Hi There Autumn

     image Alicia Chimento

Wouldn't this be nice right about now? 


Is it me or is September a busier time than even November or December?  Even though our kids are pretty much all grown up,  I still remember those days very well.  Children back to school, or in some cases kids home from school, new schedules, fund-raising events, homework help, projects, back to school nights, committes, sports, birthdays, anniversaries, doctor visits, appointments. . . . it all comes crashing back at once when September rolls around.  One minute it's summer, and the next the craziness begins without so much as a gradual ease in.  Too bad . . . because it's one of the most beautiful months, and it seems to flit away almost unnoticed. 

I've been away from the shop and the blog, (sorry)  for some art related business, but now that we are approaching October, Mary and I are ready to bring you the most interesting oNe-of a kind things we can find (to add to your already interesting collection) of pieces for the home.  Stop by and see what we've got . . . new things pretty much weekly.

TIME TO GET READY FOR FALL






These pieces were in and out before I could even get them up on the blog - but just so you can see . . . 

Large Blackboard Framed in Metal

SOLD

Painted Wood Slat Basket
SOLD

Petite Tiffany Style Lamp
SOLD

Recently I saw an interesting take on the (sometimes) sad looking bookcases we all seem to have.  Don't get me wrong, I love books as much as you probably do, but after awhile they do look kind of THE SAME. 

 image from apartment therapy

As a color story, this bookshelf is exciting! Notice how all the books have not been replaced, just a few,  in selected areas.  The pops of color just brighten up the whole wall . . . probably as easy as covering a few titles with kraft paper.  This one is so easy that I need to do it in my own boring bookcase.

A few of the books I'd like to cuddle up with soon . . . these days it's such a nice break from alwaysbeingonthecomputer. 

Hope you can find a quiet bench somewhere to contemplate and recharge. . . and, after you do that, of course, stop in the shop.  We're excited to see all our SWITCH friends again!

The Summer Knows

I remember thinking way back in June that summer, with it's long warm nights, lazy days, and family get- togethers held the promise of a calmer, pared down, simpler way of life for at least a few weeks.  So how did it pass so quickly into not summer anymore?  I know technically it ends on September 23, but somehow when Labor Day rolls round, that's it.  No matter that the black-eyed susans are still blooming their heads off, or that the temp may rise into the 90's, or that there's still an occasional late night ice cream trip.  When it's over you just know it . . . 

I think one of the most poignant end-of-summer songs ever is from the movie Summer of '42. I don't even know why I like to hear it sung in early September, (it makes me sad), except, to maybe be reminded of all the wonderful moments and special gifts summer always shares. Just a tribute to the season I guess.  

The summer smiles The summer knows
                                                              And unashamed
                                                              She sheds her clothes
The summer smoothes
The restless sky
                        And lovingly she warms the sand on which you lie

The summer knows
The summer’s wise
She sees the doubts
Within your eyes
And so she takes Her summertime Tells the moon to wait And the sun to linger
Twist the world
Round her summer finger

Lets you see. . . . The wonder of it all

And if you’ve learned
Your lesson well
There’s little more
For her to tell

One last caress It’s time to dress
For fall...

One not-so-good memory still lingers however . . . It would be hard not to mention the plight of so many on our own east coast who have suffered through the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and the more recent flooding. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

On a brighter note . . . Mary & I have re-opened SWITCH after a few weeks off, and are re-booting the shop for fall with a new collection of great things for your home.  SO. . . 


we are having our end of summer sale NOW. While we transition from summer to fall, there are lots of great buys, say 20% off, on selected summer items . . . the things you wanted to buy in June but didn't.  Stop on in between tomorrow and September 24th and find yourself something special at our betterthanusual price! 

Look forward to seeing you all again . . . 

Tranquility

Since Sunday I have been pretty much holed up in my studio.  Kind of a 3 day self-directed residency.  It feels so good to be able to spend the days out there, with nothing but my computer for some jazz, and an occasional visitor to chat with.  The hours fly by, and I realize how much I miss the absorption of being in the work, without a clock or a list of errands running my day.  It's been a rare experience for me lately, and this was a much needed revisit.  


Getting ready for a solo show is like getting ready for the Holidays.  Deadline. Lists. Anxiety.  But it's always a time for reflection, exploration and intense focus as well. . . Something that,  in itself is a gift.  So, as I prepare to go back to my everyday routine this week,  I am thankful to have had this time to reconnect with my other self, who has been missing the smell of the oils and the feel of the paintbrush on my panels.

Recently I did some re-visiting of one of my favorite painters, French artist Edouard Vuillard (1868-1940).  Born in the period between Impressionism & the beginning of full blown Abstraction, his work is more than just a riot of gorgeous color.  It is a reflection of the peace and tranquility he found in his own domestic surroundings.

image from Olga's Gallery

Vuillard is most well-known for his dramatic interior scenes, attributed to the fact that he lived with his mother until he was 60, and became quite well acquainted with the domestic "women's life".

His use of color is one dominant factor in the rooms he painted.  Beautiful. 

Vuillard was also intrigued by fabric, or more precisely, pattern on fabric.  

Although in the early 1900's he was commissioned to paint large decorative panels of urban landscapes and parks for his patrons mansions, for the rest of his career he sought perfection in the scenes of domestic tranquility of his patrons which reveal the intimacy of the home, humble settings and everyday life.  

This week is our last at the shop until September, so stop by for some things that may add to your own sense of domestic bliss . . .

The weather is fabulous. Have a wonderful day today ! 

It's HOT

Let's try to remember how cold it was last winter. . .

Maybe that will keep us cool for the next few days as we are sweltering here in the northeast.  Record high temps have all but put most people in a horrible mood, and the first topic of discussion between friends is how darn HOT is.

After one of the coldest winters in recent memory, we are now burning up in high 90's and 100 degrees. . . perfect for air conditioning repairmen and ice cream shop owners,  but for most of us it's thinking about how we can stay comfortable, cool and indoors most of the time!


Remember to:


Drink lots of water.
Drink lots of water.
Drink lots of water.


Stand or sit in front of a fan.


Do no physical work.


Watch re-runs of It's a Wonderful Life.


Eat ice cream for breakfast lunch and dinner.


Keep calm and don't argue with anyone.


Fill the tub with cool water and jump in every hour.


Carry an ice pack with you where ever you go.


And remember as Someone once said . . . this too shall pass.

I'd invite you to come to the shop today, but our ac is broken so I want to be fair.  BUT, if there is something that you are dying to purchase to make yourself feel better today, stop on by.  

We're there from 10-4, and we can offer you some lemonade and cookies :)

Stay cool and safe,

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!