Light Bracket

I have spent a great deal of time in my office, of late. Orders, spreadsheets, complicated floor plans. Very technical and unfortunately, 95% of my business. Occasionally I find a moment to mess around with my special "stuff". This week, it is a swing-arm wall lamp. Originally made as an oil lamp, it was converted to electric before I bought it at the flea market last month. The wall plate is wood, the Tole shade of uncertain origin was found at a thrift store and is in remarkably good shape. In combination, they light a sentimental terrarium and make a pleasant reference point as I sit at my computer late into the night. Sweet dreams.

Bench, Bench, Pot, Bench

No specific excuses for the lack of posts the past few weeks, it is all due to an overloaded creative spirit. I could do no more. I have been busy with a great project, though. One that I need to keep on the dl  but involves this mesquite hand-carved bench:

 And this one, too:

 A large variety of pots like these from Zocalo:

And some great cactus flower photography from Scott Butler:

They will be installed next week --along with a host of other hand-picked, handmade goodies. Have a great weekend!

Color Combinations

I have been chained to my desk and computer all afternoon; making orders and updating spreadsheets. I decided to take an afternoon break in the form of a short walk through the neighborhood: a theme based walk with my camera. Spring blooms bring a bevy of odd color combinations to us-- here are a few..

Spring Colors in Unexpected Places

Sometimes I forget about the huge inspiration board above my desk. Pictures of (and by) my children, swatches of fabric, drawings, feathers and shells. Old photos and personal items like a lonely red woolen mitten from a tiny hand. Tucked way up high in the corner is what seems to be a plate from a science book. A cross-section of two rocks, with brilliant color and depth in the rock and in the background. I picked it up at a rock shop...on the back it says Tourmalin-Querschnitt, Madagaskar. 

I think I'd like to find a few more of these- they would make great framed art.

Warm and sunny with a chance of nothing to do...

It is a beautiful spring morning, we were up early savoring last night's dinner with friends. Yes, adults can enjoy dyeing eggs. Teenagers, too. We drew on them with crayons then dipped them in a hot water and dye mixture  that included a splash of vinegar. The old school way--which I find to be the easiest and most versatile method.

Charming results. A friend brought some beautiful, naturally colored eggs as a hostess gift.

We'll have BeBe Benedicts with fresh eggs for breakfast and spend the rest of the day here:

  Enjoying the mild weather, reading the Times and speculating on how much the agave bloom will grow today in this gorgeous warmth.

  Relax and enjoy the day.

Spring in Tucson!

After a successful trip to the flea market, we had a 

nice hike out at Pima Canyon today. Wildflowers are abundant, the weather is breezy and cool. Small surprises and large vistas were the order of the day. 

The agave in our yard continues to push skyward, only several inches today.

Spring in Tucson!