Lisa's House

A few weeks ago, Steve and I went to an old friend's house for a birthday party.

I immediately noticed the mailbox and took out my phone to snap a picture and then I looked into the yard . . .

 the line from Jerry Maguire, "you had me at hello" came to mind, but my thought was, "Lisa had me at that old truck door".

This week Lisa was so sweet and allowed me to photograph her lovely home for my blog - 540 photos to be exact.

It was a gorgeous sunny day in Southern California and Lisa's 1960's ranch style house made a wonderful backdrop for her vintage truck.

I am not the only person to fall in love with Lisa's home and style.

Fifi O'Neill featured the home

 in her book, Romantic Prairie Style, on pages 124-131.

When you step onto the porch you might be tempted to sit awhile,

but then your eye catches a fun old cabinet filled with birdhouses.

I love that container filled with succulents and the collection of floral frogs.

As you walk through the house, you will notice an abundance of fun signs.

But, you won't be getting in the house today.

As you see from the sign on the door,

 nobody gets in to see the Wizard.

The end of today's tour has nothing to do with the Wizard of Oz.

All those 540 pictures will take time to edit and I need to finish blog posts for Where Bloggers Create and the Mad Tea Party.

I leave you with the view looking out the master bedroom window and hope you will come back to see the inside of the house early in the week.

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I am sharing with

The Dedicated House - Make It Pretty Monday

Thoughts from Alice - Sundays at Home

Losing an old friend . . .

I was a little sad when I got home yesterday.

This is the site that normally greets me when I walk into the living room.

But, yesterday an old friend was missing in my view.

My old yellow truck is gone, possibly never to be seen again.

It is here, along with many of my other favorites , for two months.

My fear is that the exposure of this venue will bring it to the attention of many more people.

What if my old friend never returns?

Marriage to an artist, at least my artist, means an ever changing gallery.

Steve sells paintings (thank goodness or we might not eat) frequently and I am always happy for him.

Mt. Whitney will be picked up today.

Catalina Island, which has been on an installment plan since January, will be paid off and leaving for its new home next week.

 I have no problem with them leaving.

But, it is hard to lose a truck painting, AGAIN!

My first love was a red truck

which we spotted in a field at a winery in Mendocino.

I had 3 good years with the red truck before it moved to the home of friends where it graces their living room wall. 

Next came the yellow truck which I spotted in a field in Sonoma during a Thanksgiving winery tour.

I was driving on the way home and pulled over, in the rain, insisting that Steve get out and take a photograph.

First came a small painting just 24" x 30" which sold immediately upon completion.

The 48" x 60" inch version has hung on the living room wall for several years.

Its removal leaves a gaping space on the wall.

What do we put there?

This view from JP's old loft in Los Angeles?

 House boats in Sausalito?

A scene from my garden?

Or, maybe I get Steve to paint me something completely different.

I have a volleyball tournament today so Steve is going to surprise me with his choice.

My old friend is gone, but I know I will find a new one.

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You can find me partying at

No Minimalist Here

My Romantic Home

Lavender Garden Cottage