Help the Hounds

These hounds were among the survivors of a barn fire in early March where 20 hounds and 3 horses were lost. Lost Dog and Cat Rescue (where we found Cash), has been caring for the hounds with the help of a few organizations and the charity of good people. If you would like to know more of their story go to: http://loudounextra.washingtonpost.com/news/2009/may/05/6-foxhounds-injured-leesburg-blaze-make-tracks-slo/.

To donate to their care: http://www.firstgiving.com/helpingthehounds

Spring is Still Sprung

I was at Clover Hill today on this fine sunny spring day. Everything is in bloom and sparkling. A great portion of the garden is flourishing. Without mulch and the sprinklers. So I go there and pick flowers for me and for the doggers. The garden portion closest to the house and porch is gone....for now. Except for this lone Allium. Just standing there as proud as she can be amongst the rubble and debris. Calm, cool and collected. As if to say, “I'm up, what’s your excuse?” On the other side of the garden, sits one of two cherubs. Giving me a look, " That goes for me too."

Eat the Cheeseburger!

Quote from a gay decorating blogger who has a very popular site Decorno. He is my new favorite bitch. For the record, I love Rachel Zoe. Stylist to the stars. I love her style. She looks like that because she is a workaholic, doesn't hydrate and needs a vacation...ok and a cheeseburger.

--That face. It's the face you get if you've chain-smoked Lucky Strikes since middle school and used your head as a catcher's mitt. (Confidential to Zoe: It's called sunscreen, La Mer, and eating a big fat burger every now and then, Rachel... as you age you can either keep your ass or your face, and you should pick door #2, my friend.)

Checkout his Things That Are Wrong lists.

Prrrrrr!

You know I am CRAZY for animal prints. Now this is wearing leopard in style. Go Kate!

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get — only what you are expecting to give — which is everything. What you will receive in return varies. But it really has no connection with what you give. You give because you love and cannot help giving. "
Katherine Hepburn

Way Cool Vintage in Middleburg

Shonna and I went to our favorite haunts in Middleburg yesterday. Not the over the top expensive places but the thrifty places where you can get a treasure for cheap. Shonna picked up a very cool set of mix/match hand blown glasses. I picked up some great thrift store clothes and a sweet old desk for $65. In our travels we stumbled upon an awesome vintage clothing store in Middleburg, called Timmie Jane ran by store owner Nichole Stephenson. Great chick, really awesome vintage and retro clothing with a green philosophy. She has one of a kind hats, handbags, tops, pants, dresses, gowns and more. Check it out, way cool!

Happy Mother's Day

Myrt, my Muse

Skinny Girl Margarita

The Skinnygirl™ Margarita On the Rocks
What you'll need:
2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
Juice of four Fresh Lime Wedges
Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Girlfriends

Ok so I recently started this blog...you may or may not know. Having fun and spending too much time on setting it up but still trying to get use to the idea that this is whatever I want it to be. No right, no wrong. So while this may not be blog etiquette, this is what I wanted to say today.

This year has provided for some highs and lows for myself, our family and many friends. So many of us are working through major life changes. In our immediate circle, we have: Lost jobs and income or have a spouse who has. Struggling to support a family on a shrinking or single income. Many who are employed are concerned with downsizing and loss of income. Some are starting a business or trying to grow or keep one afloat. We have health issues or close friends and/or family who are battling serious illness. We have lost dear loved ones and pets. We worry for our children. We struggle with our partners. My own personal journey from last spring to the present was...well you know there aren't words and that is ok. Losing dear Scout, Aunt Liz, a lucrative job, Gram's cancer, losing our home, our beloved Sage and Cash and our possessions. I know of your loves and losses too.

Today, I am extremely grateful. I feel pretty darn good all things considered and I know that life can change on a dime. The list is long for all that I am thankful for. I am surrounded by really good people. Tom, our children, our families, countless friends and neighbors.

Day to day.... the good, the bad, the fun, the heartbreaking; it is my girlfriends (YOU) who without I just wouldn't be me. I might be back "there" still from months ago. THANK YOU for your unwavering love, support and countless acts of kindness. For making sense of me when I could not. Being there regardless of the load you were carrying. Some of us have asked outloud "where would we be if we didn't have us"? We aren't in our 20s. We don't always have the time. Priorities shift and time flies. Please know I Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I am here for you. I know no matter what lies ahead for each of us, we will be ok because there is...US!

Tricia Guild, Designers Guild

Images via Tricia Guild, a British designer who I stumbled on while doing a ton of internet searching for fabrics for a deco client who had fine taste and a great deal of knowledge about antiques, art, collecting. I learned more from her then the other way around. I ran out and picked up two of Tricia Guild's three books. The latest is titled "Pattern". I was just in awe of her use of colors, textures. Current, romantic, bold and fun. A hip mix of sophisticated/bohemian.

Happy

Happy is a state of mind and something I feel can get away from me. I am more in a state of happiness when journaling, decorating, finding fun ways to express myself like this blog, exercising, frienships. Since the fire, Tom and I have returned to "The Secret" both in dvd and audio cds. It really helps me to focus on gratitude and all the many blessings I find in my life. Saying Thank You for all the wonderful people and experiences we have shared and all the fabulous things that are coming. To live life today.

HOT Pink

I really love this commode. I love pink but it does not love my skin color so I should not wear it. This will have to go in the girly bathroom at Clover! I am going to look for a similar find and paint it myself.

Grey Gardens Premier

Grey Gardens the movie premieres tomorrow on HBO. Sarah Jean first brought the documentary to my attention. At first it seemed like only a sad train wreck account of these women's lives but fascinating all the same. When I watched a second time, these women were endearing, strong, intelligent not just wacky and eccentric. What woman can't on some days relate to the idea of deciding the world is too much anymore and creating your own reality instead? Just all togther quit society. The relationship and frienship of this mother and daughter, it is so touching. Besides, anyone related to Jackie O, I want to know. My weird life long fascination with anything related to the Kennedy clan. Sarah is having people over to watch the premiere. Might attend and may go in costume!

Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale quotes:

"But you see in dealing with me, the relatives didn't know that they were dealing with a staunch character and I tell you if there's anything worse than dealing with a staunch woman... S-T-A-U-N-C-H. There's nothing worse, I'm telling you. They don't weaken, no matter what".

"This is the best thing to wear for today, you understand. Because I don't like women in skirts and the best thing is to wear pantyhose or some pants under a short skirt, I think. Then you have the pants under the skirt and then you can pull the stockings up over the pants underneath the skirt. And you can always take off the skirt and use it as a cape. So I think this is the best costume for today".

Dream Dressing Room

This is my dream dressing room! Maybe we can squeeze this in to the new house? Only difference is I will have to start my collection anew!

Yee Haw!

Bling!