house wren studio

in the moment

We are so overwhelmed with the amazing response to the book project. Postmark L.A. was received beyond our greatest expectations and thank you so much for the outpouring of support, enthusiasm, sweet words and orders! (I think lulu.com might be a touch overwhelmed too.) We thought the fun was over when we said good-by to each other that last morning in L.A. Hardly! The delight just keeps growing and reinventing itself each day.

Walking by these bowing tulips, so exquisitely reaching for the sunlight this morning (thank you, dear Vanessa!), I thought about the way things rush by, how much there is to stop and think about. I know enough to be grateful for the moment- however long it lasts. Thank you all so much.

As soon as I finish it, the Jewelry Keeper will be going off to Natalie for her comment about the book on May 15:  Can't wait to see it!!!  But if you ordered the book, you can easily make your own because it's a simple how-to project included inside.

And there will be other treats to share here as well as on the partnering blogs and shops. Stay tuned- there is more. Of course. The moment lives on. This is just too much fun. xoC

Postmark L.A.

 

At last. Here it is. Our much-awaited collaborative project that started so casually as a team trip to CHA and L.A. last February. We were inspired to share our grand adventure with you, and it just kept growing until, well......

Click this link (or the left sidebar icon) and see what we put together for you. It is so rich with inspiration, anecdotes, imagery, templates and how-to's- made by all of us- just for you. Loveliness.

To celebrate the launch, some of us are gearing up to post giveaways on our blogs. Rebecca. Pam. Teresa. Carolyn. Mine is the Jewelry Keeper project- made anew just for one of you. So, please sign in here with a comment and enter the drawing. And of course, we are hoping you order a copy today. I just know you'll want it to be landing on your doorstep as soon as possible. xoC....!

celebrated

Yes, it was special. Amazing. I always flash for a moment on Queen for a Day, a show in the 60's- used to watch that and Hazel when I was home sick from school- with my mother. I hope every mother felt like a queen- celebrated, special, appreciated on Mother's Day. I certainly did- just having them all home was wonderful. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments. My sweeties- just adore them. I do, I do!

And- so excited to tell you that Dede's sister, Amy Morton was nominated for a Tony Award yesterday! We are all so thrilled for her and certainly hoping she gets to be Queen for a Season on June 15th when they hand out the awards. Her performance in August: Osage County is so extraordinary- just knew watching her, in an unbiased way, that a Tony should have her name on it. Fingers crossed for her, and that Dede comes back to NY to represent the family in the audience. (Your room's always ready, D.)

Speaking of girlfriends. Ahem. Work to do in the studio here, but we are ever so close to our big reveal...our much-awaited project. You have all been so patient- for too long!  Announcements and fanfare to come. xoC

the memory tree

How dear they are, how touched I was. Ever year they somehow manage to outdo the one before- in the most thoughtfully unique way. I asked why they chose these memories and they said they wanted to share the little things they remembered that I might not have known about. In our pajamas, standing in the yard- laughing, crying, hugging- I hope they know that this is one day I will always remember.

And the tags came with a little dogwood tree- freshly planted outside my studio window. Just the loveliest day with the sweetest girls and Andy. That favorite quote of Elizabeth Bowen's- Memory is to love what the saucer is to the cup. Seriously. I need a great big bowl to go under a pitcher.

happy mother's day

In search of my mother's garden, I found my own. - Alice Walker

crowded house

Year's end at school. Mo made it safely home across country with three good friends who have been staying with us for several days. I love having them here and the way they change up the sleepy scene. Running back and forth from the train to the shower to the table to the couch, cell phones chirping, hair dryers whining, laptops humming. And all four of them shoulder to shoulder, connected to each other on every little thing, their settled plan, the past and future.

A few posts ago I was saying that one of our houses was too big for us, long ago when we were just starting out. The days of chasing small toys, herding boots, caps, mittens, hauling bushels of laundry. I wished for a cottage where we could be cozy in small spaces sized for our little family. The next house was more like that, especially with its front porch that kept us all close even when outside. Can't really call this present house a cottage, but it is surely small enough to fit that storybook fantasy. The reality is much less tidy than the dream. Stepping over the duffels and handbags and heels, I realize again that we are always chasing something, reaching for that imagined just-so.

I'm off to the stove with another bowl full of pancake batter and a stack of plates. The lovelies are beginning one more adventurous day with us. But first, clear off a chair here at the table, Goldilocks. I think this one is possibly just right.

wool again

Finally got back into the wool basket and just made up these bundles for my etsy shop. They are about 5 or 6 ounces each and have a variety of colors and patterns. Mostly all the same. Heading over there to post them now. Thanks again for all the visits and nice comments. xoC

results

I imagine that the results you came to read about are for the giveaway, but perhaps you won't mind a short recap of the house tour first.

A worried, grey day turned brighter just as the gates opened.

Visitors trickled in and wandered the estate grounds, buildings and points of interest.

A few discoveries on the tour included the beloved pet cemetery,

our oldest building, a hangout for Revolutionary War patriots,

and the prettiest handmade cookies a house tour could possibly offer.

We sold almost all the plates and took orders for a few dozen more. The event was so much fun- seeing the village stroll through, visiting with neighbors and seniors who shared stories of their own, fascinating notes rounding out the real history of a place. I think it was a lovely day for everyone- thanks to the great generosity of the homeowner.

**** Okay, on to the giveaway winner- it is Stacey, randomly chosen with this comment:  Lovely! Looking forward to your "mystery" project. Thanks, everyone, for your visits and kind comments. Almost ready to tell you more about that mystery project- and another giveaway. Soon. xoC

picture perfect

Busy getting ready for our village's annual historic house tour tomorrow. It's a fundraiser and every dollar counts so we'll have a table of souvenir and gift items for sale. Homemade cookies and lemonade too. After a quick how-to, several ladies and I decoupaged glass plates with copies of postcards from the archives of the Historical Society. Beautiful vintage images of our town landmarks and the Hudson River. The 1910 postmarks are from the same post office I use now.

Our plates turned out really well and we all enjoyed the evenings spent making them. Something like an old-fashioned quilting bee, small town fun with neighbors and a bottle of wine. Wish us luck tomorrow, hope for afternoon sunshine - and that we sell them all. Otherwise, we'll probably each give them to ourselves for Mother's Day. xoC