Wednesday, February 17, 2010

This, That, the Other...and a Contest!

What have you been up to the last few days? I haven't posted since Monday ... but, NO, I was not playing Bingo for the Lonely

Mostly, I was just lounging around and contemplating life and fabulosity - as artists are want to do now and then ...
I did receive a wonderful Valentines Day card. Now, I know some of you are scrapbookers and make fun paper things-that-do-things all the time. But they still amuse the heck out of me! This card was flat, but when opened, there were dozens of little images on separate spring-y thingies that caused the card to explode with cool stuff. I loved it. It almost made me forget what was going on outside ... ugh ...
I took this photo last night on my last Dusty walk for the day. Flash photography does nothing for the snow. But, it's so depressing to see nothing but white, White, WHITE everywhere! It's almost time for our gorgeous Wooster Square (or, as I refer to it, the front lawn) to burst out with millions of pink Yashino cherry blossoms. But, for now, just snow, snow, and more snow.

This babe may think that hat is going to chase away the winter blahs ... but it sure doesn't do it for me...... though living in this brilliant Spring-like environment might, indeed!, change the blahs to the bliss!
I spy, with my little eye ...This lovely 19th century French Demilune Vitrine
With a flat back, in the original gessoed and painted blue/gray finish with gilt beaded and leafy bands. The door with beveled glass panels. Notice the lovely damask backing. Seashells make me think of the beach - which makes me think of no snow!
Do you have high ceilings in your home? Perhaps you could use this early 19th century palace-sized giltwood and painted carved Italian sconce. It is seven feet high ... which means I couldn't really utilize it ... unless it could handle really really big bulbs and we were able to use it as a furnace.
However, this beauty I could easily - and most happily! - accommodate! Circa 1850, this Italian sofa with a carved and gilded frame is upholstered in luxurious black mohair, and accessorized with pillow embellished with 24k gold embroidery. I think Dusty would look like the royal master he is on this!
This carved 19th century French mirror has seen better days, admittedly. But with a little loving care - and the attentions of a quality gold-leafer! - it could be a regal centerpiece again! I love the detail work in the carved flower basket.
This early 18th century Italian or French chasuble back with polychrome silk embroidery on a cream silk satin ground, is embroidered with flower heads, fruit, including grapes and metallic embroidered flourishes. The embroidery is finely done with multiple colors to effect shading. The embroidery is so fine, it looks like printed fabric to me! It might almost be worth a lifetime of celibacy to join the priesthood and get to wear such wondrous things!

hmmmm. well. maybe not. But it's fabulous, nonetheless!
I have long been a fan of both Alice in Wonderland - both the book and memorabilia associated with it. So, it's no surprise that I'm just knocked out by this amazing creation by Amada at Over the Top Studios
Please click on the image to go to Amada's etsy shop and see some of the other magical and imaginative paper treasures she creates. Be sure to check out the circus cake topper - it's wondrous!
Whenever I enter a friend's home, and am greeted by a huge live white snake on the bed, it just makes me feel so welcomed. Doesn't it do the same for you?

I have had this photo hanging around forever ... I don't remember where I got it. If it was from your blog, please let me know and I'll credit you immediately! Of course, I already love Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) mementos and shrines - but this piece of art just takes my breath away. The extravagance of the costume, which appears to be all lace and gold filligree, as well as the lavish frame, all show great respect for someone's belovéd who has passed over. I just love it.

Speaking of light hearted things. Does anything sing out "children's toy!" to you like a doll which represents a woman whose hair turns into snakes and turns men into stone? La! How jolly! The stuff dreams - and psychopaths - are made of!
Oh, joy! Leap and dance and turn all giddy with excitement. It's ...

Contest Time!
Do you know who this young and tender celebrity is? There is a prize for the first person to guess accurately. What is the prize? Hmmmm. I don't know. It will be something fun or useful or vaguely desirable. I'll let you know what you win, when you win!

Now, after you have entered the contest, call your best friend, get on your favorite matching outfits, and ...
Go make something beautiful!
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan

41 comments:

Unknown said...

Would that be Truman Capote?

Sea Witch said...

Could it be David Bowie? Sea Witch

DollZandThingZ said...

Definitely Truman...but for a second I thought David Hyde Pierce, perhaps.

What a great post--so funny! Oh, that leopard!!

Up here is Wallingford we have about ten inches of unexpected snow. Well, at least the sun is out today!

Slippery out there--be careful!

Anonymous said...

Could it be a young
David Hyde Pierce????
One of my fav actors!!
*****
Love your post & all the French Frou Frou!! I am so not into guilded "stuff" but I admire the workmanship.
We are getting snow, snow & more snow today. Ugh!! Am baking cookies...Chocolate & Butterscotch Chip..... Got 2 new books yesterday..... "Game Change" by Mark Halprin & "Poor Little Bitch Girl" by Non other than Jackie Collins.... My reading for the next couple of weeks!!
TTYL!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Wow - I'm completely floored because I have no clue as to who that celebrity is. Perhaps there was a clue that I missed. Thanks for posting that BEAUTIFUL work by Amada (Love it!!). I would have loved to own a Medusa Barbie Doll. Never seen a Barbie like that before.
Thanks for posting the photo of Wooster Square. I used to visit with friends there ALL the time. I actually haven't been to New Haven in a few months (yikes!!!), and a trip to my old favorite stomping ground is long overdue. I'll definitely be in town next month to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with all the "revelers" and then maybe head to the Turkish restaurant for a bite to eat. Yum!
Stay warm, today, Tristan!!!
Theresa

Sherry Goodloe said...

Oh darn it . . . it's a young Truman Capote, but someone else already guessed it before I could get over here *sigh*. Better luck to me next time. xoxo

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Well, I'll say it's YOU!!!!

I just love the leopard and bingo gal!!!

I always enjoy reading your blog!!

((Hugs))
Marsha Marsha Marsha

KeKe said...

Great post!! I love the Bingo gal-Do people still play that these days? lol
As for the picture of the celeb? Two people come to mind-Keiffer Sutherland and ummm....the skinny brother from Frasier...whats his name? I'll think of it sooner or later.

Have great day!!

Sue said...

Late to this today, so late on also saying Truman. Great post Tristan - cracked up on the pic of "you" lounging around, love the black settee, the photo of the skeleton in all his finery is fantastic and I'm totally with you on the snow!


Sue

Georgina said...

I love that Dia de Los Muertos pic...what great fun!!! Well, I know I'm late, but as soon as I saw it, I knew it was little Truman Capote...loved that guy. I used to look forward to watching him on the late show, w/
Johnny Carson.

Have a wonderful day. Am not creating anything today except trouble. I'm taking my mother to Mass then wait in line for ashes...oey vey. She loves taking me to Mass because of all of us, I'm the heathen daughter!! LOL

xxoo,

Georgina

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

I have no idea who it is. I looked at the other answers and any one of them could be right, I suppose. In any case, loved the post. I hope your snow melts soon.

Hugs,
Tamerie

Anonymous said...

The sofa is just to die for. I would have to recover it and may spray paint it a color choosing but I can definately see it in my own home. I am going to guess DHP as well even though i'm late to the party.

LOVE YOUR VALENTINE. Whom ever created this for you, wonderful work!!
T

Jennifer said...

Several friends and I love Alice too - in fact she has a Mad Hatter Tea Party every year where we all attend in costumes and she serves Long Island Iced Teas...nice weather of course. This blog captured my heart... thanks, Jennifer

Jennifer said...

could it be David Hyde Pierce? Just a guess... from Kramer, Jennifer

Sue said...

Tristan, I forgot to tell you - since your blog ALWAYS brings sunshine into my day - I have an award for you.

Sue:)

Birgit said...

Well, yeah, it's Truman Capote. Too bad that I didn't have time to turn on the computer earlier today...

Anyway, Tristan, your post has been fun again -- just as always. :)

Hugs,
Birgit

Frieda Oxenham said...

Absolutely no idea who it is, but I do know that I love all the wonderful pictures as ever but the Day of the Dead skeleton absolutely took my breath away. Beautiful in a very macabre way!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Well, you know I love the skeleton shrine......that's all the inspiration I need for my work!
Of course, that last pic could make me swear off leopard forever.
Or just swear.....LOL!!!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

studioJudith said...

Tis Truman.
(and I suppose it's no surprise that
so many of your fans ALSO knew that little tidbit)

Love the photo of that incredible
dancer & costume!

JJj

Jan said...

I guess it must be Truman since so many said so but I was thinking, ummm, william Buckley. At least I think that is who I'm thinking of. Junior?

mary helen said...

Know you have a winner...but wanted to add that I also knew it to be young Truman. Love your blog so much!

Anonymous said...

Capote perhaps?
...
I love the vitrine and the Alice in W. creation!
You were so lucky to receive such a neat card!!!! I'm green, pink and purple with envy :)

Rebecca Nelson said...

Yep...my vote is TCapote. Looks a lot like DHPierce, too!

Mr. T...I always enjoy your posts. I always come away smiling big!

xoRebecca

Carol said...

Reading your delightful blog is such a nice way to start my morning. I particularly liked the huge white snake on the bed! That would have to be the perfect accessory. Hope your snow ends soon, we are in a perpetual sauna here on east coast Australia, and I'm over it now, just as you're over the cold. Stay warm and safe, Carol

The Joy of Nesting said...

Heeeellooooo Kiddo!!

Just for you little brother as a show of solidarity we are having a cool(74degree)cloudy&rainy (it's the feakin dry season!)day. I also over heard Dusty saying that we are very dog friendly here, and he'd sure like to feel the warm sand between his paws and work on his tan!! ;) He also knows for a fact that the guest room is always available for his (and his human kid's) enjoyment!! :)

I do believe that those are a cute set of twin sisters dolled up in leopard print coats and cowgirl hats. And I'm willing to bet they are at the 1971 twin's convention at the Star Dust casino in Reno.They have just won the best use of animal prints catagory, and are now headed over to the nickle slots to blow their whole catagory winnings, smoke cigarettes, drink BV&cokes (black velvet), while they wait for the Dean Martin floor show to open. :) But the burning question is how in heaven's name are they able to paint their eyebrows on to be mirror images of each other????

Okay I'm off I'm in the middle of a wee project.

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

Cindi Myers said...

Yes! Truman Capote but at first I thought David Hyde Pierce!
I am so GLAD I discovered your blog (thanks to Georgina!) You just blow me away! You need your own TV show! Not reality (but I'm sure THAT would be hilarious!) maybe a variety...I don't know, maybe Monty Python style with skits... you are so talented! MORE people should know about you!)

audrey said...

Great stuff, Tristan! Fun contest, too. I know I'm too late, so I won't guess.
Stay warm ~ never fear ~ all that white will go away one day!!
♥ audrey

Ivy said...

I think it looks like a young David McCallum who was in 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.'....a show I used to love watching when I was a kid...

Love your pics Tristan...always a treat!

Kaerie Faerie said...

Gee, it is you right?
I feel for you and all that snow, Florida has had the coldest winter ever, I give up on my garden it all looks brown, bummer
Now is not a good time to vacation in Florida it is freezin!!!!!
Oh well, I'll keep making Spring hats and dreaming of Spring
I really dig those leopard coats & hats LOL

*Ulrike* said...

I could not even guess, but I enjoyed your post! Our snow only lasted two days, and now we are back to looking at brown. Well, at least tulips and daffodils are popping out so spring is not that far away!
Ulrike
~~~

Von said...

Gore Vidal!
Love the snake!!!!

north pal said...

how about you? at an earlier life? hell, if i know. Bestest,Denise

ceecee said...

I'm late, as usual. It's true - it's Truman.

Catherine

Checks in the mail!

Bill said...

After seeing the two in the matching outfits, I don't even care who the young guy is. Was. Whatever. They're so ugly it's enough to make me want to poke my eyes out! Oh wait. It isn't nice to say anyone is ugly. Please excuse my bad manners!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tristan, Thanks for the plug. I just got a call from a friend of mine today who has a local TV show (kindof a mini Martha) and she is featuring it with a few other of my things on her show. I am ticled pink!
I love the matching leopard princess Leah twins. the one on the left is cuter than the one on the right. Don't you think? I have a little something for you ;), can you send me your address...
Hugs,
Amada

Anonymous said...

Hi Tristan, Thanks for the plug. I just got a call from a friend of mine today who has a local TV show (kindof a mini Martha) and she is featuring it with a few other of my things on her show. I am ticled pink!
I love the matching leopard princess Leah twins. the one on the left is cuter than the one on the right. Don't you think? I have a little something for you ;), can you send me your address...
Hugs,
Amada

Anonymous said...

Hi Tristan, Thanks for the plug. I just got a call from a friend of mine today who has a local TV show (kindof a mini Martha) and she is featuring it with a few other of my things on her show. I am ticled pink!
I love the matching leopard princess Leah twins. the one on the left is cuter than the one on the right. Don't you think? I have a little something for you ;), can you send me your address...
Hugs,
Amada

Susan said...

I enjoy reading your blog,and perusing your always unique photos :)

They are all correct...Truman Capote!

We have 30 inches of snow here in south NJ...well some of it melted but not much, then we got an inch + the over night, and another inch tonight...I have some pretty photos of just a fraction of my front yard (acreage) on my blog.
hugs,
Susan

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I THOUGHT IT WAS TRUMAN CAPOTE!!! YEAH! Oh Tristan, again, photos that make me laugh, swoon and drool.

Bisous to the best! Anita

Deborah said...

Oh Tristan, where do you find all of these fabulous old photos? Simply The Best. Your commentaries...don't get me started. It must be so busy in that mind of yours! Thanks for the giggles. **blows kisses** Deb

Danise said...

I will guess you!
You are the one in the photo.
XXOO hugggs and kisses