~A House Portrait by Fifi~

Molly’s House

A few weeks ago, Julia of Hooked on Houses presented the giveaway of a House Portrait, painted by fabulous artist Fifi of Fifi Flowers Design. I was absolutely thrilled, when I won this wonderful giveaway. Fifi and I corresponded through e-mail. I sent a photo of our home and one of Molly. After all, this is Molly’s house!

I’m adding this post to Julia’s Hooked on Fridays; because Fifi’s painting of Molly’s House made me so very happy!! Visit Julia’s, every Friday, for more Hooked on Friday posts.

Because we were spending several days at the lake, last week, we had our mail stopped. J picked up the mail, Monday morning. There, in the stack, was a large manila envelope from California. I could hardly wait to open it. Inside was Fifi’s beautiful painting of Molly’s House!

I’ve been in the process of “building” the picture wall, beside the pantry door, for awhile. I’ve tried several ideas. I knew Molly’s House would be perfect on this wall. I did a little rearrange of the prints, replacing a print of Charleston’s (SC) Rainbow Row, with Molly’s House. I placed the Charleston print below a poster, from Missouri’s Saint James Winery, we bought several years ago. The poster is a former St James Winery label.

Fifi’s painting is at home, in this setting. I’m looking for something to hang under the green matted print, on the opposite side of the door.

Click the image, above, to visit Fifi’s. You will enjoy!

Thank you Fifi! And thanks to Julia!

Preview of Upcoming Posts

A little silk floral arrangement, I put together yesterday, is a hint of the tablescape, I’m working on for an upcoming post.

This is J’s project. The desk was purchased during the 1970’s. It was once used in a school. When we acquired it, the oak finish had been altered, with an antiquing kit, popular during the 70’s. J is in the midst of sanding and preparing it for painting. We will have the painting done at a local car body shop, where we had a headboard painted, last year. When the desk is finished, it will be moved to the hearth room.

~Saturday in Historic Saint Charles~

Buildings on North Main Street, St Charles, reflected in the window of Framations Gallery.

Our friend, JoAnn, told us about artist Mary Ann Yeamans, a few years ago. Although we live only a few miles north of Mary Ann and her husband Ron, we did not meet them, until Saturday afternoon, when we attended the opening reception for an exhibition of Mary Ann's work, at Framations Gallery.

We were delighted to meet the artist and her husband, visiting with them and viewing Mary Ann's lovely paintings. We hope to get together, sometime soon. Mary Ann and Ron Yeamans are seen, with J and me, in the first photo. Mary Ann's work is in the background of the photo.

Framations Gallery is located on North Main, in Saint Charles Missouri. On the ceiling, just outside the door, a mural depicting scenes around Historic Saint Charles.

Mary Ann Yeamans' painting of Ronald McDonald House, an organization close to the artist's heart, is seen in the window of Framations Gallery. A signed and numbered art print of this painting was donated, by the artist, for a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser. Prints of the painting can also be seen in area McDonalds Restaurants. More about Mary Ann and her work can be found here.

The dome of the old St Charles County Courthouse can be seen in the distance.

The east facade of the old Saint Charles County Courthouse. The statue of San Carlos Borromeo (St Charles Borromeo) is seen to the right, in the photograph. San Carlos Borromeo is the namesake for Saint Charles Missouri. Also, on the grounds, a red-granite bloulder with a bronze tablet, marking the alleged starting point of Boone's Trail. The courthouse was constructed in 1903, of native limestone. Although court is no longer held in this wonderful old building, it is home to several county offices.

As we were leaving Historic Downtown Saint Charles, we drove, on Jefferson Street, past the old courthouse. Beautiful old homes, of varying ages and styles are seen on Jefferson Street. This home sits on the corner of Jefferson and 3rd, across from the old courthouse. I photographed several homes on Jefferson and will share them, sometime this week.

~A Cottage Fairy~

You saw this photo of my granddaughter Xanti, in the Book Fair post. I added it here, with a photo taken of her at the age of 3 months. The background photo is a wonderful Cottage Fairy created by the very gifted artist, Donna of The Decorated House. Perhaps you can see why I was so taken with Donna's fairy. The photo of Xanti at 3 months, hangs above my desk.

My Cottage Fairy resides in our breakfast room.

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Chris at Notes From a Somerset Garden and Deb at Posted From Home, have challenged me to a list of 8 random facts about myself.

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1. I played French Horn in Junior and Senior High School, in the late 1950's/60's. During the 1970's, I briefly played French Horn in a community band.

2. I keep in touch with several old school mates, on a daily basis. We have fun get togethers, too.

3. I played the mother of a 17 year old daughter in my high school senior play. I was made up to look very elderly!!! I didn't look anything like that, when I had 17 year old daughters!! I hope not, anyway.

4. When I was in 7th and 8th grade, I walked to Granny and Grandad's during lunch time, just so I could watch "As the World Turns".

5. I was given private drawing lessons when I was in 9th grade. My lessons were at the home of an artist. Her home was a small log cabin. She baked cookies each Saturday, before I arrived. One of her many cats, sat on my lap while I had my lesson. We always had tea and fresh baked cookies. This is one of my most special memories.

6. I moved to a smaller town, when I was in 10th grade. That Christmas, our PE teacher selected students to address her Christmas cards. I was one of the "lucky" ones, chosen for the task. I didn't do much in gym, that quarter, but I got an E (sometimes known as A) anyway! Guess I did a good job on those cards!

7. I sang at my Junior Prom (1960). I was very embarrassed and only did it because I felt obligated!! I was mortified, as I sang...."Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes". I did not choose the piece! I am still mortified. This has been a cathartic moment! What kind of prom music was that anyway!

8. Well, here I am at the end of this ramble down memory lane...let me see, can I think of one more printable random school daze thought? Oh! How could I forget...this couldn't possibly be the reason I was punished with music at the prom! Or could it... I committed theft...grand theft purple iris....yes! I'll admit it! I, along with about 20 other classmates, from "good families".....took several purple iris from various gardens, around town. One of those gardens belonged to the school superintendent! It seems at the end of the day, our money was gone, spent on crepe paper and other necessary prom decor! With no cash in our coffers and no flowers for the tables, it was all that was left to do! What were we crazy 16 year old kiddos thinking!!! The next night, we were complimented on putting on one of the best proms ever! The superintendent's wife was especially complimentary of our floral arrangements.

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If you would like to participate in this meme, I would love to see your impressive lists. Remember...confession is good for the soul.