Attention to Detail

This morning as I was ironing my top for work, I thought about the detail and how it makes the top just a little bit more interesting - tucks . . .buttons . . . butterflies.

The detail in the back with the row of buttons isn't seen if I wear a sweater, but to me, it makes the top.

And tonight I was ironing a top for tomorrow (much more organized today) and I realized that I also purchased it for its detail - tucks down the front and buttons on the sleeves.

Attention to detail is how I have been decorating lately.

Daisies in a mason jar look sweet, but the little red heart provides the little something extra.

Attention to detail in the kitchen- 

paint it, move it, remove it, tweak it 

get the details right.

The red heart and the hand work, but the yellow heart dish is better.

Getting the color of the cabinet right.

Getting the color of the quilts right.

Metal boxes instead of wooden balls.

It's in the details.

Cloth napkins, candles, a centerpiece  - little details to show my family they are worth the effort.

Steve doesn't usually notice details and rarely comments - unless I don't pay attention to the detail.

Then he notices.

And, since he is out in the garden grilling a steak for dinner, I think I had better stop blogging and set the table.

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You can find me partying at

Elizabeth and Co.

No Minimalist Here

Embracing Change

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

The Busy Bee's

Speed Shopping

Friday night we headed to one of our favorite Italian restaurants so poor Steve didn't have to cook.  

We usually go out about 6:30 on Friday nights, but we had to drop by the opening of a show where Steve is displaying some art, so we were ready for dinner about 5:30.

As we walked to the restaurant, I noticed that the lights were still on at one of my favorite shops, Meadow.

And I was in luck because the hostess told us we had a 20 minute wait.

 I talked Steve into walking across the street to Meadow - my "go to" shop when I am buying for my sister. 

She is a world traveler, for work and pleasure, and does her shopping in London, Paris and New York.

What do you buy for the woman who has everything?

I go to Meadow for little unusual gifts that she might not find for herself.

In the 20 minutes I had to spend before a table was ready, I found these sweet things.

They sat in the bag until after school today when I actually had some time for fluffing.

I love my basket of clocks, but it is time for a redo.

The birdcage is now on my antique record cabinet ( designed to hold 78 rpms) which will be changing colors next week.

A few daisies from my garden, simple books and a metal bird I found at Joanne's brought spring to the living room.

First I went with a little metal ladybug, 

but I didn't know what to do with the faucet knobs (is that what they are? ) so they replaced the ladybug.

The white heart is on my green chair,

the basket that was holding all the clocks is on the coffee table and 

some of the clock faces are on the long table.

If you read my post Losing an old friend, you might notice that "Land of the Lofts" was Steve's choice to replace the yellow truck.

The living room is fluffed and clean.

And it all came about because I had 20 minutes to wait for dinner.

The best part - our anniversary is in two weeks and Meadow has the perfect lamp to go next to Steve's old leather chair.

I think I dropped enough hints on Friday night so I hope the lamp will be mine on April 3.

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I can be found partying at

Lavender Garden Cottage

The Dedicated House

Creative Cain Cabin

Boogieboard Cottage

Spring Thing Linky Party

A Humble Creation

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

I am not who I said I was . . .

From the time I began blogging, I have identified myself as a "color" girl.

Today, I realize that I am no longer who I said I was.

I put on an orientation today for 325 fifth graders at my middle school.

And, I am EXHAUSTED.

325 fifth graders, 155 seventh and eighth graders leading them on tours and playing games, 3 nights burning the midnight oil preparing for the event finally took its toll on my old body.

I came home and PLOPPED.

Sitting on the sofa and staring ahead of me made me realize something.

I am not just a color girl.

Looking straight ahead of me to the entry showed me yellow walls, white trim, white curtains and pillows, and a white shelf.

Blue dishes, a bit of yellow and a dab of red provide accent, but basically, the view is white.

Sitting on my white sofa, and looking across the room, I saw my white chair, white cabinet and white sewing machine base.

Colorful books, a floral pillow and a red striped candle provide accent on the table.

Colorful quilts provide contrast from the white on the cabinet.

Last weekend I painted a hallway cabinet white.

In January, I painted a little cabinet and some shelves in the kitchen white.

My spring mantel is white.

Oh my gosh, I can actually join Blissful Whites Wednesday.

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You can find me partying at

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

My Romantic Home

The Farmhouse Porch

Savvy Southern Style

Timewashed

The Style Sisters