LIVING CONNECTED--SERENDIPITOUS WEEK

This has been a glorious early Los Angeles summer week. Two weeks ago we were sweltering in 100+ and this week we were in the mid-70's. And to top it off: not much traffic as lots of commuters took advantage of the 4th of July to go on vacation.

This week there were so may little details that needed organizing--miraculously, just when I needed to speak with some one or get help unloading a piece of furniture, an "angel" appeared to make the tasks effortless and I didn't even have to ask. I wish I knew exactly how creation is organized for this to happen, but I am constantly reminded of how intimately connected we are and how my attitude changes my reality. My old reality was to bean count and focus on little insignificant goals. I'm becoming aware of when I step back into those self-limiting patterns and I'm learning how to escape them. It feels good to be open without end-point expectations.

Last week I went to auction having previewed it, but hadn't seen much to strike my fancy--but decided to visit with my dealer friends.....no expectations, just open to what might show up.......and I did score (big time). I guess the biggest surprises/gifts were these guys

I had liked them the day before, hadn't checked them out very well, but they reminded me of Dunbar or Robsjohn-Gibbings chairs, c. 1950-60, plus the original upholstery was still in pretty good condition just needed new cushion inserts.

Well, when I picked them up today I looked for the maker's tags. Sure enough, they were marked Cal-Mode, Culver City. Although the name sounded familiar, I couldn't place it. Well, Cal-Mode was the name that Monteverdi-Young used in its first year of production!!!! And Monteverdi-Young is a really great company. I found this similar single Monteverdi-Young chair on 1stdibs--I think that my profit margin will be just fine

The legs are just a bit different and the back cushion is loose, but essentially it's the same chair. 

Next up is this late 1950's chest of drawers or buffet

An entire unmatched bedroom suite was being offered in one lot.... nobody wanted the entire suite; so I stole this gorgeous Henredon piece and donated the other pieces to charity. Usually black or ebonized pieces like this need to be completely stripped and refinished, but I think Roberto can fix this one. Chests like this can be placed in diverse settings: dining room buffet, grand entry, living room--and, of course, bedroom. I'd love to see this guy in a New York living room--the copper and wood hardware is to die for and all twelve handle are in perfect condition. Roberto finish the mirror black Japanese porcelain lamps-they would look better on a lighter buffet.

If anyone follows Ellie O'Connell's blog "Have Some Decorum", here is the latest: she's coming back to California (yeah!!!) and Ellie is having a fantastic sale this Friday with amazing new exclusive chinoiserie items. If you haven't read Have Some Decorum, I highly recommended it--not the usual design blog, but a heart-filled narration of one person's journey through life that is also filled with love and passion for people and antiques/decorative arts. 

Well, I've got to wrap this up and get to bed. Thank you for letting me vent my blessings/lessons of the day.

Mary & Jones & Cole

(Jones is still suffering from post horrendous 4th of July fireworks nerves--my poor boy starts to get shaky as night falls anticipating the booms)