Ultra Violet Reaches For a Higher Level

Ultra Violet is a blue purple color and one of my favorites. It’s become even more popular for the art industry in 2018, chosen as color of the year by Pantone, who suggests that “Ultra Violet lights the way of what is yet to come. Awareness brought to a higher level.” Leatrice Eiseman, Exec. Director of the Pantone Color Institute. I’m good with that. Related Images:
Read More

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:
Read More

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
Read More

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:
Read More

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:
Read More

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:
Read More

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:
Read More

Celebrating the Life of a Tile Artist

When we redid our house, Michael DeMartino was pivotal in pulling it together. As the artist/owner of NW Marble & Tile, Mike was the go-to for all our interior tile work, from foyer to kitchen, living and bathrooms. He passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. He was only 56 and he is missed! His energy enlivened a process that at times was daunting, even for those of us without our hands in cold grout. I think that year’s end is a good time for celebrating life, don’t you? Related Images:
Read More