CHRISTMAS IS HERE--THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT..........

...........Actually, we are not having either goose or turkey or roast beef this year. I'm honoring the Mexican part of me so we are having Chicken in Salsa Verde Enchiladas, Salmon baked with pesto & spinach and Ham. Thank goodness we over-bought because we are having an additional 6 for dinner tomorrow which will make 21-22 (I think?) and I love it when the house overflows.....

I love traditional Christmas trees.......that said, this year I really wanted this tree

What could be better than an antler tree--I can even imagine how I'd decorate it.........there is only one small problem: the tree (although re-usable) costs about $13,000 on 1stdibs.

My Christmas wish list this year includes some of the following immensely necessary items:

The most gorgeous pair of onyx (?) obelisks that I have ever seen--and they are big guys, too. (For either side of the antler tree?)

The most extravagantly beautiful (I think Regency?) "Gothic" Hall Chairs. I'm not sure where I'd place them, but they are perfection.

I think I could skip the other two wish list items, if Santa would only bring me this pair of unequaled early 18th c. Queen Anne Japanned side chairs.

I am so grateful for the past year --it has been one of learning, stretching, growing, grieving and grasping just a bit more the meaning of being present. These are the gifts that fill my soul and lift me up. 

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(I cannot leave this week w/o mentioning the very tenuous position our democracy is in--please pray that we will reach a place of restoration soon. To shut down the government over a temper tantrum, to leave millions without a pay check, to waste billions of dollars and put our national security at risk in unconscionable. I could go on and on and on. Prayer for deliverance and thanksgiving for the blessings we have are the way forward.)

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Just to leave with a bit of whimsy and a touch of addiction. G. bought this gorgeous example of an Antony Redmile (British mid-late 20th c. artist) sculpture. My shop is brimming with animal-themed decorative items; so this guy fits right in.

Wishing everyone a wonderful loving Christmas.

Mary & Jones (needs prayers) and Cole

DID I STEP INTO A MONEY PIT?..........WADE REYNOLDS PAINTING

Last Thursday I bought this gorgeous nude by listed California artist, Wade Reynolds (1929-2011). I loved this modern painting done in chiaroscuro, suggesting an Italian Renaissance reference. I also liked the  wide mid-20th c. frame.

But he is the big no-no??? I became so enthralled with the depth of character revealed in the painting that I discounted the damage done to the canvas. And it is looking pretty bad as I enlarge the photos 
:(  :(   .......I have a pretty good paintings restorer. I'll call Bob next week and see what he says.

Drum Roll..............

There is a new Bravo design show scheduled for next year.........and guess where they were filming an episode??? Yep, that right!!!!!!! My spaces (I have quite a few) at the Pasadena Antique Center. The new design series is called "Best Room Wins"===two designers face off every week to compete. The young designer was really cute, but not very knowledgeable--so I coached him. I loved the crew--they worked seamlessly using a minimum of words to get their point across, very low key and smooth. Recognize the Warren Platner chairs?

I can't believe that Christmas is next week!!!!! Haven't bought any presents, done any planning, etc.
It's not that I am rejecting Christmas--I guess that it's the gift-giving that has me stymied. I love having everyone get together as family to celebrate and decorating and cooking and baking. But I'm pretty much over gift giving. Maybe next year.......

NEXT YEAR-----will this finally be the year that we see trumpism defeated? That Tea Party Republicans return to a desire to "collude" with Democrats to govern our amazing nation? I'm waiting, praying and taking actions.

Sending blessings for the week!!!!

Mary, Jones & Cole

JONES UPDATE

I think that Mr. Jones is finally on the mend. My gorgeous boy has not been doing very well. He has a pinched nerve in his back and spinal arthritis which has really slowed him down and kept him from doing his most favorite job--being my sales associate at the shop. When I got home today, Jones had taken his toys and leash out of his basket for the first time in months.....I think he's starting the feel more like himself--naughty but very nice. Maybe he can come to work with me for a bit on Sunday??

I've been focusing on getting items restored lately. Finally had the very large Italian beaded sconces taken apart, cleaned, new pendants added and then put back together. These guys measure over 4 feet in length and are now is great condition. There are strands upon strands of macaroni beads combined with at least 60 faceted pendants--hope that they will now go out the door ASAP.

And finally, the Anglo-Raj (Indian) cockfighting chair was delivered. this time Lalo got the upholstery and tacking just right.

I can't believe that we are almost at the end of 2018. In some ways the years has zoomed past; but in other I felt as if I were lagging a bit.....the new year is going to bring many surprises--especially in the political arena. Hopefully, by this time next year, both Trump and Pence will be memories in history books. We have a lot of ground to recover from the disastrous policies of the trump years (notice no capital t?). As a nation we are strong and resilient. I'm sure that the diverse freshman class of congress men and women will inspire much of the new policies.

Well, tomorrow is preview day. Business has picked up a bit and I am beginning to experience withdrawal symptoms from not buying and letting G get soaked in the rain to bid for us. I don't want to get too rusty.

Sending blessing for the rest of the week!!

xoxoxo

Mary, Jones & Cole

THE USUAL--A DAY IN A LIFE

I guess a little rain needs to fall once in a while. The above shots were taken of one of my period Art Deco Consoles (that took me a year to restore) by Alfred de Porteneuve (nephew of Ruhlman)

--that little damaged spot (the worst electrician in the world did it) is probably going to cost me about $400-$500 to repair: the entire top will need to be stripped, new section of macassar spliced in and then you must add in the transportation charges back and forth to restorer......... That is cement dust on the piano lacquer finish which, bien sure, has scratched the finish because someone decided to be helpful.........(please do not dust for me).

Next:

Here's a photo of the Anglo-Indian cock fighting chair at my upholsterer's shop--Lalo messed up the first time around. This time it's much better (but why can't he simply do what I ask the first time?). Hopefully those Paul McCobb-style ottomans are done right. The color is actually a light acidy-green (I think??) 

Sticking with Lalo and upholstery.......Gerry bought this pair of 40-50s round-tube side chairs.

But they needed new (old) bark cloth--and look at what I found on eBay (just the right amount, barely)

I love the vintage bark cloth--Lalo really struggle to have enough fabric. 
And finally... We're looking at this set of four (very poor condition) Edward Wormley for Dunbar open arm chairs. This particular auction house is known for having basically nothing but junk. That said, we have gotten a few very choice pieces from them. Of course, I went on a hunt to see if I could find other chairs like them.

And look what I found--apparently this is a rather rare model of Wormley chair

So I think we'll be making a run for these guys--once Roberto and Lalo get their hands on them, the chairs will look fantastic. Wish us luck, please.

It's finally gotten a little chilly around here: lots of rain on Thursday, which means snow on our local mountains--and we'll be getting more rain on Wednesday and Thursday. Thank you--we definitely need the rain!!

I watched some of the National Memorial Services for President Bush, a man of honor and dedication to our Nation. I wonder what would have been the course of history if he had been elected to a second term? Second Iraq war? I doubt it. Mr. small "t"elected? I doubt it. I pray that our next president will walk in the honored foot steps of President Bush.

Sending blessings for the week.

Mary & Jones & Cole

I'M BACK ..........WHERE TO START.................?

It's been my longest break from blogging in 6 years--I have a confession: with the Senate's confirmation of Kavanaugh, I lost faith in our amazing nation. And went into a pretty deep funk. I have experienced numerous times the failure of the judicial system to either believe or administer justice when a man is the other party in a legal action. And the painful, horrible, unjust process hit me like a train going 100 miles an hour.
But growth and hope reigns eternal and I know that what appears to be defeat hides the seeds of vindication....it's just that the timing can be pretty lousy.........

THANKSGIVING

Well.........we did it!!!! The House is  now firmly in the hands of people of integrity and conscience. Most of California is now out of mr. small t's hands and there are 39 and hopefully 40 new Democratic Members of Congress. So many courageous women--and some men who stepped up to have their voices counted.

This Thanksgiving Day I have so much to be thankful for--most of all the amazing connections and re-connections with old and new friends. Re-inspired connections with my family. A renewed sense of place. Emotional and spiritual deepening. A new sense of awe.

Haven't been shopping too much, but we have acquired a few new things. Here's a glimpse:

Gerry found this to-die-for pair of Large 18th c. Neoclassical Brackets or Sconces (and they were sleepers--no body paid attention to them at auction). Their nearly pristine condition would lead you to believe that they were 20th c. reproductions.

An amazing pair of early 20th c. Venetian Mirrors--also sleepers......

(Not very exciting photos)

Pair of Baker Campaign Chests (already sold--going to a very famous upcoming movie set)

A pair of iconic Warren Platner chairs (late 20th c.)

Fontana Arte attributed center table c. 1980s

The quality of the gilt bronze base is unequaled as it the optic beveled "starphire" glass top.

Finally, the period George III (late 18th c.) tilt top is ready...(measures 50" x 48")

After selling two pairs of lamps this week, we bought this gorgeous pair of mid-20th c. Italian glazed terra cotta lamps--pure Sister Parish or Albert Hadley.

Finally, displaying my period Louis XVI mahogany dining table properly--I love it!!

Gerry is a major Staffordshire (especially spaniels) collector. These pairs just arrived from England, as did the pugs. Just look at the faces of the spotted guys--so sweet. The spaniels with the little girls are uncommon, also.

The pugs are wonderful--

And finally, my dear friend Pamm found this poodle figurine on her last trip to Vegas. He was still in his original box and he is marked with the mid-20th c. Japan sticker. 

This is in honor of Jones, who is not doing very well. My gorgeous guy is now approaching 13 and has not recovered well from a fall that he took a few months ago. 

I took this photo of Jones when he was in his prime--isn't he handsome?

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.

(I promise I will not take any more extended breaks from the blog.)

Blessings,

Mary & Jones & Cole