Love is in the air

I think I enjoy the days before Valentine's day even more than the day itself.  I enjoy seeing hearts hanging in everyday shops, and windows filled with red.  But, most of all, I enjoy this time of the year because my favorite reads start publishing bright colors and reminding us of Spring and Summer and life filled memories.  Memories from the past and memories yet to be made.  A perfect example of the changing season that is looming came in the mail.  House and Garden, March 2007 issue. 

      

Although I first wanted to share tons of pictures with you.  I decided that might not be right.  I do not like it when people show me a magazine's insides before I get to look at it at my own pace.  Therefore, I will only show a select few pics. Another thing that bothered me.  If it has not hit the news stands yet, I probably shouldn't be sharing it and ruining it for everyone!! But it is so good!!!!!!  You have to get it!!! I am carrying it everywhere with me…So, here we go, The following took my breath away.

I gasped, which is usually the first reaction of people when they see Josef Frank's Textiles, below.  You must check out Svenkst Tenn, the shop of Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson. (Page below out of March 2007 House and Garden)

      

I adore this textile, and the Fornasetti Tray!!! If I could have one of the vintage Fornasetti bureaus I would be on cloud nine, maybe even a Fornasetti Motorbike?  Well, seeing as how I would have to be royalty to afford one, I guess I can only dream.  Do you have this book below??? You would love it!!  Also visit, Piero Fornasetti.

      

   

The next three pics are from inside the Fornasetti – conversation between Phillippe Starck and Barnaba Fornasetti book.  Then – I promise to indulge a bit more of the House and Garden. The little Fornasetti book would not stay open so excuse the nails, I do pottery, they can not be long and glam.

      

      

Oh yes, there is that tray I adore!!!

      

Are you in love yet???  Maybe not?  Well, I bet if you could call this chair and this whole room yours, you would be.  I am swooning.  Isn't this magnificent????  Yes, again, a teaser from House and Garden.

      

There is much pink in this issue which, I love.  I thought I was over pink and that it was done for me for a while. But, this issue has revived the pink love… Guess who assisted in that???? Yes, Ms. Betsy Johnson herself.  House and Garden does such a great job in fulfilling all of my senses. There is an awesome cheese section….And of course, an introduction to this seasons it color, which I assure you will see everywhere, YELLOW.  I am really into the Black and White with a hint of Emerald green also.  Oh Joy!!!  See, don't you adore this time of the year.. the shift is good!!!

      

      

Speaking of yellow, it is taking over my paint palette.  Every shade.  Is it an artsy thing?  Do you find yourself being drawn to  a color or design or idea that all of a sudden hits every store on the planet?  Is that the stream of creative consciousness?  Is it an inherent longing for something different? A natural evolution of our senses??  I don't know about you, but I for one am sometimes stunned. I think I invented something or I am into something totally mine, and then it is every where, from Anthropologie to Target…Frustrating at times, fun at others.

      

And yes, I am still working on the commission pieces.  They are the hardest.  Normally I paint a few and have a person choose.  But he wanted large, I mean huge scale pieces…I am my worst critic.  But, I think he may like them??? Yikes.  Here is a tiny portion of this huge work in progress.

      

I almost forgot!!! How could I?  I had the loveliest time with my parents last night.  Sitting outside of Starbucks in Oro Valley, Arizona, with huge mountain silhouettes hovering in the moonlight.  My Momm-bee and I exchanged Valentine gifts.  See, I am glad I got it early because now I can enjoy it all week.  I am sorry I was slow in sending my Valentine loves.  But, I have learned, send early for enjoyment purposes. Hee.  So, My gift was a 3 tier mini cake plate heart holder jar thing. Oh no!!  I only have an unfinished picture.  Oh well. The jar had polka dots and the scallops under the pink were black. Also, underneath each little plate were stripes or dots.You can envision that, I know you can.

      

      

And inside each little plate go hearts that I packaged up, so she can have the treat of opening them and pouring them into the little plates.

      

Now, what my dear Mommy-mom got me was fantastic. She is so amazing.  She dropped a little package in my bag…..

      

I really thought about opening it up on the V-day, but I thought, what the heck???  So, we both just decided to open our gifts at coffee. Here is what I saw when I opened the box…

Yes, it is jewelry.  I know I know, I design jewelry, and God knows I own too much jewelry. But, I must say, I love it….Before I show it off out of the box, let me just say, I have this kind of comfort kneckwear.  I throw these pieces on almost everyday.  Sometimes with or without the bird.  But always the three. Pearls, Crown, religious medals.  Always. I don't know why. They just feel good on.

However, this fun an fab Betsy Johnson piece is one I will wear for sure.  I think it is wild and fun and over the top!!! So, here it is…What do you think? Too sparkly? I still love it.

Welllll, That's all folks.  Did you think it would never end?   I know I know. Length. Sorry.  But now,   I must go and figure out what kind of L-L-L-Love I am going to conjure up this week…