Throwing it back two years ago, this was one of my favorite posts.. I hope you enjoy reading or re-reading it and the House music tune “Special”
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Gift Winner!
Hey everyone, I want to thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes. It really made my day even more special. I’ve gotten over the feeling “50” blues and danced my way around the house! Except now I just take a couple more breaks than before – lol! Okay, now getting to the point.. I just want to take a quick moment to announce the winner of the signed print.
Thank you all for participating in the giveaway – and Linda- Enjoy your art 🙂
I hope it brings a subtle smile when you think of me and our blogging memories. Linda blogs at Lindaglovinghome. Please visit her blog for more beautiful inspirational ideas and sewing tips to decorate and love your home.
Once again, thank you all for the birthday wishes and I’ll see you in the next post.
Smooches!
Birthday Gift
Hello, hello, hello.. I’m not sure if I should be feeling excited or miserable. I’ve got mixed feelings… I guess you’re wondering why?? Well, by the time you read this.. I just reached my 50th Plateau!
uggghhhh.. mind you I’m always happy and very thankful to see another birthday, but good-gosh do they have to come so quickly ??? Yikes 🙁 where did the time go… But Ok… enough of the pity-party – Yes- I’m happy- It’s my birthday and guess what?? Some lucky reader will get a gift too! (I wish I could give each of you a gift) but unfortunately, only one lucky reader this time.
Now let me tell you about my birthday gift. Last year I went to the Gullah Festival in Charleston, SC. I came upon an artist name Patricia, I saw her work and adored it. Her use of vibrant colors and bold strokes caught my eye. When I actually took the time to speak with Patricia, she was one of the most pleasant ladies I’d met. Patricia and her daughter, Faridah established Sabree’sArt Gallery, and they are truly a pair of warm and friendly people. Honestly speaking, that was partly the reason I decided to buy her art. Here are some of the pieces I loved by her:
I had to come home with one… and this is the painting I chose.. (although it didn’t technically come home with me that day..Thankfully, she had a payment plan and I jumped on it..) 🙂 
This painting is called “Version of Self” and I’m the proud owner of the original painting :-). This was my 50th Birthday gift from me to me. 🙂 . One splurge per decade I think is allowable (right??)
“A Version of Self”- Thy self has chosen to experience all versions. May she be a conscious witness of herself, who is highlighted amongst this reality. Life’s own music elevated her here. May she collect the notes of her own album. Her previous foot steps recommends her return. To have thought to see just how the water glistens like pearls… To have guessed that the waves awaken by thy presence… To have misunderstood the palms’ distractions made it clear to see all of self’s relation to the source.
After reading that…I felt that was perfect for me.
And this my dear friends is the gift to the lucky winner! A signed 12×18 print of “Test the Waters”
“Test the Waters” – How many times have we sat on the shoreline watching our lives drift pass us much like pebbles floating precariously across the sand? In the piece entitled, “Test the Waters,” a beautiful graceful young woman is contemplating taking a chance on following her dreams, but in the back of her mind she has fears of failure. Coming to the waters is her favorite spot due to its serenity. However, as long as she stays planted on the shoreline, she may never know how far her dreams will take her. To take a chance on living one’s dreams is a beautiful thing, yet most of us go through life day after day living our nightmares, instead of living our dreams. At the end of one’s life, the biggest risk is the one we don’t take.
And I chose this one because, I’m so glad I decided to “Test the Waters” of blogging. I decided to not just be a blog reader and wondering if anyone will read mine or follow me, but instead I took the plunge and created VivaLaVintage. It was one of the best decisions I made, and through my blog I’ve met so many wonderful people. So, I’m sharing a piece of me to you through this piece of art. So hopefully, whoever wins it, will think of me. Click over to my Facebook page to enter the contest – and Good Luck!!
Time for me to go have cake!! Yayyyy I get another Carvel Ice Cream Cake (I LOOOOOVE THOSE!!)
If you enjoyed her art, by all means, view the entire gallery here.. and let her know Jamala sent you 🙂
SMOOCHES!!!!
Moms Are So Special
Today and Everyday Moms Are Special People!! I want to wish all my Special Moms a very Happy Mother’s!!!
My mother, whom I put on a pedestal for her unconditional, undying love and support she continues to have for her children and grandchildren, God could not have blessed our family with a more precious woman. We love her so very much. Through her I learned how to become the best mom for my children.
Today is the calendar day that we are acknowledged for all we do.. but Everyday is Mothers Day and I thank God for blessing me with that privilege. Enjoy Celebrating Your Special Day
Chair Me Up!
Well I’ve had a good long weekend and it’s back to the ole drawing board.. as the DD commercial says.. it’s time to make the doughnuts” as I drag myself out of bed. I always reflect back to when I first saw this piece of art that reminded me sooooo much of myself on Monday mornings. It’s called Blue Monday by Annie Lee. You can see more of her artwork here.
I hope I’m not the only one who has this feeling on Monday (Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday & Friday) mornings.. chuckles..I’m just kidding … Ok, ok… moving along… It’s been a while since I’ve posted something for my Monday Makeover and I’m excited to show you this one. Over the years, I’ve met quite a few chairs that I hold dear to me and this is one..well… was one that I’ve waited quite a while to do anything with. When I first saw Clarissa.. (that’s the name I gave her… means gentle) – I know – call me crazy.. but I’ve come quite attached to some of the objects around the house and I figure since they’re in the family then why not name some of them.. chuckles.. My husband just shook his head when I said meet Clarissa..( in other words.. I’ve gone coo-coo for coco puffs..) LOL!! Well if an artist can give his paintings names.. then how come I can’t give my furniture names.. right?? Ok.. now.. when I first saw Clarissa, she was a poor lost soul – very gentle and delicate. She had been left unattended and stripped of her cloth baring her insides waiting to be covered up. I could tell she was once a beautiful creature, gracing a lavish home (at least that’s what I imagine). Her curves were none like I’ve ever seen in my travels and I really wanted her. She belonged to a dear elderly antique dealer/friend name Joyce, who kept her for a very long time waiting to get her repaired. Joyce had so many beautiful chairs and she kept saying she’ll have it done eventually. Well sad story is that Joyce never did have her done and unfortunately she’s ill and would not ever see her again. I held onto this chair since her illness tucked away in my storage. I finally decided to take her out and bring her back to life .. Here she is ..
Just a s shell of her was all that was left.. I can’t imagine how someone could mistreat such a beautiful object.
Judging by her stuffing – of cotton and horse hair – she was made in the early 1900’s – so this chair has been around roughly 100+ years.
But I guess considering her age, it’s a blessing she’s still standing.. (God knows I probably won’t be standing at 100 years – chuckles). I pulled her out of storage and made up my mind to finally get her done. It is her time to shine again and grace the home of a loving owner – ME! And here she is.. Meet the NEW Clarissa
I tried to save the bird fabric on the back but it was too damaged and dry rot.
I even searched for a fabric with a bird backdrop but couldn’t find anything pleasing to my satisfaction. I just decided to go with a patterned back and a solid ultra-suede (although it was velvet on her before)
All in all – I’m very pleased with her new look
If chairs really had souls – I think she’d be smiling at her new look and pleased to feel back at home
Welcome Home Clarissa!!
Glad to have you join us! I’m sure if Joyce could see her she would love her. I hope you all are pleased with Clarissa’s new look as much as I am.. and if so.. holla at your girl! Happy Monday and enjoy the rest of your week.. Smooches