Back in the Saddle.......First things First

First things first, give credit where credit is due.

When I last posted - I think it was in the afternoon on Christmas day - I shared some photos from my Pinterest boards.

 I did not know the origin of most of them, but thanks to some savvy readers, have identified a few.

One of my favorites, the simple but so lovely entry hall with matching painted closet doors,

apparently belongs to HGTV star Sarah Richardson.

Who knew?
I am not a television watcher, nor have I kept up with HGTV in several years.
 I realize I have been missing a lot after looking at Sarah's website.

Her style is refreshing and  crisp and I can't wait to become familiar with more of her work.



Another favorite photo I shared came from the wonderful blog Color Outside the Lines  in a post titled
 Love......Fun Lamps!

 I don't think I actually knew this information at first, as I re-pinned the photo from someone else - the fun and the curse of Pinterest, at least if you are needing original sources!

Here it is again - I still love it - the lamps as well as the whole grouping of interesting things.

So, thank you to Artie of Color Outside the Lines!!


Now that I have taken care of that bit of business, I am going to get back to the business of blogging.

I set up at the Winter Round Top Show in January and had a great show.
Quite early in the show, one of my dear antiquing buddies marched right into my booth and said, quite emphatically,

Well, man!! You must have bad bloggers block!!!

Uh.....you noticed?

She proceeded to tell me how she lives in this little town way out in the middle of nowhere and reads my blog regularly (which of course is a very nice compliment) and how I had written absolutely nothing in weeks!!
Yes, I am aware of this.

 So, I of course did not deny her accusation.......it's a little more complicated than that, but who had time for a long story?

I'm just glad someone missed me.
Thanks, Gayle,
 (most fabulous dealer of majolica, tramp art, faux bois, textiles, tole ware,vintage Christmas,  and all sorts of incredible antiques ever to be found at the Marburger Farm Antique Show every single spring and fall! ) even if you are a bit direct in telling me how you feel!

Anyway, I am back and I have stories to tell.

Design - in the Texas Hill Country!

 

 I know, I know...... I just wrote a long post about changing my focus and not writing about Fredericksburg or the hill country as much any more.

Then....just yesterday, this fabulous, fresh new linen designer popped up on my radar (well, actually my side bar where the blog for red is featured among my favorites) .

Meet Theresa Heard. 

Lovely and talented Theresa Heard.

Theresa is not actually a new designer. She has tons of design experience from years at the Homestead and now at red.

 

However, she has recently created her OWN designs in linens and they are featured exclusively at red.

Her line is called Idlewild, and it is delightful.

Colorful, whimsical, and tons of fun to blend - either with other linen designs, or just all together!

 

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times, I am a color girl. 

I love the look of all white and cream - it's dreamy, calming, and ethereal......

BUT what turns me on, makes me smile, sets my heart aflutter, is great color and pattern.

I have long been a fan of John Robshaw and was thrilled when red began carrying his linens. 

His pieces look fabulous mixed with Theresa's. 

Her pieces look fabulous on their own.

Let me just say here, folks, John Robshaw better look out.

Here comes Theresa Heard.

Damn Hot, Mommy

One day, many years ago, the little princess in the blue dress (with chocolate pudding on her face) arrived home after morning soccer practice.

I greeted her with
"Hey Sweet Pea, how was soccer practice today?"

To which this little toot replied..........

"It was DAMN hot, Mommy".

At that point my assistant, you know, the mothering ten year old, (pink dress, top picture) gave me a sideways glance and whispered "Did you HEAR what she said?!!"

Ever the diligent mother, I asked the precious little foul mouthed one.....

"Excuse me, what did you say?"

I said  "It was DAMN hot, Mommy".

The conversation continued....

"Oh honey, we don't say DAMN......

We say "It was hot as fire" or "It was hot as blazes" or even "It was REALLY, REALLY hot"

 (raising my voice to sound silly and emphasize REALLY)

Silence.

 

Finally, with a look of resignation, like... You . just. do. not. get it.....

"But Mommy, it WAS damn hot. "

Period.

And so it was, and it still is.......

DAMN HOT.

Enjoy.

All photos from my personal dream files. If I have used one without crediting you, please leave a comment for me and I will do so. Thanks!

Design - Maine House

We had lunch with friends yesterday in a charming old house built in the 1800s.

Restored to a modern character, while still respecting the home's history,

my friend's home is simple and elegant.

It reflects her style, understated and lovely.

I knew I was in for a treat at the entry hall.
Gorgeous simplicity.

Looking from the entry into the living room.

.....and back the other way.

Hhmmm.... I am feeling a bit covetous.

 Lobster floats in the best colors....and the stands are fabulous.

I love elevating simple things to to the art that they truly are.

Perfect, cozy sitting room.

Love the mirror.

 White porcelain fruits and vegetables - love.

 Fine, sculptural white vases.

Delightful dining room with great art - so wish I had gotten a closer view for you.

The old marble top on this sideboard is fabulous with a wonderful aged  patina.

 Love the red floor and Thomas Moser bar stools.

Thomas Moser bench under the window.
Splendid simplicity, again.

Wonderful dimensional art by Maine artist Barbara Sullivan.

Of course, I had a fit over this fixture.

It has traveled from New Orleans to Dallas to Rockport, Maine.

Here it is again!

Kids play and movie room - I could hang here!

Ooohhhh, the gardens. We had lunch at that table you see on the patio.

All of the window screens push out from the window like the ones you see here. The weather was so mild and perfect that the doors and windows were all just wide open for the day.

 

 I love the architectural lines of the house - the three tiers of the roof line.

Our lunch salad was made from lettuce picked from the gardens.

 Beautifully restored barn/out building.

Maybe the most charming fort ever!!

Portrait of a boy.

Happy 4th of July!!