Imagination Brings Winter Respite

Imagination Brings Winter Respite

February 17, 2020

Welcome to Fantasy Land Connecticut- where the summer cactus is in full bloom and imagination runs wild. Weather this year has been a bit strange; hot, cold, freezing rain and intermittent snow. Know what I mean? A couple weeks ago, I ventured out to the garden as I was starting to see tiny buds on trees. I was horrified to see some bearded iris roots emerging from the ground. There’s no question that even as the days grow longer, we have some winter left. It’s got this gardener worried. Everybody OK out there? After hand surgery December 18, I’m still
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Maine Travelogue

Maine Travelogue

July 30, 2019

Our summer vacation this year began in Somerville MA, a comfortable driving pause enroute to Newburyport and Maine. The bonus was lunch with my son and his fiancée. Caught up in a whirlwind of late fall wedding plans as they are, we figured the best way to get their attention was over a meal.  It worked really well! After lunch, we drove to Newburyport for an overnight at a bed and breakfast called the Essex Street Inn, close to downtown. Great location. Lovely people. The following day we drove to Harrison ME to catch up with old friends. Harrison is
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Summer is Ushered in Courtesy of April and May

Summer is Ushered in Courtesy of April and May

June 11, 2019

April is the name I gave to my new Paola scarf. Early spring after all brings narcissus, daffodils and early baby sedum greens.  Love the softness of color this time of year.   These days, most of my time is spent in the garden -from weeding to watering to pruning and mulching. Today, I bought some bone meal to supplement a stubborn rhododendron that refuses to flower. I pruned the plant carefully, applied the bone meal around its base and layered on some compost bought expressly to hold it close around the roots. The plant sits on a steep hill
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Spring Sale- Scarf Prices Are Going Up May 1

Spring Sale- Scarf Prices Are Going Up May 1

April 20, 2019

We’ve been sewing and ironing like crazy to get ready for the Simsbury Flea and Smorgasbord Show. It’s next Saturday, (rain or shine) April 27, from 9-5. The show is one day only and I’d love to see you there but if you can’t make it, no worries, scarves in stock today and ordered before May 1, will be sold for the current price of $42.00. After May 1, the new price will be $44.95. SORRY- THIS SALE IS OVER!! Peony Heaven Takes Planning Spring is the time for fertilizing some plants. Today, it was time for the peonies. Having
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It’s Sewing Time Again

It’s Sewing Time Again

March 19, 2019

I love sewing. It brings quiet. It helps one make connections with personal history. My mother and sisters taught me to sew many years ago. Exploring all kinds of fabric, texture and colors. My passion for the arts began in a fabric store looking for prints, lace and thread for doll clothes. Followed by patterns and zippers for my own clothes. And then, sewing special dresses for my daughter too! The sensation of peace often emerges as a welcome consequence of handwork. Sewing can allow one to move forward in an ordered fashion- without undue haste. In this way, it
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Life -A Catalyst for Creative Endeavors

Life -A Catalyst for Creative Endeavors

February 5, 2019

For several weeks, family members have been watching over my older sister who’s been ill with Alzheimer’s for many years. She’s finally reaching her end of life. Hosting out of town family members has become a new reality for those of us nearby. And not entirely unpleasant. Whenever else would we make the time? I take solace in creative work. Quiet time engaged in physical activities like gardening, cooking or sewing can go a long way in achieving internal peace- rather then hitting hard issues head on. I chose the name “Caroline” In honor of Caroline Ferriday, the inspiring former
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Life in Black and White

Life in Black and White

January 29, 2019

I will die a colorist. At the same time. In the beginning, an artist has to deny her creative self and start simply. It’s part of any learning process, regardless of vocation. The markers are everywhere. How often have you heard the words “Baby steps; One day at a time; or First things first?” In art school, Drawing 101 begins with charcoal and a still life. Fast forward. One lens used in the new film Roma cost in the neighborhood of $80,000. Film director Alfonso Cuaron did NOT get there overnight.  Roma lead actress, Yalitza Aparicio is new to acting
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Cooler Weather Heralds Warm Colors

Cooler Weather Heralds Warm Colors

October 7, 2017

For some people, warm colors might mean shades of red. (Like me). As the weather turns cooler, do you too migrate inside and begin pondering about interior spaces that need attention? I get stuck sometimes not finishing certain rooms. Places that  just need something…different. I clean, wander and consider what I might change for, say holiday events. Autumn is a good time to get ideas by looking at what other people are doing. Related Images:
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Working on a New Paola Pillow

Working on a New Paola Pillow

March 14, 2015

I love this photo- the colors are so great together- all  green and red. Doesn’t it look like the coat is rising up inside the green arch? This week I’ve been working on a new spring pillow. And I mean working. Related Images:
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Paola Pillow Evolution

Paola Pillow Evolution

November 13, 2014

Someone recently asked me how I’d ever come up with the idea of making Paola pillows- specifically applying flower photos to cloth. It seemed a funny question but then I thought about it. Related Images:
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