There will be rain

Well, it looks like our weekend plans have to be postponed. The emerging hurricane is on it's way and a gray and rainy morning arose today.

Peaches, berry crumb cake and sunflowers...last weekend!

To lift my spirit I rescued the dying sun flowers, which had been on my table since last Friday's visit to the farmer's market. They had began to hang their pretty heads and finally this morning I arranged them on this footed cake stand where they bring in all the sunshine I miss today!

Today's morning latte and sunflowers sunny side up!

And while I was contemplating my day ahead I walked slowly through the garden to discover many of my Dahlias in bloom, and before the storm will wash them out, perhaps break them, I took some pictures...

I love these colors. The hydrangeas inspire a wonderful palette of muted pinks, blue greens, mauve and cream.

I do not recollect the sources from these last four images, I take no credit, but they are beautiful!


Hope you all stay safe this weekend!


xx
Victoria






All pictures by V.Zlotkowski except the last four interiors.

It's the small things

I've promised to post on details this year. It has fallen a bit wayside since we had some large things to take care of... but it always has a special place in my heart. 
This  Sunday is gray and cool and sprinkled with rain, it's the perfect time to muddle around the house and play with details...

I like to create small vignettes, they never last long but give me us pleasure for sometimes a day or two, sometimes for a few weeks. 
The rhododendron is starting to bloom, a time of year which I adore around the house and garden and today I snipped off a small branch and transferred it into a bud vase, filled with florist's foam and a little fresh moss from the garden. 

I soaked the foam for about 10 minutes and it holds enough water to sustain the branch for a day, then I fill in a little more water. I use the foam, because the single branch sits secure without tipping over or out!

On my window ledge I filled an up-cycled milk bottle (spray painted white last year) with all, what my garden has to offer right now: azaleas, honey suckle and lilac. One of the bows from my daughter's gifts for her birthday ended up around it and it resides in a small copper tray, which also holds some stone - a drill core from the works on our walk way a few weeks ago - perfectly round and smooth, two stone hearts given to me by my sisters and a broken cordial glass up side down, covering two turtle doves, old x-mas ornaments from a flea market....

There is also a lock, which I found in the woods and a small votive candle, we have had since I moved first to Manhattan 17 years ago!

All these pieces hold memories, it is that what makes vignettes meaningful. I can only encourage you to do this, your  history comes to live and I for once feel the love of my family and vice versa!
It's a great conversation starter as well...
Near my desk I have a shelf since a few weeks back, which holds my art/design books and my small, but treasured collection of Bjoern Wiinblad ceramics. They sit in perfect harmony with one of my paintings and every time I see it it gives me enormous pleasure. I love the colors and the shapes.

Not far away rests a mask, my youngest son made in fourth grade, I love these colors too! 

In the book shelves in the family room is always space for a small grouping of things from my collections: Small vintage vases and books.

 A tiny angel resting next to gold leaved antique books I found in Brooklyn last year...

And the wicker cloche, laced with tulle used outdoors to protect edible goods from insects rests atop our floor lamp....The rain would ruin it and people who know my house understand that there is little space elsewhere....

It's adorned with a small glass ornament, which I bought from a woman in Jamaica, VT.
She has the most amazing glass blowing shop there. 
Hot Glass Works! Stop by when you happen to find yourself nearby! It's close to Stratton,VT! A great ski resort!

I am sure when you look around your home, you will find many things worthy a little display spot for a while or your latest treasured finds from the garden, a walk in the woods, the flea market last Sunday or a gift to pretty to be stashed away!
There are so many possibilities: glass, drift wood, small collections of every possible things, costume jewelry, silver ware, miniature paintings, pictures or frames...
Fill in the blanks!
This is the sunshine from the inside out! It's all in the details....


Happy Sunday and a sunny week ahead!


xx
Victoria






All pictures by V.Zlotkowski.

Sunday afternoon in the Garden

The Botanical Garden holds magical powers over us! When the first sun comes out we are thinking of visiting this lovely place! Armed with my camera I delight in the artistry of the designs, the colors, scents and the atmosphere!

Orchid Show 2011
BGNY

We caught the last day of the Orchid exhibition, something we pretty much never miss and have observed for many years!

These pictures were taken by my son.

But although these Orchids are magnificent, this year I actually enjoyed the fresh beds and fierce budding flowers - tulips and narcissus - and the flowering trees much more.
There is something youthful and strong, yet innocent to these first emerging buds. 

An abundance I enjoy watching.
The colors are so beautiful and every time I leave from there I am so inspired for my own little outdoor space.

The air was richly perfumed with  spring scents, moist soil and the fresh green grass made people playful and we enjoyed the magical blossoms.

I took so many pictures, as always, it is hard to select the ones I like best to show you.
So there are a few more! 
Enjoy!

Have a great week ahead!
We are back to finally finishing our major outdoor project at home. It's looking good so far! Soon more about it!


xx
Victoria


PS: I want to encourage you to check out my other blog part: House and Living! There you'll find inspiration for books, movies and more.




All pictures by V. and T. Zlotkowski and subject to copyright. Please ask permission before use.