TOPSY-TURVY...........AGAIN?

I've been quiet this week. I'm still a bit concerned over Jones' ears. They are gradually getting better, but it's back to the vet on Friday. We'll see. Maybe acupuncture?

Anyway.......I did preview at My AUCTION today and there are several things that are coming up that I have my eye on. (The vargueno is long forgotten and it's the new sparkles that are calling--I know, I'm fickle)

I sold my set of 6 Pierre Patout dining chairs last week and just look at this set of 8 mid-century Italian babies

  

I like the exagerated crests and the leather is in fairly good condition (read: not too much restoration needed). Sets of 8 chairs are hard to find...we'll see what happens. (Actually, I sold 10 chairs last week; so I'm allowed to replace them)

I love these mirrored frames. I have some art work that would look great in them......the wide antiqued mirrored pannels are stunning and the frames are big!

There is this really large (but new) round mirror

The molding is in a 17th c. Dutch or Italian style--it would look stunning over a modern lacquered credenza or buffet........

Which leads me to this mid-century Monteverdi-Young buffet or credenza......I neglected to take a photo of the entire piece as I wanted detail shots to compare the craftmanship with other Monteverdi-Young pieces. I know that the photo is awful, but this is the piece that I'm eyeing very closely. It is unique, the workmanship is top notch and it is definitely not boring.

And then there is this mid-century Danish style credenza/buffet--this piece is a "seller" but very boring....

And finally, there is this beautiful nude done in water colors, pencil and crayon. 

I really want her, but have not had much luck with my art lately. This is a very large piece......we'll see.

But I need to save my pennies....I just learned TODAY that my location on La Cienega will be closing on February 28!! I really did not expect this as I am doing very well there and I just expanded last month. (You would think that they would have told me BEFORE I took more space and had Roberto move me in ($$$$) and I'm pretty sure the owner knew that this was in the works)

But not to worry--my little brain has ideas and plans on the back burner. 

Blessings to all-----wish me luck.

Mary & Jones & Cole

WELL--YOU CAN'T WIN THEM ALL.............

I was up and out the door and at MY AUCTION before the auction even started. It was looking very auspicious--not too many people and no one that I knew who would offer competition. So I sat down to wait.......Miguel didn't pull the Vargueno out from under the table until quite late---so I kept the faith. When the auctioneer came to MY VARGUENO he announced it as an old tool chest of some sort (I guess he hadn't looked inside) so I really got hopeful.

The bidding started at $10.00!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. But it soon became apparent that one other person knew what MY VARGUENO was........so we bid back and forth to about $500.00 and I dropped out.

It would still have been a great price, but the vargueno was missing its very important lock and even more important stand. And it was the more simple form which means not as many interested buyers..............

I'm still hopeful.....you just never know what's going to drop in your lap.

Thanks for cheering for me.

xoxo

Mary & Jones & Cole

I HAVE WANTED ONE OF THESE SINCE 1979

The above photo is an exceptional example of a Spanish 16th c. Vargueno (some spell it (incorrectly) Bargueno).

I moved to Spain (very pregnant) in 1978. Two months after my wonderful daughter was born, I was on a quest to learn as much as I could about Spanish antiques. My first exposure to a Vargueno must have been in early 1979--and it was love at first sight. I'm always drawn to the least embellished pieces of furniture--I consider the lines, purity of form and beauty of the wood to be equal to modernist sculpture. A great piece of furniture, that has acquired a soul brings the same energy to a room as abstract art or sculpture.

Take a look at what I found hiding under a table and in the cheap section of the auction (I'll have to get there really early tomorrow)

Yes, it really is hiding under a table (hopefully it will stay there and no one else will see it--pretty please!)

I pulled it out a little to photograph the vargueno--but not much. 

I think this particular example is Castilian and dates to the late 16th or early 17th c. It is quite plain with simple molding on the interior drawers. It has lost its stand and lock---I hate those crazies for stealing locks out of antiques. But the beautiful iron work is all present as are all the drawers. Roberto will have to do a bit of touch-up restoration, but all-in-all, it is in pretty good shape. Here are few more detail shots.

Varguenos made their appearance during the Spanish Renaissance. Their primary use was for the safe keeping of important paper, jewelry and other valuables. The vargueno was designed with side carrying handles so that it could be easily carried to different locations. The drop front was used as a writing surface. A papelera is similar to a vargueno, but lacking the drop front. 

The most desirable examples of varguenos are those that are highly detailed with fine inlays of bone, precious woods, tortoise, silver, fine miniature paintings, etc. Of course, the more highly ornamented the vargueno, the higher the status of the owner.

Here are a few more examples of varguenos taken from google and 1stdibs.

The next to the last photo shows a vargueno which is very similar to the one that's hiding under the table.......

WISH ME LUCK!!

Jones is gradually improving. Still has a way to go before he is 100 percent.

Blessing.

Mary & Jones & Cole

PS  WELL, I JUST READ WHAT I WROTE LAST NIGHT AND I'M NOT VERY HAPPY WITH WHAT I WROTE. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAY ABOUT VARGUENOS, BUT I WAS A BIT GROUCHY. NEXT POST WILL GIVE MORE DETAILS AND MORE PHOTOS OF THE LITTLE LONELY VARGUENO THAT I'M BUYING THIS MORNING.

xoxo  MARY

HE'S BETTER

Jones is on the road to recovery. Thank you to every one for prayers.

We aren't out of the woods yet. But he's getting his balance back and his vision is improving, too.

So that means I'm on the hunt once more. I previewed my auction today, but didn't see too much. But you just never know.

xoxo

Mary & Jones & Cole

VESTIBULAR DISEASE---MY POOR BOY

I did not want to learn about this disease, I did everything I was supposed to do..........and yet, here we are.

My sweet beautiful Jones:

And now he has this

AND HE LOOKS LIKE THESE GUYS

I haven't taken any photos of him as I do not want to remember what he has been through the last few weeks (and my broken heart). 

So, if anyone feels like praying----we could sure use a few shout outs!!

I'm sure that Jones will recover, don't know whether my bank account will.

Mary & Jones & Cole (Cole is fine)

NEW YEAR--ORGANIZING

Anyone who really, really knows me is aware of the fact that my paper work habits are not good. In fact, they are pretty abysmal. Regarding inventory, restorations, authenticity, shipping, client relationships---I am a perfectionist. But this year (despite my paper work issues, ie., panic attacks) I am determined to rework my brain into better patterns. 

As I was reading the blog "Cococozy", I was struck by this image--now I am not a minimal Swedish design person, although I love many of the elements.

A couple of weeks ago, I brought home from the shop this great 20th c. French solid walnut cabinet. I think that I'm on the same page....but the specifics are a bit different.

This cabinet would fit perfectly into the "Cococozy" space. But it is quite a bit heavier ---and I can stash my "stuff" (as in mess) behind the mesh front doors. Although this piece appears to be much larger than the Swedish open space, it simply allows for much more storage in the same amount of space (and lets me be messy which is nearly impossible with minimalist interiors)--I have a vintage French saw horse base table created from 19th c. walnut shutters that I use as a desk.......not great, but kinda goes with the cabinet....... at least both pieces are walnut??

I know that I could "stage" the cabinet and take amazing photos of him, but NO, this guy is going to be my new assistant. And I do need one.

Jones is much better--but still battling with those ears!

Prayers to all of those that have been touched by the attacks in Paris. These acts were not about religion or faith. My prayer is that we can embrace the good in all of humanity standing united against all acts of barbarism.

Mary

BLACK EYED PEAS-----MY SOUTHERN YEARS

In honor of my many years of living in the The South, I always fix Black Eyed Peas with Ham for New Year's Day. This year, I strayed a bit from creating a purely Southern dish.

I started with 3 1 lb. packages of frozen blacked peas (you can also use the dried kind) I love the flavor of the frozen peas.

Then I started adding a bit here and there.

SOUTHERN BLACK EYED PEAS ......(A La Mary)

3- 1 lb. packages frozen Black Eyed Peas

1- cup chopped left over smoked bone-in ham (make sure to use enough of the fat for flavor)

1/2 cup chopped sweet or red onion

4 long stalks celery (de-stringed) chopped med-fine

2-3 large cloves garlic chopped fine

1 piece fresh ginger (1" x 1.5") cut into v. fine strips

8 whole cloves

1/4 t. fennel seeds

2 bay leaves

Black pepper

4 oz. mixed organic baby greens (spinach, kale, etc.)

Put peas and ham in soup pot, add water to cover plus 1 inch.

Add cloves, fennel, bay leaves and black pepper

Saute onions, celery, garlic and ginger in olive oil and add to soup.

Bring soup to full boil; turn heat down to quite low and simmer for about 45 -60 min. or until the peas are soft, but not mushy.

When the soup is ready bring it to almost a full boil.

Turn off the heat and add 4 oz. mixed baby greens; stir.

Cover and let sit for about 5 mins.

And serve------

The addition of the fennel, cloves and ginger gives a little sparkle to the peas. And deepens the flavor without making the peas spicy. Notice--I didn't add any salt.

Jones loves them, too. My boy is much much better--still haven't made it to the park as it is quite chilly here--Yeah! Finally a few days of winter. WE have even had snow in the Orange County mountains!!

Sending New Year's Blessings to all. I just read the latest post of The Paris Apartment. Claudia's study of Coco Chanel is inspiring me to shape things up a bit. I love many of Chanel's quotes--what a lady.

Joy.

Mary & Jones & Cole

****I appropriated the photos from Google Images.