all the legal jargon, we have learned that with THIS house the term "AS IS" means "Everything is broken!" Ha! We didn't even do formal inspections!! Guess what? We still don't care! Sometimes, ya gotta be willing to overlook the faults, bite the bullet and get what you want vowing to fix what you can as you go. This is where we find ourselves. <br />
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So the last month, we have been in fix it mode. You know, the boring stuff like appliance repair, and appliance repair...and oh, and appliance repair! But that doesn't mean that I haven't had some fun finding some great things. For example, the seller decided to strip the house of a few items that needed to be replaced, like the ceiling light fixture in the foyer. Yep, he took lighting. Oh well, this means that I get pick my own. <br />
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I set out to all my favorite consignment stores looking for the perfect chandy. I didn't look at antique places or thrift shops for this. I needed something a little more special, newer and such. But you know me, I am a bargain person and I was not going to pay full retail of this item! Oh no! It took me a few days to nail it. In fact, I found this one day in a consignment store over by my daughter's former school (remember I talked about that 3 hours of driving in my last blog post) and am glad that I stopped to check out the place. I am super duper excited about the lighting fixture that I found. I just got it installed in the foyer and took these snap shots to show you.<br />
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How totally cool is this fixture?!! I just love the glass flowers and the droplets. It was super hard to transport and install. Lost a few pieces along the way. But it has such a WOW factor at my front door. Don't you think?! <br />
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It's not for everyone, but it is for me. I'm kinda glad the guy who sold me this house took the light fixture. <strike>His was probably ugly anyway. </strike> I like mine just fine and it didn't set me back too badly. Sometimes, if you stay positive, it all works out! <br />
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-The End-</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1233797400545673307.post-89983375325734962712012-06-08T11:27:00.001-04:002012-06-08T11:27:29.217-04:00I've Been Away Too LongI've taken breaks from The Homeless Finch in the past due to vacations and the like. But, it has been 7 weeks since my last post. Funny...it feels longer. I never anticipated being away like this, but the transition into the new house has been way more than I anticipated. Until the end of last week, we have been driving my daughter to her previous school. The drive took a full hour and a half two times a day. <strike> It was worse than it sounds...really.</strike> It's okay because anyone can do anything for a short period of time, right?<br />
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Even though we have moved 7 times since 1988, this one was much more difficult. Was it because we moved pretty far from our previous houses? (If you are not counting the move out of state and back into state in one year just over ten years ago.) Probably not. Was it the timing? My daughter having not graduated from 8th grade yet and a son struggling to keep decent grades after too many changes in his life this past year? Maybe. Am I getting older? Yep. Probably. All this and more has made it next to impossible for me to find time to even read my favorite blogs, let alone write mine. <br />
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So, I'm easing back in. I've started reading some of my favorite blogs and this post will be my 'toe in the water' attempt to write again. I don't know what direction The Homeless Finch will take this year. I certainly have a ton of house posts I could write, but am very hesitant to make home decor the center focus of The Homeless Finch. .... or maybe I will. Hey, maybe I will just take one day at a time and we can all see how things develop. I have plans to paint several pieces of art specifically for rooms in my house. I know I will be sharing the process and finished works for sure. Sound good? <br />
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For now, I will show you two images I took on my iPhone a few days apart. I go and sit in this spot to rest and relax between unpacking boxes. It's the lake view from the cabana out by the pool. <br />
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Yes, you are correct. In the second image I might just have been also enjoying a nice, crisp glass of white wine! Love this spot. Perhaps I will talk more about it later.<br />
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-The End-</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17558649923750184739noreply@blogger.com8