Hill Country House

Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:07:00 +0000

So ..... it all started here, or perhaps I should say.... ended here.

With this grand event my life took a different turn and the inspiration to post on Hill Country House faded. Not intentionally - it just did.

Design, architecture, decorating, art, antiques, all that great stuff that I love - well, sitting down to post about them just took a back seat to other things during the month of May.....and then June, July, August, September......

Our family became immersed in the wonderful business of high school graduation and all that it entails, family celebrations, family vacations, college orientation and move in.

It's been a fast ride and one full of joy, tears, challenges and lots of goodness.

I ran into one of my blog readers the other day at an antique show where I was set up.
(I have managed to keep up my business, a little.)

She said the kindest and dearest things to me.

She told me that she had worried about me since I had not posted in such a long time.
I was touched that someone noticed.

She told me that her husband had been very ill.

She said that sometimes in the middle of the night when she can't sleep she reads my blog.

When I apologized for not posting in such a long time, she said

"That's okay, I read your old posts and look at old photos."

"You take me away."

"You take me places that I can't go right now in my life."

"You show me art and antiques and interesting things that I can't travel to see right now."

She touched me in a way I can't quite describe.

We bloggers measure ourselves on the number of comments we receive. how many readers and how many followers.......

We measure ourselves and our blogs on how creative we can be, how original and interesting our posts are.

In the back of my mind, I have felt some sort of failure at not posting in such a long time.

Yet in my heart I know I have been taking care of what is most important to me.

My surprise and my blessing is to have heard that I have brought joy to one person, at a time in her life when she needs to be fed, to be inspired, to be distracted.

Her words meant more to me than any number of comments on a blog post, any stats on how many people read a post.

Her candidness about her life and her feelings touched me in the deepest sense.

She reminded me of how often we are so absorbed in our own lives, what we are doing or not doing......that we don't realize or even think about what others are experiencing.

Wow.

Thank you, thank you so much for opening your heart to me.

I am "awarof" you, my sweet friend.

ART - America Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:51:00 +0000

I LOVE the art of America Martin.

See her new show currently at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin.

If I could, I would describe to you why I am drawn to her paintings.
Her use of color, and her broad, simple strokes are magical.

Clearly they capture my love of color, and people and life... in a big way.

Beyond that, though,
it's difficult for me to put into words why certain work appeals to me.
I just respond, emotionally and visually.

I feel it.

I just know when I love a painting, a sculpture, a piece of art.

America does a much better job of describing her work here for you.
Take a minute and watch the video.

Isn't she a doll?

All photos mine, taken at Carver Hill Gallery in Rockland. Maine.

A Modern Farmhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Posting on my blog is waaaay down on the priority list these days.

I've got a graduating high school senior, and this month and next are crazy busy.

We are frantically enjoying every busy minute and I know great design and design blogs will be waiting for me when life slows down and I have an empty nest in a few months.

Meanwhile, I received a notice from Garden and Gun today and love this modern farmhouse in South Carolina featured in their latest issue.

Take a sneak peak here, and then move on over to their site for a full look!

Enjoy!!

Lover's Eyes at the Birmingham Museum of Art

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Image Source

The Look of Love Exhibit, at the Birmingham Museum of Art , showcases a collection of antique lover's eyes collected over the years by a couple from Birmingham.

I have written before about Lover's Eye's here, and continue to be intrigued by them.

I became aware of them in the paintings of one of my favorite artists, Fatima Ronquillo.

Fatima has recently completed some new work, adding lover's eyes sometimes boldly, and sometimes in subtle ways, as in the ring of this beautiful creature below.

Fatima's work (and images shown here) can be found at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin.

Lover's eyes are hand painted miniatures of single eyes, given to loved ones as tokens of affection and/or remembrance.

Image Source

Image source

Some sources claim the tradition was inspired by the Prince of Wales when, in 1785, he proposed to Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert, with a miniature of his own eye.

There are those who believe otherwise.

Read more on the website of Candice Hearn, romance novelist, here.

She gives a really interesting history.

Image source

The exhibit showcases the collection of ophthamologist , Dr. David Skier and his wife, Nan, of Birmingham.

The couple began collecting these little gems when they stumbled upon a lover's eye at an antique show in Boston.

They were captivated by it and the rest is history, as they say!

To learn more about the origin of Lover's Eyes, check out the Five Minute Museum.

If you live anywhere near Birmingham, Alabama, check out the exhibit for me!

49th Annual Dolly Johnson Antique Show Follow Up

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Well, the month of March has come and almost gone and a lot has happened around Hill Country House.

First things first.

It's only right that I follow up on the great antique show I did in Ft. Worth, the

Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show.

Before I begin I want to say thank you to a few folks.
The first morning I was sitting in my booth and two women came in to look around.
One asked "Are you Ann Williams?" When I replied yes, she said "Well, we read your blog and your kitchen turned out just great!"
I was so surprised - I am not sure why, because of course I know anyone can read what I put out into the wild blue blogsophere - but I think more than anything, I was so humbled.
I am not a prolific blogger.

I write when the spirit moves me. I know I have a few readers, but more than that, I have kind friends who read my blog.
I do not think of myself as someone who has a big readership, though.
So, I want to say thank you to those women in particular, and I am so sorry I did not ask your names!
The fact that you came by my booth at the show and mentioned my blog and my KITCHEN,
(which I am still loving sooo much!) meant so much to me.
So to the sweet ladies who came by that morning, please leave me a comment here so I can properly meet you and thank you!

Now, on with the show.......................

I might remind you here that I began as a passionate collector of antiques years ago.

I loved and still love all kinds of folk art.

I love ethnic things, colorful things, textiles, and quirky handmade objects.

I am crazy for the patina of things well loved.

This is important because I think there are those who love old things and those who don't - it's just as simple as that.

I love OLD things.

Over the years my collections began to take over my houses and my bank account.

I needed to sell - sometimes to upgrade, sometimes to simply edit, and sometimes to move on from a particular collection completely.

I began by selling a few items in my friend, Barbara's, booth at Round Top a number of years ago.

Gradually, I filled her booth with more and more items, and she had less and less.

She began to do more design work and less antique shows, and I began to do more antique shows.

So, here we are today - I do shows and she sells a few items here and there in my booths!

Does Barbara still love antiques?

Absolutely.

Do we still have fun antiquing together?

You bet!

I have loved this old handmade truck from North Carolina for years.

My husband loved it too, and for a long time did not want me to sell it.
He, too, realizes that we can't keep everything we love.....especially if we want to continue hunting treasure.

I had a collection of fruit still life paintings for a while.

This one was one of my best.
Fortunately it went home with a friend.
It's always good to know our favorites go to good homes!

These old cigar tins crack me up!

Of course, "between the acts" refers to an intermission of a live performance, as in a play or musical of some sort.....but some find an implied humor of other sorts in them.

I have also sold them to stamp collectors for the stamp that seals the box.

I had three of these folded books on hand at the show, each folded in a different pattern.

The couple who bought them was going to use them at the table of their daughter's wedding. She was getting married in an old library and the table was to be decorated in flowers and old books. What a lovely idea.

I was thrilled that they appreciated this old paper folding art form.

I began collecting old Mexican pottery many years ago.

My best pieces were all found in the United States, as the pottery was made for tourists and many folks brought entire sets home from their travels back in the 30s, 40s and 50s.

These folky pieces are from Tlaquepaque, near Guadalajara, Mexico and are very recognizable by their scenes of every day life of the Mexican people.
The pattern is getting more and more difficult to find, and the large serving pieces are really rare, especially those in mint condition.

I love the pottery, but over time have realized that if I don't have room to display and enjoy my collections, I may as well move them on and let someone else enjoy them.
I only sold a few pieces at the show, but interestingly, those who really expressed an interest in the pottery, LOVED it, and already had large collections.
One woman bought one special black bowl for her house in Santa Fe, where she already has every other piece in her collection.

I fell in love with this white top hat in my friend, Stephanie's booth.

Why yes, so in love was I that I had to buy it!!
The only person who would love it more is my daughter, who has been on the look out for a cool top hat for quite some time!

Perfect for her 18th birthday, don't you think?

I never could catch this dealer in his or her booth, but it was so amazingly clever and creative. These bracelets were made from baseballs!

Yes, baseballs!!
Aren't they so fun!

The fun of this show was in the variety of objects shown and in the creativity of the booth set ups!
I passed by this giant horn every time I walked to the front of the building and it made me smile every time!

LOOK! there is my friend and neighbor at the show, Janet, of Talk Sweet Talk blog.

She is working hard back there in the corner, probably writing up sales tickets!

Janet is one of the most clever dealers I know.

She has the world's largest collection of word flash cards and picture flashcards, plus the best ironstone, butter pats, tea cups, dress forms, man forms, jewelry (more on that in a sec) .....just you name it, if it's clever and fun, Janet probably has it in her booth!

Incidentally, Janet took all the great photos of my booth that I have shared here!
With all the things I had to remember to get to Ft. Worth for the show, wouldn't you know my camera would be the one thing I'd forget!
Thank you Janet!

See the precious little girl statuary?

She is holding a ton of ironstone butter pats. She had to unload them at some point on Saturday, though, because she sold and was going to a home in Dallas to live in a girl's bathroom.

How cute must that be!??
Can't you see the bowl filled with soaps and shampoos and other girl stuff?

The large cream pitcher, probably an advertising piece once upon a time, used to be mine.

It sold too. It went to the same home as the concrete girl holding the bowl.

I wish I could see that house, filled with such unusual and fun treasures!

This, kind blog readers, is the piece de resistance!!

Janet makes these charming necklaces and sells them individually at her shows.

I walked into her booth during set up and fell head over heels in love with the whole lot of them!!

All stacked up on the neck of this wonderful old dress form....well that thing happened where I can't help but grin from ear to ear, smiling with humor and joy and excitement and saying without even thinking "I want it, I want it ALL!!"

Spoken like a true ~~addict~~ collector!!

No, I did not buy it all!

I did not even buy one, thank you very much.

But, I still think about the little coffee cup, the whisk broom and the little green chair - after all, these are some of the things I love.......I think I should have them, don't you ?

49th Annual Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:26:00 +0000

I am beginning to count down the days until I load up my big old green Suburban and head for Ft. Worth, Texas!

I will be setting up at the 49th Annual Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show, a show that has been an institution in the Dallas - Fort Worth area for, well, 49 years now!

The Dolly Johnson Antique Show is one that I used to attend when I lived in Dallas years ago.

In fact, long before my dear friend, Barbara, was my dear friend, I remember seeing her set up at the show, and , and.....well let's just say I spent a little money with her in those days.

She exposed me to many fine antiques back then and continues to have a strong influence on me today. I have featured her home several times on Hill Country House.

In fact, we've even been known to sell each other antiques, only to buy them back from one another later on!
Crazy?
Yes, we know.

She was one of my, and many others, favorite dealers back then and still, today, is my favorite antique loving friend!
We have made many memories over the years in and around the antique business together!

So, the show was founded in 1963 by Dolly Johnson of Ft. Worth, Texas.

During the 1990's Dolly's daughter, JJ Frambes, joined her mother in running the show and eventually took over leadership.

In 2009 JJ sold the show to Jan Orr Harter, owner of Hot Tamale Antiques of Aledo, Texas.

Jan Orr-Harter

Jan has long been a favorite dealer of mine, as well.

Her classic Southwestern style has always been complemented by the unique and quirky antiques she adds to the mix, which of course, have always spoken to me!

Jan has added art and a broader range of antiques to the show, making it a diverse and fun show in keeping with the times.

I am excited to set up at this show next to my friend,

JANET

of

SWEET TALK !!

I took these photos when I met Janet in 2009.

We chatted for a while and I immediately was taken with her warmth and sincerity.

I was amazed at her creativity and unique style!

I am still in awe of her creativity and style and it has been fun watch her as she has moved to Marburger Farms to a perfect spot in an old farmhouse where she can be found each spring and fall as a regular dealer, AND she writes the awesome blog,

Talk Sweet Talk!

Another dealer I am excited to be with is also Marburger regular, Stephanie, from Tyler, Texas.
I have bought from Stephanie regularly over the years,but have never gotten to set up at a show with her.
Looking forward to that, too!!

I love the people in the antique business as much, if not MORE, than the antiques!

Photo Source

Also on the list of great dealers is my friend,

Steve Wiman, artist,
and
owner of Uncommon Objects in Austin.

Steve has an artist's eye for the unique and interesting, both in single objects and in the fabulous ways he pulls objects together.

I can't wait to see his space at the show!

As you can see from the photos of past shows, there will be quite a variety of antiques and vintage treasure to see......

One might see everything from giant hands that must have been from a store display, to vintage western wear, to more traditional antique trunks with amazing early paint finishes.....

What a great show and I am honored and thrilled to be a part of it!

So, if you are anywhere near Ft. Worth, Texas next weekend, come see me and 74 other antique dealers.

We promise not to disappoint!

Kitchen JOY!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:00 +0000

The most comments I have ever received on this blog were when I asked for design help in trying to decide whether to paint my kitchen cabinets or not.

I had already tried to brighten the kitchen with whitewashing the ceiling, painting the walls yellow, adding a new light fixture, and adding bright fabric window treatments.

Still, nothing special. Nice, yes, but no pizazz.

The original light fixture - the light shone straight down on the island.

Many, many people said "PAINT !!!" with no hesitation whatsoever.

Lots of people not only told me what color, but gave me step by step instructions on what color to paint the island, the bottom cabinets, the top cabinets, and what paints to use.

My question stirred up lots of interest, and some controversy.

A few scolded me for even so much as thinking of painting the sacred antique long leaf pine.

In the end, I decided to wait.

New light fixture, Roman shades, bright walls.......still leaving me unfulfilled.

Our house was for sale.

One of the big selling points was, and still is, the long leaf pine and the natural stone used throughout the house.

I agree that they are beautiful materials, but I also believe in a house reflecting the personality of those who make it their home.

I decided to be conservative and leave the kitchen as it was.

Well, months have gone by and I have finally reached a point where I am just tired of living in a house where every decision is based on whether we may or may not live here next month or next year.

I had been studying painted kitchens and painted floors for months on end, pinning pictures on my Pinterest boards and searching madly through my design books and magazines for inspiration.

Finally, I decided to GO FOR IT, with my husband's blessing.

I called my favorite, oh so talented painter, Tom Proch, and we put our heads together to do some magic in my kitchen.

Oh boy did we do some magic!!

I could not be happier, and fortunately, my family loves it too!!

The best part was the process.

In the beginning, I did not have a specific picture in mind of what the kitchen would look like when it was finished.

I knew the color needed to flow with the rooms that the kitchen opened in to - the dining room in particular.

So, we started with the base color used in that room, Benjamin Moore Covington Blue, HC 138.

Tom painted all of the cabinets that basic blue, and we decided to paint the surrounding area above the cabinetry blue as well.

The rest of the way, we talked through the process.

This is where Tom's mastery as an artist shines.

He would say "What now?" and honestly, I'd stand and look and think and say "Hmmm....maybe a little deeper" and he would mix together some pigments from his magic tool box of paints and paint a cabinet door and say "how's this?" and I'd say "hhhhmmmmm.....maybe a little bit richer and a little more blue" and he'd nod and add a little more something......and so on and so on.

He worked magic at times with a dry brush, and he worked magic with a glaze, and the finished product is a paint finish that has depth and movement and a richness that my photos cannot possibly capture, but let me assure you, they are beautiful and I love them.

Another gift Tom has in his bag of tricks is a great plaster looking wall finish that works beautifully with the rock walls in my house.

We never even discussed color.

There is a finish in my entry hall that is similar, and when I said I wanted to get rid of the yellow, he asked if I would like the walls treated like the entry walls with the plaster look finish.

Yep!

......and off he went.

Isn't it perfect?

And, uh, I decided to do something new with the floor as well.

Did you notice?

So, about that floor!!

Oh my, am I crazy about that floor!

I looked and looked at painted floors!

I considered all kinds of patterns.

I needed something that did not have a real start and finish, though, because of the open ends of my kitchen; that is, the way my rooms flow openly from one to another.

I found these different patterns and finally adapted my floor from the last one:

Still one of my all time favorite kitchens - not too trendy or fancy, but it just speaks to me.

Fun floor - kind of wild and colorful.

I love this all over pattern.

It sort of reminds me of old linoleum, in a good way!

This one is similar in feel to what I ended up with , especially with the dark, distressed wood like ours.

Love this as a variation of checker board.

This one was the final inspiration, although ours is really an adaptation.

Ours is not quite as busy, in that we do not have an inside circle in the large circle,

and our "fleur di lys - ish"

shapes are bigger, and we left more floor space between all shapes.

Looking towards the dining room......

Looking from the dining room towards the end of the kitchen.

Love how the stencil takes a little peek into the powder room!

Looking down hallway from office towards TV room/den.....
We decided to leave all doors unpainted to remain consistent with the rest of the house.

Looking from TV room into kitchen.......

Down the other side of kitchen towards dining room.....

From the dining room looking into the kitchen.......showing some of the blue used originally in the dining room.

This picture shows how well the plaster wall color works with the rock walls.

Tom, you are a genius!!

So,I think you get it now.

I painted my kitchen and stenciled the floors and could not be more thrilled with it.

It just proves once again what a reflection our homes are of us and our personalities.

I hope your kitchen makes you as happy as mine does!

As always, thanks for reading Hill Country House!

Round Top Winter Antique Show

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:04:00 +0000

I set up at the Winter Round Top Antique Show last month.

The winter show is held every January for just one weekend.

It's a great show, held at the Big Red Barn, and is a appealing mix of regular Round Top dealers, some dealers who typically set up at Marburger Farm during the spring and fall, and a variety of other antique dealers from Texas and other parts of the country.

Antique lovers, and curious lookers come from all over, but lots and lots from surrounding towns.

I had quite a few customers from Houston, Austin and Dallas.

It was clearly a great getaway weekend for some groups of women.

I could tell by their spirit of laughter and chatter - probably a great respite from the hectic pace of the holiday season just passed.

I won't say my booth was sparse - it was too full to be called gallery style - but I wanted to have some space around my things this show.

The French chairs sold immediately, so I really did have some open space!

Some folks like lots of ~~clutter~~ treasure to dig through - I do too sometimes - and some like seeing a booth with fewer items displayed clearly, easy to see and study.

My photos were taken with my iPhone, so they are not the best, but I did have fun with some of the apps!

Can you tell?

I love old handmade textiles and exhibited some of my best hand hooked rugs, professionally mounted and hanging on the walls.

I think antique hooked rugs are often under appreciated for the art form that they are, and mounting and hanging elevates them to the level they deserve.

Apparently several people agreed with me and a few went home with happy customers - actually, happy designers, taking them to clients!

The tramp art cross from North Carolina sold, and I have to say, it was one of my favorite pieces of folk art and hard to part with!

This is a fabulous offering box of some sort that I still have - have to say I am not too sad about that.

One day it will find the right home!

The top of a painted tramp art box that left the show on Sunday - tramp art was a hit at this show.

The triangular chip carved folk art shelf came from Vermont years ago.

It has actually been in my collection and was one of those things I thought I would never part with.....but alas, if one wants to continue to collect, one must continue to sell!

It went home with a designer from La Grange, Texas..... who, by the way, I had the best time talking with and sharing antiquing stories with!!

Just down the row from me were Hector and Susan Skinner of Fun Dustrial.

They always have the coolest things and set up the best displays!

Love the variety of dress forms.

What a wonderful old scale.

I LOVED this old urn filled with old iron garden stakes and wish I had stopped long enough to price these pieces.

The urn itself had such gorgeous edges.

I thought the swans were such fun!!

You can't see if from my photos but they had some old glitter on them, which I am always a sucker for!

Another great old urn!

When I finally got to stroll around the barn on Sunday,
I paid a visit to my friend Theresa of Garden Antiques Vintage.

She always has the best things and these clock faces are a great example!

Dress forms, vintage lace dresses, cowgirl hats,

old pewter, silver, and

love the yellow bicycle!!

I was so happy to see my old friend, Agnes, at the show.

She used to sell tons and tons of dried flowers and wreaths, and may still.....but now she is also selling lots of sea shells and beautiful bottles with shells on top.

All different sizes of bottles, and all shapes and colors.

She had had a fantastic show by the time I saw her on Sunday, so she was low on inventory, and I still loved all that I saw!!

Imagine what I missed!!

She had a couple of lamps in her booth that I also liked as they reminded me of lighthouses.

Aren't they great?

Love these.

Brought this one home with me!

Another old friend, and antique dealer extraordinaire, is my friend, Gayle Green.

Gayle has been an antique dealer for years and years, and is now a regular Marburger dealer.

Gayle's antiques are classic.

She is not a trend follower.

Her things are good, they are true antiques, and they do not go in and out of style - they are timeless.

She knows majolica, chalkware, textiles, tramp art, and a variety of other antiques.

I bought some of my first vintage faux bois pieces from Gayle many years ago before faux bois was in or out, and certainly before it was reproduced in big box store catalogs.

Good, old chalk kitties.

I always love a good old basket with layers of old paint. Just love it.

So, there you have it.

Just a smidge of what was good at the Round Top, Texas Winter antique show. There was a ton more - I just didn't get to see it all because I was so busy!!

Next on the agenda?

Fort Worth, Texas!!

Yes sirree!! The 49th Annual Dolly Johnson Antique Show!!!

In fact, I am so excited about setting up at this show, it deserves it's very own post.....so, stay tuned!!!

Back in the Saddle.......First things First

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:25:00 +0000

First things first, give credit where credit is due.

When I last posted - I think it was in the afternoon on Christmas day - I shared some photos from my Pinterest boards.

I did not know the origin of most of them, but thanks to some savvy readers, have identified a few.

One of my favorites, the simple but so lovely entry hall with matching painted closet doors,

apparently belongs to HGTV star Sarah Richardson.

Who knew?
I am not a television watcher, nor have I kept up with HGTV in several years.
I realize I have been missing a lot after looking at Sarah's website.

Her style is refreshing and crisp and I can't wait to become familiar with more of her work.

Another favorite photo I shared came from the wonderful blog Color Outside the Lines in a post titled
Love......Fun Lamps!

I don't think I actually knew this information at first, as I re-pinned the photo from someone else - the fun and the curse of Pinterest, at least if you are needing original sources!

Here it is again - I still love it - the lamps as well as the whole grouping of interesting things.

So, thank you to Artie of Color Outside the Lines!!

Now that I have taken care of that bit of business, I am going to get back to the business of blogging.

I set up at the Winter Round Top Show in January and had a great show.
Quite early in the show, one of my dear antiquing buddies marched right into my booth and said, quite emphatically,

Well, man!! You must have bad bloggers block!!!

Uh.....you noticed?

She proceeded to tell me how she lives in this little town way out in the middle of nowhere and reads my blog regularly (which of course is a very nice compliment) and how I had written absolutely nothing in weeks!!
Yes, I am aware of this.

So, I of course did not deny her accusation.......it's a little more complicated than that, but who had time for a long story?

I'm just glad someone missed me.
Thanks, Gayle,
(most fabulous dealer of majolica, tramp art, faux bois, textiles, tole ware,vintage Christmas, and all sorts of incredible antiques ever to be found at the Marburger Farm Antique Show every single spring and fall! ) even if you are a bit direct in telling me how you feel!

Anyway, I am back and I have stories to tell.

Lazy Christmas Afternoon Eye Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:33:00 +0000

I took these images from my Pinterest boards, which means they came from someone else, and from someone else before that , and someone else before that, and so on.

Thank goodness we share.....but the downside to so much sharing these days is that the initial creative source so often does not get due credit.

So, to those of you who initially posted these on Pinterest, thank you......

To the designers of these spaces, and to the homeowners, thank you!!

They make my heart sing!!

Let me know who you are and I will shout your praises from the tree tops!!

To all of you who took these splendid colorful photographs, let me know and I will also shout your praises from the tree tops!

To all of you who continue to visit and read my blog, in spite of my inconsistency in posting, my random subject matter in the areas of art, design and antiques.....................or whatever moves me at that moment, thank you!!

I really am flattered that you take the time to read Hill Country House.

I am crazy for the colors, the composition of texture, of form, and scale, and light in these rooms.
They are delicious to me!

This, from the girl who also loves contemporary, modern architecture.

I know, I know....go figure!!

I love the simplicity of this space....

and the busyness of this space....

A Jeffrey Bilhuber designed room, I am sure, but from where, I am not sure.

I grab them and save them whenever I run across them (the images, not the rooms...I wish).

I know this is a room designed by Peter Dunham. I have loved these chairs for many years. Maybe one day I will get to have some!

I think this image, too, came from my Peter Dunham collection of photos.
Love his comfortable mix of style and color.

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2012!!

Design - Holiday Blogging Block

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:42:00 +0000

I think this happened to me last year about this time.

Between wanting to be with family, wanting to decorate the house, or not, addressing Christmas cards, cooking, figuring out gifts for teachers, friends and family, and on and on .....well, blogging just does not come up on the priority list.

My friend, Jan's, wonderful house last Christmas.

I guess if the spirit moved me, if the creative juices flowed, I would make the time, but it just isn't happening.

. My friend, Barbara's, faux bois bowl of ornaments - to die for, right?

Blogger's block.

Have you had it? Do you have it?

So, for all of you incredibly nice people who choose to read my blog, I thank you so much, and ask you to be patient with me.

One day I will be creative and thoughtful and inspired to post again.

Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

All photos mine from Christmas 2010 with the exception of the ones noted.

Design - Thanksgiving Fantasies

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:31:00 +0000

For me, Thanksgiving week is about being thankful for many, many things, and for being with those I love.

I am a homebody at heart, and while I love my own home, I am a professed design junkie.

Sooooo, I would happily celebrate Thanksgiving in any of these spaces with my family, curling up by a fire, dining on turkey and dressing, and giving thanks for all of our blessings.

These images are all saved in my favorites files, and I am sorry to say I do not save sources. You will recognize some designers and homes from magazines, but I sincerely apologize for not being able to credit every source and photographer. If you would like to be credited, please let me know and I will happily do so.

Now, on to my favorites!

Kinfolk - My New Love

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:20:00 +0000

Those who know me know that my most favorite social event is a small, unpretentious dinner party - sitting around the dinner table over a tasty meal with good friends, or new friends, and talking.....and eating....and drinking wine or tea or whatever pleases you.....and more talking, sharing stories and joys and sorrows and lots of laughter.

Then comes more coffee and dessert, and more good conversation with more laughter thrown in - good stories and sharing, and more wine or de-caf at that point.

All of this is soooo much more fun and meaningful to me than a large social gathering of many small conversations and loud music.

I have just discovered the journal/blog and on line magazine Kinfolk and am totally enamored.

In their own words,

"Kinfolk is a collaborative effort to encourage a more natural approach to entertaining. It's the marriage of our appreciation for art and our love for spending time with family and friends."

Three things I love a lot - art, family and friends.

The people in our lives are what makes life rich and full. I have shared a photo from an annual Christmas party we used to have.

We don't have this particular party any more as traditions have changed, but still love gathering small groups of friends around the table for dinner and conversation.

I try to practice what I preach, which is that it's not about being a gourmet cook, but about the sharing of one's home and time.

Take out Chinese or pizza is just as good as the finest meal.

Sometimes I forget and get insecure about my inability to juggle food prep, decorate, and be a gracious hostess all at once.

Then I remind myself what I truly believe:

Loving and sharing with the people in our lives is what it's all about.

Kinfolk has great photos and articles about good food and waaaaay more adventure than it in my life.

Here I am on one such adventure, though......

Source

That's my husband in the red union suit and I am just to his right in the black nightie - (mmm..hmmmm....maybe in my next life)

Seriously, it is a cool blog

and I have to quote them again because I couldn't say it any better if I tried:

Kinfolk is a growing community of artists with a shared interest in small gatherings. We recognize that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. We have come together to create Kinfolk as our collaborative way of advocating the natural approach to entertaining that we love.

Every element of Kinfolk – the features, photography, and general aesthetics – are consistent with the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, uncomplicated, and less contrived. Kinfolk is the marriage of our appreciation for art and design and our love for spending time with family and friends.

Love this image from Kinfolk Journal.

Kinfolk - check it out .

Design - Minimalist?

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:57:00 +0000

Source

Designer Carolina Irving's living room......

Source

My living room..............

Hmmmm.......who says I'm not a minimalist?

Maybe it's all relative.

Design - Bathrooms I Could Live In

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:16:00 +0000

These images are from my personal files and I have no credit information.

If any of these are yours and you would like credit, kindly email me and I will do so. Thank you.

Design - A Beautiful and Gracious Dallas Home

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:48:00 +0000

I had the privilege and the pleasure of staying with my dear childhood friend , Darla, when I went back to Dallas for our high school reunion several weeks ago.

Darla and her husband live in an older neighborhood in the city, in an old English Tudor cottage that exudes charm from every corner.

After looking at drought ridden hill country fields of brown or dead grass for weeks on end this summer, it was a treat to see the lush shade of old trees and green lawns.

Darla's home is not overly decorated, but filled with exquisite antiques, art and lovely furnishings that she and her husband have collected over the years.

They both have incredibly good taste, and everything just fits, reflecting exactly who they are.

(yes, my favorite style of decorating)

This large light fixture in the living room is stunning. I asked if it was original to the house, and no, it is not.
They chose it for the house.
Didn't I tell you they have fabulous taste?

The library, just off of the main living room, makes me want to curl up right now with a glass of wine and a good read.....or a good friend for a quiet visit.

We share an interest in art, so my weekend was enriched by all of the great pieces here. This one in particular, by Darren Vigil Gray, is a favorite of mine.

Can you spot the others in the house by this magnificent New Mexico artist?

Looking into the dining room from the living room.......

Wonderful, cozy kitchen filled with Mackenzie Childs pottery of all sorts.............

Oh yes, that is another fabulous fixture that the homeowners chose for themselves.

Wonderful backsplash that is not only fun and whimsical, it works beautifully with the MacKensie Childs pottery.

The patio and pool can be seen from the kitchen and was a wonderful spot to visit with our morning coffee.

Love the outdoor fireplace.....and the basket and flowers in it! It will be a great spot for a fire in a month or so. Remember, this is Texas.

I had the complete and total delight of staying in this cozy cocoon while I was there.

Talk about a nice place to rest my weary head and body!

I slept like I haven't slept in months.

Gorgeous guest bath and powder room.

More beautiful art in the hallway to MY room!

Upstairs there is another full sitting room, less formal than downstairs and very comfortable.

A mix of folk art, traditional art, fine antique furnishings, big comfy upholstered pieces and more MacKensie - Childs makes this room a pleasure to be in .

My eyes were darting here and there, spotting one wonderful thing after another!

Lovely bar with over the top FUN chairs!

Another childhood friend of ours stayed in this charming guest room.

The dressing table was custom painted years ago by a very talented folk artist from Romania.

What a piece of art in itself.

Good lighting, plush bedding, a beautiful view from the window - we really wanted to stay a lot longer than the weekend!

The master bedroom is also upstairs and opens on to the fabulous sitting room and bar.

Who needs to go downstairs?

Okay, well maybe to cook ( I said maybe) and visit the pool now and then.

What a delight it was staying here.

To be quite frank, I think I could move right in.

Thank you for your hospitality, Darla,

(and that oh so patient and accommodating husband of yours!) and for letting me share your beautiful and warm Dallas home.

Pedro Friedeberg and the Comfort, Texas Fall Antique Show, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Confession: Sometimes after a show I am actually happy that a few of my favorite things did not sell.

I guess that is because my motto in antiquing for resale is

"Do not buy anything I wouldn't want to own myself".

Of course it is pleasing and quite satisfying when someone buys something I have chosen.

(After all, I am in the business to sell!)

But, sometimes when I can bring a favorite into my home.............well..... let's just say I am not always disappointed.

I was able to bring these giant orbs back into my house and I'm kinda liking them mixed in with my other entry hall favorites.

Found in Maine, they are covered in old braided rugs and scraps from old hooked rugs.

They have a folk art quality, and yet I loved them sitting in my wonderful contemporary hand chairs at the show!

The chairs, however, did not get to come home with me.

As strange and wonderful as my Pedro Friedeberg knock offs are, I was happy to sell them to my friends Robert and Molly.

I was very tempted to keep them, and my daughter had a fit over them and really did not want me to take them to the show.

Alas, it is these eye catching finds that make a booth special at a show and now I will just have to hunt for more strange and wonderful things!

Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican designer whose iconic hand chair can be seen in many fashionable homes.

All chair images via Apartment Therapy.

Click here for more great pics of these chairs!

Gorgeous photo of the real dea l!

Speaking of eye catching antiques, this fabulous, LARGE rocking ~~horse~~ donkey was in Robert and Molly's booth.

Isn't he the most charming fellow?

He came from Missouri and will be a sweet addition to someone's folk art collection!!

(If you are interested let me know and I can put you in touch with Robert and Molly.)

If I had the perfect spot for him, he would have come to my house!!!

Other dealers had great things at the show - here is a sampling of all things wonderful, from country primitives to formal American and classic English antiques.

I can always count on my friend, Sandy, to have an abundance of great old painted items, many of them charming old baskets.

She also had these amazing architectural pieces and wonderful old horse with crusty white paint.

Love it!

If baskets, country primitives and great country furniture are your thing, you can always find a treasure in Nancy's booth.

Barbara Irwin had lots of fabulous baskets, her own folk art paintings, and some great country furniture.

My neighbors at the show, Tammy and Don of The Cheeky Mare, had gorgeous antiques from England and France. They do a beautiful job of mixing high and low.

Great cupola and champagne hop from France.

Gorgeous pillows and an assortment of really good treasure atop a wonderful painted drop leaf table .

Beautiful and fine art and folk art in the booth of my friend, Anita.

Gloria and Jim had the best selection of religious artifacts, but this shepherd and sheep were my favorites.
So dear.

Gracie always has the best primitives and painted furniture.

Of course, Ann Sams never disappoints with her selection of tole trays, textiles and assorted gorgeous antiques.

Another shot of Anita's booth with wonderful and fine furniture and a charming hooked rug, mounted as art, as it should be.

Hope you enjoyed a peek at the show.

Have a wonderful week, and as always, thanks for reading Hill Country House!!

Art - On My Radar Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Several of my favorite artists have either current shows or shows coming up in the near future.
If you read my blog you will be familiar with them, each of whom I continue to follow and be intrigued by their amazing talent.

Fatima Ronquillo's new work debuted last night in Austin, Texas at the

Wally Workman Gallery.

"Dog with Master's Eye II"

(I have not seen Fatima do dogs before - isn't he fabulous!?)

The show is entitled "Devotion" and is a collection of works depicting different characters wearing "Lover's Eyes" in one form or another.

I wrote about Lover's eye's here.

This show is especially unique in that Fatima has expanded her already incredible talent by using water color and acrylics to create some larger pieces.

While she does paint on large canvases occasionally, she is known for her jewel like small, oil paintings, each with a sense of old master and folk art at the same time.

Her work is incredibly detailed and even though small, her paintings take days to complete.

The combination of folkiness and curiosity/quirkiness draw me to her work, making me smile, wonder, ponder, and sometimes cry.

I love old, traditional folk art.

Antique portraits are highly collected and appreciated, but have never called out "Take me home!" to me personally.

While I enjoy looking at and studying fine art, what I love and want to live with and look at every day is a little quirkiness or humor, beauty, deeper meaning............ Fatima covers it all!

This sweet piece is called "The Dreamer" and is 40" X 30" - quite large for Fatima.

If you visit her website she will show you exactly the process she went through to paint this treasure. Such talent continues to blow me away!

Elegant, with a tear drop coming from this lover's eye, this piece is striking. It is called

"The Nostalgist" and is 20" X 16".

Finally, my favorite of her new work, and one that will be coming to my house to live, is called :

"The Runaways"

40" X 30"

I absolutely adore it!!!

Fatima shows at several other galleries in the United States.

Check her website for more information.

Fellow Texan, Jon Flaming, is gearing up for a show at David Dike Gallery in Dallas.

Jon is a longtime favorite of mine, both as a friend and an artist.

"The Saloon"

His new series of paintings are based on Friday night television westerns he watched while growing up during the sixties and seventies.

In a statement regarding this upcoming show, David Dike says:

This show will contain works indicative of Flaming’s signature style. Many of the paintings mark a turning point in his approach that can be seen through his representation of figures and composition. The self-taught artist’s neo-regionalist style has both a folk art and Texas Regionalist look inspired by some of the Dallas Nine artists. Traditionally, the images and sentiment captured in Flaming’s work reminds the viewer the of the spirit of a time past; an era when small town Texas was occupied by salt-of-the earth folk who were content with hard work and the simple pleasures of stability and Grace. In his work you will often find signs of this life and work whether it’s renderings of a pick-up truck circa late 1950, farm tools leaning on an old farmhouse, a cherished cowboy hat, vacant motel or a cross.

"High Noon"

Don't you just know there is about to be a duel in the above painting.

Meet me at high noon!

In this show one will see works in Jon's signature style, as the paintings above, but also a new style that is emerging from my talented friend.

The new style is still bold in color and composition, but with shorter brush strokes, distinctive lines, and forms, creating an abstract effect as seen below.

"The Hideout"

"Abandoned Movie Set - The Mission"

Again, David dike says it better than I :

Not only is the technique vibrant, new and unlike any other, but the inspiration for Western Movie is just that; vibrant – the TV westerns in their time could transport a young mind to gallantly save the town, the girl or just be cool in a cowboy hat with a lit cigarette.

Fortunately, I will be in Dallas for the opening on October 27 and am really looking forward to actually seeing Jon's new work.

Last but never least, is another talented favorite of mine,

America Martin.

America also shows at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin and at Carver Hill in Rockland, Maine.

(Aren't I the lucky girl to get to visit both galleries!?)

America had a grand show in Rockland earlier this summer at Carver Hill, and the gallery just had another show this weekend featuring America and artist Diane Schelble.

America Martin-rock-paper-scissors-72x78

(Carver Hill Gallery)

Painting from America's website

Also from America's website

America's command of color and line fascinate me.

As much as I can't even imagine having the talent to paint in such a detailed style as Fatima Ronquillo, I am equally amazed at the ease at which America captures the spirit of the human form and personality in what appear to be so few strokes.

This is a new piece at Wally Workman - oh how I love it.

"Siren in a Sea Cave"

Finally, another new piece at Wally Workman,

"Joy II"

I love following these artists and hope you have enjoyed this update.

What you think? What kind of art speaks to you? Do you buy art you just love, or do you tend to buy art to fit a space or a certain decor?

I love talking about art, so let me hear from you!

As always, thank you so much for reading Hill Country House, and happy Sunday!!

V and M Online Design Magazine.....and ME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

I have written on several occasions about my stone book collection.

I was most flattered a few months ago when I was notified that the online design site, V and M, or Vintage and Modern, wanted to feature an article on my collection.

Co-Counder Bill Indursky, and I exchanged a few emails and then I waited for a writer to contact me. I had the pleasure of talking with free lance writer, Valerie Gladstone, who penned the article.

Valerie did a superb job of writing about a subject that I know little about!

The mystery and curiosity of stone books are one aspect I love about them, but try telling someone interviewing you that you "just luuuuvvvvv them ... and they are so pretty....and they are so cool"!!

(Really eloquent and articulate, don't cha know!?)

Ummm....didn't do too much for my perceived intelligence quotient!

Anyway, I am thrilled and hope you will be too!

Check out the article HERE, and if you have not done so already, subscribe to V and M as it is always full of inspiring information and GREAT antique and vintage items for sale.

Antiques in Maine 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:38:00 +0000

On my recent trip to Maine I got to visit the Cornish Trading Company in Cornish, Maine.

I have seen ads for the group shop for years, and was excited to visit.

I was not disappointed!

Room after room was chock full of good old furniture, architectural pieces, old wicker, old iron,

paintings, and tons of interesting small items.

My friend and I commented more than once that we wished we had brought a truck to fill to bring back to Texas.

Oh what a sale we could have had!!

Prices were good and fair.....

and the shop keepers could not have been more friendly and helpful.

I look forward to another visit one day, and highly recommend Cornish Trading Company to anyone looking for a variety of good, authentic antiques - something hard to come by theses days!

Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Have I mentioned I LOVE Maine?

No time for many words today, but.......maybe you will see why I love Maine.

Oh, did I say that already?

I love Maine.

Art, Artist Roberta Schilling - Riot of Color

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I went a little crazy today when I walked into Home, At Last! The first thing my eyes landed on was this amazing and stunning arrangement of color and texture and shapes and forms and GOODNESS!

I am a complete and total sucker for something hand made, colorful, whimsical, textural, with a Mexican feel.....well, I don't even know quite how to explain it, but I know it when I see it, and it blows me away!

I fumbled for my phone and snapped dead center, then closer, then to the right, then to the left.....all the while mumbling about wanting to take this fabulous thing home with me..................if only, if only...it wasn't quite so expensive.

There are flowers of hand blown glass, hand carved little odds and ends, and lots and lots of found objects, all mixed together to form one giant floral arrangement in a flat base painted as a terra cotta urn.

The artist is Roberta Schilling

You can visit her website by clicking on her name.

I have to say, though, quite honestly, nothing on the website does it for me like this big, fabulous assemblage of color and energy, found right here in my lil' ol' town of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Come see it for yourself!

Design - Move Me Right In

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:42:00 +0000

I was just perusing my latest email from House Beautiful and love the home of stylist Peter Frank!

His home SO appeals to my aesthetic. I just love it!

I remember loving this room a while back - maybe in one of my House Beautiful magazines, but for some reason today it just resonates with me even more so.

House Beautiful refers to it as a "mad mix of antiques and modern furniture...." and tells the reader to check out " his quirky decorating style".

Oh they speak my language!

To see more of Peter Frank's work, go here.

Antiques - The Real Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:51:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of lunching with a group of women the other day in this classic hill country home.

Not just any group, mind you, but a very special gathering of friends with a common interest.

We are an extension of "Belles" of a larger group of antique collectors from all over Texas and Oklahoma called the Bellringers.

This group is impressive and I am honored to be a part of it.

The women are knowledgeable, and generous with that knowledge, as well as kind and very generous of heart.

Our lunch was at the home of our friend, Phyllis, who always prepares the most delicious meal, served in the prettiest and most gracious way.

The Bellringers have been featured in Country Living Magazine here and several of the members are true experts in their fields.

This group shares an interest in, a passion for, and great expertise in, early American antiques.

Let me be clear - EARLY means 17th and 18th century, or earlier. AMERICAN refers to, obviously, American antiques, typically from New England, and ANTIQUES means true antiques, well over 100 years old.

I am sort of the odd duck in the group, in that my taste runs all over the place.....but you knew that already, didn't you?!

I am a little Mexican, a little contemporary art, a little early American......throw in some quilts, vintage signs......you know, my house is a crazy, mixed up salad!

Sometimes I long to be focused, especially after I am with this group.

Bellringer houses are focused and very fine.......

Although I mix it up a lot in my house, I love seeing homes of seasoned collectors who have edited their collections and showcase some of the best of the best in their homes.

I am crazy about the collection of game boards Phyllis has gathered.

These days we see lots and lots of items that are called antiques.

When I reference things on my blog or at shows, I call them vintage unless I am sure they are 100 years old or more, but don't hold me to it - I am no expert.....just a constantly learning collector and dealer.

I love learning, though, and being exposed to the finest of antiques, which I always am when I hang with the Bells!

Loved this sweet basket filled with wonderful succulents. It greets visitors at the front door.

Interestingly enough, these friends all have the ability to pull together their antiques in such lovely ways.

Walking through Phylis' home is like walking through a magazine of fine early homes.

Everything is placed beautifully and thoughtfully.

Collections peek from every corner. Yet, her home is wonderfully comfortable and warm, and her antiques are clearly loved and enjoyed.

I could curl up on her sofa in front of that fireplace and stay all day!

This is absolutely one of the prettiest bowls of stone fruit I have ever seen!

Half fruits are hard to come by, and this apple is superb.

Hooked rugs, pewter, candlesticks, baskets, portraits and lanterns are just some of the fabulous things Phyllis has in her home.

I love how Phyllis has designed her kitchen to be a good work space, but still incorporates her antiques and collections .

Talk about good old paint - tons and tons of original paint.

Love it.

Black Windsor chairs look good anywhere.

What classic design!

I love all variations of this Spode pattern. I had not seen this particular plate with the bunnies - wish I'd gotten the picture without the glare.

Of course I am crazy about the blue horizontal boards and the old hooked rug!

Sweet collection of children's clothing hanging behind the early rope bed.

More great original paint.

Exquisite little watercolor.

Gorgeous still life.

We gathered on the screened in porch for a while, enjoying the oh so welcome cooler weather!!

Phyllis has some charming touches scattered about on the porch.

Great idea for gourds.

..........................and more wonderful baskets!

I hope you have enjoyed a peek into a hill country house of excellent taste and quality.

I know I loved getting to be there and thank you, Phyllis, as always, for your warm hospitality, and for allowing me to prowl around your house snapping photos here and there!

I Love Meeting Blogging Friends in Person!

noreply@blogger.com (Hill Country House Girl) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Handsome. So Texas - so hill country!

(poor guy)

I was in Austin this past Sunday and had a few hours to kill before I met my daughter for lunch.

I stopped at the Austin City Wide Garage Sale, a monthly event that is always an adventure.

Part of it truly is like a garage sale - all kinds of STUFF strewn across tables and lots of people literally digging through the ~~junk~~ items, hoping to find a treasure.

A lot of it is NOT a true garage sale in that many good vintage and antique dealers set up here regularly.

Sure, I've been known to dig through the $6 fur coats (two tables loaded!)..... but my real pleasure is when I come across a kindred spirit who loves old things and likes to display them in lovely and creative ways.

I have been reading Theresa Cano's blog for quite some time.

She writes Garden Antqs Vintage
and has quite a following.

Theresa loves all things old and worn, and sees the beauty in the discarded and forlorn.

She is one of those people who can see the beauty in something old, or can see the usefulness in something discarded. She can help others see these qualities, too, in her lovely displays.

Theresa is an regular dealer at Zapp Hall during the antique weeks of Round Top here in Texas.

She is an experienced dealer who can be found in the the same spot, season after season, at these shows.
Theresa is well known and loved in the antiquing community!

Love this huge lightbulb!

This gal kind of captures that Texas woman spirit - feminine in the gown, but spirited in her hat!

Love her.

Theresa asked if she could take a photo of me.

I really am not photogenic and do not like pictures of myself - especially posed....I do this weird thing with my eyes and mouth, looking sort of tired and pitiful.

She confessed to similar feelings about having her picture taken.

Now I kind of wish I had agreed.

The fun and significance of meeting Theresa is bigger than my vanity.

Shame on me.

I really wish we had asked her husband to take one of both of us.

Oh wait - he did!

Loved meeting you Theresa!! See you in Warrenton!

xoxo