The Moldy Doily

Staying Gold

There is something healing about the air out here in the desert.  The way the sun shines gold on flowering plants, and the mountains turn a mystical mauve around sunset.  I love walking the 2.5 miles around my neighborhood and taking in all the beautiful things.  I love the giant boulders stacked neatly like chocolate eclairs.  I have spent the past week (almost 3 times a day) at the Home Depot buying paint and supplies for my new desert art space.  I had intended on keeping my work space in my large garage, but then a 3 foot snake, a few black widows and some desert mice stopped by to let me know that I was not working alone in there.

So I ended up finding a SUPER AMAZING art work space in town that will eventually be the best place on the planet for me to get busy.  It's an old hair salon (circa the 70's or 80's) and has great window light, and painted cement floor perfect for destroying with my paint drips.  I will post pictures as soon as I get it painted and cleaned up.  I can already imagine myself listening to records, occasionally having a studio pop up shop and hanging with friends on the front porch.  I've been so excited about all of this and have had a hard time getting to sleep because I just want to wake up at 7 a.m. and get back in there to remodel!

I am also excited because Season 4 of 90210 is also a go and we'll be returning to our offices and shopping in June!  I can't wait to see what the writers have planned for the characters this year.  I am moving myself closer to the office this season, but must admit it will be hard to leave the unique beauty and weirdness that is here in the desert.

the need to LET GO

There have been incredible changes in my life the past few months.  Not only have I moved to a serene desert hideaway, but I've been finding cool art supplies, organizing my new work space, hanging with good friends and nesting.  I recently found a fab thrift store in Palm Springs and stocked up on lots of craft books, weird cat books, healing books and home improvement manuals.  One of the books I found titled "You Can Heal Your Life" mentions that you have to LET GO/forgive in order to heal yourself and move on to more exciting things.  This mantra has been one of mine since I first opened my clothing boutique Show Pony in 2000.  I used to always remind myself to "Let Go" , go with the flow, don't take everything so serious, lighten up, be happy.  I even made some t-shirts with this mantra back in 2002.

 This book goes into detail about how harmful it can be to hang on to old regrets, anger, grief, betrayal, toxic friends, cheaters etc... I believe in that theory, and I have always believed what you put out into the world you get back.  I think that negative relationships have an effect on us.  Although it can often be hard to abandon old ways of doing things, I think it's important to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.  Since I have been on vacation from work, I have taken a lot of time to think about what really matters to me.  I've tried to be more aware and appreciative of the people that are important to me, and what truly makes me happy. These days are always going to be precious to me, when I look back.  Such a magical feeling out here.  We are sleeping in, playing with the cats, making changes to this place, and enjoying meals outside at our big table.This has been a heavenly year.  I love my life.  This May 15th it will be a whole year that my hubby and I have been married!  I am amazed and grateful for the great friends that we have, the incredible job that I LOVE, and this home that (as of today) we officially OWN!  Sometimes you have to trust that you know what you really need.  You have to be able to let go of things that no longer suit you and make some space for good things and new stuff to come in.

Don't forget tonight is the new moon in Taurus!  Which means you should make your move towards what you want out of life... Check out my friend MARCELLA's BLOG for more details

Another plus to living in the hi-desert is that you can wear pretty much anything...including weird caftans.  The weather up here has been breezy and warm.  I suppose since we are so high up it hasn't been that hot yet.   

home sweet weird

I am starting to get used to the daily routine here.  I wake up and drink an iced coffee, I look at pretty cactus plants and watch wild animals scurry past my yard.  I have started to take long walks and generally end up catching a nap midday.I have been listening to my old records again, and checking out some of my old books.  It's like a perpetual vacation mode that takes a little bit of getting used too.  I find my brain trying to multitask things, attempting to organize things.  Something about these long peaceful days that my brain is still unable to process. I want to finish setting up my art space and supplies and get down to creative business.  These past 8 months I struggled to find alone time to make things.  Inspiration is everywhere out here! Every day here is sort of like a Twin Peaks episode. There are cowboys, quilters, psychedelic artisans, mysterious drifters. So far I like all of them.  I see interesting things all day that make me wonder why these other folks have dropped out of society and decided to make a nest here?  I find myself having more genuine conversations, and am often fascinated by the locals handiwork. Some of my favorite things I have discovered within 5 minutes of my home are:

this guy created a crystal castle- sort of a volcanic molten home with glass peep windows to view clusters and caverns of crystals and rocks

The day before Cynthia and I ventured into Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs...

Gypsyland had all kinds of treasures

saw this cool Picasso like sculpture in Palm Springs. 

we drank sangria and ate giant hamburgers and checked out lots of little shops

earlier in the day it actually SNOWED up at our house!  so amazing!

when I wandered down the path and saw this enormous purple ape I asked "what's up with this?" and a local simply said "they just got it today and their filling it up with air"  Ooops, my bad. I should have known grape apes are totally norm out here.

Vacation to L.A.

This past week the hubby and I had to drive back to L.A. to clear out the last of our things at the old place.  It was bittersweet, considering we got married in that back yard...but also nice to know we have tons of new adventures ahead.  Since I was going to be working the SHOW PONY sale at 1520 space on Sunday and he had a meeting for work on Monday, we decided to stay at the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd and relax.  It felt like we were tourists in our own city!   Here's some of the weekend highlights...

if you have never tried a Beard Papa pastry, do yourself a favor and indulge.  I discovered these in Japan about 6 years ago.  Highly addictive.   This town has so many crazy characters roaming the streets.  If I were a parent I would probably never let my kid near some of these costumed crazies.

Even though our trip was fun, it was sure nice to drive back to our desert place.  There are no words to describe how awesome the sunsets are

did I mention that while in L.A. I decided to make my hair as crazy as the desert life?  I decided what the hell- you only live once...

It's definitely a work in progress...

the Wake Up

Sadly I can't even remember the last time I posted on my blog!  But so many things have happened since, It has been one incredibly busy year working as the Costume Designer for 90210, getting married, and buying our first home. I have been exhausted! And I've missed posting on the Moldy Doily. I've been stockpiling images and cool things to share with you for months and months...but alas haven't had the time to post.  Tomorrow I am driving up to Los Angeles to have a big MOVING away sale with all of  my old Show Pony friends.  The event is being held in the courtyard of 1520 Space near Urban Outfitters.  Here's the SHOW PONY Gypsy sale info

I am getting rid of clothes, artwork, fun home decor and more!  I am getting rid of about 75% of my belongings, and am so happy about the BIG move to Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree.  I have been slowly getting our new house together and can't wait to start making artwork with my time off.  The new art space has a huge window that faces the desert, and olive trees.  Here are some images of what it looks like...

This is the guest bedroom!  So relaxing and it faces the whole desert landscape.  There is also a cute porch attached to the front of the guest room with its own door.  I have been having so much fun potting plants and repainting furniture.





We went into town today and found a cool flea market, and scored these 1950's wood chairs.  They needed a good sanding, staining and then reupholstering.  I LOVE the way they came out.

I love all the antique shops here in town.  here's some pics I took while exploring...




I finally feel like my brain is rebooting.  I often wonder how to get started with all the things I have been putting off doing.  I like this new feeling of being lighter.  There has definitely been a great lift coming out here, less distractions.  It was hard to empty that house these past few weeks, so many memories there in Echo Park for me.  I found boxes of photos, past art show flyers, destroyed garments buried in boxes and was flooded with memories.  While getting gas across the street from my old apartment, I couldn't help but stare up at the old fire escape and reminisce about my old friends...most who have moved away by now.  It's strange getting older, being inspired by new things- and new places.  It's good to finally be in a place where I can sit down and share all of the images I took this season.  I look forward to these quiet days ahead, I've missed this.

no place like H O M E

This past week my hubby and I ventured to Yucca Valley (Joshua Tree) with the keys to our new HOUSE!  We drove through a crazy rain storm... roads experiencing flash flood conditions. We kept thinking "we must be insane" to drive through this weather.  But all of that was quickly replaced with pure excitement when we winded around the last turn before our new driveway and our house on the hill.  Not even grey skies and dismal winds could erase that happy feeling.

We had intended on only spending the night painting the walls and cleaning it all up, unfortunately we forgot the air mattress pump, the pillows, the blankets and other clothes.  Um, yeah...we ended up at the local Walmart buying Snuggies, and strange sweatshirts and Tinkerbell fluffy P.J.s .  We couldn't believe how sweet everyone in town was.  It felt like we were somehow transported to the 1950's.  Everyone saying hello, and the folks at the local Home Depot offering to help at every turn.  We did not anticipate how difficult it is to paint all day and night.  Our arms and backs were thrown by early eve.  Mercury retrograde somehow was in full effect because we were stranded in the desert due to weather conditions and my I-Phone decided to crash and swallow my last month's photos and videos! Ouch

the best new house discoveries:

1.  roadrunners running all around the back yard with wild rabbits

2.  the Rib CO, cool old school bar and restaurant near our pad

3.  The giant tub with jacuzzi jets!! that one was the best

dream to reality

I am going to let the universe know that I have a plan for my future.  And I imagine it to go something like this someday...heavenly blue skies, magical stars, garden spaces, shelves of art supplies, my creative partner J by my side taking walks and sharing the quiet

 
 
 
   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 sometimes you have to imagine yourself already doing it.  Sometimes you have to see yourself creating things in new spaces and really believe the seeds you plant will grow into something.  Say a prayer that this fantasy becomes my artistic reality in the near future. XO

more illusive than Bigfoot?: the unicorn

 

 
 So the past few weeks have been a colorful BLUR to say the least.  I have been in a bunch of awesome group art shows (above is the SCION Rooms show which runs til may 15th)  After that one I had to gear up for my trip to SF for the closing party at Candy Store Collective.  My cohort in crime Marcella drove all the way from L.A.!

 

too bad we didn't have more time to shop around this cool city. 
 
 
 Candystore Collective had the coolest work staff and was way bigger than I imagined. They had my art banners in their front windows!  I of course forgot to take a picture of that, but trust me it looked super from the street.

 

cool kitty about to eat marcella
 

this candystore collective employee sort of matched the colors in the art work
  
 
 
 
 The shop owner above: Jennifer!  Let me just say that closing party night was FAB.  They created a drink called "the Buzzelli" which was part Vodka + Aperol + Lychee syrup- lime juice and ice- yum.  So many of my old friends who have migrated to SF came by to visit.  I also got to meet some rad fans of my artwork and sign some prints. The entire room was filled with sweet, smart and lovely ladies from San Francisco.  When my pal Marcella mentioned to the locals she had considered moving up there, the response was overwhelming.  "Are you crazy! if you are single you will have the hardest time finding a man here"  Or "check out this crowd, notice 24 cool creative woman for every one man .  One of her pals admitted that most men were either already dating, gay, a douche in the dot com field or married.  We thought this was all very funny, and kept trying to spy local men who appeared "available".  As the night progressed we noticed that the single straight men did have a smug expression when spotted...as if muttering aloud " that's right ladies, you practically just spotted a unicorn"  It was like that scene in Xanadu where the ladies escape from the mural, but in this version there were only 12 single attractive men leashed into the scene and if you were lucky you might spot or land one. (made me grateful to be so lucky in love)

   

Jennifer and I meeting was pretty cosmic.  We are both Scorpios, both own (owned) boutiques with similar vibes, believe in Ghosts, love organic and precious knick knacks, and have low patience levels.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 It was fun to fly up to another city for less than 24 hours and try to pack in some nightlife and fun.  We ended up walking around and eating late night burritos as big as my arm.  At the end of the evening I ventured to the East Bay with Jennifer to stay at her amazing house.  And when I say "amazing" I mean drop dead stunning home that should be used daily for photo shoots and relaxing dinners.  Her place was even featured in the San Francisco chronicle HERE

Sleeping in a lovely room with a cute 60's fireplace that has a light up psychedelic log and enormous cloud like comforter was like heaven.  I wanted to stay in that house forever. And I must admit it was the first time I could picture living in a mid century style home and desired building one just like it someday...

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 this amazing head dress was from a bride (some exotic travel purchase)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 anyway, the pictures speak for themselves- this place is crazy amazing.  And Jennifer is the best hostess, with obviously mad personal style.  It was hard for Marcella and I to hit the road and leave the backyard with sweet smelling jasmine.  But we had Anderson's to look forward to, the rest stop diner with the funny pea soup billboard

 
 
   

MY goodness, this drive is so pretty!  We had the best time listening to satellite radio new wave classics and cruising.  When we left Anderson's famous pea place- we accidently entered the wrong freeway ramp and were headed in the wrong direction for 15 minutes, ha ha.
 

  
 seems we might have to take more fun road trips out of L.A. in the future.  although it was fun up in SF, I will confess It was nice to return home to these handsome faces on Friday.

 
 
 
 

this monday- I take the fiance home to OHIO to meet the family!

rose garden

The other day I finally ventured into the backyard and attempted to organize my art space.  I think some part of me feared that it would take a million years, or that I wouldn't like working out there without the cats or t.v.  But it was heaven! I painted for over 8 hrs back there, drinking tea.

 
 

I have been really grateful for all the good things that have come into my life during this year, and while out in my studio listening to Pandora Radio and painting, I found myself smiling really big.  I was listening to cat power which turned into the Shins which turned into joy division and I found myself singing and thinking- "HOW DID WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN?  I am in a cool space with all of my favorite art supplies and on the walls are layered tear sheets and posters and out the window I can see my fiance working on the yard and rose garden.  This is super fantastic, and for this moment in time I am going to soak up this happy blissful feeling.  In a few weeks we go home to visit my family in Ohio. Which I am so excited about and scared, since my mom just found out she has breast cancer and will be dealing with a lot of doctor visits and stuff.  Please keep her in your thoughts
 
 
 
 
  

 
 
 
 the view from my art space window! From the front there are 3 french doors that face out towards our house. 

 
 
 
  

Look who's enjoying the house all to themselves...
 
 
  

P.S. Thanks to all of you Moldy Doily readers who have helped me pick out some wedding dresses!  I really appreciate it
 

We heart Charlotte!

As you all know, one of my all time girl "crushes" is actress Charlotte Gainsbourg (daughter of singer Serge and mum Jane Birken)  Ever since spying her in the movie version of the Cement Garden (my fav Ian McEwan book)...I have loved her voice and her unique London look.  Her sister is also a favorite fashion muse- Lou Doillon.  Both have such exotic carefree good style.  My boyfriend/fiance bought the double vinyl record by Charlotte G. for Valentine's Day as well as a stereo to hook into my portable record player so I can blast the new songs loud.  We made our entry room into a dance floor and put a sweet shelf of all my vinyl against the wall.  Perfect listening or reading station for our friends. Anyway- YOU MUST take a listen to this new album, somewhat reminiscent of Cat Power, Beck (who produced and wrote most of the songs) and french dreamy girly electronic vocals.  

  

Here's a link to the reviews on her new album HERE
 
 
 Check out our new Turkish pillows! Love them.  Justin bought this new plant at the Farmer's Mkt, it's from Costa Rica

 

 

 
 
 
 Los Angeles weather was so amazing on Valentine's Day. We got slightly sunburn walking around the market.  So lucky to live here with perpetual sunshine!

why do i want you, I don't need you and yet miss you so...

 I'm glad that my current job prohibits me from all this online shopping and searching for things I really do not need. I was seconds away from owning this Turkish carpet bag purse.  I found it divine.  I already pictured myself lovingly putting all my precious beauty supplies inside.  "it can fit a nice notebook" I told myself.  I waited a whole day, and to my surprise some other impatient lady scored it.  Thankfully I dodged spending more money this holiday season.  Idle hands will tap at keys and purchase all sort of things that are frivolous.  You would think that exhausting move and purging of things would have taught me a valuable lesson, but alas "NO".  

 
 oh the gypsy rings call out to me, why why why

 I would never wear a shawl, but am always drawn to colored silk fringe

 

I would never carry this purse and yet I liked how way back Whiting and Davis made a graffiti style 80's bag in the flapper days

 
 
 
 
 
  

with the resurrection of these vintage leopard coats everywhere, something from my riot girl art school heyday comes over me.  Back in Ohio I used to score one of these every other week

 

 

not sure which is creepier, a weird needlepoint cat pillow

 or gold granny boots, nor why I heart them regardless

 
 
 
  

I love Egyptian stuff and

 this insane flapper bag from planet awesome
 
  

 
  

 
 you may wonder...why the weird gyspy folk dolls? Oh of course I was researching presents for my friend's kid and somehow went from folk toy instruments to this.  And I couldn't stop looking at these magnificent gems.  Why aren't dolls made with this insane flair today?  Why don't all dolls have embroidered boots and wicked painted eyes?  If I was ever asked the question "What would you want to be doing if you weren't doing what you are now?  Or when you were growing up what did you want to be?  I would definitely say- Doll/Puppet maker for sure.  I may have missed my true calling.

When I review this post, I am grateful that I  A.) do not have more free time starting monday  B.) Grateful rent is due today, and the voice of reason  C.) glad that my look but DO NOT PURCHASE buttons are in full effect

new places

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I made this original print of model/muse LARA STONE as my Xmas art print.  I will try and make a bunch more and sell them on my etsy site if anyone else likes a model with big hair and gap teeth! xo

I really LOVE my new art space and can't wait til spring to get to work!!  it's still a mess of boxes and random "stuff" but hoping to organize it soon

 
 
 
 
 this totem pole of misfit toys has been erected in the park by my house, and while hiking the past few days we keep stumbling by it. It's pretty cool and strange

 

settling in

 
 
 
 Mr. H got me the gift that is gonna keep on giving...A REAL SCANNER/copy machine.  If I had a dollar for every person who has told me, "you know what you need, a scanner- with the amount of art and stuff you have- you need to scan them..." 

I would be RICH!  And now I have ZERO excuses for updating my website, sending images to people from physical photos etc...I really need to investigate that thing that can scan your slides.  I have hundreds and hundreds of those things from art school days.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Isn't this view from our bed adorable!?  I can't wait til summer when we can eat outside and put lights in the trees.  Below is the new "den of slack" boys club game room.  Nothing like a puffy leather couch to scream "stay out, ladies beware!"

  

here's the candlelight setting on the new camera observing our cheese spread 

 
 
 Annakim brought over her sweet wolf puppy Ozma last night.  We had a nice dinner chat while the pup slept and the cats curiously crawled around sniffing her out.  We decided to introduce georgie boy to his "cuteness" match- he must have been floored by the levels of adorable (and perhaps threatened)

 
 
  

georgie went off to contemplate how he can live in this world with another creature as cute as himself.
 
 

no place like home

I have always been a fan of "if you build it, they will come" notions- and recently put a manifestation collage of my favorite home decor pics across from my bed (so that its the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing at night) I would stare at the glass doors opening to sweet green yards, and suddenly imagine my feet walking through them to water jasmine plants and laying back in a chair staring into a far off candy sunset.  That "secret" stuff has a funny way of working

Mr. H went off on his own and found a dream house.  He met with the landlord and filled out an application without my knowing and then surprised me with "guess what?  We got a house!"

Mr. H and I have finally said goodbye to our old Echo Park Building address.  I've finally outgrown the old place that I lived for the past 10 years.  The changing neighborhood has seen it's new crop of young upstarts, musicians and artists.  I, on the other hand am ready to settle down with a quiet board game and perhaps take up some gardening.  

(he brought up a bottle of champagne and we toasted to the place)

Like a fairy tale, this place has the most adorable yard, art space with french doors and 1920's charm.  I am beyond elated.  This is going to be the best retreat from the busy job and noisy streets.  Now I can return to my place high on the hill in echo park, and be inches away from Elsyian Park and sweet sunsets.  

Here are the early images before the official move in takes place this coming weekend!

 

We have ROSE bushes, fig trees , cactus plants and a lemon tree







 

 

 

 

guess who is already "at home" in the new place?

 

check out the cool art space with french doors off of the cute yard...

 

the bedroom- minus our stuff ( Mr. H only moved the mattress so far, since I have been deathly ill with the crazy cold going around I have been ZERO help)

 

there are two super large closets off the bedroom, and a basement storage space under the main floor.  But hopefully most of my junk will be left behind and not cluttering up this new spacious space.

Hoping that we have way more time to smell the roses at this place (corny but true)

 

so this is what it feels like to be all grown up?  Pretty good, pretty pretty good

aussie diggs

I recently bought a cool surf magazine called FOAM.  Inside there was a neat article on Australian clothing designer  Natalie Wood,her company Something Else and her awesome pad.  Sharing her name with a famous late actress and establishing her own claim on fame has proven easy for this creative laid back soul. 

 A few days after buying the magazine, I noticed that the SELBY site did a post on her space as well.  She was interviewed by Harper's Bazaar once on her inspirations:

Harpers B: Who or what are your personal style inspirations and icons?
Natalie W: “Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis as a couple. Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg as a mother and daughter. Diane Keaton as Annie Hall. And I love [Italian porn star turned politico] Ilona Cicciolina.”

boheme en prose

The super SELBY has struck another amazing spread in a mag.  Not only is his work documenting people's places in the new PAPER mag, but he has a feature on Helena Christensen's RAD home in the new PARIS vogue.

In honor of her luxurious place I found some things online that I  imagine would also fit perfectly in to her place.

hermit

Home is definitely my haven lately.  I have been so happy in my space, playing with the cats and renting lots of movies.  I was lucky to spend a day with my sweet young friend Emma before she had to fly off to the big apple and go back to school.  We took pictures for her school portrait assignment and then walked in the beautiful sunshine to eat lunch.  We were bummed that the new pizza spot "two boots" was closed...but happy when we remembered the new book store "STORIES" served sandwiches.  We hardly ever get to spend girl talk time together, and it was especially nice on a friday to relax.  Emma is so talented, and it amazes me that she has left L.A. for NYC at such a young age! So impressive.  Imagining all of the rad things that she can photograph there, and all the art shows she can absorb.  

Georgie Boy of course had to ham it up for the camera during our shoot. He is scheduled for his big LIONS CUT hairdoo appointment soon.  I swear he is the size of a raccoon with all that fur fur.  Emma happened to come on the one day that Nina cut and brushed my hair.  So if you are wondering why my hair is suspiciously smooth, that's why.  I think it's funny that my work space has seen more photo op moments lately than any real creative action.  A lot more documenting the mess than creating new ones.  I finally feel like my life is starting to shift towards the awesome bliss side.  It's nice when that happens.  

I just got my first new car oil change and the mechanic reminded me that my leased car is allowed 12,000 miles a year.  In 8 months I have only driven 5,000.  Maybe it's time for a little road trip!?

If you live in SF, Portland or Seattle...I'm dreaming of driving up the coast- cause I've never done it.  And maybe we can meet for coffee?

mugged

I was lured in on etsy by this pretty pretty flower tin, and then got mug & drinking glass fever. I mean mugged.  what is it about cool 60's & 70's coffee mugs that makes you want to curl your legs up under you in a swivel chair and chat with your pals?

don't you want that floral tin above!?  well if you do it's cheap- go here and nab it

bouquet shop

what about these rad floral 60's mugs?

you can grab this set of 4 mugs from the same shop here

mod mugs

there's also these bird glasses!birdie glasses

check out these tin canisters  from i'm so vintage shop

only $39!

there's these fancy flowers at modish vintage

home is where the art is

Let's start the new year off RIGHT!  What better way then to motivate with home decorating magic.  My dear friend Michelle has lived in the Gaylord building forever, for those who are not familiar with it, it's a gorgeous old apartment building that used to sit across from the infamous AMBASSADOR Hotel (before they tore it down -where RFK was shot, and Frank Sinatra and the boys held court at Coconut Grove) 

The Gaylord was considered one of the most elegant places in town (and it's still classy), was named after Gaylord Wilshire, the eccentric millionaire and real estate tycoon.  

According to the Historic Buildings of Los Angeles site:

" The Gaylord started out as one of the first condominium projects in Los Angeles, but converted back to apartments after the depression (and did a stint as a hotel). Located in a very historic part of the Wilshire District, the Brown Derby used to be right next door, the Ambassador Hotel across the street. The the Haig jazz club of Chet Baker fame was virtually across the street on Kenmore, as well as the Bull 'n Bush and Mona Lisa Restaurants (the later being a Musso and Frank Grill progeny). Richard Nixon maintained a place here in the early 60's but it was probably just for brief visits. "

O.K. well she lives in that old Richard Nixon spot.  Yep, tricky Dick used to come and go during L.A. visits in her place back in the day.  If that's not cool enough, she also lives above the HMS Bounty Restaurant and bar which is located below the Gaylord as well.  Michelle recently got hitched and now has joined forces with her creative husband to make their home sweet home beyond amazing.

They recently appeared on the selby to showcase their place

here's the entry lobby

the HMS Bounty Bar --ships ahoy

AND here it is- WOW, huh

these next ones are from her inspiration pics /closet images

and her wedding wall of possible choices!

So there you have it!  Now pretend that by next week a film crew is coming to your place to do a photo shoot, are you camera ready?  Is ever nook and cranny alive with action and color?  Or are the plants sagging in need of water, laundry in a pile?

No more excuses, this is 2009!

XO

New year's Eve post to follow soon-

broken glass and artifacts

in case any of you were needing a dose of luscious home scenery...

i

meet daniela kamiliotis - set and costume designer, fine artist, and vice president of womens collection ralph lauren
hanging out in her office - midtown new york city - dec 21 2008 (taken from the SELBY)

the progress report

The kitchen sneak peek- almost ready for Thanksgiving!

I've been spending hours and hours of many days cleaning and repainting my cupboards.  I surrendered the handpainted picture cabinets for open spaces.  I can't wait til this project is done!

Still needs a LOT of work.  But didn't want you guys to think I've been absent from the blog for nothing!

xo

people & their places = bliss

every muscle worn, home depot daily

As you know, I've been tied up with some insane home remodel projects that are way over my head.  I've almost cut off a finger, stepped on rusty nails, and uncovered some creepy things under that carpet.  Back in 1999, when I moved into this 20's building- the old landlords told me that I couldn't have hardwood floors.  They mentioned that they were too messed up to be saved.  I suppose I should've listened more intently.  What a mess.

My friend Fran was a real trooper last week.  She helped me dispose of the rubble.  We decided this project has probably left us infertile.  All the chemical vapors and fumes we inhaled along with the stale lead paint we stirred up with the sander...ouch.

But I decided that everything really just needs more paint. A lot of coats of new paint.  So here's the semi-progress.  Still have months more of work ahead.  

home + clean+ space =weary me

this is how long it's been since I planned a post- yikes. I've been really getting into remodeling my pad and have sort of painted myself into a nice corner. I think it's gonna take a few more months to really get it back into shape. But here's the sneak peek so far and my older entry from August:

Your horoscope for August 28, 2008 Have you done the cleaning up that the planetary configurations asked you to do in recent weeks, kime? If this is the case, today you should start feeling lighter and less weighed down by all the conventions you have in your life. You have undoubtedly solved some of the problems in your relationships. You will feel as if you are in a kind of renaissance throughout the next cycle. Enjoy this period! 

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Woke up to this! And spent the past few nights up in my apartment with Cynthia pulling out floor nails and painting the walls- STARK WHITE! It's finally starting to look like real plan.  I have paint in my hair, on my eyelashes and on my shoulders.  Geez- who ever said house painting was easy?  I have a whole new appreciation for the profession. My hands are blistered and my shoulders ache.

I have a long long way to go, but eventually I imagine myself lying on the fresh shiny prussian blue floors.  If I squint really really hard I can almost see it that way, with plants and pretty things.

Then let's get into some little AFTER action- here's the floors freshly painted prussian blue- WOW, huh? It took a lot of furniture moving, and some back aching removal of 1200 heavy foreign fashion magazines. It's crazy how they seem to grow over here at my place. I started to feel a little bit like big Edie from Grey Gardens when my pal Lincoln came over to help install some shelves. The horrific piles and clutter scaring off the help. check out the new work table! Did I mention that putting it together made me cry for an hour. That's right, blame Ikea. They should put a disclaimer on the box that says if you don't have a boyfriend, husband or good girlfriend willing to come over...this is not going to be put together. I'm gonna stick a sweet couch someplace in that front void so that I can have pals over to eat pizza and watch bad t.v. shows. So there's the progress, you can now send me the report so far. I will also be posting the million photos from the past few weeks /and event updates for what I've been getting into.

take a picture and make it real

I have been making a mess lately.  Ok, more than usual.  I will say that I am in the middle of a serious repainting /remodel mood and have placed 4 pieces of furniture in the hall outside of my apt. I plan on ridding myself of more useless stuff in the days to come. My inspiration has been the notion that if I can create a zen-whitewall-haven for my work, complete with tidy books and supplies, the rest will be easy.  According to most of my pals I've been saying this like a broken record for almost a year.  Fancy that.  Well, as of Oct 13 it will be one year since I let go of my tumor, and 6 months since I got rid of that 210 lb roadblock to happiness and success.

This space is going to be active and I plan on getting back to my strange installation days and create all new work.

Til my place is ready for a debut BEFORE and AFTER post...

let's get together on the same page for some inspirational images to make everyone want to Home Depot their spaces.  Let's say in advance that the following images ARE NOT FROM MY APT: these  are merely pics of rooms that I WISH I lived in.

most of these were taken from the pages of my favorite decorating mag AUSTRALIAN VOGUE LIVING

spaces & places & faces

Sometimes when I've had 3 hours sleep, and after throwing up a green corn tamale and a pina colada...I like to wake up early and get inspired to clean. That means either a, actually cleaning B. "getting inspired" to clean by checking out people's homes that are much better decorated than your own will ever be. On Apt Therapy they featured the lush home of Interior Designer Kevin HAley who lives in the hills of Hollywood. How many more jobs do I need to take in order to have a yard? About his place he says "...I like to feel cocooned inside the house... but the outside is vital too- the way the light, scents and sounds of nature come into the house is as important as the way it's furnished. There's nothing more tranquil than staring out at moving leaves..." ([ images by Robert Powers for Elle Decoration UK ]July 2008 issue On another tangent, I saw these cool etchings on a 60's home-deco site. Thought the style of them was cool I'd also like to own this creepy set of kitty outsider art bookends. Sure to make any books happy The latest issue of METRO POP mag features this lush landscape editorial: Let Them Eat Cake Photographer: Tamar Levine These woodsy ones of model Siri Tollerød in the Dazed and Confused (July 08 issue) are also pretty rad:

tassel castle

Everyone knows that Fifi is my "other mother". Fifi is the Egyptian mother of my dear pal Justin. I have known her son for exactly 10 years this May. WOW, ten years! She is an outspoken creative soul who raised a good son on her own, and makes meals that are better than any restaurant in L.A. Her magical home has a peaceful garden loaded with succulent plants and tons of tassels. They are on every drawer, chair back, door handle, wall hanging etc...Every inch of her pad is painted by her or decorated with tiles.
She takes little charms and broken necklaces and dangles them from statues of Egyptian ladies. She should be an event planner or at least have a catering truck available to others. Crushed garlic and marinated eggplant never tasted so delicious!

If you love her place and things make sure to visit her at the Hollywood VINE/Cahuenga Farmer's MARKET this sunday (and every SUNDAY!) for mother's day. She makes one of kind reversible tote bags, hats, hair clips and more. She is closest to cahuenga and has blonde hair and gorgeous skin

the way the sun shines

Sometimes in the daytime I wander around my apartment hypnotized by the way the sunshine peeks through my windows. I know it seems strange, but the hazy light casting shadows across the walls and causing the sequins in my closet to glow makes me happy to live in L.A.
It must be the Ohio in me, but spying palm trees outside excites me.

This is the way it all looked in my art space and closet the other day.

Fran came over tonight and made a bunch of puff ball tissue paper things to hang at the SHOW PONY. Georgie Boy fell in love with the paper and kept waltzing over her handiwork

Come by the SHOW PONY tomorrow night for our monthly ART BLOCK PARTY!!
Fun begins at 7 and lasts til whenever we grow weary. Lincoln Madley is gonna perform at the shop and next door at HOPE gallery...Hamburger Eyes- show. Don't forget that the kids from WORK are reopening their space too, all new LADYBOY shoes.

electric magenta mini flowers

living things that are nice to see everyday mixing with your other stuff:

pages from my books of love

the piles and piles of magazines that are getting recycled. I still have an entire shelf to explore and tear

my assistant. Well actually he just lays on the torn out pages (currently snoring upside down in a cheese curl position and bending the pages)

the accumulated heap for next months ROSE BOWL! Yes, that is a pinata in the front frame- don't make me feel bad about it

there's no place like home

When you just can't bare to take yourself out of the house, nor tidy up your own pad, may I suggest you take a virtual tour of someone else's sweet space? Get yourself hooked up with some inspirational mojo by waltzing through apartment therapy. go here: APT Therapy

You may decide to rush your closet and spruce it up, or grab some paint swatches at Home Depot . So far today I've helped assist in hanging a boutique clothing bar in my back room. (Sure you may remember it as the old painting room and then later the sewing station and then more recently the hub of all garbage and storage) BUT- from now on that room will be a glorified GLAMOUR closet. Mark my words, that room will someday have a purpose. It may take weeks, but it will take shape soon.

**Remember, The time to change is NOW.

walking on sunshine

It's hard to believe it's been 4 months since my big operation. Thanks to all of you sweet supporters and friends who read my blog and cheered me on the road to recovery. The time has finally arrived for me to throw on my hiking gear, get out the yoga mat, and unearth my zen core. I am still trying to unleash the clutter over here, and am taking applications for motivational organizer. You have to be ruthless, and persuade me that my Xanadu-Dynasty-Italian Princess frocks are never going to look good out. Today is the first day, as Britt and I woke up and wandered around Elysian Park in the blazing sun wearing our sweaters. What were we thinking?

The Plague

I must apologize for the time lapse in posting, I was stricken with that plague flu going around. It hit me the evening before the Flea Market debut. I knew it was coming, as all of my close friends have been deathly ill the past few weeks. In fact I think I missed getting it the first round by rarely leaving my home.

It could've been all that ladies night partying the days before? Nontheless, I have been down hard. I have been in my bed for two days delirious on cold medicine, with my cat.

I'll recap that the Flea Market has some good potential. For the first day it had a lot of buyers. I was begging for sleep, and therefore didn't make for good company. There were some good vintage dealers, as well as food vendors. I think once it catches on it could be a fun summer deal.

The best part of my day: when an adorable painter came up to me and said that she lives downtown and loves my artwork. She said she's been wanting to mail me one of her paintings and when she spotted me at the booth she went home to get the piece. She said her boyfriend said it was a little weird of her, but I thought it was super sweet, besides it's an incredible piece!! I love it. She even signed her name in the corner and wrote "for Kime". The perfect doily owl
Now, I have to send her something in return.

The DECLUTTER challenge

In the past three weeks I have uncovered 5 of my buried organizing books on /FENG SUI /DECLUTTER and PREVENTING Procrastination. I don't even remember buying them on amazon, but know I probably did.

I have been busy reading them nightly and attempting to process the information in order to gear up for my big home and mind transformation.

The first room is always the hardest, so I started super small and conquered the bathroom

For those of you lucky folks here in L.A.-- I am also dragging these 8 years of clutter over to the ROSE BOWL this Sunday. The Rose Bowl for you novices- is like a visual EXPLOSION over in Pasadena. Aisles and AISLES of amazing LOOT. Sure, you might remember me doing this event in the past, but that was nothing compared to this time. I am digging deep and selling everything that I do not "need".

That's a strong word, and pretty much means I should eliminate a lot of furniture, accessories, books, pictures, dolls, jewelry, supplies straight away. I figure if I am gonna drag myself out of a warm slumber-at 4:30 a.m... I BETTER really mean business.

I am also selling off a lot of SHOW PONY DISPLAYS- so if anyone wants first dibbs on those ruby red wardrobes from the shop or that gigantic white wrought iron QUEEN chair-- hit me up online.

We have lots of cool mirrors that are going and some pretty art deco 30's style rugs.

DON'T MISS IT- you will have big regrets

Top 5 things you are gonna wish you scooped up from my Rose Bowl Booth:

1. the indian headress from my about me picture on this blog- baby blue feathers- wow
2. The majestic wrought iron QUEEN chair-
3. My victorian and flapper gear- never before on the market- fringe and crisp white lace slips
4. Various ARTwork from my personal collection and from other artists
5. Countless exciting pieces of furniture- including store displays and mirrors

THE ROSE BOWL sunday all day.
If I can get up at 4:30 a.m. and make it there- you can sleep in and come visit me later

It's Never too Late...

to get yourself organized in the New Year!

So hurry and get yourself excited about the adventures you're going to encounter in 2008. Get something that you can hang on your wall or toss in your bag or tear off your desk...and fill it up with new things to do. Take a class, get busy making things, moving things and keeping track of your time. Plan some rendezvous and don't forget to check out more local art shows.

Here's some sweet new 2008 CALENDARS and data books to inspire you to plot your destiny.
(order them at AMAZON, or at TACSHEN or at Barnes and Noble...to get one or just make your own.)

oh don't you love the calendar classics?

I think this one is a good one to go for

ALSO check out this rad new one you can purchase for only $12 at : http://www.bentstationery.com/

While I've been Away

Sorry to have neglected posting for a bit, I had to take some time off of from the WEB and the t.v. to organize my life. In these next few weeks before my big surgery, I thought I should focus on cleaning house in the event that anyone should need to take care of me here in my messy art pad.
I had decided to rearrange all of the rooms and put my sewing stuff on a vacation to the back room. (considering I have neglected to sew anything in over 5 months)

I opted for making that space an open air art section, minus the craft clutter that previously took root there. Before doing all of this, the FENG Sui (according to pals) was dismal. I had no motivation to make things and was at a standstill.

Kiss that apathy bye bye. I am now lounging in my new and improved art space. Mr. Georgie Boy is in love with all of the new corners and spaces to hang out in.
He has taken most fondly to this flapper Dietrich doll.

BEFORE the clean up

After the lovin'

later last night we went to celebrate Patterson's birthday at this cool new spot called the GRIFFIN. It sort of resembled an ol' Medieval Pub. The ceiling reminded me of a grotto, and the little fireplaces and stone seating areas hidden in the dark were lovely. The outside smoking area resembled a castle cage.

Patterson is one of those cool genius writer types with an English accent-famous for muttering "bloody" before most sentences. (he just did an interview with my favorite...Morgan Freeman)

here's shiny me and marvelous MAX. (the man with a filing cabinet of information on every movie or band ever made)

Boys Town Take one: Tottenham, Pritii, Julian, and Goldy

Boys Town Take two (notice the macho improvements)

rare Warlock sighting

Poet John Tottenham demanding decent photos for the doily

the backyard surprise

This week I made Mr. P promise to stay away from his house for about four hours. I told him I had a surprise I needed to execute between 8 a.m. and noon.

For those of you who haven't seen his backyard- it sort of resembles a 3rd world country. There are weeds waist high and abandoned cars and strange creatures lurking in the gravel. His landlord is sort of M.I.A, so I decided to make Mr. P a nice retreat in the backyard. I hired a landscaper- to clear the rubble and riff raff and then fancied it up with a hummingbird feeder and some plants. Then I made him wear a blindfold til he made it to the backyard oasis.

HERE are the BEFORE images!

IF you have any plants you want to donate to the cause- let me know.

And AFTER!-WOW

The Bell Jar

bell jar
n : a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect and display
delicate objects or to cover scientific apparatus or to
contain gases [syn: bell glass]

I finally own a bell jar. All of those trips to the Rose Bowl leaving empty handed- and now- newly found bliss. I think I will rotate the precious strangeness that will go in the bell jar monthly. That way there will always be some new oddity behind glass. At the moment it's a broken yard statue- a Madley charm necklace, a shell, an old faded corsage and a rhinestone clip.

here's what some other people have put in their bell jars:

This spectacular display is by artist Rachael Matthews and is titled "Anxious Caterpillers"

when you want to put yourself in it...

Worn and Weathered

I just bought this book For The Love of Old.
This beautiful coffee table book by Mary Randoph Carter contains precious photos of home treasures. She confesses that she worships everything tarnished, chipped, rusty, faded, patched or peeling.
Every colorful page looks yellowed and stained like a loved novel. The nostalgia of her pieces are documented and include darling anecdotes.
She states right off the bat:

"In an era that is desperate to be young and new and hip and cool, I choose old. This book is not an apology nor a revolt , but a celebration of things that endure, not only the worn and weathered things in our houses, but those of the heart, including love, emotion, character, and integrity."

She also recalls how a spider web can spin romance and rekindle a childhood tale.
And tis true that spider webs get a bad rap. Good thing that Charlotte's Web has somewhat changed that old perception, huh?

Prepare For a Long Cold Winter

Today was the first day in L.A. that felt like winter is on the way--
Being a big baby, and dreading the chill I decided to ponder new ways to keep toasty. I discovered the creative new cozy designs of Vik Prjondottir.
the name translates as “Vik, the daughter of knitting”
My favorite is the two person blanket --made to honor those super cold nights in the Nordic, when you had to invite your overnight guest to sleep with you just to beat frostbite.

“The wool industry in Iceland has a long tradition of hand knitting and pattern making, but a very stagnated image,” adds Birgisson. “The majority of wool clothes are for tourists – there are many replicas of traditional local clothing sold as souvenirs but there is a definite lack of collaboration between young designers and the wool industry.”

The Beard Caps are based on the traditional balaclavas worn by farmers during Iceland’s heavy snowstorms, while the Twosome Blanket acknowledges the custom of sharing bedding to keep warm. Other products reference Iceland’s dramatic and inhospitable environment. The Regional blanket, for instance, is decorated with the image of one of Iceland’s largest glaciers.

The collection also includes a woollen “guardian angel” based on the mythical Nykur horse, which lives in lakes.

Get yours today before it really gets unbearable:
http://www.vikprjonsdottir.com/

Found the Floor

The reason my blog has suffered recently--
my home renovations. I know - I know- I'm strange. But David and Nina gave me a gift certificate to the Container Store for my birthday and well... I was inspired. I am still in the process of repainting the kitchen and sorting through the bins and bins of fabric- in the arts/crafts area. Check out the latest progress:

space is the place

I've been spending my time this week making space. The more things I move the better things seem to flow. Soon enough there will be room again for friends and craft circles. The books are arranged by subject from crafts to women artists. Who knew I had it in me? The bigget obstacle will of course be the bedroom- where the piles of costumes have gathered for a meeting on the floor.

I apologize for the lack of posts -- trust me- this is going to have a huge pay off.

Little Victorian

these are a few of my favorite things from around the house-- thought I would share them

Rose Bud

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.
- Emma Goldman

I've never had a green thumb. My mother was a plant killer too. Not that she didn't try for years and years to keep plants lovely. Once when I was about 9, I made her buy me packets and packets of amazing flower seeds. I took them out back and poured them in the ground and watered them. Not a single one of them sprouted. Found out years later that you really got to know your growing facts. I was able to make a sunflower stalk sprout once.
So it comes as a happy surprise to know that the neighbors have magical hands. They can take a tiny succulent sprig and turn it into a blossoming bush and make a palm tree grow like a bean stock. They have planted summer herbs and tomato plants and flowers gallore. The flowers are alive and smell like the sweetest rose perfume when you pass.

Just a few of the flora that grace the front porch...thanks to Frannie and Joaquin

(old painting by buzzelli on a drawer)

Movie Star Wallpaper...

Here's looking at you kid! This wallpaper would be just grand in your bathroom. You could sit upon your throne and gaze at all the action. Hey- I'm just kidding-really. Although that Lil Shirley Temple face would be nice to draw an eyepatch and a mustache on.

Cold Clean Up

It has turned cold again. This apartment has a broken heater. I am actually wearing sweat pants. Those of you who know me well, know this happen once a decade. The sky is grey. In an attempt to utilize the skills I've learned in my new "Organizing for the artist"- Justin and I have spent the entire day cleaning the Silkscreening studio. Ok it's just Brandon's garage. Anyway we found some cool varieties of mildew and mold. We had to throw away some good stuff. The best find of the day: a YEARBOOK that just proves how cruel high school kids are. (R.I.P. Columbine)

An old painting of mine that has seen better days

the following pictures are from the yearbook we found laying in garage sludge. The Glendale boys sure are mean. This is our friend Darren's book. Seems those Columbine kids weren't the only ones crossing off peoples faces. My favorite is the picture of the albino girl that although crossed out has written on the side affectionally "nice person" What a change of heart.

this is the lamp Cynthia will steal if ever given the chance

Martha Stewart would be so proud of Justin and I today. We have successfully changed our Feng Sui.

flair- in my room

I like the way my apartment looks illuminated by Xmas lights. Faded grandeur- high decay.
I've made a decorative arts joke and sat in a thriftstore chair to absorb the laughter.
I love to see the layers of accumulation and the evidence of living. When someone else comes by they never seem to appreciate the things caught up in a dangle. I love it here.
All the things that get pinned on top of other things...
The basket full of dolls and piles off pillows


These are the metal flowers that hang over my mirror... near the 1910 magic mirror cape on the door


My bracelet holder...

Everything Looks Good in a Bell JAR

I mean it. Everything looks downright precious and meaningful in a glass dome Bell JAr. I found these lovely "wedding domes" at the flea market and later discovered this amazing art at the Lucas Gallery. Darling taxidermy mice all bundled up in their homemade quilt and tidy bed. For those who love this-try looking out for my favorite artist of all time Annette Messager a.k.a. the taxidermy queen.



Annette messager was quoted in an interview as saying:
Leoff: Love?

Messager: It is still one of the most essential things in life. It can be found in making little dresses for stuffed birds, or in a garden of tenderness like I have done ("Le jardin du tendre," 1988), mixing writing, photography and real spaces. There are all kinds of acts of love.

Leoff: Your forms of love are always based in a game between attraction and repulsion. I return to the net, which both retains certain elements and lets other elements slip through it ...

Messager: I have a side of me which is very modest and another side of me which is immodest. Shameful Annette Messager, shameless Annette Messager. As in each individual, there is the side that reveals, discloses things and a side that hides, conceals.

I have always believed that somehow the less we reveal the more the other desires to see.

today was a great day for cleanup

There is something so nice about a rainy cold day. I love turning up my heat and putting on slippers and an apron to do the dishes. I rearranged all the beaded things, applique piles, and riff raff. Did laundry and made the bed with my new zig zag op art pillow cases that the neighbor gave me.