Thanks Home Depot

I know I said I was going to be out of touch for a few days....but I had to say a quick THANK YOU to Home Depot. I have been running around like a mad woman lately...(which I will be telling you all about soon....promise). I was at Home Depot yesterday....and yes....sort of dreading it cuz I needed a lot of stuff and...let's face it...my experiences with Big Box stores like this have not been great in the service department.

But I have to say....not only were there plenty of employees around, they actually approached me (yes...every one of them and I think there were a total of four) and asked if I needed help (which I did) AND, they ALL knew exactly where to guide me to find what I was looking for! Imagine! My mood just kept getting better and better. I went in with the thought that I would never find what I was looking for in this huge place, there would be no one to help me, and if I could find someone, they wouldn't know where to find it either. But I was so pleasantly surprised!

Then I found these lamps (which I wasn't even looking for) that were a great price ($57.95 I think) real glazed porcelain and perfect for my daughter's bedroom. (I have been looking for something affordable for awhile now). My grin turned into a big smile at that point.

So....THANK YOU HOME DEPOT! You have really turned it around. And whatever the reason is: recession , new management, middle of the day on a weekday....I don't care. Your employees were courteous and knowledgeable. Bravo!

OK...just had to say that.

AND ...thank you to the man who took my cart back to the store for me after I unloaded my loot, even though you didn't work for Home Depot. That was really the icing on the cake.

It's Almost Time......

I am trying to get some major things done in the next few days. There are some very exciting things in the wind. It is going to take alot of focused effort to be ready in time........

So I may in and out for a few days.

But I promise to tell you about everything. In a few days. Perhaps a week.

Cool: Roger Borg

1.25.7a, enamel on aluminum, 7.12" x 5.736", 2007

This is just a small taste of the coolness that is Roger Borg. Artist, Sculptor, and creator of neon lamps, Roger uses forms from nature, studies and creates from a common theme a body of work that is at once serene and exciting. I hope you enjoy.

1.27.7p, enamel on aluminum, 4.171" x 8.28", 2007

untitled, neon (8300 white), 15' x 12' x 11', 2008

collection of suzanne and norman cohn

Pull In Lamp

Stacked Series: both hanging and free standing, these neon lamps are made by stacking individual hand bent neon components atop each other. in building a structure in this manner, through individual layers and cross sections, i am able to explore and produce illuminated forms, both simple and complex.

I can just imagine this lamp on a traditional desk (say a Louis XIV) in an office/library. I think the contrast is just would be needed to spice things up. That necessary dash of the unexpected.

each moment slides into the next, neon (4500 white), 7.447" x 64.659", 2005

There are a series of quotes from Roger that were unique and made me stop and read every one.

our paths crossed for but not long enough, steel, approx. 8' x 8' x 4', 1999

Roger has a number of landscape sculptures that capture the imagination.

Bulge

Flat Series: the first of this series, this wall lamp is distorted to appear three dimensional, while in reality it rests flat on the wall.

Artist's Statement:

through observation and speculation i test the world and its workings. what is of paramount interest to me is its nature at the most base level. how circumstances arise. how sequences form and events unfold. how single narratives merge with others, giving rise to more complex interactions. how information is transcribed within the fluid column of time. how the present moment comes to be, and how it is continually steered into the next. at this boundary of present and future, possibility reigns supreme. infinity rules what may be. permutations abound. but beyond this cusp emerges only a single lone instance of what is and what has become. it is with deference to these thoughts, and within this context, that my work is born.

roger borg, 2007

I'D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY.........

EDDIE AWARD

.......And EDDIE ROSS for picking ME as the WINNER in the SHOPPING CATEGORY at the 1st Annual EDDIE AWARD SHOW!!!!

My Winning Entry

I didn't prepare a speech....but I would like to thank Cannell and Chaffin for producing this very sweet side table. I would like to thank the Sacramento Antique Faire organizers who put on such a fun fair every second Sunday of the month, which is where I found the table. And to all the little people....ahem....my daughter...... thank you so much for helping me sand and scrape and paint. And to Veronica....without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you!

And a big congratulations to all of the other winners in the other categories!

This was such fun. Thank you Eddie and Olivia for putting on the show which you can all read about here and here. I hope you all look forward to participating next year!

Update: Oscar Night Green Room

Architectural Digest Green Room at the Oscars

I am a huge Oscar Night fan. I love movies. I love watching the stars, the dresses...everything. I was very excited when last year I was the only one in our Oscar Night party poll that got the Best Actress ( Marion Cotillard – La Vie en Rose as Edith Piaf) and Best Song( "Falling Slowly" from Once) correct. (I didn't win the whole poll, but was proud none-the-less!).

So it is very fun for me to get a peek at the "behind-the-scenes" goings on. This room is where the presenters wait before they are called onstage during the Oscar show. I had received a bit of information a week or so ago which you may have read about here. So I thought you might like to see the finished room by the wonderful Mr. Stephen Shadley. A beautiful backdrop to all of those glistening dresses and dashing tuxedos, don't you think?

Here are the facts:

For this year’s Architectural Digest Greenroom at the Oscars®, AD100 designer Stephen Shadley looks to the timelessly chic tone of the 1970s. Inspired by Hollywood film sets of the era, this “Seventies Modern” interpretation melds clean lines with a monochromatic color palette and sheer touches for a cool, calm backstage backdrop for the night’s honorees.

This is the seventh consecutive year Architectural Digest has created the greenroom for the Oscars. Over that time, the magazine has reinvented the notion of this exclusive backstage oasis, creating a high-design space befitting the evening’s A-list winners and presenters.

For the first time, this year’s Architectural Digest Greenroom expanded to include a new garden-inspired space that actually sits on the loading dock … though you’d never know! With the new room, the space is now 920 square feet in size!

Principal furniture was found through Baker, including…
· A custom sofa that is 11 feet in length, reminiscent of the 70’s stretch style
· Garden seats from a new collection that recreates works by the legendary Los Angeles design icon Tony Duquette
· A vintage brass and lacquered table circa 1960

Where are we? A panoramic sweep of Los Angeles-at-night from atop Mulholland Drive sets room’s the glamorous mood. The vista includes 20th Century Fox, the movie studio where Shadley began his career as a scenic artist.

An 1100 pound bar constructed from one-of-a-kind Concetto Surface Art “Forza” by CaesarStone is built into the room! It will take a crew of 8 and a forklift to put it in the AD Greenroom.

Fitting for the theme, the area rug is dubbed Mama Mia: an updated take on the shag rug by Karastan. The rug is crafted from SmartStrand 3GT Sorona, a new generation of carpet fiber engineered for outstanding stain resistance with softness.

The wallcovering is actually a favorite silk fabric of Shadley’s found at KneedlerFauchere Imports that has been paper-backed for wall usage.

Shadley shopped around town for vintage furniture and accessories, using rare antique dealers such as Fat Chance, NOHO Modern and Outside Downtown.

My prediciton for Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire.

Maybe not an original choice....in fact maybe obvious. But still my choice.

And yours????

A Lump in the Breast

It’s crazy how in an instance your life can change. Two weeks ago my biggest concerns were related to high jump and my dissertation proposal. However, that quickly changed when I discovered a lump in my breast in a random check.

Having dealt with the emotions, I felt it was important to speak of this experience candidly on my blog. I feel no shame and least of all desire no pity. However, if I can make one woman begin to conduct regular breast checks for lumps, I will have succeeded in my goal.

When I discovered the lump I must have sat on my bed for 20 minutes grappling over what I had felt – “Was this really a lump?” “Is it serious” “Is it cancerous?” “How can this be, I’m too young to find a lump?!”

What I had felt was small, but quite distinct; and it felt hard but rubbery. This was something, I had never felt before! And although I didn’t meet the criteria for being at risk for breast cancer, I certainly wasn’t arrogant enough to believe I was impervious to it. Quite the contrary.

I was terrified, and for once, I really was truly confronted with my own mortality, as well as what was really important to me. I have been a long supporter of breast cancer research and its victims, but, hadn’t ever really contemplated the possibility that I could be a face of breast cancer… until last week.

Now, not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, there are four main types of lumps, and many women will have lumps in their lifetime that are not cancerous…. This I learned as I immersed myself in a crash course in breast lumps and breast cancer.

Still, when you are undergoing tests to rule out cancer it can be a terrifying experience. After having some tests performed my lump is apparently just a lump. THANK GOD! Definitely, good news I can handle. Still, just to be safe, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Ralph.

I am so incredibly grateful for these results! And in my moment of gratitude I couldn’t help but wonder about the women who aren’t so fortunate and how they are making steps to treat not just a lump…. How their lives will change? Will she be successful? Will she live a full life? Or is her battle longer and larger than she planned?

I don’t know much but I know that if actions can prevent breast cancer (i.e. a healthy lifestyle) or can aid in early detection, I will engage in these actions. I’ve certainly learned the importance of regular breast checks! Historically, I’ve never been regular with checking for lumps…. possibly delusional by my age and such. But, that was being foolish! Breast cancer does not discriminate against age or race.

Like clock work I will ALWAYS conduct regular breast checks. I hope you and your loved one will do the same. After all early detection is your first line of defense!

A forever changed woman,
Nicole Wendy Forrester

"Pillows with Provenance": August Morgan

Geisha Pillow

August Morgan. Isn't that just a wonderful name? Worthy of the lead character in a Ron Howard film. But then you would expect a name like that from two witty and creative people like Kate Hersch and Lance Avery Morgan. Mix Hersch's back round in art history and Sotheby's with Morgan's know-how in publishing and the corporate machine, and you create the perfect storm.

Sunny Pillow

Hersch uses her wealth of knowledge to ferret out vintage needlepoint's from around the globe recreating them into one-of-kind- pillows. I thought you might like to know about her talent. Ahem...bookmark worthy!

Don't Be Crewel Pillow

After perusing their website, I picked my favorites. Well......there were many more, so you will just have to hop over and check them out for yourselves. Believe me....there is something for everyone, from "Glam" to "Geisha" to "Modern" to.....yes, even "Magic Mushrooms".

Wee Picasso Pillow

Little pieces of art....that's what they are.

Surf and Turf Pillow

The Perfect Couple Pillows

Hounds Pillows

I don't want to forget the very clever furniture. I think I like these even more because of the various needlepoint's that have been pieced together in such unexpected ways. Wouldn't it be nice to own a piece of art you can use as well as look at?

American Icon Chair

Just Us Girls Screen

And here they are....that perfect storm I was mentioning above: Lance Avery Morgan and Kate Hersh. August Morgan.

Cool: Gardenhouse

Vintage yellow aluminum Love Seat with White Patent Leather Seat Cushion.

I was recently introduced to Gardenhouse, a wonderful shop located in West Palm Beach Florida. Owned by a very creative couple, Cheryl Maeder Antonio and her husband Gary. As with any creative person, Cheryl is multi talented. She studied photography in Switzerland and traveled Europe before moving to San Francisco to start a photography studio there. In San Francisco, she met her sculptor husband Gary. They began antique hunting for fun and the fun soon turned into a passion....which ultimately resulted in their very colorful and happy shop, Gardenhouse.

I am smitten....and knew you would be too. So I am so excited to share some of the objects of my affection.

Red High Gloss Wood Bench for Outdoor Canopy or Indoors

Each piece is lovingly transformed by Cheryl's unique point of view which she describes as "vintage, with a modern twist". Happy paint colors and modern fabrics certainly give each piece new life and vitality.

Vintage Metal Table Lamp with Green Metal Shade.

Cheryl has many more brilliantly reborn vintage finds, so I hope you have minute to click on over and check out Gardenhouse.

Chalkboard Dresser. Unfortunately already sold....but had to show you!

Black and White Slipper Chair with Decorative Nailheads.

OHHH!! And be sure to check out Cheryl's dreamlike seaside photos on the Gardenhouse site as well. Here is just a little sampling:

Beach Series VI

Sea and Sky V

I am headed off to dream of new furniture for my naked back patio, and sunny summers at the beach .......while the rain beats steadily outside my window.

papier

OHG this is so beautiful. My roomate and are were thinking of doing this in white with a blank wall in our room. From the Chanel 2009 Spring-Summer Haute Couture show.

Russian artist Yulia Brodskaya makes these sculptures out of paper and ribbon!! Quilling that is wayy better than Martha. Martha!

Sent

Long time no post! Some crafts from the last several months:

Super cheapo Christmas presents! 8x10 canvases from Pearl with standard Burnt Umber acrylic.

William's rotund head, Victoria, Lindsay's chocolab, Lillian w a hunchback, Tim, + SHERBU!

And postcards!:

IF TODAY WAS YOUR LAST DAY

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
what´s worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there´s no second try
So live like you´ll never live it twice
don´t take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you´re dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it´s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can´t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day
Tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past
Donate every dime you have?
Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you´re dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love
If today was your last day

~by Nickelback

How Do You Know?

Veranda, November December 2007, Ex-votos of silver, gilt bronze and crystals from Southern France, late 19th c. Photo by Peter Vitale

How do you know when it is right? How do you know when that person is "it" for you? Do you know right away? At first sight? I suppose it is different for everyone. I am not one to subscribe to the idea of "love at first sight". I think one might come closer to that concept as one gets older and has gone through many "wrongs". One can then eliminate from the picture what doesn't fit much faster...and concentrate on a person who may just be more "right." But without that experience, how can one really know?

I cannot ever forget the first time I saw my husband. Yes......meeting on a New Year's Eve does make it just that much easier to remember I suppose. And I guess that seeing one's future spouse walk through the door decked out in a classic tuxedo can't hurt one's memory either. It started out as sort of a group blind date with a couple of my roommates and girlfriends. I had dated sporadically since moving back to San Diego after a year living in Louisiana, but was not serious about anyone I had met. I had invited my cousin "H" to be my date for an evening of parties and a big black tie gala. And he brought his best friend with him. I can't say that I knew that night that he was the one. Not even after all of our friends had mysteriously disappeared over the course of the evening leaving us alone at the stroke of midnight. But the next day, when we took a walk on the foggy beach and had fish tacos at a stand on the beach....I knew I wanted to see him again. And see each other we did...every weekend from then on...and eventually every day.

So...how did you know? When did you know? Did it take flowers and candy and jewelry to make you swoon....or was it a simple walk on a beach and sharing a fish taco?

I wish you all a Valentine's Day full of simple things, easy things....like hugs, a loving glance, a warm heart. And of course .....love.