Ethanol fireplaces?

I'd like to curl up next to one of these just about now. And I wouldn't even have to carry wood!

So simple!

...And so lovely!

Eiffel Tower stand-up cards by Eri Peterson on Etsy

Rock Art

Since when have you had a contractor make a sculpture for you as a parting gift?  Well, actually I can think of a few, but none as beautiful as this.  You should see his construction!  His name is Lewis Wright of Staunton, VA. Sure hope I get to work with him some day.   

They are out there, folks – you just gotta look hard. 

Trolls Celebrate Too!

This cute couple spends the holidays with a dear family friend.  Every year they (& some of their friends) surround her tabletop tree.  

I sure do hope I have her sense of humor when I’m her age. So loosen up people - Christmas is better with a little cheer!

More door worship

I guess I no longer have a good excuse to pass by the next batch of old doors I see for sale at the 2^nd hand store.  

Old School Christmas

Maybe it’s because of what I grew up with, but I like my Christmas decorations sort of messy and made up.   This is why I tell my clients( when they are silly enough to ask) that they don’t want me to decorate their houses for Christmas.  I can’t really do it any other way. 

Next one I want to try is this great Ornament Tree courtesy of Amy from IntoVintage. Cute, huh? 

Attachment Issues

We recently moved and I had to leave my childhood bathtub behind forever. When my parents updated their bathroom I insisted they save the claw foot tub for me. I was in college at the time so it sat outside in a field for years before I could “rescue” it. But in time, my husband & I made a place for it along with a lovely sink I found in an old school. When our plans to move became a reality I actually thought of taking the tub with me. Even my Mom and my siblings seemed to be concerned about leaving it behind! In the end, I decided that the sink would be too lonely without it. 

Retiring in Style

My YOUNG good friend is worried about retirement. We’ve brainstormed for years about building a commune of sorts for all our childless friends to share. We would each have our own space but share a kitchen, dining space, nurse and cook. She recently sent this picture of a cabin to me as inspiration for the personal space.   

Anyone want to join us?

Local and Handmade

This beautiful sconce was handmade in Clifton Forge, VA before most of us were born.  It wasn’t commissioned for a resort or mansion as most custom lights are today.  It was made for a simple summer cottage just up the road from where it was forged.

It makes me pause at the internet shopping I do for clients.  Don’t get me wrong!  It’s great to purchase anything from anywhere.  The convenience and price is almost always right.  Just not sure how many of those items people will be writing blogs about 75 years from now.

Our last vacation….

Was way TOO long ago!  But, we still have the memories of this rooftop patio complete with a gorgeous view we had all to ourselves.  The glass windscreen was a perfect solution for when those ocean breezes got a little strong and the pergola was just the right spot for indirect sun.  What’s not pictured was our very own private pool and the awesome bathroom just inside the door.  I love a well thought out plan particularly when the goal is to relax with a good book!

Proud Turkey

Last year my husband cooked his first turkey for our first ever “hosted” Thanksgiving dinner.  What can I say – we are late bloomers.  But this turkey and the family celebration turned out great and were well worth the wait. 

Bucket list

Only dorks have the Hoover Dam on their bucket list, right?   Well I don’t care because it was truly amazing.  A must see!  I’m not sure how I feel about the reason behind the building of the Dam (re-routing the Colorado River to provide water for the desert in several states).  I do know it was a thrill to stand on it and think about what had to happen to build it. 

Art masonry

This is a new chimney – it was just constructed less than a year ago.  I was flabbergasted when I first saw it.  The face of each stone is hand chiseled and it all fits together like a jigsaw puzzle.  They aren’t supposed to make them like this anymore!

Plant sounds

I’ve always thought an old upright would make the perfect bar but this is definitely more fun and you don’t even have to bother with getting it through the door.

Devil Dog

This is our (usually) very sweet dog Junebug getting ready for Halloween.   Just goes to show you that even the best of us have a little devil in them.  Have fun releasing yours soon!

Building as art

Yes, this is real.  No staging of the shutter positions or the Polenta signage.  Someone goes to work there everyday.  Wow!

Worth saving?

This gorgeous fireplace is in a house I’m helping a friend restore.  Well, maybe…it’s a big project and we aren’t sure what makes sense just yet.  There is another fireplace similar to this one in green.  Not everyone’s aesthetic BUT significant in that you don’t see them everyday and the tile is definitely handmade and at least 80 years old….I think!  Must do more research.

This made me smile!

Just when you think there’s only so many ways HVAC units can be screened from view.  Some clever person thought of this.  Love it! 

I want one!

I have a thing about dark showers.  And also a thing about being disconnected from daylight.  This application solves them both.  Plus, it’s just fun to shower “outdoors”.  The band of etched glass on the outside panel gives some visual protection you don’t always have in the true outdoors.   Awesome detail!

Happy Fall Y'all!

I have no idea why this photo reminds me of Fall.  It’s probably the scarecrow in the background.  Not sure either what one would do with this green horse except to smile at him.   Maybe use him as part of an entrance to a horse farm or event?   Agri-tourism booth display?  How would you put him to good use?  

And, by the way, “he” just looks like a fella to me although I could be wrong about that too.