Fiona and Twig

Rosebuds

2012-02-10T12:24:00.000-06:00

Wishing you the happiest of Friday's!

I thought it was about time

that I shared a few more photos

from my Romantic Living Magazine feature

on Rose Hicks and her beautiful home.

And most especially since this weekend

we will be celebrating sweet Rose's

91st Birthday!!!

Please enjoy these photos,

and join me in wishing Rose a very blessed

and Happy Birthday...and many more!

a lovely and lived-in

bedside vignette

a charmingly cozy

sitting area

Rose's unshakeable faith

is evident everywhere.

sumptuous linens designed

by daughter Cathy of Me and My House.

aaaahhhhhh......ironstone heaven.

'Tis lovely!

I have many more photos
from this shoot to share in the days ahead,
so please be sure to check back.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend,

and don't forget to also follow me using my new

Linky Follower Widget on my sidebar!

XO,

linking with

at the picket fence for inspiration friday

common ground for vintage inspiration friday

french country cottage for feathered nest friday

A New Way to Follow Fiona and Twig!

2012-02-08T06:41:00.002-06:00

Many thanks to my beautiful friends Heather and Vanessa

from At The Picket Fence for allowing me to re-post

this great post with just a few tweaks!

{ my hallway vignette }

As you’ve probably heard,

the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1^st
for non-Google blog platforms like Wordpress and Typepad,
and the scuttlebutt is that it will be eventually phased out completely
to be replaced by Google+. (now don't panic yet!!)

GFC was never really so much an “I follow this blog” tool
as it was an attempt at the whole Facebook “friend, like” concept.
Now we are being asked to join Google+ but have found
like many of you it can be difficult to navigate.

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed
and we’d like to have one that is not tied to a million other services
(seems like Facebook, Twitter and Google are linked to everything else on the Internet).
One that we can use JUST to keep track of our favorite blogs!

Those who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs),
realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of
really easy to use “follower” system.
So Heather and Vanessa contacted him, and he loved the idea.

The gals over At The Picket Fence along with a few other bloggers
were involved with the "Beta Testing" of this fabulous new tool!!
And boy did they give it a run for it's money...
and Brent graciously listened to every suggestion,
question and concern they had!
So without further ado I want to introduce you to:

LINKY FOLLOWERS (http://www.linkyfollowers.com/)

Brent has created a FREE (and we all love FREE) service

that a group of bloggers have tested and helped develop.

He has just recently launched this, and you’re among

the first to be invited to try it out!

Don’t let a bug or an “oops” hurt your first impression.

You’re being invited to be some of the first users
of this great new tool, and your feedback will help him
iron out any problems very quickly.

Just contact Brent (brent@brentriggs.com)… he is great about fixing things fast.

But, there are already so many amazing options!

You can group blogs by Favorites, Everyday and General and even Custom Groups.

You can create a Blogroll that includes Blogs

that DO NOT have Linky Followers but that you like to keep tabs on,

and you can highlight a Featured Follower!!

One last thing, the inevitable question:
Can my GFC followers be automatically moved over? NO.
Google won’t allow access to those accounts but more importantly,
YOU really shouldn’t sign up someone to a new service.

They should voluntarily sign up themselves.
You’ll need to ask your GFC folks (and all your blog readers)
to follow you using Linky Followers but its easy, quick and did I mention, free?

They’ll love the tool. It’s a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love.

You can get started by FOLLOWING ME from my Linky Followers widget on this page…

or you can locate it on my sidebar right below the Google Friend Connect widget! I want to invite MY friends here at Fiona and Twig to give it a test try. Just start by clicking on the “Follow Me” option and it will walk you through this easy process!
So please sign up to follow me by clicking my Linky Tools widgetright where it says "Follow Me Via Linky".I have SO many great things planned for 2012, I'd hate for you to miss out! And don't forget, you can still follow methe old way, too...for now.
To learn more about this great new tool,visit THIS post from Heather and Vanessa.
Happy Wednesday!

talk. to. me.

2012-02-06T10:10:00.008-06:00

tell me that i

inspire you

{ click photos twice to super-size }

tell me that i

spark your imagination

tell me that i

create a sense of
calm and serenity

tell me that i
challenge and intrigue you

tell me that i

positively, absolutely enchant you

tell me that i

delight and engage
your senses

tell me that i

illuminate and enlighten

tell me that

you're headed this way...

headed to a place of wonder, enchantment and

possibilities....glorious, endless possibilities.

courtesy of the beautiful lady below...

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

301 S Lincoln
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

830-997-5551

now open for business.

p.s.

the "me" talking in this post is the store. not ME me.

just wanted to clarify! :-)

p.p.s
so happy to get a shout out HERE.
they contacted me last week about using
my photos!

linking with

faded charm for white wednesday

inspiration friday at the picket fence

vintage inspiration friday at common ground

feathered nest friday at french country cottage

10 Reasons Why You Should Love Elizabeth...

2012-02-01T14:48:00.000-06:00

Elizabeth Maxson, that is!

It should be reason enough to love her because

she is beautiful, generous, talented and my friend,

but I've come up with ten reasons why, if you don't

already know and love Miss Elizabeth, you should.

Reason 1. She just received her advance copy of the

very first book she herself photographed and styled!

It's called "Quilts From the House of Tula Pink",

and her work in it is just beautiful!

Truly, there are not enough superlatives.

Beautiful and well done, my friend!

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Reason 2. She has the studio to end all studios,

and was featured on the COVER of
Where Women Create, Summer 2010.

If you have the opportunity, order a back issue,
it's a feast for the eyes!

Reason 3. She captures the details of everyday beauty

like no one else...

Reason 4. Miss Thang was also featured in the

inaugural issue of Where Women Cook!

She only has the cutest little kitchen ever!

Reason 5. She believes in the principle of

paying it forward. Her generosity is legendary,

and I myself have been the recipient of her giving, selfless nature.

She is always just a phone call or a text message away,

and I owe her big-time for the calming influence she has

provided during my moments of worry and stress in recent days.

Stunning work!

Reason 6. She hangs with equally beautiful and talented women!

Left to right...

Jo Packham of Where Women Create,

The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond,

and our own sweet Elizabeth!

Reason 7. Even though she and I are roughly the same age,

she is still the person I hope to be when I grow up.

Strike that...if I grow up. ;-)

Reason 8. She doesn't know just how good she really is.

That's the mark of a true artist.

Reason 9. She is one of the biggest reasons I began blogging.

Not only are her photos and styling divine, but her willingness to

share and get real are unrivaled.

See THIS post to see only one of the reasons

I admire her so.

Reason 10. E and her barber husband, Randy, are just too cute!

I could do an entire 'nother post on why you too

should love Elizabeth, but how's about you just head on

over and discover this remarkable lady for yourself?

Click HERE

to follow along on

The Adventures of my friend, Elizabeth.

Happy Wednesday!

all photos courtesy of Elizabeth Maxson

Monday, Monday

2012-01-30T20:03:00.000-06:00

Well, Hello Monday...

Where did the weekend go? Come back, please.

How was yours?

Mine was busy, as my mind was a whirlwind of ideas,

concerns, what if's, lists of things to be done, longer lists

of things which remain undone...

You get the idea.

But it's a new week, and with it comes a new start!

I'll continue transferring this internal dialogue to the blogosphere

as I share beautiful images from

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites,

now open for business in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Did I mention that my husband totaled his car?

Well, he did.

He hit a monster deer last week, and his sad little

Pontiac Vibe went to the great scrapyard in the sky.

It served him well, as she logged over 238,000 miles, though.

Which means he we get a new car, wheeeeee!!!

Thank the good Lord above we've finally sold

our old house and are due to close in a couple of weeks.

No more double mortgages, thank you God
that we can afford another car payment now.

Personally, I don't care what kind of car

the Mister gets to replace the old one, just so long

as he gets a deer or brush guard put on it.

His death tally already includes several deer, a buzzard,

and an already dead feral hog
lying in the middle of the road { seriously! },

so methinks that would be an essential accessory, no?

Just a quick pause to ask,

don't you think these images are positively yummy?

Nothing to do with me, it's all the Hicks-Bolton magic.

Anyhoo....

Sometimes, like this morning,
I stop and give thanks for all

the incredible friends I have acquired
through this blogging adventure.

A wonderful morning phone call with a sweet photographer friend,

some text messages with a long distance friend and mentor,

planned visits with Carol and Co. later in the week...

All precious individuals I met through and because of

this blog. It's during those moments of weariness and

dryness in my blogging that I resolve to soldier on,

because as time consuming and difficult as it can be

at times to churn out regular blog content,

it is more than worth it, because of these amazing

contacts and friendships I have made through it.

Today is the day I begin getting all of our tax info

in order, oh joy....I think I hear my camera calling me,

beckoning me on a diversionary field trip, instead.

Ugh, I think I'd rather have a root canal than do taxes!

And how sweet is this, I ask you?

The genius of Carol Hicks Bolton.

I just hope some of it rubs off on me.

And you?

What does your week hold in store?

Have a beautiful one!

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

301 S Lincoln
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Part Deux, Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

2012-01-27T17:17:00.001-06:00

As promised in the first installment last week,

I made a return visit yesterday to document the ongoing,

magical evolution happening at

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

Laboratoire De Design.
Which, by the way, is open for business!

I was in and out rather quickly ( for me ),

and thought to myself smugly

" Hmmmph, I shouldn't have that many photos to edit THIS time ".

Ha! The joke was one me, as I got home and

discovered that I had shot 91 photos, and wanted

to share all 91 at once. Not having time to properly edit

that many pics, here are a little less than a third of them,

with the rest to follow in a couple of days.

Enjoy!

A classic Carol vignette.

Old telephone mouthpieces...ingenious!

Vintage hobby horse Heaven!

There's just something about a well-loved,

almost forlorn vintage chair. A timeless Velveteen Rabbit-ish

sort of appeal that I find irresistible.

And then there are the bed linens....

A glorious array of the divine line of

Bella Notte Linens...

nothing quite like them!

I'll take one of each, please!

And no trip to the shop would be complete

without a shot of the always photogenic
Carol Hicks Bolton, herself.

Just as kind and generous as she is lovely!

I'll be back with more shop photos soon,

but I don't want to miss the opportunity to

share an exciting upcoming event happening at

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

Laboratoire De Design.

The one and only Robin Brown of Magnolia Pearl
is teaming up with Carol and Tim Bolton and Jo Packham
of Where Women Create to bring us
a fashion show that is NOT to be missed...

Saturday, February 18th, 6pm
301 S Lincoln
Fredericksburg, TX

You betcha I'll be there!

And in other news?
The winner of my Romantic Living Magazine giveaway

featuring my article and photos
of Carol's Mama, Miss Rose Hicks herself, is....

Lisa of Tarnished and Tattered.
Send me your mailing address and I'll get
your autographed copy ( by Rose, not me! )
right off to you, Lisa.

Back soon with more
hometown Hicks-Bolton beauty!

Happy Weekend!

linking with

at the picket fence for inspiration friday
french country cottage for feathered nest friday

Rose Petals

2012-01-24T07:08:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends!

And welcome to the first in a series I will be doing

featuring photos from my Romantic Living Magazine

article about my good friend, Rose Hicks.

I shot hundreds of photos, and the magazine only used 8,

so you can well imagine that I have a lot to share!

Without further ado, here are some
unpublished shots

of my friend Rose's lovely home...

{ double click all photos to super-size }

Isn't Rose's style just
timeless beauty personified?

If you'd like to see more,

please be sure to enter my big giveaway!

One lucky follower will win a copy
of the new special publication

from the editors of Romantic Homes, Romantic Living,

featuring my article and photos
of Miss Rose Hicks herself.

Personally autographed by Rose herself,

I might add!

Click HERE

to enter!

linking with

faded charm for white wednesday

common ground for vintage inspiration friday

french country cottage for feathered nest friday

at the picket fence for inspiration friday

Recreating the Magic...Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites, Part One

2012-01-21T16:07:00.001-06:00

You see that beautiful lady
in the photo below?

That is my dear friend and none other than

Carol Hicks Bolton herself,

world famous designer, stylist,
creator of beauty extraordinaire,

and formerly the co-owner of the legendary Homestead stores

here in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Carol and her husband Tim are embarking on a new

and thrilling adventure, the opening of their brand new shop,

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

Laboratoire De Design.

Things at the new shop....it's a massive, converted warehouse

actually...are still in the organizational stage, but the flashes of

Hicks-Bolton magic are already apparent at each and every turn.

I've been personally asked by Carol
to head back to the shop frequently

and document the progress as this beautiful new creation

comes into full bloom, and I am only more than happy to do just that!

And to share with all of you, of course!

So let's get started!

When I paid my friends a visit this past week,
I was taken aback when

I saw the sheer size and scope
of this great, majestic old building...

{ click all photos twice to super-size }

There's Tim Bolton himself,
international treasure hunter,

and just a really nice guy to boot!

It's all in the details with the Bolton's...

I'm crazy about this peculiar little horse!

I do think he needs to make the trip home with me, no?

Allow me to escort you into
vintage dress form nirvana now, my friends.

Inside these ominous looking crates?

Treasures brought back from Tim's travels to Belgium.

Don't tell him, but I plan on stowing away on his next trip, shhhhhh.....

You want taxidermy?

They've got it! Most every creature under the sun, in fact!

And these bed linens.....my, oh my.

They are custom made by Carol herself.

Just get an eyeful of the long, tattered tassels on the pillow shams.

Are they not just sublimely divine?

And with a matching bedskirt, too. I am positively in love!

This is SUCH a thrill to be in on the ground floor

of the birth of this latest Hicks-Bolton adventure!

And what an honor to be asked to

document it every step of the way.

I promise you, if you are even a little bit impressed

with what I've shared thus far,
you will be blown away when you

see the ongoing transformation.

Nobody creates that particular brand

of unexpected magic like Carol and Tim,
so check back weekly for my photo updates.

And if you are in the area,

please, head on down!

They are open for business and can be found right here

in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites

301 South Lincoln Street on Warehouse Row

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

And don't forget to enter my wonderful
Romantic Living Giveaway
for a chance to win a copy of the new magazine
with my Rose Hicks feature....personally autographed
by Rose herself!

Click
HERE
to enter.

Happy Weekend!

Published! My Romantic Living Feature!

2012-01-19T16:03:00.002-06:00

giveaway closed

I am SO excited!!!

It's been nigh on impossible to keep quiet about this,

but now I can finally spill it...

I've been published in the brand new, just on the stands

special publication from the editors of Romantic Homes

called Romantic Living, and this time, I not only
provided the photos but wrote the article, too.

It's always a thrill being published, but this time,

it was extra, extra special.

This project was my baby from start to finish,

as it was a special gift of love from me
to its subject matter,

the incomparable Rose Hicks.

For those not familiar with Rose, she is, to quote myself from

an earlier post, one of the most influential style
and decor icons of the past century,

and whether you realize it or not,
her influence has been felt far and wide in blogland.

She is the beloved Mama to decor and design royalty

Carol Hicks Bolton, and as a lifetime fan of Carol and Tim Bolton

and the Homestead empire they created right here in

Fredericksburg, Texas, it was a dream come true just to be able

to meet them.

But then to not only meet them, but to become friends

and to be blessed enough to be trusted
by the amazing Hicks-Bolton clan

to do right by their precious Mama
in a feature magazine story...

who the heck says dreams don't come true???

I had the special privilege of personally hand delivering

the issue to Miss Rose herself yesterday, while she was overseeing

the evolution of the exciting new family adventure and shop,

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquites.

I think she approves, don't you?!

And wow...just wow...get a load of that photo below.
That's Carol Hicks Bolton with Mama Rose looking on.

Two generations of styling genius
admiring MY work in the magazine.

Somebody pinch me, because what an utterly surreal moment THAT was.

I have adored and idolized these folks for 20 years,
so what an unbelievable honor.

The inimitable Carol, decked out in her Magnolia Pearl finery

and orchestrating the creation of her new namesake shop

like the design maestro she most certainly is.

I thought I would share a few of the original images

from the magazine with you,

as the publication process doesn't always do them justice...

I want to say thank you to Jacqueline deMontravel and Karina Rivera

from Romantic Homes magazine, and also to my great friend

Elizabeth Maxson for their invaluable help and support.

Y'all are the best!

The GREAT news is that I took hundreds of photos

and the magazine only used 8, so I will be sharing

many, many more images in the days to come.

The other great news is that Carol has asked me

to come by the shop regularly and track the progress and evolution

of her new store, and I am more than happy to oblige!

But the BEST news is that I am offering one lucky reader

of this blog a copy of this lovely new magazine

personally autographed by Rose herself!!!

Rose will be 91 years young next month and has already

been featured and published far and wide, so can you

imagine what a collectors item this is destined to be?

My last few giveaways have been open to everyone,

but this one is for followers only, as it's extra special.

All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know

that you are a follower or have become a follower and you're in!

Be sure to leave extra comments if you blog, tweet or Facebook

about this for extra chances to win.

I'll be picking a winner

next Friday, January 27th.

This was for YOU, Rose! I love you, friend!

Good Luck, and Happy Wednesday!

On Any Given Week...

2012-01-16T18:15:00.000-06:00

Oh dear, I've become one of "them"...

I seem to be a "once a week blogger" of late,

and there's that tiny little insecure voice inside of me,

the one I wrote about in my Artful Blogging Article,

which causes me to wonder if y'all will migrate to

greener pastures while I enjoy my slowed-down blogging pace.

I hope not, but I must say, I really have been enjoying

my non-blogging time of late.

Just living life, and feeling better in general.

Happier.

Less stressed.

More like the old Anne.

What is a week in the life of Anne Lorys like, you ask?

I sometimes forget that newer followers might not know

the specifics of my day to day life, so here's the skinny...

Any given week, I work roughly three 12 hour shifts

as a Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting.

I work in pretty much all areas of the hospital,

critical care, emergency, peds, geriatrics, post-op...

it can be fast paced and all very much life or death,

or it can be routine and relatively uneventful.

As a seasoned RT, I prefer the latter.

Definitely NOT an adrenaline junkie here!!!

As far as extra-curricular activities go,
while I loved having an antique mall booth

and an Etsy shop, neither turned out to be my "thing".

Photography did, so on any given week

on my days off, I seek out the beauty around me and attempt

to capture little snippets of ordinary life through my lens.

I haven't been doing as much of this of late,

and although I'd like to blame it all on the gloomy, overcast weather,

it's just a phase I'm going through. I find myself more drawn to my

Kindle and to prayer than my camera, so I'm just, quite literally,

following where the spirit leads.

On any given week, I am in bed and asleep by 9pm.

I am a reformed night owl who simply cannot get enough sleep,

and I swear by what I call the

anti-5 hour energy drink, iChill.

I swear, this stuff is liquid sleep gold in a bottle!

It's safe, fabulous, and knocks me right out. I highly recommend it

over other sleep aids, so fellow insomniacs, give it a try!

On any given week, on my days off work,

I hit some of the shopping hot spots in my beautiful hometown,

or take a short jaunt just down the road to visit and shop

with my good friend Binky. It's a constant struggle to stay within

our budget though, because seriously people,
I live in a vintage shopping MECCA!

On any given week, I think about my beloved Mama

numerous times throughout the day.

I see her reflection in my mirror, I hear her words coming out

of my mouth, and I feel her presence with me always.

It's a sweet, sweet feeling.

I also, on any given week, pay my dad a few visits

at the rehab wing of the nursing home he's been confined to

since September. He's had 6 failed hip operations in just under 4 months,

and this youthful, employed 75 year old man has had his entire life

turned upside down since breaking his hip.

The silver lining has been a newfound closeness between me and my dad,

although we still struggle at times to understand each other

after a lifetime of semi-estrangement.

And on any given week,

my work schedule permitting, I attend Sunday Mass

at the beautiful St. Mary's church in Fredericksburg, Texas.

{ the interior of my church, via google images }

Not to get all preachy on y'all here,

but my faith is the single most important aspect of my life,

and although I struggle and fail often to live it out properly,

it is what sustains me.

I only pray that I honor God in some

small way via what I do here on this blog

or through my photography. If I don't, then all of this is in vain....

fluff, nonsense, of no consequence.

On any given week,

I stop and give thanks for the opportunity to come into

all of your homes via this blog, and feel equally blessed to share

in your journeys as, time allowing, I pay visits to all of you.

What was my life like before blogging?

I honestly can't remember!

That's how deeply woven into the fiber of my being

this blogging experience has become the past two and a half years.

Isn't it amazing how much like family we all seem to become to each other?

Or is just me? Anyone? Bueller?

What's in store this next week?

More of everything that I've mentioned above,

as well as the opportunity to meet in person a local blogging

friend, Shannon of Rusty and Redone.

I can't wait, and I'm sure we'll get into some blog-worthy mischief!

Will I be back blogging before next week rolls around?

Hopefully yes, but if not, you now have some sort of idea

of what else occupies my time and my thoughts.

And you?

What does any given week hold for each of you?

Do tell!

all images taken in Warrenton

#1 taken here

#2 here

#3 and #5 here

#4 here

#6 google images

#7 here

"You Don't Know Me, But...."

2012-01-09T16:17:00.003-06:00

Well, Good Afternoon!

It's been about a week since I've posted,

and what a great week it's been.

I wish I could say I'd been doing something prolific

or life-changing, but nope....just been taking it easy,

putting family first, and enjoying life.

I went and saw the utterly, completely life-changing

Broadway musical Les Miserables in San Antonio

yesterday....for something like the 13th time.

To know me, you've gotta know that you really, truly can't

call yourself my friend or kindred spirit unless the story of Jean Valjean

doesn't move you to the core of your very being...

faith, struggle, redemption, love...

"to love another person is to see the face of God".

But I digress.

Today's post is actually about something completely different.

I'll be getting to the point in a somewhat circuitous way

{ regular readers of this blog are used to this maddening predilection of mine }

but first I want to share what my e-mail Inbox looks like

on any given week.

I regularly get e-mails from generally good-intentioned individuals

which usually start with the lines

" You don't know me, but...".

And the next line varies, but sometimes it goes like this...

"I would love to write a guest post for you. I'll write on any topic

you pick, all you have to do is put a link to my blog inside the post".

Other times, I get asked to add someone to my blog roll,

in exchange for them adding me.

And then there are the folks who promise me all manner of goodies

if I will simply but write a product review or endorsement post.

I also get e-mails asking if I offer advertising space,

or if I would be willing to place an ad on someone elses blog.

It's all business as usual when I flick through my Inbox,

and it's given me cause to reflect on why I blog the way I do.

Firstly, I have never placed ads for Fiona and Twig,

and I never will.

I am not selling anything, except photos to editorial publications,

so I see no reason to advertise my blog elsewhere.

Secondly, I have never and will never charge ad space

on my blog, because blogging is not my business.
I have nothing against those who have ads on their blogs,
it just doesn't work for me, and I'll explain why...

When you accept paid ads, you have a certain responsibility

to your paying sponsors to provide regular content,

and since I have a full-time life AND job outside of

my Fiona and Twig alter-ego, I refuse to place that burden

of responsibility on myself to churn out regular content.

To those who accept and place ads, if it works for you, mazel!

Thirdly, a spot on my blog roll is not up for grabs to the highest bidder.

I believe that I can count every single person over there on my sidebar

as a friend, and the invitation extended to others to write guest posts,

or to endorse certain products is reserved
for known and trusted friends as well.

In a way, it's sort of about claiming ownership of this blog,

and not allowing it to own me.

This post may end up being a bit of a feather-ruffler, but so be it.

No offense whatsoever is intended,
but I feel a call of sorts to produce the deed
to this particular piece of internet real estate,

and make it understood that as much as I love this blog

and my readers, it is at best, priority number five or six in my life.

But it's mine.

And that's just how I roll.

photos taken at the gorgeous space

of Alan and Gina Galichia

of Country Garden Antiques in Warrenton.

Introducing Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine

2012-01-05T08:56:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to be able to spread the word about
the fantastic new quarterly, online e-magazine being launched by
my beautiful friend Angela at Parisienne Farmgirl!

But rather than prattle on about it myself,
I'll let Angela describe her exciting new adventure
in the short video below...

Doesn't this look just wonderful?

I have to hand it to her,
Angela is an absolute natural on camera, don't you think?
I see a future for her on, oh, say HGTV or The Food Network
in a hosting capacity! Keep that phone close by Angela, I do think
the networks will be calling!

Angela is much more than just a woman
with an unerring eye for style...

She is a masterful cook, gardner, decorator, stylist, photographer,
and has one of the most beautiful families ever.
Most importantly, she is a woman with a heart for God,
and strives to honor Him in all she does.

I'm subscribing, I hope you will, too!
I also hope to be able to squeeze in the time
to contribute to this great magazine myself { fingers crossed}!

Click HERE
for all the details,
and click HERE to subscribe.

There's an incredible giveaway tied into the magazine launch,
so don't miss out!

Congrats, Angela!
With your combination of talent, hard work and faith,
I think you'll have a HUGE success on your hands!

I'll be back soon with
some yummy eye candy from some
recently edited photo shoots, so don't miss out!

The Magic Returns

2012-01-02T14:47:00.000-06:00

I blogged about this exciting event

not so very long ago...

But now I have the distinct pleasure of directing you

over to my dear friend Binky's blog

so that you can read her fabulous interview

with our mutual friend, the amazing creative visionary,

Carol Hicks Bolton.

This insightful interview will only serve to solidify

what so many of us already know...

that the innovative styles, the one-of-a-kind magic which

is seen all over blogland and so often attributed

to other designers actually originated with Carol herself.

Click

HERE

to take a peek into the creative mind of my friend,

Carol Hicks Bolton.

And...

if you just so happen to be in my 'hood

in the weeks ahead...

I could NOT be more excited!

Thank you Binky,

for allowing me to link to your fantastic interview!
And while you're over there, be sure to become a follower
of Binky La Faye,
her style, her shop and her blog are my go-to
sources for inspiration

Happy Monday!

Surprised by Romantic Country Magazine!

2011-12-30T20:13:00.000-06:00

Those sneaky little tricksters at

Romantic Country Magazine!

I just adore the new Editor, Mary Forsell,
so I e-mail her regularly asking her what sorts of things
they might be looking for in the coming issues.

Well, a few months back, she gave me a short list, and among her wish list

was dress forms or mannequins. I sent her a few shots I had taken in Warrenton

this past September, and that was that, or so I thought.

Bless Mary's heart, she had been so busy that she forgot to tell me that

the art department had chosen two of my photos
for the Spring 2012 feature, on newsstands now!

I only found out this week, as I am still recovering from a nasty throat infection,

and had sent the Mister to the store for some meds, yogurt, OJ, and the new issue

of Romantic Country, as I knew my super talented friend Shell of Bungalow Bling

was featured in the new issue.

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw

that two of my photos had indeed made the issue.

I shot the photo on the top of the page

at my sweet friend Christie Connelly's

space in Warrenton ( get a blog, will ya, Christie?! )...

and I shot the beautiful bald headed gal below at my buddy

Theresa Cano's space at Zapp Hall.

The Spring 2012 issue also has inspiring features

on my friends Rebecca Ersfeld and Tracie Truran,
written and styled by Miss Fifi O'Neill herself!
It's a really great issue, be sure to grab it!

This happy news, along with my antibiotics, should be
the BEST medicine.
Back to recuperating, have a wonderful weekend and a
Happy New Year!

linking with

common ground for vintage inspiration friday

french country cottage for feathered nest friday

Learning a New Art

2011-12-28T09:02:00.000-06:00

Painting.

I've never been any good at it,
not even a little bit.

I find a lot to admire
in the art of painting, however...

how a bold stroke of red, or the judicious use of just a hint

of pale blue can convey wildly divergent emotions, and depths of feeling.

One can use a heavy hand or light, feathery strokes,

each technique imbuing the work with a

contrasting mood, taking each viewer to a different place.

I'm not planning on learning to paint,

but I am planning on learning a new art.

It's called the art of letting go.

Letting go of

Worry.

Fear.

Impatience.
Unforgiveness.

Anxiety.

Self-Recrimination.

Condemnation.

Depression.

Apathy.

and most of all,

letting go of

Regret.

I can't change the past,

but with my new set of tools in hand,

I can paint a bright and cheery canvas on which

to build a happier 2012.

THAT is my New Year's resolution.

Wish me well,
and share your own resolutions
here with me, and us all.

Happy Wednesday, Sweet Friends.

An Ineffable Light

2011-12-24T17:17:00.000-06:00

painting:

Nativity at Night

by Geertgen tot Sint Jans, c. 1490

______________________________

"...the virgin knelt down with great
veneration
in an attitude of prayer,
and her back was turned to the manger....

And while she was standing thus in prayer,
I saw the child in her womb move
and suddenly in a moment she gave birth to her son,

from whom radiated such an
ineffable light
and splendour, that the sun was not comparable to it,

nor did the candle that St. Joseph had put there,
give any light at all, the divine light totally
annihilating the material light of the candle....

I saw the glorious infant lying on the ground naked and shining.
His body was pure from any kind of soil and impurity.
Then I heard also the singing of the angels,
which was of miraculous sweetness and great beauty..."

From a vision of
Catholic mystic
Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373),
which served as the inspiration for this painting.

May His ineffable light illuminate your path
this Christmas season, and always.

Signing off for a few days, my friends...
With my love and very best wishes for you and yours,

originally posted

Christmas 2009 & 2010

Christmas Prayers Needed

2011-12-22T14:44:00.003-06:00

I am beyond frustrated right now...

My dad is now being rushed back for his FIFTH hip surgery

in 3 months. He keeps having complications, and he's due for

a lengthy hospital stay this time, with multiple surgical procedures

scheduled to help aggressively treat this.

And yes, he will be hospitalized over Christmas...
and New Year's. Beyond that, who knows?

He remains positive, but it's taking an emotional toll...

on him and me both.

Believing for better days ahead...

update

dad came through surgery fine, but he is still facing

several more surgeries and months of rehab.

thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words.

love you ALL!!!

Christmas at Lisa's

2011-12-21T10:06:00.007-06:00

Happy Wednesday before Christmas!

Today I am so pleased to be able to take you

on a festive home tour of my good friend

Lisa Moran of Bilancia Designs.

Lisa is a gifted artist in many different mediums,

so it came as no surprise to me that her home would

be every bit as divine as her art.

Let's pay Lisa an impromptu visit!

Can we all say dream home ???

One of Lisa's delightful handmade
paper cones, which can be ordered here.

See those gorgeous rose tress flanking the china cabinet?
Another stunning Lisa creation, available here.

One of Lisa's colorful red cockscomb stars sits atop
a dining room cabinet.
You can have one just like it by clicking here.

And I am completely in love with Lisa's
vintage button tree there on the right, which can be ordered here.
Again, all handmade by the lady of the house herself!

A festive white kissing ball, one of Lisa's
specialties, available for order here.

Above is the kissing ball Lisa created for me last year.
Isn't it gorgeous?

*** sigh ***
When can I move in Lisa? ;-)

Lisa recently pointed out to me that my photo of her
fabulous button star creation is one of the most pinned
photos on Pinterest!

I simply love the star she created for me, and I attribute all
that "pinning" to her lovely work rather than my photo skills.
You can have one of these stars of your very own,
just by clicking right here or here.

I hope you enjoyed the tour, and if you'd like to peruse Lisa's
online shop, click HERE to indulge in a little Christmas shopping
for yourself. After all, you deserve it!

Merry Christmas, y'all!

all photos not bearing the

anne lorys or fiona & twig watermark

courtesy of lisa moran

Exciting News and a Giveaway Winner

2011-12-19T17:21:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday!

Boy, do I have some thrilling news to share with all of you!

You've heard me rave about her and her marvelously talented

family on this blog many, many times...

And my own home is filled with many a priceless treasure

from their iconic store Homestead, right here in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Well, the end of an era is rapidly approaching.

Homestead is closing its beautiful doors at the end of this year.

However...

An incredibly exciting new era is upon us!

My sweet and unbelievably talented friend

Carol Hicks Bolton and her husband Tim

are embarking on a fabulous new adventure,

which is sure to be a feast for the senses.

Introducing the soon-to-be-open

Carol Hicks Bolton

Antiquites

I got a sneak peek inside the new building as I was doing
a walkabout in town the other day,
and it looks like it's going to be perfection.

Be sure to follow my lovely friend Binky's blog,

as she has worked alongside Carol and Tim for years,

and has an extra special feature planned on the new shop

after Christmas!

Oh, and in other news?

The lucky winner of my

Vintage Rescue Squad 2012 Calendar Giveaway

along with a copy of the new Artful Blogging featuring

my article and photos is

Donna from Brynwood Needleworks!

Congrats, Donna!

I'll be back in a couple of days with a gorgeous house tour,

so be sure to pop back in.

Happy Christmas Week!

Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway!

2011-12-14T18:36:00.003-06:00

Giveaway Closed

Okay, I know I just had a giveaway a few weeks back,

but I have something really extra special that I can't wait

to share with all of you!

Once again, my good friend Sue of Vintage Rescue Squad

has put together an absolutely amazing calendar...just

chock full of month after month of images of all those treasures we

vintage lovers simply drool over!

I was lucky enough to be featured in the

2011 Calendar

and Sue has included me in the 2012 Calendar, too...

including the cover photo!

Introducing the

Dreaming of Junking 2012 Calendar!

That cover image was actually a collaborative effort

between me and my friend and photographer extraordinaire,

Thomas Adams, so I was absolutely thrilled to see that it made the cover.

I also have another image featured in the calendar, the month of October,

so again, thank you Sue!

Per Sue's description...

" Satisfy your junking jones with VRS' new 2012 calendar!
This year's theme is ABUNDANCE; most photos show multiples of all the vintage treasures we adore. I've included dates of most major US flea markets and antique shows nationwide—from Warrenton/Round Top and Brimfield, to smaller local and regional shows!
Plan those junk jaunts in advance. But remember: if you see me at a flea market, I've got dibs on those skeleton keys!

They are standard 11" x 8.5" calendars and are spiral bound. "

And to once again share the love,

I'm giving away a copy of this fabulous calendar,

along with a copy of the current issue of Artful Blogging,

featuring my eight page article and photos.

Again, no hoops to jump through.

Just leave a comment.

If you want to follow, please do, but it's not required.

I'll announce a winner

Monday, December 19th.

In the meantime, be sure to visit Sue's Etsy Shop
if you just can't wait to get a copy of this terrific calendar!

Good Luck
and
Have a Blessed Week!

linking with

vintage inspiration friday at common ground

feathered nest friday at french country cottage

What's The Deal With You, Anne?

2011-12-05T08:18:00.001-06:00

...deep breath...

This post has been a long time coming.

My life has changed.

My priorities have changed.

This blog has changed.

I post less, and seem to spend less time

on the computer in general.

On a fairly regular basis,
I get e-mails asking me

"When are we going to get to see more of your new cottage? "

I have other bloggers inviting me to show off the new house in

linky parties, which I invariably always decline.

I have famous people asking when it might be possible to

come and photograph our farmhouse, and I've had to reluctantly
put them off for the time being.

Here's the deal...

Life as I knew it changed forever on September 13, 2011,

the day my mother passed away.
It's as if time stopped, and I did too, right along with it.
Frozen. Immobile. Numb.

As most of you know, it took a very, very long time for us to

even get moved in, due to fencing and construction issues,

and it wasn't until the end of June, first part of July that we finally

got even a little bit settled in.

And then August came.

It became apparent that my mother was not well at all,

so rather than styling the house and welcoming famous visitors,

my whole focus became trying to get her to seek medical attention.

By the end of August, my critically ill mother entered the hospital,

and two weeks later she was gone.
Just like that.

And she pretty much took with her any and all desire I had

to decorate, to primp, to style, and to show off this

beautiful old house I had so wanted to share with all of you.

But that's not even the whole story.

There's more I haven't shared with all of you.

Concurrent to all of this, I was dealing with a medical situation of my own,

and facing a never ending cycle of doctors appointments.

And if you think that's all?

Think again, dear readers.

Two days after my mother died, my father, my active, 75 year old

father fell and broke his hip, and since September 15th, has had

three failed hip surgeries, and is due to face his fourth surgery

this coming Wednesday.

This vibrant, fully employed man has had to live in the rehab wing of

a nursing home the past two months, and will have to live there

THREE more months, until he returns to the hospital for his

FIFTH and hopefully final hip operation.

My mom and dad had been divorced many years when she

passed away, and admittedly, he and I have never been close.

We have even been estranged at times.

But through the mercy of God

( and perhaps the intercession of my sweet mama ),

he and I have become much closer in recent weeks.

And lest we forget the doggie drama
which recently took place, too.

THIS

is what I've been doing instead of decorating,

instead of staging photo shoots of my farmhouse.

Rebuilding relationships.

Trying to regain and stabilize my physical health.

Devoting much more time to my faith and to prayer.

And just trying to make sense of all that is going on,

and recognizing the fleeting, fragility of life in general.

To those who have been disappointed that I haven't

gotten the house photo ready, join the club.

I'm disappointed, too. I can count 30 pictures, mirrors,

and what-not's that still need to be hung on the walls,

not to mention drapes in every room except the bedroom.

But all of this will have to wait.

Because in the bigger picture, the grand scheme?

It really doesn't matter right now.

Family comes first.

Faith comes first.

And I know each and every one of you well enough

to know that you'd probably feel exactly the same way.

I'm not going anywhere, I'll still continue to blog on the same,

somewhat reduced schedule I've maintained the past few months.

And I hope that when I finally DO get the house photo ready,

you will all still be around to witness the miracle, LOL!

I hope this didn't come across as a "poor, pitiful me" post,
because I surely did not intend for it to!
I recognize the hidden blessings amidst the trials, I promise you that.
Through it all, God has been right there with me.

That's all.

Just a little "state of the union"

to let friends and readers of this blog know where I stand

and what I stand for.

Oh, yeah....

and to tell you that I love you.

:-)

photos taken at

chick-a-dee and house wren

in wimberley, texas

this past summer

Christmas at Binky's, Part Two

2011-12-01T09:15:00.003-06:00

Enough sad dog stories,

back to the beautiful treasures!

I started you on this glorious tour of my good friend

Binky's Christmas Open House HERE,

and now it's time for part two.

I'm focusing more on the details this time....

getting up close and personal.

I hope you enjoy, get ready to be instantly transported

to a vintage Christmas Winter Wonderland!

I've said it before, I'll say it again...

for the best in vintage EVERYTHING,

pay Binky a visit at her divine shop,

Binky La Faye

Happy Hump Day!

linking with

inspiration friday at the picket fence
vintage inspiration friday at common ground
and

feathered nest friday at french country cottage

Not For The Faint of Heart...

2011-11-27T13:36:00.004-06:00

I'm back to give you an update on both my

darling doggies, an epilogue to the sad tale

told in my previous post HERE.

First, the happy news.

Havok has been happily reunited with his previous owners,

and here is an iPhone snap of him as the transition was

taking place.

I've received updates from his new ( previous ) mama,

and he's adjusting well to his new environment.

And now for an update on sweet Belle,
who as you will recall lost her eye in the scuffle.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES AHEAD

Belle too is adapting well, or at least as well as can

be expected under the circumstances...

and with a bit of photo editing magic...

" Woof, I mean, Arrrrrrgh matey, surrender the rawhide chew booty! "

She's being kept comfortable with pain meds

and lots of tummy rubs, and she wants to thank each

and every one of you for your get well wishes and prayers...

and so do I.

Love y'all.

Happy Sunday,

The Blackest of Friday's

2011-11-25T11:38:00.004-06:00

This is not a post about shopping,

or about this ridiculous day where consumerism is king.

No, this is a post about love and loss

and a little bit of a broken heart.

Regular readers of this blog know that I have two dogs,

Belle and Havok.

This pretty girl is sweet baby Belle.

My husband already had her when we got married,

and although she is elderly in Husky years ( 10 ), she is

still playful and full of life.

Feeling as though Belle was quite lonely as an "only dog",

I was fortunate enough to contact a lovely couple who

were having to give up their own beloved Husky, Havok...

My favorite photo ever of Mr. Twig giving Havok a bath...

such trust, such love.

We've had Havok approximately two and a half years,

and during that time, we've found him to be a wonderful pup...

loving and loyal, but always very skittish and nervous.

Some might even say high-strung.

Belle immediately let him know who the Alpha dog was ( her, of course ),

and he didn't challenge her dominance.

But still there would be minor scuffles.

Most were minor, but some were not...blood was shed...and almost all of them were started

by the old girl, Belle.

She was basically harmless, as Havok was much younger, bigger,

stronger, still had all his sharp teeth.

Whereas Belle...sweet, often clueless Belle ( who by now is missing quite a few teeth ),

would playfully charge Havok,

and him being the nervous pup he is, would react in defense mode,

several times sending Belle to the vet with a nasty bite.

It all came to an unexpectedly vicious head two days ago,

when one of their fights got out of control,

the Mr. had a near impossible time breaking it up,

and this morning, my sweet old girl Belle is at the vet

having her eye removed.

Still, they had a bond. They were a pack.

The minute my husband rushed Belle to the emergency vet,

Havok went into a panic that she was gone.

{ Havok left, Belle right }

I don't blame Havok, I don't blame Belle.

It's just the nature of the beast, pardon the pun.

Dogs being dogs, and loving them both,

I knew that we couldn't risk this happening again and

something had to be done...they simply could not continue to live together

and this realization has torn my heart in two.

God answered my prayers, in that when I contacted the

wonderful couple who had had to reluctantly surrender Havok several

years ago, they were not only in a position to take him back,

but they had missed him badly, and were quite thrilled

at the prospect of having him back.
This gladdens my heart, as I simply could not have

surrendered my baby boy to a shelter, even a no-kill one.

This photo and the one below were taken just today,

as Havok searches intently for Belle and Mr. Twig, whimpering and nervous.

I even took the day off work today to spend extra time with him before

he leaves tomorrow.

And so tomorrow morning he returns to his old family, his old pack.

Tomorrow afternoon my precious, now one-eyed girl returns home.

I'm pretty sure my heart will never be the same,

and anyone who has ever loved a dog understands this.

Goodbye and godspeed, sweet boy...Mama will miss you.

P.S.

Be sure to read the comment below from BeccaRoo...it's about the 14th one down.

she is Havok's original owner and the one welcoming him back home tomorrow!

God is so good. :-)

Binky's Beautiful Christmas, Part One

2011-11-21T07:24:00.004-06:00

Happy Monday!

About a week and a half ago, I found myself

at one of the most gorgeous open houses I've ever attended...

My good friend
Binky Morgan of Binky La Faye

held a glorious Christmas Open House at her divine store

in Llano, Texas recently, and her entire shop, as well as Binky herself,

was a feast for the eyes!

A grand time was had by all,

and Binky and Ron truly outdid themselves with not only

the decor, but their hospitality as well.

Enough chatter, on to the photos!

And the loveliest shot
I snapped all night...

the gorgeous Binky herself!

There will be a part two, as I got a little snap happy,

hope y'all don't mind!

In the meantime, be sure to pay a visit to one of the most

charming vintage shops in all of Texas...

Binky La Faye

303 Bessemer Avenue

Llano, TX

(325) 247-2500

Have a beautiful week!