Unique Archives - Page 9 of 25

Celebrating the Life of a Tile Artist

December 30, 2017

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:
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town

December 23, 2017

We found Santa Claus in a favorite antique shop in Collinsville, Connecticut. He’s completely handmade of metal, which suits me fine because he camps out on the front deck every year waiting for the real Santa. We wanted to make sure he could take the cold New England weather. He used to spend the weeks before Christmas inside a department store. Until he was put out to pasture. We had to bring him home. Related Images:
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Sounds, Sights and Scents of Christmas

December 16, 2017

The Christmas season heralds sensations of traditions that have lasted generations of families. It’s written that our sense of smell alone triggers more brain activity than visual stimulation. Think of it, the sight of a rose vs… its scent. Which holds more memories for you? The scents of Christmas. No question in my mind. What are yours? Related Images:
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The Color White

December 12, 2017

The color white has so many interpretations, almost all are positive. As a colorist I don’t often admit that white is essential in complementing the effusive use of colors, prints and light. Besides, it’s ALWAYS lovely to look out the morning after the first snowfall in New England. Related Images:
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Warm and Fuzzy

December 9, 2017

When I was little, stuffed animals were huge for Christmas gifts. Do you remember yours? For those of us lucky enough to have formed good relationships with stuffed animals, it sometimes became an occasion for strife. For example. Somebody cut the whiskers off my brother Joe’s black panther. Although I regrettably gave my beagle puppet a really short haircut (thinking it would grow?) I did not trim Joe’s black cat’s whiskers. Years later, I remember an old fur coat my sister gave me that she’d gotten from an elderly relative. It was divine. Warm and fuzzy. And real. We don’t
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Just Let Go

December 5, 2017

To some extent, “getting into the holidays” can incrementally increase tension. Anybody else feel a certain amount of increasing stress over… gift expectations, family time, whatever? I found an article written by Arthur C. Brooks that helped me, it might also be of interest to you. An excerpt… Related Images:
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Happy Thanksgiving Early!

November 21, 2017

From Montreal. This year I’m thankful for a brief visit to Canada. Could it become more than a visit? Only time will tell. At least we have our passports now. And I’m grateful not to have to cook turkey this year – or any giant side dishes designed to overstuff. This isn’t the first year we’ve taken a “bye” for Thanksgiving and I strongly recommend it every five years or so. Related Images:
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In Search of Beauty Everywhere

November 18, 2017

An American Beautyberry (sometimes called a French Mulberry) brings great color to a late fall garden. Its shiny purple fruit is a marked contrast to curling dry hosta leaves. Beautyberry fruit is loved by birds and deer alike. Wait a minute, did I say deer???? Hmm. The warm weather is pretty much finished here in New England and no kind of flower is left standing. Planting is finally over for the season and I had the courage to stop buying bulbs this week. The ground is just too hard to cultivate! Besides, it’s time to find beauty inside for the
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The Sound of Silence

November 14, 2017

The forecast for this morning was “a wintry mix by 10:00” so it made sense to jump out of bed and put the bulbs in before breakfast. Later, as I ran down to empty the wheelbarrow of leaves and branches, I heard it. The sound of silence. Related Images:
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Tulips: Cultivating the Right Attitude

November 11, 2017

You have to begin with a nod to their roots. Tulips are natives of Eastern Turkey and the foothills of the Himalaya. They don’t belong here. Whether they behave as annuals or perennials is largely beyond our control. If you go in with that attitude it might be less stressful. (I’m working on our Paola Prints pillow listing for Amazon- The photo above shows you the progress). After much consternation (mine) I’m approaching the finish line and hope to go live very soon. Wish us luck! Related Images:
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