Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday.  They have a way of creeping up, and all of a sudden it means you are a year older.  How does it happen so fast?  I've always loved my summer birthday so no matter what the birth certificate says I try to ignore the numbers and just carry on as if nothing much has changed.  What's the alternative?  Life is good, and another year means more cake and ice cream at the very least.

For as long as I can remember, it has ALWAYS been hot and sunny on July 17th.  If you're planning a wedding, pick that day.  It Never rains.

When I was a kid, my Dad told me that the day I was born was one of the hottest days on record . . . St. Mary's in Hoboken, and he was sweating, pacing, worried, excited.  

Somehow, I do believe that my dear Mother had a bit more to contend with on that day, :), but I am so grateful to both of them for the gift of life they chose to give to me.  I miss them both everyday. 

Sunday birthdays (like yesterday) are my favorite because it seems that everyone's around and there's more time to do the special things that I want to do. This is how the day went:

Mass at 7:30 with Jack.

Coffee following . . at a great new spot in Palisades NY, The Market/Filling Station, on Route9W. 

 This is what it looked like back then.  The pic is a little distorted because I had to shoot it from a photo which was hanging crooked and up high.

 Here it is now. . . 

 Nice outdoor seating. . .

 The Filling Station Menu . . . 
Hot Dogs, Burgers, French Fries & Ice Cream.  Perfect.

 Inside the market. . . Coffee/Tea,  Croissants, Muffins, Fresh Breads . . 

And other assorted goodies in the coffee bar.

Read some nice birthday messages from my FB friends, who are SO incredibly thoughtful.  Love them! 

Back home to paint in my studio.

Had an amazing omelette prepared by my middle daughter Julia.

Had a nice long walk with my favorite walking bud Jackson, where, btw, he was almost picked up by an adorable white bijon. Too funny, especially since she did not know he is afraid of girl(dogs).

 Actually  I don't really paint in these clothes.  But I was there painting right before a change for the gallery opening. 

Back to the studio to paint some more.

A beautiful light lunch courtesy of my amazing daughters . . .

One of my abstracts behind the sculpture.

A visit to the Flywheel Gallery for our Summer Interlude Opening Reception.

A great dinner with the family on the terrace of Knickerbocker CC.

And finally, Ice Cream CAKE at home with some of my favorite family members. Didn't count the candles.  I couldn't have asked for a nicer day. 

Well, it is summer, and by definition a SALE is considered a reduction in price, so I guess at SWITCH we qualify on both counts.   We have a really nice collection of summer (sale and non-sale) items waiting for you here at the shop . . . ALWAYS at a great price.  Most of our consigned pieces have been reduced 20%, but for the most part our regular stuff (which is the other 90%,) is so affordable anyway that it's almost a no-brainer.  Well, not really, but almost.   

If you come in now you can still get a great deal on summer items for the NEXT TWO WEEKS.  Mary and I are closing shop for the month of August, so if there's a good time to visit, it's NOW before everything goes away.  (Actually, we may have a few summer items by the time September rolls around, but you never know!)

Have a great week, and if you're having a birthday soon . . . HaPPY BirThday!

Summer Interlude

in.ter.lude  a short dramatic piece, an intervening episode or period.

Summer's here and what better time to take a break from the everyday routine and do something different? An early morning walk or bike ride,  a cold glass of lemonade in the garden,  a good light read . . .  anything to while away some part of each day in blissful relaxation.  If we all can't take just a bit of time to enjoy these long summer days, then summer becomes a bummer. Can't let that happen! 


If you can't make a long trip during the week,  there are some great spots locally to experience open sky, water views and gorgeous sunsets. 

One of my favorites is Piermont, NY, where the pace is slow, the shopping is unique and the outdoor cafes and markets offer something for everyone. 


Get an ice cream at the Flywheel Creamery, or have a picnic at the Harbor . . .

rent a bike at Piermont Bicycle Connection . . . or take the half mile walk to the end of the pier and you'll feel like you're ON the Hudson.    

Visit my all time favorite toy store, Buttercup & Friends, (I promise you'll feel like a kid again!), or stick around for an evening of some great music at The Turning Point on Main Street.  




If it's ART you're interested in, Piermont has a number of great little galleries which offer a range of work from the traditional to the contemporary & eclectic.  There's Piermont Fine Arts,  Happy Dog Gallery, Outside In,

and my own personal favorite (ahem), The Piermont Flywheel Gallery www.piermontflywheel.com. . . 

 . . . which was named for the original flywheel (still standing) that furnished the power for manufacturing in Piermont more than 100 years ago.  




 Hope you can take a step back in time soon to this artsy, relaxed, kid/dog friendly, Hudson River village where a day of simple pleasures can unfold.  A great choice for a close, affordable and low-key summer day.      

I was at the Flywheel this morning dropping off my work for the upcoming group show, SUMMER  INTERLUDE, and took a few shots of the show hanging in progress . . . 

Decisions, decisions . . . 

Howard hamming it up . . . :)

 Waiting for a good spot . . . Eileen & Serban. 

  Susan doing her placement thing with a fab painting by Arthur Bowden.

The Summer Interlude Opening Reception is on Sunday July 17th from 2-6.  Stop by.  Chat with the artists.  Have some wine & cheese.  Pick up a great piece of art.  We'd love to have you visit!




It's been said that art speaks to the soul . . . and, that the heart of an artist is in the work.  For decades, paintings, sculptures, collages and glassware have been used  to provide texture, color and warmth to interior spaces.

image from Foley & Cox

Here, a simple piece of art framed in white creates a restful, tranquil bedroom.

Image from Foley & Cox

 A framed photograph casually set upon a table suggests an elegant informality.

Image from Foley & Cox

A collection of similarly framed and matted art provides a beautiful backdrop for the simple sofa and geometric shape of the pillows.

image from Marcelle Guilbeau

On this wall a large painting anchors a small space.

image from Marcelle Guilbeau

Clean Black and White is so effective in this minimalist contemporary space.

image from Marcelle Guilbeau

The artwork in this area expands the eclectic space with a funky vibe.

We don't sell fine art at the shop, but we've got some  great antique and plein aire frames for your art & photos.    Some antique, some new, all beautiful and very well priced. 

Wishing you a creative and art-inspired day!