New Neighbors!

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I know I have mentioned before that I love swallows. Really.  When I see them swooping in the sky, so graceful, spirited, joyful, my heart swells in my chest, a smile creeps across my lips, and often a tear comes to my eye. So, how amazing to find that I have a Mr. & Mrs. Swallow happily setting up their home, preparing for their babies, right in my own yard!

Can you see him there on top of his house? The picture isn't as clear as I would like, and doesn't due the handsome guy justice. Here he is peeking his head out waiting for the Mrs. to come back....

Yes, I know, I really should re-paint their house. Poor birds. I bet all the wrens, robins, jays, and even the squirrels are whispering behind their backs about how that Swallow family is really bringing down the neighborhood with that whole "shabby-not-so-chic" look.  Don't they know that was so last year?!?

Today is my birthday, and I couldn't think of a better gift to have received. What a blessing to see them each time I go visit the garden.

Take A Picture~It'll Last Longer!

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As a designer, there are a few things I always have with me whenever I meet with clients, things I could not live without. None of them are surprising...bet you would guess that I always have my trusty tape measure along &  my paint color paddle. Yawn, yawn. Something that is SO important whenever you are trying to create a feel or look in a space is a visual reference. You know, A PICTURE! And now that most of us have a handy dandy camera on our person almost all the time, this is a tool that is so easy to use, but one that is often overlooked.

It is really hard to exactly remember what a room or piece of furniture looks like. Like a lamp....I wish I could find something that would work with my office lamp. SNAP!

That was so easy! Now I have the lamp in my pocket whenever I want to see it with something I come across in my travels.

Right now I am getting ready to plant some pots that I just moved to a new spot in my garden. I really don't know what I want to put in them, but hey! , if I have a picture with me I will have a much better idea of what I may like in the space while I am in the garden center.

Views from different vantage points will help me to see what may work best for the plantings....

So, next time you are working on a decorating or gardening project, don't forget to grab a few images before you go shopping. You will be amazed at how much help it is to you!

He's Been Workin' on the Railroad

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I know someone who has always wanted to own a railroad.  Large, loud machines to move cars, miles of track to maintain, factories to supply, passengers to shuttle, schedules to keep. It is possible to have everything you want in life, if you just use your imagination.

There is a lot to running a railroad.

I mean, this guy is under A LOT of pressure.

He may snap at any moment.

Sure, sure there are the usual grumpy passengers, occasional track washouts, the rare derailed train. Those are petty annoyances.

All can seem so quiet and quaint along this line of track, in this beautiful part of the country.

The serene setting can lull one into submission.

But always at the back of his mind is the Lenape Legend of the Nulhala Mwekane --a creature known for its stealth and insatiable appetite for steam engines.

This engineer must always be alert.

Some dismiss the stories of this beast as pure myth. But is it??

He thinks he has seen some evidence, and felt an unexplained chill on his spine on more than one occasion. His friends think he is nuts--maybe all that coal dust is getting to him.

But hearing thunder when there isn't a cloud in the sky?

Having the strange sensation that one is being watched?

What could all of it mean? I will leave it up to you to answer the questions for yourself....

and take whatever precautions you deem necessary.

(These are photos of my husband's amazing garden railroad in our backyard--Sweetie, we have way too much fun :) )

A Conversion Experience

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This garage building is about to go through a major change. How exciting!

This garage is slated for conversion to a two bedroom guest house, and I am so looking forward to the project.  I have been going over lots of pictures, measurements, layouts, etc.--gathering ideas that will make this the cutest guest cottage anybody could ever want.

Oh, the possibilities! Be sure to check back in the weeks ahead. I will be posting updates as things progress.