Nathalie Lete and Anthro

Okay, this is so amazing I just stole it from Design Sponge! How come I work at Anthro and don't know about this!!!!

...i was so excited to hear that nathalie would be painting the windows at the anthro store on 5th avenue. in honor of her new dress collection at anthro nathalie is transforming all of the windows into a “marvelous garden” with flowers, birds, and insects. (taken from Design Sponge)

I can only imagine how stunning these widows will be... to think how fleeting...

I'd love to be there to see it in person!

Colette Fu

Recently purchased Papercraft: Design and Art With Paper and found Collete Fu's work. These amazing collage pops are unlike anything I've seen...


These two pieces are from a series entitled Haunted Philly. The pop up below is of Byberry State Mental Hospital. The following excerpt is from Fu's website...

"Byberry State Hospital was a federally funded health facility opened in 1912 and closed down in 1990 due to unlivable conditions and mistreatment of patients. There have been reports of screams bellowing from the basements."

Giant Baby and Others

I came across this image today of Ron Mueck's larger than life baby. How have I never seen this??? Mueck was part of the Saatchi Gallery's Sensation crowd boasting some of my favorite artists, Jenny Seville, Damien Hirst and the Chapman brothers.

I love this picture... it looks impossibly real.

Local Spots Perfect for Picknicing!

My friends Christina, Tracey and I were discussing all the local historical spots that are perfect for a Spring picnic. Our lunchtime talk inspired me to do a quick post on all the places I've spent summer days wandering in gardens or eating sandwiches and berries on an old quilt in the shade. The first to mind is the Filoli House I visited last year with MJ. This historic spot boasts beautiful gardens, pools and many buildings to explore. It's sister house, the Muckross House in Killarney, was one of the highlights of my trip to Ireland.

Ad I've said before... my dream kitchen. One of two at Filoli...

Second in my thoughts is Ardenwood Historic Farm. I've been on dozens of picnics here since childhood and even picked tomatoes in the summer with my Mom and Grandma in the fields outside the park. Throughout the year the farm hosts period appropriate activities like making ice cream in a wooden barrel, gardening, and going on hay rides among other things. The Victorian house on the property can be toured and there is often a beekeeper selling local honey. On my last trip I met their resident "wild" fox who has been hanging out for a few years. He was so close I could have touched him, but took this pic instead!

A place I recently discovered and loved, was the John Muir House in Martinez. The house is beautiful, and you can walk up through the attic all the way to a glass enclosed Widow's Walk which would be ideal in a rain storm with a cup of tea. The orchards beyond are spotted with persimmon, apple, quince and fig trees. At the back of the property is an Adobe house which is also a museum on local history. Its a true treasure!

If you are in Martinez you might as well continue onto Walnut Creek and visit Shadelands. The House here has a unique history and is quite beautiful. I discovered it because it hosts a biannual antique show which is one of the best locally. If you can swing a trip when the antique show is on, you are in for a treat!

Another goodie is the McConaghy House in Hayward. This is a place I haven't been to in years, but remember in fondly from childhood field trips and visit during Christmas when it was decked in greens and ribbons. There are so many treasures here in the Bay. You're only a google search, a car ride and a picnic basket away!

Molly

More pics of the lovely Molly Meyer...

Spent the morning with Molly taking pics in a mustard field outside of Yountville. She was a good sport, and we managed a few really beautiful shots. These were taken with my iphone. I love the vignetting, it adds to the surreal charm that fits Molly's beauty and personality.

Marcelo in the Real World

Okay, so I love to read. I especially love to read children's books. From picture books to young adult, anything that has magic and mystery and wonder is for me. I find kids books to feature characters who embody these themes more frequently than adult books do, so on any visit to the library I am most often in the children's section than not. True to reading habit, I just finished a YA book called Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork. My friend Sarah, who heads up the children's section at Books Inc. on 4th St. in Berkeley, recommended this to me after we chatted about the best (and worst) kids books available right now.

Sarah was spot on. This story is so thoughtfully written and beautifully crafted I enjoyed every word. The protagonist. Marcelo, is a 17 year old boy who has something akin to Asperger's Syndrome and is forced to enter "The Real World" the summer before his senior year of High School. His actions over the summer will determine whether or not he is allowed to return to the school he has attended since first grade or be enrolled in the local public school instead.

Without being overly sentimental or preachy, the author creates a look inside the mind of a boy somewhere on the outside as he navigates his way into "The Real World." Next up.. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. Happy Reading!

A Good Morning, Rain or Shine

Woke up early to grey skies and a want for good food and a walk in the drizzle...

We wound up at Bouchon Bakery for pistachio citrus brioche and financiers.

A walk down the street lead us to Bistro Jeanty which was great for a picture but shhh...

I don't actually like traditional French food, so we wandered on...


These beautiful lettuces sprouting deep burgundy and citron green drew us into the French Laundry's Gardens...


We took pictures of our morning vacation...

And ended our sejour at Dean & Deluca for a tin of Kusmi tea to enjoy at home.

Spring Window #2 is UP!

A Day in the City

Spent the day in SF with my friend Alicia. We started at her house with a breakfast of crepes sprinkled with sugar and a squeeze of meyer lemon juice made by her husband.... they were amazing!!!!



Headed down to the street to Arch to check out art supplies, then to SCRAP for a treasure hunt...

After a walk down Valencia, and a delicious lunch at Papalote's we stumbled upon this wonderful shop appropriately named Gypsy Honeymoon. I found a few beautiful pieces there including a vintage still life oil for a bargain! The proprietor, Gabrielle Ekedal, is the fourth owner and treasurer hunter Gypsy Honeymoon has had in its 17 years open. Gabrielle is warm and welcoming and has created a beautiful store full of delicate vignettes and rare findings. Its a truly unique collection, reasonably priced and thoughtfully, artfully crafted. I can't wait for a return visit!!!

My painting...

French boudoir dolls named Beatrice, Lallou and Lette sit atop an antique dresser...