A Trip to Paris

Went to Paris today just to spend a few hours.

The weather was gorgeous!!!

First stop - Merison's.

Checking up on my artwork when I noticed a piece by one of my favorite artist.

I think this is called "The Year of Our Ford" and it's by Eleanor Baker.  She does these large watercolors that are really unique.

Also found these nesting bowls by a local artist.  (My intention was to photograph their business card, but as you can see my camera flash just blew it out.)  I'm sure the folks at Merisons could tell you the name of the artist.

After Merison's I headed to the library.  As I was leaving I spotted these gorgeous

Nandina's next door at L.I. Smith's & Associates.  Just had to get a photo.

Then over to Lee School Academy of the Arts to check on some of my artist friends.

Took a quick trip to the Riverwalk at San Antonio ...

 .. via this colorful Ann Stapp painting.  (Visit her blog.)

Then ...

off to Italy for this unique architectural view by Ken Alexander.

Donna Revelee was busy on a new painting.

There's Gene McWherter just painting away.

Ken Alexander digging through his box of ideas.

Ann Stapp

Ann Stapp's paint brushes.  Look how clean they are!

And - saving the best for last.

Gene Snowden's portraits always blow me away.

Button, Button, Who's Got The Button?

Dangly earrings made from tiny recycled
black buttons and red glass beads.

Each piece of my jewelry is a one-of-a-kind creation. Materials may include recycled paper, beads, repurposed vintage buttons, cloth, metal findings, and other doo dads. Designs on paper are hand-drawn or painted by me and sealed to make them moisture resistant.

Buttons are recycled vintage buttons, many from my Grandmother’s sewing basket. Some do show wear but I think it adds to the character of the jewelry.

You would never know these faux Emerald Green leaves were made from water color paper. Sealed to be water resistant and light as a feather.

Midnight Blue & Brass - These are actually made from heavy weight art paper,
sealed to be water resistant.   And feather light!

 These vintage red buttons with clear glass beads would make a great Valentine present.

There are necklaces too with matching dangly earrings.
These are jade green with tiny little brass beads. Eye catching and fun to wear.

Fun, unique, one-of-a-kind.

You really need to see this jewelry in person to appreciate it. 

Rice's Store

When I was a little girl and we started coming to “The Lake” - Rice’s Store was sort of the end of civilization as we knew it. It was the last place to stop and get groceries. And to a little kid from the big city of Memphis it really was a fascinating place. It wasn’t like the Big Star Store or Kroger’s. In addition to the few staple type groceries they sold, they also had some fishing paraphernalia, straw hats (the original sun screen) and I think they even sold minnows.

But I think the thing I found most fascinating was that they would actually make you a sandwich right there on the spot from groceries they had in the store. Bologna with lots of mayo was my favorite. 

Rice's Store - a Paris Landing Landmark

The store has been closed for quite a while now but if you’ve been down the Lake Highway lately you are bound to have noticed some interesting activity. Rumors are rampant all over Paris Landing.

Yes! Rice’s Store is going to re-open under the management of the Rice family. It will have a new name and a different type of merchandise. Watch for a grand opening in April. More info later.

Just Around the Corner

It's pouring down rain as I write.  But yesterday was a beautiful day in Paris Landing.  The temperature was in the high 50's, the sun was out and there was no wind.  I think the wind blew itself out the night before.  Days like yesterday are one of the things I like so much about living here.  They're kind of like little spring vacations.  We'll have a week of cold, wet, windy weather, then a day like yesterday that makes you want to get out and play.

So play I did.  And while I was out playing I discovered these -

The daffodils are starting to bud!!!  I really get excited when I see these.  I know Winter isn't over, but can Spring be far behind?

And if you look close ....

The Bradford Pear's fuzzy little velvet buds are starting to turn green.  It won't be long til they bloom.  We have a lot of these around Paris Landing and they put on quite a show.

So ... hang in there.  Spring is just around the corner.

Distractions

I've been distracted  a little lately.  

She's pretty much taken over the living room couch where no one else sits

and her favorite toy has turned out to be a ball of red yarn

Love Is All You Need

Square prints and canvases are in.  Typography is in.  And Love is always in!

Available on canvas, or ...

As a print ready for you to frame, or ...

Framed, matted and ready to hang.

Sizes from 8" x 8" to 60" x 60"  (That's really big!)

Available in three different color schemes.  Choose your color scheme first, then your format.

White on Black

Black on White

White & Black on Red

My personal favorite??

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

New Family Member

For a year or so now Eric and I have talked about getting a small dog to add some excitement to our lives and to keep Murphy entertained.    Right after Christmas, opportunity struck - so - now we've added a new member to our new family.

Meet Maggie.  She's only about 3 months old, a Boston Terrier.  My nephew and his wife raise these sweet little dogs in Ripley, Tennessee.    So far, Maggie has been a real bundle of joy.

It doesn't take much to keep her occupied.

As for Murphy ....

He's still here and just as ornery as ever.