I am really enjoying being back at the store.  Even though it's a ton of work, I love changing the set out from season to season.  My heads a spinning.

For Those who Love to Shop

I always try to get out and see the retail sights when I am in Manhattan attending the New York International Gift Fair.  If you like to shop (and I definitely fall into that category), ABC Carpet & Home is a must see.  I mean there's just not too many stores in the world that have crystal shrines next to their elevators and where you see women shopping in mocassins carrying Louis Vuitton handbags.  Ethnic, industrial, romantic, modern & handmade all happily co-exist here.  The aesthetic mixes delicate with strong and density with space.  I love it.  Here's a couple of pics from their front windows this August. 

And while you're there, I highly  recommend lunch at their newly opened restaurant in the basement.  You'll probably have to wait,  but no worries, you'll  have the whole store to shop in while you do.

Change is in the Air at Passionflower

 Longtime store goddess, Tara, she of the most amazing smile, married her longtime companion Brian last month.

 Which was a great reason for us to indulge in some festivities.....we hung white festones....

 Alison brought the tablecloth with the special wedding juju...

 Liberal amounts of rose petals and alchohol......

 and a whole lotta love.....

It was a small, private ceremony on the Oregon Coast......the bride was barefoot and carried a bouquet  made from tillandsia and succulents ....she wore a sage green dress....the gods smiled upon them and the rain cleared just in time for the momentous occasion. 

Some Musings

 Pages from my journal.....using graph paper, Cavallini rubber stamps, and decorative tape.....

 which somehow reminds me of this vignette from the store - John Derian plate of a luna moth flitting about

loose from the confines of the orchid and lichen filled terrarium.  That's what traveling is like for me.  I am loose of my usual landscape - untethered and full of wonder and discovery.

Back from My Summer Wanderings

I am back from my little summer blog hiatus.  I've been traveling and it's too hard for me to work in the teeny tiny i phone format, so I'll simply say that I am glad to be blogging again and am bubbling over with all kinds of great things to share with you.  Not too mention that I think everything in my yard grew at least a foot in the two weeks I've been gone.

I wanted to start out by showing you this beatiful bouquet that Erin made for a lucky August bride.  I can't tell you how happy I was to see this picture as I was flicking through facebook in my New York hotel room. It's so great to be able to get away from the store, recharge my batteries, get inspired, and shop for goodies and know that all is in good hands back home.  I am sol lucky to have such an awesome staff.

Outdoor Dining

I know we've all thought this many time over this summer, but I think it's finally here in Oregon.  No more asking yourself in July wether you should turn the heat on in the morning or just put on an extra sweater.  Seriously, it's been that cold but now it's warm and outdoor dining can finally kick in.  We'll have to make up for lost time.Tablecloths, lanterns, festones, cake plates, berry bowls, fun hanging vases and more at the store all to take your outdoor dining experience to the next level!!