pattern in the garden

I love these tiles from a visit last year to Longwood gardens. If I could some day create large patterned tiles for a garden space I would be in heaven. I took a tile making class long ago and used the tiles to make oversized mosaic pots for my garden. I love the graphic simplicity and texture of these. I can't wait to head back to Longwood Gardens this year and document more inspiration. I have print outs of these on the wall in my studio for inspiration. My studio is actually a giant armoir. It's chock full of books and collected inspirations. Here's to Longwood Gardens and all the longings it inspires in me.

color in the garden

The garden is waking up and I'm waking up to color around me. Lime green and purple. Time to start doing a better job of looking and documenting. The Baptista "False Indigo" really seems to have loved the mild winter. The common name Blue False Indigo refers to early Americans' use of this plant as a substitute for true indigo for making blue dyes. So I guess it's a colorful plant in the truest sense.

mimi's garden

From the time I was born until I was almost five I lived in a house on my grandparents farm. It was the house my mother was born in and right next door to my great grandmother Mimi. Her tiny house was filled with well-tended house plants that seemed to thrive on the ice cubes she casually dropped in after finishing her sweet tea. A giant asparagus patch and bright heat tolerant annuals were just outside her door. South Georgia heat waves cloud my barely tangible memories. But I do know that every day I ran across the yard to spend time with my quiet, garden-loving great grandmother. It seems a fitting tribute to name these bright, sun-loving prints after her. I have a few more designs to complete for this collection, but at least I know what to call them.

pretty in pink

A complete color way of my Butterflies and Blossoms collection is taking shape. Pink and green, just in time for spring's big show in my garden, which happens to be dominated by pink and green as well. I've also put together shades of golden yellow, lavender and clear sky blue. I think these prints will make a very lovely quilt for a little girl's room. Perhaps the little girl we have on the way right now will have a butterflies and Blossoms quilt someday. I hope she likes pink. Part of me never thought I'd say that, being only luke warm to all things girly most of my life. But these days I'm not afraid to embrace the pink. Bring on the tutus and tiaras, I'm ready. With that said, I can't help but hope she'll also like a little dirt under her nails from time to time like her mother.

color love

I'm very happy with how my hummingbird collection is coming together, especially the color.
Hummingbirds like vibrant colors right? More to come.

santa monica walk

Last morning in LA before returning home. Possibly the best week at work, ever. I even managed to fit in dinner with the California family. They took me to this great little hole in the wall place, the oldest restaurant in Santa Monica, The Galley (great mussels). Jason's family has LA roots. Hopefully we can get back out there soon for a longer visit. I love Santa Monica.

a very good day

Absolutely one of the best days at work, ever. Amazing photo shoot up the PCH with Robb Aaron Gordon and his great crew. Fall was crazy busy and alot of personal stuff fell by the wayside but I would be remiss not to make a mental note of this great day. Oh and iphone camera, you rock.

antique love

From a recent lazy afternoon in Frederick Maryland at Emporium Antiques.

my favorite window

I drive by this window every morning on my way to work. A while back I decided it was my favorite window. Colorful and quilt-like, it stands out like a beacon in a sea of sameness. I finally stopped to take a picture. Finally doing this is a way of acknowledging the beauty right in front of me. And perhaps if I take enough pictures this commute will become not just the back and forth, but the promise of a future in the place I really want to be.

run, jump and spin

Winterthur continued. The children's garden is wonderful here. We spent the whole afternoon running around. Sometimes in circles.

koi

More from Winterthur.

three views of a fountain

The Gardens at Winterthur.