Mikhail Baryshnikov in "White Nights", dancing "Koni" (Horses) by Vladim...

Ladue News Show House

I thoroughly enjoyed transforming the drab reading room at the Ladue News show house into an elegant bohemian salon for reading, conversation or whatever may happen. 

 It is filled with amazing art and wonderful furniture.

 The crystal chandelier is the crown to the room.

 The acrylic side table is a stunning compliment to the French styled chairs.

 The wood floor received a coat of grey/blue deck stain.

 Panels painted with an Art Noveau pattern were added to the closet doors.

 The bookcase is filled with books and objects from a well traveled life.

So there it is complete, until the next show house...

A poem close to my heart

[somewhere i have never travelled]

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience, your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands

e.e. cummings

I love you, George...

Vignettes

I love intimate spaces.  One of the (many) benefits of having a small cottage is that little decorative vignettes don't seem out of place.  When I lived in a large home, I had to decorate in bold strokes - huge artwork, overscaled furniture, etc.  Now that I'm living cozier, I can revisit my love of "downscaled" decorating.  And, truthfully, it doesn't feel like decorating per se, but rather a visual extension of my true self.  And isn't that the the best part of having a home - creating a haven that reflects the soul?

Below are little pockets of my home that make me smile...

Mikko wanted in on the photo shoot!

my bed ~ I love to create wild color combos with pillows

My nightstand ~ the gorgeous stained glass lamp was made by my talented mother!  Visit her website here

One of my bathroom shelves ~ I found the tray at a consignment shop

...these bottles sit on the shelf above the previous photo ~ more thrift shop finds

In my bedroom hangs a gorgeous piece of art generously given to me by my blogger friend, Angela of Pennystamper

In the bedroom again ~ books, art, and perfume...my idea of heaven

An adorable little hand towel I found which is draped over a flea-market-find mirror (bedroom)

In the bathroom, to the right of the sink.  My mom made the stained glass night light!

Cemetary walk, anyone?

It was one of those perfect New England autumn days today - warm, crisp air, bright sunshine, crunchy leaves underfoot.  Swell time for a cemetary walk, wouldn't you say?  Now, I've always thought of cemetaries as creepy places - still do - but on a pretty day like today, it seemed harmless enough (I might think twice under a full moon!). 

I've lived in this hamlet for almost nine years, but this was my first visit to the local cemetary.  It sits (as many old New England cemetaries do) behind the local church.  I was the only visitor this afternoon, so I took my time and really explored.  It was interesting looking at the headstones; some were simply made, others quite elaborate with impressive craftsmanship.  I wondered what the faces, personalities, and lives were like of the people who passed on so long ago...

It was an oddly meditative place, encouraging me to pause and reflect on my own mortality,  reminding me to drink in each day, each moment.  I must say, I enjoyed my time there.  And since it's only a five minute walk from my cottage, I'll be back.

pointing toward heaven?

I really like this one - looks like the trees are offering protection

wonder what is the significance of the hand and plant?

chain fence...hmm...are they keeping people out?  or in?

an especially pretty headstone

the detail on this one is beautiful

October Mix feat. Ragin Ravin

October Mix feat. Ragin Ravin by MIXT

It's time to do a little momma braggin'!  My son, Nate - aka Ragin Ravin - is a talented electronic musician (and DJ/producer), and this is his latest mix.  He also works for a promotion company, so if you're a musician who needs representation, contact him here.  You can also listen to more tracks on Soundcloud.
  
(this is a tad hard-core, so you might want to turn your speakers down or up, depending on your taste in music!)  ;-)

Enjoy!

Ladue News Show House Part 2

The show house is open. The rooms have been completely transformed. You will be amazed.
The Mediterranean style home was built in the early 1900's and is located at #15 Washington Terrace in the CWE. You can see more information and purchase tickets here.

As you can see there have been quite a few changes in the Reading Room. Let me know what you think of the show house. I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts.   Vicki