Guest Room and Gulf War Painting

After our vacation at the Asbury Park Ocean Inn this summer I wanted to recreate as pretty a sanctuary as a compliment to our guest room there. I loved the bright pops of color throughout the inn. When we returned home I went straight to Target to pick up a crisp white matelasse quilt. E. painted the room bright yellow after I was inspired by an HGTV home with the same color. It's also on the south side of the house so it gets the most sun of any room in our home. I wasn't sure if we should keep it because it is just SO bright. But I love color and wanted to try this one out. The orange quilt was just too much by itself in this yellow space. After four years I think I'm finally okay with this room. Clearly I'm not a designer.

We still need bedside tables. The TV trays are "working" until we find side-tables tall enough. The highlight is the feather bed. If you don't have one yet, go to The Company Store and do yourself a favor. They are having a 20% off sale right now. Ours is down and feels like you are sleeping on a cloud. It truly makes the biggest difference. 

When our sweet friends came down from Harlem for New Years Eve I set up the guest room with Christmas children's books for welcome reading. Is there nothing more reminiscent of childhood than a Little Golden Book? I have collected children's books since high school. I love making a guest room special for the visitor who stays in the room. Harry and Maria's daughter Maddie is still very little but it was so fun hearing them read The Night Before Christmas to her.

When we bought the house this room was the owner's daughter's room. This "nook" in the wall is a perfect changing table. The shelves are great for guest towels as well. I think a nice curtain over the space would finish the look.

I left Maddie a few toys to play with and a cookie for her parents in their welcome stocking.

The painting in the room is one I did in college in 1991. My art professor,Gene Kain, asked his students to create a piece in reaction to the Gulf War.  I had just been to an art exhibit at Ripon where a guest artist spoke about why we make art. I remember her words so vividly. She spoke about the fact that life is ugly. Truth is ugly. Art is a way to create beautiful things in a sometimes ugly world. Art should lift someone up, not remind them of broken spirits and the disgusting realities of war. She took modern photographs of flowers in the gas chambers in Auschwitz. It was a beautiful image in the midst of such an ugly place. She took photos of mother's who had lost their sons to war and used red yarn to knit their symbolic blood together in the most memorable, beautiful way. I wanted to create a piece of art that was beautiful and meaningful too me, and didn't scream death and despair in your face. I remember being very moved by the oil spill. My step father sent me Time magazine at school so that I would be up-to-date on current affairs. I remember seeing a photo of a cormorant doused with oil. It made me wonder what a bird's perception was of war. Kind of random, but there it is.

One friend thought this painting was of a bird watching the sunset. It is actually a bird watching Patriot Missiles burst in the sky. 

As an artist I don't know if anyone will get the true feeling I was trying to portray in this painting. I think it is pretty and the fact that I remember the project like it was yesterday means so much to me. My best friend's father framed it for me in Kalamazoo beautifully and I think it fits this room perfectly. Not that I would ever want to "match" my artwork to my "sofa" but I think it works in the guest room.

We loved having our sweet friends and their gorgeous girl visit us again. 

I love grouping framed photos in collections. The bookshelf above the bed was too precarious for my children's book collection. I literally put them in above the bed the first week we moved in and the whole thing shifted in the wall. Not very tranquil if you ask me. You can see a two inch gap at the ceiling. Eventually, I'd like to pull the bed out about a foot from this back wall and create a closet behind the bed, as the innkeepers did at Asbury Ocean Beach Inn. We have the space and that way we could open up the room to the upstairs attic. I think this room will always be a work in progress but here is a little peek @girltuesday!

Major thanks to my parents for helping me find Ripon College. I truly learned so much about myself while there. I had the most incredible art professors who I am still in touch with. Gene and Evelyn, I truly can not thank you enough for your dedication and love of art and art education. I think about you so often and our time together. Was it really over 20 years ago when we first met?  Evelyn, if you happen to read this will you please post the name of your friend, the artist, who I refer to above? I think she was Romanian. I'll never forget her, just can't remember her name. (I'm totally becoming my mother!)

TenTen's Derby Hat Cocktail

I attended a very fun networking event before Christmas at the new TenTen on Bagby Row in Harbor East. Recognizing the bartender from Ixia, B&O Brasserie and Chazz I knew I could trust him to make me something wild and wonderful. He suggested the Derby Hat.

Derby Hat, Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Buckwheat Honey, Grapefruit and a little entertainment on the side. I've always wanted to try this lighting-of-the-orange-peel trick. He's releasing the essence oil out of the skin of the orange and lighting it on fire. It smelled like Christmas.

The drink was delicious. Not too sweet with a tangy tartness from the grapefruit juice mellowed by the bourbon. The bar is lit from below and cast a beautiful glow on my new friends and conversation.

I ordered the duck fat fries for a nosh that came with a chive creme fraiche and truffle aioli. Need I say more? They were decadent.

It was wonderful visiting with a friend that I met four year ago in the bathroom at Ixia on Valentine's Day at this happy hour. Yes, I'm one of those people who meets people in bathrooms, stays in touch via Facebook and will attend events if invited. I am TOTALLY becoming my mother. Lisa (@lisaatVerb), it was so wonderful seeing you after all these years of Tweets back and forth! Thanks again for the invite.

I met another friend from Twitter in real life @hollisthomases who ordered the scallops and beet salad. Looked delicious! E. and I tried to go there after seeing a movie this weekend and it was PACKED. I suggest making reservations or going after the big 8pm crunch on a weekend. The space is small and charming with casual four tops in the bar with high bar stools and regular booth seating in the main dining room. The space has a nice rustic feel with exposed rafters. I look forward to visiting again soon for dinner.

Glogg Epiphany Party

This season has been filled with party after party. We ended this festival of fetes at an Epiphany party over the weekend at Scott's house to experience Katiecakes' family Glogg recipe and celebrate the coming of the Wise Men. This is an annual tradition but our first time that we've been able to make it in four years. Katie's ancestors are Swedish and I'm sure the Glogg was used to warm the soul during chilly winter months. Maybe even to warm the vocal chords to go a'caroling out in the snow. It is made with tons of bourbon, red wine and a bunch of spices. Katie wouldn't share her Granddaddy's recipe but man, oh man was it strong and tasty. We came to get down for some Glogg and much dancing took place apres said Glogging.

I went early to "help" set up and try to steal the recipe with keen eyes. (Note: I spy a bow tie flask!)

I got so distracted that I didn't do much but take photos of Scott's fantastic artwork, bow tie collection and fabulous home.

You need a curator just to make it down the hallway.

His collection of bourbon was also quite impressive.

I was admiring the new chandelier and asked where he found it. Scott made it himself! I see a huge market for these Ball Jar chandeliers. Isn't it fab?

I loved these framed yarmulkes.

Wish I knew the name of this artist. I know it has a connection to AVAM because Katie also has one in Philly. Isn't he divine with is Bud-light beer caps?

There are many Sumac's too. I could have sworn I did a post on our Sumac's. I'm working on an art post as @girltuesday suggested for Stone Hill so stay tuned. 

Scott lives in the charming village of Federal Hill in Baltimore. His apartment was a store at some point. The storefront is great for bike storage and conversation. He used more Ball Jars for lighting in this bay window area. Clever, clever, clever!

The man has such great taste and I loved his stacked books everywhere and eclectic art pieces.

I know I was a big help to them with my early arrival. I moved two chairs and suggested a new location for the beer cooler. I am an events planner. Then I proceeded to rest a bit because my new shoes were KILLING MY FEET. 

The macaroons were to die for after numerous gallons of Glogg. Did you know Patiserrie Poupon is IN Baltimore?!!! We also celebrated the magi with a King cake.

Jon got the baby (in the cake) and won the crown.

I also helped test the food. The boars head salami was a huge hit.

Secret Glogg photos. I believe I saw cardamon pods go in the sachet as well.

After we busted into the King Cake a few of us went back to Scott's room to play with his bow tie collection and don his hats. 

You see why we had a Bow Tie Bar Crawl for him now.

The man has a bow tie ladder.

To quote our favorite Sartorialist Scott said, "Be a man, wear your gay shoes!"

Yeah, Kevin and Carla.

Cheers to the Glogg Sandi and Amy!

Come on, dance. We even tried to Wobble baby...wobble baby...wobble baby Wobble!

Much laughter ensued and joyful dancing commenced, with high pitched squeals too. Katie's nickname is HPK, for High Pitched Katie. HPK and HPN were in full effect. Scott doesn't get an H but he was full of jovial laughter as well. Don't you love the friends you can just guffaw with?!

Behold the lighting of the Glogg and Katie fussing at her best friend! So funny.

Okay so this happened too. Gotta love the Documentist.

Many thanks to Scott and Katie for a wonderful party. If I could make a wish to the Universe; I'd like more parties on Friday nights please. They make for much longer, more wonderful weekends. Thanks and love, HPN!

Christmas Recap 2011

We had the most wonderful Christmas in Michigan. My godmother Mary T. drove with us all 11 hours to and from my mother's house. We stayed at Baby Nephew's house three blocks from Mom. My gorgeous grandmother flew all by herself from Memphis to be with us and of course Dad joined us for the festivities. Andrew looks so grown up in this photo but he is just one year old.

Baby Nephew was baptized at home that weekend. Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

Eric and I are thrilled to be his godparents!

The precious lamb went straight from my mother's diamond cross. He's brilliant, I'm telling you.

My fairy godmother.

This was the first year in all my days that we waited until after 1pm to open our prizes. Saint Andrew needed to take a nap so we enjoyed a leisurely morning with ham and Sister Schubert rolls.

The first photo above was taken with a tripod and timer. I loved this shot I caught of  Daddy, E and Mary Frances staging the shot. I realized later that something was fogging up my lens so Francie looks more angelic than usual. I'm sure my Dad said something hilarious which is par for the course.

Once Baby Nephew arrived, the prizes were opened, the roast beast devoured and I finally got some quiet time with him. We gave him that cute little sweater. My brother wouldn't be caught dead letting him wear a smocked outfit, which breaks my heart, so we prepped him up with a little polo! He is truly the most laid back little guy. We just talked and talked for twenty minutes about trains, cars and my necklace. Elise caught us in this precious moment and I will cherish this photo forever.

Blessings and thanks to my sweet family for their incredible generosity, love for us and to Mac and Elise for asking us to be godparents. We are truly honored.