Once a Century

An incredibly beautiful spring Saturday morning brought an exciting surprise. Our century agave, which  has steadily taken over our largest planting bed, has decided to bloom. It hasn't been any where near 100 years since we planted it, but it certainly has been with us since the beginning of our life in this funky old house. To give you an idea of how fast these guys produce this giant, sometimes 20 foot high, bloom  I will confirm that there was nothing there just yesterday. Take a look:

Doesn't that Big Nonia vine make a great background?

I'll post a shot every day until it is  done. Of course all this dramatic beauty ends with the death of the plant --at least I'll have the pleasure of dreaming what we will plant in its place.

Did I mention I love lighting?

I am always so excited when a client is willing to try something a little bit outside the box, a little unconventional, a little funky. I became fascinated with this light fixture at the Territorial house on my first visit. So seventies, so odd, but so good. It also happens to provide a great deal of light.

I took it home, hung it on our porch and cleaned it well.

Repainted the shade with Krylon Spray in the most delicious color: Tuscan Sunset.

It was hung in the Homeowner's office yesterday- right above her desk

This one was in an odd location in the entry--we moved it to the office as well.

Snow in Tucson?

Yes--we had snow today. And hail- three times. Somehow our white freesias and Big Nonias survived; a bit tattered but a reminder of spring and warmer weather soon to come.

Vintage Lamps

Funky-cool vintage lamps from one of my favorite dealers. They used to sit on the counter at a local jewelry store and shine down through the glass cabinets. There are three, and they will be at La Cabana this week.

Desert Treasures

A little tired out today. It has been a long week of work and I'll be working this weekend... I thought I 'd  quickly share another of my flea market finds from this month. The coolest  things I got were these cholla "skeletons". At $2 each they were a steal.

 Its hard to believe they come from a plant like this:

 After they dry out in the desert. the dead trunks of these plants make a great display item;

 Especially with a Huastecan pot.

Or a vintage bean pot....

Or an all -white display.  More treasures from the desert...please don't take them from protected land-- leave them for others to enjoy,  Buy them from someone who has collected them on private property. Preferably their own.  Have a great weekend!

Lots of Color..

Last night's Vintage Serape Show and Sale at La Cabana was really fun-- the serapes looked beautiful in the evening light at the Mercado St. Augustine.

 

I picked up these vintage lounge chair frames at the flea market last weekend; they are the most gentle, faded blue.  The cushions are made of artist's canvas and an old, beautifully faded serape. They sold before the event even started. I made the pillows from the center "diamante" of the pieces.

 Have a great Sunday!  Stop by La Cabana to check out the collection and enjoy the Sunday Farmer's Market at the Mercado. jd

Hopbush

All last week my husband kept telling me "the hopbush is coming into bloom" --I guess I only half heard him because I never took the time to look. This morning I walked out on the porch and there it is...in full bloom.The desert hopbush's (Dodonaea viscosa) papery chartreuse flowers bloom along the whole branch and are in beautiful textural contrast to the long, impossibly narrow dark green leaves. I think we need to plant a few more.

Vintage Serape Show and Sale

 On Saturday, March 10 my friend Pam will be hosting a trunk show of vintage wool serapes at her store La Cabana. I love visiting La Cabana, it makes me feel like I am sitting in her living room, comfortable in an antique wing chair and gazing at the incredible art collection. La Cabana is located in the Mercado St. Augustine, just south of downtown Tucson on Congress Street. Saturday's opening will include wine and a festive atmosphere from 5-7 in the evening. I hope to see you there...

Yellow and White and greens..

Spring has arrived in Tucson. We have enjoyed a week or two of glorious weather. Sadly, this means my arugula and mache have bloomed and are finished: no more spicy salad greens! I cut some blooms and brought them in to enjoy as we prepare our garden for tomatoes and other summer goodies.

Meanwhile, back at the Territorial- Part II

I am running in just about every direction but home these days. Dodging from one job to the next my chaotic pace came to a dead stop when I walked into the Territorial House today. The blue wainscot paint is on the walls, at long last the plastic came off the new oak floors, and the hardware was put on the kitchen cabinets. Best yet, everyone on the site: trades and clients alike is smiling about how great everything looks. 

Cabinets and soapstone counter, waiting patiently for their handmade tile backsplash.

The wood ceiling of the office, filled, caulked, sanded and finished to perfection. Mark, Tina and Justin (with a little help from Sally) are the best painters in the world. 

New bookshelves to house a petite portion of the clients vast collection of books. The fireplace will be  heavily mortar washed soon.

The view into the dining room from the living room. Soon-- a small scaled vintage crystal chandelier, library lights and lots and lots o' books. I adore bookcases in the dining room.

I am still looking for a few items but it is so exciting to finally be seeing the project come together.