SO MANY BLESSINGS

 This has been a very tough month so far. The trials of the last four years which seem to worsen every day, COVID, the deaths of so many black citizens, the riots the Western fires (The Bobcat fire is really close), and now the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg have all impacted me directly. Much has been said about Justice Ginsburg over the last few days--so I will not add my two cents--but if I were ever to get a tattoo (and I am opposed to body art), a little tiny RBG on my left wrist would be appropriate for me and a reminder to always keep on fighting for equal justice for all human beings. Of course, I'm very concerned that Herr Trump and his accomplices will ram through another despicable Supreme Court appointment. I am very concerned for our democracy........so WE MUST VOTE.

Roberto and I have been very busy reorganizing (I had to find a couple inches for all of our new inventory).... Those beds are very special--a Pair of French faux bamboo beds are almost impossible to find and these guys were in great shape. And next to the beds is a Deco Bamboo writing table and then there is the Gustavian stool and the period Louis XVI stools... and let's not forgot the Billy Haines Opaline glass lamps!! A lot goin' on!

And I thought I'd add a little bit of "tacky/cool" to the 

newest space

Gerry and I are getting ready for winter nights when you want to be surrounded by the glow of a fire--so we've been busy acquiring log bins.....

First up: A 19th c. English copper coal skuttle (large enough for logs, too) which has a wonderful deep patina, hairy paw feet and lion's head handles.

This bin is typically Victorian in form but showing Regency influences. 

Next Up: A large French late 18th/early 19th c. Armorial brass log bin detailed with ferocious lion head handles, raised fleur-de-lys and, of course, the raised armorial crest.

We bought this amazing "perdonium" (fancy word for coal skuttle) about 6 weeks ago......it is gorgeous. It shows a bit of age (patina) and has a couple of dents to the top--but it is definitely late 18th or early 19th century English--look at that solid cast finial, hairy paw feet and lion's head handles--very chic.

And then, the piece de resistance is my large English Peat Bucket from last year... what more could we want?

Well, it's late.

And I'm missing Ruth Bader Ginsburg's presence.

I know that we will have another warrior for justice arise, but right now, existence is a little more tenuous without her.

Blessings for the week. Stay safe and healthy.

Mary

DISASTERS........

I just don't know what to say. I know that if I were Pamela Terry (House of Edward Blog), I could be eloquent. But I'm not eloquent today. 

I am devastated by the admitted intentional misleading of us regarding the lethality and spread of COVID-19, which has led to what I consider to be Trump's Genocide.

I am devastated by our fires--my shop is not far from the fire lines. I have friends who have been evacuated. And, although I live 40 miles away at the beach, the cars are covered with ash; the skies are hazy and smokey; the sky is threatening. 

I am devastated to see trump (small t is intentional) be so disrespectful during the 9/11 ceremonies. My sadness increased remembering all those that were lost, children loosing parents; wives becoming widows; husbands loosing their best friends and knowing that COVID takes that many almost daily.

And yet, I have so much to be thankful for..... everyone is healthy and being very careful. We celebrated Mia's (miracle child) 10th birthday and Sam's 18th. These two have survived significant health challenges and are now super healthy.

My business is going great; buying amazing items!

BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT MATTERS.....as Michele Obama clarifies:                        PLAN YOUR VOTE  & VOTE

Sending love and prayers,

MARY

                                                                                                                                                           

FEELING VERY GUILTY......BUT I'M BACK.

I can't believe that it has been a month since I lasted posted. No excuses....just super busy and challenged by my meager photography skills--and not enough space to take photos.

But.........I have to brag.....In March, just before everything shut down, I bought this pair of A. Rudin (one of the best American upholstered furniture manufacturers) at my auction for a fraction of their original cost.

As we all experienced, everything shut down and the chairs hid in my garage for months. I knew that I wanted to take the frame away from boring traditional. I kept eyeing my daughter's African mud cloth textiles that she had scattered around the house. And then Dao (daughter) led me to African Ndop ceremonial textiles and I was hooked. Needless to say, Ndops are quite pricey, whereas mud cloth pieces are quite within my budget. Dao went to the Long Beach Veteran's Swap meet 3 weeks ago and via photo I purchased 4 vintage mud cloths and 1 vintage Ndop textile. (The merchant fell in love with Dao--she's gorgeous--and reduced the price by 50% just for her) The Ndop is on the backs........Lalo brought the chairs back yesterday and I have been on a high ever since. Lalo did the most amazing job of following my instructions to the most minute detail--everything is centered, lined up matching, etc., etc., etc. There are four separate textiles in each of these chairs--amazing.

I feel incredibly blessed to be able to work with the talented and faithful people that enable me to do whatever it is that I do without having to worry about level of workmanship and dedication to quality. I also value their input on my creative ventures.

It has been incredibly hot here in Los Angeles. Yesterday, it was 114 in the shade in Pasadena. Cooler at the beach, but still hot. Our fires are still burning with people being evacuated. Please send a few prayers our way--we desperately need a few good soaking rains--but no downpours--to put the fires out.

Less than two months 'til November 2. Please consider volunteering and donating and encouraging everyone you know to vote. This is the most important election of our Democracy. I pray for truth and no outside (or inside) interference in our election. God help us.

Must get off to bed--blessings for the week.

Mary