I Am Ready to Make Nice

I know the "yayas" will get this. I/We...don't really have much to prove or be mad about..... I'm ready to make nice.

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

What it is you think I should

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I

"The Long Way Around"

"The Long Way Around"

My friends from high school
Married their high school boyfriends
Moved into houses in the same ZIP codes
Where their parents live

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

I hit the highway in a pink RV with stars on the ceiling
Lived like a gypsy
Six strong hands on the steering wheel

I've been a long time gone now
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
But I've always found my way somehow

By taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around

I met the queen of whatever
Drank with the Irish and smoked with the hippies
Moved with the shakers
Wouldn't kiss all the asses that they told me to

No I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

It's been two long years now
Since the top of the world came crashing down
And I'm getting' it back on the road now

But I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
The long
The long way around

Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I opened my mouth and I heard myself
It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
Guess I could have made it easier on myself

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found

Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around

And Coco

At the Lucketts 11th annual Spring Market I came across a vendor who does WAY cool jewelry. Rita uses vintage pieces of jewelry and re-inspires them in a very hip way. I bought a fabulous bracelet with a vintage broach attached. Rita mentions her website is behind on updating but she is going to send me pics and I will add to the blog. Planning a summer girls get-together showcasing local artists and WINE :0)

DESIDERATA

The Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,

it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann was an attorney turned philosopher-poet who live in Terre Haute, Ind. He spent his life wrestling with the realities of making a living and following his personal calling to a life of poetry, literature, and thought. He wrote A Prayer, which became a message of hope for thousands, but he is best known for Desiderata, which he wrote for himself, "because it counsels those virtues I felt myself most in need of." Max included this work as part of a personal Christmas greeting in 1933, and Desiderata's power and appeal have continued to reach out to and significantly affect readers ever since.
He died in 1945.

Belle Maison in Pville

Affordable Luxury for the Home. Elegant home furnishings, vintage chandeliers and interior design services. Lisa Lang of Belle Maison recently opened in Purcellville, VA previously from Middleburg, VA. The store is filled with decadent furnishings at fabulous prices. She is a local Round Hill resident and an all around fabulous person! Visiting will definitely will be a regular routine for me!

170 West Main Street * Purcellville VA
540-338-2711

Life is a Gift

Wayne Muller wrote, "Your life is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be opened"

Green Chic

Vintage Vanity, Rustic Reclaimed Wood Beams, Groovy Wicker Chair

Imperial Serene

Trellis textured walls, faux bamboo mirror, creamy muted flooring. A-Mazing!

Urban Modern Loft Dining Room

Marble Pedestal Dining Table, Greek Key Rug, Geometric Walls.

French Geometric

Textured walls, Antique Vanity, Silver Sconces, Dark Wood Floors. LOVE

Vintage Revolution

Kerry McConnell of Vintage Revolution is all things Chic!

Kerry's philosophy on vintage. "Vintage is a way of wearing history, a means by which we can turn the past into the present, even the future. It is also in some respects, fashion’s version of archaeology; every article of clothing has a story to tell—but alas, we have no means to decipher the body language of the garment and thus we will never know the loves, lust, passion and torments it witnessed. Through us old fashion lives again….."

You Aint Seen Nothing Like Me Yet

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I would offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong
I'd go hungry, I'd go blind for you
I'd go crawling down the aisle for you
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging on a rolling sea
Down the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
But you ain't seen nothing like me yet
There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you
Make you happy, make your dreams come true
To make you feel my love

Turquoise POP

Vignettes

Ya Yas

Spring Zing

Cow Calling

This image reminded me of a "cow tale" of my own. We had just recently moved in to our cabin in Round Hill in 2002. City girl from Arlington gone country. Round Hill and Purcellville were still quite small town. Pville had one traffic light. One grocery store if you call Food Lion a grocery store. Al's Pizza and the White Palace were the only restaurants. We moved in during a blizzard on President's Day weekend. I had taken a few days off to get moved in. On my first morning back to work. I looked out our bedroom window and was astonished to see 6 huge heifers milling around in our driveway and yard!!! I had to call my boss and left a vm saying...ok so I know this sounds as far fetched as it gets but I am going to be late getting in because I have a herd of cows surrounding my car. Our neighbor from "down the way" came moseying up with coffee in hand and scratching his head....he and his wife became good neighbor friends of ours.

Round Hill Cabin for Rent

Charming Log Stone Federal Style House on 1 acre. Stone walls. Mature Trees. Lush Gardens. 3 bedrooms. 2 full baths. 2 fireplaces. Heart Pine Floors. Wonderful Woodgrove Community. Great schools and fabulous neighbors! Convenient to: Shopping, Loudoun Transit. Greenway, Toll Road, Dulles Airport. Our current renter has been with us for 3 years! Available April 1st with credit check, first month rent and security deposit. Will consider pets with approval and pet deposit.
Open House today! Call Amy 703-981-9037 or Tommy at 703-598-8562 to see by appt this week.
35691 Williams Gap Road
Round Hill VA 20141

Nonna

From Collages

A great woman leaves this earth soon. Too soon. Darren's Nonna. Ivan's Mother. A woman I admire. Giving, strong, nurturing, loving, so kind. On the outside I had no actual relation to this woman. In reality she taught me so very much when I was first pregnant with Darren and in his first years. The only thing she based loving me on was carrying her first grandson. She honored me for this. She treated me at the time as if I were a delicate thing. I am indebted to you Nonna for who Darren is today. Your love for him has made a huge impact and will continue to.

Thank You
God Speed
Amy

Things I Learned on Saturday Night

Saturday was one of those uber fabulous- long time coming - Girl's Saturday Nights. Enter my "Southie Gal Pal" Maria who flew in from Boston...with a layover I tell ya. Never mind she landed on Friday night at Midnight. That didn't prevent us from giggling till 4am. Ok back to Saturday. Beautiful weather, poking at Sarah Jean's Yard Sale, Slices of Pie from Al's Pizza in Purcellville. Sun shining all the while. Back to Clover. Enter Sarah and Kathie (our new BFF) and let the fun and festivities begin. We broke in the Urban Cowgirl Love Shack in only the way 4 women can...laughing till we er..ok it was I that peed my pants. There was a woman there that each of us had never met before much less peed our pants with! We laughed, got philosophical, ate, danced, and drank much. We had great tunes in the background and sweet "Babygirls" Faith watching over us.

So things I learned

1. Get in the car, train and/or plane and GO see a girlfriend who plasters the cracks, makes you laugh HARD and no matter how much time has elapsed you just love love love her all over again and then some.
2. The older I get spontanaeity eludes me. Ditch it once in a while and let loose.
3. I need to pre-cook and get food and staples set up for quests before I start drinking red wine. HOW DO I NOT KNOW THIS BY NOW!?
4. Tommy is a SAINT. I was such a BRAT when he got home Sunday morning and Maria and I were HUNGTHEHELLOVER. He makes coffee for me no matter what.
5. HELL-O Amy...you still have zero build up tolerance and there is no platuea when you drink your beloved red wine. And that is OK! Once in a while.
6. When I am around newer friends I always miss my oldest friends more and appeciate the newer ones.
7. Whether you liken yourself Skinny or Fat...it's all a state of mind. Ditch this too!
8. Girlfriends promote an attitude of gratitude. I just don't know where I'd be.....
9. I have an affection for seeing my life through someone else's eyes. More gratitude!
10. As complex as we may be..we can rock it!

Kid Grafitti

For all the Mommies. OMG I thought this kid grafitti inspired furniture was awesome! What a way to preserve your kids artwork. I was always blown away by the amazing art that came from our kids up to the ages of 9 to 10. We have some of it preserved in boxes in the garage. They have real raw talent and their individuality of expression has not been yet squashed up to a certain age. I'll let my Grandbabies do a chair or a sofa some day! Also, I have heard that the chalkboard paint is pretty easy and fun for a play room or a wall in the kitchen. Benjamin Moore carries a eco friendly water based acrylic paint called Studio Finish 307 Chalkboard Paint.

My Urban Cowgirl Cave

Who ever said a shed can't be Chic just didn't have any imagination. This is our shed off the side of our Clover Cottage. On a rare spring like day over a week ago I was in the shed doing a cleanup. Once inside, I realized it had an amazing view of our property and pond. I started exploring our garage for treasures and the "Love Shack" started coming together. The iron gate was salvaged from the fire. The "wanted" and "yee ha" signs were from Tommy's 40th Bday celebration years ago. It was a cowboy themed 4oth. The settee was donated to us. The chair I've had for a couple of years thinking I would one day reupholster it. The striped skirt is actually a fitted sheet that I picked up on clearance for $4. The solid wood angel wing survived the fire some how! Unreal! I threw an old rug down and flipped it over as a base. The runner I picked up at the Lucketts Spring Fair last summer. The K, S and S iron letters I had had for years but could never find the right I. So I improvised by using a bud vase upside down. We broke the Love Shack in over the weekend with a girl get together and Dixie Chicks blaring in the background. Yee Haw!! Come have a glass of wine with us and watch the geese sometime.

Courtney King Dye Tribute T-Shirts

Olympic dressage star Courtney King-Dye remains in a coma after her fall from a horse while training on March 3rd. Courtney was part of the 2008 Summer Olympic Equestrian team. While looking for details on her condition I came across these tribute T-shirts on Etsy. Sales of these t-shirts will help raise money towards her medical care. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42899160

To send words of encouragement to her and her family www.comebackcourt@gmail.com

You Cannot Give Up

Below is an excerpt from the February issue of Science of Mind. The article was titled "Loving Who You Are". As a woman in today's world and all of it's expectations ...that is a tall order on some days. Not on the easy days. The concept is easy when you are "on" and getting it all done for everyone and can check off most of the ridiculous amount of boxes each day and still sort of liking who is staring back at you when you happen to glance in the mirror. Those are the easy days I think for most women. Harder to love yourself when you feel overwhelmed, underwhelmed, less productive by insane standards, not chipper, and the armor is beyond dinged up.... this described acceptance of self in a way that deeply touched me. To think of my "self" as a friend. Treat her like your best friend with grace and a loving ear and kind feedback.

Yet, I will sit down with myself, put a silky arm around my bony shoulders, sit and pray and be. I will not harm this self by wishing for a different moment. I will not push her aside, anxious to move on. I will sit with this self and be her friend. I will sit there until the sun goes down and rises and burns itself out. I will never leave. She will feel my love and heal herself. She will know what to do and when to do it.

- You cannot give up on some aspect of yourself or life and believe in abundant Grace at the same time. Self judgement doesn't keep you savvy. It keeps you ignorant and uninvolved with reality. You will never uncover your true destiny if you can't forgive yourself for yesterday's choices. You are always doing the best you can in any given moment.

Devine Dining Room

This dining room has been a great client project realized. Heather Heider and her husband Scott have been super fun flexible clients to work with. This dining room was formerly a formal living room space which was not being utilized. Heather & Scott are highly social people who entertain on a constant basis and lead busy professional lives. From the start, Heather had a a vision of a chic but comfortable dining space that could accommodate intimate or large social gatherings. Grown up, not stuffy and incorporating her life long passion of Fox Hunting, all things equestrian and family effects. We started with paint in a chic pewter and grey large stripe. Moved to window treatment designs, fabric selection and color schemes From there the vibe and energy came alive. The settee is a family heirloom from her Grandmother. The gilt spider web design dining chairs were a fabulous local find. The beautiful 19th century Italian carved wood arbor was a prized possession of Heather's Mom. Scott pieced it back together and we mounted it. Moving a mirror from another room below it. The paintings above the side board, fondly called the drunk Germans are a family tradition. Chartreuse panels paired with custom window treatments "popped" against the chic pewter/gray large striped walls. Paint colors were by Ralph Lauren. Mixing gold and silver with chocolate and black accents.
Great fun! We are on to the family room.

Serene Romance

I love this balance of masculine and feminine. Dark walls and all the details are muted. Very romantic. Happy V Day Ya'll!

Send Prayer & Keep the Faith

Help me to remember that nothing is impossible to prayer. Because when I pray, I bring You close and when You are close, I am not alone or afraid. I call on You, and the world eases around me. There is comfort for my hurt...and peace from my worries. As one door closes, I see another open wide before me. So, let my whispered voice start each day with the promise of prayer, certain that with Your name on my lips...and Your love in my heart...through Jesus Christ, all things are possible. amen

Spring Fashion Week 2010

PWWs Yummy Sausage Quiche

Preheat oven to 350
Brown 1LB of Sausage
Coat and then layer 13x9 Glass Baking Dish with 6 slices of cubed bread (i cut crusts off)
Cover bread with Sausage
Slightly beat 8 Eggs combined with 2 cups of Milk, 1 tspn Dry Mustard and 1 tspn salt
Cover sausage and bread with egg mixture
Top with 1 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese

Bake for 35 minutes

Bon Appetit!

A Woman on the Journey

A woman on the journey to deeply knowing who she is,

boldly living what she knows, and freely expressing all of her SELF.

She is real. She is true.

She is AWEthentic.

Cottage Cozy

From Collages

Our cozy clover cottage. Surrounding us in meaningful and spiritual pieces gives me comfort. Finding treasures again that invoke peace and calm is a blessing for which I am grateful. FYI, the statue without the head was not always headless. There was a mishap and "Our Blessed Mother" fell off a table but was severed almost perfectly. I do still have her beautiful head. Not to worry. My prayers and thoughts are with Weeza and Angelou as we all mourn with her the loss of her Cali. She has crossed over to join the Lizzy Arc in the heavens. Where they all bring joy and comfort to Liz who escorts their safe passage into eternity. Godspeed Cali. God Bless you Weeza and Thank You Lizzy. Angelou will see you through.

Dollfaces

From Family

Cottage Cozy

Cottage Cozy

http://picasaweb.google.com/amytheo/CottageCozy?feat=directlink#

Clover Chic

Bath Fabulous

Let is snow, let is snow, let is snow. Visited Ekster's barn sale this morning in the snow with Shonna. Very cold! Within 30 minutes, I could not feel my finger tips. Seemed like a good turn out for Caroline & John Paul considering the weather. Shonna picked up a pair of beautiful crystal sconces. For me, a couple of religious treasures. Now I am home snuggly and warm with Tommyboy & Faith. Cooking lasagna and bruchetta. A glass of red wine...yumm!

Clover Cottage Bath

This is our cottage bathroom. Flirty, girly & fun. Thankfully Tommy doesn't mind sharing it with me!

The House that Built Me

When we moved to Clover Hill the joy of decorating our home became more than just a personal obsession. I thought maybe I could actually create unique and inspired spaces for others. So in January 2007 I put it out to the universe and friends and family and Theo Chic was born. Working around a full time job, interest grew and client projects started coming. Clover Hill gave me the courage and confidence to follow my passion! With each project, I learn and grow more as a designer and as a person.

TheoChic Decorating Blog

Parchment Farm Original Art

These one of a kind original artworks are amazing. The pics do not do them justice. The artist is Bridget Heber, Sarah Jean's Aunt. Bridget spends 8 hours a day on average painting. They make you happy!! The details, the touches, the colors. She also does beach scenes, towns, Americana...whatever inspires her. Bridget also does do commision work . I wish I would have had Clover Hill painted by her when I had the chance! Bridget resides in Roanoke VA but she is often in our area selling her works of art at local sales. Her prices are ridiculous! If interested, email me and I will put you in touch!

Fabulous 40!

I am a proud member of the "New 30" club as of December 13, 2009. Oh what a night! Family, friends, laughs, dancing, music and reflection. Who knew turning 40 could be this fun?? Tommy put together an amazing slide show of my life in pictures. I hope to be able to publish/link to it once I figure out how. The food was amazing thanks to Erin's tireless and tasty efforts. We definitely "got down on it"!!

New Year, Renewed Inspiration

I have not written in some time. With the New Year, I am refreshed and renewed to focus on projects and interests that make me happy, give me inspiration and to network and shamelessly promote women doing good things and creating beauty in the world in their very unique and talented ways. I can smell spring in the air. January/February have to be the foulest for me personally. Gray skies, leavless trees and cold...ugh! I can smell spring is right around the corner. Yay!

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