tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84766347211751287142024-03-05T23:06:15.715-06:00Rantings of the Redneck Decoratorranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-4588684286530482952015-11-23T15:27:00.000-06:002015-11-23T15:27:34.113-06:00Thanksgiving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norman Rockwell, <i>Freedom From Want</i>, 1943.</td></tr>
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Everyone knows who Norman Rockwell is. Icon of Americana. Powerful title. I hope this Thanksgiving and the holiday season finds you free from want. If not, my wishes are that you find what you need. We have much to be thankful for as Americans. Let us keep the rest of the world, and especially France, in our thoughts and prayers. </div>
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Hard to believe it's Thanksgiving, ushering in the holiday season. I'm STOKED! Much to give thanks for. A year full of much good in my life. I'm writing this post early this week because of traveling and taking some time off to be with family. By the time this posts (bet right at this very minute), I'm being an irritating smart ass, preaching sacatechism, belly-laughing with my sisters. A least once in the next couple of days I'll hear an endearing "I'm going to knock your head off." Several "DAVID." We will have moments when we will not be able to catch our breath and stomachs will hurt from laughing so hard. Then the kleenex moments. The Richardson Family 5 day Hallmark series. <br />
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Even though I'm attending holiday dinner at my niece's. I did get to have some fun in the hustle of grocery store Thanksgiving madness. Betting there will be several "will you run and get me." In all my sixty years, I've only been in charge of preparing Thanksgiving dinner once. I pulled it off. Four guests for an entire weekend. I was quite the host. But I'll tell ya, it's a lot more fun being the guest, even though my hostess (sister) can be quite bossy.<br />
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Grocery list stapled to paper bag, as it was given to me to fill for a food drive. I followed the list closely, complied as asked. How unusual. Got it all home, set it on the table. How am I supposed to get all of this in that little bag? The turkey's so heavy, it would bust through. Holy cow! Frozen turkeys could be used as weapons. Filled the bag the best I could, dragged the turkey and delivered.<br />
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Going to the grocery store is not my idea of fun. WAY too much stuff to choose from. Twenty different kinds of everything (sizes, brands, gluten-free, low sodium, low fat, etc. etc. etc.). Too many people. Shopping cart rage. Taking it all into the house, not that much fun either. But if all went perfect, look how much holiday fun we would miss. <br />
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Cooking. I can do it, but I don't. But when there are ten people in a five-people kitchen, trying to cook a holiday meal, it's pretty much a blast. No shortage of laughs, and "the look" (my sisters and niece have that down pat). I have the special finger retaliation.<br />
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<b>Setting the Stage</b></div>
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I have set three different tables, using items from the house and my shop. <br />
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Since childhood, I have very much enjoyed setting the table. Don't trap yourself into a mold, unless there are certain traditions. My mother had the pineapple salad bowl, and other dedicated serving pieces. But the place settings could always be different. <br />
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So in making preparations for Thanksgiving, give yourself a little extra time to figure out your table. Look through all your cabinets and about the house and see what you can come up with. Be creative. Don't over crowd the table, leave room for elbows ( Redneck table manners). Use balance and proper spacing ( get out the ruler like on Downton Abby). Of course you have to keep in mind the different courses you will be serving. <br />
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Eclectic. Matching place plates, silver overlay butter plates, multi use glasses (wine or<br />
water), cutwork napkins, and my signature Francis I. Each place setting has its own unique candlestick, bud vase, and salt cellar. All firmly sitting on the classic Saarinen table.<br />
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Started the base of this setting design with painted harvest table. Colorful linen tablecloth and matching napkins circa 1950's, gives the relaxed feeling of a picnic. Much less formal setting. Victorian ironstone milk pitchers with yellow roses anchor the linens. Mismatched silver candlesticks and sterling flatware make things just a little more interesting. Wonder what the beverages are gonna be? Mugs and shot glasses. Plates are restaurant ironstone from the 1950's.<br />
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For the royal majesties. Classic Greek key place plates, Fornasetti butter dishes, Doré bronze candlesticks, Damask napkins. Adding a twist, blue blown-glass Mexican stemware. And of course, my signature Francis I. Table ain't shabby. Gold overlay bowl centerpiece ( just gifted to me) packed tight with white carnations, was broken and repaired with museum staples. Old repairs with museum staples give me goose pimples.</div>
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Hopefully I've sparked your imagination. Mix it up this year. </div>
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I think Norman would have a heart attack. Norman Rockwell's classic reinvented. Set your table so there's no room for phones and iPads, enjoy mouth-to-mouth communication.<br />
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Get out and enjoy the madness of Black Friday. Fight for parking places. Cuss the traffic. Wait to long for a bad lunch. People watch.<br />
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Enjoy the holiday weekend. Give thanks. Love your family a little extra. Diet next week. LAUGH!<br />
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Wishing you and yours the greatest of Thanksgivings. I'm sure having one. (Positive thinking. Wrote this last week.)<br />
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John Zarra, "The Turkey Blues"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-52408146733314798242015-11-16T10:39:00.003-06:002015-11-16T12:08:58.968-06:00Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>Changes</b></i> (from Merriam Webster): To become different.<br />
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How am I ever going to keep this post on topic?<br />
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We hear change is good. How often do we hear this? Most of us hate change. It effects our comfort levels, securities, routines, expectations. It challenges our understanding of the world, how we live in it.<br />
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Change is difficult. ALWAYS happening around us. France has just been changed! Heart broken. 9/11 changed America. Both tragedies changed the WORLD forever, as have many historical events over the centuries.<br />
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Continual changes we accept. 60 seconds in a minute. 60 minutes in an hour. 24 hours in a day. 7 days in a week. 4 weeks in a month. 12 months in a year. 10 years in a decade. 100 years in a century. Unchanging formula of keeping time. Time does not stand still. Always propelling forward.<br />
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We change presidents every 4 years. Going to hear plenty about this in the next year! Also will be interesting to hear how they CHANGE their platforms and lies in seconds.<br />
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The century thing is a big deal in my antique business. Difference in price, condition, availability. I've changed the subject. Said this was going to be a tough one.<br />
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Change is also a huge part of my interior design business. Another change in directions. Trends (hate those, love ranting about them). Colors (throw all caution to the wind). People's lifestyles (always striving for better awareness). Codes (hard as hell to keep up). Art (always on the prowl). Product demands (ties into all previous mentioned). Innovative ideals (always dreaming).<br />
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Pop culture is probably the fastest changing thing in our lives. Fashion, food, entertainment, celebrities, music, are the most fun changes. Until the decades start changing faster than you like. Then it's harder to roll and grasp.<br />
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A bitch of a change: the back and forth of daylight savings time. Twice a year we are thrown out of socket for about a week. Those of us with dogs get a harder bite.<br />
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Easiest changes: Clean underwear. Clean socks. New car! New book!<br />
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Hardest changes: Job, hairdo, home, divorce (most of the time).<br />
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Mostest hardest changes of all for folks my age: Technology. Just as soon as we get something down, they change that shit on us, or come out with a new model. So we have to hire newborns to keep us up to date.<br />
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My favorite change: Fresh, ironed, crisp, luxurious sheets. Wish for a change of income so I could afford to have a maid change the bed daily.<br />
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Changes we never get over: Losing someone we love.<br />
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I've experienced a lot of changes over the last 6 decades. Many of joy. Some of sadness. Plenty of embarrassments and disappointments. Love interests have come and gone. I've had several professional revivals and set backs. My weight has gone up and down, up and down. Size of my feet have not changed, but shoe styles do. Have to keep up. Shoe obsessed! Not telling how many pairs I own. Hopefully drugs and alcohol are a permanent part of my past. Gladly, time has kept me changing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Clementine Hunter, "Baptizing with Lady in Orange Dress" c.Late 1950s -- Early 1960s. Oil on rigid pasteboard. </span></td></tr>
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Big change.<br />
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Yesterday I made a commitment to God and Jesus Christ. The last 2 years have been a spiritual journey. I finally understand. Beautiful and hard change it will be. I fall short all the time. Will need help. God's love and grace will make it easier. The changes I hope to see: Less hating. Less greed. Less bigotry. Less judgment of others. Less anger. Less jealousy. I would hope to delete those, but I'm human. Will strive very hard. Other changes: More love. More charity. More forgiveness. More prayer. More kindness. More faith. Many additional less and more could be added. Oh yeah: Apologies. These are my hopes and goals. All changes for a better me and easier life for those around me. A better world for all. Will be a struggle. But those two dudes forgive.<br />
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I hope the acquisition of shoes is not a sin. If so I'm in for some spiritual calluses.<br />
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My blog will not change much. There will be no preaching or forcing my beliefs on others. No evangelism. I plan on keeping my sharp tongue, wicked wit and sarcatechism. There will always be something to rant about. Less unnecessary inappropriateness and cussing. The latter will be hard with this sailor's mouth I've perfected. As said, those 2 dudes forgive.<br />
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David Bowie, "Changes"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-15963826493892582052015-11-07T08:30:00.000-06:002015-11-09T09:57:28.059-06:00There Ain't Nothing Like a Dame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week's post, "It's Raining Men," was the first of a two-part series on portraiture. Today's title says it all. As I stated last week, portraits are my favorite form of art, and my largest collection. My dames are just as dear to me as my men. They have also been selected for their volume of personality and expression, not just their beauty.<br />
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I do have a tendency not to hang the men and dames side-by-side. Do not want procreation.</div>
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Out of the gate with a genre of art important to me: "Outsider Art."</div>
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Outsider art was coined in 1972 as an English synonym for <i>art brut</i> ("raw art" or "rough art"), which describes art
created outside the boundaries of official culture;
particularly art by those on the outside of the established art
scene, such as psychiatric hospital patients and children. The English term "outsider art" is often applied more broadly, to include self-taught or naïve art
makers who were never institutionalized. Typically, those labeled as
outsider artists have little or no contact with the mainstream art world
or art institutions. Often, outsider art illustrates extreme mental states,
unconventional ideas, or elaborate fantasy worlds.<br />
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It is no wonder that I collect and love Outsider Art. I relate. Connection. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uWalD4wgpk4sFfLFYgK0V94eFeADBndEpjZBW1lTI13sjkrAUvvNTKmS6pm-7MZwyic50hAVq-k7X5eVoohtWl8dV_S6wpnXP7E9a09UK5UGYBEL54m4kqDOWIXJO1Eql39asnDjhjM/s1600/DSC01131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uWalD4wgpk4sFfLFYgK0V94eFeADBndEpjZBW1lTI13sjkrAUvvNTKmS6pm-7MZwyic50hAVq-k7X5eVoohtWl8dV_S6wpnXP7E9a09UK5UGYBEL54m4kqDOWIXJO1Eql39asnDjhjM/s640/DSC01131.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite pieces. Pencil and watercolor on paper. Gerald "Creative" Deprie (1935-1999) was an outsider artist from Kentucky. The themes of his drawings
are diverse: flowers, nudes or architectures. He worked fast. When he
drew a human figure, he represented it first naked, then added clothes.
He was fascinated with nursery rhymes and ancient places, particularly
Egypt. A navy veteran, plagued by heart problems, he lived with his dog
in a small apartment in West Virginia. In his handwritten autobiography, he writes (in a very personal style), "When I do drawing I don't know this or if it's sheer fantasy on my part but I am in a polar position when I draw a picture. I try to perceive myself in somewhat or somehow in a positive-alignment or perfect balance of myself in positioning of my art or in fact anything I do, I try to do in a positive manner."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxJhbcV1aYFKDGEODcodv6WXDHSpfocGWzM6JMC4UsSMN6UMiE9DyeTEi0R6EeLNU6RGQaQvtSAjXN_6PijeD6NH3A8RL9rfUHviKqMtmeJhk1xfBk6nwJfn3HEBJEwMM1o09O7T6Knk/s1600/DSC01139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxJhbcV1aYFKDGEODcodv6WXDHSpfocGWzM6JMC4UsSMN6UMiE9DyeTEi0R6EeLNU6RGQaQvtSAjXN_6PijeD6NH3A8RL9rfUHviKqMtmeJhk1xfBk6nwJfn3HEBJEwMM1o09O7T6Knk/s640/DSC01139.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-L6P1iHWFGrzN6yf5LawB_7YD90MT-qC4KyexFdsqmSe4ylMbIKmZPMJH-2GhomdVIZH9ZFmHFUtMzs2NDEqlPNJF-tCf5kdJJY-ZMiuankfMEqGTX2NLzd-Stru0Yy18-X7gB5jLfbg/s1600/DSC01140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-L6P1iHWFGrzN6yf5LawB_7YD90MT-qC4KyexFdsqmSe4ylMbIKmZPMJH-2GhomdVIZH9ZFmHFUtMzs2NDEqlPNJF-tCf5kdJJY-ZMiuankfMEqGTX2NLzd-Stru0Yy18-X7gB5jLfbg/s640/DSC01140.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Another Outsider piece, by Kit Keith, isn't actually part of my collection, it is for sale in my shop. Kit used oil on an old mattress. Would love to have this piece in my home, but don't have the space. It is rather large, and as you can tell, she would not play well with others. Kit calls her "Ice Queen." She does look a bit frigid. Much unlike Kit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From Kit's own press release: “Kit
Keith grew up the daughter of a father who was a sign painter and a
mother who had a deep appreciation of antiques. Her parents’ influence
is clearly evident in her work as she paints over thrift store
paintings, old magazines, advertisements and other ephemera from the
past. She is inspired by 'beautiful illustrations' and a time when 'everything was done by hand' when the convenience of a computer font
was unimaginable. Her iconic portraits of elegant, wistful, figures
carefully placed on old maps, ledgers and discarded papers are stoic yet
emotive with a story behind each one.”</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUTLB4UkhAaMwJcVXnfT4davUt7pyZQWnZel_IxRVP2XI2DdSWAOObCRmKKdomAOmsAxBVyyBAvjD0QhDvrk98hV4vwpiMor2ayjjP3lBvpn6JKkHDA3_nEFrM-R5825ALxqsrIs-zz0/s1600/DSC01132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUTLB4UkhAaMwJcVXnfT4davUt7pyZQWnZel_IxRVP2XI2DdSWAOObCRmKKdomAOmsAxBVyyBAvjD0QhDvrk98hV4vwpiMor2ayjjP3lBvpn6JKkHDA3_nEFrM-R5825ALxqsrIs-zz0/s640/DSC01132.JPG" width="552" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What personality this face shows. Oil on board, dating to the early 1960's. What a sense of fashion, and determined look, this woman has. Artist unknown, found locally in St. Louis. A must have, keeper. Such heart in this work. Bold composition. What a proud statement by the artist in such turbulent times. </span></div>
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This is by a St. Louis artist, Zale Stratmeyer. 1920-1981. A member of the St. Louis Artist's Guild. Not a lot of information available on her. Do see her work around. Oil on canvas, mixed wax using a palette knife, building heavy texture, then scratched off. Circa 1940's. Such strong features and expression. A young woman with the maturity of an older soul. Really makes you wonder about her life. She is one of my pet pieces. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6twvzZeVeLp9lVoFzTbst-1y__mqqOHkmnZnLd4vLxoYTtXL7y039Jv2AQitmtb3DuSa1m-NE-e-NoZjfIfy043EOz3SA2m74KVLJ7JAz4ih14NKWRqGd_Es4M3VfVAA1BXX3t4vCa4o/s1600/DSC01127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6twvzZeVeLp9lVoFzTbst-1y__mqqOHkmnZnLd4vLxoYTtXL7y039Jv2AQitmtb3DuSa1m-NE-e-NoZjfIfy043EOz3SA2m74KVLJ7JAz4ih14NKWRqGd_Es4M3VfVAA1BXX3t4vCa4o/s640/DSC01127.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
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Woodblock print, titled "Bali," by David Franklin Leavitt; born
in St. Louis in 1897. Pencil signed, number 10 of 50, dated 1937. David
Franklin Leavitt was an artist and muralist of some note in
St. Louis and Chicago. He painted the mural "History of Medicine"
which was in the A.S. Aloe building in St. Louis, and several other
large murals in Chicago. In the mid-1930's he traveled around
the world and spent several
years in Bali painting. He had shows of his paintings in St. Louis and
Chicago in the late 30's. During WWII he developed the dye used to find
downed pilots
in the water, and several other air/sea rescue aids. He also designed
the aircraft insignia (star and bar) which is still in use today on all
military aircraft. He died in a US Navy aircraft incident in 1945 when
he bailed out over
the Chesapeake Bay, and was recovered several days later wrapped in his
parachute. At the time he was a Lieutenant Commander in the United
States Navy. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. One of my favorite pieces.<br />
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When a collector is speaking about a certain piece, it is generally our "Favorite" at that moment. As the conversation moves, "Favorite" moves also. They have a tendency to all be our "Favorite." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XNnEsatox8XOiwIQuy84Szix9oouRxIg2BkoZrIhdTakg4mCdI-iOkU-IQxKNbqg1Rr5A2-zE_jo-CiovYf5KwivsLoRRjemVfy19pd6J1KR8EV0qYiWd5K5KM45kyeVLGWYfosdL3Y/s1600/DSC01137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XNnEsatox8XOiwIQuy84Szix9oouRxIg2BkoZrIhdTakg4mCdI-iOkU-IQxKNbqg1Rr5A2-zE_jo-CiovYf5KwivsLoRRjemVfy19pd6J1KR8EV0qYiWd5K5KM45kyeVLGWYfosdL3Y/s640/DSC01137.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Last dame on the list, Miss Anne Hutton. Painted by English artist Gladys Savie, member of The Society of Portrait Painters. Oil on canvas, beautiful, a tad aristocratic. Available in my shop.</div>
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<b>Not Quite Pertinent</b></div>
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<i>Cheesecake/Pinup</i> <i>photo</i> (from Merriam-Webster): <span class="ssens">a photographic display of shapely and scantily clothed female figures (compare: beefcake). </span> </div>
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In 1943, Betty Grable collaborated with photographer Frank Powolny for a
regular studio photo session. During the shoot, she took several photos
in a tight, one-piece bathing suit. One particular pose consisted of
Grable's back being to the camera as she playfully smiled looking over
her left shoulder. The picture was released as a poster and became the
most requested photo for G.I.s stationed overseas. Grable's photograph sold millions of copies, eventually surpassing the popularity of Rita Hayworth's famous 1941 photo.
Grable's success as a pin-up girl furthered her career as a mainstream movie star.<br />
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"There Ain't Nothing Like a Dame," <i>South Pacific</i>ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-61378242403746630642015-11-02T14:01:00.000-06:002015-11-02T14:01:29.601-06:00It's Raining Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkchT_YnDodKI5yC3n27bJ1T-t6TKDtXSKazyZriOb7IgcaVInhjKfG4mLY3ATDT6y2shIKP62jihQZgOpXJ4ZjFQTtLzCHWUQMC739zbmPlyEvTrOfwGAOIMLgZD8_RxGGz6dpJPGDF0/s1600/DSC01123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkchT_YnDodKI5yC3n27bJ1T-t6TKDtXSKazyZriOb7IgcaVInhjKfG4mLY3ATDT6y2shIKP62jihQZgOpXJ4ZjFQTtLzCHWUQMC739zbmPlyEvTrOfwGAOIMLgZD8_RxGGz6dpJPGDF0/s640/DSC01123.JPG" width="584" /></a></div>
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First of a two-part series on portraits. Portraits are my favorite kind of art, and the largest part of my collection. <br />
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Portraits are paintings, photography, sculptures,
or other artistic representations of a person, in which the face and its
expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. The very reason I'm so in love with them. Generally my selections are made more for their oddness or extreme portrayal of personality than for beauty. <br />
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Today, "It's Raining Men."<br />
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Next week, "There Ain't Nothing Like a Dame."<br />
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Most of today's art is by St. Louis-connected artists. Above, 18th century Italian, oil on board, is not a St. Louis artist, but it is a Cardinal (of a different type). It was purchased here in St. Louis, relatively recently, and immediately became my favorite portrait. Unsigned, not much information available, but a fucking fabulous frame. Guess I shouldn't use that word when talking about a holy man. Sure he's passing judgment at this very moment. Such a pious look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_IU3GbHZa5LfO2Ce3k5fK-dNnaTuOAa-8e80hFu-3yYR_yWTqtVe_FEL_Gl3dEW6jWWUxQVC9_fzodw-nLEjH-veI41iFOp2ra_5gfKt9TPw56fsI2jFlSDsLFYSGqVnlzCr0s0hAQQ/s1600/DSC01116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_IU3GbHZa5LfO2Ce3k5fK-dNnaTuOAa-8e80hFu-3yYR_yWTqtVe_FEL_Gl3dEW6jWWUxQVC9_fzodw-nLEjH-veI41iFOp2ra_5gfKt9TPw56fsI2jFlSDsLFYSGqVnlzCr0s0hAQQ/s640/DSC01116.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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This piece, by Charles Allen Winter, has been in my collection for about 20 years. Oil on porcelain. First piece I invested in after starting to recover from the financial disaster of being a drunk. A reward to myself for being a good boy. My senses were coming back to me. Such a handsome fella, with a sense of serenity. A good emotional investment.<br />
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An illustrator and landscape and marine painter who used bright colors
and impressionist style, Charles Winter studied at the Cincinnati Art
Academy and in Paris. He painted at Gloucester, Massachusetts and St.
Louis and exhibited at the Paris Salon and the Art Institute of Chicago, and was an instructor of drawing and painting at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts from 1898-1901.
He was married to Alice Beach Winter, also a successful artist. Born 1869, died 1942.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfJwuEadFOlEssgFqi8eb8TE3FoEVX5a_tcB-nOurm0pib2BPGFwRL_86TlRrBmV2ivggSGg2ZuRMF1KEVwlpUJ9ru99XCexWnMvbgqIz-XYau48JZ_d6cbYVivmWsKctja9nir0Pcyc/s1600/DSC01126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfJwuEadFOlEssgFqi8eb8TE3FoEVX5a_tcB-nOurm0pib2BPGFwRL_86TlRrBmV2ivggSGg2ZuRMF1KEVwlpUJ9ru99XCexWnMvbgqIz-XYau48JZ_d6cbYVivmWsKctja9nir0Pcyc/s640/DSC01126.JPG" width="522" /></a> </div>
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LOVE the look on this fellow's face. Pencil and watercolor by the artist Sheila Ellsworth Burlingame. This was a gift from a very dear friend.<br />
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Sheila Ellsworth (1894-1969), born in Kansas, married Harry Priest Burlingame and lived in St. Louis for many years. In 1929 she went London to study. Harry died in in 1930. In 1933 she lived in Clayton. When her second husband was killed in WWII, she moved to New York City. She was a member of the St. Louis Artists' Guild, and her work is still floating around St. Louis. I'm lucky enough to own several pieces, this is my favorite.<br />
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One of two pieces I kept from a series of male dancers. There's something about this pose, the connection between eyes and hand, that conveys such a strong sense of his contemplation: "where is my craft going?"<br />
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Belle Cramer (1883–1978) was born in New York City; in 1906, she moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where she
began her studies at the Edinburgh College of Art. In the early 1920’s, she continued her
studies at the Massy Art School in London, and began to show her work
with other groups, as well as six solo shows during her time in London. In 1939, Cramer’s husband took a job in St. Louis, MO,
where she was to spend the rest of her life. Of the move to St.
Louis, Cramer remembered thinking, “‘this is the end of my art.’ (But) I
was completely mistaken; it was the beginning of a Renaissance for me.”
In 1941, she joined the St. Louis Artists’ Guild as well as Group 15,
an artists’ collective with regular exhibitions. That same year, Cramer
had her first solo show in St. Louis at the Eleanor Smith Galleries.<br />
<br />
Over the course of her long and productive career, Belle Cramer
exhibited her work in London, New York, and St. Louis. However, it was
in St. Louis that she found her home and her place as an artist. As
publisher and friend, Joseph Pullitzer, Jr. described: “the freshness
and apparent spontaneity of {her} work do not parade, but rather conceal
a virtuosity directed by knowledge and commitment accrued over five
decades.”<br />
<br />
On her work: “I aim at a
strong impact of meaning whether or not realistically stated. Pretty
isn’t important, Strong is! I aim at an emotional expression. I aim at
complete authenticity. And lastly, I let the color serve as a rich
sensuous vehicle. Color is, to me, the great mysterious instrument of
painting.”<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0Cir6V13rJzOovH9iArRRGZWr74Fflv5eAxKRdzfhEZLGacDQhNYpu9Qh64PxZ-pF-xe-hsVTlkYOdryZ-c0etDxhD-3GzfXqmCCGrCT9VEPHU01bbv2Ta7IBdsFfTI6oxiA-56jKLo/s1600/DSC01113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0Cir6V13rJzOovH9iArRRGZWr74Fflv5eAxKRdzfhEZLGacDQhNYpu9Qh64PxZ-pF-xe-hsVTlkYOdryZ-c0etDxhD-3GzfXqmCCGrCT9VEPHU01bbv2Ta7IBdsFfTI6oxiA-56jKLo/s640/DSC01113.JPG" width="556" /></a></div>
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I purchased this piece, part of a collection, from a personal friend of the artist. It is a self-portrait, pen and ink on paper, by Edward Boccia. Titled "Double Portrait, Amsterdam, '87." Very interesting how the main image is done in blue ink, the reflection in black.<br />
<br />
Boccia was born in Newark, N.J (1921-2012), and studied art at the Pratt Institute in New York. He became an internationally known painter and a longtime teacher at Washington
University whose career took off after he met an arts patron of national renown named
Morton D. "Buster" May, head of the May Department Stores Co., which owned the
Famous-Barr chain. In so doing, May became the Johnny Appleseed who spread Boccia's work across the country.<br />
<br />
Boccia was best known for his large triptychs — three-panel
paintings — and polyptychs, many with themes related to Catholic
mysticism, and described his work as dealing with "love, lust and life."<br />
Living in St. Louis and working at the Washington University, he said, gave him
the security "to paint what I want to paint. I don't paint things that
look well over the sofa." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpU_tpAY8FOC5s2zLKdQMBWXW02yLGufVCcR0YEci9Yl-3IMXIUsXLsu1kVKOY7Fz8RK9H4CypYlxbcfs58HaI4YT9vE4vtHzLk9g_9LBhSDvFzyHIiIvIK-QcXoixX-cHRTPgK0eub-s/s1600/DSC01112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpU_tpAY8FOC5s2zLKdQMBWXW02yLGufVCcR0YEci9Yl-3IMXIUsXLsu1kVKOY7Fz8RK9H4CypYlxbcfs58HaI4YT9vE4vtHzLk9g_9LBhSDvFzyHIiIvIK-QcXoixX-cHRTPgK0eub-s/s640/DSC01112.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
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This piece, by Julie Heller, is one of my more recent purchases, titled "Trouble." You'll have to talk to Julie about the name. I thought it looked like trouble. Think it's pretty obvious why I was attracted to it. Julie is a talented artist with a studio in St. Louis, whose personality is just as colorful as her art. Check out <a href="http://www.julieheller.com/">www.julieheller.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a6KzXVmlfKaZE8f-gCO5bReGXoh68QzKc3TnXUmqkLB5uYe_mbyMxgrZsCJUr05Q_qRY8SiA3mhWzPVhbrETFD-I2sSE6lOpKxokGZ5BE_iil_fmiC3eh7dS0sKfga-qepDlyEt9fnY/s1600/DSC01120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a6KzXVmlfKaZE8f-gCO5bReGXoh68QzKc3TnXUmqkLB5uYe_mbyMxgrZsCJUr05Q_qRY8SiA3mhWzPVhbrETFD-I2sSE6lOpKxokGZ5BE_iil_fmiC3eh7dS0sKfga-qepDlyEt9fnY/s640/DSC01120.JPG" width="508" /></a></div>
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"Ben." Watercolor on paper, by St. Louis artist Belinda Lee. Another recent purchase. Was drawn to this piece because of his strong features. Belinda's work has been shown in St. Louis' most prestigious galleries. Known for her portraits in several different media and series, she has also taught painting at Washington University.<br />
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<b>Not Quite Pertinent</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Beefcake</i> (from Merriam Webster): <span class="ssens">a usually photographic display of muscular male physiques.</span><b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkkXSgtewtb7Eqh48ghLE27HSZz2PHG3qnSrNOnLQU8GJlOX2N0EIdmKjSS_gxMlMgmYm07NMLreF73P30wl7atMdtZBttLO1ViZdJUsB4OgHVOxaHpGBLmAlqtzUmO2olFwSr5D5lgA/s1600/DSC01124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkkXSgtewtb7Eqh48ghLE27HSZz2PHG3qnSrNOnLQU8GJlOX2N0EIdmKjSS_gxMlMgmYm07NMLreF73P30wl7atMdtZBttLO1ViZdJUsB4OgHVOxaHpGBLmAlqtzUmO2olFwSr5D5lgA/s640/DSC01124.JPG" width="564" /></a></div>
<br />
From my collection. 1942, "Nude Study #3," by Jane Edwards. This photograph was hung in a special exhibition at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, department of photography, Academy of Music building, Brooklyn, New York. Great, artistic example of beefcake photography. Pieces like this are just not that easy to find. Pretty obvious as to why it's in my collection. <br />
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The Weather Girls, "It's Raining Men"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-59480479267181846532015-10-26T14:23:00.000-05:002015-10-26T14:55:23.025-05:00Hangin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLe1IqJM602hrYlUyv1yaiebCbQApOUBiyy3K4aytFgPuyMAzdMKCRcYnDotM4e8irE1naNU9l4qRPkj7JLLbN4I6S25R20n49pJVdg5yMBiv-KZEfpED3nAQbjyFjsbM9iyOuXYT3Tg/s1600/Moving-picture-skeleton-hanging-on-a-rope-animated-gif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLe1IqJM602hrYlUyv1yaiebCbQApOUBiyy3K4aytFgPuyMAzdMKCRcYnDotM4e8irE1naNU9l4qRPkj7JLLbN4I6S25R20n49pJVdg5yMBiv-KZEfpED3nAQbjyFjsbM9iyOuXYT3Tg/s1600/Moving-picture-skeleton-hanging-on-a-rope-animated-gif.gif" /></a></div>
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<br />
"Hey dude, how's it hangin'?"
<br />
<br />
"A little bit to the left."<br />
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<div class="meaning">
How's it hangin': an informal way to say hello to a fellow dude.
All it really means is, "how you doin'." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedPG-unbTMTgS3WGDd_8k5KJLS9iXU8Gf64yzf23bkWu3RErp4hlQnnXf73TbzWbqcZlfJUGs0_YzmY-2zSgJhPV_v13Cs7Q6IALtVOziR4vP7XkrCmELbwAiEgyOFGXIEk4W8wfA-i4/s1600/bad+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedPG-unbTMTgS3WGDd_8k5KJLS9iXU8Gf64yzf23bkWu3RErp4hlQnnXf73TbzWbqcZlfJUGs0_YzmY-2zSgJhPV_v13Cs7Q6IALtVOziR4vP7XkrCmELbwAiEgyOFGXIEk4W8wfA-i4/s640/bad+wall.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"How's it hangin'?"
<br />
<br />
"Pitiful!"<br />
<br />
Have you ever walked into someone's home and had to control
yourself not to walk over to a piece of art and rehang it? I have. Look at all the problems in the room above: all lined up in a row, too high, table and chair too small. Me, hammer, and 45 minutes: I could bring furniture into scale by repositioning the artwork, elongating it, using correct spacing, better mixing sizes and framed/unframed work. Get rid of that shit on the table. What difference a lamp would make.<br />
<br />
Quick tips for do-it-yourselfers: <br />
<br />
Use picture-hanging hooks, rather than heavy nails or screws.
Although they may seem dainty, they are very secure. It's all based on weight. Buy
the right type of hook for your artwork's weight. One-nail picture hook holds things that
are 30 pounds or lighter. A two-nail picture hook holds pieces that are
about 50 pounds. A three-nail picture hook holds pieces that are about
75 to 100 pounds.<br />
<br />
Recruit a helper who can hold pieces against the wall before you
begin hammering. Take a step back to
see what the piece is going to look like there. Get a sense of the proportions and colors, see it
against all the other elements.<br />
<br />
When hanging a single
piece of art, the center of the picture should be about 60 inches off
the ground, which places it at eye level. This is considered "museum height." When done throughout an entire home, it creates a visual line, keeping your eye at a certain height. And you don't even know it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsXNZKjMqUW_2zgIxzRkc6w-bjpOt7epRSucrNtMApJeUx-_L7q5wxN3CQHxU2UF4HBx_r5fRM5E5E-nzRO52hD7ma09OAurhlBR_bneJYgYfQnUgNG8cf5G8IgPbgoCQq4rgIBiY4cg/s1600/5+chocolate+sofa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsXNZKjMqUW_2zgIxzRkc6w-bjpOt7epRSucrNtMApJeUx-_L7q5wxN3CQHxU2UF4HBx_r5fRM5E5E-nzRO52hD7ma09OAurhlBR_bneJYgYfQnUgNG8cf5G8IgPbgoCQq4rgIBiY4cg/s640/5+chocolate+sofa.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
When hanging a grouping of
works, treat them as one large picture (whether
they're the same or different sizes). Find the center point between
them, and use the same 60-inch rule.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9VIfkoQG1qdgKRP5q9i0J7IGJ2phglrwe08YnG-iaN6eBRwOh8HhaaWiCZdFzTy1QBqMNBH0gIRQ8VKPS-jeUnkebrkrz7HazmN_D3c4h2xlr1KXwZI61ccCbaa4LToFCeVgFiwjFlE/s1600/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9VIfkoQG1qdgKRP5q9i0J7IGJ2phglrwe08YnG-iaN6eBRwOh8HhaaWiCZdFzTy1QBqMNBH0gIRQ8VKPS-jeUnkebrkrz7HazmN_D3c4h2xlr1KXwZI61ccCbaa4LToFCeVgFiwjFlE/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
One of my favorite styles of hanging is a series presented in a tight
grid, with the frames touching. Butt-to-butt. Cheek-to-cheek. This is
an extremely complicated hanging, requiring a lot of math. And patience,
which I do not have. I had this professionally hung. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFi9v6vtbuoG7PjW_JUNXgA2vCV9dIMqMA6WSIg-SqnBTIRajSlnSfTZifNjxrY-jbnDLFfBc-Wkgx6OK4qz9mdqdRNkQMvYq3hm6QzrX27cXtBX4H6OnE7fGG5sw_BWP6Fs9PT3YK5Q/s1600/dressing+room+%2528small%2529+-+Version+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFi9v6vtbuoG7PjW_JUNXgA2vCV9dIMqMA6WSIg-SqnBTIRajSlnSfTZifNjxrY-jbnDLFfBc-Wkgx6OK4qz9mdqdRNkQMvYq3hm6QzrX27cXtBX4H6OnE7fGG5sw_BWP6Fs9PT3YK5Q/s640/dressing+room+%2528small%2529+-+Version+2.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
The original Paris Salon exhibited paintings floor-to-ceiling and on every available
inch of space. My version of a salon-style hang. Dramatic, mixing European and American
paintings, set against red walls. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU3r59w2EAPVi5ep0dNZMKps-s95lXvHu5lWjQ76irNNv-Rg334E586XBw_FwCAvt8R3hSEaXq6CsDnzhEgLCxVN-F_MZ5-aQCESRDroyXO7dGpGTqlIpExpn09diWBq_PUMj5877N1E/s1600/DSC01081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtU3r59w2EAPVi5ep0dNZMKps-s95lXvHu5lWjQ76irNNv-Rg334E586XBw_FwCAvt8R3hSEaXq6CsDnzhEgLCxVN-F_MZ5-aQCESRDroyXO7dGpGTqlIpExpn09diWBq_PUMj5877N1E/s640/DSC01081.jpg" width="618" /></a><br />
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I'm great lover of art. One of the things I enjoy the most is curating and rehanging a client's collection. So enjoy going through a client's home, surveying their art, and giving them new life in different spaces, positioned with pieces that enhance each other. Repositioning a collection, and hanging properly, can totally give the home a feeling of major alterations (altercations).</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nYR3fTe8x5U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYR3fTe8x5U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Jerry Douglas & The Earls of Leicester, I Won't Be Hanging Around">Jerry Douglas & The Earls of Leicester, "I Won't Be Hanging Around"</span></span></span><br />
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-42045163880773674112015-10-19T12:51:00.001-05:002015-10-19T12:51:03.904-05:00Pairs – Things That Come in Twos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTcRksURLyTBAuowvTWSn5nD6W2jSa7elVfvLg6GmsDO6MH2lKx5Mt8TX0EZKsOSRfnWc35hbYh7DiLrWyrpJQNiQOXyrtt59UsIYyXCjsLuqMJyVtazuYk62n8ixTU7PXzwMLDx-O_Y/s1600/Screenshot+2015-10-19+11.10.39.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTcRksURLyTBAuowvTWSn5nD6W2jSa7elVfvLg6GmsDO6MH2lKx5Mt8TX0EZKsOSRfnWc35hbYh7DiLrWyrpJQNiQOXyrtt59UsIYyXCjsLuqMJyVtazuYk62n8ixTU7PXzwMLDx-O_Y/s640/Screenshot+2015-10-19+11.10.39.png" width="536" /> </a></div>
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1957 photo of Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield at a Beverly Hills party meant to officially welcome
Loren to Hollywood. But the Italian bombshell found her spotlight
unexpectedly stolen by Mansfield. Loren confirms that, yes, she was thinking exactly what it looks like she was thinking: "Listen. Look at the picture. Where are my eyes? I’m staring at
her nipples because I am afraid they are about to come onto my plate.
In my face you can see the fear. I’m so frightened that everything in
her dress is going to blow—BOOM!—and spill all over the table."<br />
<br />
I woulda been staring at 'em too! What a pair of knockers!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaOZjHLKX6i2ziGqXh9pHZP40jJwuOvJhbPRgf21VAEbaGvxEOa1ey-g61CNHVouOfvoz3xKY_WU2diLZsbj13ndfVH2z4NbFi4BEJG2Z47L6fWZZIzlSvioTcxodftbw-IhUR4UCdBs/s1600/DSC01063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaOZjHLKX6i2ziGqXh9pHZP40jJwuOvJhbPRgf21VAEbaGvxEOa1ey-g61CNHVouOfvoz3xKY_WU2diLZsbj13ndfVH2z4NbFi4BEJG2Z47L6fWZZIzlSvioTcxodftbw-IhUR4UCdBs/s640/DSC01063.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Moving on to less shocking things that come in pairs, I'll start with showing you 3 sets of bookends. From left to right: marble column bases, Egyptian Art Deco, also marble (both available in my shop), and cut-out iron outsider art by 5¢ Jones (from my personal collection- another pair of breasts). We all know how to use a pair of bookends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbP6keZowLKz33VizQWRT8H7ELrqDMJd42nqguXVL8U20Hpj8N9HKJ2hotjqVvNp5uXdhplIam0ExwRCqrm4XP33j317xx4A0UnMBnaC834rJDPjUGjgzziAUPM2gt9bqK9K2Dq1On0I/s1600/DSC01039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbP6keZowLKz33VizQWRT8H7ELrqDMJd42nqguXVL8U20Hpj8N9HKJ2hotjqVvNp5uXdhplIam0ExwRCqrm4XP33j317xx4A0UnMBnaC834rJDPjUGjgzziAUPM2gt9bqK9K2Dq1On0I/s640/DSC01039.JPG" width="496" /></a></div>
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Circa 1950's Murano glass wall sconces. These could be used in an installation, creating dramatic lighting. Stunning works of art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRqgJQhLavWwlahKQHuCw-N7HEYUkeWB3BuganhYv7zrYaDauhzqjfcIqvSGHs0_JUbUttAkkwE925pGSM3eTKwdhRHXUYrXrK2kPM7YQkPnaTAOeLhLbaufjRriQKiVQkZdKAHR1LYQ/s1600/DSC01040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRqgJQhLavWwlahKQHuCw-N7HEYUkeWB3BuganhYv7zrYaDauhzqjfcIqvSGHs0_JUbUttAkkwE925pGSM3eTKwdhRHXUYrXrK2kPM7YQkPnaTAOeLhLbaufjRriQKiVQkZdKAHR1LYQ/s640/DSC01040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Late 19th century English lead garden urns. These could be used in several different scenarios to make the entrance of your home or garden outstanding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90GK8trA7NinCqICYr5EC__C4u931KDyTRMtBpmTr6iMBNWC1Kyum8TMND3Lw6zegyd_tPQVqbfN6lmvtC_IvInBHhtF4YqeKwEIOuJFH3g-Ncbg_KWU1JC3ekvZl_JvmD1QGJ7dGNOQ/s1600/DSC01048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90GK8trA7NinCqICYr5EC__C4u931KDyTRMtBpmTr6iMBNWC1Kyum8TMND3Lw6zegyd_tPQVqbfN6lmvtC_IvInBHhtF4YqeKwEIOuJFH3g-Ncbg_KWU1JC3ekvZl_JvmD1QGJ7dGNOQ/s640/DSC01048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Great pair of folk art marquetry rocking chairs, made in southwest Missouri in the 1940's. Just in for fall and winter, pillows constructed from 1940's camp blanket. What great additions to scramble up the look of a room. As you've heard me say many times: "It's all about the dance."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2yyzGvw-bqHnn5jLZnLc5pEgxQfkQpokgzcK9sV5RsriR2OwNS8oGJfZ3A7ZIDVwRY9vVtVOF5LyNXaz0Uk7SEWieWaxfhJ6iZc2EW22X87L8-2p0wxCjk_KPgpDNWaBNmKJLExK4Cw/s1600/DSC01052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2yyzGvw-bqHnn5jLZnLc5pEgxQfkQpokgzcK9sV5RsriR2OwNS8oGJfZ3A7ZIDVwRY9vVtVOF5LyNXaz0Uk7SEWieWaxfhJ6iZc2EW22X87L8-2p0wxCjk_KPgpDNWaBNmKJLExK4Cw/s640/DSC01052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symmetrical use of a pair of candlesticks. Not me at all.</td></tr>
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I've always been weird about the use of pairs in my interior design work. I'll not go into a lot of my rules and regulations, because I'm a hypocrite, breaking them all the time. Just know that a lot of designers get a bit carried away with overuse of pairs, to the point where it seems like they got deals because they bought two. BORING.<br />
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One rule of mine I never break: a pair of lamps MUST go on a pair of tables. Or be used symmetrically on a long table or sideboard. Other than that, I'm not consistent. In their favor, pairs seem to have the effect of anchoring a room, especially pairs of chairs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85kuu24kDaUus1Airt2wjBH6NXbc27aNHEhBbVbInwdiR6NKCu-05fw-Sv_jFjiTbAuF48jp-D5gfVLdA3aHbd5ywvg1G5hz6AWtZ-2umRaRXR-RWFtYfLMjPnTsb35iiyVpYqNDCbcM/s1600/DSC01054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85kuu24kDaUus1Airt2wjBH6NXbc27aNHEhBbVbInwdiR6NKCu-05fw-Sv_jFjiTbAuF48jp-D5gfVLdA3aHbd5ywvg1G5hz6AWtZ-2umRaRXR-RWFtYfLMjPnTsb35iiyVpYqNDCbcM/s640/DSC01054.JPG" width="556" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asymmetrical use of a pair of candlesticks. So very me.</td></tr>
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Asymmetrical: having parts that fail to correspond to one another in shape, size, or arrangement; are not equal or equivalent; lacking symmetry.<br />
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People that know me are well aware, I'm a very asymmetrical person. Bet my legs aren't even a matched pair. I always find ways to balance a room without being matchy-matchy in shapes and sizes, using different sized objects to balance the scales. I feel it's the unexpected that gives a space a great deal more personality. Symmetry is so expected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfSbbhnsxnqvWvwb-RYhP54TSHBb3BOgxkKnm_lq1usmrShWAJ_4UfFXIiaQ3Di8kHMAz6Pc3cwKTUyX1lzJlDYbBiCF8XMiSTet8srKCks0JIMDhoYhz3DXBErUztz4vB3j-fxQTGQ/s1600/DSC01058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfSbbhnsxnqvWvwb-RYhP54TSHBb3BOgxkKnm_lq1usmrShWAJ_4UfFXIiaQ3Di8kHMAz6Pc3cwKTUyX1lzJlDYbBiCF8XMiSTet8srKCks0JIMDhoYhz3DXBErUztz4vB3j-fxQTGQ/s640/DSC01058.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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What a hypocrite, all these pairs are on my body today. Even I need matching boots and symmetrical eyeglasses. Cufflinks and shoes must be in pairs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHvTQWF0cM2ubRw2FVsvcLnLdyg8nZFO75rytxMTyH9wFgyPOkgNtYhC3RTK2ncYO7xa262_ZXNcvX31TacJiCH8KhpJUpEyhMuE-4VAeLXpoJ2dWfIpItGyrkqvqxufW9dMTIIEwMXk/s1600/pears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHvTQWF0cM2ubRw2FVsvcLnLdyg8nZFO75rytxMTyH9wFgyPOkgNtYhC3RTK2ncYO7xa262_ZXNcvX31TacJiCH8KhpJUpEyhMuE-4VAeLXpoJ2dWfIpItGyrkqvqxufW9dMTIIEwMXk/s640/pears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Late summer and fall is the season of the pear. Just last weekend had the most incredible dessert at Bar Les Freres on Wydown in Clayton (7637 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105). Poached pear with red wine reduction sauce, filled with cinnamon cream. OMG. I could have eaten a pair.<br />
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Doris Day, "Tea for Two"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-83685974766495830742015-10-12T14:28:00.000-05:002015-10-12T14:28:25.026-05:00Bi–Buy–Bye<div class="def-content">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="oneClick-link">Bi: a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">combining</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">form</span> <span class="oneClick-link">meaning</span> <span class="oneClick-link">“twice,”</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or “two,”</span> <span class="oneClick-link">used</span> <span class="oneClick-link">in</span> <span class="oneClick-link">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link">formation</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">compound</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">words.</span> </span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="bqQuoteLink">Bipolar: characterized by both manic and depressive episodes. </span><br />Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or
about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KimUAu4psEjEvxzGLxDG1KEdp43xJrPuH2-V3cS2JSCswE8RcZxJUakwh7mhOXoTc21TN1m3fWLKJoNx3-LuhTOQhERwgWXItVJ8mK5ltTasQ9DRj3eGOn_5jiv7UHpZa7WJ5Oqv9Yc/s1600/cage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KimUAu4psEjEvxzGLxDG1KEdp43xJrPuH2-V3cS2JSCswE8RcZxJUakwh7mhOXoTc21TN1m3fWLKJoNx3-LuhTOQhERwgWXItVJ8mK5ltTasQ9DRj3eGOn_5jiv7UHpZa7WJ5Oqv9Yc/s320/cage.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From one pole to the other.</td></tr>
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Bilingual: a person fluent in two languages.<br />
The percentage of bilinguals is definitely on the rise. It was 11
percent in 1980, 14 percent in 1990, and close to 20 percent
currently.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu6B85ksltf-NUtwpTPaJOgcUHehgpLz3v58VwWRkE8fAJV73iTGaebh16M8hCxUvR4sRysS6KSs_8T1tEG_WSVp2sJJZOAMk-3fIbpOe0XR3O-RN25Z77oV9EKDZwmuPeexEyM_3_jo/s1600/bilingual_english_sarcasm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu6B85ksltf-NUtwpTPaJOgcUHehgpLz3v58VwWRkE8fAJV73iTGaebh16M8hCxUvR4sRysS6KSs_8T1tEG_WSVp2sJJZOAMk-3fIbpOe0XR3O-RN25Z77oV9EKDZwmuPeexEyM_3_jo/s320/bilingual_english_sarcasm1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me.</td></tr>
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Bisexual: a person who is sexually attracted to both men and women. <br />
78% of Americans say that they are completely heterosexual
while 4% say that they are completely homosexual. 16% of American adults
say that they fall somewhere in between. 12% of
heterosexual American adults say that they have had a sexual experience
with someone of the same sex. 24% of people
aged 30 to 44 say that they're somewhere on the scale of bisexuality,
compared to 8% or less of over-45s.<br />
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Please lose 54 seconds of your life to this video. There was only one Suzanne. Don't be offended. Suzanne had her limits and opinions, but she was always funny. Miss the girl. <br />
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Buy: obtain in exchange for payment.<br />
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Let me explain to you. The reason for 1923 Marconi, St. Louis MO, 63110. Items available to exchange for payment. Open Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 til 4:00. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVM06d11iYcJXLlgA1_uyUhJRiKBUJBRsar_ltRiWRtIu1odgqcS84I2CJnU8-1JSZ9nwDn0CMg9En6w33n1OFLh1BppDU05BzSnETl064pr-93UdkvpmWft69aPLLAtW6shG27GYhXs/s1600/IMG_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVM06d11iYcJXLlgA1_uyUhJRiKBUJBRsar_ltRiWRtIu1odgqcS84I2CJnU8-1JSZ9nwDn0CMg9En6w33n1OFLh1BppDU05BzSnETl064pr-93UdkvpmWft69aPLLAtW6shG27GYhXs/s640/IMG_2783.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Late 19th century French settee. Original Aubusson upholstery. Beautiful colors. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RlhyNcH_MSCuadvIQl_rpugruoIFz4Zpe4G4HR7RUPv6sO5wfPQ-w10fGyb_9LB-0ksswin-9xmzYzG1RlYcpxa7SXhfFS5xdp45aEdHyBEjr3ue7dvGAAVPO85YfIeDwrtqOvdRRU0/s1600/IMG_2787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RlhyNcH_MSCuadvIQl_rpugruoIFz4Zpe4G4HR7RUPv6sO5wfPQ-w10fGyb_9LB-0ksswin-9xmzYzG1RlYcpxa7SXhfFS5xdp45aEdHyBEjr3ue7dvGAAVPO85YfIeDwrtqOvdRRU0/s640/IMG_2787.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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Fish stories. Buy these, hang 'em on your wall, and make up your own story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MVmVlRn_OrdWfE16BkPG9GohC8I1duYoO8LarCeK2i9N133Q-NIt1PvkpE49i1qKZHliVafQxdei-Exikz_Wt9tHS0DO2Zjm87ji-XeQamIUbQHQkh6knUNu10-uF57BUTHKzgF1uqw/s1600/IMG_2795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MVmVlRn_OrdWfE16BkPG9GohC8I1duYoO8LarCeK2i9N133Q-NIt1PvkpE49i1qKZHliVafQxdei-Exikz_Wt9tHS0DO2Zjm87ji-XeQamIUbQHQkh6knUNu10-uF57BUTHKzgF1uqw/s640/IMG_2795.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Homemade model of fishing boat. Great detail. Circa 1940s. Bought in south Louisiana. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZVaNU8rs0CJGhwKd9NXRLhwf2is2M1aqEvr1bqcqYiZy-Wkiw_t1lzi_8wKeF5ziSBwwoS3nxLQZjEh58jDd_IBD1XnaffDPNnjhqsE_a_TdeDfYU_UIEFWe1TvuVowBM1CWY43jJG8/s1600/IMG_2798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZVaNU8rs0CJGhwKd9NXRLhwf2is2M1aqEvr1bqcqYiZy-Wkiw_t1lzi_8wKeF5ziSBwwoS3nxLQZjEh58jDd_IBD1XnaffDPNnjhqsE_a_TdeDfYU_UIEFWe1TvuVowBM1CWY43jJG8/s640/IMG_2798.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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Dated 1879. Large cast bronze bust. Anybody know who this dude is?<br />
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Merchandise changes weekly. There's a wide variety of styles and price points. Please come in for a look around. <br />
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Bye: a term used when parting. <br />
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Bye.<br />
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<span class="bqQuoteLink"> Anne Margaret, "Bye Bye Birdie"</span>ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-46857829662141430522015-10-05T12:53:00.000-05:002015-10-05T13:11:25.631-05:00Ring of Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSWp_udUFw0-is7nR9SkSKLXglikU2grDsx_XYTdpCIPx1mgrkE4B-jQ1B_-vL6lHlePKOOUgqesRvubk2EDJpKx6mH6l-gM1sn7s6Fs0PA2dNRxxC785-0GDas-iwEqGAIt052aqE24/s1600/ring+of+fire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSWp_udUFw0-is7nR9SkSKLXglikU2grDsx_XYTdpCIPx1mgrkE4B-jQ1B_-vL6lHlePKOOUgqesRvubk2EDJpKx6mH6l-gM1sn7s6Fs0PA2dNRxxC785-0GDas-iwEqGAIt052aqE24/s640/ring+of+fire.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday 60 knocked at my door. I opened up and welcomed the new decade. Left middle age and entered into the Twilight Zone. Perhaps a ring of fire.<br />
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In the 59th year of my life, I serendipitously collected six busts of Dante. What the hell does this mean? How does this parallel with my life?<br />
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Dante was an Italian poet and moral philosopher best known for the epic poem <i>The Divine Comedy</i>, a great work of
medieval literature, the most famous part of which is the <i>Inferno</i>, an allegory telling of the journey of Dante through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. In the poem, Hell is depicted as nine circles of suffering located within the Earth. Some pretty heavy literature.<br />
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So far, my life has read like a divine comedy. See post: <a href="http://dkrinteriors.blogspot.com/2015/01/howdy-introduction.html"><i>Howdy! An Introduction</i></a>. <br />
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Today's focus is on the six I've collected, one for each decade (and also the first six rings of Hell, but we're not gonna get too deep into it, this shit's hard for a Redneck to wrap his head around). The busts will be shown in order of purchase. <br />
<span class="ng-scope" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNN9STL_TSxOO4xNFpxBwN-3ejlK8TShBrkhO41E2ryT1C1-sCKEnFDfNsSiHTxaCW9JNlz8HJ8Tsbl2ZxL5Ak4ZymFio7SwdwgSv5Bd9Blu9yK5xC5pGws_D-Ql7BWCiPfNhVeW4qoI/s1600/DSC01008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNN9STL_TSxOO4xNFpxBwN-3ejlK8TShBrkhO41E2ryT1C1-sCKEnFDfNsSiHTxaCW9JNlz8HJ8Tsbl2ZxL5Ak4ZymFio7SwdwgSv5Bd9Blu9yK5xC5pGws_D-Ql7BWCiPfNhVeW4qoI/s640/DSC01008.JPG" width="522" /></a></div>
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1. Limbo: an uncertain period, awaiting a decision or resolution. Lord have mercy, this is an uncomfortable feeling, one that causes me great anxiety.<br />
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This Dante was purchased in one of my fishing holes here in St. Louis and has been set to rest in my library bookcases. Marble, probably Italian, circa 1920. Picked this first one up because I collect busts, had no idea it would start a Dante collection. (For more about busts, please refer to post:<i> </i><a href="http://dkrinteriors.blogspot.com/2015/02/bust.html"><i>Bust</i></a>.) <br />
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2. Lust: a very strong feeling of sexual desire. Hopefully every consenting adult has experienced this. </div>
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3. Gluttony: habitual greed or excess in eating. Guilty
as charged, on both accounts. Especially the eating, over this
birthday weekend. And the gleeful experience of one very pretentious
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Two of a kind! Not a pair of bookends. Polychromed cast iron, also resting peacefully (if Dante ever experienced peace) in the library. The right amount of shitty (paint all chipped up).</div>
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4. Greed: intense selfish desire, especially for wealth, power, or food. Again, guilty as charged. On all three accounts.<br />
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This dude is one of the larger. Cast bronze, mid-19th century, perhaps a Grand Tour piece. Setting judgmentally in my entry/gallery/dining room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47XkeCxrM2W29F02dSLjYO4aH22tgrLotpfcgpfx0jHW26il7d4ezdIQ2BzeLzbjvb_xgJMH_I625Fbj-fbanYBVu62I-ACme5lD7LxNDZrpLB8wPuIbCul9jTmHjK3NfjGmX88geb68/s1600/DSC01014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47XkeCxrM2W29F02dSLjYO4aH22tgrLotpfcgpfx0jHW26il7d4ezdIQ2BzeLzbjvb_xgJMH_I625Fbj-fbanYBVu62I-ACme5lD7LxNDZrpLB8wPuIbCul9jTmHjK3NfjGmX88geb68/s640/DSC01014.JPG" width="548" /></a></div>
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5. Anger: a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Unfortunately I experience this much too often.<br />
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This guy is bronze, mounted on a marble ashtray. Circa 1920. Interesting, burning cigarettes in a marble ring. He even looks angry. Actually, all the busts look angry.<br />
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6. Heresy: belief or opinion contrary to the orthodox. I resemble this remark.<br />
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In the last week of my 59th year, I acquired the largest of the collection. An architectural terra cotta piece mounted on a marble base. Mid to late 19th century. Not sure if keeping this dude. Just can't seem to find a place for him to rest.<br />
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Life has been good. Woke up today trying to elude limbo, with a lust
to give the best I possibly can, gluttonous desire to work harder than I
ever have, a greed to enjoy what's in store, an angry commitment to be kinder than I could ever imagine, and a heretical goal to not be so contrary. <br />
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The last three rings: Violence, Fraud, and Treachery. I hope my collection is over, and I don't experience the last three while I'm in the Twilight Zone.<br />
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Johnny Cash, "Ring of Fire"<br />
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<section class="m-detail--body"><section class="ng-scope ng-isolate-scope"></section></section>ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-60547335322424878182015-09-28T13:29:00.001-05:002015-09-28T15:04:37.218-05:00Fairies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq4cC4-9DmeaGAyJVPj3EXmQYIUV3dMVnWvWy_Gwfed91tmISPAEgAlzbdbel1fO0pgdJ28_Bf5GW9k5xF5COcxuoImEeEgmc2KxTbdXWvxkz2Y4a3OllSvIX5RaBSHfnB-FJI0alIL4/s1600/tumblr_static_tinkerbell.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq4cC4-9DmeaGAyJVPj3EXmQYIUV3dMVnWvWy_Gwfed91tmISPAEgAlzbdbel1fO0pgdJ28_Bf5GW9k5xF5COcxuoImEeEgmc2KxTbdXWvxkz2Y4a3OllSvIX5RaBSHfnB-FJI0alIL4/s640/tumblr_static_tinkerbell.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fairy (from Merriam-Webster):</div>
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<span class="ssens"><b></b>1: a mythical being of folklore and romance usually having diminutive human form and magic powers </span></div>
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2:<span class="ssens"><i> (usually disparaging</i>) a male homosexual.</span></div>
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Fairies we're all familiar with: <br />
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Tinker Bell: described by J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, as sometimes ill-tempered, spoiled, jealous,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker_Bell#cite_note-2"></a></sup> and vindictive (maybe this is why gay men are sometimes referred to as fairies, I sometimes resemble this description),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinker_Bell#cite_note-3"></a></sup>
at other times she is inquisitive, helpful and kind. The
extremes in her personality are explained in the story by the fact that a
fairy's size prevents her from holding more than one feeling at a time,
so when she is angry she has no counterbalancing compassion.<br />
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Tooth Fairy: a fantasy figure of early childhood. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_fairy#cite_note-1"></a></sup>Folklore states that when children lose one of their baby teeth,
they should place it underneath their pillow and the tooth fairy will
visit while they sleep, replacing the lost tooth with a small payment.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_fairy#cite_note-2"></a></sup> The tradition of leaving a tooth under a pillow for the tooth fairy to collect is practiced in various countries.<br />
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Fairy Godmothers: these appear frequently in fairytale fantasy, especially <i>Cinderella</i> and <i>Sleeping Beauty</i>. Typically, the fairy godmother's protégé is a prince or princess and the hero of the story, and the godparent uses her magic to help or otherwise support them. Fairy Godmothers just made good shit happen. We all wish for one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NpLz9RJj4-vQpv13JEn2-5qMJtp3oZ5OXbSXHQ37Ym34XhP3d9XN4HAQYYOY17nQJ_TD8d25_TqZsWvYGl9SS1foEJUsHvJLBJ7rfzf_Y4Z2TiQ1OMFPyYZCOtOVPTSn9cuFusiu9FY/s1600/fairy3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NpLz9RJj4-vQpv13JEn2-5qMJtp3oZ5OXbSXHQ37Ym34XhP3d9XN4HAQYYOY17nQJ_TD8d25_TqZsWvYGl9SS1foEJUsHvJLBJ7rfzf_Y4Z2TiQ1OMFPyYZCOtOVPTSn9cuFusiu9FY/s400/fairy3.jpg" width="260" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrgpVWC7KE3xLMb48WnyfAeEcANtoy0JNK6yfjnYR_ZYd7X2nn3AW9qMNbJztqSIh1uND-x2dEbhmQgvI8drLiKUyIkbGZvrNbYUlAg671_wLso34JUgr7dGV9VZb-HiVmxhyi_MIo4c/s1600/fairy2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrgpVWC7KE3xLMb48WnyfAeEcANtoy0JNK6yfjnYR_ZYd7X2nn3AW9qMNbJztqSIh1uND-x2dEbhmQgvI8drLiKUyIkbGZvrNbYUlAg671_wLso34JUgr7dGV9VZb-HiVmxhyi_MIo4c/s400/fairy2.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H1arsn8_1SOS5dVELt3LzEEUnzkTMhd-DpzDxfpvR29vU-H7jLEZOxReUzWpWvVkfZiidd8LfvlJKEdHm8_7OsBTFmMyDE22XXeTCcqzjd_bjhnPMpAskdZIN9JZ0FLRM0a2K1_1uc0/s1600/fairy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H1arsn8_1SOS5dVELt3LzEEUnzkTMhd-DpzDxfpvR29vU-H7jLEZOxReUzWpWvVkfZiidd8LfvlJKEdHm8_7OsBTFmMyDE22XXeTCcqzjd_bjhnPMpAskdZIN9JZ0FLRM0a2K1_1uc0/s400/fairy.jpg" width="250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQNLsOx6ZrdUmqwiy-nBIdD6_D9ER4XbipQ0hKr-786KmnKhX6inbsBVBfUf9Lh0E5AJ7Nlxg32yI-1XZhgokfvUV-_dzo5slRK2n1R0LsUTShk-AM3HVlwdF7T-WMdcNslAss6MXxJo/s1600/fairy4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQNLsOx6ZrdUmqwiy-nBIdD6_D9ER4XbipQ0hKr-786KmnKhX6inbsBVBfUf9Lh0E5AJ7Nlxg32yI-1XZhgokfvUV-_dzo5slRK2n1R0LsUTShk-AM3HVlwdF7T-WMdcNslAss6MXxJo/s400/fairy4.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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During the Victorian and Edwardian periods, people were obsessed with fairies. They frequently appeared in
art, music, and literature—for children and adults—as well as in
the decorative arts. The Celtic Revival
viewed them as part of Ireland's cultural heritage. Some have suggested that the fascination of English antiquarians with fairies arose from a
reaction to greater industrialization, and loss of folkways. Above are some great examples of Edwardian fairy photography.<br />
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More than once in my career, I've had a client ask for something that was virtually impossible, and my reply has been, "I might be a fairy, but my wand is broken."<br />
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Now we're gonna talk about a not so well known fairy: The Turn-to-Shit Fairy. Bitch been followin' me for two weeks, even whispering in my ears, "turn to shit." I'm tellin' you, people, everything's been goin' wrong.<br />
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Bedding not ready at the laundry in time for photo shoot.<br />
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Truck door won't open, I force it, the whole interior side pulls off.<br />
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Custom lamp shades arrive damaged.<br />
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Glass hurricane of antique altar candle breaks.<br />
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I fall off roof of truck while stealing magnolia seed pods (maybe that's karma).<br />
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Large piece of art falls off wall, ripping hole in new drywall, breaking glass. What a mess.<br />
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Broke three coffee cups in five days.<br />
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Printing job wrong three times. Went to another printer.<br />
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My upholsterer, that I've used for years, went out of business.<br />
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I could go on.<br />
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Nothin' going my way. I'm being a pouty little baby. Ready to throw myself on the floor and have a hissy fit. I know this is all trivial shit, but enough is enough.<br />
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Silver-hiding_5-0"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-LJjFGO3iXHsvXv1Gxgr6ZCY_xXxOCfffIIRbB8qBjhv7VgQ0sE_GXUKxBT_Yu1ck4gGFUEHZhtPU-3OG53lIQkCBT_eHKX7gwTN8wq6I5DVTWwC7byPd67eP74NuyshO5LMiWO3td0/s1600/Screenshot+2015-09-28+12.02.04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-LJjFGO3iXHsvXv1Gxgr6ZCY_xXxOCfffIIRbB8qBjhv7VgQ0sE_GXUKxBT_Yu1ck4gGFUEHZhtPU-3OG53lIQkCBT_eHKX7gwTN8wq6I5DVTWwC7byPd67eP74NuyshO5LMiWO3td0/s640/Screenshot+2015-09-28+12.02.04.png" width="640" /></a> </sup></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Silver-hiding_5-0"><span style="font-size: small;">When I catch the BITCH</span></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Silver-hiding_5-0"><span style="font-size: small;">, I'm gonna take this... </span></sup></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRocOc8SrEm2xgqdi9Adb6Mfx0Bk2cfl2qcO0Li2f16yOCMR_2K2lwucvOZrFxeG6Az4SEQbd6B68dBQikCOj8z2rvUaTlOrIp9F9EPUJ75n0l3EaTl_qimnAs-efSZmVQwckbOISTgY/s1600/Donkey-ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRocOc8SrEm2xgqdi9Adb6Mfx0Bk2cfl2qcO0Li2f16yOCMR_2K2lwucvOZrFxeG6Az4SEQbd6B68dBQikCOj8z2rvUaTlOrIp9F9EPUJ75n0l3EaTl_qimnAs-efSZmVQwckbOISTgY/s640/Donkey-ass.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Silver-hiding_5-0"> </sup><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">...and shove it up this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Used picture of jackass 'cause I've been acting like one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Lee Hazlewood, "Friday's Child" </span></div>
ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-38236766561302381492015-09-21T11:26:00.002-05:002015-09-21T20:35:59.683-05:00Shaken, Not Stirred, Chapter 1: Diamonds are Forever<br />
"<b>Shaken, not stirred</b>" is Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent James Bond's preferred preparation of his martini cocktails.<br />
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Why the James Bond reference? Started a new job that will be "shaken not stirred." New client has the suavity of Agent 007. He's also an antiques special agent: Robert Morrissey, owner of <a href="http://www.robertmorrissey.com/">Robert Morrissey Antiques and Fine Art</a>, 132 N. Meramec Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105. <br />
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Mr. Morrissey has quite an eye for the refined and has accumulated a collection of important antiques, decorative arts, and paintings, including artists such as Frederick Sylvester, Stan Masters, and Arthur Osver. That's why this chapter is called "Diamonds are Forever." I'm gettin' to work with jewels.<br />
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The Challenge: make the home more comfortable, livable, inviting. Speaking quite frankly, remove the stick from you-know-where. We've talked about the possibility of me doing this, and now it's a reality. Quoting Mr. Morrissey as we talked, "I'm willing to listen, I may not act." <br />
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Below are some photographs of the house as it is now. As you can see, I have the honor of working with some pretty incredible objects in a house that reads well. I have a challenge. STOKED AND READY.<br />
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View of living room. Just a tad stiff.</div>
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Closeup of tablescape next to sofa. Look at these incredible objects. Lamp will get a close-up soon.</div>
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Vignette of dining room. Notice cat plate stands on bottom shelf (you'll see them again later). Look at these f-in' paintings! They're everywhere.</div>
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View of sun room. Notice the marble statuary. She's gonna find a new home.</div>
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Master bedroom. This room is gonna get a kick-ass makeover. Bed soon to be made up in white linens, and walls painted pale steel-gray. </div>
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Vintage Stroheim and Romann toile, for window treatments. Rich royal
blue mohair for headboard, and vintage crewel embroidery for a Louis XVI
chair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefGKfbHfUM0QuL13yo5rbu7CyU4mSwpfRuOEN0mqVtKY9j0AfxeByhi-g502h0lhnNOoX-gSM78ZPmRT6HqNfI37zaDtawqBHBGydXYXfES_Mqy09bVxqawcPA3cH0OgRpTt0SJBBMMY/s1600/DSC00976.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefGKfbHfUM0QuL13yo5rbu7CyU4mSwpfRuOEN0mqVtKY9j0AfxeByhi-g502h0lhnNOoX-gSM78ZPmRT6HqNfI37zaDtawqBHBGydXYXfES_Mqy09bVxqawcPA3cH0OgRpTt0SJBBMMY/s640/DSC00976.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Dressing room, part of the master bedroom suite. There will be lots of
stirring. The French gallery rods GOTTA go. Will be reassembling the collection of paintings throughout the house into gallery hangings that enhance the ambience of the
different rooms. Grouping pieces together that complement each other, mixing sizes, media, and periods. <br />
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This is the breakfast room. Today's plan was to discuss different possibilities and get a little more comfortable telling him how things gotta be. Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Morrissey said, "I'm willing to listen, I may not act." Well, Mr. Morrissey did some listening, I did some acting.<br />
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Look what happened! Table moved from center of room. Nicked a pair of leather chairs out of his office, the other is on opposite side of the room. Large painting stolen from den in basement. Arthur Osver painting on right, ran from the bedroom and hung itself. The cat plate stands have found a new life as sculpture. Museum-quality porcelain adds a refined touch. Tole lamp escaped from the living room and loves its new home.<br />
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More chapters coming soon. <br />
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Shirley Bassey, "Diamonds are Forever"<br />
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-10737125628980122432015-09-14T17:03:00.001-05:002015-09-14T17:18:34.344-05:00Don't Get Cross With Me<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwXalPGz47lgJoRWmr9lASUDeaTTTfXuWE_fSdc_bvunuq7LEi-S1wO7NOw_l84tsnOEDLTT-Z4SSJK0h1TPdyQjyGGeEmFQr3h6xJG8KpJh7bVFC_ktXhikVzv4689-OcvaXTgOk-GQ/s1600/homer.gif"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwXalPGz47lgJoRWmr9lASUDeaTTTfXuWE_fSdc_bvunuq7LEi-S1wO7NOw_l84tsnOEDLTT-Z4SSJK0h1TPdyQjyGGeEmFQr3h6xJG8KpJh7bVFC_ktXhikVzv4689-OcvaXTgOk-GQ/s400/homer.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I get cross, I get slightly angry, put a
little edge in my voice. With me, "gettin' cross" is a
momentary mood. When people get cross with me, it's not so momentary. I'm usually causin' some kinda shit somewhere. Homer seems a little more than slightly angry. Sorta like me and my dad. I was a lot like Bart, with a sissy edge.<br />
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When I'm not gettin' cross, I'm collecting crosses and using them in my interior design work. Below are two examples.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpGEokKKpz0RizZyOQJuBadJI7dARTUKkJQdPaWMsjQamoRHWwr_Dv0Pjfq5hP41OtBZnT_wAtT1GxiSuyp5-Cemp5Qn2n6eHdW831400EMHSYbHrGi-6UNZLRIuHl_vkUTWkUFw7QN4/s1600/20150605-dkr_web-1420.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpGEokKKpz0RizZyOQJuBadJI7dARTUKkJQdPaWMsjQamoRHWwr_Dv0Pjfq5hP41OtBZnT_wAtT1GxiSuyp5-Cemp5Qn2n6eHdW831400EMHSYbHrGi-6UNZLRIuHl_vkUTWkUFw7QN4/s640/20150605-dkr_web-1420.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar Les Freres</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a7eLgcaeg3KMhWiU6ZU4nTYnJCN5AD0JaQlenspGpSCsC5PjyYzeTv8hDR0sJYVRLiaFhkQQ0HZ_ChRkP6h9jQsCSmkW__fXxnXZuyRJhr6wVzT6Rm6PPKFfzDacutzP6-gvRB8fbLc/s1600/DSC00879.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2a7eLgcaeg3KMhWiU6ZU4nTYnJCN5AD0JaQlenspGpSCsC5PjyYzeTv8hDR0sJYVRLiaFhkQQ0HZ_ChRkP6h9jQsCSmkW__fXxnXZuyRJhr6wVzT6Rm6PPKFfzDacutzP6-gvRB8fbLc/s640/DSC00879.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dressing room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The cross is an old symbol. Due to the simplicity of the design (two crossing lines), cross-shapes
appear from deep prehistory as far back as petroglyphs in European cult
caves. Use of the cross as a Christian symbol may be as early as the
1st century, and is certain for the 3rd century. A wide variety of cross symbols were introduced for the purpose of heraldry beginning in the age of the Crusades. <br />
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In contemporary Christianity, the cross is a symbol of the atonement and reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself.<br />
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Below are some crosses from my personal collection. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywIxDPP16qFkEsvxRiJt1mCJGTZLwqP_zS1tJynOQ9XhT3BgWMoyJSWKNtfynMGuMB-1JJR8VxVwBwrFu0XlF7PmSTzS3pztVBtKA82dYV_khEKP4iuHJs5jC_xYzYiUiVWlLRcdStNw/s1600/DSC00876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywIxDPP16qFkEsvxRiJt1mCJGTZLwqP_zS1tJynOQ9XhT3BgWMoyJSWKNtfynMGuMB-1JJR8VxVwBwrFu0XlF7PmSTzS3pztVBtKA82dYV_khEKP4iuHJs5jC_xYzYiUiVWlLRcdStNw/s640/DSC00876.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5"><br /></sup>
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5"><span style="font-size: small;">Base of an altar candle holder. Bronze, circa 1900. </span></sup><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRX2NVUSvvg6H9_ZJ0j1YSsHFJ12DWwA24aPGDu4VNgswRDIbvQTcs9m1LeiBAH3yhEXHqwMkFnDTkLzsxdRGxbBv1grQNunWDgAaT5E5AcJpTp_3T7yp1ISj6_7sLjuisX6S4Rxo_9U/s1600/DSC00875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRX2NVUSvvg6H9_ZJ0j1YSsHFJ12DWwA24aPGDu4VNgswRDIbvQTcs9m1LeiBAH3yhEXHqwMkFnDTkLzsxdRGxbBv1grQNunWDgAaT5E5AcJpTp_3T7yp1ISj6_7sLjuisX6S4Rxo_9U/s640/DSC00875.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5"><span style="font-size: small;">Tramp art, circa 1940. Made from small wooden 1/2 inch pegs glued together. Quite architectural. Notice the dude in the background, perhaps doing some soul-searching.</span></sup><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AH7ifDuPUrB_BaGBy8FFEn4_bDh74SIwr1jZBWTrns84PblRkZP926g1YQIHvcyU4qnrfp-vupJANWddiVlfvFywdoHZdoSYQAB4x0kfx_WKl5xRAH0gqmK21PcB8qbisoe8Y3bMXD8/s1600/DSC00871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AH7ifDuPUrB_BaGBy8FFEn4_bDh74SIwr1jZBWTrns84PblRkZP926g1YQIHvcyU4qnrfp-vupJANWddiVlfvFywdoHZdoSYQAB4x0kfx_WKl5xRAH0gqmK21PcB8qbisoe8Y3bMXD8/s640/DSC00871.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Folk art cross from country church in Mississippi, circa 1940s. Love this piece. <br />
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Below are some crosses available in my shop. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-zAn-qu2UOqA5FgGJrPG5ApXs8p3GOjuJt-d9tK8WJ2fTEecKZzTLEHLGYLd0FNbfA7n6yzFnPxqWsPwE4-go36hTvIw7APbo_8Zm3b0dti5C8ZwSGTkYeEx-a6jyJlk0rUehNuGxS0/s1600/DSC00861.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-zAn-qu2UOqA5FgGJrPG5ApXs8p3GOjuJt-d9tK8WJ2fTEecKZzTLEHLGYLd0FNbfA7n6yzFnPxqWsPwE4-go36hTvIw7APbo_8Zm3b0dti5C8ZwSGTkYeEx-a6jyJlk0rUehNuGxS0/s640/DSC00861.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
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Needlework cross in great folk art frame, late 19th century. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80AgNibiQbnwfBEhs_PDS_-mI3QvkfZv-YI6bkXFR9MPKqM3bikbFqgOLb99KSbHndBAJ87Mu28Y6Uup3MOs2EhYDiDV1Rjy-FR_FuDNrDxNSzV1aU9V0-AWnmu9wJgoAs07aRjFCP10/s1600/DSC00852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80AgNibiQbnwfBEhs_PDS_-mI3QvkfZv-YI6bkXFR9MPKqM3bikbFqgOLb99KSbHndBAJ87Mu28Y6Uup3MOs2EhYDiDV1Rjy-FR_FuDNrDxNSzV1aU9V0-AWnmu9wJgoAs07aRjFCP10/s640/DSC00852.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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"I don't care if it rains or freezes, long as I got my plastic Jesus sittin' on the dashboard of my car." That's what this is, folks. A dashboard Jesus, circa 1950s.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng2A0ZcxQ0ZWlAxRSbuIQp8fvd7RVeRHAMj6CowuMQTuL9BgsDgXDzuzTpFPZIyvdcxPIS8nDAl4jWQ2-Wu4L4jz3L0xp4In5HGXlBsEJThvdbf9NlwULOdfojCiYLhVIdqUz9pzNM2g/s1600/DSC00855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhng2A0ZcxQ0ZWlAxRSbuIQp8fvd7RVeRHAMj6CowuMQTuL9BgsDgXDzuzTpFPZIyvdcxPIS8nDAl4jWQ2-Wu4L4jz3L0xp4In5HGXlBsEJThvdbf9NlwULOdfojCiYLhVIdqUz9pzNM2g/s640/DSC00855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Collection of jewelry.</div>
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DOUBLE-CROSSED!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqG_ln4E6y9oDDGfRSibNV6AvY18UohZRQps2PVQyki7qHZoAu6s7gmrGdeuJycD0RVa1XY70Q7b1gyg23U6MKtlglPBbsbus8nTfCkQ405OqQfZy_PHRE1-Vwe1JUOVHBNLzb-HePsI/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqG_ln4E6y9oDDGfRSibNV6AvY18UohZRQps2PVQyki7qHZoAu6s7gmrGdeuJycD0RVa1XY70Q7b1gyg23U6MKtlglPBbsbus8nTfCkQ405OqQfZy_PHRE1-Vwe1JUOVHBNLzb-HePsI/s640/DSC00849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Double cross is a phrase meaning to deceive by double-dealing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MW1_5-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betrayal#cite_note-MW1-5"></a></sup> It has also been suggested that the term was inspired by the practice of 18th-century British thief taker and criminal Jonathan Wild,
who kept a ledger of his transactions and is said to have placed two
crosses by the names of persons who had cheated him in some way. This folk etymology is almost certainly incorrect, but there is documentary evidence that the term did exist in the 19th century.<br />
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Signing off. Dotting my <span style="font-size: large;">t</span>'s and crossing my <span style="font-size: large;">i</span>'s.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Tennessee Ernie Ford - The Old Rugged Cross (Live)">Tennessee Ernie Ford, "The Old Rugged Cross"</span></span></span></h1>
ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-17275987539612808462015-07-27T11:05:00.000-05:002015-07-27T11:05:32.898-05:00Insomnia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Visuals can cause insomnia. Me sometimes after a day of shopping. <br />
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I shop a lot. Shopping, sourcing, is a huge part of my job. Top of the list as to fun. For larger jobs, much of the stuff is custom-made, ordered. Occasionally I have a rush job, items need to be purchased yesterday. St. Louis is a small city, so my options are limited. Occasionally I find myself stepping into a wasteland of aesthetic garbage. The memories haunt my dreams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWVf5pQ7nEk3HbdpMQWQipdKJno4hQY0s41Iylaoi5SD5gr-zcOglS0XIz_kpkylrF_lTbmQgL_8EoPiLMt0ijLEk0t5ejLkVNKEfsJLowAb52hrnBOHho1ShKjgIBUONiRb25lTZ5eY/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWVf5pQ7nEk3HbdpMQWQipdKJno4hQY0s41Iylaoi5SD5gr-zcOglS0XIz_kpkylrF_lTbmQgL_8EoPiLMt0ijLEk0t5ejLkVNKEfsJLowAb52hrnBOHho1ShKjgIBUONiRb25lTZ5eY/s400/IMG_2461.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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On one of my excursions, I discovered this. No, actually, was assaulted by it. A candle chandelier made from hay? What the FUCK? Fire hazard! But when I visualize the home this would hang in, it probably should go up in flames.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxt3O5QXXrIIp48IqDPcpfmPJz1MBWZtc-2TBJAyi1gQJwy-_NbIxdCvea3Jy9pWt2zjW32n06MJ6qOIi0KgwBwhrHRDDAqx4tkvYR18ey-4EfyZoMbZ4G7YTTRCXhz3i6n5fcHFWY10/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxt3O5QXXrIIp48IqDPcpfmPJz1MBWZtc-2TBJAyi1gQJwy-_NbIxdCvea3Jy9pWt2zjW32n06MJ6qOIi0KgwBwhrHRDDAqx4tkvYR18ey-4EfyZoMbZ4G7YTTRCXhz3i6n5fcHFWY10/s400/IMG_2455.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauMxq8efe3wZbPQM0wJdG8b-UMFItK2EfKvBwkv5iN4IITsCZ6eKtpbG2ijnei-uNMV5AJXev5RmcAVpTUomOQaRF1xjj3DxQF5s3EgpRnAwG9ci7MiTw37d0S5F-MVqZiqlXiwnpMQU/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauMxq8efe3wZbPQM0wJdG8b-UMFItK2EfKvBwkv5iN4IITsCZ6eKtpbG2ijnei-uNMV5AJXev5RmcAVpTUomOQaRF1xjj3DxQF5s3EgpRnAwG9ci7MiTw37d0S5F-MVqZiqlXiwnpMQU/s400/IMG_2471.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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Lord, have mercy on us all. Left: Fee-fi-faux-fern. But the bow is real (a real nightmare). Oh my God. I have bow issues, something we'll address in a later post, closer to bow season (Christmas). Right: Lovely itchy scratchy burlap hanging on the windows. Nothing like <span class="_Tgc">roughage for the visual diet.</span> At least the ribbons match. Well done (practicing <a href="http://dkrinteriors.blogspot.com/p/glossary-of-davidisms.html">sarcatechism</a>). <span class="_Tgc"></span><br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8iLg8Ied5WixIlVd8QcNveoGPFIxvYBUODhmoMCFN4VNp4NBJQmsJhHTc3lPX88oejT0lL9dvUCAgzdUPMiYeqcRjy9FNUouuP7rsiQVz5mjluPy3ii0SVzx4U42mx_xoc-umICnW4/s1600/IMG_2456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8iLg8Ied5WixIlVd8QcNveoGPFIxvYBUODhmoMCFN4VNp4NBJQmsJhHTc3lPX88oejT0lL9dvUCAgzdUPMiYeqcRjy9FNUouuP7rsiQVz5mjluPy3ii0SVzx4U42mx_xoc-umICnW4/s400/IMG_2456.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKXZDR0NG8hCfYNr7T9p3ns3BKFHjqzHkgLuTWGIbPCwVPb2-Q2taJ7pv06-_u7ocLbIdC3ADdEyRbY_2vW084JsBM7wBP_-7r_zL2x8RBJfKmRjLCUbxiTrwu0mvul-tm0bWHzu53A/s1600/IMG_2478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKXZDR0NG8hCfYNr7T9p3ns3BKFHjqzHkgLuTWGIbPCwVPb2-Q2taJ7pv06-_u7ocLbIdC3ADdEyRbY_2vW084JsBM7wBP_-7r_zL2x8RBJfKmRjLCUbxiTrwu0mvul-tm0bWHzu53A/s400/IMG_2478.jpg" width="298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJ8iLg8Ied5WixIlVd8QcNveoGPFIxvYBUODhmoMCFN4VNp4NBJQmsJhHTc3lPX88oejT0lL9dvUCAgzdUPMiYeqcRjy9FNUouuP7rsiQVz5mjluPy3ii0SVzx4U42mx_xoc-umICnW4/s1600/IMG_2456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<span class="_Tgc">Left: Lovely color coordination. MORE faux, this time moss. </span><span class="_Tgc">Right: Housewives of who-the-hell-knows headboard.</span><br />
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Peace & Love? More like pieces of shit. The peace sign is an icon, I hate seeing it used this way.<br />
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This was the only useful item in the whole damn place (name and address withheld to protect the guilty). Was it needed for the faux-fern?<br />
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Listed below are some places in St. Louis that I visit for a visual rush and great merchandise. I always leave inspired by certain items that lead me on a path of creativity and discovery, allowing me to go home for sweet dreams, insomnia cured.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBXWBkWcP_Tnk-sqXyry0csNEnKV1e_ntHj5EIyAqiBPSwdntnV7Jre631x3n1Doc1uGFtRV0wrW6tvXPpgA1bnGOIDk_URWZqMtOwjIAam9QIQ7xDaYnhXXVYP4Q4uG-aUJ1OJnQDDg/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBXWBkWcP_Tnk-sqXyry0csNEnKV1e_ntHj5EIyAqiBPSwdntnV7Jre631x3n1Doc1uGFtRV0wrW6tvXPpgA1bnGOIDk_URWZqMtOwjIAam9QIQ7xDaYnhXXVYP4Q4uG-aUJ1OJnQDDg/s400/IMG_2640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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New kids on the block: Kathy Mack and Mark Howald Antiques. 9796 Clayton Road, St. Louis MO 63124. A well-rounded selection covering many genres.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdphrJRC8LU5fBjM-KPTqjsVJqjKdduuCc_14ItF0ELEYLMtMu2sodc52UntRjWfcY9dmCcFoMWb7Vmj6iH_jS1BnPr32hSwgMvmCT3G_PD6WZ0pdwe9AYsMHlcT7TeOnC0_17qbo_74/s1600/884F1096-02A0-409B-8D45-5C84D198C1A6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdphrJRC8LU5fBjM-KPTqjsVJqjKdduuCc_14ItF0ELEYLMtMu2sodc52UntRjWfcY9dmCcFoMWb7Vmj6iH_jS1BnPr32hSwgMvmCT3G_PD6WZ0pdwe9AYsMHlcT7TeOnC0_17qbo_74/s400/884F1096-02A0-409B-8D45-5C84D198C1A6.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEd1gs6uBEmAF2UB8teMFU-ZVxmynxcClp2vl7N5RsMUv9RJw7fMjmiISz8ZVBLbXLseZ7CuKmubefbcamUBhAYhul4FNj0WBsQoO8SkcaWjKbf-y0G90dS62uL98mnK-akjuGsI-yQI/s1600/058A6699-B1D0-4FF3-8E89-738715D5EFA5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEd1gs6uBEmAF2UB8teMFU-ZVxmynxcClp2vl7N5RsMUv9RJw7fMjmiISz8ZVBLbXLseZ7CuKmubefbcamUBhAYhul4FNj0WBsQoO8SkcaWjKbf-y0G90dS62uL98mnK-akjuGsI-yQI/s400/058A6699-B1D0-4FF3-8E89-738715D5EFA5.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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R Ege Antiques, 1304 Sydney Street St. Louis MO 63104. One of the best places in St. Louis to find your not-so-ordinary (off-the-wall) furnishings and accessories. Normal stuff, too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKkJ7RYZ3IpkevdJ8OQG8J1cl5iww5uk3lHmFBmCeHWr-SZSPCJ-Z5XH1bi6JsHKSH52YIKjUBFdGyFf_0-JROD2N9NRwsszkYZo4h5YtPlRNPRN4Bza3E0gu0wP4pz4myENRicgHZFQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKkJ7RYZ3IpkevdJ8OQG8J1cl5iww5uk3lHmFBmCeHWr-SZSPCJ-Z5XH1bi6JsHKSH52YIKjUBFdGyFf_0-JROD2N9NRwsszkYZo4h5YtPlRNPRN4Bza3E0gu0wP4pz4myENRicgHZFQ/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="176" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskGQ2oQA5bqIkFZinWpjbXSo-BUqhaiA3XVwbjvTGJqXt-MDCsxQFFaHCpf4BFCr_3GeGiYlsXJ-4uZvsqEPJvmZQWmvV5QBoxo4_6UBgZ8fkwUL39yIV6iMZTx77-8kaC5dcB8JGreE/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskGQ2oQA5bqIkFZinWpjbXSo-BUqhaiA3XVwbjvTGJqXt-MDCsxQFFaHCpf4BFCr_3GeGiYlsXJ-4uZvsqEPJvmZQWmvV5QBoxo4_6UBgZ8fkwUL39yIV6iMZTx77-8kaC5dcB8JGreE/s400/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKkJ7RYZ3IpkevdJ8OQG8J1cl5iww5uk3lHmFBmCeHWr-SZSPCJ-Z5XH1bi6JsHKSH52YIKjUBFdGyFf_0-JROD2N9NRwsszkYZo4h5YtPlRNPRN4Bza3E0gu0wP4pz4myENRicgHZFQ/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Robert Morrissey Antiques. 132 North Meramec Avenue, St. Louis MO 63105. A place to find higher-end goods. This stuff is high-falutin'. </div>
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Patsy Cline, "Sweet Dreams"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-34798840712501599982015-07-20T11:51:00.000-05:002015-07-20T11:51:45.863-05:00Made in the Shade<br />
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Temperatures in St. Louis have been peaking in the 90's. Elsewhere, they have been in the 3-digit range. Time to seek one of life's simple pleasures: a giant shade tree. It's summertime, folks. Time to be lazy. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, relaxing under the boughs of a big shady tree.</div>
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Wouldn't this be nice, on a long hot day? </div>
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Now let's talk about some different kinds of shades. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqUqD9FYh7BvB6qIh5KNmqixCc9IQaP7-1aA6AwpqgvzyPzYNr1Wry2qMr9yXkg22RHZ20d1lI-laehOas2t7QKdiUrk79gmJ2oZfdszDkgdRfB8ChtVZK5Imzf7vWJk7Da8oxcM-PtM/s1600/1960-Elizabeth-Montgomery-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqUqD9FYh7BvB6qIh5KNmqixCc9IQaP7-1aA6AwpqgvzyPzYNr1Wry2qMr9yXkg22RHZ20d1lI-laehOas2t7QKdiUrk79gmJ2oZfdszDkgdRfB8ChtVZK5Imzf7vWJk7Da8oxcM-PtM/s400/1960-Elizabeth-Montgomery-.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Montgomery, c.1960 - star of TV sitcom <i>Bewitched.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you don't know who this is, "Fuck you!" Cool dude, cool glasses.</td></tr>
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Hundreds of years ago, Inuit people wore flattened walrus
ivory "glasses," looking through narrow slits to block sun rays
reflected off the snow. Sunglasses made from flat panes of smoky quartz to protect the eyes from
glare were used in China
in the 12th century, and ancient documents describe crystal sunglasses worn by judges in Chinese courts, to
conceal their facial expressions while questioning witnesses. The Roman emperor Nero liked to watch gladiator fights with emeralds (what a sneaky way to wear jewels). In the early 1920s,
the use of sunglasses became more widespread, especially
among movie stars, to avoid
recognition by fans. (An alternative reason sometimes given is that
they often had red eyes from the powerful arc lamps used on set – YEAH RIGHT, if you ask me, it was to conceal bloodshot eyes from drugs, booze, and wild nights). <br />
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My collection of shades. To hide me from the paparazzi. Truth is, they hide the crow's feet. Real truth is, I don't wear 'em, cause as soon as I walk out the door with 'em, they're as good as lost.<br />
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Shade pick of the day. Found them on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-90s-Vintage-Style-John-Lennon-Black-Lenses-Tortoise-Frame-Unisex-Sunglasses-/110941769471">ebay</a>, sending for a pair today.<br />
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LET THE RANTING BEGIN!<br />
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Started with "Made in the Shade." Switching to "Why Were These Shades Made?" <br />
<br />
WHY do these horrible tacky lampshades seek me out? I have bad-shade radar (shade-dar? A new Davidism?). <br />
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Refer also to <a href="http://dkrinteriors.blogspot.com/2015/04/shady-characters.html">Shady Characters, April 6 2015</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing9WdbymV_sNmYrvQ67IrDAZ9zZnHmnvFve9LnMdgS-flPQDEwjMGNF-gBFGvokUetxNM1wZoDjbceT6n6yh0jVD9PsZ3Jr1fzKJPsqjjO0RW6Nqsnw-lYT1BiyPcvcgZFaddnjfI43I/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEing9WdbymV_sNmYrvQ67IrDAZ9zZnHmnvFve9LnMdgS-flPQDEwjMGNF-gBFGvokUetxNM1wZoDjbceT6n6yh0jVD9PsZ3Jr1fzKJPsqjjO0RW6Nqsnw-lYT1BiyPcvcgZFaddnjfI43I/s320/IMG_0955.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Study in Black and White"</td></tr>
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I don't know what the fuck this is. A cinnamon roll? A flower? A colonoscopy ("Kodak moment")?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Whore Decor"</td></tr>
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I never realized there was such a market for streetwalker lighting. Once again, this seems to be made from Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie. Perhaps I could open a chain of stores named Whore Decor. I see a lot of crap that could fill the shelves. But would anyone even buy it? Maybe it's all supply, no demand. I don't even think a hooker would buy this shit. Hookers have style.<br />
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I thought hookers just used streetlights anyway. With these they could have their own stylish corner. (PS- available in my shop.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n2R1K8dr3N07ujCAsvCVuLSFm9NVA8Ro9_l0Rgw7c6rCA8bPo1TMmjNlNGG2x89SfJAqCLnVKNvoQEI4of7Y8xQPZsLvq18Gz0PFQHf3Pq3QJJTtMQlW9zuiJjdj5Zs_q0SKGVGZsWY/s1600/DSC00812.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3n2R1K8dr3N07ujCAsvCVuLSFm9NVA8Ro9_l0Rgw7c6rCA8bPo1TMmjNlNGG2x89SfJAqCLnVKNvoQEI4of7Y8xQPZsLvq18Gz0PFQHf3Pq3QJJTtMQlW9zuiJjdj5Zs_q0SKGVGZsWY/s320/DSC00812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stripper"</td></tr>
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Once again we're talking about a shady profession. I'm all about "The Right Amount of Shitty" but this is "A Fuckin' Pity." </div>
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<br />
Mungo Jerry, "In the Summertime"<br />
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"In the summertime when the weather is high<br />You can stretch right up and touch the sky<br />When the weather's fine<br />You got women, you got women on your mind"</div>
ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-68277784364239391552015-07-06T11:25:00.000-05:002015-07-06T12:01:00.931-05:00Brain Farts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Urban Dictionary definition of Brain Fart: When you are attempting to remember something very obvious, something
that you know you should know. This feeling often leads to head banging
and hair pulling.
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People, I have them all the time. Thank you JESUS they don't smell! If they did, I would have no friends, no one would want to be near me. There would be an aura surrounding me.<br />
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Ultimately, they're a good thing. They happen when I'm so excited and stimulated over the ideas in my head that my thoughts and speech become fragmented. I start speaking David. Creative ideas start coming to me faster than the speed of sound. Folks, it's not easy sometimes, but holy shit is it fun. Some ideas stay, some deleted. I start having what I call the Kaleidoscope Effect: twirling in my head as I'm looking at objects, trying to figure out how they will all fit. Creating a composition, a living environment for my client that is pleasing to the eye and suitable for their lifestyle. Highlighting their personal style.<br />
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Can you imagine this happening in your head? People, I have to tell you it's a thrill. It can also be freaky. But I've learned to deal. <br />
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When I do an installation, I usually prefer the client not be at home. I warn them the day before: it's like a tornado.<br />
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<b>Countdown! </b><b><br /></b></div>
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<b>On your mark!</b></div>
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<b>Get Set!</b></div>
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<b>Let's GO!</b></div>
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<b>Finish Line. </b></div>
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I'm so fortunate to be working in a field that I love so much. My job's the shit.</div>
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Tommy Roe, "Dizzy"</div>
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"Dizzy, I'm so dizzy my head is spinning</div>
Like a whirlpool it never ends" <br />
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<b>SPINNING OFF</b></div>
ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-39514804810306411042015-06-15T12:13:00.001-05:002015-06-15T12:13:34.630-05:00My New Den<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JQNoukrqvQD7c89yR5DfgV53Qg6hdUVjWUjEie1j6fegPzs_cRHh655nH7X2PduxEx5HDSmaZJEF0olgnMyKB2aIScUdxJBdzMMXw4rYm7bqEHbPbu2KWVDGeuoNsuCYZmwCdjx9doA/s1600/53209757b4963.preview-620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JQNoukrqvQD7c89yR5DfgV53Qg6hdUVjWUjEie1j6fegPzs_cRHh655nH7X2PduxEx5HDSmaZJEF0olgnMyKB2aIScUdxJBdzMMXw4rYm7bqEHbPbu2KWVDGeuoNsuCYZmwCdjx9doA/s640/53209757b4963.preview-620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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August, 2000. Purchased my home.<br />
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The den was a nightmare. Actually, several. Gorgeous ceiling fan (broken globe, unable to replace). Not to be outdone by the acoustic ceiling (only 7.5' tall). LOVELY cheap paneling. Hideous 70's inlaid vinyl flooring.<br />
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First thing to go was the vinyl floor. I was broke, so all I could do was a paint job. By luck-of-the-draw I found mismatched bookcases to fit the walls perfectly enough. Then I unpacked my shit. Being a creative GENIUS, I made it work. (OK, you don't agree. Bite me! Anyway, it became home.)<br />
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Close-up of bookcases. Pretty shit can sure help hide ugly shit.<br />
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Room stripped and under construction. </div>
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The upheaval of your home causes upheaval of the brain. My home is my refuge/fort – safe. It's really given me a new perspective on what my clients endure. The
disruption of their home, bombardment of decisions, and the $$$$$. You're a stranger in your own home. The things you find comforting are packed away. You're living in a war zone. This shit is stressful. </div>
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Being bipolar has made this process more difficult on myself, my
partner, and everyone that's had to deal with me. (I've been a dick.
Please forgive me, Dan- life partner, Mike- contractor, Shannon-
business associate.)</div>
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Bookcases finished and room painted, starting to shape up. <br />
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Den finished. Now the fun. Where the hell does all this shit go? <br />
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Shaping up. What a mental and physical workout. Being an interior designer is physical work. Trust me. We do a lot more than swish about and drag fabric samples around. My whole body hurts, even my eyelashes.<br />
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Lovin' my new digs. Things will always be a-changin', but for now I'm a-smilin'.<br />
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Seein' my shit makes me happy. Not to brag, but I've got some good shit. <br />
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Oh fuck, David. Tell it like it is. You're braggin'. <br />
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Loretta Lynn, "Coal Miner's Daughter"<br />
"Well, a lot of things have changed since way back then<br />
And it's so good to be back home again"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-85997989560703577882015-06-01T13:57:00.001-05:002015-06-01T13:57:21.678-05:00Renovation / Desecration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On December 3rd, 2014 stuff started happening at my house. As the work began, I wanted to chronicle everything with pictures, and tell the story as it happened. Blogging like that just didn't work out in a way that made sense. As it all comes to an end, I'm going to fill you in on some of the process. </div>
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The house was built in 1948 for the market of returning WWII soldiers
and their new brides. I intended to live here a few years, flip it, and move
on. Time passes pretty quickly. 15 years, still here. Love the location, the house is home. Time to make it suit my needs. </div>
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This was the living and
dining room. Small separating walls have been removed, joining the
areas into one open space. Repair work has been done to the plaster walls,
floors lightened and refinished, track lighting installed, and color
updates. The area will now serve as an entry hall, gallery, and formal dining
room.<br />
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Today as I write, the entire room is a warehouse full of stuff from other rooms which are still being worked on. Shifting from room to room – what a BITCH. Living in a small house under construction. There is no escape from the hell! I think Hell is full of construction dust and drop cloths, not fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDV_3evL-xJW8oo28QAmL9pZ7WlX4lq5LQQ36RAygdZKghIxREk7m_sZ-7Fg8Qwg5jneGq0ey22wQa7T3969axH_4UWD07Vi-j1Pxm8kKj4POn2sQpEoKEoxQOPFeMd6wPMFZJ1Tij7M/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDV_3evL-xJW8oo28QAmL9pZ7WlX4lq5LQQ36RAygdZKghIxREk7m_sZ-7Fg8Qwg5jneGq0ey22wQa7T3969axH_4UWD07Vi-j1Pxm8kKj4POn2sQpEoKEoxQOPFeMd6wPMFZJ1Tij7M/s200/IMG_2219.jpg" width="280" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlhwJjZd_GVqIOq_uGOs3oaEY-B2-_eMGkyvFevxgFmlNOLsdtEWA1DiWT8XavDNCH3oxsRC7POtLRMEOpeZcwurHy75sbXOPisWQLKGHCe0ygXnzIBRncXXmtRYk6GJsg6o1iLwXDBM/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlhwJjZd_GVqIOq_uGOs3oaEY-B2-_eMGkyvFevxgFmlNOLsdtEWA1DiWT8XavDNCH3oxsRC7POtLRMEOpeZcwurHy75sbXOPisWQLKGHCe0ygXnzIBRncXXmtRYk6GJsg6o1iLwXDBM/s320/IMG_2213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kitchen under wrecking ball. Gutted. I'm too embarrassed to even show you the "before" pictures. Can't believe I lived with it for fifteen years. This mess is prettier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbncHNIh-MZp6RVMMF-_yRVCgvyhZ6QN009Y25bxErA6GCbjEs3hHQS09jK-QSTJc4zf4AHNczoqAvqNUuSDZzd3E-q7Q74P7z5a-2T4oUKip8P2xAzKBBI_Jx415nIPnXP_FtzW5gU8/s1600/IMG_2269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbncHNIh-MZp6RVMMF-_yRVCgvyhZ6QN009Y25bxErA6GCbjEs3hHQS09jK-QSTJc4zf4AHNczoqAvqNUuSDZzd3E-q7Q74P7z5a-2T4oUKip8P2xAzKBBI_Jx415nIPnXP_FtzW5gU8/s400/IMG_2269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Installation of subway tile, well on its way. What a clean, fresh look. I love it!</div>
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Den stripped of ugly paneling and acoustic ceiling tiles. This room was also very embarrassing. What an improvement you see below. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9toOmoyLkH6cyHaNIVKONQdDJa8pdGyyQOaUqhxWe8KjS1kk2wfrqinE0sxGaYSkIDpl1i2rY-9SzwwzztDl5L97eT9B4gW2BXRFQ-pqgbfOeIu_YSnO22Pk2n3C9AjCCEkkJ1wftMDo/s1600/IMG_2507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9toOmoyLkH6cyHaNIVKONQdDJa8pdGyyQOaUqhxWe8KjS1kk2wfrqinE0sxGaYSkIDpl1i2rY-9SzwwzztDl5L97eT9B4gW2BXRFQ-pqgbfOeIu_YSnO22Pk2n3C9AjCCEkkJ1wftMDo/s400/IMG_2507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When the book cases are done, the den will be finished and I can move in. It sure will be nice to have one room ready for livin'. <br />
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In the back half of the house: bedroom and dressing room are finished (but serving as storage), with work left to be done in the bathroom. After that, finishing touches on the lower level. All should be complete in three weeks. So for the next few weeks I'll be showing more pictures of construction and rooms as they are finished. So excited for it to be over. Some ranting promised. <br />
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The Beatles<br />
"Long and Winding Road"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-71260787336903282132015-05-25T09:25:00.000-05:002015-05-25T10:41:53.231-05:00Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCcrRstv1vfFu2AVTWtMX069epcVXalyUOVOwBO4p37PGqTkHtuH_fwNPMcunY7pBqf8BkLf2RVUN9NEOG5F583S2RpuNPzzfiEfMzK4C6wZ2dk2fQEMsAacKUYfqWNRTuOwB-qbZ37s/s1600/RareFlags_IAS_00329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCcrRstv1vfFu2AVTWtMX069epcVXalyUOVOwBO4p37PGqTkHtuH_fwNPMcunY7pBqf8BkLf2RVUN9NEOG5F583S2RpuNPzzfiEfMzK4C6wZ2dk2fQEMsAacKUYfqWNRTuOwB-qbZ37s/s640/RareFlags_IAS_00329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Memorial day is the official start of summer. Hope you took the time to reflect on the true meaning of the day: the men and women who have died in service for our country.<br />
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For many it is a long holiday weekend. Hope you enjoyed it! Mine's been great. I've been too lazy to work up a long post for this week. Thought today would be a good time to sort of reboot, so to speak. Please take the time to read some of my old posts if you haven't (I've set the blog so you can read them all on just two pages, so just scroll down, and click on "older posts" when you get to the bottom). Next week we'll be back with some serious business (such a serious blog).<br />
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Some shots of shop stuff that sings summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlci2Y9bFtZ_96AbTR2htiF23jINJI4evxBtF4LteSExDkjMULjWHUoVhTZfiZUFLkUCSYT1iP-wVP-GJH6IPNPxn1lcu_9UpQcUjQ5xUFGdKJcO_EBG4J6eAs3Gtjzlf5sQv_UggRUcI/s1600/20140710_Aquisti_0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlci2Y9bFtZ_96AbTR2htiF23jINJI4evxBtF4LteSExDkjMULjWHUoVhTZfiZUFLkUCSYT1iP-wVP-GJH6IPNPxn1lcu_9UpQcUjQ5xUFGdKJcO_EBG4J6eAs3Gtjzlf5sQv_UggRUcI/s640/20140710_Aquisti_0004.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Collection of mid-century picnic gear, summer necessities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvGbKC5-JknCRDNVpEN8mycBldrI7J0oNt7IrE8o31BvGLCe9MyKpDNDoF2bEitoXONoolDkzv_Xus_Jb_hNeIzVELuG6mNtLx9EN3jTq4QkOxMbbm6Rysqx34C-shlLRGMmoQk5XDPA/s1600/20140710_Aquisti_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvGbKC5-JknCRDNVpEN8mycBldrI7J0oNt7IrE8o31BvGLCe9MyKpDNDoF2bEitoXONoolDkzv_Xus_Jb_hNeIzVELuG6mNtLx9EN3jTq4QkOxMbbm6Rysqx34C-shlLRGMmoQk5XDPA/s640/20140710_Aquisti_0136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Great early 1900's cast stone garden statuary. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqA5_NXdNV03kWLWCKt3G0II0HEUOOYy1ERNsGmkXMohq973_9LgrxbOMLnujvK1sgTmHShsVryaZmsA6MAb1Deooj0zBvtxL6fV54DoE0iCujmnyt5i-9OtXFvEHxSn_bMdxs2e6axM/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqA5_NXdNV03kWLWCKt3G0II0HEUOOYy1ERNsGmkXMohq973_9LgrxbOMLnujvK1sgTmHShsVryaZmsA6MAb1Deooj0zBvtxL6fV54DoE0iCujmnyt5i-9OtXFvEHxSn_bMdxs2e6axM/s640/IMG_2520.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Mid-century wicker chairs with iron bases (set of four) and Pop Art print pillows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv03TIBovM68MeaXhQ0oME6AYKuUprMJlcLdvUoLAev9ZNhAESacm1L6sI5BzidUVMOKfQM5ZrbUaLXPws60lLEtdsorr2LICGKKLEQqINOziC9iB_74Szy4I8Rw2aci7jLj8w-YErAOA/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv03TIBovM68MeaXhQ0oME6AYKuUprMJlcLdvUoLAev9ZNhAESacm1L6sI5BzidUVMOKfQM5ZrbUaLXPws60lLEtdsorr2LICGKKLEQqINOziC9iB_74Szy4I8Rw2aci7jLj8w-YErAOA/s640/IMG_2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Early 19th century tin French bistro chairs, great paint.<br />
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Summer is the time to reboot yourself. Take life a little slower, enjoy the outdoors. I've started.<br />
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"Summertime"<br />
Gershwin, <i>Porgy and Bess</i>ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-40349591025543551902015-05-18T10:57:00.000-05:002015-05-18T10:57:35.230-05:00Icon & Con<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Icon:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hkixmy8kYo3Uk6Bkpe7gztSdnS2APtqf6pU2HoHKMTJtPUrQA1ZA2lX-gAH5EFPOpiXSu30xSM4oRiiMggDxfSrkk7qu9Cb9yaiL5TSOeEbiD5umi1xNxyHlVhwECSQ1zCiub9nre-A/s1600/238-1-mies-van-der-rohe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hkixmy8kYo3Uk6Bkpe7gztSdnS2APtqf6pU2HoHKMTJtPUrQA1ZA2lX-gAH5EFPOpiXSu30xSM4oRiiMggDxfSrkk7qu9Cb9yaiL5TSOeEbiD5umi1xNxyHlVhwECSQ1zCiub9nre-A/s1600/238-1-mies-van-der-rohe.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Academia just ain't my style. </div>
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Learned my lesson about this as I started writing this post a few days ago. I planned to refer to Mies van der Rohe and researched him. The more I read, gathered information and began to write, I could tell this just wasn't me. Just wasn't. </div>
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Scratch. </div>
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Delete! </div>
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New approach. </div>
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Lighten up.</div>
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Cuss a bit. </div>
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As I started over I realized Mies and I have some pretty strong views in the same direction. Not that I would ever put myself in his league. The more I read about him, the more I understood why I have such respect for his work and have been so drawn to his furniture designs.</div>
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Below are two links that give great short reads on a really tall genius of design: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. </div>
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<a href="http://www.miessociety.org/legacy/">Legacy </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0327.html">New York Times Obituary</a></div>
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Here are some short sweet academic paragraphs about the icon: </div>
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Mies pursued an ambitious lifelong mission to create a new architectural
language that could be used to represent the era of technology and
production. He saw a need for an architecture expressive of, and in
harmony with, his epoch, and applied a disciplined design process using rational thought to
achieve spiritual goals. He believed that the configuration and
arrangement of every architectural element, particularly including the
character of enclosed space, must contribute to a unified expression. </div>
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Mies designed modern furniture pieces using new industrial technologies that have become popular classics, such as the Barcelona chair and table (which we'll speak about today). His furniture is known for fine craftsmanship, a mix of traditional luxurious fabrics like leather combined with modern chrome frames, and a distinct separation of the supporting structure and the supported surfaces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hyo7fzgemXkpevQoobwlgTuEoSCmBFQU3zedkqiVP75YCnFBZCp-9T04BiYH_kqsuV_0GHP7W4bUgHo803nPhi11ILR2cvCus_QkCqnrTnOoDx52CWFROWu-1TByqy-_tY05zBmhrlc/s1600/Dressing+Room+(smaller).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hyo7fzgemXkpevQoobwlgTuEoSCmBFQU3zedkqiVP75YCnFBZCp-9T04BiYH_kqsuV_0GHP7W4bUgHo803nPhi11ILR2cvCus_QkCqnrTnOoDx52CWFROWu-1TByqy-_tY05zBmhrlc/s640/Dressing+Room+(smaller).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Con: The client (diva extraordinaire) had dreamed and anticipated this cozy little spot for a long time. Her room. The house had been her husband's bachelor shrine, his pad, his crib. No girly dressing room fit into the scheme of his house.<br />
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As things started shaping up in other rooms, his trust in the two of us grew and we were given the deed to the square footage. Diva girl was beside herself: "This much important real estate all for me!"<br />
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Her expectations were huge. Several layouts were discussed. We play-acted how the room would be used. Barcelona chairs were not even in the running. A Swedish painted loveseat was purchased, and the scheme began. NOT! Diva changed her mind. Her room. Her way. She wanted the Barcelona chairs and ottoman.<br />
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The Barcelona chair is a chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. It was originally designed for the German Pavilion, that country's entry for the International Exposition of 1929, which was hosted by Barcelona, Spain. Although many architects and furniture designers of the Bauhaus era were
intent on providing well-designed homes and impeccably manufactured
furnishings for the "common man," the Barcelona chair was an exception: it was designed for the Spanish Royalty to oversee the opening
ceremonies of the exhibition. The form is thought to be extrapolated from Roman folding chairs (the "Curule" chair
– upholstered stools used by Roman aristocracy). Despite the
industrial appearance the Barcelona chair requires much hand
craftsmanship.<br />
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Just like the beginning of this post: Scratch. Delete. Much cussing. The process started over, new furnishings had to be found to make the dance. It's all about the dance. One happy connection: Barcelona chairs in the dressing room; Barcelona table in the living room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKD-ZCU3NdaUKIDrtpLMMhLyNdPp7gy2KlF9N56c8wrMMNPC1TeFfOxMREBF8PT143wMA61BSw7exIcb6NwcfnLwLPcl1oylaT0L51-g_tsF0JX6oVWZwQKPgOQilfyRuiqHF-zsKu3I/s1600/living+room.tif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKD-ZCU3NdaUKIDrtpLMMhLyNdPp7gy2KlF9N56c8wrMMNPC1TeFfOxMREBF8PT143wMA61BSw7exIcb6NwcfnLwLPcl1oylaT0L51-g_tsF0JX6oVWZwQKPgOQilfyRuiqHF-zsKu3I/s640/living+room.tif" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Barcelona table features the pure compositional structure that
now epitomizes Modern architecture. The table features a thick, clear
polished plate glass
with 1/8" beveled edge. Single-piece
base construction ensures long term durability.<br />
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Con completed. Happy husband. Mostest important! Happy Diva.<br />
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Whitney Houston<br />
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-78949310170950780162015-05-11T12:30:00.001-05:002015-05-11T12:30:06.432-05:00Gettin' Stoned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyh8wlRjDIG79sxmhSzrHACBTlFNy4BnJB9S5NMo-ctYTZVBvQ1iuECmImglj33j9XWkVw-e_HXFQVsiualUoLxTiEso3T1ogbkAHjZAkYzKUBxMUton2H_LgYWjwhPHkbjbUgSdtrBE/s1600/medical-marijuana-jars-labled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyh8wlRjDIG79sxmhSzrHACBTlFNy4BnJB9S5NMo-ctYTZVBvQ1iuECmImglj33j9XWkVw-e_HXFQVsiualUoLxTiEso3T1ogbkAHjZAkYzKUBxMUton2H_LgYWjwhPHkbjbUgSdtrBE/s400/medical-marijuana-jars-labled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are now 23 states with laws that legalize or decriminalize certain uses of marijuana. The image above is from a legal dispensary. I don't smoke myself. Don't need it. Can't handle it. Each to his own. I'm pretty much Switzerland on the issue, but I do think it should be legalized everywhere for medicinal purposes. Do like the name "Big Fatty" (bet this particular variety creates overwhelming</span><span style="font-size: small;"> munchies). </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DLQ3xmGmdUbq19CEwE7TYhEVy4X0E5r0hH2-fMXB6pKnOkVCZiviqxyMqMBGi-TJDlArDcv5tNhHvyJo-7SYa1B-F3mM7x4K6_sDfRD3HCYcPhd4hOlQnj9AFEoELwf5mmaOVZVCnoU/s1600/DSC00760.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DLQ3xmGmdUbq19CEwE7TYhEVy4X0E5r0hH2-fMXB6pKnOkVCZiviqxyMqMBGi-TJDlArDcv5tNhHvyJo-7SYa1B-F3mM7x4K6_sDfRD3HCYcPhd4hOlQnj9AFEoELwf5mmaOVZVCnoU/s400/DSC00760.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping for stone, not getting stoned. I'm a different kind of stoner.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today we're going to talk about choosing stone, marble to be exact, for my kitchen renovation. </span><br />
I LOVE marble. I love its strength, its permanence. It can be used
in so many different ways. As I've mentioned in an earlier post, <a href="http://dkrinteriors.blogspot.com/2015/02/bust.html">I love marble busts</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZr7zGmKWHs4_dZ3rd-bNH67CXpKrwI1QPzqG4SLlAvGLWW0F-r3vUrovZ4FAM6PtgQINFUBu5fMo4EWYT7MawOJ-mbw6Eau4cfBdEnKuS7sFGubO-lkWm68RBzTdGoU65pN0Etxhd_8/s1600/marblequarry2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZr7zGmKWHs4_dZ3rd-bNH67CXpKrwI1QPzqG4SLlAvGLWW0F-r3vUrovZ4FAM6PtgQINFUBu5fMo4EWYT7MawOJ-mbw6Eau4cfBdEnKuS7sFGubO-lkWm68RBzTdGoU65pN0Etxhd_8/s640/marblequarry2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however, stonemasons use the term more broadly. Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material. The word "marble" derives from the Greek <span lang="el">words for </span>"crystalline rock, shining stone," or "to flash, sparkle, gleam."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW0FVAIg2MuM4O26dmH7J6xS_kKA78OVhOvJ0IPq2mJncTKnConik53bVbPZ8N5tUeQp26Yoo_g-XRy3Z8HU_A-TfbwJEqIuBSOwtPMX57yVQYob0ZaABAutsz0J5mvaF5nt2M9RsuSY/s1600/YuleMarbleQuarryCuttingMarble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW0FVAIg2MuM4O26dmH7J6xS_kKA78OVhOvJ0IPq2mJncTKnConik53bVbPZ8N5tUeQp26Yoo_g-XRy3Z8HU_A-TfbwJEqIuBSOwtPMX57yVQYob0ZaABAutsz0J5mvaF5nt2M9RsuSY/s320/YuleMarbleQuarryCuttingMarble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsAGgN7qvI9bF3R8TRDEHB-L7qK0eTvitKi-zMaddnOqxbzCNyPeYUYc5EIKg1fZ6Xov8Ogvmue866_ntrHI4-7XDbM0f6_IHgOIT01rZM1XEF6YJOLFWIsag2XMcN-up0Gfw2ywgwwQ/s1600/YuleMarbleCrossSection.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsAGgN7qvI9bF3R8TRDEHB-L7qK0eTvitKi-zMaddnOqxbzCNyPeYUYc5EIKg1fZ6Xov8Ogvmue866_ntrHI4-7XDbM0f6_IHgOIT01rZM1XEF6YJOLFWIsag2XMcN-up0Gfw2ywgwwQ/s320/YuleMarbleCrossSection.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cross Section: Yule Marble deposit of the present day quarry. Men hard at work in the Yule quarry, c. 1910.</span><br />
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Marble is extracted from quarries, which can be found pretty much all
over the world. One interesting example is Yule marble, an American
marble found only in the Yule Creek Valley, in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado.
First discovered in 1873, it is quarried today inside a mountain at
9,300 feet (2,800 m) above sea level, in contrast to most marble, which
is quarried from an open pit and at much lower elevations. Yule's
quality comes at a high price due to the cost of quarrying in a
high-altitude mountain environment. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxTL9Vi1pm1Rb4pdtE-AUsJmHozatUedPjjhEpdrEtcJ-Ke3JOSs55_-1a-dJ_bFbqN-Zy7iUTdTKwUyHIYfGVJO7n8u-Ett_MiPq2c_83cCltq600403DZZvj_KTpnDyZlpGlrYQxOk/s1600/1024px-Aerial_view_of_Lincoln_Memorial_-_east_side_EDIT.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxTL9Vi1pm1Rb4pdtE-AUsJmHozatUedPjjhEpdrEtcJ-Ke3JOSs55_-1a-dJ_bFbqN-Zy7iUTdTKwUyHIYfGVJO7n8u-Ett_MiPq2c_83cCltq600403DZZvj_KTpnDyZlpGlrYQxOk/s640/1024px-Aerial_view_of_Lincoln_Memorial_-_east_side_EDIT.jpeg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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The exterior of the Lincoln Memorial is made from Yule. Made in America, how cool is that?<br />
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December 3, 2014: Kitchen gutted. </div>
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January 5, 2015: Well on its way. </div>
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January 19, 2015: Pretty much done. Still some strings left to clip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcJxL5O1l-_yvuVUeEY3-IPt19aDEWOjUjLLgCR_VKoGAYaJFY5Py4-2xt0M9z8XXP_krkeuDcEj4M_rAFvkCcpRh4JrYjQUIqI_OIiMOLQLT8hWCRU7XAg3NTDnvGfTweL3ga6gqrTQ/s1600/IMG_2330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcJxL5O1l-_yvuVUeEY3-IPt19aDEWOjUjLLgCR_VKoGAYaJFY5Py4-2xt0M9z8XXP_krkeuDcEj4M_rAFvkCcpRh4JrYjQUIqI_OIiMOLQLT8hWCRU7XAg3NTDnvGfTweL3ga6gqrTQ/s320/IMG_2330.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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This is a French Louis XVI table chosen for my kitchen island. At first, it was more decorative than practical. But I needed it to be used as counter space and cutting. Braces were added for stability. I wanted marble for the top, so I had a piece of Carrara cut. Carrara is a very common, inexpensive white marble from Tuscany. The cost was $100. Not bad! With a bit of updates, it's become more beautiful and practical. <br />
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May 11, 2015: This is the best photograph of the kitchen I can get at this time. Doesn't the marble look great? An accent of marble, for aesthetics and function, was all my kitchen needed.<br />
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Buyin' stone
or gettin' stoned both can give you the munchies (I've done both in my 59
years of livin'). When you got the munchies, nothin's better than
a moon pie and an RC Cola.</div>
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Please note: not one CUSS word in this post. Ain't I good? </div>
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"Rocky Mountain High"</div>
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John Denver</div>
ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-28115534206377994822015-05-04T11:03:00.000-05:002015-05-04T13:14:43.656-05:00Conversation Piece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswYtpJsQz_lTkIxiNcJomORoNP6sXJ_na0tmY71YzS2lrAveXCOPSdTdouUScw7_pAX01Cqd_daUo38W19PhHF4C1WbrzZMOAMOWNSd3eq50uACE_UMq01zjCYNwFrw6RaYqxiyHKQHo/s1600/800px-Johann_Heinrich_Fu%CC%88ssli_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswYtpJsQz_lTkIxiNcJomORoNP6sXJ_na0tmY71YzS2lrAveXCOPSdTdouUScw7_pAX01Cqd_daUo38W19PhHF4C1WbrzZMOAMOWNSd3eq50uACE_UMq01zjCYNwFrw6RaYqxiyHKQHo/s640/800px-Johann_Heinrich_Fu%CC%88ssli_012.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Conversation (noun):</b> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Informal</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">interchange</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">thoughts,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">information,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">etc.,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">by</span> <span class="oneClick-link">spoken</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">words;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">oral</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">communication</span> <span class="oneClick-link">between</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">persons.</span> </i><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Association</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">social</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">intercourse;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">intimate</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">acquaintance. </span></i><br />
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The painting above, <i>The Artist in Conversation with Johann Jakob Bodmer</i> (1780)<i>, </i>is by Henry Fuseli, a Swiss painter of the Romantic movement who favored supernatural scenes, the sublime, and dream-like exaggeration. "Seated in an informal pose that derives from classical sculpture, the young artist listens attentively to the words of Bodmer, an elderly Swiss man of letters and aesthete whose writings exalted the creative force of emotions and the imagination."<br />
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">I'm a real Chatty Kathy.</span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span></span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">A quiet </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">room is too noisy for me. I love to talk and laugh. Once you get to know me, ten minutes will give you an earache. It's especially bad if you're trapped in the car with me. I keep a bottle of ear drops and cotton balls in the glove box. I could cause you to pull a Van Gogh (probably a double earectomy). </span><br />
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><br /></span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Stimulating conversation is a learning experience. The exchange of ideas broadens the mind, opens new worlds, makes new friends. </span><br />
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">There's nothing in this world better than chatting with your BFF.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qQ0YVxQAAL8kUF4exz9Ejz9UC1SozCwWF5VsPYv8Q-SRcrIBlrU6mzYCp6vGEd5OteGzOq9CZCDNdzNzVVwC7zpRW01zewU3Ke44B1V9pZihzKW8Jz67YhSb0Z3vz5CYNTcNkvQlquE/s1600/lucy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qQ0YVxQAAL8kUF4exz9Ejz9UC1SozCwWF5VsPYv8Q-SRcrIBlrU6mzYCp6vGEd5OteGzOq9CZCDNdzNzVVwC7zpRW01zewU3Ke44B1V9pZihzKW8Jz67YhSb0Z3vz5CYNTcNkvQlquE/s1600/lucy.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="font-size: x-small;"> There's never a lack of conversation with your bestie. The simplest phrase can say so much.</span></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">I've been in the retail of antiques and decorative arts for over 30 years. My selection of loot has never been conventional. I've been told a few times "I'm buying this for a conversation piece". Really! What the fuck? Purchasing a piece to create conversation? GET NEW FRIENDS</span>!!!! <br />
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I certainly understand intriguing objects sparking a conversation.<br />
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<i>"Wow those are cool! What are they? Where did you find them?"</i><br />
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<i>"They're French garment display forms. Probably from a department store, high Art Deco, circa 1920's. GREAT androgynous styling."</i><br />
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Buy them for a conversation piece? THAT I don't fucking understand! Buy them because you love them. Buy them to have conversations with. Totally down with that. <i> </i><br />
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<i>"You sure do have lots of Santa Clause and Jesus statues in your collection. Need to talk, buddy?"</i><br />
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<i>"That would be a private conversation between myself and PBF! But since the floor is open I'll confess. I have conversations with Santa Clause and Jesus all the time."</i><br />
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BE BRAVE! Somebody buy these mold-blown plastic light-up Santa Clauses. Get the neighbors into a conversation. Get the whole hood's mouths a-flappin! They'll be calling you a Redneck. I have enough to cause a city wide panic!<br />
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Conversations should be sparked for the reason of getting to know someone better, learning their interests and passions. Bonding. <br />
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I just don't understand the term conversation piece. I'm guessing you're waiting for me to cross the line. Be inappropriate. So here goes! The only piece I can understand as a conversation piece, is a good piece of ass. Or a bad one for that matter. People need to be warned!<br />
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Bettin that's what the conversation is about in the painting up there at the top.<br />
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Elvis Presley <br />
"A Little Less Conversation" <br />
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-32470861440921160982015-04-27T15:00:00.000-05:002015-04-27T15:00:00.637-05:00Silly Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We all fall guilty of having silly stuff and design trends in our homes. Calling them design is a stretch. Often they are impulse buys that make us laugh, smile, or have a meaning in our life for a moment. I have to tell you these stenciled windows drive me NUTS! HATE stenciled decorative SHIT! Many times they are gifts from well meaning friends and family. They become popular and the public is herded by retailers. I too fall guilty. It's important to learn how to use and edit them. <br />
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A lot of this is perky Pollyanna bullshit. This Polly ain't so Pollyanna, she just wants to get drunk.<br />
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These are funny for a one-night affair. Then what the fuck do you do with them? A good one-night affair needs no souvenir to be remembered.</div>
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There are just no words for this stupid piece of shit. Just say it.<br />
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At their best, they are really greeting cards. Use as such. Editing this genre from your home would completely delete your sense of humor and daily flair. So lets discuss how we can have our cake and eat it too. I like cake! <br />
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Have a space just for this kind of shit. In a more private area, create a small wall, maybe cover in cork so can move stuff around. If you're lucky enough to have the space, a closet is perfect, a 3D scrapbook. Open the door, smile, laugh, remember why you purchased, who gifted you this crap.<br />
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Items like these can be brought out for party decorations or special effect at the right time. Please folks, these are not for permanent display. NOT OVER THE FIREPLACE !!!!!!!<br />
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Trust me I buy all kinds of this shit. People give me stuff all the time. I LOVE IT!<br />
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Two photos of my personal silly and nostalgic stuff, displayed where I
can see everyday. The cavalier was given to me by a sweet friend, it's in
my bathroom cabinet. I see it everyday and remember my sweet Milton and
friend. The carnival plaster twirler girl also a gift from a friend, in the know. I always wanted to
be a twirler girl (really, really bad). The toy clock I learned to tell
time on. This stuff makes a house a home. We can find a place for these items. A place for everything
and everything in its place.<br />
<br />
Barbra Streisand<br />
"Memories"<br />
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-5567908735449473362015-04-20T15:00:00.000-05:002015-04-20T15:00:04.382-05:00Cool SHIT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love finding merchandise for my shop. Always on the go, in search of items that intrigue, spark the imagination. It ain't easy, folks. Lots of miles put on the truck in pursuit of loot. Curating a collection is a complex art, you have to consider style, pricing, value, and then you have to ask yourself, "is it worth fucking with?" Moving, cleaning, restoration, how heavy is the mother? On top of it all, I have to satisfy my own tastes and appease my own moods.<br />
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When I first considered these for purchase, to when I got them in the truck, they seemed to grow. By the time I got them in the store to hang, they GREW again! Perfect example of "is it worth fucking with?" These are huge! They are hung. Worth fucking with! <br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/103886150152915065463/albums/6138739756789027953?authkey=CMyK6v6P2d2bOQ">1923 Marconi is full of STUFF.</a> Packed. You just never know what will be there. A lot of my personality goes into my selections. My mood changes from day to day. OK, from minute to minute. So the selection is pretty wild. <br />
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Above is a photo taken on one of those days when I was trying to make sense of it all. Imposing law and order. Retail displays can be mind blowing. Making it read "take me home." Merchandising the shop is different from styling a home.<br />
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Mixing different styles, shapes, pedigrees, eras in the shop keeps it real. Draws a more diverse collection of customers. Jux ta position of objects creates great interest, keeps the eye moving and the mind thinking. Customers meander, move about, keeps them excited. Discovery!<br />
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Designing a home for a collector is an exciting endeavor. The enthusiasm between myself and the client can be explosive. Placing the perfect object in the perfect place! Creating law and order. Many different kinds of collections can be curated, each has its own set of considerations. As we become friends, this will give us lots to talk about.<br />
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It's great joy when working with a client who has a roving eye. Creating compositions for living is a blast, working with all kinds of objects, making them interact with each other for visual and practical needs. Color, shape, size, girth. There has to be an interrelationship between objects. Putting a room together is like a giant puzzle. The box has a grid that is unseen, aligning objects correctly is choreography. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DANCE.<br />
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Madonna<br />
"Vogue"<br />
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-48194743887916346382015-04-13T15:00:00.001-05:002015-04-13T15:00:01.471-05:00Faux French/Foe Americans<i>Faux (adj.):</i> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">artificial</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">imitation;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">fake.</span><br />
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><i>Foe </i></span><i>(noun</i>): an enemy or opponent. <br />
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Why the French have problems with Americans!<br />
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This is embarrassing SHIT! Stop it folks before they send troops!<br />
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Diplomacy! <br />
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French daydreaming. Let's make them proud of us. Show them we have style. French wishlist. Budget-busting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79yySzvk43UHiejdscym1TcBaY9chiZeZuy_XEjDapT2xfK39VVHHx0zu-Uofw-9YKjGpCUq2oziSy2-KZQ7Ie6-6VlRDZm0W4M6VjjlEaYS3gku96pQJ1YXEQbEd7A_YClYVLjtKZqM/s1600/A-19th-c.-French-Ormolu-Mounted-Empire-Style-Day-Bed-500x3011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79yySzvk43UHiejdscym1TcBaY9chiZeZuy_XEjDapT2xfK39VVHHx0zu-Uofw-9YKjGpCUq2oziSy2-KZQ7Ie6-6VlRDZm0W4M6VjjlEaYS3gku96pQJ1YXEQbEd7A_YClYVLjtKZqM/s1600/A-19th-c.-French-Ormolu-Mounted-Empire-Style-Day-Bed-500x3011.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a> </div>
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A very fine 19th Century French Empire mahogany gilt bronze mounted day bed. Styled with outswept sides, using bronze swan molded figures and legs with winged lion bronze clasps and paw feet.<br />
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Suzanne Sugarbaker (Delta Burke) from the 80's sitcom <i>Designing Women</i> said she had a deprived life because she didn't have a complete set of Louis Vuitton luggage. I'm extremely deprived, not a single piece. Below, a fabulous antique collection.<br />
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<blockquote>
"In the 1830s, a provincial young Frenchman named Louis Vuitton
traveled — on foot — from his hometown to Paris, more than 400 km away.
One of the odd jobs he struck up in Paris was as an apprentice <i>layetier</i>,
a kind of manservant who would pack trunks for well-to-do travelers.
Vuitton must have really known how to pack a trunk, because he soon
caught the attention of Napoleon III, who hired him to be <i>layetier</i> to his wife, Empress Eugénie.<br />
<br />
His
tenure and skill in this field gave Vuitton considerable expertise in
travelers’ needs. In 1854 he opened his own trunk-making firm in Paris.
His first trunks were lightweight and airtight, with flat tops to
facilitate stacking. They were wooden frames covered in gray “Trianon”
canvas.<br />
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Louis Vuitton trunks were soon very popular
and, like today, oft-copied. The company had to keep changing its
signature pattern due to copycats. The trademark brown and beige stripes
debuted in 1876; twenty years later, the “Monogram” pattern was
unveiled, with that familiar “LV” monogram plus four-lobed flowers
‘borrowed’ from the Japanese visual culture that was so fashionable in
the late-19th century.<br />
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By 1913, the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs-Elysées in Paris was the largest travel-goods store in the world." </blockquote>
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Bring a little French style into your home. Budget-friendly. <br />
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From the <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/103886150152915065463/albums/6137250003602833857?authkey=CL28882g2NWJTQ">VIP collection</a>. Decorative pillows made from French grain sacks, feather and down inserts. Several sizes and stripe patterns to choose from.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM25U7_KVl9PvKk01bfJKEr1AB2th8AtMgUXZP1oLdNKnBEnl4PBc6B2SKLATka34AHGgy7zLp0L86e1Tb4bL7Bsk-vxr8gNMKHbSuapKerfSoCTekVYQyvxA6BAakS3oi4JwW8j1gJ4/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM25U7_KVl9PvKk01bfJKEr1AB2th8AtMgUXZP1oLdNKnBEnl4PBc6B2SKLATka34AHGgy7zLp0L86e1Tb4bL7Bsk-vxr8gNMKHbSuapKerfSoCTekVYQyvxA6BAakS3oi4JwW8j1gJ4/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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Circa 1900 French bentwood bistro table with marble top. Great for dining or sipping wine. </div>
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Arriving in store by Thursday. Folding French bistro chairs, perfect for al fresco dining.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0kaGuIHw1YGAEiAAPuPFyMlQKgxKv-dEWAgTngTv4sZEka20e4cA68V0eo6CLW3Al1KyOE70fhqODf4zI3v3irBY7dJ1HtOh_HDokZyfoAFUFo2IBYhpaPSx8-9Z3IuP4gYPtyG4-mE/s1600/colored+bistro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0kaGuIHw1YGAEiAAPuPFyMlQKgxKv-dEWAgTngTv4sZEka20e4cA68V0eo6CLW3Al1KyOE70fhqODf4zI3v3irBY7dJ1HtOh_HDokZyfoAFUFo2IBYhpaPSx8-9Z3IuP4gYPtyG4-mE/s1600/colored+bistro.jpg" height="138" width="320" /></a></div>
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Available in box stores in a wide range of colors, French metal cafe chairs. Do your homework, price and quality can vary greatly.<br />
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Summing it all up, the one thing French we all appreciate is the kiss.<br />
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Edith Piaf<br />
"La Vie en Rose"ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-58770372127862435322015-04-06T15:00:00.000-05:002015-04-06T15:00:00.727-05:00Shady Characters<br />
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How's that for a title? Look at these dudes! No clue what they did, don't want to know, would probably piss me off. Pretty shady looking group of folks! Good start, although they have nothing to do with this rant, but for the words, Shady Characters.<br />
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Now down to business!<br />
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I'm going to RANT in high gear about ridiculous, tacky lamps shades. The next four paragraphs will refer to all four photographs featured. <br />
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What the fuck was the person who designed and made these thinking?<br />
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Who the fuck is going to buy them?<br />
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Where the fuck is the buyer going to put them?<br />
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What the fuck does the rest of the house look like? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD87n3ihCzbDOsX5pEea_sao_wlPvahiCMks0syjuh5BpHGlQ4CVMFi0CetDyVQAljhwUQZTo-t4-oG3nkpqc9860d1MWnpkbZ3u0tGPGsrXYGqoS2Wv6Z-K_dHkRaxF-4Brbvu1fGvM/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD87n3ihCzbDOsX5pEea_sao_wlPvahiCMks0syjuh5BpHGlQ4CVMFi0CetDyVQAljhwUQZTo-t4-oG3nkpqc9860d1MWnpkbZ3u0tGPGsrXYGqoS2Wv6Z-K_dHkRaxF-4Brbvu1fGvM/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> ILLITERATE LIBRARY SHADE </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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OMG!<br />
OMG!<br />
OMG!<br />
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Where do I start? So much disgust! Lets begin with the obvious cheap ass black bullion fringe. Let's move down to the most unneeded gimp. Next. The fabric is pieced together cheap ass upholstery tapestry. Then the bottom NEEDED another row of cheap ass black fringe. Gentleman featured looks a bit shady to me.<br />
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What is this for? I know! Got it! A library with a life time collection of Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I pray they have red faux leather bindings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s1Xnx1dwTNtkAADfwLv9m2JzLmlcvykbbqZidtoTYtDLjyEvofGrZVCGfSfeJRPpEAUhS7Hx5_-OJoKGvkGJqhKeQL4n3-_jB6hcPP4ha6C2Jujk1PpWABrdUNw2u9laS4CMQ-GKK_Q/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s1Xnx1dwTNtkAADfwLv9m2JzLmlcvykbbqZidtoTYtDLjyEvofGrZVCGfSfeJRPpEAUhS7Hx5_-OJoKGvkGJqhKeQL4n3-_jB6hcPP4ha6C2Jujk1PpWABrdUNw2u9laS4CMQ-GKK_Q/s1600/IMG_0803.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PISSED OFF PEACOCK</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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No they didn't!<br />
No they didn't!<br />
No they didn't!<br />
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Peacock feathers are beautiful on a peacock. PERIOD. Not in a vase. Not on a dress. Most certainly not on a lamp shade. Maybe a feather duster. What a great prop for the movie "The Birdcage."<br />
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This shade would cause me to have a breakdown if I saw it in a client's house. I would be speechless! Anyone who knows me at all knows that's a big deal. ME SPEECHLESS. This belongs in the trash!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHORE DECOR </td></tr>
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Well.<br />
Well.<br />
Well.<br />
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Just didn't now what to do with the Frederick's of Hollywood too-small lingerie, you know she outgrew it, cause she was all up in the bed eating bonbons. I'VE GOT IT! Make a lamp shade. You know, if only brought out for special evenings, it could be a keeper. You take that statement anywhere you want to.<br />
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MY!<br />
MY!<br />
MY!<br />
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I'm writing a letter directly to President Obama. Legislation must be passed ASAP outlawing burlap's use in the home furnishings industry!!!! We need visual protection! Time should be served in the big house for this. <br />
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Bruno Mars shit don't stink!<br />
"Uptown Funk" ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8476634721175128714.post-7713851297244956952015-03-30T15:38:00.000-05:002015-03-30T15:38:45.535-05:00Entrance<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span> </i><br />
Lots can be said about curb appeal. That's the preface.<br />
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Opening the door. First chapter.<br />
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Loretta Young knew how to do it: the doors, the dress, the twirl. You wondered what was in store.<br />
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GIRL HAD IT DOWN !<br />
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Opening your front door, people see into your life, your mind, your heart. What impression do you want to make? That's what your home is all about. Keeping the architecture in mind, throw in a dose of personal style, then add the perfect amount of personality. It all has to fit. Size of space has nothing to do with it. Be narcissistic, in an inviting way. </div>
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Unless you're a total narcissist, then put a sign on the door: "No Trespassing." Or leave it totally empty except for mirrors. Then it's all about you, as the door swings open, YOU. Then there is this option– don't invite people over, they probably don't want to come anyway. </div>
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<i>Take one</i> - lights, action.<br />
There's a knock at the door.<br />
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You answer, wearing ?<br />
House coat? Unexpected knock. <br />
Towel? 911 knock. <br />
Jeans? A casual encounter.<br />
All gussied up? A special evening of entertaining!<br />
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The entrance is the main artery of the house. Every room should connect in some way. Lots to be considered. Don't give the whole look away. A hint. A glimpse. </div>
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Think about lighting, placement of art and furniture. Think about movement, flow.<br />
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Color is important!<br />
Bold: fasten your seat belt.<br />
Pastels: where is little Bo Peep?<br />
Black: drama.<br />
White: speak a little softer.<br />
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Don't make it a yawn fest, no matter how small. Opening your door should be exciting for a guest. Your foyer should be a 3D reflection of yourself. Don't make it awkward for anyone, even frenemies. Especially frenemies! Stun them! How'd that BITCH pull this off!<br />
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Gracious? </div>
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Warm and fuzzy? </div>
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A stuck-up bitch? </div>
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Precocious?<br />
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All of these can fit into the walls of the entry foyer, just don't make your guests need a xanax as soon as the door opens. </div>
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An entrance like this says a great deal about the host, and what you are about to experience. White, serene - black, drama - contemporary art, edgy - 18th century brown wood French chest, usually a yawn fest but not in this foyer - warms it up, contrasts against the spectacular terrazzo floor and iron rails. The antique French military officers hat and epaulets - personal touches. Circle staircase - action!<br />
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"<i>Whats up? This is going to be an experience</i>".<br />
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Good food, interesting conversation. The mix suggests surprise. Trust me, the hosts are going to be decked out. Though it's stark, formal, and sophisticated, there is a factor that puts you at ease. Makes you want a complete tour<i>.</i> You know it's going to be exciting, fun, stimulating.<br />
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Then, the evening is over.<br />
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Your Exit.<br />
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How do you express your gratitude? Keep it simple and sincere. If there is a hug, make it real. Fake hugs and awkward kiss kiss makes people want to puke – they can detect them a 100 miles away. </div>
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Example of a BAD Exit!</div>
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Your mother should have taught you better!<br />
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Unless it's "The Walk of Shame" and then there would be a different kind of Entrance – I smell another blog.<br />
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Loretta Lynn still got it going on!<br />
"You Ain't Woman Enough" </div>
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ranting of a redneck decoratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09940335863707077311noreply@blogger.com0