She Sells Sea Shells

I just have to have a wooden bowl filled with shells in my bath.

This little child's slag glass cabinet is filled with my favorites and on display all year.
Bowls from Michael's travels, with my Mom and Dad watching over.
The next five items are from Currey and Company, they also have shell chandeliers and sconces.




Check out the chair rail of shells. What a beach house rainy day project.

I have always wanted to cover a fireplace surround with shells

Hate the tile ,love the shells




When it is this hot,and I am working with the beach in view I can't help but think of my favorite accessories. Decorating with shells is pure summer . I have a shell collection that is displayed in my bath year around, but when the temp goes up, out come the bowls of beautiful shells. I fill cut glass dishes with shells from all the places Michael's been. I have filled a antique bird cage with them, hung them in place of prisms on a chandelier, surrounded a candle. Summers at the beach when the kids were little were spent walking the beaches with are heads down. We would line up our prizes on the kitchen window sill, building on the collection all summer. Some shells would be transferred to Christine's business venture, while Michael preferred to sell one blue claw crab at a time in a zip lock bag. Some day, just for the sake of memories, I am going to own the most beautiful piece of shell furniture, but for now the bowls will have to do.

Tuna for Dinner

That's Tommy G Michael's long time fishing friend. The stories those two tell !!!!!

The crew and there catch, have you ever seen B.C. so happy?
What a great day to see all this precious wildlife, makes me sad about the gulf right now.

Yep, that's a wales tale.



and there's the wale.

My creative son's view of Atlantic City at 3 AM from a moving boat.


For what these rods cost I could redecorate my living room.


The fishing trip was a success. Two 50 pound yellow fin tuna made it into the boat. They will go on till the next trip about the ones that got away. You should have used this rig, why did you have the line so tight, Jesus Christ who uses a gaff like that..... and on and on. This trip was for fun I can't imagine what it's like when they are in a tournament and money is at stake. But all this gives the Tiki Bar fuel for discussions. Most exciting to me was the 200 plus dolphin and wales they saw. Thank God Michael was there and got some great shots . I guess tuna is running about $149.00 a pound this year, and it sure was a good dinner.

Working the Show House

Its a hot one out there, but I'm in my cool studio working on a enormous painting for the show house. B.C. and Michael left at 2:A.M. for tuna fishing. They go some ridiculous distance out in the ocean ( like 80 miles) to fish. The places actually have names like the Baltimore Canyon, or the Elephant trunk, and they prepare for days ( or at least that's what they say, I think the Tiki Bar is in there somewhere). Between the gas, the bait, expensive rods and reels, lunch, beer,- tuna ran me about $169.00 a pound last summer. But it is good on the grill, and they have a lot of fun, and it is quiet here . Painting , with my music on and no one to bother me is heaven. So here is to tuna fishing and a great weekend to you all.

Windsong on Wesley Part 3

All the work that has to be done and B.C. and Kenny (Kenny is our wonderful contractor who is making this room happen) are goofing around. What is in that attic?
Not sure why Kenny is smiling?

I am loving the wood walls. Kenny thinks I should leave them just washed, I want to paint them white. Too many decisions and I am always second guessing my choices. I was going with Jute rugs till I saw yesterday a beautiful blue and white hooked rug. Should I change?
This is the Master suite being done by John Kelly. Every one loves John's work, he has been a part of this show house for many years.
Hall Bath
Someone ( Mary of Daroo Designs) has been making the dining room ceiling very pretty.
Living room into dinning
The kitchen is looking better.
Loving the floor in the kitchen.
Glad this is not my room.
Glad this is not my room.
It is in the high 90's and they were still working on the roof. I cannot imagine how hot it was up there.
Or here

It has been a loooooong week. Starting with a 200 lb. sleeper sofa that would not make the turn on a staircase. Yes as a designer I should check that, but it was only 84 inches long and we all ready got a sectional up those stairs. B.C. was my hero and had them hoist it up and over three ( yes 3) stories onto a balcony and in. Thank God I wasn't there I get really nervous on moments like that. I was home trying to decide where I could put the sleeper. Next problem : two "swivel" chairs were delivered and the customer called to say they don't turn. No problem I said just have the delivery men cut the straps off underneath. But they have legs said my customer, oh no!!!! Does any one out there need two very cute black and tan check chairs that have legs-cheap. Then the show house , It's a mess I have no idea how we are going to finish. It's looking good, but where were the designers yesterday? Usually at this point we are spending all waking moments there. Well I for one have faith. There is such a professional group of designers and R.N.S. Ladies running this show, I think you can feel safe to buy your ticket in advance for the Gala Event on the 10th. But finished for the thank you lunch on the 30th not betting that.

My Dream House

I am inviting all you hard working women for a BBQ at my outdoor kitchen ( Yes it has one )


I love the living area but I need to replace the glass art on staircase with one of my paintings. I also think the coffee table should have an industrial feel, for me. ( I think there is the perfect one in my sister's shop)
I am loving the circles on the table, kind of funky.
Not sure about the bar stools. But I will probably keep them for now. Budgets you know.
Red is my favorite color, so I am keeping the counters.
I always recycle, so this basket system is perfect.
I need a studio , so the desk may have to go. I am imagining the view is incredible so I am excited to paint here.
Love the outside.
I have always wanted a red washer and dryer.
Good with the bedroom. Not spending much time here.



I was reading the blog of ::Surroundings:: and she was showing my dream house !!! It is HGTV'S Green house give away, but I am winning it. I have already decorated it. Not that Linda Woodrum from Hilton Head did not do a good job . Her design was fabulous, she has decorated HGTV'S houses for the last 15 years. She should be proud of a job really well done. It's just that as a decorator I have a few of my own ideas. I need to personalize it. The house is small 2100 sq. feet. with only two bedrooms. The perfect size for a get away. I must remind you that when ( not if ) I win this house, all you women who need a week or month away can come here. When your kids are beyond handling and your husband is a pain in the a__ we will set up a visit to the healing Green House. So please all start the SECRET and visualize us there. I am sure we all have the same problems in common and need to get away at times. But I have to tell you now that Dotty ( my sister ) and I have the first two weeks.