My Passion for Design

Wow! What a gorgeous book! If I could sum Barbra up with one word, it would be "detail." She is the queen of details. This book is the journey of the years Barbra spends building her dream home. And what a beautiful home it is! To see a photograph of a room was just the beginning. Ms. Streisand would then point out all the tiny details and love that went into every room. I was spellbound! This would make a fabulous Christmas gift for someone who loves beautiful things.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Books and Memories

Our much loved independent book store, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, is closing at the end of December. Every Wednesday when I meet my darling daughter for lunch, we always go spend some time in Davis-Kidd. We have been doing our book, magazine and gift shopping with Davis-Kidd for over 20 years. It's where we had many books signed and met many authors. It's where Women's National Book Association had their monthly meetings, writing groups met at Bronte Bistro and many book clubs held discussions. We loved it in its very first spot at the old Green Hills mall, our favorite at Grace's Plaza and its present location at the new Green Hills mall where the Castner Knott was before. We will miss you!

Thank You Veterans

Today we observe Veteran's Day, which was originally known as Armistice Day. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, on the 11th of the month in 1918, World War 1 was over after 4 years of brutal conflict, ending what was supposed to be the "War to end all Wars." Unfortunately it wasn't. In 1954, to honor all veterans of the American wars, living or dead, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, with the help of Congress, changed the name to Veteran's Day.

My sweet Grandmother had seven sons and they all served, at some point in time, in the military. My Dad sent me this photo of five of his older brothers. Thank heavens they all made it home safely. Pictured are Uncle Earl, Uncle Ed, Uncle Merl, Uncle JW and Uncle Jim. Thank you for being a part of keeping this country free.

Happy Veterans Day!

Southern Lady Weekend

I have returned from a lovely weekend in Atlanta that I had been looking forward to for over six months. Thank you Kimberly, Melissa, Lynn, Mary Lee, Alicia, Leslie and Mom for a fun weekend of discovery, beauty, great food, shopping, laughter and excellent speakers. Atlanta was definitely hit with some classy ladies! 400 to be exact!

DH sent me off with a full memory card in the camera, so I will have to rely on the girls to send me pictures to share soon.

We heard from the just retired from thirty-one years in the White House florist, award winning author Mary Kay Andrews, Vietri pottery founder Susan Gravely, 2010 Southern Lady of the Year weddings designer Pat Kerr and comedian Jeanne Robertson. Lots of food demonstrations, decorating and holiday info to see us through the upcoming months.

Phyllis Hoffman DePiano of Hoffman Media and her team put an incredible weekend together for the eighth year and I for one am looking forward to next year.