A Special Greek

When I started searching for a classical bust it was for here, the small table in the entryway. I painted the walls in hematite, the darkest gray before black, and hung the white chippy framed mirror. Because I couldn't hang a chandelier as in my inspiration image for this space, the little crystal candelabra from SuzAnna's Antiques was electrified and friend Sam gifted me with the perfect tiny shades ~ voila! glitter and glam French style.

At the Screendoor I spied him.........his proportions and grey patina were perfect for the table. He was definitely the handsome Apollo, twin brother of Artemis. He came home, carefully wrapped, with his sister by his side. The small corner is now complete and I think looks perfect.

I'm away again for the weekend, this time in the North for a wedding and visiting family. Tomorrow is my birthday and, like last year, I'll be celebrating on a plane. Last year I was crossing the pond from France, this time just flying south over a few states. Be back soon.

My Lady........at last

She's petite, just nine inches tall. Perfect for the mantel. The details are lovely, gracefully carved into concrete. She is a classic lady, Artemis, Greek Goddess of the Hunt. One of my bargain finds at the ScreenDoor ~ just $10.

Next time, Artemis' companion from the classic days of history, mythology, gods and relics. You didn't think I brought her home alone, did you?

Ladies Behind the ScreenDoor

Bet you remember my delight at locating this shop a couple of years back................the fabulous ScreenDoor in Asheville, North Carolina. Each time I head for the hills, those magnificent mountains making up the Blue Ridge and the Great Smokies, a stop (actually it was three this trip!) here for treasure hunting always tops my list.

There are some very nice people working here including Frances and Gail, two gals who are helpful and interesting to hang out with. They enjoyed looking at pics of how I decorate and immediately suggested books I'd enjoy, including A New Eighteenth Century Style: Rediscovering a French Decor. I was so impressed with Frances' own area at ScreenDoor - a huge building where dealers rent spaces - her eye and taste, exquisite, everything muted in neutral shades, the woods, metals, paper, glass, fabrics. I'll show some of her offerings later.

In my excitement at being back at the ScreenDoor, where I met Penny from The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio, such fun, and shopped for an hour or so during each visit, I forgot to get a pic of those real life ladies. Instead you get to see a few of the other lovelies around the shop.

A life size Madonna, French funeral baskets, Gothic window, angel wings = an almost religious experience! Lovely displays.

........and this, the classic French (oops, make that Greek!) lady I brought home! Later I'll show you where she's hanging out here in the cottage.

Friends ~ Gifts - Homes

My beautiful blank book with silk ribbon, now my decor 'wish list' book, from Penny.

Also the lovely 'friendship card'.

Meeting at the fabulous ScreenDoor in Asheville, NC

Last Friday I had such a pleasant visit with Penny of The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio. Even though she and her husband were in the throes of moving house, she kindly took a break knowing we were in town. We went treasure hunting together first, then met up with our husbands for lunch at a great bistro in Biltmore Village.

In upcoming posts I'll share the treasures of Screendoor. I loved browsing through there with Penny.........she certainly understood my quirky cravings and shared the sighs when my eyes lit up at chipped paint finishes, French lighting, classic concrete busts, wire things with numbers, and anything with writing!

Penny's new house, quickly becoming a beautiful home.

'Biltmore' ~ that name conjures up the beautiful house and estate which Asheville is known for. We have visited there many times in all seasons and it is magnificent. This trip however, we skipped the Biltmore House and instead were given the grand tour of Penny's gorgeous new house, and what fun that was. If you visit The Comforts of Home, Penny has shared many pics of what she and her husband are doing to make this house a beautiful home.

Penny's other fabulous gift to me ~ a generous bar of Marseille kitchen soap.

The day with Penny was truly special and hopefully we can do it again soon. Thanks for making us so welcome, we certainly enjoyed every minute with you both.

Penny for your thoughts............

Prettiest license plate ever!

Yes, this is the delightful lady I met in the mountains last Friday! Many of you already visit Penny's blogs, The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio, know her amazing work making mosaics, and have followed her recent move to a beautiful house.

More on our fun visit which included treasure hunting in

Asheville, NC...............soon!

Heading Home

Just a little filler as I wend my way home along the wet highway later today. More on my mountain weekend coming later. Let's just say the people were great, the food delicious, the treasure hunting successful................but the mountains almost invisible through the rain and fog.

Top of a beautiful mirror.

These pics are from a recent visit to Suzanna's Antiques in Raleigh.....you know by now that this is my favorite place!

Love to take a trip.....................love to get home again!

Pale Pink Saturday

During last weekend's visit to SuzAnna's Antiques I captured some very pale pink pretties to share with you today.

These delicate, really beautiful rose painted plates ~ inexpensive, but how many plates can I collect when storage is becoming a problem. So I left them just for you!

This unusual wicker chair with pink floral upholstery on seat and back ~ in Jeannie's Uniquitiques booth.

Back at Tracy's Little Shabby Shack, great painted pale pink furniture. Nice dresser with hutch ~ where the rose plates would look divine.......

...........table (on left) with drawer and lower shelf which would be useful just about anywhere. These pieces were a very wispy pink, so pretty. Then the deeper pink shutter on the wall.......love that one!

Now hop on over to How Sweet The Sound to visit with Beverly who has an ever growing list of Pink Saturday blog friends just waiting to share their pink finds. Have a great weekend.