Friday, October 20, 2006

Raoul Dufy Put Joy on Canvas...

Raoul Dufy is a favorite artist. In Marcel Brion's short introduction to a small collection of his work he writes, "His optimism did not come from laziness or a vacant mind, but rather from a fullnes of life, a harmonious and contented nature, and happiness in his environment. 'I can only give you a fraction of my inward joy,' he used to say when friends looked at his pictures. His work shows no trace of worry or anxiety, the dramatic content is entirely absent, and each touch of color, every pencil line, re-echoes like a shout of happiness."
Each scene he painted seems to me to be captured at the pinnacle of it's existence, everything in its best moment. His paintings appear to me to be growing before your eyes. The paintings don't seem static, there is almost movement in them . They are simply beautiful.
I once read that truth and beauty have the same source and so they should be sought with equal relish. And, I recently read, "For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness...Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments."
Dufy was quoted as saying, "eyes are made to obliterate everything that is ugly." Dostoyevsky wrote, "Beauty will save the world." It's something to think about anyway.
Raoul Dufy is a contemporary of Matisse and participated in the movement from Impressionism to Fauvism which Dufy described as. "Imagination translated into design and color." He is not as famous as some of the other masters of his time, but if you look for him you can find posters and cards on the web and in more shops that you might expect. Best Wishes... Tiffany

A Joyful Place...



"Your lifetime is primarily enjoyed in your home. Where else can you be happier than in the privacy of the environment you love? Your own home! What a blessing to know we can live joyfully in our own home, letting the mystery, magic, wonder and power of the spirit of the place feed our soul. " Alexandra Stoddard Time Alive

Wouldn't this pink sofa be the perfect spot to enjoy a Jane Austen novel? I don't have it, but our tiny living room has a great southern exposure, just the perfect place to take a nap in the sun.

And, I love to come home to the bright pot of pansies on the porch. It is amazing what they can do in the spring if you plant them right now! Crown Azure are my favorites. They are the most glorious bright blue.

One last thing, there is nothing like a good rough mat to stomp your feet on, that is surely a sign of being home.

Best Wishes... Tiffany

Granny Chic Romantic Flannels

“I ran up the door, closed the stairs, said my pajamas and put on my prayers, turned off the bed and hopped in the light all because you kissed me goodnight!" Anonymous

Ooooooooooooh! Cozy.

Granny Chic...

Granny Chic seems to be one of the most talked about trends of the last few seasons. Home and clothing fashions inspired by the 30's, 40's, and 50's are still coming into Nine West and Gap stores as of yesterday when I went shopping. I saw some really cute chunky cable knit sweaters in bright, bright 50's colors (lime, pink & turquiose) in Ralph Lauren that I just love.

I read an article that said Granny Chic came into fashion several seasons ago when Prada started designing shoes that were inspired by what little old Italian ladies were wearing.

I think that Granny Chic has been coming a long time before then, with the added care taken in design, the return of old comforts like quilts and pillows as well as oilcloth, knitting, eyelet, wicker and ofcourse BRIGHT COLORS. Hurray!!! My sister recently purchased a new washer and dryer set and it's BLUE! And, it's very cute! I have seen in magazines where people have refurbished old style kitchen appliances and I am hoping that soon those retro styles will be widely available in new appliances.

My own home is going more Granny as we speak. I love to have a pillow and a throw available to almost every seating area. This makes for fewer fights and is very cozy. And, my colors are going to go "brighter and brighter until the perfect day." In the spring we did some redecorating in our bedroom. We have the brightest blue walls in two shades. The room also has accents in touches of cherry red, pink yellow and lime. It is wonderful to wake up in such a cheerful bright space! I love it.

What I don't love is book control. I have an addiction here that is taking over our small home. We really need to edit our collection and leave some space for something wonderful. But, I do love to have a good book within arms reach everywhere. That is always very cozy.

As I made breakfast this morning, I realized that Granny Chic extends to the pantry as well. I know someone who needs to have a little chocolate milk and whole wheat toast in the morning for everything to be just perfect. I always try to have something healthy in the morning, but that isn't as Granny as a warm apple fritter now is it (see hogiewogie.blogspot for a great recipe)?

Anyway try on an old comfy sweater on this crisp and beautiful fall day and find one other great thing that makes you feel Granny Chic and cozy. Best Wishes... Tiffany