Monday, May 31, 2010
An Announcement, An Invitation, and A Give-away (With A Twist!)
Ta Daaaaaa.....I'm VERY excited to announce that Heartfire At Home's 'We Believe In Home' Manifesto is complete!
Yay!
The Manifesto is a statement of belief describing what I believe to be the spiritual, emotional, and physical importance of HOME.
The real meaning behind a word that gets bandied around so much.
And, I have a vision about this 'meaning'.
It's a vision I'd like to spend my life taking to the world, and sharing with others....... (I have plans in the works for an e-book and an e-course).
BUT, part of creating that vision, necessitates first of all, the creation of a wider audience.
Which is where my invitation comes in.....
I invite all of you to join my small 'We Believe In Home' movement by clicking on the 'We Believe' link in the main menu, the 'I Believe In HOME' button in the sidebar, or any of the links on this page.
Once on the Manifesto page, if you agree with the sentiments expressed there, you can add a thumbnail link of your own (it will show your name and a pic - like Mr Linky but with a photo as well) to show you 'believe' in HOME too.
Then, to reciprocate, there's a couple of buttons for you to choose from to place on your own blog, one a lot less conspicuous than the other so it will blend almost anywhere.
Your photo and link on the page will be permanent for the life of this blog (which I hope is a darn long time!!), unless you delete them.
I would love it if you'd join in this little movement, and help turn it into a bigger one..... something I can take and share with more and more people.
Which brings me to the give-away..... with a twist.
Whilst I'll be having a 'real' give-away in a few weeks time as my online shop nears opening, this give-away is a virtual one..... a piece of virtual real estate!
For the first 5 people who link their name and pic on the 'We Believe In Home' page (after my own), I will also place a link to your blog on my sidebar in a 'Top 5' section. It will be just under the 'I Believe In HOME' button you can see there now. The links will stay there for a minimum of 6 months, so that's 6 months of free 'blog real estate'/link advertising!
Of course, I do reserve the right to make sure the links go to appropriate places (no rude stuff etc), I think you'll agree that's fair.
I only have a small following in this little corner of the virtual world, but I'm hoping this is the first step in terrific journey filled with the joy of spreading my vision of 'Home' to the world.
Won't you come and join me?
Thanks for listening. :)
Linda. xox
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In Honor of Memorial Day
War and Peace (Ack-Ack Fire near a Russian Aleut Grave), Wm F Draper, 1942
Memorial Day is one of the bookends of summer. It's easy to forget what Memorial Day honors - which is all of the men and women who have died in military service to our country.
From the US Memorial Day webpage:
"Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
Aleutians Campaign, Wm F. Draper
Boxing Match, Wm F. Draper, 1944
The paintings here are by my great uncle, painter William F. Draper (1912-2003).
William F. Draper
Lieutenant Commander, USNR
"Born in Hopedale, Massachusetts, Draper attended the National Academy of Design and the Cope Art School in Massachusetts and also studied in France and Spain. Commissioned early in 1942, he created a series of paintings during his coverage of the Aleutians, Bougainville and the Marianas campaigns, many of which later appeared in color reproductions in the National Geographic Magazine. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious work as a combat artist in the Aleutians and under enemy attack in the South Pacific.
After returning to civilian life, William F. Draper earned an international reputation as a portraitist. His subjects have included John F. Kennedy (1962), the Shah of Iran (1967), James Michener (1979) and Richard M. Nixon (1981), as well as numerous other political, social, and corporate leaders. His work is included in the collections of a number of major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and the National Portrait Gallery."
from the Naval Historical Center Website
Inferno, Wm F. Draper, 1944
Bill Draper was commissioned by the US Navy as one of five official WWII combat artists. He painted 69 descriptive wartime scenes between 1942-1945, many of them were featured in National Geographic magazine. It wasn't easy being a combat artist - conditions were difficult and often dangerous. Bill landed with the second wave of marines at Bougainville and while assigned to the USS Yorktown he "painted a series of paintings on the first air attack on Palau. He covered the landings at Hollandia and the air strike on Truk.
Draper covered the invasion of Saipan and Guam aboard the USS Tennessee depicting the powerful destruction that hit this island. While he was aboard, the Tennessee was hit three times. He landed and remained on the island for eighteen days recording the bitter struggle and eventual success of this action. At Guam he landed with the assault troops under heavy enemy fire."
- Naval Historical Center website
Hangar Deck of Carrier, Wm F Draper, 1944
Uncle Bill in his NYC Studio, image via Portrait Society of America website
A Warrior Homeward Bound, Wm F Draper, 1944
all images via the Naval Historical Center website
Aesthetic Touches to Room
They will not only add a new aesthetic touches to the room, but also helps to control the acoustics and the added comfort and softness. Check out some of these textile products to the new IKEA below. For more examples and prices of products you’ll need to check their online catalog. With them, you can easily control light and temperature in the room makes it more original and beautiful. new carpet can also be a large bright and simple home renovation. their textile products consisting of many new mattress, curtains, and carpets. Fresh new colors and patterns can help to make renovations in your home much easier. One of their big new product is the curtain of the window pane. New 2010 IKEA catalog has demonstrated not only the living room, dining room and kitchen, bedroom design and children’s bedroom design ideas, but also textile products are great.
Big Bathroom Mirrors
Mirror allows to accommodate the necessary things in the bathroom closet hidden in it practical. This construction is suitable for any bathroom and can be proud of anyone, but it does have one drawback. The fact is that the mirror surface becomes dirty very quickly and every drop of water can be seen on it, but cleaning is not so easy. This year the German company Hoesch has been surprised by the creative and highly functional products. One such product is the mirror construction are presented itself as an independent wall with integrated glass sink and mixer tap. This not only looks great but also very functional and has some interesting choices.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Mi Casa Revista - A Dazzling House In Spain
Thanks to a fab post over at Handmade Evolution by Amy, I've discovered Mi Casa Revisita.
This discovery is utterly amazing, yet sucks at the same time, because this online site for the magazine Mi Casa Revista is full of glorious images..... but it's all written in Spanish!!
Aarrggh!
How I wish I could translate. Think I'd better give Google translate a whirl.
So whilst I've discovered this glorious home full of the most amazing light (people who've 'travelled' and come back to Australia always talk about the amazing 'light' in countries like Spain, and how it's so different to the light over here...... and now I think I believe them for real), I can't tell you anything about it because my ability to read Spanish is almost nil.
I do know the word 'casa' means 'HOME' though, as I once considered using it as part of a business name when my partner and I were talking about crafting our own furniture pieces.
Anyhow.... look at this stunning home full of fab furniture (keep your eye open for the armoire in the kitchen), beautiful objects, nice architectural details, brilliant splashes of colour, and the most astoundingly clear light.
What do you think?
Gorgeous?
All images from Mi Casa Revista here.
Cheers,
Linda.
P.S: Stay tuned for a special announcement, an invitation, and a give-away tomorrow!
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3 More Wonderful Homes To Tour:
The Holiday I May Never Return From - Gatsby House
Eclectic, Quirky, and Colourful - A Blast Of Fun In Basset Rd!
From The Man Who Designs The Impossible - The Ablitt House
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And, in case you're in love with the pops of blue in the home above:
So You're Bowled Over By Blue? What Does That Mean?
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Monday Music - How Smooth Are You?
Music is SO important to the happiness of my home. :)
Now most Monday mornings when the working week looms I'll try to post a fave song or some music I'm listening to at the moment to provide some musical motivation.
So my little groovers......... here's today's installment!
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This song is by the great Santana and Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20. And, it really is a song to 'groove' to. Always makes me feel like grabbing someone and putting those salsa lessons I had a couple of years ago to good use!
A great one to get you going on a Monday morning.
Turn it up!!
And, as always when thinking of our 'Musical Must Haves' section...
Ask yourself: 'Do I L.O.V.E music?'
Which leads to: 'Have I got enough of it in my home and in my life?'
Because: Good interior design caters to ALL our senses, not just our eyes.... that's why I call it 'Atmospheric Design' instead!
So go get your groove on!!!!
Cheers,
Linda.
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The Original Musical Must Have:
Where Did The Music Go? - Alternatively Titled Hugh Grant and I Have Something In Common With Our Bottoms!
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
In Honor Of Memorial Day
Last Veteran's Day, I wrote a post about my family members who were in the service. I think about them often and the sacrifices they made in their lifetimes and how my sacrifices seem so small and irrelevant in comparison. I'm so grateful for all the military families both past and present. Thank you for all you do.
From my Veteran's Day post....
My grandpa, Clifford Parsons, was in the Army Engineers division who was responsible for building the roads and bridges before the rest of the troops advanced. He fought in Europe and was ordered to invade Normandy. A week before the invasion, his units' orders were changed or he would have been one of the first men there.
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Scott's grandfather, Charles Hathcock, also served during WWII. Charles came from a family of six siblings; he was the youngest of four brothers. At one point during WWII, all of the Hathcock brothers were serving in the war. Charles was recruited much later in the war and served in Austria Germany in two main roles. His first role was as a Military Police(MP) officer watching over German war prisoners. His second role gave him the opportunity to explore the German countryside as part of the communications reconstruction team. Charles helped hang telephone lines and open back up communications between German villages. He never had to fire a single shot in either role but instead left the war with an appreciation for the German Austrian people and their countryside.
From my Veteran's Day post....
Happy Veteran's Day! And a big thank you to veterans, soldiers, and all those amazing military families who miss their loved ones on a daily basis.
I've been thinking a lot about my family members who served today and wanted to honor them in some small way . My mom was kind enough to share some of what she knows about my grandparents so I've included it below. Thanks Mom!
(Juanita Pennington, 1945)
My grandmother, Juanita Pennington was member of the WAVES (Women's Navy) and worked in D.C. during WWII. (Photo above was taken in D.C.) One of her jobs was to decode Japanese messages. She was put on a train with other WAVES. Juanita had no idea where she was going or where she ended up due to the black-out curtains hanging in the train windows. She got off the train at a secret location and worked on the messages. The women would be brought back to their bases the next day.
My grandmother, Juanita Pennington was member of the WAVES (Women's Navy) and worked in D.C. during WWII. (Photo above was taken in D.C.) One of her jobs was to decode Japanese messages. She was put on a train with other WAVES. Juanita had no idea where she was going or where she ended up due to the black-out curtains hanging in the train windows. She got off the train at a secret location and worked on the messages. The women would be brought back to their bases the next day.
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My grandfather, Lawrence Pennington was a paratrooper during WWII. He was in Africa fighting Rommel (German) as well as parachuting into Europe where he was one of the first paratroopers to drop over the Ziegfreid line when Americans invaded Europe. Most of the men were killed as they parachuted, but he landed safely and hid under a snow-covered tree. He was discovered and held as a prisoner for nine months. The Russian army liberated him and when he came back home to the US he was sent to the Biltmore House Estate in North Carolina to recuperate due to his poor health.
My grandfather, Lawrence Pennington was a paratrooper during WWII. He was in Africa fighting Rommel (German) as well as parachuting into Europe where he was one of the first paratroopers to drop over the Ziegfreid line when Americans invaded Europe. Most of the men were killed as they parachuted, but he landed safely and hid under a snow-covered tree. He was discovered and held as a prisoner for nine months. The Russian army liberated him and when he came back home to the US he was sent to the Biltmore House Estate in North Carolina to recuperate due to his poor health.
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(Clifford Parsons with my dad, Barry Parsons)
My grandpa, Clifford Parsons, was in the Army Engineers division who was responsible for building the roads and bridges before the rest of the troops advanced. He fought in Europe and was ordered to invade Normandy. A week before the invasion, his units' orders were changed or he would have been one of the first men there.
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(Charles Hathcock)
Scott's grandfather, Charles Hathcock, also served during WWII. Charles came from a family of six siblings; he was the youngest of four brothers. At one point during WWII, all of the Hathcock brothers were serving in the war. Charles was recruited much later in the war and served in Austria Germany in two main roles. His first role was as a Military Police(MP) officer watching over German war prisoners. His second role gave him the opportunity to explore the German countryside as part of the communications reconstruction team. Charles helped hang telephone lines and open back up communications between German villages. He never had to fire a single shot in either role but instead left the war with an appreciation for the German Austrian people and their countryside.
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My grandpa, Calvin Deeter, served in the Navy aboard the The USS Conklin DE439. There's a wonderful website dedicated to those who served on the Conklin: http://www.ussconklin.org/index.htm.
My grandpa, Calvin Deeter, served in the Navy aboard the The USS Conklin DE439. There's a wonderful website dedicated to those who served on the Conklin: http://www.ussconklin.org/index.htm.
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If you have more info, photos, or different memories to share, please let me know! I'd love to add them to this post.
Alys Beach Stunner
Summer is here and I have an urge to go to Alys Beach. Who wouldn't want to stay in this stunning house? Okay it looks a little like a hotel, but wait until you see the inside. It is described as a villa.
You can rent this gorgeous house! Go here to see more about Alys Beach.
Here's the description from the rental page:
11,250 sq. ft. compound with 32' saltwater pool in courtyard; 6,500 sq.ft. heated & cooled living area plus decks & loggias.
"Aspri Villa redefines luxury, a 5-Star villa resting in the ultimate emerald coast community of Alys Beach. This unique and amazing sanctuary invites you to stretch out and enjoy the spacious estate home accomodations.
Renown Florida architect Tom Christ and interior Atlanta Designer Christa Renfroe Hurley have teamed up to create a true one of a kind masterpiece that embodies the epitome of style and design. The generous 9,500 square feet of living space surrounds a private saltwater pool with underwater music features, a sheer decent waterfall, and a separate roof top Jacuzzi. Evening entertainment is made perfect with an outdoor fireplace, wet bar, gas grill and dining loggia for romantic dinners alfresco.
Aspri Villa has a total of 5 bedrooms plus a 4-bed bunk room; inclusive of two master suites with private porches, steam showers and fireplaces; a two bedroom pool suite with separate fireplace, mini-kitchen and two full baths; Maximum capacity is 12 adults 2 children/total 14.
The bunk room is an eclectic environment with a media center just for the kids; all very colorful and fun with softly padded fabric walls!
The media room has a wood burning fireplace and huge wall mounted 52" HD-TV; a formal living room and an elegant formal dining room with seating for 12. An expansive kitchen plus an outside cooking grill and dining loggia for meals with a poolside ambiance.
You won't want to leave Aspri Villa once you arrive and enjoyed its majestic beauty, intimate, inviting charm and fine accoutrements. Perfect for reunions of families and friends of discriminating taste, and the perfect escape for quite time with the family or corporate getaways; where hospitality in an intimate environment is a must!"
Are you drooling yet? I am....
all images via Alys Beach website
p.s. This Photographer's Life has a beautiful post on Alys Beach here.
A Nice Shot Of Colour For You!
Here's a brilliant little collection of coloured vases and some vivacious pink to brighten your weekend!
Cheers,
Linda.
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3 More Brilliant Colour 'Shots':
A Bathroom To Make Mondays Easier
A Dreamy, Breezy, Fresh Bedroom...
The Exuberance and Happiness Of Yellow!! Pics To Lift Your Heart...
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Friday, May 28, 2010
Brookwood Hills Brad Heppner Renovation
We swim at Brookwood Hills pool. So for three glorious months every summer I get to drive around this beautiful intown neighborhood that was developed in the 1920's by Benjamin Franklin Burdett and his son, Arthur. Besides my own neighborhood (Peachtree Heights East also known as the Duck Pond neighborhood), Brookwood Hills and Ansley Park are my favorite Atlanta neighborhoods. I like the dense urban feel and the lack of yard work!
All of last summer I watched the progress of a Brad Heppner renovation in Brookwood Hills. The house has special meaning to me because my aunt and uncle lived in the house most of my childhood. The best wedding party we had was at this house after our wedding (if you're planning a wedding I highly recommend this idea - which is to keep entertaining the out of town guests). Everyone is so relaxed and all of the pressure is gone.
Anyway, back to Brookwood Hills. Yesterday, I drove past the renovation and it was complete. I couldn't resist taking photos. The house began it's life as a modest four over four with a center hall. When my aunt and uncle lived there it had an addition on the back with a kitchen, family room and master bedroom. Today, there is actually more usable outdoor space than before the renovation. There is a grassy courtyard that you can see in the pictures below and also another courtyard behind the new garage. The kitchen, keeping room and new family room open onto it. Despite the fact that the house takes up a good bit of the lot, I think it is well situated and blends in nicely. (Full disclosure, they have more green space than I do now).
