I came across this picture and thought it was odd. It's a cute bedroom: it seems to have a queen sized bed but the tv is at the one side of the bed and not at the foot. That seems unfair if there are 2 occupants -right? So where do you keep your tv in your bedroom? Do you even have one at all? Inquiring minds want to know!
I have a confession to make: I'm not really into Halloween. I've always disliked it! My schedule has freed up quite a bit now that Martha's tv show has mostly Halloween crafts (thank god for tivo). But I thought I'd share some of these spooky tombstones from an old cemetary in a Pittsburgh neighborhood called Troy Hill. This Cemetary lies on a big hilltop overlooking the Allegheny River and beautiful downtown: spectacular views!
Like many of these old working class neighborhoods, the cemetaries were a point of pride. Of course there are fancier, nicer cemeteries in the city(MANY OF THEM), but even in the poorest neighborhoods these beautiful places exist. These tombstones are certainly a lot more engaging than the granite slabs with a name that you see anymore. They speak of the 'inhabitants' and their life. Cemeteries were in places of honor where people would want to spend time remembering their loved ones: parks or places with a beautiful view; nicer than along the freeway out of town. 
The cemeteries of Pittsburgh live on as places where people not only visit their ancestors, but walk their dogs, jog or go to get away from it all. I don't think this is disrespectful but goes to show that we are all a part of something bigger. Is this all a little too deep for a posting about some pretty tombstones? Hope you enjoy them!
I'll admit... what do I love most in life; what gives me the most pleasure? pretty....beautiful...the sublime -whatever you want to call it. I can find it in a cozy room, a collection of flowers, autumn leaves or glamorous fashion. Shallow? No. Why should we apologize for what we care deeply for? Our very passion in living. What do you find you live for? What makes you wake up in the morning? to quote Fleur Cowles 'I wake up expecting things'. I find them, generally in the details.
While in New york, I was able to go to the Charlotte Moss townhouse before it closed. I think I missed it in its prime -but it still housed a lot of beautiful things (at EXORBITANT prices!). Many things were on sale however and I was able to snatch up this great little carafe for beside my bed with an inspirational quote by Fleur Cowles 'I wake up expecting things'.
This is my nightstand - I've affectionately named him 'Jeeves'. The store is on a beautiful block off the park on the Upper East side - this beautiful townhouse was across the street.
This shows the townhouse in context with its neighbors. Many of the store displays have been dismantled but there is still lots to see! On the 2nd fl I was excited to see beautiful china piled high on this table -and 50% off! However -as the teacups themselves ranged from $300 - $12,000 (yes you read that right) -they were a bit out of my price range. Still so wonderful to browse!
This room on the 3rd floor was crowded with beautiful lamps. Many were vases or candlesticks converted into lamps. I adored these cobalt wedgewood candlestick lamps, but $1700 seemed a bit high.
You could buy some yourself on ebay or at an auction and convert them yourselves very cheaply. These would be so beautiful on a nightstand, a hall table or even on your breakfast or dining room table! Go check out the store before it's too late!
I spent the long holiday weekend in NYC and had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Patricia from PVE! We met at the Charlotte Moss townhouse (more on that tomorrow), enjoyed lunch and then headed over to the Cooper Hewitt museum.
The copper and glass entry canopy.
The Cooper-Hewitt is run by the Smithsonian(what isn't I ask again?) and is devoted to historic and contemporary design. The 2 shows running now have one on interior watercolors (right up both of our alleys) and one on childen's wallpaper and books. We both recognized a lot of the imagery and products included in this one!
The main museum is housed in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion on 5th Avenue in NYC while two adjacent townhouses house other functions. The mansion is wonderfully preserved and I always love walking through admiring all the woodwork and plaster decorations!
These candelabra were in one of the interior watercolors along with this clock pictured below. Wonderful to have both the imagery and the actual object to view.
If you find yourself in NYC, go to the Cooper Hewitt to check out these 2 amazing exhibits!
