tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43404087583762393722024-02-08T23:12:37.835-08:00The World According to IsaBlue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-38464860280511898512014-06-25T15:47:00.002-07:002014-06-25T15:47:45.110-07:00Settling Back In<div style="text-align: center;">
It is finally time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you after I clean up a few things around here...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xx isa</div>
Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-12163467567125685302012-03-12T13:39:00.005-07:002012-03-12T13:52:27.542-07:00Happy Monday.<div style="text-align: center;"><br />A new week ahead... <br />filled with <br />endless possibilities,<br />inspiration<br />&<br />joy.<br /><br /><a href="http://i39.tinypic.com/34s5tvk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/34s5tvk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Putti plaque of stone from my garden.</em></span><br /><br /><br />Happy Monday.<br />xo isa<br /><br />_____~*~_____<br />Sources & Credits<br />Putti Plaque photo by Isabeau Grey</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-25328675967065082572011-12-31T23:33:00.000-08:002012-01-01T00:15:26.914-08:00Goodbye 2011<div style="text-align: center;">As I stand on the proverbial threshold with 2011 at my back and 2012 in front of me, I have to say that this has been the strangest year. I wanted to immediately say it was the fastest year I have experienced - but that would be incorrect. Fast doesn't describe it. It is more surreal -- a time warp. All of a sudden I am at the end of it.<br /><br />When I was well, I measured the year in what all I accomplished, and I would feel so proud of all the projects completed, the beauty created in the gardens, my home, my work.... this year, I fell down on most of that if you use those terms. I certainly didn't blog as much as I wanted -- but please know that I wanted to, and I think of all the people that have touched my life through blogland.... all the beauty that was shared with me, all the inspiration that affected me<br />... and I thank you.<br /><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1rpzps" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/1rpzps.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This year, my measurement for the year is that I lived to see it. I am tougher than the cancer that is trying to take over my body. I am more than that. I am not defined by that. It is a whole new way of seeing things and I am still adjusting to my new reality.<br /><br />I look so forward to a new year, and to be able to spend it with you. Thank you - each and every one of you for what you added to my world. I am eternally grateful and wish you all the best that life has to offer in this upcoming year - and always.<br /><br />Happy, happy new year.<br />xo isa<br /><br />---~*~---<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:85%;">CREDITS</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:85%;">Swan photo - source unknown.</span><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-79570580341431457662011-11-05T23:00:00.000-07:002011-11-05T23:10:06.685-07:00Take Flight...<div style="text-align: justify;">It has definitely been one of those weeks. Because I marked my calendar incorrectly, I missed participating in <a href="http://splenderosa.blogspot.com/2011/11/chapter-3-our-international-blog-party.html">Marsha's lovely International writing party</a>. There is no such thing as being fashionably late when it comes to something like that. I am so disappointed that I missed it, and in myself for doing so. I truly apologize.<br /><br />The theme was <span style="font-style: italic;">What we have always wanted to do, but have never done... </span>I was excited to write about it, and it has been on my mind so heavily, so I want to share, in short version, what my heart has always longed for... don't laugh.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I wish that I could fly.<br /></div><br />My only recurring dream, and one I have had since I can remember, is that I can fly. It is always the same. It begins over the ocean, it is in slow motion.... I soar lazily over the sea, along the face of a beautiful cliff and over treetops and up towards the sun. There is nothing but the gorgeous scenery in my dream, and the feeling of total freedom and total bliss. I love that dream.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I found this amazing video of starlings in flight at dusk (with the London Symphony Orchestra as background) -- it's very different from my dream, but it is something to behold.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Enjoy.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eakKfY5aHmY" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><br /><br />Happy weekend, my friends. See you Monday.<br />xo isa<br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-39226115774268135302011-10-15T15:25:00.002-07:002013-11-27T20:24:40.511-08:00The heart wants what the heart wants...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and it whispers it to your soul...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd14oiNPFsiQ48rK7bMPS2PrbhqMg-RZahain-27IuLMKhTHi8P7-yAWg4yO5jEv3ubI7CcxzVflkyrAshMvsIEH2yTDRSQoZI1SV-_s2H8kAOEkfaG1o4y54N-qL3RDjC2n836JX_vcem/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd14oiNPFsiQ48rK7bMPS2PrbhqMg-RZahain-27IuLMKhTHi8P7-yAWg4yO5jEv3ubI7CcxzVflkyrAshMvsIEH2yTDRSQoZI1SV-_s2H8kAOEkfaG1o4y54N-qL3RDjC2n836JX_vcem/s640/A4.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
when you happen upon beauty that reaches you on such a deep level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetBhHDgSgOFQglqtIVmMSi89ZHJ9VBgbmGD1I7GtHYLkZFguO_Xm0vHciJ3fGtybyCeE79aui-NeNAJggSW1llLvpeYBxwOq1PEuPKVTw7A1lQ5Szdaua16LMMbFimOpdmC9i1pHfhO2T/s1600/irish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetBhHDgSgOFQglqtIVmMSi89ZHJ9VBgbmGD1I7GtHYLkZFguO_Xm0vHciJ3fGtybyCeE79aui-NeNAJggSW1llLvpeYBxwOq1PEuPKVTw7A1lQ5Szdaua16LMMbFimOpdmC9i1pHfhO2T/s640/irish2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your heart races...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i56.tinypic.com/2eydqnt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 400px;" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2eydqnt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
It is the same feeling<br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i53.tinypic.com/27zb0py.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 758px;" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/27zb0py.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
of being in love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8ep8AluR_trRg_Q6YAgvLlpltwVcg1oPsck65_HybklfjahkwqU3mdxInbwkG9VRU63LjjMDyhAZ8zwIx3iHjaGqvi72vs1mBnDh4FhUggYeJCoNm_IHsCb3cQu6YfmjTXpCX34bXqzA/s1600/Antique+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8ep8AluR_trRg_Q6YAgvLlpltwVcg1oPsck65_HybklfjahkwqU3mdxInbwkG9VRU63LjjMDyhAZ8zwIx3iHjaGqvi72vs1mBnDh4FhUggYeJCoNm_IHsCb3cQu6YfmjTXpCX34bXqzA/s640/Antique+Gardens.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you ever wonder why you respond to certain things this way?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i52.tinypic.com/1582nu1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 442px;" src="http://i52.tinypic.com/1582nu1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
What are the beauties that make your knees buckle?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i53.tinypic.com/2gujyau.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 690px;" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2gujyau.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<br />
Whatever it is for you, I hope that you are surrounded in its beauty all weekend long. I am picking out paint colors. The magic begins anew in our little McMini by the Sea... <br />
See you Monday.<br />
<br />
xo isa<br />
<br />
________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:85%;">Sources & Credits</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:85%;">Photo 1 - Photography by Eugène Atget. (French, 1857-1927) Museum of Modern Art - Abbott-Levy Collection. Partial gift of Shirley C. Burden. <a href="http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A229%7CA%3AAR%3http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifAE%3A1&page_number=19&template_id=1&sort_order=1">MOMA.org/collection</a> Photo 2 -<a href="http://curiositycontained.tumblr.com/"> Tumblr </a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82895163/provence-photo-aix-en-provence-fountain?ref=fp_ph_10&src=favitm">HERE</a> Photo 4 - Driftwood Baroque Chandelier by <a href="http://bobointriguingobjects.com/bobo_web/Chandeliers/Entries/2008/8/22_driftwood_baroque_chandelier.html">Mark Sage</a>. Photo 5 - Interior Design of ID & Artist <a href="http://www.elisevaldorcia.com">Elise Valdorcia</a> Photo 6 - <a href="http://www.bellanottelinens.com/">Bella Notte Linens</a> -- Photo 7 - via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/plumsiena.blogspot.com/2010/12/perfection.html">PlumSiena.</a> photography source and publication unknown other than it is connected to Axel Vervoordt. If anyone knows the credits, please let me know as I would love to list them. </span> Photo 3 - Photography by Irene Suchocki, available for purchase<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-60159335591785077872011-10-09T18:55:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:21:34.745-07:00Bound For the Heart...<span style="font-style: italic;" class="body">You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.</span> -- C.S. Lewis<br /><br />We are avid readers here in Museville. Nothing quiets the world like a weighty book in hand, a big, soft chair and a hot cup of tea. The hustle and bustle of life fades as the lovely departure commences into distant lands, others hearts, dreams and lives. Their love stories, history and adventure unfold as you lose yourself within the pages.<br /><br />I have books stacked in every room of my house. On the shelves, the tables, under the tables... One of my guilty pleasures is collecting breathtakingly beautiful books -- everything is art, isn't it? Your soul begs to be surrounded in beauty. Life is just better inundated in beauty.<br /><br />Well, how lucky am I when the book doubles up with the absolute obsession I have with ancient reliquaries and antique religious art...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wait until you see these.<br />You might want to sit down.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=swaj9i" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/swaj9i.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">SPANGENBERG, JOHANNES. Postilla. 1794 (Silver binding). The information was written in olde German, but translate loosely to: Interpretation of the Epistles and gospels, on all Sundays and most distinguished celebrations by the Gantz year, written in pieces for Christians. Luneburg, Ster niche Buchdruckerey, 1794. </span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=10oh3iv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/10oh3iv.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=21on7lf" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/21on7lf.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2ed0d8w" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/2ed0d8w.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Manuscript painting and bookbinding: Dionysius the Areopagite, Works 14th Century<br />Constantinople between 1403-1405. Binding: Paris, circa 1360 and end of the 14th, rebuilt in the 17th century. Offered by the Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus to the abbey of Saint-Denis</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=zof3ft" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/zof3ft.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gospel of Saint Aure<br />9th century school of Reims. Binding of ivory and silver.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2eeafdc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/2eeafdc.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Coptic Binding, 7th or 8th Century. Detached from: The Gospels, in Coptic.<br />Illuminated manuscript on vellum<br />Egypt: Monastery of Holy Mary Mother of God, Perkethoout near Hamuli, the Fayum, 7th or 8th century. Goatskin over papyrus boards; decorated with onlaid panels of red leather tracery sewn to a gilded leather ground, with plain edges<br />MS M.569. Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1911</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=wswq6x" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.tinypic.com/wswq6x.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">BIBLE: PSALMS, WITH PETRUS LOMBARDUS: THE GREAT GLOSS</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Binding: Paris, France, c. 1200, massive wooden boards with metal fittings, sewn on 5 thongs, with a 15th c. painting 21x13 cm of the Flight into Egypt by the Master of the Osservanza, deriving loosely from Fra Angelico’s panel in the Museo di San Marco, Firenze. It is held in place by 4 strips of copper gilt, Romanesque Mosan work with repeated stamped impressions of a palmette within an arch, struck from stamps used in the workshop of Nicholas of Verdun and his circle in Köln (ca. 1181-1230). 4 metal gilt beaded-edged frames divided into rectangular compartments enclosing purple velvet, lower cover with red velvet. The original central enamel or ivory plaque was replaced by the present Master of the Osservanza panel in 1724.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Treasures of the heart. There just aren't words. So I'll just leave it at that.<br /><br />Have a beautiful weekend.<br />xo isa<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">________<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">CREDITS</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo1: Bromer Booksellers, photo 2-4: RMN Grandpalais, photo 5: stmaterne, photo 6: RMN Grandpalais, Photo 7: Schoyen Collection. Information compiled by Yamo Bato.</span></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-42793054927873864472011-10-02T10:58:00.000-07:002011-10-02T10:58:32.855-07:00October Beauty...but not the kind you might have been expecting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the women of Leonardo da Vinci. I have replicas of these drawings framed and hung in Museville. There is a benevolent beauty and a quiet grace to the women in his work. His technique is soft, his shading and creation and interplay of light in his drawings are genius. The light seemingly comes from within.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i53.tinypic.com/14lr7nt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 690px;" src="http://i53.tinypic.com/14lr7nt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>Woman's Head, Study</i> Leonardo da Vinci c. 1470-1476<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a reverence to these works that elicits an emotional response and brings calmness to me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/23jmtyq.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 589px;" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/23jmtyq.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>La Scapigliata - Head of a Young Woman</i> Leonardo da Vinci c. 1490 - 1508<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The entire day was enveloped in that feeling. October arrived with a subtle entrance. In usual circumstances, that is how things generally go around coastal southern California... but it's been a strange year. Today, however was picture perfect. Mild. Gentle. Beautiful. It was welcomed with open arms.<br /><br />I did not get the news I had hoped for from my first look appointment. It seems my battle isn't over. Yet. I go into October with renewed resolve to simplify, do my best in everything and focus on the things that bring me true joy. Being a perfectionist, it isn't easy, but I vow to really know that my best, while far from perfect now, is good enough. Feels pretty freeing.<br /><br />Happy October, happy everything.<br />xo isa<br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-3513469506839092552011-09-26T05:50:00.000-07:002011-09-26T05:04:38.373-07:00September Shades of Grey...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The air is cool and you can make out the sultry, slightly briny perfume of the ocean as the breezes waft onto the shore here in our little village by the sea. The September sky is enshrouded in a fine veil of mist and the sounds are somewhat muffled by the marine layer. It's grey. It's quiet. It's decaying and tarnishing, but in the most spectacular ways.<br /></div><br />It's the<br />beauty<br />of<br />Autumn.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Emulating that loveliness is the work of <a href="http://rebeccaplotnick.soopsee.info/">Rebecca Plotnick</a>. Her photos celebrate the passing of time and the beauty created along the way.<br /><br />The gates of Versailles now donned in layers of rust and tarnish -- a tapestry of texture and tones, making them, to me, even more beautiful as time passes.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=10h7db8" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/10h7db8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccaplotnick"><span style="font-size:78%;">© Rebecca Plotnick</span></a><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Stone in faded hues of grey make up this Parisian street, sidewalk and simple, but elegant buildings. A row of lanterns hang on wood from artisan scrolls of weathered iron, and everything is under the spell of Autumn -- soft and lovely under the skies of grey.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=23i7ash" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/23i7ash.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccaplotnick"><span style="font-size:78%;">© Rebecca Plotnick</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Once vibrant, now more muted, the same tones are present within the 4 century old hall of mirrors - within the marble panels, the beautifully fading natural paints on plaster and the gilding -- all showing the magic woven slowly over time. The fire within the chandelier crystal stay true and add more and more gorgeous contrast as the other natural elements slowly fade.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2agt4wp" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2agt4wp.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccaplotnick"><span style="font-size:78%;">© Rebecca Plotnick</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The cool Autumn air dances through the striking colors and stunning texture of the mane and coat of this noble steed. My favorite hues on my favorite creature - it's a beauty that the heart can hardly withstand.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=e7l6qc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/e7l6qc.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">© Gorana Bumber</span><br /><br /><br />I hope that your weekend is filled with the beauty of Autumn and your heart, content.<br />xo isa<br /><br />_______<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">CREDITS:<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">PHOTOS 1 - 3 BY REBECCA PLOTNICK -- used here with her written permission. Please do not pin, copy, or use without her permission which can be gained by writing her here: rebeccaplotnick@hotmail.com<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All of Rebecca's work can be purchased at her shop </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebeccaplotnick">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">PHOTO 4 BY GORANA BUMBER. </span></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-49821229245331032462011-09-21T19:42:00.000-07:002011-09-24T13:59:45.234-07:00Simply Beautiful...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3Rcbp7UnyC5Q4GzEL32xwQF4Ta5QKSnbK5_F503PfsIQxk0CIGX1qnCsHlvIKayiliHyjmRQP1ozmHYw_p74KWBlVP9p4KjYADDfRkO6zT-3hiLhIvr2T_H7jCtIyFfyRBNAzUQLbAjV/s1600/lav1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 409px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3Rcbp7UnyC5Q4GzEL32xwQF4Ta5QKSnbK5_F503PfsIQxk0CIGX1qnCsHlvIKayiliHyjmRQP1ozmHYw_p74KWBlVP9p4KjYADDfRkO6zT-3hiLhIvr2T_H7jCtIyFfyRBNAzUQLbAjV/s400/lav1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654624228945274050" border="0" /></a><br />Texture and lighting are two of my greatest loves, so this stunning photo is singing a love song straight to my heart. Add the element of ancient, and my knees go weak. Simply beautiful, but far from simple.<br /><br />xo isa<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">_______<br />CREDITS: <br />PHOTO - original source unknown. Found on Tumblr with no credits. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">If you know the photographer, please let me know so I am able credit them properly. </span><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-89319573784989542532011-09-20T10:15:00.000-07:002011-09-20T11:47:06.272-07:00The Season is Changing and So Am I...<div style="text-align: center;">Well, it's all blown wide open and laying at our feet. The culmination of 2 years worth of new projects started. Very few finished. With the hint of Autumn and her cool morning air revving our internal engines here in Museville, we are ready to start cleaning up all the mess we made when we pulled that proverbial sweater string which unraveled <span style="font-style: italic;">everything around here</span>.<br />And I<br />do<br />mean<br />everything.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXwF6D5Co9I1GHs1V23BrncDCUHw25zbjhWkUEEVT5jkNRZJB7uoKucSxqufDgDLZsJyAW-DXrQPmEJXfl8rT94zzX8oSpkSsQoj_S6zf-orQdtjMePgST8nIRmdKjVtvLafGmCDNQ195/s1600/03.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 407px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXwF6D5Co9I1GHs1V23BrncDCUHw25zbjhWkUEEVT5jkNRZJB7uoKucSxqufDgDLZsJyAW-DXrQPmEJXfl8rT94zzX8oSpkSsQoj_S6zf-orQdtjMePgST8nIRmdKjVtvLafGmCDNQ195/s400/03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653485802036541058" border="0" /></a><br />After eight very long and grueling months, I suffered my last chemo treatment this past week, and I just had my "first look" appointment yesterday. I hold my breath as I wait for good news, and look forward to my energy returning along with the coming of Fall. Even without all the King's horses and all the King's men, Museville, Greyfreth, {and my sanity} will have a better outcome than poor Humpty Dumpty did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qM_t0hSdvp0Ea6J3_O3GV2kLEl7U6Harc5-npchhQT1L-CKMtUz4To60T7C5qlTYmOd16FZ38Qb33NIkHP9U1-2yLMd5nQbVxniyvFR8yNFIJzUNqDYrqQeyuZT8qbex3sa51GWJy5ts/s1600/love+is+enough.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 459px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qM_t0hSdvp0Ea6J3_O3GV2kLEl7U6Harc5-npchhQT1L-CKMtUz4To60T7C5qlTYmOd16FZ38Qb33NIkHP9U1-2yLMd5nQbVxniyvFR8yNFIJzUNqDYrqQeyuZT8qbex3sa51GWJy5ts/s400/love+is+enough.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653490341504397106" border="0" /></a><br />I know that the cost of all the time I have taken to work on the incoming new beauty has been that I lost traffic here on my blog, but I know you all understand the juggling of life and trying to always find the elusive balance, no matter what life throws at you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwRmQGfjdDDXIbBiUcFlJcGM-zdOZKQqH-b7KYH-_kulgSKv64Od3nRuEn9pcyTKvbIRMPC83K9yoFQ4pqtiLbPWHyloz-6lyDYswzZvkJp5xLzFW2OwHKmr-B94WS272pWtbSUC-2PHm/s1600/light.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 470px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwRmQGfjdDDXIbBiUcFlJcGM-zdOZKQqH-b7KYH-_kulgSKv64Od3nRuEn9pcyTKvbIRMPC83K9yoFQ4pqtiLbPWHyloz-6lyDYswzZvkJp5xLzFW2OwHKmr-B94WS272pWtbSUC-2PHm/s400/light.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653491489844252530" border="0" /></a><br />My greatest hope is that the fewer visits by you, my bloggy friends and acquaintances, are temporary and have been driven by my absence. I hope that you will come back to visit as you see the light in the window more often and more consistently - I do so enjoy your input, your inspiration, your company,<br />and<br />I<br />miss you.<br /><br />xo isa<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">CREDIT: photo 1 - photography by Eugenio Recuenco</span><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-14474721140768520802011-09-03T14:35:00.000-07:002011-09-17T17:47:16.966-07:00Summer's End...<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Now as the nights grow longer and the season shifts</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I look to my sorrowful wife</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Who is quietly tending her flowers..." -- <span style="font-style: italic;">Nick Cave</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPizo8yalWu39bPfMg_VaCQANbbF_c-eZR1H6_CpGUx5aOo2UfVSueQeo0InnhEPcaADfsj5DF9ikm-IcCVuXJ5HGScwz62xZ1H-7BLkvvxXZ5yMHgqcffFDRyj0ZUUhAKY7i6lGuXaD4/s1600/summer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 458px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPizo8yalWu39bPfMg_VaCQANbbF_c-eZR1H6_CpGUx5aOo2UfVSueQeo0InnhEPcaADfsj5DF9ikm-IcCVuXJ5HGScwz62xZ1H-7BLkvvxXZ5yMHgqcffFDRyj0ZUUhAKY7i6lGuXaD4/s400/summer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648250445088701426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">In the last throes of summer.</span></span><br /><br />As friends lament over the long days of summer coming to an end, I feel a quiet joy. Truth be told, that short breath between summer's end and Autumn's full arrival is my favorite time of year. Melancholic, but lovely as subtle replaces energetic --the crowds thin out along the 101, the beaches are slowly emptying, and as the sun rises on these upcoming days, my morning walks will soon be solitary and peaceful. The quiet nuances by the sea, which have been drowned out by summer's gaiety, will be audible once again, and oh so lovely. The golden grasses sway in the soft sea air, reflective and beautiful.<br />There is something magical in the air during this shift of season.<br /><br />Soon, the hydrangeas will begin to slowly fade to a quiet sort of beauty,<br />the air will begin to cool, and the soul quiets...<br />as we say our long<br />goodbyes within our hearts<br />to another<br />summer<br />now<br />passing<br />into<br />memory.<br /><br /><br />xo isa<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">photo source: unknown</span></span><br /><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-17121624288488499002011-08-01T16:51:00.000-07:002011-09-17T17:51:11.545-07:00The Grey within...<div style="text-align: center;">I love the things that speak to the grey in me - that quiet, contemplative, moody and a little sad part of my soul that is an integral facet of who I am.<br /><br />Gorgeous, soft, variegated shades of grey... my heart longs for this sort of beauty - from the dreamy rooftops of Paris to the quiet morning at the sea... France once again calls out to me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-XQVGsvBmSbOY0iwWBlNNKHHoPtK7XBRTA3RW2EVxIHwuTmh1DG7bu4mzRLj4ePJL0qnJAEpDmtcuFXZLsLUmwKBuz1usjxTQAYcI96cY-sK4y2yVgUE3k4TU7Op389VInjTwsT6PS4a/s1600/rooftops2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 457px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-XQVGsvBmSbOY0iwWBlNNKHHoPtK7XBRTA3RW2EVxIHwuTmh1DG7bu4mzRLj4ePJL0qnJAEpDmtcuFXZLsLUmwKBuz1usjxTQAYcI96cY-sK4y2yVgUE3k4TU7Op389VInjTwsT6PS4a/s400/rooftops2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636041592068587858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The sea at a sunless dawn -- the first light - defused by clouds and enshrouded in a gentle, ethereal mist begins its dance along the crest of the silvery sea spray... The whinny of the noble and hauntingly beautiful horses of the Camargue join the lonesome call of the gulls<br />in the<br />cool,<br />grey sky.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDl5pE8_8AoIDmrtejHVmLh90XIDU8xAj8xLSKL7lcFKIstrZOQRy0gjYk07-8zq6VlBg3vS-yMBJQck2jMnWVC-3BFBJRFO02eyCvmSMth-jKMqPKekdZ_oemZy93Lq7ZiA26KV7SqSD/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDl5pE8_8AoIDmrtejHVmLh90XIDU8xAj8xLSKL7lcFKIstrZOQRy0gjYk07-8zq6VlBg3vS-yMBJQck2jMnWVC-3BFBJRFO02eyCvmSMth-jKMqPKekdZ_oemZy93Lq7ZiA26KV7SqSD/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636040844206699410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The beauty is magnificent in its simplicity and pulls at all of my heartstrings... singing quiet love songs straight to that melancholic soul of mine.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4as8p-Qd12tA1hN-wdvxnGDLnl8QDR5Rdo6If5GZ5BcME0d7Lt9meMALr3HOXw9fZj745UgbuLQJuiZ5TzYFzuVfFyHD6iEk0n1ZnjSrmbl0PaolK6GxIjs7TZdP3Bp7wQUX-EoW9Iu3C/s1600/seahorse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4as8p-Qd12tA1hN-wdvxnGDLnl8QDR5Rdo6If5GZ5BcME0d7Lt9meMALr3HOXw9fZj745UgbuLQJuiZ5TzYFzuVfFyHD6iEk0n1ZnjSrmbl0PaolK6GxIjs7TZdP3Bp7wQUX-EoW9Iu3C/s400/seahorse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636040833556505970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like waves before the wind, the quiet of the dawn fades, giving way to the strength of the day as it begins - as if they were one, hooves begin thundering like the crashing waves on the incoming tide.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg436lS98s46cBiIpuARnUAxqsLcoNtpjOQxnQmbwVZnqyIkvR1SY4wYrzHcF2KA8HT8otyeRHqgf5GIPlbZHmljnIVHPBXQsJl4GwszPZkrF_CsGiHPaB9oNZy6gfUIpohiZKPz1ruTiRC/s1600/seahorses.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 477px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg436lS98s46cBiIpuARnUAxqsLcoNtpjOQxnQmbwVZnqyIkvR1SY4wYrzHcF2KA8HT8otyeRHqgf5GIPlbZHmljnIVHPBXQsJl4GwszPZkrF_CsGiHPaB9oNZy6gfUIpohiZKPz1ruTiRC/s400/seahorses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636040821328367218" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Untamed, part of surroundings that are beautiful beyond measure, soft yet strong, wild and free -- it's everything that I want around me and everything that I love.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipE6vGLiwJoAe7cNYiGShtDVnquBKnxnjYw9-cE5I2jQrMh16H6dKOKhCDXtD_E3Dhgne7ByoTxmLHcDmogt1VO8xw0JSDzNDUP2FwhqOg-sFJxjUkrvRz41uMG-qaCo7K604BAmjVzbC/s1600/10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 477px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipE6vGLiwJoAe7cNYiGShtDVnquBKnxnjYw9-cE5I2jQrMh16H6dKOKhCDXtD_E3Dhgne7ByoTxmLHcDmogt1VO8xw0JSDzNDUP2FwhqOg-sFJxjUkrvRz41uMG-qaCo7K604BAmjVzbC/s400/10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636040810131238738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />May all of our hearts beat so wild and free... if only for the day.<br /><br />xo Isa<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >Credits: All photos are the work of Irene Suchocki</span><br /><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-27114479326116087822011-07-16T12:32:00.000-07:002011-07-16T14:19:26.566-07:00Beautifully Trapped Again...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Anyone who knows me, knows my profound love for the dreamy world of <a href="http://www.michaeltrapp.com/">Michael Trapp</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0BsW6af0Y4DLvdZkVMNTWZEz7buryU3l7CIpKJaPPmhMUR2F8iUGdx2bo0bd_GMweG3l9KpmKXXGWc3OmtXwdJozEj4LTESsCgOemi7YDASZSPqyyGhVAVa0UAzbOTd7jumrqG665gv/s1600/Barone1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0BsW6af0Y4DLvdZkVMNTWZEz7buryU3l7CIpKJaPPmhMUR2F8iUGdx2bo0bd_GMweG3l9KpmKXXGWc3OmtXwdJozEj4LTESsCgOemi7YDASZSPqyyGhVAVa0UAzbOTd7jumrqG665gv/s400/Barone1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046770890671842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, imagine my joy when I received an email from Photographer <a href="http://www.brucebarone.com/index.htm">Bruce Barone</a>, entitled simply, "Thought you might enjoy <a href="http://www.brucebarone.com/TheGardensOfMichaelTrapp.htm">these</a>" with a link to a treasure trove of his photos that captured the gardens of Michael Trapp in stunning sepia...<br /><br />... Bruce was so right, I loved them - and so will you.<br /><br />The world of Michael Trapp, through the talented lens of Bruce Barone:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NGqR1nBaYMELl2nmgmnQ6ONA1H_RQXjmL5X0hB_d1z1MEvAyvZlbQUIH8PpE9M8_fmKoKzRrAOxc_PHZSihLUIY70MzvTwbYiBESaGTgBHfjSg4CB9Uv3qjCFGlJeHwRR6d5Nw7_1bwb/s1600/mt27.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NGqR1nBaYMELl2nmgmnQ6ONA1H_RQXjmL5X0hB_d1z1MEvAyvZlbQUIH8PpE9M8_fmKoKzRrAOxc_PHZSihLUIY70MzvTwbYiBESaGTgBHfjSg4CB9Uv3qjCFGlJeHwRR6d5Nw7_1bwb/s400/mt27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630054735502244514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The simple yet elegant, classical, textured, timeworn, lovely world that it is.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWX761tvh8cOd9rJO-83LXzg5IRJy8MHvBVZM31fBPgpbAlbr_zFXJo8gXRZXV1mxmaq6Rv01xHrNhJRdSAgb4aDWf1dumZHqV8qxZwshMd4x3bX7m0hbpSqRkhKWG4E2RcfZ6ZfaN6W9/s1600/mt2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWX761tvh8cOd9rJO-83LXzg5IRJy8MHvBVZM31fBPgpbAlbr_zFXJo8gXRZXV1mxmaq6Rv01xHrNhJRdSAgb4aDWf1dumZHqV8qxZwshMd4x3bX7m0hbpSqRkhKWG4E2RcfZ6ZfaN6W9/s400/mt2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046488234215042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Beauty that doesn't have to try too hard,<br />but yet<br />has been masterfully thought out<br />and<br />brought to life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJvSS6aeXYS4QGSoRqDUHilIxMQwW_TEXPeiHD1Oo1UScRDtLjCXHpV_YtSORXm-r8lM7XvWkKwrZndBW5yYkUamP7vpSlaV1uF3fZ68JNohzDIa9xemYZBsBuC2yNFUZs7Nu_TvWx4rn/s1600/mt18.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJvSS6aeXYS4QGSoRqDUHilIxMQwW_TEXPeiHD1Oo1UScRDtLjCXHpV_YtSORXm-r8lM7XvWkKwrZndBW5yYkUamP7vpSlaV1uF3fZ68JNohzDIa9xemYZBsBuC2yNFUZs7Nu_TvWx4rn/s400/mt18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046475345634226" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Living poetry that speaks straight to the soul.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2cKdzkWVPr9PfS93x-lSuN2_hGrMbyCJmop65r97fOMq4xtgor79C3HkfSKxswXAk0gO3a1ZLDkAmWbDTMlXXrbXVXSf6raUSp0kmrpvUuH5jnktFyMtmwRN2KmRbbDjOZ9Nr303Hkmw/s1600/mt12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2cKdzkWVPr9PfS93x-lSuN2_hGrMbyCJmop65r97fOMq4xtgor79C3HkfSKxswXAk0gO3a1ZLDkAmWbDTMlXXrbXVXSf6raUSp0kmrpvUuH5jnktFyMtmwRN2KmRbbDjOZ9Nr303Hkmw/s400/mt12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046480570893538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Beauty which brings a sense of calm<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lGe7N0xc9feUI0DaAwmzv76drZWGKusntRReSIJaWJoN77WRxcbJkjfUWj0tfg1vbEYCShcW7YWVtpbIrqZgssIaQNcHD6qZxrohpFnim_Oat7CrL_vNSxfdTSzhnSdzOSuGjreP2ppv/s1600/mt13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lGe7N0xc9feUI0DaAwmzv76drZWGKusntRReSIJaWJoN77WRxcbJkjfUWj0tfg1vbEYCShcW7YWVtpbIrqZgssIaQNcHD6qZxrohpFnim_Oat7CrL_vNSxfdTSzhnSdzOSuGjreP2ppv/s400/mt13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046476169525682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />One that lives and breathes grace.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiguJ2uOsNLF8oAUP6KRdzsu5ygY3DbKGRRMRUJ2NWZ9X9JTJePrM4ANvunn0QhwpAylmcYUfJK1A0Dbbdm8m7gG6FrNmjpi2s0uAnQRSlh5g3pdRJHiMCJfvTneoHU9AKq_H3gIUSenIJ/s1600/mt7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiguJ2uOsNLF8oAUP6KRdzsu5ygY3DbKGRRMRUJ2NWZ9X9JTJePrM4ANvunn0QhwpAylmcYUfJK1A0Dbbdm8m7gG6FrNmjpi2s0uAnQRSlh5g3pdRJHiMCJfvTneoHU9AKq_H3gIUSenIJ/s400/mt7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046481858922962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's definitely a world that I wish<br />to<br />live<br />in.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBtGh-OBnHXFSDN5cNvCrr0b1GdLFcVqeKWXMNiqkLev_2RkT53zeaIHATlkDo5kbKulFT-8ej3oprTZp5sR20hQDftC1tVM4KCgZa_tpj4rwr-vxMsFYp8hAE8HhBuRKD5t0FWmd9QKJ/s1600/Barone3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBtGh-OBnHXFSDN5cNvCrr0b1GdLFcVqeKWXMNiqkLev_2RkT53zeaIHATlkDo5kbKulFT-8ej3oprTZp5sR20hQDftC1tVM4KCgZa_tpj4rwr-vxMsFYp8hAE8HhBuRKD5t0FWmd9QKJ/s400/Barone3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046756584016562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The textures and play of light, which move me, are perfectly captured in these photos...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsshx75h6V2lo9UNOGCZUzd1YX115ENNmoiiqfRMgj_XcJsFfWPf_ziBvxTRuUNoUxMgV_55YefqYXiCs9osJksa-ki3nm3CFqTA5Pqm5uyPhyphenhyphenSPEcf51AcrIDs0xwKBkR5FaV8zKqQ14/s1600/Barone5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsshx75h6V2lo9UNOGCZUzd1YX115ENNmoiiqfRMgj_XcJsFfWPf_ziBvxTRuUNoUxMgV_55YefqYXiCs9osJksa-ki3nm3CFqTA5Pqm5uyPhyphenhyphenSPEcf51AcrIDs0xwKBkR5FaV8zKqQ14/s400/Barone5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630046750875548978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Definitely a love affair between beauty and the soul.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHvkIW783oe_L8Dg8N2fql2nzhzgoUANPA25XECR_5NM3t5yotEvNYADL63ALtyATJK4g4WlXi504X0k3d70Jl4yDFO1LGZ2IvEUVVWonBGR-nBt2YKwW19BnD8z-KX3yuVkYKETLKBeJ/s1600/mt20.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHvkIW783oe_L8Dg8N2fql2nzhzgoUANPA25XECR_5NM3t5yotEvNYADL63ALtyATJK4g4WlXi504X0k3d70Jl4yDFO1LGZ2IvEUVVWonBGR-nBt2YKwW19BnD8z-KX3yuVkYKETLKBeJ/s400/mt20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630052995560696434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Bruce Barone specializes in portrait, nature, and documentary photography.<br /><br /> He is also a published writer, art consultant<br /> and gourmet cook. He loves family get-togethers,<br /> and cats and dogs. And red wine.</span>"<br /><br />That blurb makes me want to invite Bruce over to my next dinner party!<br />Thank you for introducing yourself and your beautiful photography to me, Bruce. I'm now your newest fan and follower.<br />You can find Bruce's beauty at his <a href="http://www.brucebarone.com/index.htm">website </a>and his <a href="http://brucebarone.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy the day<br />xo Isa<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Credits: All Photos in this post © </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);" href="http://www.brucebarone.com/index.htm">Bruce Barone</a></span><br /><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-84331481339065703872011-06-03T09:35:00.000-07:002011-06-03T19:02:17.777-07:00The Power of Spring...<div style="text-align: center;">The last few days here in Coastal Southern California have been absolute perfection. The benevolent sun of Spring hangs high in a perfect azure sky - not a cloud in sight. The sea breeze is gentle and cool, and the day - deliciously mild.<br /><br />The only way it could be any better, is if I were here:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjqJoaewlmG6uUifKFeZsF7lOYcdMPc_cAf4fn5fALdv8GokeljhXmEYlHRFUHpk0O7uFAJjj7lpva38L-r45VGQogalaWoyx5zslPPCINJUbyV5pWaXVxA3YhyphenhyphenXDpxLkxZLkTElGfPei/s1600/a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjqJoaewlmG6uUifKFeZsF7lOYcdMPc_cAf4fn5fALdv8GokeljhXmEYlHRFUHpk0O7uFAJjj7lpva38L-r45VGQogalaWoyx5zslPPCINJUbyV5pWaXVxA3YhyphenhyphenXDpxLkxZLkTElGfPei/s400/a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614033333875118450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And I'm not really sure that would be better today ... that really shows how gorgeous it is around here this week! The beauty of France can't even lure me away right now.<br /><br />Hoping that glorious Spring is waxing poetic and weaving her magic where you are, too.<br /><br />xo Isa<br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-9036672182369283022011-05-23T10:59:00.000-07:002011-05-23T11:01:42.152-07:00The Siren Song of Spring<div style="text-align: center;">Breakfast, lunch, dinner... it matters not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VS6y23VfdtPNwtK-rqEKxA6UzUCogUfc1pMEKQ4E-NrAc77oOQhtDreq1lIK202gY4OeleF_3jzSaIk91rx1UdeKRXo4WZMo0nz2S0PTzmj2pyQIpmmgi7V534wr9teC8wZzcP_-yCxs/s1600/outdoor+dining+wisteria.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VS6y23VfdtPNwtK-rqEKxA6UzUCogUfc1pMEKQ4E-NrAc77oOQhtDreq1lIK202gY4OeleF_3jzSaIk91rx1UdeKRXo4WZMo0nz2S0PTzmj2pyQIpmmgi7V534wr9teC8wZzcP_-yCxs/s400/outdoor+dining+wisteria.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609973059193512866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Everything is sublime under the intoxicating spell of Spring.<br /><br />Here's to a wonderful week.<br />xo Isa<br /><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-3502315067510912102011-05-21T15:51:00.000-07:002011-05-21T18:05:06.431-07:00Narrowing the Focus...<div style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/04/18/18-things-my-dad-was-right-about/"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">There is a world of magnificence hidden in simplicity</span></a>" Truer words were never spoken. I read <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/04/18/18-things-my-dad-was-right-about/">a profound piece</a> recently, it really was a catalyst in putting things back into perspective for me. I've been over-thinking lately - what to do with the house, the gardens, the shop, and get stuck in those "do loops" ... you know the ones - where you want to do this.. but in order for that to happen, you have to do this first.. and so on and so forth. So I'm simplifying and following my heart. I've known what I want to do here, all along. It's everything I love. Simple, right?<br /><br />Faded beauty ... time-worn elegance... simple yet refined - enshrouded in the sea air of my wonderful sleepy little village by the sea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrTHubqnlt9DwXX2TXpkNSGUBbuHIOe4ZL6xZBzNr5VwFnDQum3sa793w5BFGlzNX7sZJx8JjrFB7B0tld9XJFBYVG8kkBw9FOPicaFSyMeV1L176ncbjOr2lN7k4jY-K3Oc3i0bYr_zi/s1600/tassel.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrTHubqnlt9DwXX2TXpkNSGUBbuHIOe4ZL6xZBzNr5VwFnDQum3sa793w5BFGlzNX7sZJx8JjrFB7B0tld9XJFBYVG8kkBw9FOPicaFSyMeV1L176ncbjOr2lN7k4jY-K3Oc3i0bYr_zi/s400/tassel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609309424879922946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am cleaning out the clutter around here - figuratively and literally. I pulled a few photos from my mountain known as inspiration pile, and sent the rest into the void.<br /><br />I love these images -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuS4eIkDSvOJ9rQuP29HLNOgV8jvSzyHCjEUShtlhDKZpEotXnutDcGMiVqmGmSkWGX86zCFkWySz5vbyhp0R0qoMWshtD9NB9VC-f3s52wgWBq4d0beRLu1cjwfbM84HaoigHZ9QRL08/s1600/bath.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuS4eIkDSvOJ9rQuP29HLNOgV8jvSzyHCjEUShtlhDKZpEotXnutDcGMiVqmGmSkWGX86zCFkWySz5vbyhp0R0qoMWshtD9NB9VC-f3s52wgWBq4d0beRLu1cjwfbM84HaoigHZ9QRL08/s400/bath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609309415931377170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am always drawn to the faded, but moody... simple yet elegant ... rustic bejeweled in crystalline splendor...<br /><br />and texture... it sends me to the moon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa6oEaAsi-NomS_opJiFHsqeNm_y94lWX1RKL_qAmzHy3oaywpUIiMbxnsNXqhxOngM3a6kE1DjAC4pihJAef5S8R-XgInvRWLC9SqG5m6fAd9oFpT_ZrNcV_1MbC-dNkK0z01RhQ-jp_/s1600/1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa6oEaAsi-NomS_opJiFHsqeNm_y94lWX1RKL_qAmzHy3oaywpUIiMbxnsNXqhxOngM3a6kE1DjAC4pihJAef5S8R-XgInvRWLC9SqG5m6fAd9oFpT_ZrNcV_1MbC-dNkK0z01RhQ-jp_/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609309412155791762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A common theme that runs through my own artwork...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vintagecrossbottles.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVAFzqb615NhGUUbeaa2Vmcf7Rt2x-iCZPSDCoMh1YkgPE4tLuvJcC_1I1hPBRTv-ISlLCKbV_5A-X5VwEIxKp_Lylt0QcZwBeS6VvZPdwpu8gFmnU7qRiFzyzRKBDBif9y3_o1rK5JxL/s400/greyfreth+small+whites.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609309406164954114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and the overall feel to my shop and studio...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.greyfreth.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji8RwFflSFMdrLlN2bTY3Kp4RkmL5EQ7u6F04FqYLmsZe5O2C1x_rkQplNCevUl8GOWPH7J5Fps0gEP9EIpATe_942x01riuGDbyMZIpWddvTRy_iY8k1zUGya-NFUtr0k-u0bKJ5oTRn/s400/GFSL1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609306842308629362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So many things are coming together at once. I finally will have an overflow of things to share again. Are you still out there? I hope so, because I'm back.<br /><br />xo Isa</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-31582906492687475732011-05-13T17:26:00.000-07:002011-05-13T17:27:35.843-07:00Persephone's Magic...The relentless rain and strange weather had us inside more than usual through the winter and Spring has been flirting with us, and then flitting away - only to return again... so like her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFlArQXih4s-om7Z_cCVVzmHB39VCjTYi1k5BDXf0CaY806NT4Y4_G0IIIIkwlOG7oUgtoHoaT7c-V8UA7Ak5vZqUAsD4bhFCa0Z0TXFoboFEbv7ucZjmxILKDXKgZDJCjHfElbG2GaG8/s1600/autumn3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFlArQXih4s-om7Z_cCVVzmHB39VCjTYi1k5BDXf0CaY806NT4Y4_G0IIIIkwlOG7oUgtoHoaT7c-V8UA7Ak5vZqUAsD4bhFCa0Z0TXFoboFEbv7ucZjmxILKDXKgZDJCjHfElbG2GaG8/s400/autumn3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584033278021192050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today, albeit with clouds looming, I can feel Persephone ready to exhale a beautiful breath of her magic... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIA638XUngZlbQRITZPZMjApPXGdaocRAaUksqknBtRYPjeLALtXgvNJfw5d4cpa8zOPZOIjyauctuzY_0LujptoRtaCXk6tSZPofZIEfnhuiF0mX94VLAH4yX3yap9yNwnAvo_CkYUWy/s1600/ethereal+outdoor+dining.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIA638XUngZlbQRITZPZMjApPXGdaocRAaUksqknBtRYPjeLALtXgvNJfw5d4cpa8zOPZOIjyauctuzY_0LujptoRtaCXk6tSZPofZIEfnhuiF0mX94VLAH4yX3yap9yNwnAvo_CkYUWy/s400/ethereal+outdoor+dining.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584038185756018370" /></a><br /><br />The birds are singing from the oleanders, the wisteria has exploded and the sultry scent of jasmine and roses wafts through my window on the slightly cool sea air.<br /><br />Oh Spring... How I love you. I have taken you for granted with the usually mild year-long weather we are usually blessed with here. Today, the windows are thrown open, the curtains gently billow - an open invitation. Persephone, please do come in.<br /><br />The urge to get the interior of Museville in high gear is strong - and the call for outdoor dinners under the stars, alight with the soft glow of candles is pulling at my heart. <br /><br />Spring couldn't get here soon enough, and now Summer is already in the wings...Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-34151191081720901552011-04-02T19:22:00.001-07:002011-04-04T18:45:39.949-07:00The newest Museville residents<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t-UBWCd1suA5y2iWnEUuOGiLEJGm4gce9qwIT1j1SIhdMNOCYieL9uvsF0xj3O927dQWSklVjPq65FoK33kyA3IvS8aUR_ITfHipvneYLurZNnOy_8Z2C9olX3PDAuugk6aPW1cnRNGA/s1600/after+the+rain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t-UBWCd1suA5y2iWnEUuOGiLEJGm4gce9qwIT1j1SIhdMNOCYieL9uvsF0xj3O927dQWSklVjPq65FoK33kyA3IvS8aUR_ITfHipvneYLurZNnOy_8Z2C9olX3PDAuugk6aPW1cnRNGA/s400/after+the+rain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591903885651768818" /></a><br /><br /><br />Because of the crazy weather here in what used to be constant sunny southern California, I have moved my work inside over at the studio for the time being. On nice days, which used to be most days of the year, I work under the pergola off the back of the studio, but with how unpredictable it's been, inside seemed better for now.<br /><br />While inside, I keep the doors and windows open for ventilation because soldering isn't the healthiest of things - and sometimes I forget to to close the french door that leads to the pergola area out back, and it sometimes stays open all night... (I know, I know....)<br /><br />So, the other day, I go into the studio and hear this low, very scary growling coming from under the sofa, or at least that general vicinity... followed by some faint, what seemed to be, mewing... I stopped in my tracks. My heart raced and I quickly backed up, and immediately exited stage left. <span style="font-style:italic;">WHY did I leave that door open?! </span>Heaven knows what snuck in during the night! I went into auto-pilot and went to the house for some back up, a broom and some boots. (I had no idea what was going to jump out from under there and attack my leg!) I get brave in these situations that force you to act before thinking... when I have time to think, I am the world's biggest chicken!!<br /><br />Poor Tired Husband and I quietly crept back into the studio, thinking we're going to be facing off with a raccoon - or worse... and then we see a pair of pointed ears in the far corner peeking out from behind a stack of wicker baskets.... moving in a little closer, we catch a glimpse of a beautiful face --that of a small, very young, mostly white calico cat - that sweet moment soon passed. what was touching for a fleeting moment, returned to what initially made the hair on the back of my neck stand up - that horrifying snarling and low, loud, threatening growling - the ears when back - the hair went up... and we stood there, frozen- hoping it was all the tricks of a puffer fish, and that she really wasn't going to attack us... she wouldn't ... would she?<br /><br />Thankfully, the hissing, spitting, fur puffing, snarling and growling was, indeed all posturing. PTH lead the forward motion (I wanted to flee, but wasn't about to relinquish my studio to a 5 lb wild thing! We inched our way towards the feral acting feline. The poor thing was rail thin and scared. More inching and peeking revealed what she was guarding -- A pile of brand new kittens... Oh, boy. PTH, being a deprived cat person, and me, a total dog person, and never wanting cats had polar opposite reactions. He just found treasure, while I knew who was going to be the one that everything would fall on to take care of... and it wasn't the cat lover.<br /><br />Momma cat let us closer and we tentatively reached out and surprisingly she let us pet her. (whew) I say we... but I was really a spectator. So, not feral - but perhaps a stray. A very beautiful, young, and painfully thin stray - with six... yes six... kittens.<br /><br />What to do... well, first things first, we have to get them out of that crammed corner, give them safe housing, some food and clean water and then figure this out. I might not be a cat fan, but I am certainly not devoid of compassion.<br /><br />PTH is put on house building duties while I run for emergency supplies. So at the end of Thursday, Momma and babies are in a clean box with soft flannel baby sheets - mom has much needed food and water and a house call from our neighbor the vet who came over to check her out. Diagnosis - surprisingly good health, but way too thin and dehydrated. We're on the case.<br /><br />My two Huskies - Thing 1 and Thing 2 are very curious, and thankfully have no access to the studio unless we leave the yard gate of the main house and one of the doors of the studio open over there - I padlocked the gate so there will be no chance of an accidental meeting - leaving nothing to chance.<br /><br />Here are a few shots of our new residents and latest distraction...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwFxuHJCVrsAUh4Td0cLe7sQnUbpp664sB7V8bBrhVJf1Z76Rq9HgGYkYvfGlM2e6hoP0wHjz2nVZmNUHrAlxcd6exGQGnBHnRkAYbYxmeSex5kwjVJTyyC8j1BvzJHA6wYLgA4ksFizL/s1600/Catpack6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwFxuHJCVrsAUh4Td0cLe7sQnUbpp664sB7V8bBrhVJf1Z76Rq9HgGYkYvfGlM2e6hoP0wHjz2nVZmNUHrAlxcd6exGQGnBHnRkAYbYxmeSex5kwjVJTyyC8j1BvzJHA6wYLgA4ksFizL/s400/Catpack6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591182093145600914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs3eA3IYdhc2SkoDNGi-3tRqhgUcTr3CATOp6kInoPj2uh4e485lnka6UII6L6LcygyuA5Wt_JWSJ4G1YU9uvBw5cxGeCvfkcrB1gEuMPtit-Btc7XAvFaojTk-Uer7k17NggVH8X6enK/s1600/catpack7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs3eA3IYdhc2SkoDNGi-3tRqhgUcTr3CATOp6kInoPj2uh4e485lnka6UII6L6LcygyuA5Wt_JWSJ4G1YU9uvBw5cxGeCvfkcrB1gEuMPtit-Btc7XAvFaojTk-Uer7k17NggVH8X6enK/s400/catpack7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591182090055222834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If it's not one thing... it's your mother. ... or a mother cat, in this case. <br /><br />The story will continue.<br /><br />xo IsaBlue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-1310240328845751042011-03-04T19:25:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:48:23.447-08:00Weekend Plans<div style="text-align: center;">should include some some lounging with coffee and some magazines in this heavenly spot...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUgPP_QnNIYT9nfHH2SiTeFOXIztCJbJUx1K-NZnUy0VPJLrBtZ7obV2_-_5O9zs23_Zu0FoLhvdBE_r5jHqNFJqhXwJjwHMlkDe-7jC5DHtxd0eAHYLEfFpFXF0hEIluww-nKL63sypW/s1600/view+with+a+room.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUgPP_QnNIYT9nfHH2SiTeFOXIztCJbJUx1K-NZnUy0VPJLrBtZ7obV2_-_5O9zs23_Zu0FoLhvdBE_r5jHqNFJqhXwJjwHMlkDe-7jC5DHtxd0eAHYLEfFpFXF0hEIluww-nKL63sypW/s400/view+with+a+room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580432058883456642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My plans include filling up the online shelves over at <a href="http://greyfreth.blogspot.com/">Greyfreth</a>, including the shelves in the brand new jewelry division! I am so pleased to announce the maiden voyage line -- extremely special pieces made with soulful, beautiful remnants, reliquary and natural treasures.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://greyfrethjewelry.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrbNVAhYV3nGOz2afo59fEpEqRZl7-lPcBgnRYIUnw_nE4ERxHbN3tGuahG2JRlO53l2Y6XLv2QdyTEQt0UYoPAzYu2E1dewBnhZRlbCNiDvKSm006mwgmi5Zc9HUKms3rX1jdXyt8sDs/s400/Pieces+of+the+Past+Banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580432056636658466" border="0" /></a><br /><br />People say I work too much, but it isn't work to me when I am constantly surrounded by such beauty in the studio, in the show room or in my mind... and nothing can ever top the satisfaction of seeing a dream become reality. It is not work at all. It's a true pleasure.<br /><br />Enjoy the weekend!<br />xo Isa</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-3795836651781320672011-03-03T08:27:00.000-08:002011-03-03T09:11:04.273-08:00Ring around the Rosey....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcpkw1ckIBt_UhZ8_PXTxQy6tLDk30bKDn7O3oV7mDo23ZQpFEtR6qPRKLPrJuRFFXJFYG9rw9_zZqkt08Eb4xHSzt2LH3CECecafZX1mNR9_cFoprFX4KK1RnifK0OfVn-0GxJK7klA6/s1600/rar2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcpkw1ckIBt_UhZ8_PXTxQy6tLDk30bKDn7O3oV7mDo23ZQpFEtR6qPRKLPrJuRFFXJFYG9rw9_zZqkt08Eb4xHSzt2LH3CECecafZX1mNR9_cFoprFX4KK1RnifK0OfVn-0GxJK7klA6/s400/rar2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579892652245119938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have put <span style="font-weight: bold;">a poll up on the side bar to the right</span> and would love your input for decisions regarding the creation of new treasures for the upcoming Jewelry line over at <a href="http://www.greyfreth.blogspot.com/">Greyfreth </a>--<br /><br />What size ring(s) do you wear?<br /><br />Your input is greatly appreciated!<br />The poll ends on the 10th.<br /><br />xo Isa<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Photography by Michael Macor</em></span>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-33881890807383901392011-02-28T13:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T15:54:07.200-08:00In My Perfect World...<div style="text-align: center;"><br />As soon as I opened the door<br /><br />I would have a view that<br />whispered<br />a love song of beauty<br />to me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BKsdY_S2b3VxhmISb2kqVZ3mooHaZd_TxlR0UydcaFQNSFj6VGnuXSSaLSQ9AANiZCtIGQGKrdi9JgaYl1hBqM8_k3aXlTZEJKeSaRWSNolLm3dzzott2jWynjnSFEbpuZSXTzYSOFFE/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BKsdY_S2b3VxhmISb2kqVZ3mooHaZd_TxlR0UydcaFQNSFj6VGnuXSSaLSQ9AANiZCtIGQGKrdi9JgaYl1hBqM8_k3aXlTZEJKeSaRWSNolLm3dzzott2jWynjnSFEbpuZSXTzYSOFFE/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578862745140987938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The down would be abundant, the loft - so high... mesmerizing scroll work - a testament to exceptional artisans of the past --<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qehIKL5BAS5jGuqpVi5qFAuR-91pdt6DG-q9BFYCYDxbTbGs_hgkdCaKzeMWRGk0k6_y42jDPFI28zlffymLrztWWgMO-ISUdTCeuiW4bhESBiKKneTB6n3rv0jAAGcYrodTAi1AKZlM/s1600/I2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qehIKL5BAS5jGuqpVi5qFAuR-91pdt6DG-q9BFYCYDxbTbGs_hgkdCaKzeMWRGk0k6_y42jDPFI28zlffymLrztWWgMO-ISUdTCeuiW4bhESBiKKneTB6n3rv0jAAGcYrodTAi1AKZlM/s400/I2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578862735133716130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The pages ruffled, the gilding - timeworn and beautifully faded - A benevolent face, her serene beauty forever captured in strokes of ink and charcoal. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo6VvpC7Xm-lupqmom199ZdOJq2Hu44AI1ByfsIoCmHqCSdGGKcpudBMlg2EbmOwc6fiiM5qTi-ISAoDIRcY82iq0Vlp3kH5ApF5XeRmGJ_dVSGQKLUY8jQJtCiVN0O4zKo20w0hNynZb/s1600/I3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo6VvpC7Xm-lupqmom199ZdOJq2Hu44AI1ByfsIoCmHqCSdGGKcpudBMlg2EbmOwc6fiiM5qTi-ISAoDIRcY82iq0Vlp3kH5ApF5XeRmGJ_dVSGQKLUY8jQJtCiVN0O4zKo20w0hNynZb/s400/I3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578862727453123154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Crystal overflowing - hanging deliciously over rustic floors and furniture which grow more lovely as time goes by...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG37Hooud1LG4ISTkzb6S3Pi1Wgqslx-0UjEzte8NzE3br8MCPrdViBGGcvGdcSZpSabRV4v1-GuruzCHDbhbmDdU5ZOaPFzhNANnk2-H48BXajGyPBdayJane3J4u3FRVd2iWvi1zoYtT/s1600/I4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG37Hooud1LG4ISTkzb6S3Pi1Wgqslx-0UjEzte8NzE3br8MCPrdViBGGcvGdcSZpSabRV4v1-GuruzCHDbhbmDdU5ZOaPFzhNANnk2-H48BXajGyPBdayJane3J4u3FRVd2iWvi1zoYtT/s400/I4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578862330891654418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seraphim in stone to watch over me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_VKYxvwmpn1aGYBejxPYCCfv7m8BGPnMDnpQLcqu1mYWyxGyM4WNmEAux53rV9cGj1HDQ2xlhUIgcEAujS8OyUdIH0n5ZdhgPzq0-tM5k0bZ-F24hy3PHEBGzaFMKAEQqKztur-ToxXx/s1600/o4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_VKYxvwmpn1aGYBejxPYCCfv7m8BGPnMDnpQLcqu1mYWyxGyM4WNmEAux53rV9cGj1HDQ2xlhUIgcEAujS8OyUdIH0n5ZdhgPzq0-tM5k0bZ-F24hy3PHEBGzaFMKAEQqKztur-ToxXx/s400/o4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578861860808115234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and wild, beautiful grounds...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEwVBieQeThjX5Wi1AzbSh7qvqLh7xsaoi9r_akip5AD42r2KfS8bLsvzbf8qORGn_t19ObZB8ZdWBYsjx9NUQ2gsFcDsS69zNUgmAZPaVqxhS7CWimtoO5Tij7Yfsoxipjrfy8wrVlJ6/s1600/O2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEwVBieQeThjX5Wi1AzbSh7qvqLh7xsaoi9r_akip5AD42r2KfS8bLsvzbf8qORGn_t19ObZB8ZdWBYsjx9NUQ2gsFcDsS69zNUgmAZPaVqxhS7CWimtoO5Tij7Yfsoxipjrfy8wrVlJ6/s400/O2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578861881769389682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />that offer ongoing gifts of visual bliss and perfumes - intoxicating all of your senses...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4X-MHOh8uRrO2kM1pE32_mJxlIfa5qZlvt_Z36xgkufDpEQx3kVN5cYwFowxlnHPa5hjiiNiD48Df2fnNVNBBjszTL22FrQqtQ_iWKznLCw1bq8vQi_6JG4_-DAfdXkqAIbItA_2gBxZ/s1600/O3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4X-MHOh8uRrO2kM1pE32_mJxlIfa5qZlvt_Z36xgkufDpEQx3kVN5cYwFowxlnHPa5hjiiNiD48Df2fnNVNBBjszTL22FrQqtQ_iWKznLCw1bq8vQi_6JG4_-DAfdXkqAIbItA_2gBxZ/s400/O3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578861869272965922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and my heart quietly answers.<br /><br />My kind of perfect, indeed.<br />xo Isa</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-66905661741575953182011-02-26T08:43:00.001-08:002011-02-26T23:41:18.782-08:00Rain, Rain, Go Away....<div style="text-align: center;">Enough already! Another storm is upon us here at the beach - rain...rain...and more soggy rain... Hopefully the downpours will subside soon because I am longing to get out in my yards and make some visions become realities this Spring -- and none of them include rain!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNevHQYHq9xj4xsmBIjTJJBzsn-zZn-_Cq6xZo0TLHCS6rYUdVG8PaggI85IVsALtCHGp3oBIj7OS0y5IklN3GKAlR4JDzRQHDCdIBz1Rc2aFDHAIBFjpiIiaEIAjPBef5sY9GWaiECOuB/s1600/muted+teal+party.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNevHQYHq9xj4xsmBIjTJJBzsn-zZn-_Cq6xZo0TLHCS6rYUdVG8PaggI85IVsALtCHGp3oBIj7OS0y5IklN3GKAlR4JDzRQHDCdIBz1Rc2aFDHAIBFjpiIiaEIAjPBef5sY9GWaiECOuB/s400/muted+teal+party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578039894522441794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy your weekend<br />xo Isa</div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-14229533900999780412011-02-23T10:49:00.001-08:002011-02-25T12:49:36.005-08:00Faded Grandeur<div style="text-align: center;">Our Museville "fun" projects seem to get pushed further and further back as we continue to put out fires around here due to the insane weather we have been experiencing in Coastal Southern California. I have never seen such rain as we have had these past months. Thunder, lightning, and this past week - hail. Yes, hail at the beach. Yellow sky backlit by lightning, and my little cottage near the sea rocked to where windows were rattling from the booming thunder. Things that never happen here are becoming commonplace.<br />Interesting times we are living in.<br /><br />Living in a 1920s beach bungalow, in an older neighborhood, with older storm drains... well, it's been interesting, alright. Tree limbs, debris that were carried in the floods into the drains are causing huge flooding issues in our little world. If it's not one thing, it's another, isn't it?<br /><br />So, while we are drying out here, my mind wanders to where my heart always long to be... renovating something more like this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTG-46G5smbsu6ruC_Li-hxt91eEnRJhynC3Cnno5D2J7XPtwxwm_FHM4sRfWdDe0EcCEIfbhSdaoxDpDwcx4zuE0vPLkjIj4D1-S5FvW2yDX50wt_0aj-VCovOs928RefV78x8VvWG-6/s1600/faded+grandeur.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTG-46G5smbsu6ruC_Li-hxt91eEnRJhynC3Cnno5D2J7XPtwxwm_FHM4sRfWdDe0EcCEIfbhSdaoxDpDwcx4zuE0vPLkjIj4D1-S5FvW2yDX50wt_0aj-VCovOs928RefV78x8VvWG-6/s400/faded+grandeur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576964283949527330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCd8QXN8PRLa-WMmH06Ww2YLdjNtffuyrImjpsFEhYe5gyo-cTy5WexKhMpcTByxni_-6UUM2O33heq_3BhwfSVqc3K6Ho6iK8TriO5TY04zziIYoM88vATsJfiL-oJCuFv8GYUCpU3s4/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCd8QXN8PRLa-WMmH06Ww2YLdjNtffuyrImjpsFEhYe5gyo-cTy5WexKhMpcTByxni_-6UUM2O33heq_3BhwfSVqc3K6Ho6iK8TriO5TY04zziIYoM88vATsJfiL-oJCuFv8GYUCpU3s4/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576964278918747954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I spend countless hours dreaming of what this would all look like finished...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4mZWfSds1giu_uWECaGCDTXQskRMaN69BdxHhoBITTbw_Nh0qjQ6jlFGtjVESTKi_QzWJLuleaU3wGSX5BCEh-wUDStA68gCoLepp2S-3mq9pGpVkIujRPWlHgAfQdxOiOjzQ558Lia/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmS4mZWfSds1giu_uWECaGCDTXQskRMaN69BdxHhoBITTbw_Nh0qjQ6jlFGtjVESTKi_QzWJLuleaU3wGSX5BCEh-wUDStA68gCoLepp2S-3mq9pGpVkIujRPWlHgAfQdxOiOjzQ558Lia/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576964272005301138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dinner here at 8 - on a balmy evening, with gentle sea breezes sometime in 2012 or so...<br />Shall I set a place for you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Ixsf1cj1wORiqmJwiz5YbhyJDlRg4e5F1QomghhB-5aiQZ59LTEZMyfl7tICEg6M8NmvUNyyhxu47a8Z682Y7dWfwY-WjgyKxUv1H6IRAjWAt-3fotySq57YnH6SBczhXYYczemq_XJ/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Ixsf1cj1wORiqmJwiz5YbhyJDlRg4e5F1QomghhB-5aiQZ59LTEZMyfl7tICEg6M8NmvUNyyhxu47a8Z682Y7dWfwY-WjgyKxUv1H6IRAjWAt-3fotySq57YnH6SBczhXYYczemq_XJ/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576964268129589938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One day this all will be out of my dream and into reality.<br />Yep, one fine day....<br /><br />xo Isa<br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-67394533844940351602011-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:002011-02-15T10:12:54.951-08:00Heartsong<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Love is the whole... and more than all.</span> --ee cummings<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEUuhyek36y2eIMdD2aYBgGyS8spyRqhS4158vTXojBWniPCF8QLxJ2jc-TInCnpWyd4h_momQJ6cBnD3lkhUsV4MMfDoGRlhW60iNACUCSP9YZ4PB1E3WpcRDwmAgVeWsUaISFOZAXlp/s1600/val2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEUuhyek36y2eIMdD2aYBgGyS8spyRqhS4158vTXojBWniPCF8QLxJ2jc-TInCnpWyd4h_momQJ6cBnD3lkhUsV4MMfDoGRlhW60iNACUCSP9YZ4PB1E3WpcRDwmAgVeWsUaISFOZAXlp/s400/val2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573607028803845938" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Much love to all on this beautiful Valentine's Day.<br /><br />xo Isa<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">photo by Kari Herer</span></span><br /><br /></div>Blue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4340408758376239372.post-76708988199633833692011-01-12T07:36:00.001-08:002011-01-12T07:58:58.672-08:00Dusting off the cobwebs...Underneath the crystalline shroud of winter, (albeit a southern California winter) life is moving slowly in Museville. The twelve days of Christmas ended last week, our friends from Sweden bid us farewell and flew into their bright shiny new year back home. The pace here is relaxed - the great exhale after the hustle and bustle of the holidays and year's end still lingers in the air.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIwEEKCAv_enS8NrMmmXkj5mf_n4iDOO2-aoDFmh7wi40JB2gsl38flryZrcUmuohWil7M8edZ5JVonE-tWorypfTgq-AwBhYOWrzngzGtZNoh5TjHbjpi9Ia7az-x-TS3qkFIn9boI_t/s1600/il_fullxfull.107739246.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIwEEKCAv_enS8NrMmmXkj5mf_n4iDOO2-aoDFmh7wi40JB2gsl38flryZrcUmuohWil7M8edZ5JVonE-tWorypfTgq-AwBhYOWrzngzGtZNoh5TjHbjpi9Ia7az-x-TS3qkFIn9boI_t/s400/il_fullxfull.107739246.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561324948859290178" /></a><br /><br />The last of the holiday decor has been boxed, wrapped and swept from the house and into memory. The shortest day of the year behind us, a slow charge is starting to creep into the Museville residents. Classes started for PTH - he's off to fill minds with creative thoughts again. Royal Sonshine returns from his European venture tomorrow. For me, it's time to regroup, prioritize and get focused. Lots to do around here. Stay tuned as we finally get somewhere with all of these unfinished projects around the place and have some results to share.<br /><br />The New Year is looking good and feeling fine. Onward we go.<br />xo IsaBlue Musehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615766405213474959noreply@blogger.com12