Nail Art ...

No, not what you are thinking ... but this.

As we continued our trek through Alabama, we stopped here.

Look at the nail line up.

Can you imagine the person that did this?

Such precision.

Rows and Rows.

Pride in Workmanship.

This person must be an artist.

You will never guess.

This was the inside of one of the oldest remaining log jails, circa 1868, in Alabama..

To keep the prisoners from sawing their way out,

the wood beams were lined with nails.

You know me by now.

And how I am moved by history and the art of day to day life.

What I find most interesting is that this place, meant to house those who were to be put away, there was still a pride in workmanship.

It's what draws me to the artisans of today.

Those that still take pride in their work.

Because, guess what, if you are lucky enough ... someone might have the opportunity to see your work in about 200 years.

What will your legacy be?  

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Day at a Time.

xo,

kim

New York City

I could smell it as we turned the corner ... it drew me in ... 

fresh paint on the old iron gates that decorate New York City.

The girls and I spent a quick 2 days in the City and as many times as I have been in that electric city, I have never really SEEN the iron gates as I saw them this weekend.

Something about this trip that made me notice.  

Perhaps the Fresh Paint.

Perhaps the Sunshine.

Perhaps because this trip ... we had no Agenda.

Perhaps I am learning not to have tunnel vision. 

My vision of Iron has evolved.  

The scroll work.

I wonder how many times have these been painted?

And by how many different people?

It took the smell of fresh paint to make me notice.

Little does the owner know what joy his/her labor gave me.

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

Serene Summer end ...

September 11 always brings emotions to the surface.  

As we approach the day thoughtfully,

Summer has come back in one last gasp.

Perhaps it's nature's way to snap us into attention.

It's going to be in the 90's here.

This image speaks to my mood.

via

Full of Color.

Yet Serene.

Shaded from the heat (and perhaps the world).

And the three Garden Stools as a table.  

Complete.

Enjoy your day, remember all we have to be thankful for!

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

Thank You Boston ... From two Reluctant "part time" Empty Nesters!

Labor Day Weekend found Don and I as "part time" empty nesters.  We had three days to ourselves ... the world was our Oyster!  What on earth were we going to do?  No soccer games, hair cuts, football practice, shopping needs, breakfasts or lunches to be made ... oh the Freedom!

Oh the unknown territory!!

Those of you who have been following along know that when Don and I married, it wasn't only about us. 

 It was about starting a new Family.

  Erin - 12, Callie - 9, Christopher - 7 and Sammy 4 when we got married.

We have had a houseful for 10 years.  And, very honestly, I couldn't have imagined how wonderful it has been.  But now, with Erin and Callie in College, we only have children in our home every other week.  We would prefer to have them all the time, I've stated it before. I thrive in Chaos.  Others might disagree ... but it makes me happy!

So ... here we go in "empty nester" trial mode.

Holy Crap ... do we like each other enough?  Are we going to have anything to talk about besides the kids which have been the entire center piece of our marriage?

We chose to drive into Boston on the day that the Entire City of Boston was in "move-in mode".  All colleges had the weekend to move the kids in.  Traffic sucked and Don hates traffic almost as much as he hates crowds. We might have been the only car in town without a mattress strapped to the top. 

We made it in.  

And laughed. 

And the City welcomed us with its' Beauty.

And we found a million things to talk about that we hadn't had the time to before.

And we laughed.

Yep ... we agreed ... to step into this next Adventure of our life with Love and Laughter.

And New Discoveries.

And this Southern Girl feels secure in her decision to marry this man and relocate her life to New England.  

To Share New Adventures in a Life with Love and Laughter.

Nothing could be more Simple.  Or Bring More Happiness.

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

Finding My Summer Colors ...

I  hate to even bring this up.  But our Summer is going to be coming to an abrupt halt in the next two weeks ... Erin back to Auburn, Callie off to Bucknell and Christopher will be at Football camp prepping for a hopefully winning season for the DS Raiders!

Sammy will be the only one truly still on vacation until the end of August.  I am going to see if she'll let me hang out with her.

I have loved taking some time off with my kids and truly reveling in the warm weather.

During this time off, I discovered new colors in my life ... 

1.  Soft purple hues found in my Rose of Sharon.

2.  Coral and blues together in this Scarf Top.

3.  The Streets of Lewisburg, Pa. Bucknell Road Trip

4.  $1.00 samples of Trina Turk and Schumacher Fabrics. Whoop Whoop!

5. Mirror Love.  Coming Home.

6.  Chair Makeover - Trina Turk "Pool" Love.

7.  The Simplicity of a White Clapboard House with Black Shutters.  Love.

8.  Fun Jewelry sporting my New Blue Addiction.

9.  Corn popping up in Rows.  Summer's finest.

What are you finding out about yourself this summer?

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

Summer happenings ...

1.  Boston Harbor Cruise ... we were tourists in our own City this past weekend.  

What a treat!

2.  Can a 50-something year old woman paint her nails turquoise.  Of course she can ... horrified I even asked myself the question!

3.  Officially took over a 4'X6' space at Holliston Antiques.  Thanks to my sweet Blog girls, Jennifer and Kimberly for encouraging me to make the leap!

4.  Momma/Daddy Snapper Turtle trying to lay eggs in our storm drain.  Yes, I just learned that both male and female turtles can lay eggs.  So says the Crocodile Hunter Man that came to take this one away to the pond!

Anything fun going on in your little corner of the World?

xo,

kim

Wishing you ...

A Happy Fourth of July and a kick off to a 

Seersucker Summer!!

Summer seems to get shorter and shorter as the kids get older.  College schedules cut things short ... so I may be blogging a little less this month as I am Loving every minute of my family this July!

Thanks so much for continuing to check in and comment.  You truly make my Days!

Making the World more Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

Al Fresco ... finally!

Being a southern girl, I live for outdoor dining ... any time. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.  We have a beautiful deck and we try to spend every possible moment on it during the summer.  Winter is long!

School is almost out ... so we are in full wind down mode this weekend!

Another thing that happens over the years ... silverware goes missing ... does it get tossed in the trash when kids are clearing the plates?  Does it get taken to friends' houses?  This leaves me with having to make a sort of "mixed" set at many places.  Found this year I am missing 2 good silver forks and 3 stainless knives.  I need to fix this.

Erin and I like arts and crafts.  Remember when Don was traveling last weekend?  Not only did I do the Chair.  We also wrapped a few wine bottles!

There was a little chill in the air, but once the wine was poured and everyone was here we paid no attention!

The boys think the food is for them ... they were big helpers as we were getting ready.

Byron giving Murphy some love.

My favorite time ... when the sun goes down and the candles glow.

Summer will be in full swing by the end of this week.  What have you got planned?

xo,

kim