Tag Archives: WIshing True

A is For Apple, Decidedly Black

I just came across this adorable little alphabet print by Emily of Inside a Black Apple.


And here is an image of what it would look like in a traditional frame. Even Adorabler!


I have always loved alphabet books, rhymes and pictures, and Emily’s whimsical little figures are just perfect for an alphabet sampler. I have to admit though, I’m not quite sure what L and Z are… Any ideas?*It’s no secret that I like pretty things, dolls, and all things girly – so of course my favorite alphabet rhyming book of all time is A is for Annabelle by Tasha Tudor. I was even able to find a few images online:


But I’m also drawn to quirky, pithy and sometimes rather dark humor. So another favorite dactylic (yes, I had to look that up) pentameter rendition is The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gory.


This one is not for the weak of heart. I generally fall into that category, but there is enough irony and, well…cuteness involved that I can’t help but smile.Here are a two of my favorite rhymes (the entire book can be viewed here):


Although I must say that my namesake met one of the more grisly ends…


I imagine that Emily loves the Tinies as well – but I’m not sure what she’d make of my treasured Annabelle…I would guess that she’d love the doll but would probably whip up some stripey caps and jazz up her wardrobe a bit… Maybe give her a little ghost for a pal. Or a narwhal… Anything is possible Inside a Black Apple.

*UPDATE: Emily informed me that L is for “lace” and Z is for “Zorro.” Aha!

I’m Well Connected

Don’t you just love being able to say, “I know her!” Or him, or them…whatever – just saying that you are connected to someone famous. Or kind of famous, or just really well liked…whatever.

Well, that happened to me a couple of days ago when I was perusing my Google reader oohing and aahing over design sites and wishing I didn’t have so many favorites (seriously – I open my reader and see thousands of unread posts – yikes!)

Anyway – one of my favorite favorites (there are tiers you know) is coco+kelly. And as I was breezing through a lovely little wedding pictorial, I had one of those, “I know her!” moments.

See these pretty little raspberry numbers?


They were designed by my friend Kathlin Argiro. I love Kathlin’s work and always feel very proud (and maybe just a bit smug) to show off this connection of mine.

It’s hard to see the dress in that tiny image, but here is a better view in a different fabric:


I would wear this to a garden party. And of course I would tell everyone who gave me a compliment (which would be everyone) that I KNOW the designer. Yes – I’m very well connected…

Do you have any interesting connections? Feel free to brag in comments.

I Don’t Get It (June 11, 2009)

Here via here.

I know – it’s a little out of my comfort zone. So I’m probably not the best judge… But I just don’t understand why this room would be featured in a magazine.I have always LOVED yellow. Even when I was a little girl. In fact, I once told my mother that “every room needs a touch of yellow.” And I still think so. A splash of yellow instantly lightens my mood. But not so much here.

Look – I’m all for the accent pillow. But those looks like big pats of butter. Maybe if they were in different prints – something bold and graphic… Anything would be better than all of that solid yellow.

And the thing hanging from the ceiling? I find it creepy…it brings to mind The Blair Witch Project. But it does work well with the stump-like things that I think are supposed to serve as coffee tables. Not that I’d risk resting a beverage on any of them.

I have admitted before that modern interiors don’t usually speak to me – but I can appreciate a well appointed room. Perhaps if this one didn’t look so stuffed full of white upholstery…a less crowded arrangement would make better use of the light. Then maybe it would hold more appeal for me.

No – I’d still hate that twig thing. Though at the very least, I’d take a “to each his own” attitude.

But hey – this “expert” opinion comes from someone with no design background and a house furnished primarily in hand-me-downs from generous parents…so it doesn’t hold very much weight. What about you? What do you think?

Disclaimer: I promise that in future, I will spew my amateur opinions as infrequently as possible since this is not a site devoted to critique (and uninformed critique at that). But every once in a while I will feel compelled to do this. When I do though, I will always invite the real experts to speak up and set me straight.

Spring Garlands (and a bird or two)

I didn’t spend too much time decorating the twins’ nursery since we moved into our house three weeks before they were born. And aside from being titanically (is that a word? it should be) huge, I was also busy running around after Oliver who was only 18 months old.

BUT I did manage to find a couple of items on Etsy that were easy enough to toss up on the wall later in between feedings.

Middleburg Folk Art Studio, has wonderful paper mache and fabric pieces that add a touch of whimsy to any room. Not sure how I stumbled across them, but here is what I bought:


Aren’t they adorable? I didn’t want to go too girly on George, but I thought I could get away with blue birds for a baby boy. Here are some of the other garlands:


Of course they have far more than just garlands. I’m partial to their little birds. If you are looking for nursery decorations, they would be perfect for one or two baby dresser objets:



I think the little blue pair would look sweet on a sunny kitchen windowsill.

Have a lovely weekend!

For Art Patrons on a Budget

I happened upon this a while ago and keep coming back to the images.

Workbook at Flashpoint


Workbook is the video project for a gallery in Washington, DC (holla! my home town!). It documents a 10-day exhibit installation, specifically a wall drawing, called “Workbook.”


Production of the video is financed by the sale of prints hand-marked by the artists.


This happened a couple of months ago, but you can still buy prints (which are only $50!)

I want one.


When I read, “by purchasing unique prints, buyers have an opportunity to become art patrons who foster the careers of emerging artists,” I thought, “okay – I can do that.”I can totally be an art patron for $50.