The Weekend Design

The Smithsonian conducts an annual photography contest–some of the 2012 finalists are below.  The first photo, taken in a small church in Nazareth, is my favorite.  Their eyes, goodness.  To see all the 2012 finalists, click here.

There is a delicate balance in being a renter, reminiscent of walking this life.  There must be equal footing in the temporal and the other.  As a renter, it is important to establish roots, careful to remember some roots are painful, if not impossible, to uproot.  This reality drives the constant discrimination between potted plants and those firmly rooted in the ground.  For my side yard, I was given a blank space, with mulch only being added a little under a year ago.  I decided I would add that which I could take with me (whenever that may be).  I started with pots to flank the center of the structure and over-sized irises which I’ve newly discovered (happy as clams).  Then, came the inevitable waiting for the right garden table.  On a whim, I visited the lovely Virginia of Chinoiserie Antiques in Fort Meade.  Chinoiserie Antiques = Destination.  I visited for the good company and beautiful store and came home with the table I couldn’t before describe but knew I’d recognize.  I am excited by the extension of my garden.  It broadens the project which is my ‘front lawn,’ giving me more to piddle with.

The table is zinc with a wonderful patina.  Zinc does not rust, rather, it corrodes.  Which, in this case, given its days, has produced the most pleasing olive hue.

To change one’s life:
1. Start immediately.
2. Do it flamboyantly.
3. No exceptions.

-William James

I felt we needed a new canvas and enlivened palette.   Hope you enjoy the new digs; same content, fresh wares.

If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.

There are few things in life more constant than change and transition. I often rearrange my home.  To (1) choose the change and (2) render it instantly, is deeply satisfying.

I had a temporary roommate in my space, which was delightful and frightfully short-lived.  Her moving out spurned the inspiration to swap what was my office for my bedroom and vice versa.  I’m very pleased.  My bedroom is peaceful and soothing—that stage where it remains uncluttered and fresh.  It’s the first bedroom arrangement here that, despite the twin bed, doesn’t remind me of a dorm room.