Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Joyeux Noel!





Graphic: Tattered Vintage 






What would a festive occasion be without printing out something from Beth at Tattered Vintage? 
I just love the power of easy, affordable beauty.


Card printed with 'Pas de Quatre' lithograph: Bella Sera Designs


Vintage tree topper: Efinegifts




Graphic: Tattered Vintage


My studio lit for the holidays under the full moon of the winter solstice.


All of you gift me, with your beautiful words and your beautiful blogs, thank you so much!  
I thought I’d sprinkle a little aqua/blue/green in my white holiday décor this year. 
Used so often in summer, one forgets how charmingly wintry these hues can be. 



 Photo: Victoria November/December 2008


This spread from Victoria has haunted me ever since I first saw it. 
It’s the sort of ‘impossible’ detail only money or time begets. 
I don’t have either and I don’t care, but it’s so rewarding just staring at it, n’est-ce pas?

Here are some images I found from kind Lisa over at Urban Farmhouse
and sweet Mandy at the ultra elegant A la Parisienne.   Some of these are offered for sale.







My unfinished 'Second' Shabby Streamside Studio for my (hopeful) book.



Two big, fat dreams of mine are to write two books, one based on the holidays
and one on building a small home.   My agent hasn’t been able to secure a
deal for me at one of the huge publishing houses yet.   In fact, he hasn’t returned phone
calls or emails.   I can gracefully take a hint.   I remain undaunted.  
My search for a publisher continues, so everyone keep using those tripods
and shooting in the highest resolution on your cameras.
We’re making a book!


May all your dreams come true this holiday season and in the new year.

Until next year, stay shabby!


I’ll be sharing this with:



White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Vintage Friday at Common Ground


Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Silent Night









St. Patrick’s photo: Jeff Hutton

St. Patrick’s photo: Corinne Cavallo



Photo: Paul Kolnik for the New York City Ballet



Sunday I was so tired in the afternoon I thought I’d lie down.   Nearly three hours later, I woke up to my studio at night.   I thought of all my favorite things on holiday evenings: walking in Manhattan with the smoky scent of burnt-roasted chestnuts, watching The Nutcracker, wrapping presents, Zuzu snuggled by the woodstove, my tree and its vintage ornaments, and the aroma of baking from my husband’s kitchen.

What do you love about evenings during the holidays?

Until next time, stay shabby!


I’ll be sharing this with:

White Wednesday at Faded Charm


Vintage Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Get in the holiday spirit with all the talented participants!

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Jeanne d'Arc Living Xmas Book Winner is: Pam from Indiana!

Thanks for all of your entries, blog buttons, and ultra sweet comments.   I really hope you keep coming back, and that I don't disappoint you!   The best thing about this giveaway is it's exposed me to blogs I've yet to discover, and I look forward to visiting over the holiday.

The ramdom number picker selected Pam from Indiana!


Pam, since it appears you don't have a Google account, would you kindly email me at zuzudotfosteratgmaildotcom so I can ship your book and gifts out to you?   I hope this makes you feel better since you mentioned you were down with the flu.   And you thought you wouldn't win! 

Your luck can change for the better.

Everyone remember that.

Until next time, stay shabby!