Reflections

 Fred and I spent the Christmas holidays in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains this year with our firstborn and her husband and children. There couldn't be a more beautiful part of the country this time of year. We were not disappointed when the soft snowfall began on Christmas Eve and continued through the next few days. These are some of the views Fred captured.

 Driving through the beautiful Bucks County neighborhoods this evening brought a moment of wonder and 

melancholy to my heart . Another tender season comes to a close and I'm not quite sure I'm ready to embark on the new year just yet. I should be...it's certainly been a busy season, a successful season. I love my retail creative work, but it does not come without considerable sacrifice. But, it's a sacrifice I enjoy.

Where have the last few months gone? The stockroom is bare...the trees empty. There isn't much adornment of any significance left. How I recall the near panic in my heart when I looked at tables, baskets, trees, stockrooms and closets bursting with the 2012 Christmas offerings and wondered what I had done! With all the reassurance from my buying co heart that we had stayed in our budgets and not to worry, I wondered if that could be true! Looking around the store today I can say she was right. 

Just as there is opportunity now to create new venues and inspirations, there is time for introspection on many levels. The desire for personal changes and a debt of gratitude for my retail friends and clients come quickly to heart. A new year begins and the prospect of new beginnings on many levels gives strength and encouragement to me.

I couldn't have accomplished what I did in 2012 without the help and support of staff, family and my loyal Black-eyed Susan friends and supporters. Thank you for your encouragement and trust as we have come into your homes to share our time and visions. 

I'm looking forward to another year of creative inspirations, vision and personal insights. 

Happy New Year. I'm ready for the challenge and look forward to sharing the ride.

Susan't Tag Sale!

Wow. My tag sale was a great success,thanks to my Black-eyed Susan supporters!

The planning was both intense and very objective, as I sorted and culled every cupboard, storage room and living space. What can I say...I'm tired of the designs I've lived with for the past 10 years. I tell my clients 10 years is a good run! And so it was.

So many of my darling clients stopped by and while I am tired of the look of things, so many of them exclaimed their love for my cozy home. I took a few photos of the days events and several of my buyers sent me theirs! I'll share some of them with you just for the record.

I'm planning on following my progress with regular posts. Sneelock is anxious to get things started, as he hasn't much to sit on! (Oh.Dear.)

One of my first clients sent me this soon after arriving home with her treasure (pink tulips and books). Apparently her car fully approved!

The dining room was filled to the brim with some of my collected plates, platters and butter pats! (I told you I was very objective in my offerings...)

This plate collection went to a favorite client and friend. The bedding was sold as a collection and the lamps went quickly too.

Master bedroom draperies...still available!

My bathroom is a collage of mirrors instead of a large or two singles. Valances-gone!

This vintage silk covered chair and ottoman went to a long time friend and Black-eyed Susan fan. Can I just say that I love it when my favorite things go home with friends?! Thanks, Anita.

Lisa and myself in the dining room. Lisa has been blogging  for some time about her excitement leading up to my sale! She took home some of my favorites. *sigh*

The tiny chandelier was the only thing in this photo for sale....none of my brown transfereware!

Long time favorite floral...gone! It looks a bit bare, but I have a new vision.

                                                     This little table was one of the first things to go.

I added this chandelier into the mix due to a special request for silver and crystal.

Dining room draperies and rug-bye bye!

My working vintage radio also left with a favorite friend....along with Sneelock's favorite chair!

So many times I couldn't resist telling the story or history of something selected by my friends. When I told Kendall how I had hung this in a collection of platters and recommended that she start her own collection for hanging, she said,"Or, I might just eat my chicken on it"! How cute is that? I can go along with that. Kendall also had a great suggestion for me! She said that I should have had a contest for shoppers as they left..."guess how many clocks...or plates...or cameras...or salt and pepper shakers Susan has"! That girl! Why didn't I think of that?!

I am a clock collector and this favorite was hard to let go. I had made up my mind ahead of time if it didn't sell , I would paint it gray and give it a facelift! Then, when I was admiring it with this client and his wife, I realized that it had mother of pearl inlays. It made me feel a bit better about selling it.

All in all, it was a successful though busy few days.

Now on to the new design project! I'll keep you posted, though I think I may be at the bottom on a long list of client projects....