The Tragic Beginning

Beauty has always been a very special part of my life- especially as a very young boy.  Now an adult, I am able to link my connection with Beauty to a past that was covered in fear, hate, disgust, and sadness.

I was not always a person of happiness or gratitude.  I was not always filled with comfort or acceptance.  I was, for a major part of my adolescent years, an outcast who's days were spent fearing classmates' physical and verbal abuse and loathing my home-life.  There was not a day that would go by that wasn't mutilated by harsh words or hurtful slander about my living situation, me being gay, or my 'ugly' face.  These horrible memories are still very alive in me today as I strive to work through one of the most life-threatening diseases of my days.  Addiction.

I am an alcoholic.  And I have been sober since January 23rd, 2010.

As a child of a very young Mother (16 when she gave birth to me) and a Father who died a few weeks before I was born (a fatal motorcycle accident in my hometown), I was raised with Love and Family early on.  Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and friends of the family all lent my Mother a much-needed helping hand to insure that I was given the structure I needed to be raised with integrity.  All was well until I grew old enough to harbor hateful feelings inside for the structure of my family that I felt was broken.  I already knew I was different than other 'kids' my age.  My 'real' dad was gone and I was living in a home of young parents (mom and step-dad) who had no financial means to supply us (a brother and a sister) with 'what I thought we needed to be just like everybody else.'  My hate grew deeper.  I began to hate my life and wish I were no longer a part of it.
--I feared the busride to school everyday- for that is where I was physically abused the most.
--I would hide all of my talents in drawing, spelling, and singing from all my classmates- for fear they would cause a scene and begin to horrify me infront of the whole classroom...or ruin my artwork...
--I would find some reason to abandon gymclass and lunch period, because my bullying was always hightened during these times.
--I ran away from opportunities to succeed in school- because I was afraid of being beaten for the gifts I possessed that no one else had...or cared about.

I had created a very secluded world in which to live in everyday.  A world without friends.  A world without confrontation.  And a world which would also become hidden from the rest of my family for years to come.  After all, I did not need my step Father or my Mother finding out that I was the main reason bullying was happening at the local elementary/middle schools.  All the kids knew who I was and not in a good way.  I could never let my parents know that.  Ever.  I lived in secrecy for the remainder of my young life.

It is at this point in time that I began searching for ways to find ease, grace, and Beauty for myself.  I was a young boy without any social outlet what-so-ever; I needed something to latch onto.  While my young parents were busy drinking with their friends until all hours of the morning (nearly every couple of nights) I would hide upstairs in our barely heated country house and find complete peace with the 'things' I surrounded myself with.  I began collecting porcelain dolls and decorative items you might find at a gift shop.  I later began draping the walls of my little hide-away with fabrics and Christmas lights...and dried flowers and pretty pictures I drew.  My walls and ceiling were covered in 'things' and my desire to 'hoard' beautiful things grew stronger and stronger.  For it is with these things I wept every night...praying for a new life.

This was the only way I felt accepted and special in my own skin.  To create- in total privacy- a world of wonder and Beauty.  This place became my safety, my comfort, my serenity, and my 'home'.  But I was a prisoner to its magic from the very beginning.  I used the comfort I received from this hoarding and decorating as an excuse to not continue to form a bond with my parents or any of my peers.  I felt I was better than them all...that I was entitled to so much more in life...I felt that my 'pretty things' were more available to me than my own family was.  I felt that I was jaded and needed a savior.  That never really happened- a savior never really came to lift me from this place of hatred I was in.  I grew deeper into these feelings until the threat was made to my parents that I would end my own life if they did not change and make things better for me.  I was desperately wanting that 'normal' life that all my peers had so much that it drove me to hate my own family and my own life.  Though I had Beauty to keep my mind from exploding in anger and disgust, I lived this way for many years.  On the outside- appearing strong and able...on the inside- dying.  On the outside- Beauty was alive...on the inside- life never looked so ugly.

From this young boy- afraid of his own destiny- I turned into a lost, hollow, fragmented young man.  I had many relationships (all of which I walked away from without affection), I played many deceitful games on my friends and family- I took the trust of everyone that knew me.  I used and took advantage of those that were drawn to me.  I began to take from others what I felt was never given to me.  And I let this behavior drive me right into the hands of alcoholism which began at age 19.  Ten years were spent being totally fixated on drinking- sometimes social...but in the later years, very private (much like the little boy who used to hide away all day long and create beauty)- I did the same with my drinking.  I spent my whole college career wrapped around the finger of alcohol (privately every night while creating Beauty in my small studio apartment overlooking Detroit)- but still graduated in the top percentile of my class and on the Dean's List.  I had put the 'mask of Strength' on for 5 years as I walked through my college education.  But I was continuing to die everyday...every night.  And again- my family was to never know.  I did not need them to know their son had hated his early life so much that it drove him into alcoholism...which had its hold on many other members of my family at the time.  I watched my beloved Grandmother Barbara Hendy die of alcoholism- and it was the hardest loss I will ever remember.  She was the one person I wanted to be like.  She was the one person I wanted to see smile.  She was my only friend for quite some time.  She was probably the only one in the whole family that knew I was troubled at an early age- she knew.  And I knew she knew.  But still we were silent about it.  She died before we ever really got to 'know' each other on the level I so desperately wanted to experience with her.  I miss her everyday.

Barbara Hendy; 1942-2000.

I have been sober for two years now.  And continue to uncover pieces and parts of me that have been damaged for all these years.  Like an onion, I am lifting layer off of layer...revealing the tormented center of my spirit I had hidden for nearly 20 years.  This is the time of bandaging and healing the wounds of my life thus far.  This is why it is called 'Recovery.' 

Beauty has led me out of some of the most tragic moments of my life- beginning with the early onset of hatred for my life as a young boy...leading all the way to my adult years and my battle with alcoholism.

Beauty represents so much more to me that 'pretty things' and 'how-to' guidelines.  Beauty represents a part of me that is looking for Peace.  For Comfort.  For Home.  Beauty is used to tell my story.  And to this day, I can still feel the little boy inside...but this time- he is not clawing at the walls trying to leave this life.  He is living this life- Through his Beauty.

Leaves Love

Mother Nature- The Painter

In my world of color, drama, and peace- I would be nothing without these very special plants surrounding my life.  Filled with interest, these plants represent some of my best growing specimens in the home.  My long-lived relationship with botany has led me to really appreciate their individual glory. 

The Tropicals

These lovely leaves are a part of my tropical foliage collection.  They are heavy-textured and very robust in stem strength.  The plants are often a lot bigger and can grow to become shrub-like if left in the same container for multiple years without transplanting.  These leaves represent some of my favorite plants in the home.  Drama all the way!

The Alocasia.  Black-Green Velvet Leaves. Compact Plant.

The Elephant Ear.  Glossy, Rubbery  Leaves.  Huge.

The Streptocarpella.  Small, Velvet Leaves.  Flowering Pot Plant.

The Croton.  High-Gloss Leaves.  Speckled Ornamentation.  Compact Floor Plant

The Trailing Split-Leaf Philodendron.  Dramatic Vine.  Notable Holes is Leaves.

The Aglaonema.  Paper-Thin Striated Leaves.  Trailing Habit. 

The Monkey's Paw.  Compact Upright Plant.  Multiple Offshoots Cascading from Main Stem.

 The Begonias
This always-striking group of somewhat tricky conservatory plants are among the neatest in color variation and leaf texture.  They grace my home with a canvas that is conversation-worthy.  I love my Begonias!

Burgundy, Silver, and Green.  Heavily Ridged.

Bumpy Silver and Forest Green.

Copper and Red with Fuzzy Edges.  Deeply Veined.

Speckled Kelly Green with Silver and Burgundy Tones.  Intense.

Delicate Green and Silver with Red Veins.  Maple-Like Leaf Shape.

The Ferns
This very extensive group of plants is among the easiest to grow under the right conditions.  The varieties I have shown are all tropical in origin.  They have such a fun way of growing and developing.

The Bird's Nest Fern.  Unraveling Fronds.  Compact Growth Habit.

The Plumosa.  Spiny and ropey Habit.  delicate Feathery Leaves on Arching Stems.

The Sellaginella Fern.  Very Aggressive Groundcover.  Highly Intricate.

The Carnivorous Plants
Also very intriguing group of extremely atmoshpere-particular plants.  They grace the marshes and bogs of some of the deepest forests and jungles, preying on ill-fated insects lured into their sweet-nectar-filled traps and devoured.  These plants can actually work in the home setting...but they need lots of humidity and moisture to thrive indoors.

The Pitcher Plant.  A Bizarre Leafy Plant with Dangling, Water-Filled Sacs of Nectar and Enzymes.

The Succulents
This is also a very vast grouping of plants which originate from the deserts of some of the most dry and hot areas around the globe.  Needing little water and lots of light, they can be a very easy addition to your growing collection.  They love to remain in their original container for years to promote healthy root development as they are lacking in strong roots.

The String of Pearls.  A Fascinating Slow-Grower.  Beautiful Stringlets of Round, Water-Filled Bulbils.

The Kalanchoe.  Fuzzy, Spiny, and Robust Silver Leaves.  

 

 

Where would we be if the world we live in was stripped of all this beautiful Flora?  For me, plants and flowers give my mind a place to explore and to experiment.  It is in this ever-changing forest of leaves that I find peace and comfort in knowing that I am growing some of Nature's Best Creations! 

In This Place of Beauty I Find Peace.

It is in this place of Beauty that I find Peace.  --Peace and Joy.

Strength to devour my Fears and my Illusions--

This place brings within its glory, the power to find Wholeness.  --I am Whole.

She is perfect Harmony and Grace.  Ease and Comfort-

        --Expressed through these hands with Love and Devotion.

She is Elegance and Purity-- In curve and texture and line.

May the White Lilies of Hope forever grace this place

And may Stillness allow them the Absence of Judgment to be Remarkable in their Glory.

I ask for Stillness to be Remarkable in my Glory.  To hold Beauty in the Highest.

I watch Her in pure Stillness as she covers me with Serenity and Tranquility.

My wandering eyes lay to rest on this Beauty and I stop Breathing.

My head stops pounding with Fear-

My bones stop setting fire to this Body-

My skin floats like a feather atop my Soul.

I am Still in the presence of Beauty--

Every moment in Stillness carries with it the power to Cleanse and to Heal.

Be Still.

Be Healed.

Be Held.

It is in this place of Beauty that I find myself.  My Whole Self.  My Eternal Self.

Chip My Paint!

Creating that 75-Year-Old Look with Your Neglected Photo Frames.

I am ALWAYS searching for great ways to 'trick the eye' around here.  Almost like a Set Designer would do for his stage, I do here at home.  Set the Scene!  A lot of what I find attractive in the realm of decor for the home centers around one main theme: OLD.  I love the way age presents itself in furniture, glass, metal, dolls, linens, etc...I just love old things.  As I ponder with a searching eye through many antique shops and malls, I notice one element of age that I am always drawn to...to the point of obsession:  chipping paint on weathered surfaces. 

This Old Window has a Beautiful Separation of Paint and Wood.

I knew I was to go home and learn how to create this 'illusion' myself.  With a couple tools at hand, like a nappy-old brush, a dingy-coarse cloth, and a few random acrylic paints...along with a random wooden photo frame from the basement, my creative quest begins!

This Collection of Tools Cannot get any Simpler.

In my first few attempts, I have come to know one thing: My usual obsession for perfection DOES NOT APPLY here!  Fact.  Be as carefree and as quick as you can with these easy steps.  No judgement. 

1.  No matter the color of the existing frame- it is the color that will undertone the whole illusion.

2.  With nappy brush, paint new color onto frame in direction of grain.  Try not to coat paint too thickly as to cover the original paint completely.  You want these layers to reveal one-another as you go!

3.  Do you have a series of colors in mind?  If so great.  If not, just play.  Try to imagine this piece being covered with a new layer of paint every 10 years or so...the colors will vary dramatically from one-another.

4.  It is nice to have a fan blowing on paint as to 'quick-dry' it while you apply each layer.  This 'fools' the paint into drying, which allows you to add new layers on to the 'kind-of-dry' paint.  You don't want to actually let the paint settle and dry completely...so the fan is a great tool.  Also, some layers may barely be added at all...simply by 'dragging' the brush over the previous color for a 'grain' effect.  You are NOT trying to actually truly paint the frame with these layers- just providing the 'illusion' that they were painted and repainted at one point.

5.  Keep in mind, some areas of the frame may be more heavily coated with a certain color.  Treat all areas of frame as though Nature's aging hand has created these characteristics.  (See below for 'layering effect' applied to frame.  3 colors used.)

Purple, Blue, and White Create the Layers Needed for the Illusion.  Frame Originally Silver.

6.  As you work, start thinking about distressing the corners and edges of the frame with the blunt end of brush.  Scrape paint off.  Create scratches.  You can use a scoring pad here too.  All you're trying to do is remove old layers early in the process...that's why the fan is nice- it dries the thin coats of paint quickly for you so you can work through it.

7.  Once all your layers have been added (hopefully revealing the layer under it nicely) take your dry cloth and start rubbing the corners and edges briskly.  This is made easier because the paint layers have not completely dried through..."Thanks Fan!"  This is also my favorite part because you get to create the age that you find appropriate.  Damage the corners especially well...they are always taking the wear-and-tear the most.  Where has this frame been?  What trauma has it undergone?  What's that huge gash from?  Way too fun!!!

This Frame Has a Subtle Effect- Appropriate for Art it Holds.  Originally Glossy Oak.

8.  At this point, it is fun to truly 'damage' the frame more with a hammer, a stone, or other destructive items found within our homes.  Note: A subtle hand should be applied while doing this, for your piece can easily become 'ruined' looking if over-damaged...which is not what we want.  We want Refined, Preserved, and Natural age.

Black Frames with White and Mocha Tones Applied

The two frames above are a great example of how a subtle removal of key areas on the surface can actually look authentic.  The black was the original color of the frame, which reveals itself beautifully through the antique white tones of the new application.  I have put my two favorite photos in these frames.  The old, disintegrating Victorian House and the faux aged frames now make a perfect duo!  I like how the stark white mat contrasts now with the new distressed tones.  These pieces are a great addition to the home.

Once an Awful Glossy Cherry Frame...Now Sophisticated and Soft.

In my home, high-gloss finishes on wood do not work.  I do realize it works in some applications, but for me- I prefer the soft, quiet tones more.  The frame above was a high-gloss, red Cherry finish before I took my nappy brush to it.  Now it holds my Beautiful Nephews, Braylon and Easton, wonderfully.

I cannot wait to try this technique on a dresser or old chest!!!  With as simple as the process has been, I want to try it on larger, more substantial surfaces next.  I will need a Big Nappy Brush for that!!! 

Age is a Beautiful thing that can only really exist through the hands of time.  But to create the 'essence' of it yourself...it is a neat experience.  After all, there is nothing wrong with playing little tricks on your home from time to time.

Cheers!

Terrarium Talk!

A Fun and Chic Way to Keep Tropical Plants Thriving.

The Common Terrarium: Leaded Glass Encasement 

As we begin to play with the plants around our home, noticing how often they seem to dry out, or how yellow some of the leaves are...or when water comes running out of the pot's saucer and all over our furniture and carpet- we think, "There has GOT to be an easier way to keep some of my Favorite plants happier and healthier without all the work or mess!"  And then we rush to the sink to grab a cloth for our new spill.  We might even throw the sick little plant in the garbage.  Unfortunately, I have had to do this MANY times.  It is sad for my pocketbook and for my spirit.

There is a FUN, EASY, CREATIVE, and ATMOSPHERE-BENEFICIAL solution to the problem!

Terrariums are an old concept, dating way back to the 17th Century as a solution to transporting delicate specimen plants from the decks of ships into the sun during their travel across the world to some of the leading conservatory gardens of the time.  Rather than being placed in dark wooden crates for travel, they were placed in economically-made cases equipped with ventilation and transparent panes for optimal growth during transit.  This later latched on and became a Hot Topic and a regular practice for plant enthusiasts as the best way to keep their own personal collection thriving!

There are sooooo many models of terrariums in the industry today.  You will find leaded glass cases with a metal planting base (like the one pictured above).  You will find wooden crates with glass panes and a hinged lid (much like the old transit models).  You will find pots equipped with a glass dome, called a cloche, for easy access.  And you will also see the familiar hexagon-inspired, mirror-backed trend of the 80's still out there somewhere.  I like them all.  They all provide the same base of benefits for the plants: heavy humidity, low airflow, and heightened light absorption.

A Curvy Glass Jar With Wide Foliage Circumference and Lid.

Taking the concept and throwing a creative wrench in the process is always my goal in creating any kind of art.  In this case, I have found wonderful glass containers at some of my favorite stores and have given them the task of holding some of my more tropically-demanding plants.  In following the Basic Guidelines for Planting a Successful Terrarium, which I will cover at another time, you can add life to ANY container.  A fair Warning, though: Water will be your biggest enemy in this practice.  We must be very frugal with the amount of water we are putting into the glass containers (as it has NOWHERE to go once running through the soil).  A moist soil bed is key...never a drenched one.  These plants will thrive off the humidity that exists in the glass as their primary means of taking in water.  The container pictured above is planted with Croton and Philodendron in a very loose soil mix.  I rarely ever water this guy...and I always ensure to take the lid off from time to time to allow for air flow...other than that, it is as easy as plant-care gets!

A Stunning 3 ft. Glass Jar with Monkey's Paw Climbing to the Top!

 Put your climbing and trailing plants, such as Monkey's Paw or Philodendron, in a tall, thin vase- as to give them the lateral emphasis they need to grow upward.  This also makes for a really neat visual when looking through the glass at its upward motion.  Pictured here, I have a Monkey's Paw climbing to the top of this jar.  I planted this guy 6 months ago and it was barely big enough to be seen in this vase at all.  Now his tendrils and offshoots are almost ready to cascade out of the jar and give me an even neater show and texture.  Truly a favorite of mine at home.  The glass is covered so heavily with moisture droplets which constantly trickle into the soil below, that I NEVER have to water this guy- he waters himself!  Just like the 4th Grade Science Teacher said in a lesson about precipitation.

He's Here to Stay!

Always make sure to have fun with your creative ventures!  After all, where's the 'cool' in taking your craft too seriously to laugh at it from time to time.  In this Apothecary Jar, I have planted Baby's Tears in a loose bed of soil as to let the miniscule roots venture downward easily.  Because this is such a low-growing plant, I have added a little character to reside within the glass walls of this piece.  His name is Jayce and he always on the lookout for a kind visitor to help him escape.  Not gonna happen, Jayce!

Terrariums really are a great way to give your troublesome plants a break.  A break from drying out; a break from loosing all their leaves; and a break from too much attention from You, Their Keeper.  Try to find neat ways to display your plants in a manner that strikes conversation in the home.  Soon enough, you'll be an expert and you'll find all kinds of ways to take advantage of this Age-Old practice, which has lasted over 200 years.  My rule of thumb is: If it is still around after my Great-Grandparents have passed- it must be Kick-Ass! 

Cheers! 

February's Asylum

A Very Real Place to Stay


Here in the deepest length of Winter, I find myself in an asylum.  My mind pounds, my bones ache, and I cannot sleep the way I should.  Light barely trickles in and the sounds of life outside these walls are scarce.  There has to be a way out.  A way for me to channel this loudness in my head.  

Thank goodness we have these hibernating months to rely on.  I use the word 'rely' very heavily here.  For it is within these 90 days I muster up the strength and willingness inside to explore pieces of my creative self that might otherwise wither up in the dusty corner of my mind.  These are the days of rejuvenation!  These are my days.  And on these days, my best work will be created.

My mind wants to go from this...

To this.  Overnight...

  
But we all know that is not possible.  The sheer hope of bringing 'life' back into our souls is the same hope I experience when looking forward to the creating I will be able to do as the seasons change.  For me, it is more about the state of being I am in when creating; rather than the final outcome.  I need to be able to grasp the internal feelings I experience while working on Beauty, as to not wash over them or hurry past them in hopes of reaching the 'end result' sooner.  Half of the Story-to-Tell with my work is in the emotions and feelings I remembered while working.

These dark months can truly teach me to grow as an artist from within.  I find strength to wake, to eat, to have a conversation, to go to work everyday, to smile...even when I don't want to.  It is the same strength from within that leads me to create...even when I may not want to. 

Summoned creativity manifested this Decoupage Display Head last week.

Staring Beauty directly in the face last week with a project that was very tedious and precise was the best way to expend energy my head was putting forth.  I fell calm while this work came together.  The countless hours of ripping paper, gluing, and setting each piece gave my thoughts a place to wander even if in circles.  Her name is Annabelle and she is made of styrofoam which has been decoupaged to look like vintage fabric tightly formed to her contours.  I then glued dried Hydrangea blooms to the right side of her face and head (as in a classic hat) and cut out a very intricate design which embellishes her left forehead and cheek.  She has satin and lace bouncing throughout her headpiece and a final touch at her neckline.  Various jewels were set to bring a sparkle to her eyes...almost as if showing a glimpse of true life from within.  She is set atop a Mercury glass candlestick and overlooks my living room.  Annabelle was a wonderful tool for me to express my February blues and restlessness.  She put my racing mind at task and now I have a beautiful figure watching over the room.  Thank you Annabelle!

Summon the creative Muse.  Find something new of something old.  Let Winter's biting hand guide you into a place of focus and drive.  For me, I need this season.  It brings me closer to myself and to my work.  Thank you February!  Your asylum isn't so bad after all.
 

The 6 Commandments

 The 6 Commandments

Today I reveal what it is I believe in when talking about Beauty in the home.  These 6 elements are what gives this home and my mind a place to work and wonder.  With these concepts, I have a
canvas that is ever-changing and vast.  Since I was a little boy (often lonely and without comfort) these 6 qualities have given me a world of possibilities and creative ventures that have sculpted who I am today.

Glass and Crystal:  I have always been memorized by the dancing sparkle created at the tip of every facet on any glass or crystal piece.  The essence of glass has been a mainstay in my decor simply because of its wonder and stillness.  Almost like ice on a frozen January morning.  Glass around the home can add the sense of water; for every time your eye catches the light on the curves, a magical motion happens that resembles that of running water rushing in the sun's rays.  It is stunning to see the effect the sun has on your glass so I like to position the crystal around the home so it will be greeted by the morning or late day rays.  Watching the walls and ceiling dance with glitter is almost like paying a fortune for a disco ball and lights!  I look forward to the hours of the day this occurs.  Glass has many uses around the home- but for me, it is purely a sparkle factor!


 

Glass and Crystal

Aqua:  The element of water has always intrigued me.  There is a 'white noise' that exists when water is applied to the setting of the garden or home.  The constant moving water provides the mind with a sound that is ever-calming and never stagnant.  Focus and attention are said to be heightened under the influence of running water.  I believe the current from moving water takes with it all the stale and negative energies in a home and renews them into positively-charged vibes.  Ways to bring water in without the burden of mastering the aquarium world are: bowls of water with live water plants in them (being sure to change the water weekly), tabletop fountains, or floor containers with a pump to circulate the water constantly.  These structural elements of water-based interest can really become a mainstay in the space!  I have done work with aquariums for 20 years, therefore I use them as my energy-charging force in the home.  I can use them as focal lighting elements in the home, as well as a place to grow all kinds of interesting plants.  Here is an Angelfish waiting at the surface of the water to be fed.  She is always eating!  And below her are all kinds of beautiful shades of green in all kinds of shapes...waving in the current above.  A perfect addition to the home.

Aqua

Flame and Flicker:  This element is a very important detail to me, for I prefer the light from 20 candles as opposed to the light of a lamp or a light fixture.  Not only do we use 50% less electricity when using candles and oil lamps, but the air in the home instantly becomes filled with warmth, comfort, and mystery.  Placing special lamps or candles in the home should be done so as to still 'tell the story'.  Finding two or three areas that could use a little ethereal lighting is the first step...working those elements into the existing decor is the next.  Candles in masses make a beautiful statement as they light up a vast portion of the space they are in.  And oil lamps singularly or double can really bring focal light into a particular spot of interest.  I have shown an old metal wall sconce lamp flanking one side of my mantle.  At night, it gives just enough light to liven up the stale wall it is on...and it glows behind the items on the mantle board almost as if to provide backlighting.  Play with light.  See what sort of mystery you can present with a little more flame and a little less bulb.

Flame and Flicker

 Weathered Wood:  Any piece of furniture that has lost about 1/3 of its original painting and needs new hardware is my kind of piece!  The restored look is a strong concept in the industry right now, which makes it a hard concept to want to explore personally.  I collect old, decaying occasional pieces (accent pieces) for their 'story' and their intrigue- a step back in time, where they were once used for something entirely different.  As long as it is strong enough to be used functionally, it belongs in this home.  Here is the right side of an old vanity that was once painted bright rose.  It has since been dismantled into single pieces, sanded, and restored only with new hardware.  Though this right-side vanity drawer-case no longer works as a full functional vanity, it works for me as a wonderful side table.  The rose color reveals the original woodwork below...and those two colors working alongside the dark ridges are a perfect fit for the home.  And because the rose is such a strong color here, I have chosen to use that color palette to inspire the rest of this room's decor accent color.  One find can really lead to something exciting! (like a room color makeover!).

Weathered Wood

Relics of Time Passed:  There is something very special about collecting artifacts and relics from a time before mine.  No matter the scope of your decor or the concept of your home, adding your special 'collection' can truly make a space feel that much more personal.  Honing in on a particular sort of 'find' can be tricky (especially for those of us that love to gather all kinds of special things) but when used in your home as a focal element, they really shine.  I have shown a very old Composition doll here.  Her hair has receded, her paint has chipped, and her eyes has fogged over leaving little resemblance to the beautiful toy she used to be at one point.  These cracks and flaws make her a jewel in our home.  She is a part of a growing collection here, allowing me to really give justice to their proud history.  "Through these eyes, I see the world differently."

Relics of Time Passed

Green and Growing:  Plants of all shapes and sizes add a sense of the breathing outdoors to any space.  They have curves and textures that only Mother Nature herself can supply; while softening the tones of our home with a bright vibrant hue, they give interest and wonder.  It is fun to tell a story with the plants just as you would with your furniture or artifacts.  Research which plantlife best suites the various spaces in your home...and then play!  In the below picture, I have shown a Staghorn Fern in a very tall glass Pilsner vase- it towers over the table of neighboring plants below.  It loves northern light and can tolerate some neglect.  I have paired it with other interesting foliage plants like begonias and orchids to allow me to tell the complete 'story'.

Green and Growing