Has it really been a whole week?!

Indeed, it has been almost a week since I've posted ... where does the time go? So many things to share this time ... hope you don't wear out on me before I'm through! Why don't you get yourself a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and linger awhile, do a little reading, and follow some links!

First - and most importantly - I have to show you the exquisite new piece of art I acquired from Ingrid Mida of Fashion Is My Muse!!!! I love it so much! It's almost impossible to see in a photo - but it's a superimposed image over a lovely toile print which has been embroidered and beaded. It is so delicate and charming and the handwork is nothing short of remarkable. Please visit Ingrid's website here - and be prepared to ooh and aah!
Want to go shopping? These photos of the Paris shop, Maison Objet, were posted on Paris Apartment - and I've already placed this on my list of places to visit when in Paris. Wouldn't this be a delicious way to spend an hour ... or two(!)? If you're a fan of all things Parisienne, you owe it to yourself to check out this wonderful - and informative! - blog.


The Paris Apartment blog is also where I discovered this awesome needlepoint whimsy. Yes - I wrote needlepoint! I think it's so witty and beautiful - and even though I'm not at all a fan of dead animals on the wall, I would so love to own it!I have received two lovely awards from lovely bloggers! The first is Circle of Friends from Shell at Swan of Dreamers. Shell has the most charming blog, which is always filled with inspirational words and words of kindness and respect. She stated that so many people gave awards that specifically targeted women, she was going to pass this on to three of her male blogger friends. I'm going to continue that tradition by passing it on to three of my favorite male bloggers. And they are ...

YSL Guy at Let Them Eat Cupcakes
Mo Mad Dog at Mo Mad Dog Stoneskin
Rupert Alistair at Classic Movies Digest

Guys, please take the award below and pass it on!

The next award is the Premio Meme Award - isn't it pretty?! I was awarded this by Michele of Michele Lynch Art.
Michelle creates fabulous steam punk jewelry ... check out her Youtube clip below - and when you see that wonderful Paris piece at around :33, remember my birthday is May LOL.

Okay, this award requires that I write seven things about myself that you probably don't know. So, here goes...
1. I was born in Alaska.
2. My mother was a Las Vegas showgirl before she became a wife and mother and Republican.
3. I had planned on being a dancer, but when my left foot was almost cut off by a lawn mower when was 13, I had to change career goals.
4. Seeing "Hair" on Broadway when I was in 7th grade changed my life forever.
5. My first appearance Off-Broadway in 1971 was in the nude.
6. I am very very active politically.
7. When I'm angry I swear, curse and cuss like a drunken sailor on leave.

And now I have to pass it on to seven others ... so, I'm awarding the Premio Meme Award to
Elena Maria Vidal of Tea at Trianon
Sandy of Sandy's Creepy Creations
gypsylulu of Gypsylulu Delights
David Toms of Savoir Faire
Marilyn of As Seen Through My Eyes
Catherine of A Thousand Clapping Hands

Tales From an OC Cottage

Please grab the above Premio Award and pass it on! And, folks, if you aren't familiar with these diverse and enchanting blogs, you should take some time and visit. They run the gamut of interests - from history to artists to interior design - but all are terrific people with much to share.


I have no idea why I love this photo - it's not as if haircuts (*making the sign of the cross to ward off evil*) interest me. But this photo just makes me smile. The barbers are so intent - and the customers so cheerful.

I mentioned my year-off birthday a few photos back ... well, if anybody has the inclination, I would just love to own this rare 1905 Mills Brothers of Chicago Double Dewey Slot Machine. Isn't it magical!? I'm not even interested in gambling - but I'm very interested in designing a room around this enormous machine!

Jon found this photo and said if we ever get married again (not in this lifetime, say I!), this is the wedding cake we should have. I must admit that the white chocolate frosting looks like a sheet of white silk tossed over a cake! And I do love those roses just scattered over it. But another wedding. Um. I don't think so.
I have always loved Daniel Merriam's work ... and just recently ran across his website - which is as bewitching as his work. If you're not familiar with his view of the world, please take a long and lingering visit there!




Speaking of art that invites opening your mind, while blog hopping, I came across this little jewel of a piece of art. It's an ATC (Artist Trading Card / 2 1/2" x 3 1/2") titled "Wound." It is by artist Jillian Schneider of Bohemiart. This piece just really spoke to me. You can see more of her work in her Etsy shop here and at her blog.

I finally figured out my nonstop problems with electrical appliances this summer. I am quite positive that I've been cursed by the one and only original Cobra Woman, Maria Montez. Since May we have had break down: air conditioner, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, vacuum cleaner, computer, Bose sound system, and security code box for the front door. Damn you, Maria! What did I ever do to you?! And, as we just remodeled and replaced everything about three years ago, everything is juuuuuuuust past warranty. Can you hear me growl, Maria, can you?!

This charming 19th century French pique asiette jewel box is a real treasure, isn' it?! I love that, just as altered art and mixed media artists do today, 19th century folk artists found ways to use their broken and damaged bits and bobs of china. I also find it interesting, even though the antique dealer swore it was 19th century French, there is a piece on the front with "Home Sweet Home" written in English!
I'm leaving you today with this lovely Paris apartment ... I'm not absolutely wild about everything in the room - but, oh!, those gorgeous architectural features! Wouldn't you love to live with that fabulous moulding and raised panel doors and crown mouldings and ... and ... ? I would just adore having that painting over the doorway! What a surprise detail! Sigh. I bet that darned Maria Montez hasn't cursed all their appliances!
Okay, I'm off to do arty things ... mostly background work. I have to gesso some canvases to prep for collages, and put the second layer of paper on the backing of the first circus project, and do the final embellishments on three mixed media fabric collages. So, more grunt work than making art ... but it has to be done!

Now - YOU go make something beautiful! ... and show me the results!

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥