Mid-Century All the Way

I was messaging with my son about his quest for a new couch. We independently landed on mid-century modern as the style to shoot for. Why is that? (Aside from the fact that we both have impeccable taste rooted in American history.) Related Images:
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Be Kind to Your House Plants

It’s time. With holiday decorations put away, it’s time for all good house plants to get attention. Long suffering through summer when the outdoor plants rule, our house plants have settled in for winter and are showing the affects of dry air and root constriction. The patient Robusta Snake Plant (probably the oldest plant we own) has been suffering quietly in a short ceramic pot that just doesn’t have enough depth for root growth. I FINALLY got her into a larger pot, lightly tied up for now until she can stabilize. I’m pretty sure I’ve been over watering too. Snake
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Discovering Incongruities in Life

Paola Pillows are indoor pillows, all soft cotton and down- no vinyl cyanide onboard*. I couldn’t resist placing them outdoors for a cheery snapshot of a sunny winter’s day. As usual, I revel in the incongruities of life. Creative license taken here. Related Images:
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The Colors of Crayola- Workout Inspiration

We discovered a golden horse and chariot printed on black fabric at a consignment haunt- Wright’s Barn in Torrington, CT. The image was pretty shabby and sadly framed in cracked glass. (Sometimes, you just have to go for the rescue!) Now newly matted and framed, I’m thrilled to enjoy it daily during my workout. For some reason it always brings back memories of coloring with Crayola crayons as a child. (My favorite colors were the original gold, silver, and copper). What were yours? Related Images:
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In Search of American Handmade

Things handmade have increasingly become products from overseas. You see it most often in home décor items made in Mexico, Iran, Korea and China- most anywhere but in the U.S. The story of material and its fabrication is an ancient one and has its roots in far away lands. Maybe we’ve returned to that time. Or not. Related Images:
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In Quest of a Rug

It’s been written that floor coverings likely originated from stalks of organic materials loosely applied to dirt floors to warm or visually improve them. In this way, floor coverings would also differentiate one home from another. The concept was not dramatically different from today. Shopped for a rug lately? Related Images:
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The New You in 2018

New Year’s offers an opportunity for reflection that I generally resist.  I think the biggest mistake about aging we can make is expecting that life will always remain the same. It doesn’t. As a gardener, I’ve learned principles about change that also apply to new life at any age. Related Images:
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