Man Plans and God Laughs

Well, here it is Sunday evening...we had planned on having guests...the menu to be grilled salmon, with a dill, parsley, lemon, garlic topping...Green beans, with garlic and olive oil infused with lemon.

Poor Sonia, the best artist in the world (really), called because she was suddenly taken ill. Living in Texas, and having the "Swine Flu" just on the other side of the border, we all decided it was best to postpone it. These are just a few of her paintings...yes, she painted a copy of the Caravaggio...she's the best portrait artist in the world...so, if anyone is interested...let me know. I saw her work in a gallery, and found out she was going to be there, and I had to meet whomever could do such glorious work...get well, Sonia.

My husband and I are going to have a great repast...There was a time that I would have been disappointed...even called some other friends (good enough friends to call in at the last moment), and found out Randy can't be in the same room with salmon...(I'm that way with Curry).

So, roll with the punchs, go with the flow...yum

My Best Friend and First Follower

Zia is my oldest (nope, that's not right), my longest-running friend...and my first follower. We are the kind of friends that can say, "shut up", and smile while doing it...doesn't sound polite, but we have been friends for over thirty-something years...She lives on the Outer Banks, and is a fabulous Real Estate Agent/Broker...If you want to find some great beach front property, she's the one....The photo her dogs (three of about 10 on any given day), at their beach house last Sept.

The "Etc." in my business name covers so much....but, today it's about living one's best life, without sounding like a Martha Stewart wanna be.

This morning's routine was pretty much like every morning; feed the cats, feed the deer, feed the birds, feed the squirels, clean the litter boxes, sweep the porch, make the bed, make the coffee, check in on the email. Even though it's Sunday, I made myself do my workout....I can't sit there on Saturday night, eating a pint of (even though it's low fat) butter pecan ice cream, while watching "The Biggest Loser"...she lost a hundred and sixty pounds, and won a quarter of a million dollars. I don't need to lose that much, but I needed to do the workout (this is after I went to the grocery store this morning and bought another pint to sneak in the freezer to hide the evidence. My husband doesn't read this blog, so I'm safe in my confessions.)

Living the best life includes having people over for salmon steaks, grilled along with grilled green beans, which are marinated in lemon juice and garlic. The secret to having them come out green after grilling is to smash up two vitamin c pills and add to the marinade. I have those disposable pans for grilling...with the holes in them, so the whole thing doesn't fall through the grate. Some good chardonay, good friends, some laughs, and fruit salad for dessert. We will enjoy a respite from the heat (this is Texas in May), so we will enjoy it all on the porch.

I have, as most of us, been affected by the economic down turn...people aren't building...and they are all tightening their belts, but managing to do some design, along with the "Etc." things...such as the floorcloths, custom window treatments, and an upcoming gig, decorating trees for Macy's (starting in the fall), keeps my head above water, and my attitude somewhat upbeat...we all have to pull together, and enjoy life one day at a time.

So, have a wonderful Sunday...I plan to...

Window Treatments

Custom window treatments can be terribly expensive, but I believe they are a great investment. Of course, I am biased, as I design and produce them. That said, I find I charge much less than many workrooms, or if you check out some furniture retailers, that also do window treatments, make sure your pacemaker is working, as your heart may stop when they give you their pricing!

The photos above are examples of how custom treatments are the finishing touch to a space. However, if there are no privacy issues, and you have a great view, along with pretty windows, I often encourage my clients to consider just letting the light in and enjoying the view. Perhaps shutters? I have no window treatments in my living room, as we have beautiful windows, woods, and deer for our view. I can look out and enjoy watching the deer eating my flowers......

I do love to "piece" window treatments...as I did in the "stained glass"/Mondrian effect I achieved for the dining room. It is a western exposure, and, yes, the sun will eventually fade and probably destroy the fabric, but by piecing them together and leaving them unlined, I love the light shining through, and the "sweetlight" that fills the room. I do recommend lining silk, as it is expensive, and will break down, plus, I like the way they hang.

I like formal window treatments to resemble party dresses or ballgowns, adorned with trims, baubles and tassels! The only time I won't produce a client's window treatment is when it is $300 a yard silk...for that, I defer to a workroom...

The red floral chintz curtains with the lovely cat, are actually Ralph Lauren sheets, purchased in the clearance bin at TJ Maxx....Also, I am "she who dies with the most fabric" winner...well, I am not quite dead yet, but I have bins of beautiful fabric...When I see a great deal, I tend to buy it up, knowing eventually, I will use it.

I also have found that when you are trying to sell a home, especially in this market, having some pretty window treatments up make a huge difference...we won't tell them they were sheets in another life!