I have been a blogger for many years…since 2007. The community was very small back then: you “knew” almost everyone who had a blog. Now, of course, it has changed to an enormous community. And blogging has been joined by Instagram as a social media site around the world.

I have been in the visual arts most of my working career. I began as a textile designer in New York, moved on to product design and eventually owned my own design studio in the Hudson Valley. We licensed designs to major manufacturers of many kinds of home furnishings products : fabric, paper, rugs, ceramics and packaging. It was such fun and I loved every minute of it.

But the market changed; my life situation changed; and our needs as a family changed. We left the Hudson Valley and moved down to this warmer climate in North Carolina.

I started my newest business, OneNumberEight, with greeting cards designed by me. I added calendars and now, two years later, my calendars are definitely my most popular item.

Gardening has become a very important part of my life; you will see a lot of it here on the blog. “Friday Flowers” is where I post about my own gardens but also those I discover and think you might enjoy. When I travel it is often to see gardens: so stay tuned while I show you where I have been.

And here are a few random facts about me:

I am very happy living in the hot, humid South. Yes, for real.
I love gardening. Gardening has become more and more a part of my life the older I get.
I love the gym and would have a very difficult time living without it. as a total surprise to both me and my family, I started swimming three years ago. Thirty minutes, goggles and all.
I love jewelry: all kinds. Always and forever.
Photography. This has become an important part not only of my blog, but of my learning-new-things-in life. I love taking photo courses for all the challenges they offer but also as another way to meet new people all over the world who share my interests.
I never, ever drink coffee. Gave it up about 25 years ago and now drink only Assam tea (loose tea only!).

Having been a loyal Francophile (traveling to France every year, running an import business with a partner from Provence, speaking the language etc ) I have now become an Anglophile! Well, one can be both perhaps. Daughter lives in London; I have made many new, wonderful friends there, and nothing please me more than to travel to the gardens.

Friends. So many new friends made in blogging and the courses I’ve taken.

Old friends and new friends: thank you for reading and supporting this blog!

A few images, both of my childhood growing up outside of Philadelphia; and then some more recent travel photos.

That’s me on the right with the popsicle, with my Mother and sister and dog looking longingly at my ice cream!

That is me: in the red suit, front and center. Don’t you love the plastic headband?

More travel images coming soon!

“Sur le Pont d’Avignon”: one of my earliest trips to Provence when I became a Francophile!

And here, another trip to Provence, in 2013 showing how to stay comfortable and with sun protection.

Looking quite glamorous outside Harrods! Read about the trip HERE.

Another wonderful mother/daughter trip to Barcelona in November 2015. You can read about it HERE.

I will be adding a more complete selection of some of my products from various manufacturers. So stay tuned!

“Zagara” by Deruta. One of my favorites that I designed and we use the dessert plates every day.

And here, I’ve been mentioned!

Terry’s Fabrics

Belle Provence Travels

Jackcyn Redesign

UnexpectedElegance