Monday's Music Lyrics - Good Mother by Jan Arden

This song needs no introduction in the value of its lyrics. The chorus sums up the power of this song "Feet on ground, Heart in hand, Facing forward, Be yourself." Really is there anything more anyone can ask of you. So beautiful and yet so true! Similar, to a 'Satisfied Mind' by Bob Dylan this song reveals the simplicity of what is important in life. LOVE IT!!!

Good Mother by Jan Arden

I've got money in my pocket,
I like the color of my hair.
I've got a friend who loves me,
Got a house, I've got a car.
I've got a good mother,
and her voice is what keeps me here.

Feet on ground,
Heart in hand,
Facing forward,
Be yourself.
I've never wanted anything.
No I've, no I've, I've never wanted anything,
so bad..(so bad).

Cardboard masks of all the people I've been
Thrown out, with all the rusted, tangled
dented God Damned miseries!!
You could say I'm hard to hold,
But if you knew me you'd know,
I've got a good father,
And his strength is what makes me cry.

Feet on ground,
Heart in hand,
Facing forward,
Be yourself.
I've never wanted anything,
No I've, no I've, I've never
wanted anything so bad..(so bad).



I've got money in my pockets,
I like the color of my hair.
I've got a friend who loves me,
Got a house, I've got a car.
I've got a good mother,
and her voice is what keeps me here.

Feet on ground,
Heart in hand,
Facing forward,
Be yourself.

Heart in hand,
Feet on ground,
Facing forward,
Be yourself.
just be yourself.
just be yourself.

Feet on ground,
Heart in hand,
Feet on ground,
Heart in hand....

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Guestroom by Tucker & Marks

Guest Bedroom by Tucker & Marks. Twin Beds: Hand carved and turned pickled ash. Designer's own collection. Bed Linens by Scheuer Linens. Night Table by Bungalow 5. Cashmere Throws by Sandra Jorden Collection

There were so many beautiful rooms at the Elle Decor Showhouse this year. One of my very favorites was a Guest Bedroom designed by the talented Suzanne Tucker and the amazing staff at Tucker & Marks. Sunny and fresh, cozy and luxurious, this bedroom invites us to come in a stay awhile. I was thinking a permanent move might be in order. 

Guest Bedroom, photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks.
Area Rug by Dash and Albert. "Wallpaper" is actually fabric from Suzanne Tucker Home. Pillow Fabrics by Madeline Weinrib care of ABC Home.

 There is a very touching story connected to the extraordinary beds in the room: " Michael Taylor made them for Nan Kempner in 1951 because it was between graduating from College and marrying Tommy Kempner in 1952. Nan's "step-mother" felt Suzanne should have them given her connection with Michael Taylor and that Suzanne knew Nan. So she graciously gave them to Suzanne a few months ago, right before the Elle Décor Showhouse opened."

This little bit of history makes the room all the more interesting. 

19th Century Craftsman Style Bleached White Oak Chair is from Tucker & Marks. Baluster Drinks Table is Clear Murano Glass from The Wicker Works.

Suzanne's work has always struck me as some of the most beautifully detailed in the industry. This room is no exception. I was very impressed by the attention to the smallest details, like the tiny leather welting on the bed pillows that was overlaid with a little whip-stitching. Just lovely.

Vintage Murano Galss Lamps  through DWM Maloos. Mirror by Made Goods available through Mecox Gardens. Blue Shagreen Box through John Nelson Antiques in LA.

 So here are a few more details I thought you might want to see.

Suzanne's Hatley fabric makes a beautiful wallcovring in a custom colorway made up just for the Showhouse!.....from Suzanne Tucker Home. Photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks.

Guest Bathroom by Tucker & Marks. Photo courtesy of Tucker & Marks. Corner Etagere by Artasia. Matelisse Vanity Fabric by Suzanne Tucker Home. Wallpaper by Sister Parish Design.

Glass Mosaic Floor Tile by AKDO.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Living Room of a recent project in an Historic Prairie Style Home in Sacramento

A little peek at a recent project I just had photographed by the very talented Peter Medilek. My client had a tree full of beautiful persimmons we were able to take advantage of for the shot.

A huge THANKS to my very patient clients....we were there all day long for the shoot...and a big thanks  to Peter for the wonderful photo! I can hardly wait to see the rest!

Wishing you all a

 VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Church, Religion and Shaking Hands? (Revisited)

With the temperature changing it seems that the cold and flu season is once more upon us. I try to exercise extreme caution especially during this season. That means frequent hand washing, along with a healthy dose of Purel throughout the day. Today in mass amongst the smiling faces I found sniffling and coughing close at hand and was reminded of an older blog I had once posted. Having experienced similar sentiments today, I thought I would repost this blog:

I am by faith a Roman Catholic. Yes, I have engaged in the first three fundamental steps of Catholicism – baptism, communion and confirmation. From, the youngest of age God and Church have been a primary teaching in my life. In fact, at one point I contemplated becoming a nun. (Geeze, how I envied Mother Teresea and the Sound of Music Sister Maria.)

However, as I got older I began to explore deeper, provoking, questions – oftentimes too scared to utter to others. For example ‘How do we know the Bible is really the Word of God?’ ‘Who wrote the Bible?’ ‘How did the New Testament come to be?’ Eventually, my questions and thirst for answers led me to travel as far as Israel, for answers. Indeed I got some answers, and today I see myself as more spiritual than religious. Moreover, I certainly don’t discount other people’s faith or lack of faith, for who am I to be the wiser?

So, while I consider myself more spiritual than religious, I still enjoy attending my Catholic church. It is my place of worship and meditation. For those who have never been, attending a Catholic Church entails many traditional practices. For example there is standing, kneeling, sitting, shaking hands with your neighbours and saying “peace be with you,” accepting bread and wine (representing the body and blood of Christ), holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer and singing various songs (a.k.a hymns) – to name a few. However, I actually enjoy these practices. It is familiar to me and feels like home – I just wish we didn’t shake hands!

Now, I am a germ freak and with winter closely upon us, I’m not so keen on shaking hands and then accepting the body of Christ in that hand that I just shook hands with or held during a prayer.

I can remember during the SARS epidemic shaking hands in church was not allowed and wine was provided in paper cups. Now, we’re back to normal where we shake hands, instead of nod to our good neighbours, and wine serving an entire congregation, is offered from the same challis. Needless to say, I take the blood of Christ at home.

In the end, this exposure to germs (which may leave me with a cold lasting weeks) is worth it! I still get excited and sing very loudly when a favorite song is chosen for the day like “On Eagles Wind”, “Be not Afraid” or “Sing to the Mountains”. And I leave feeling elevated when the Priest ends with “The Mass has ended now go in Peace. Peace be with you.” It’s like I’ve received my blessing for the week.

Peace be with you,
Nicole

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Sexy Basement by Erin Martin

Elle Decor Showhouse Basement by Erin Martin

What can I say about Erin Martin? Brilliant? Playful with a evil sense of humor? Provocative? She is all of these things, but perhaps most importantly, she is a designer who pushes envelopes and creates spaces that are truly unique. Super talented Erin Martin designed the large basement for the Elle Decor Showhouse, styling it as a party pad that seems to cross 70's groove with a bit of Boho chic,shaking it all up with some 007 Bond coolness.

Erin has pulled together some vintage mid-century pieces and Moroccan accents like the coffee table and area rugs, and added custom light fixtures and Victorian portraits ( with irreverent additions) in a way that made me want to stick around til Happy Hour!

 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did....

Basement Personality, Erin Martin

A Master at Shelf Display



Mid-Century Swivel Chairs, African Coffee Tables and Moroccan Area Rugs. Custom Light Fixture made from what was originally a Table Base...wicked!



Back Painted Glass Panels with Gold Medallions, Victorian Portraits with Added Embellishments.

Crazy Cool Art

Metal Mesh Screen Stair Rail. I loved this idea!



Custom Wall Sconce made with Common Electrical Socket Parts.



Erin Martin is nothing if not full of gutsy imagination. I hope she never stops.

If you are hoping to get to the Elle Decor Showhouse to see all of the amazing talent...be quick! This is the last weekend!

For ticket information, check the Junior League of San Francisco Website HERE.

Have a great weekend!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 - Kitchen and Breakfast Room by Palmer Weiss

Palmer Weiss' Breakfast Room

More Elle Decor Showhouse! What could be better? As promised, here is the beautiful Breakfast Room and Kitchen designed by Palmer Weiss. Full of fresh ideas and beautiful fabrics and materials, this space shows us there IS a new way to look at blue, white and yellow that is sophisticated and unexpected. 

Kitchen by Palmer Weiss showing Ann Sacks tile

Palmer Weiss used gorgeous Ann Sacks back splash tile above the range, and industrial chic Circa Lighting pendants over the island. Brass IS on it's way back! And this proves that one needn't worry about mixing up metals in one room. It looks beautiful.

For those of us that wan to use Carrara marble but are afraid of the maintenance...try this! Use marble subway tile on the back splash and Caesarstone for the counters. Caesarstone feels just like stone and has no maintenance issues. The look is fresh and easy.

Palmer has a way of putting in refreshing accents that keep things updated and give what could be another white kitchen character and charm.

And a little touch of wallpaper in the little hall to the back yard doesn't hurt one bit!

Rear Foyer by Palmer Weiss

For more information about the ongoing Elle Decor Showhouse and a virtual tour of the Palmer Weiss kitchen, don't forget to hop on over to Elle Decor HERE!

Next up...Erin Martin's sexy Basement Bonus Room!

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010 II - Den and Dining

Elle Decor Showhouse Den by Will Wick

The Elle Decor Showhouse was full of designers that are up and comers. You will be seeing much more of them in the years to come. Will Wick is just one of these designers. Mr. Wick took on the Den off the main hall creating a chic Mad Men atmosphere with a bit of Old English Club thrown in.

Den Bar, Will Wick

There is the obligatory dry bar, ready at all times for shaking up a martini. The papered sliding doors look like they are covered with chips of old ivory or bone.

Den by Will Wick

The brass Klismos chair stole the show in this space...a piece of art. The whole space spoke of the owner's love of travel, art and creature comforts...a good place to lounge, a cocktail, a book about far away places, and souvenirs of places visited...it's all here.

Mr. Wick also designed the Den Bathroom using stone tile to create this gorgeous pattern on the wall. Very handsome! And I do believe brass is making a big comeback! Aged brass if you please.

Den Bathroom by Will Wick

Next up, Steven Volpe's  handsomely moody Dining Room. The wall color is as comfortable as washed  denim, but with a much more sophisticated edge. Comfortable minimalism serves to highlight each piece of furniture to it's best advantage.

Dining Room by Steven Volpe

I particularly like the cabinet with the basket weave carved doors. It was a standout! The art depicting ocean waves casts a spell on the room as well.

Dining Room by Steven Volpe

 My mind was reeling with creative thoughts after these rooms, and I was anxious to see what else lay ahead!

Next up....the gorgeous Kitchen and Breakfast Room by Palmer Weiss. You are going to love it!

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Stand by Bebe Winans

I don't care who you are, we will all face significant obstacles and challenges from time to time. Often some of the greatest growths one can experience in life, are during those hard times. It's as the saying goes "the darkest hour is just before dawn."

In these moments, there is a song I've leaned on over the years -- Stand by Bebe Winans. It paints the picture that when you've really done all you can do, the only thing left is to stand and rely on your faith. While I've blogged about my personal quarrels with God, he is still my source of strength. When, I feel my back is against the wall, I am desperately asking and trusting him for help... This song is my reinforcement... So, if you ever find yourself in a time of need, I suggest you listen to this song. It will empower you and lift your soul.


STAND by Bebe Winans
[Verse]
What do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say
when your friends turn away,
you're all alone?
Tell me, what do you give
When you've given your all,
and seems like
you can't make it through?

Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again
You just stand, and be sure.
God has a purpose.
Yes, God has a plan.

Tell me what do you do
when you've done all you can
And it seems like you can't make it through
Child you just stand
You just stand
Stand
Don't you give up
Through the storm , through the rain
Through the hurt , through the pain

[Chorus]
Well, you just stand
When there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand

Don't you bow, don't bend
Don't give up, don't give in
Hold on, just be strong
God will step in and it won't be long

[Verse]
Tell me,
how do you handle the guilt of your past?
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile
when your heart is broken
and filled with pain?
Tell me what do you give
when you've given your all
Seems like you can't make it through?

After you've done all you can
After you've gone through the hurt
After you've gone through the pain
After you've gone through the storm
After you've gone through the rain
Prayed and cried,you've prayed and cried
Prayed and cried, prayed and cried
After you've done all you can, you just stand.

Child you just stand,
when there's nothing left to do
You just stand
Watch the Lord see you through
Yes, after you've done all you can
You just stand.

3D Design, Project 3: Clay

 Combined molar and bushukan (buddha's hand/fingered citron) based on Picasso's Head of a Woman.

3D Design, Project 2: Cardboard

Weight-bearing cardboard.

Now where I put all the nearly fermented fruits Lillian and I love...

Elle Decor Showhouse 2010



Elle Decor Showhouse Living Room by Gary Spain

 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending a wonderful day at the first Elle Decor Showhouse which is located in the historic St. Francis Woods neighborhood of San Francisco. Stellar lighting retailer and Showhouse sponsor, Lumens Light and Living, hosted an eventful day in San Francisco for a number of Interior and Lighting Designers from Sacramento. We started our day at the Showhouse!

It was a beautiful day and a spectacular Showhouse! I will start at the beginning with the Living Room which was designed by Gary Spain.

Gary used natural tones in charcoal, taupes and whites and lots of texture in this elegant, yet "put-your-feet-up" room. Sisal, lots of linen, wood, plaster and blackened steel all converge to make this a very industrial chic space that is also very livable.

        

Gary's expertise as an art director and photo stylist is front and center in this space. You may even feel like you know his work from some of your favorite catalogs. Be sure and visit his website to see what I mean. 

 This Living Room is just the beginning of a house full of ideas. There is much more to come!



Mr. Gary Spain



Have a wonderful weekend!

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Nature Boy, by Nat King Cole

My best friend Katie Mcgregor's favourite artist is Frank Sinatra, and while anyone who knows me KNOWS my favorite artist is Sting, another artist I love almost as much is Nat King Cole. So often, Katie and I will have a battle of Nat vs Frank (espically around Christmas time) as to which singer was better... I argue Frank had an unfair advantage since he lived much longer than Nat King Cole. The truth is they were both incredible artists.

There is one song in partiucular of Nat King Cole, which I've always enjoyed because of its simplicity and depth of truth in the final stanza:

"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"

I believe I've achieved a lot in my young life so far. I've stood on top of the podium, gone to the Olympic Games, pursued academic excellence, travelled the world, seen and met incredible people including celebrities, presidents and royalty. But, without a doubt all of that pales in comparison to 2 things many people have, yet fail to truly appreciate -- their health and love. I do not believe it is possible to exist happily in this world without knowing these 2 things intimately. It's all we really need in this life, and yet so often we take it for granted. The irony in this song is revealed in the fact that it is a wise BOY who enlightens this value of love to a MAN.... And perhaps that is why I've always loved this simple song... Enjoy! :)




Nature Boy -- Nat King Cole -- Words and Music by Eden Ahbez

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy
And sad of eye
But very wise
Was he

And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things, fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"

(instrumental interlude)

"The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return"

A SPECIAL THANK YOU ON THIS REMEMBERANCE DAY -- NOVEMBER 11

Novemember 11... Rememberance Day... Thank you to all those who have served for our country. Your efforts have not and will not be forgotten. For because of you, we've been able to know the Canada we know today and continue to know. Thank you to our troops... words can't say enough!!!

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.



We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Courtesy of Bee MacGuire
Obtained From TheMcCrae Museum of The Guelph Museum

KidsCAN Sports Day for AthletesCAN

For the last 2 years I've served as a Board of Directors with AthletesCAN and it has been an incredible experience. Part of the experience has allowed me to participate in KidsCAN School Day. Here I am in Gatineau, Quebec with other National Team Athletes and Olympians + 1000 kids for the annual KidsCAN School Day. This is an opportunity for school kids across Canada to try a variety of sports and learn the importance of physical actiivty, goal setting and healthy lifestyles. Completely a phenominal experience for both us athletes and the kids!

The coolest thing happened the other day. We're talking about anti-Vietnam War protests in one of my classes and my professor casually goes, "Oh so I brought the FBI's files on me." He reaches into his briefcase and extracts a thick folio of crusty old papers, pauses, and proceeds to pull out several more. Roughly a thousand pages, half blacked out and 240 more pages that the FBI wouldn't release to him (under the FOIA). He read some sections relevant to the class, including a special agent's observations of "caucasian long-haired hippie types." So good and I'm so glad that my ill-fitting jeans and corduroy blazer-donning, balding comb-over professor was once...long-haired.

Thank You Sacramento Magazine!

Breakfast Room

Things have bee a beehive of activity around here lately! I have barely had time to turn around. So I must apologize for not keeping up this week with the blog posting. It is something I enjoy so much, but duties (very wonderful duties!) have been a calling.

But I wanted to show you all a project I had worked on a bit ago that was just published in Sacramento Magazine this November. My client, Alberta, and I clicked on sight. A more wonderful client I couldn't ask for.

I must preface by saying my scanner is a bit clumsy, so things a a bit fuzzy. I am expecting images from the oh-so talented photographer, Keith Sutter, next week.

Very Fuzzy...Main Kitchen

But I couldn't wait! So they are from the magazine.

 For the full article by the delightful  and very kind Joan Waters, click HERE.

Farmhouse Sink and Rustic French Ivory Cabinets

Le Cornue Fe Range

Cook Book Nook - Shelves are arched like the Hallway Doorway

Jose Esteves Chandelier from Interieurs

 Have a wonderful weekend!

The Station

By Robert J. Hastings
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We are traveling by train – out the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of children waving at a crossing, cattle grazing on a distant hillside, row upon row of corn and wheat, flatlands and valleys, mountains and rolling hillsides and city skylines.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, our dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. Restlessly we pace the aisles damning the minutes – waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

“When we reach the station that will be it!” we cry. “When I’m 18,” “When I buy a new 450sl Mecedes Benz!” “When I put the last kid through college,” “When I have paid off the mortgage!” “When I get a promotion.” “When I reach retirement, I shall live happily ever after!”

Sooner or later, we realize there is no station, no one place to arrive. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.