Lego Cars

Eddie builds cars out of Legos. Lots of them. He never wants me to take photos of them, but tonight I snuck one of today's creations. We also built a garage together. This was probably too ambitious with no nap and a cold...

Old, But Blessed

Yesterday was my birthday (and my twin's...Happy Birthday, Dor!!). One of my other sisters said she was going to check out my blog and see if I spelled out exactly how old I now am! Here it is...F-O-R-T-Y-F-I-V-E. AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I honestly feel it this year. And it makes me really sad. I've never gotten teary over my age, until now. Yuck. But, I have much to make me feel young, and I have to remember these blessings: a loving husband who is my friend (plus he works so hard, tolerates me, and rides a mean snowboard, mountain bike and dirt bike), a beautiful 3-year-old, a big and supportive family, health, a home in a place people pay (a lot) to visit, and everything I could need. So, without further complaint, into this new age I go. And here are the goodies my loved ones picked out for me! Thank you! They are perfect for me!

I meant to post this one on Thursday, but time got away from me! Treadway Gallery's 20th Century Art and Design Auction will be this Sunday (which is now tomorrow) in Cincinnati. And, of course, I found some things I'd like to have!! I'm enjoying putting this stuff out there for the universe - somehow it makes me feel better about not actually trying to "win" these things. I really don't understand why. So, that said, here are some of my faves.
This Handel lily lamp.

This Mark Peiser vase. By the way, there must be over 100 vases in this auction.

This Claude Aliotti painting.

This Kiyoshi Saito woodblock.
These Tony Paul tables and cart.
These Peter Protzmann chairs.
This Vistosi hanging lamp.

Enjoy!

Thank You, Marisa!

Thank you, Marisa, for Helen and my ostrich! Do you think they're dancing when we listen to this?? Surely they are...

Music Lately

Holly Becker of the great Decor8 blog just asked us to chat about what music we are currently listening to. What FUN!!!!! All the music I mention here is linked to you tube videos you can watch, laugh at, and listen to, too! Doug and I snuck out for a date a little while back and caught the movie Mama Mia (campy, great fun), so Abba Gold is one we've got out now. When I was in Boston the other week, we stopped into my brother in law's record store (he sells vinyl...really!!), In Your Ear, in Cambridge and I snapped a photo of the album cover above.

We also listen to a lot of Hawaiian music because it's so relaxing. Keali'i Reichel is always a favorite.

I am a big fan of AM radio 70s' songs, embarrassingly enough, so we listen to Billboard Top Hits from the early 70s like Rod Stewart's Maggie May, Three Dog Night's Joy to the World, Johnny Nash's I Can See Clearly Now, and The Temptations Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. Just listening on these you tube sites makes me dance!

Thank you Holly! This made me happy just doing it... it is SO true that having something playing can completely lift your spirits!

A Girl Can Dream, Can't She?

Sotheby's just sent me the e-catalogue for their upcoming important jewels auction in NY. I do not wear much jewelry, but I like to look at really beautiful old jewelry and dream! The estimates for these start at $5,000. Doug asked me today for the link to my blog... won't he love to see this post!!!

I think this brooch is so dramatic.

look at the emarald dripping from this pendant!

funky elephant brooch

I love the two locket/pocket watches!

I think my favorite is this amazing leopard brooch.

Lovely, and dear (as in $$$), diamond butterfly and flower brooch.

This Cartier diamond and seed pearl bracelet circa 1915 is so delicate. I love it. I'll never have it, but I love it!

September Weekend

It was a bright, beautiful weekend here in the mountains. We picked apples by the Colorado River Road Saturday (trains passed by!). And Doug and Eddie went cycling yesterday, five times around the little lake. I was a proud mom.

Eddie, Grandma and Christina watch the train.


Bike maintenance is VERY important!

Speaking of Auctions...This for a CAUSE

Two young parents crashed in a small plane on August 15th. I first read about this accident here at one of my favorite blogs, Bliss. I've been following their progress and sending my positive energy. I know only a couple of people look at my blog, but if one more person can send love or hope or help because of me, that is good. So, you can find out more here from the amazing sisters, find out about the incredible auction to help them here or just donate here.

Auction Goodies

Since Doug had the camera today, I'm posting something a little different. When I have time, I love to look at what the auction houses around the country are putting up for bid. I get an e-mail each week from artfact.com listing upcoming auctions. Items range from art to furniture to to toys to some true junk. I've bid successfully twice in the past year, so I am certainly no expert on how to get good stuff or good deals! I would only say that if you are interested in bidding on something, do research into what its value really is (google it to see what comes up...a good place to start), ask many questions of the auction house about the condition of the item (and its provenance if this might influence its value). And try to find out the reputation of the auction house.

I found some goodies at two upcoming auctions. Here are a few...

Eddie would LOVE this great steam shovel (so do I). It's at Nadeau's Auction Gallery in Windsor, CT, or via Ebay live auctions.

Or maybe this sweet guy.

Or a vintage juicer.

oooooh...or this fun lot of glass. Look at the silver top bottles!

These beauties below are being auctioned off in Chicago on September 10th...
I can't stop looking at this settee from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers also via Ebay Live Auctions here. Maybe you like the green... I might reupholster in a creamy white, I think!

Lovely, delicate kettle stand also at Leslie Hindman.
or perhaps a tulip stool

And I like the pattern on these vases.

These are just a few items I like to give you an idea of what is out there! Have fun browsing! And have a great night!

I'm Back

I am home. My trip seemed like a whirlwind and so short. My guys are relieved that I'm here, as is Grandma I think, and I am glad to be back. It is always hard to leave my sisters - we had such a good time together. Besides just being with Dor (and Mark) and Em, I loved our Red Sox game at Fenway, a trip to the beach in Rockport, a stop on a whim at my grandmother's old house in Cambridge, and a visit to Mom's gravesite on the last morning, which was beautiful. And Eddie actually talked with me on the phone a few times - astounding! He sounds so grown up on the phone. Then, all of a sudden, "OK. Bye!" and he's off. (I do wish I could do that.)

Eddie officially started Montessori yesterday. I cried. He loves it. It's like the beginning of the rest of his life... very adult, very responsible. Really it's not all that... he's having such fun (and of course I do hope the rest of his life is great fun), but he is just growing up so fast.

And then it also truly feels like Fall here. It's chilly and the days seem short. I hope we have a little Summer left. Maybe a Friday swim at Grandma's pool.

Here are some of my memories from my trip... Fenway ParkAt Dor's home, hydrangea, Mark's garden, sweet 45 and the lovely Eloise (Em's pug)!

Cambridge viewCopley farmers market On the road to the beach...