Back to the Garden

Back to the Garden

April 30, 2016

It’s hard to believe we were away from home for two weeks in search of pillow sales at High Point Market, NC. It’s great to be back  in Litchfield, which means a welcome return to the gardens. Paola Pillows started in the garden. I’ve missed that time. I’m sure people garden for all different reasons. The escape into quiet beauty is right up there. At the same time, isn’t it also about indulging in the work of your hands? The pleasure of just putting your hands and body into it. Less so your mind. The actions of gardening bring comfort.
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Tryon Palace Gardens

Tryon Palace Gardens

April 26, 2016

Impressive statues of the four seasons watch over the formal parterre known as the Latham Garden, to the side of the Tryon Palace. Tryon Palace was the first permanent home of the North Carolina governor in colonial times. (“Palace” was just another word for the governor’s home). Originally built in 1767, the palace burned to the ground soon after the capital was moved to Raleigh.  Related Images:
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Still Life at Market

Still Life at Market

April 23, 2016

My mother used to set up a “still life” for drawing practice. She was the first in a series of many teachers who taught me the basics of composition and the dynamic relationship between shape, color and light. A “still life” is something like a booth at a trade show. A static representation of life. Related Images:
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Show Time at Market

Show Time at Market

April 19, 2016

Friday was opening day at High Point Market. So much energy expended at looking good. Ah, the things I’ve learned. Had a GREAT southern breakfast the other day. This place is something to go out of your way for. Container garden in the back with cute little cow sculptures on the back stairs. I had one giant pancake (forewarned as I was) with a choice of blueberries in, or on top and HEATED maple syrup. I treasured my latte, which is virtually unheard of in this locale.. The decor was funky arty, the service outstanding. And the price was prolly
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I Don’t Want To Know

I Don’t Want To Know

April 12, 2016

Very soon, I’m going to bed.. and I don’t want to know what I didn’t finish tonight. My poor husband just finished removing a thousand staples from the biggest piece of stretched canvas headed to our booth at High Point Market because it wouldn’t fit in the car. (Shhh, don’t tell my sister who stapled it together) Can’t wait to re-do it again Wednesday afternoon. Found a great little table…and two chairs. If you’re at Market working, stop by our booth at 1-640, and prepare to get comfortable. Today’s single greatest booth addition was this: Shipped direct to North Carolina.
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Light Lights Up Life

Light Lights Up Life

April 5, 2016

Growing up, I remember a couple beautiful heavy red and yellow glass bowls in our house- always a little out of reach for a child to get to. They had gold flecks in them. Later, we always enjoyed holding them up to the light to look  through them. They were from Murano, an island in Italy’s Venetian lagoon. Related Images:
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Rushing Spring

Rushing Spring

March 29, 2016

I admit I’m rushing Spring again. I can’t help it! Truthfully, it’s way early for hydrangea. These flowers bloomed in Connecticut in 2015. It’s a lot closer to daffodil time later in April. Isn’t it interesting how just the picture of flowers makes you feel happy? Related Images:
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Paola Pillows and SAMS-The Suites at Market Square

Paola Pillows and SAMS-The Suites at Market Square

March 26, 2016

We spent a lot of time this week planning our booth for the Suites at Market Square  Some of it was designing Paola Prints T-shirts to wear in the booth. Tonight, just for fun, I took a rose, re-drew it and added it into one of my fave milkweed photos from last fall. The sun finally came out today, midday after a dull rainy night. No complaints here- we all know what Spring rains bring…more flowers! Of course, the rose took on a whole new life when I applied it to our t-shirt design. The black shirts needed something bright…
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Guilty as charged

Guilty as charged

March 22, 2016

The skunk cabbages have sprung and I’m in love. I spent most of the day outside Saturday, after dutifully planning to stay inside to work on my High Point pillow booth. Instead, I raked the garden, loaded in wood and cleaned the pellet stove.  Oh, the guilt I had to beat back. The sun came out today and melted most of the last  (?) Spring snow. Related Images:
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