New England Fine Living opens Oct. 1st

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9euh2u3ZU_jH0cR7CLvNawebB9Ry1-zqjy1qoRh1lGhzpUEiWW5Q7HWm45RvS5dyHYSocltXgA7BmnWiv7PP0BdbPxGNJgHWmepMx79o4Agm-hdtZQTAWX-b4pRjZ2gBmRH21FzwqOb_Z/s1600/silverchair:bowYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522759279747073970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9euh2u3ZU_jH0cR7CLvNawebB9Ry1-zqjy1qoRh1lGhzpUEiWW5Q7HWm45RvS5dyHYSocltXgA7BmnWiv7PP0BdbPxGNJgHWmepMx79o4Agm-hdtZQTAWX-b4pRjZ2gBmRH21FzwqOb_Z/s400/silverchair:bowYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I apologize for being MIA lately! I have been busy working on some design inventory for tomorrow’s opening of</span> </span><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/index.html" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">New England Fine Living</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">in Middleton. Store hours are 10am to 5pm on Friday, October 1st, so be sure to come in early for the best selection! Most of my pieces will be one-of-a-kind like this silver leaf chair that I almost hate to part with now! There are a lot of other great items to be found ... just visit the</span> </span><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/retailstore.html" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">New England Fine Living website</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">for more details!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic;">To be continued ...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>

New England Fine Living opens Oct. 1st

I apologize for being MIA lately! I have been busy working on some design inventory for tomorrow’s opening of New England Fine Living in M...

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10 Steps to a Perfect Room

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhC4xeKiF6TMxKUvmPE164Zb0LZ0SVlOakt9dARjMXxvGuaaCdJ6TTI-g1jb6B_vBqjYE6uZ9z8pEY4v7VlR74ih6e9TYmRe476YzCCeRlZN4eGFy9CXvObIf57jodfiLQcIG_FGSVxU/s1600/sallyandpaula10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202905598345842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhC4xeKiF6TMxKUvmPE164Zb0LZ0SVlOakt9dARjMXxvGuaaCdJ6TTI-g1jb6B_vBqjYE6uZ9z8pEY4v7VlR74ih6e9TYmRe476YzCCeRlZN4eGFy9CXvObIf57jodfiLQcIG_FGSVxU/s400/sallyandpaula10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sally Morse of Hunter Douglas with</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Paula Bakies of Acorn Interiors</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br />Recently I was a guest at a design presentation at the <a href="http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/BOSAM/planameeting/main.wnt">Wyndham</a> Andover hosted by Paula Bakies of <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a>. To a full house, she presented guest speaker <a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn">Sally Morse</a>, Director of Creative Services for Hunter Douglas, who shared her design tips on how to<br />create a perfect room, in ten simple steps.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRTvBsZsoyNmBUdQDpMyHoYDhTqSteGSqrtRroXcGJhvpJ8UXTTWD7R0jK7i2WiPuGZhc-Rk42A4yW4TEIHnRJEL0rE23ZB87Trpsukyn4O8Rsm5C0IojX_y4SPsz5OsucAFq59eIwQ/s1600/deniseinpink10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202574300823810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRTvBsZsoyNmBUdQDpMyHoYDhTqSteGSqrtRroXcGJhvpJ8UXTTWD7R0jK7i2WiPuGZhc-Rk42A4yW4TEIHnRJEL0rE23ZB87Trpsukyn4O8Rsm5C0IojX_y4SPsz5OsucAFq59eIwQ/s400/deniseinpink10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Guest Denise McCarthy looks right on trend<br />in stylish hot pink, black and white.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGp1PtyAZqGv_xCnDmsQPZh3Z_SrOkw9FgVx93T97TjxtFkaT2dcBCNTCZPGVV9UL4_Oon575rST2Ohr6Osq6gj2U4MZxjYXXm-ZdD6YEqwU1jNswqCYToxXgzehiZp-VuXj5Ha9722E/s1600/ottomanPB10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202897777948994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGp1PtyAZqGv_xCnDmsQPZh3Z_SrOkw9FgVx93T97TjxtFkaT2dcBCNTCZPGVV9UL4_Oon575rST2Ohr6Osq6gj2U4MZxjYXXm-ZdD6YEqwU1jNswqCYToxXgzehiZp-VuXj5Ha9722E/s400/ottomanPB10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The tables were decorated with custom ottomans designed by Paula which were raffled off at the end of the evening. My favorite (shown above) was a stylish combination of animal print fabrics. Other raffles included select items from guest vendors like Donna Dreher of <a href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Spa_Couture.html">Threads Couture </a>who specializes in custom embroidery. She has helped me on many occasions with <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/search/label/Stevens%20Estate">my design projects</a> just as <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/05/designers-before-and-after.html">Paula has</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6_kUo7QdAaxDZfZHW0ptR242RAgwiF29KCfchcoGWg1VisHvQIGl5IaUxO4wZIEX3C0NTJqHlYkbjhnWbBa2VgT5xnGMLi-gXONuru_CISjkIPobQmxsY_mEzTSdC2kAIoBWpUvwo94/s1600/donnaTC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483728666277759314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6_kUo7QdAaxDZfZHW0ptR242RAgwiF29KCfchcoGWg1VisHvQIGl5IaUxO4wZIEX3C0NTJqHlYkbjhnWbBa2VgT5xnGMLi-gXONuru_CISjkIPobQmxsY_mEzTSdC2kAIoBWpUvwo94/s400/donnaTC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW23GoTwKIwjpT5-29rZ497MD9WA-tn4DkF5FBV3HGWyH6PbEaaWBYKFZO5jlpLURtro-mCKiF6trhLosyvS8AuLRhIWXqVAghQmr11yNgwlj7vsZkueBTx6L91cqKBx7SGLKAfAVaQI/s1600/threads10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202577638297346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW23GoTwKIwjpT5-29rZ497MD9WA-tn4DkF5FBV3HGWyH6PbEaaWBYKFZO5jlpLURtro-mCKiF6trhLosyvS8AuLRhIWXqVAghQmr11yNgwlj7vsZkueBTx6L91cqKBx7SGLKAfAVaQI/s400/threads10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A beautiful side table was sent home with one lucky guest, courtesy of <a href="http://www.toddfrancisconstruction.com/">Todd Francis Construction</a> and <a href="http://francisrestoration.com/">Francis Restoration</a> of Hampstead, NH.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRtOv-HlGNUIYfBX5MWluERxk5uBR6gHJPv6X75dwJtW6ucToSN99O-nZM4hNiBWWoB7bcUUQcJmCHEQEShYz46Kn8D-rewDGIGOUWITuRYCIx4qo9PnRmrR8J4ek43Wcuk0oXfxx30/s1600/theguys10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202893868591346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRtOv-HlGNUIYfBX5MWluERxk5uBR6gHJPv6X75dwJtW6ucToSN99O-nZM4hNiBWWoB7bcUUQcJmCHEQEShYz46Kn8D-rewDGIGOUWITuRYCIx4qo9PnRmrR8J4ek43Wcuk0oXfxx30/s400/theguys10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCJl-tso9tBbDLt1LjroZyMNtoMlvFsKGiA28C24XgQ9DiqGPVkAQEq2w-3ujZTsb5bs9WqUn63TrD-wrd2kF_pnj6NdmcmWMNApSJxjLXWM7H8hASFCi3WkRxJk0y91i6JzXvhww3Js/s1600/table1_10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202885397720370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCJl-tso9tBbDLt1LjroZyMNtoMlvFsKGiA28C24XgQ9DiqGPVkAQEq2w-3ujZTsb5bs9WqUn63TrD-wrd2kF_pnj6NdmcmWMNApSJxjLXWM7H8hASFCi3WkRxJk0y91i6JzXvhww3Js/s400/table1_10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2q_Bk4o7gazgy08NAl3qjnxIzM9CUgBKjG0GzTr9Dwkg2PAkSYJXizZ-4T5a-55jOW0J0PUYfkl2BlS9KBk0mXxuLuPHbsnHjbhuI3J-aidGn0_75ZU0Z1qgWZZZ9zC0H4oxguVew8D8/s1600/table2_10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483745195696100722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z-PyCa_6FfIX5PHjh5NYedzvVu0tdcBkB72MskRu5TNJswRvIK81CISmEX2_xaTTV1q6nulYnzQ0g__kNyNZJpkPHLW6vdT1YuFAHjbn23SgCR4Z6NW7KxmZpINrboHIzcFQs5Yvu1Y/s320/metamorphosislogo.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Katie Blue Nagy and Elaine Trepiccio, the talented designers behind <a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/">metamorphosis art & design</a> gave away a highly coveted lazy susan from their design collection. Here are some more unique items that they show at their Andover location ...<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKvveCwMXX5IpU_wTHcNkvZvVCjGqpbFkvjKrGHPEfVCGRE-x05riArLuqwxXjjFHWEr0ICSLw5uN77ppECEM3NhKGR3Na5__4342WDeOn8-9km5xmloxm1kmkJ8IFVoXvp9cuXSzRWk/s1600/metamorphosis_10steps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483728654316316802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKvveCwMXX5IpU_wTHcNkvZvVCjGqpbFkvjKrGHPEfVCGRE-x05riArLuqwxXjjFHWEr0ICSLw5uN77ppECEM3NhKGR3Na5__4342WDeOn8-9km5xmloxm1kmkJ8IFVoXvp9cuXSzRWk/s400/metamorphosis_10steps.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com/">www.metamorphosisartanddesign.com</a><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLsFuW8Y_I-hCiyS1mQdz5OrFZQBLa_q6RB0Yz2dhP5J3OZSxQchevjwwK9lAsungUJeiPXp9JpTRC0mhEL94qTrgOPzDClPwt6F4dJ0ysT4Kyuvbk7IgNLFdyY6yq9p9h_fAYgG7zlM/s1600/DHS_Postcard1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oB-LfRjAaCHdju9jb9v4W1gWTgwiDFIruBwEQwjHT-4RXiGmIWZLEVKGxeT-AkVB4ViqiOrSgBlbUa6gVdd0HeP13Am3sfWzB2zEWC8R3Ypz-bpB4I5mpbfJk0KmHroQ7SfWj1nZNxw/s1600/danversshowhouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483833870696388290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oB-LfRjAaCHdju9jb9v4W1gWTgwiDFIruBwEQwjHT-4RXiGmIWZLEVKGxeT-AkVB4ViqiOrSgBlbUa6gVdd0HeP13Am3sfWzB2zEWC8R3Ypz-bpB4I5mpbfJk0KmHroQ7SfWj1nZNxw/s400/danversshowhouse.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">And I am sending one lucky winner two complimentary tickets to visit the summer design show house that I am participating in at Tapley Hall in Danvers to benefit the Danvers Historical Society. <a href="http://eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=DHS">Reflecting on Danvers History through Interior Design</a> runs from July 11th through August 1st and will have thirteen designed spaces, a boutique of designer items for purchase, and special events scheduled at <a href="http://www.glenmagnafarms.org/">Glen Magna Farms</a>, another Danvers historical property.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are just some of the ten steps that Sally<br />shared with the audience (after a delicious<br />meal and yummy dessert, I must add!) ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Iowi1M3UjzYOLmyAlbTqP3J0OiDr4vH_Qp9xM0_7fIBTaB9ehdGb1jEYmNetDa5plLLtAHIVDlPKk9K9cd52JB9a56Ud5qYRqw4vXcODb98nImlWIOCX5Y2mOe7urlQYVfCP9KFcso/s1600/sallyspeaking10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202554197910386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9Iowi1M3UjzYOLmyAlbTqP3J0OiDr4vH_Qp9xM0_7fIBTaB9ehdGb1jEYmNetDa5plLLtAHIVDlPKk9K9cd52JB9a56Ud5qYRqw4vXcODb98nImlWIOCX5Y2mOe7urlQYVfCP9KFcso/s400/sallyspeaking10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Be inspired ...</span> Start with an inspiration print/fabric to set the tone and build the color scheme of the room. Using three colors in a space will add the most interest, whether you choose complimentary or contrasting colors. The key is using the right proportion (one color being the star, the other<br />two as supporting characters).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Set the stage for conversation ...</span> Create conversation areas with your furniture placement. Avoid placing furniture up against the wall, bring pieces closer to each other, and always have a table for your guests to set a drink on : )<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Illuminate your space ...</span> By strategically placing light in the corners of a room, even a small space is visually enlarged. Using lamps in unusual places – like on a kitchen counter – add an inviting softness and ambiance to a utilitarian room.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Use window treatments ...</span> to define your decorating style while adding privacy, safety and security to your home (an often overlooked benefit!) Well designed treatments add value to your home while reducing energy costs by cooling a house in summer and keeping out drafts in the cold of winter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Add yourself to the space ...</span> Use design trends as a guide, but don’t forget to include the objects and mementos that are personal to you. They tell your unique story and make your house your home.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5s1oBw3cQ4APJ2YtgivdoIiGPsaHz2QEcUlq52WdieLU-qDlcjkkFh7Fqpm-owbqFACY84qGfqqxEbIThqdnARIXBxftlZDnDkTcpsRGeokkyDT0A1qbLpJ9dA7SJgBQQSBhDSSP-3s/s1600/toys-registration10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202560519398514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5s1oBw3cQ4APJ2YtgivdoIiGPsaHz2QEcUlq52WdieLU-qDlcjkkFh7Fqpm-owbqFACY84qGfqqxEbIThqdnARIXBxftlZDnDkTcpsRGeokkyDT0A1qbLpJ9dA7SJgBQQSBhDSSP-3s/s400/toys-registration10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Summer toys were donated by each guest to benefit the children of <a href="http://www.lazarushouse.org/Donations/default.asp">Lazarus House</a> in Lawrence, a charitable organization that provides food, clothing, shelter, job training and medical assistance to local families struggling to meet their day-to-day needs.<br />To support their mission of helping others to move beyond poverty, <a href="http://www.lazarushouse.org/Donations/CashGifts.asp">click here</a>.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483771064196297858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFkbO1CSDl8rroZYZNZYxdIRZDr0orjwHc88dIsDO3tTPLFVTbIgQPpGiKlJ8TV863IFa1YatKxeVfcEBMwnk2l_WauiwP3Fvi0NmdpvKeu1rwYXPiZA_vK3YRdkMyR-5FhYsQhsbw9I/s320/sallyandjen.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 142px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have design questions of your own, take a trip over to the Hunter Douglas website where Sally and her daughter Jen <a href="http://www.hunterdouglas.com/design-trends.jsp?so=tn">answer any design questions</a> sent their way! Sally will be back in New England in July, and has generously offered a free consultation to anyone who donates $250.00 to Lazarus House, the charity chosen to benefit from the nights event.<br /><br />If you are local and would like more details about this special offer, please contact Paula at <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Thank you, Sally, for sharing what you know in such an entertaining way! And thank you, Paula, for hosting such a fabulous event, and for always helping to make my spaces – and the homes of my clients – look picture perfect!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > xo yvonne</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div>

10 Steps to a Perfect Room

Sally Morse of Hunter Douglas with Paula Bakies of Acorn Interiors Recently I was a guest at a design presentation at the Wyndham Andover ...

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Field trip ... fairgrounds as inspiration

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0yZ2P48L7Kp-qzXhAz4XJnifS9xfZYna0jHFpZ-ialOwIA_9gebqT6CtmgCkE8_ELc757T4kRZKxV7XEU7Onurbj2zkwi6m0iLf2FR1IwikOzGeAA15E_BcTdtDcBvQFwmY7SkPZYSo/s1600-h/pumpkins-gourds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896457926462354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0yZ2P48L7Kp-qzXhAz4XJnifS9xfZYna0jHFpZ-ialOwIA_9gebqT6CtmgCkE8_ELc757T4kRZKxV7XEU7Onurbj2zkwi6m0iLf2FR1IwikOzGeAA15E_BcTdtDcBvQFwmY7SkPZYSo/s400/pumpkins-gourds.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 176px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Fall’s Bounty at the Topsfield Fair, 2009<br />Topsfield, Massachusetts</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">This weekend, my “boys” and I took a short ride from our present day farmhouse to see what working the land is really like by way of <a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/index.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Topsfield Fair</span></a>. Started in 1818 by the Essex Agricultural Society for the purpose of promoting agricultural interests, The Topsfield Fair still educates and amuses visitors of all ages with its colorful displays, adorable creatures, and food you know you shouldn’t eat but what the heck! Although I have to say, even the prize-winning vegetables were tempting ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAihbIxx5YPM1HbP80WAK5HU2l_xRj5RJuSuQZ629piIk189JJ1lbeHOuMQx82zMQEwhb6hGagC7q6c88irFeDEJbddjnMDr0XLvw9V3gXoJIqRyaXgaCKSJbsIl-NiGUSjjp9eiOaax0/s1600-h/harvest.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896181165031298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAihbIxx5YPM1HbP80WAK5HU2l_xRj5RJuSuQZ629piIk189JJ1lbeHOuMQx82zMQEwhb6hGagC7q6c88irFeDEJbddjnMDr0XLvw9V3gXoJIqRyaXgaCKSJbsIl-NiGUSjjp9eiOaax0/s400/harvest.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In case you did not get a chance to go yourself, here is more of what we saw while walking the fair grounds.<br /><br />A beekeeper vignette ...<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuEtqAvu1t8UvOkXW0JsLcrImIFEGpihj0ztpMhnOtO3Gl676otI5HeOQHHyk12zXPNV3t_Qudptghjtw2r0ZJV4s0G-arR-AmhHHOfBnQWstsnAfSIqQBJMkm_s_m4yYNfJT8tJuGro/s1600-h/beekeeper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895675490300466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuEtqAvu1t8UvOkXW0JsLcrImIFEGpihj0ztpMhnOtO3Gl676otI5HeOQHHyk12zXPNV3t_Qudptghjtw2r0ZJV4s0G-arR-AmhHHOfBnQWstsnAfSIqQBJMkm_s_m4yYNfJT8tJuGro/s400/beekeeper.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I loved the sweet honey-yellow<br />painted floors in the bee house ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL_dDfS4IBvWX3iZ1qqwkMv1HkOqHq4U1JT6P3_oxMspaEUhtJk4nv_LiswoCBvG8U2iQ-FtTrpUeSfq-QUj-HCzC8owdFbGuT9gaS4Dd8bUwhCT3C0wgNcrR3dZA02s2qxMTDj1w9EA/s1600-h/yellowfloor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391905201504366962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL_dDfS4IBvWX3iZ1qqwkMv1HkOqHq4U1JT6P3_oxMspaEUhtJk4nv_LiswoCBvG8U2iQ-FtTrpUeSfq-QUj-HCzC8owdFbGuT9gaS4Dd8bUwhCT3C0wgNcrR3dZA02s2qxMTDj1w9EA/s400/yellowfloor.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Colorful coats ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pYkFo_2zBY_E-cNYYUDznctyyvtSkc76BzeZlA_mNDogda7qX2oAdUF3-NrEfNmbSZqpMDLJDveJJM3HONsDw8ymW9bYLWmiIwhTqwgGkhYGEPC5mfTnAPXEyJAPfunfrbmtwYe_zes/s1600-h/sweaters.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896718979335458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pYkFo_2zBY_E-cNYYUDznctyyvtSkc76BzeZlA_mNDogda7qX2oAdUF3-NrEfNmbSZqpMDLJDveJJM3HONsDw8ymW9bYLWmiIwhTqwgGkhYGEPC5mfTnAPXEyJAPfunfrbmtwYe_zes/s400/sweaters.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Designer-style coats ...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk43wTRgwM9FrhWTwaMzPkEPKFEE1eHlgeNgZO5bjl_nuJR2dYzALBjIalR3CXrvJ0y5HlSThHI-WcEpPcoAdXQAPB5eyflzuhHkPHMzqCVvueIHjem1mVqC5t4zFjliTllEg6uCYTsg/s1600-h/stylishcoat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896709143593186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk43wTRgwM9FrhWTwaMzPkEPKFEE1eHlgeNgZO5bjl_nuJR2dYzALBjIalR3CXrvJ0y5HlSThHI-WcEpPcoAdXQAPB5eyflzuhHkPHMzqCVvueIHjem1mVqC5t4zFjliTllEg6uCYTsg/s400/stylishcoat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Of the hundreds of bunnies that we visited in the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Rabbit and Cavie House</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (a cavie is a guinea pig), not one was as darling as our family pet, Lucky Charm. Lucky is a <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Bunny-Breed-Guide-Flemish-Giant-Rabbit">Giant Flemish</a> rabbit – the largest rabbit species there is (he could weigh in at 20 pounds or more when he is fully grown). We obviously chose a bunny big enough to survive four boys ... who actually treat him like gold!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUH3qTehWMV6pzVu1MkS0HlTg7CEA69buzt-Xv1Up7HBZSYfUozRGBgyMluQWLoH1Xi4qgcfQIN-1L03hjefJyfxPosO8Tz2CMBLmwvHL0Zv3eofg3DXm4sBpBJx97fbadZBH7SZ1Gi6A/s1600-h/luckycharm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392058995928584738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUH3qTehWMV6pzVu1MkS0HlTg7CEA69buzt-Xv1Up7HBZSYfUozRGBgyMluQWLoH1Xi4qgcfQIN-1L03hjefJyfxPosO8Tz2CMBLmwvHL0Zv3eofg3DXm4sBpBJx97fbadZBH7SZ1Gi6A/s400/luckycharm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Lucky at home.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua8mR3EyUiGTBAKxxXXrMUruukfsZWaK8Lcea9UoIhqC7o2kSrt-qjlep9pJWtlEvKXxVopvp1g9LbiFbWNskhegB7OP-vJmjJT24AdPtAjKMMmqLONMhD_DC6rbVzBtnjYmGr0Rmw2I/s1600-h/bunnywcard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392151940937761234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua8mR3EyUiGTBAKxxXXrMUruukfsZWaK8Lcea9UoIhqC7o2kSrt-qjlep9pJWtlEvKXxVopvp1g9LbiFbWNskhegB7OP-vJmjJT24AdPtAjKMMmqLONMhD_DC6rbVzBtnjYmGr0Rmw2I/s400/bunnywcard.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I did take home this cute bunny business card holder (to add to my rabbit collection). I think I will bring it over to <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/10/latest-word.html">Beth’s shop</a> when it opens in a couple of weeks. A small lucky charm for our new venture!<br /><br />Speaking of collections, now I know what to do with all the found-on-the-side-of-the-road chairs that I have been “saving” in my garage ...</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0c75oZt_5d73DEWC0I-oXDFMlcVoqmHHY40oTbESiGYu_S-gC5E9lx9ar-aVNEYeVeOTKCYTwHGrI8hFAyN-gDKGWJY0EYGZd2C8HrLFyaM21rgGGkyxIgpbmOTCCpmkADVo2NGuapc/s1600-h/ladderback.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896184247223650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0c75oZt_5d73DEWC0I-oXDFMlcVoqmHHY40oTbESiGYu_S-gC5E9lx9ar-aVNEYeVeOTKCYTwHGrI8hFAyN-gDKGWJY0EYGZd2C8HrLFyaM21rgGGkyxIgpbmOTCCpmkADVo2NGuapc/s400/ladderback.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Chairs exhibited at the<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/grange.php">Grange Buildin</a><a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/grange.php">g</a>. </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPRuL5cjADr0JTzFQRoYh_2iLzx0efliyPgy8h3kMD-xvbw4K_w-IHc8q90a2uYOuIIvPtDfYLhYYYdCi5OpZcrIGLBSEdhBRbBIZDZ5B_DNoeleSQhnLrv1Twjq5RGvYHMp5b9lPjlc/s1600-h/rushcane.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896705223868978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPRuL5cjADr0JTzFQRoYh_2iLzx0efliyPgy8h3kMD-xvbw4K_w-IHc8q90a2uYOuIIvPtDfYLhYYYdCi5OpZcrIGLBSEdhBRbBIZDZ5B_DNoeleSQhnLrv1Twjq5RGvYHMp5b9lPjlc/s400/rushcane.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8gIqYjEXcA-492pVE9fuyx8TxF3EXO5fGPFmBBoCson34urT0mzTFcI-eOf706zvpIjrVvvxxWqVuu5cyhxQtw0-Gef4MdPE5i5NQPlJLBP0cEaLSwjtl6O_sDEdsUf4Rk7PWpkhS-c/s1600-h/porchcane.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896452611886866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8gIqYjEXcA-492pVE9fuyx8TxF3EXO5fGPFmBBoCson34urT0mzTFcI-eOf706zvpIjrVvvxxWqVuu5cyhxQtw0-Gef4MdPE5i5NQPlJLBP0cEaLSwjtl6O_sDEdsUf4Rk7PWpkhS-c/s400/porchcane.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-Hr0TE7No1sZtRSCoD3RuuaQUK2PoDBSYs5Np_fgQvQ0R0jPyxiPlLUbCVXUhoX9HZDlMSWkgDrK1uulPQ7BVl4phxalU1sfT5cQxb-SQjU10D1fzvQ_ZBJWrIlkQX0MwjT1TFllzyE/s1600-h/caneseat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895683796185746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-Hr0TE7No1sZtRSCoD3RuuaQUK2PoDBSYs5Np_fgQvQ0R0jPyxiPlLUbCVXUhoX9HZDlMSWkgDrK1uulPQ7BVl4phxalU1sfT5cQxb-SQjU10D1fzvQ_ZBJWrIlkQX0MwjT1TFllzyE/s400/caneseat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br />Chairs displayed by:<br /><a href="http://www.normanscc.com/index.html">Norman’s Chair Caning & Upholstery</a><br />Ipswich, Massachusetts</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The flower exhibit (my favorite) ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zsNyWDQzKHrOh9cLYRHgLHiP9FLaffXGE3mzrNtZUOSgK-z5XQVBSdstB8YV566vKkeGKagXm9wWgaowD91csRPKru-VFyPYHbYLXIRpbqLN4zsusgBtv31h2IHzxz12Z7pSUKfTu94/s1600-h/flowershoe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895946517822130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zsNyWDQzKHrOh9cLYRHgLHiP9FLaffXGE3mzrNtZUOSgK-z5XQVBSdstB8YV566vKkeGKagXm9wWgaowD91csRPKru-VFyPYHbYLXIRpbqLN4zsusgBtv31h2IHzxz12Z7pSUKfTu94/s400/flowershoe.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />“New England’s Premier Flower Show”<br /><a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/flowers.php">“Special Days to Green Up</a><a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/flowers.php">”</a><br />in conjunction with the<br /><a href="http://gardencentral.org/gcfm">Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A color trend for fall, inside and out ...<br />lavender with green</span>.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0zarkUOQ1rVrYNPZyHUIWMSzQQKO9iFm8X0cfhKIuQR9rOyPJQrJ1CMrvq0i0JYY-9ceSUEUrmjnYsYDEuNAZ_BAXRmEhmAesMUp64HAzxIiTaI0LawtaxljnKulVXlchoVwBg81YE4/s1600-h/purpletopiary.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896465695699922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0zarkUOQ1rVrYNPZyHUIWMSzQQKO9iFm8X0cfhKIuQR9rOyPJQrJ1CMrvq0i0JYY-9ceSUEUrmjnYsYDEuNAZ_BAXRmEhmAesMUp64HAzxIiTaI0LawtaxljnKulVXlchoVwBg81YE4/s400/purpletopiary.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78_EEUNtRn611jTxbEfgGbPAUmfS9vB8hzOYGutvkZf0N8752duCCYtJzjrbEVpMycZ60CPVK2JPmC52WMS9OW_8_uxRve_tX0xgkldWge1iURx5GRdzjQ1-10xbV32ZZk7YffFtn7Qw/s1600-h/centralparkcloverDG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392157117016750722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78_EEUNtRn611jTxbEfgGbPAUmfS9vB8hzOYGutvkZf0N8752duCCYtJzjrbEVpMycZ60CPVK2JPmC52WMS9OW_8_uxRve_tX0xgkldWge1iURx5GRdzjQ1-10xbV32ZZk7YffFtn7Qw/s400/centralparkcloverDG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.designersguild.com/all-collections/manhattan-fabric/central-park/central-park-clover/">Central Park Clover</a> wallcovering<br />from the <a href="http://www.designersguild.com/">Designers Guild</a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ornamental cabbage always steals the show ...</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnm6DzsWYQoXhFBXSJrZxibgm5UVm2N9aEPUeLzrEEEXv-ytKp0CThsPCUXCsp7Yxiyiebu18n5u1s20e7K1LfYATWYdKftQ3dCpvELsjZ6nmqHPU3ANr5t0-nGBQboP7vz0rpyoI1p0/s1600-h/ornamentalcabbage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896448155348162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnm6DzsWYQoXhFBXSJrZxibgm5UVm2N9aEPUeLzrEEEXv-ytKp0CThsPCUXCsp7Yxiyiebu18n5u1s20e7K1LfYATWYdKftQ3dCpvELsjZ6nmqHPU3ANr5t0-nGBQboP7vz0rpyoI1p0/s400/ornamentalcabbage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A pretty window box idea ...</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTqrYfPfYnxx-OVfj7N81Uo22XdYgLPC_gmDHhy5uI4rudSIVSMTEmZIjUMjFvbWCL01vUeHeAknK6avH-oLzRUlRkEeq4C_yYI5ZwAIfxGEmEdrtJWGZRrz8GAXlYiHM7vZ74LqZ8_U/s1600-h/windowbox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896724477928818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTqrYfPfYnxx-OVfj7N81Uo22XdYgLPC_gmDHhy5uI4rudSIVSMTEmZIjUMjFvbWCL01vUeHeAknK6avH-oLzRUlRkEeq4C_yYI5ZwAIfxGEmEdrtJWGZRrz8GAXlYiHM7vZ74LqZ8_U/s400/windowbox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I wish my fall garden looked like this ...</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyfI7b_QBQ1WwGq3k54RMlMR81Gxqh5rsASN2K48l3-Oo3otKlk1-9-UN9lgKfFuYaXcMWfHbOPlZHWMkcyAlFrJzfUUwdeKDQCC5gZ-QSxIR5Eotfy1QvnX1tgdQYU7jpbgLFWMNmgg/s1600-h/mumgarden.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896201679659730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyfI7b_QBQ1WwGq3k54RMlMR81Gxqh5rsASN2K48l3-Oo3otKlk1-9-UN9lgKfFuYaXcMWfHbOPlZHWMkcyAlFrJzfUUwdeKDQCC5gZ-QSxIR5Eotfy1QvnX1tgdQYU7jpbgLFWMNmgg/s400/mumgarden.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjg6enai80Wiq9zt3iWka2AFsGoNgL4I88p5O21O3YRCTQ4xzRXjPCObDZDH9UxRoQOWDrM4ZL90oO5lIBZ9Ysu9MeuzbhVuEy0Ot_t9dqyzMpJDOfMLpePmL1F07xHUnUajw0MY57sE/s1600-h/mobile.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896196461997490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjg6enai80Wiq9zt3iWka2AFsGoNgL4I88p5O21O3YRCTQ4xzRXjPCObDZDH9UxRoQOWDrM4ZL90oO5lIBZ9Ysu9MeuzbhVuEy0Ot_t9dqyzMpJDOfMLpePmL1F07xHUnUajw0MY57sE/s400/mobile.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This unusual floral mobile reminds me of ...<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKDdcBdH3kgGZxCO9bImhqa57LRTOWqw5FGodfilo1Eqjxx8hmdsqlHml-WPykt8gZX_d8PqnRYXBdAbVZ-LdVqXiYCoPopjOmwhIXG_iOQC_5vbBWzmSygT4JRq-OFeZby2mONnflQE/s1600-h/pearllotusVT" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391906911822140226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKDdcBdH3kgGZxCO9bImhqa57LRTOWqw5FGodfilo1Eqjxx8hmdsqlHml-WPykt8gZX_d8PqnRYXBdAbVZ-LdVqXiYCoPopjOmwhIXG_iOQC_5vbBWzmSygT4JRq-OFeZby2mONnflQE/s400/pearllotusVT" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/%21stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.2561145.2561499.2006589.page" style="font-style: italic;">Pearl Lotus Flower Chandelier</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from VivaTerra</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsPdOpvu2VMScna6rk5ltn0JMCQjS70oBNnAfVETBUaFk3ZHZOyyaL23JcAbn55wutk3MnjHODf-Q3REckaKfRcFZcN4goQKvvUHlCHzy4gW1Saqw6Qch5P7y8bAl4PMFgErezhpDQoU/s1600-h/greendisplay.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896177593800434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsPdOpvu2VMScna6rk5ltn0JMCQjS70oBNnAfVETBUaFk3ZHZOyyaL23JcAbn55wutk3MnjHODf-Q3REckaKfRcFZcN4goQKvvUHlCHzy4gW1Saqw6Qch5P7y8bAl4PMFgErezhpDQoU/s400/greendisplay.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Love the flower pots stacked one on top of another. Very sculptural. Almost looks like the carved wooden urns below from<a href="http://furnituremakingclasses.com/index.html"> The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts.</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzaFJzdvsmKXRWhYFdp28nQ6U5AUdADOmemp-qQb__Sap_6awsCBWihJnsIcSD-U3wAZm0peLLNGpBPRUKgRyR7Jm68Ar_P3jGeBq7-h4okuMlevmQWEi4BFJbaYPRooIJQpV0GkVckk/s1600-h/furniturepieces.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895970859756562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzaFJzdvsmKXRWhYFdp28nQ6U5AUdADOmemp-qQb__Sap_6awsCBWihJnsIcSD-U3wAZm0peLLNGpBPRUKgRyR7Jm68Ar_P3jGeBq7-h4okuMlevmQWEi4BFJbaYPRooIJQpV0GkVckk/s400/furniturepieces.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://furnituremakingclasses.com/PartTime/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Furniture Making Classes ...</span></a><br />Nights & Weekend Workshops, Fall 2009<br />with Philip C. Lowe, Master Furniture Maker/Director<br />Beverly, Massachusetts</span><br /><br />I would consider taking one of these classes (perhaps as a night out with the hubby?) I always catch him whistling when he is doing carpentry work. We could make a pair of <span style="font-style: italic;">new</span> chairs!</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AjJzFG4JqMk54KFBUxJwhzuyEsTkK0JjD-wpGHuK3ywLNCKm0jyxfP1AiQgW2K8Elgrypv7Eu_D6LlH3ZlXpusckC4peliMJKULZpiBOplnAmabPZ8ssFvY-jBeRoz7PBYJHz-GGS34/s1600-h/furnitureclasses.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895963233991602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AjJzFG4JqMk54KFBUxJwhzuyEsTkK0JjD-wpGHuK3ywLNCKm0jyxfP1AiQgW2K8Elgrypv7Eu_D6LlH3ZlXpusckC4peliMJKULZpiBOplnAmabPZ8ssFvY-jBeRoz7PBYJHz-GGS34/s400/furnitureclasses.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The rich colors of autumn ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1pv7s8FGKs5Hz8suc3jw43vSCGlPo4l1rEZTIhuqM37b4OVEcAXc69Z_OWZZyM-lXrri4cu_XgXSMP14-UjWV9IlZhK9FP5pXXyGZb__6Pq-56tNGGOA6puo7391rJ8if59SP5SUAlg/s1600-h/fallflowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895940187471330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1pv7s8FGKs5Hz8suc3jw43vSCGlPo4l1rEZTIhuqM37b4OVEcAXc69Z_OWZZyM-lXrri4cu_XgXSMP14-UjWV9IlZhK9FP5pXXyGZb__6Pq-56tNGGOA6puo7391rJ8if59SP5SUAlg/s400/fallflowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Fresh, stylish, gorgeous ...<br />Dahlias in a Perrier bottle.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-nRy1LnYOdRZGWPkK2Fuz-xvxcee3zWepL6FcNyO6sxxq4kFYMTSeMQ0E4pX1AZHZylrp6eC1xn1rC3Fmrr6DahaHHbFc3f997Hq6qoDBPO2LGo1Ao-iGCIYtvFvCN3sz0EreZjLd80/s1600-h/dahlias.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895698222319746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-nRy1LnYOdRZGWPkK2Fuz-xvxcee3zWepL6FcNyO6sxxq4kFYMTSeMQ0E4pX1AZHZylrp6eC1xn1rC3Fmrr6DahaHHbFc3f997Hq6qoDBPO2LGo1Ao-iGCIYtvFvCN3sz0EreZjLd80/s400/dahlias.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />More stand alone drama ...<br />a red Chinese Lantern Flower<br />gets a blue ribbon.<br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXeGzkfooy6mAlWuDcjNBMAWz9xTZHBcGjbLeO07vu0uMNBs4HWMkYMB-M4KClWOZQgrGhDKnJDmpgKo2PwjtsSKKO-1gODmWwdmFYFJifw3laorfNiZ6upBKkd2krC-NUjzeppNt5KM/s1600-h/chineselanterns.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895687775177762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXeGzkfooy6mAlWuDcjNBMAWz9xTZHBcGjbLeO07vu0uMNBs4HWMkYMB-M4KClWOZQgrGhDKnJDmpgKo2PwjtsSKKO-1gODmWwdmFYFJifw3laorfNiZ6upBKkd2krC-NUjzeppNt5KM/s400/chineselanterns.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love red paired with light blue ...<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetLa_-tT1ISBIxvKvSP6hVqXdZTC0hM6ykaeBb0Cn8YGkfn4maUV_FYqvf_hWgkxBZtaXc4pCeVteG-PDMKEfNKlIW3LEBm0j95b9tyUvZbvL8bV0gKD0MDPhPvC8mX2RLNzULdn2kbs/s1600-h/pondicherryT." onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392161450217645074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetLa_-tT1ISBIxvKvSP6hVqXdZTC0hM6ykaeBb0Cn8YGkfn4maUV_FYqvf_hWgkxBZtaXc4pCeVteG-PDMKEfNKlIW3LEBm0j95b9tyUvZbvL8bV0gKD0MDPhPvC8mX2RLNzULdn2kbs/s400/pondicherryT." style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/Collection/roomsetimage1.aspx?Pid=5254&mtrl=wall" style="font-style: italic;">Pondicherry</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> wallpaper from the</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Cypress Collection by </span><a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Thibaut</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Funnie on a rainy day ..<br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaKtwVliAoVZkte_O-Iz0_EnCplEg2EajMKogx7q8w-T89O5Nl_PAOkgbq8o67yjEwtdqK1yCkN-u-seFqMjkFfRgGH-Ie_SeYb2XSqFBS2p_0VIJX_QCOFIoo-Ny-kOM86B_NnjxRzc/s1600-h/funnyumbrella.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895956372038242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaKtwVliAoVZkte_O-Iz0_EnCplEg2EajMKogx7q8w-T89O5Nl_PAOkgbq8o67yjEwtdqK1yCkN-u-seFqMjkFfRgGH-Ie_SeYb2XSqFBS2p_0VIJX_QCOFIoo-Ny-kOM86B_NnjxRzc/s400/funnyumbrella.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Shade for a sunny day ...</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpJF-6HcsQPvQgcV4oU96p0J6jCD-wg6jUUS3eMH7NYRQxOgmbWajI_3JUGAQxXjQ3lOPgI9DRT571Sv17TBy4NAq139QMvGmZWzfF78WGKptV9xp-LaUfnRocbcQm2a7PPsWSFD5RM/s1600-h/asianinspired.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391895668716461746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYpJF-6HcsQPvQgcV4oU96p0J6jCD-wg6jUUS3eMH7NYRQxOgmbWajI_3JUGAQxXjQ3lOPgI9DRT571Sv17TBy4NAq139QMvGmZWzfF78WGKptV9xp-LaUfnRocbcQm2a7PPsWSFD5RM/s400/asianinspired.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">How I felt after so much visual stimulation ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCsQkRjWGPfm5TD_k53yu5gn0hgrta5zedBfjc1eYayYFw3X8_QT0z0bte_pRzRlm6luvuVVlGUqphRxWgAhBXvD6U2-GM39Dv_ZuRiujfvUTDShqStqkJIpQTAkfQ5llOhkSrglcHrA/s1600-h/+atthefair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896790992700210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCsQkRjWGPfm5TD_k53yu5gn0hgrta5zedBfjc1eYayYFw3X8_QT0z0bte_pRzRlm6luvuVVlGUqphRxWgAhBXvD6U2-GM39Dv_ZuRiujfvUTDShqStqkJIpQTAkfQ5llOhkSrglcHrA/s400/+atthefair.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE11Ok0dLzXQY9ci_G_aeexJ7t3O-QhDwArxy29kLZeGNvVpGFgRvwznC1CNkj6LXSIlRFNLAb-Cc_3yjpXLrGFDRR5ZkRwCIER9FoSSZE6V1UuwI-I5GMuVJtddcV6yXZYEkC4PkLlOc/s1600-h/sandcastle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391910628262988050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE11Ok0dLzXQY9ci_G_aeexJ7t3O-QhDwArxy29kLZeGNvVpGFgRvwznC1CNkj6LXSIlRFNLAb-Cc_3yjpXLrGFDRR5ZkRwCIER9FoSSZE6V1UuwI-I5GMuVJtddcV6yXZYEkC4PkLlOc/s400/sandcastle.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.topsfieldfair.org/sandsculpture.php">Sand sculpture</a> by Justin Gordon</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The above images represent the work of many talented artisans and craftspeople. I apologize for not writing down everyone’s name and information, but I was doing my best to snap a few shots while keeping an eye on four boys (plus one husband) who were going back and forth between fried dough stands and petting zoos (I was actually handing out Wet Ones as a just-in-case back-up after they used the stationed-everywhere-Purell!) Overall, each of us enjoyed a fun day (something for everyone) courtesy of the Topsfield Fair (until the sugar kicked in on the ride home ...)</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAswNuGAUNEzybW4QKPcNDVv3a_ShtaMevozZavfwY3dJ2VRACKEJ4j_fWimtkVVsjl1kncaphiz8feqwnOlwySUaHPDqKSMpW82aAN2kDWahqCWYQiPmoX1Z7042KjARl7KL8TiIjTU/s1600-h/pinkdahlia.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391896441535358290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAswNuGAUNEzybW4QKPcNDVv3a_ShtaMevozZavfwY3dJ2VRACKEJ4j_fWimtkVVsjl1kncaphiz8feqwnOlwySUaHPDqKSMpW82aAN2kDWahqCWYQiPmoX1Z7042KjARl7KL8TiIjTU/s400/pinkdahlia.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">What inspired you today?</span></span><br /></div>

Field trip ... fairgrounds as inspiration

Fall’s Bounty at the Topsfield Fair, 2009 Topsfield, Massachusetts This weekend, my “boys” and I took a short ride from our present day farm...

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