MELANIE TURNER ASID

JOIN ME, IN MEETING ONE OF THE NATION'S MOST TALENTED DESIGNERS................MELANIE TURNER

A week ago, I had the wonderful opportunity in meeting Melanie Turner at the Atlanta Symphony Show House. Melanie is the Designer of the Dining Room in the Show House.

Our plans first were to go to the Show House in the middle of the week. Patti, my Daughter, was coming over the weekend and it dawned on me that she might enjoy going. So we changed our plans from the middle of the week to Saturday, the Opening Day of the Event.

Upon entering the Dining Room, the second room, to be toured, Melanie was standing there and graciously introduced herself to us. She took time to describe, to us, how she designed the room and the different elements in the space. It was Spectacular......One of the Most Glamorous, Classic Dining Rooms I have ever seen! An hour later, after touring the 20,000 square foot home, with too many rooms to remember, I decided to go back and share with Melanie, my feeling that her Dining Room was by far.... THE STAR!!!!! No other room compared to it!!

When I got home I realized that Melanie was the Designer who's work was featured on the Cover of the September issue of Veranda Magazine, and all the Glamorous rooms featured ....were hers. I flipped!!!! This particular issue has been inspiring so much of what I have been trying to do in the Bucket List House...from the arrangement of furniture, the placement of accessories, her use of color.....and ........a large part of the inspiration for the Christening Dress. I immediately sent her an email and told her my story. I mentioned that if I had any idea I was going to meet the Designer of the rooms I had been drooling over for months, I would have brought the magazine with me for her to sign!!!!!

Monday morning I received a reply...............Melanie invited me back....and she would love to sign my magazine.

This morning MC and I were there, once more. Melanie came and met us at the front door and took us in, as her guests.....I acted like a child in a candy store for sure, asked her to sign the magazine, take a picture AND if she would mind if I put a Post on my Blog about her. Her answer....YES TO ALL.

I AM SO, SO HAPPY !!!!

Melanie has had a busy few years.

She did design work along with her husband, Stan Benecki of Benecki Homes. He mentioned to her that her work was as good as any he had seen in the Design business and she should "show" her work!!! Before long she had won the 2009 and 2010 Southeastern Designer of the Year Awards from ADAC, Architectural Digest Kitchen of the Year Award, and ASID Best Residential Award. She submitted her work to Veranda, to see what would come of it, Then one day, on her Birthday, the call came. She would be featured in their September Issue.... on the COVER and a feature story in the magazine.

and best of all .......Melanie is a lovely, beautiful, gracious gal......Thank you so much for letting MC and I visit with you this morning.



MY SIGNED COPY !!!

Following are some her rooms that were featured in that issue.









INSPIRATION FOR CHRISTENING DRESS









LOVE....LOVE.....LOVE IT ALL.......

Thank you Melanie ..... YOU HAVE MADE MY YEAR....

SPECIAL POST FOR A SPECIAL FRIEND

A WONDERFUL GIFT...

This past Sunday, our neighbor Jan Gonzalez gave us a very lovely, special gift. Every Easter she makes Lithuanian Easter Eggs as gifts. They are dyed in onion skins.

It is hard boiled. The yolk will break up and turn to a dust like substance. The egg will remain as beautiful for years to come as it is today......unless dropped!!! I will take special care, I promise.....

I have never seen anything like it. I had to share this with everyone. Thank you so very much, Jan.

ERICA'S ART

BRAGGING....

This is a great time for me to put together, on one post, all of the Art pieces that Erica has done for us.

So many of you are new to this Blog. During the past few years, Erica has done some fantastic pieces of Art for MC and me, beginning in 2007.

The first , was actually three panels, titled "THE TREE SISTERS". They were designed to hang in our Norfolk Condo's kitchen. Each panel has one glass tile '"worked into the art" that was left over from our counter top remodel. We left Norfolk in 2008 and The Three Sisters moved along with us. To be honest, I can't say how many different places they have hung......but all....look like they were made for the spot they "live in" where ever that might be.

THE THREE SISTERS....2007

I can say the same for all the Art. They move with us..... and with my whimsical (actually annoying to most) changing of furniture and accessories.

I believe long ago, Erica, gave up on designing a piece for a specific wall or room. She quickly learned that it wouldn't remain in that spot. I am so grateful that this doesn't hurt her feelings. In fact, I think, Erica now enjoys seeing her work in different compositions.

I love to "See" a piece in a new location. It changes what "It Says"!!! AMAZING.....
It also amazes me how everything can move from house to house and room to room. I have recently confided with friends that the only item, furniture and accessory, that doesn't change from room to room is our BED!! ......and I can move all the items by myself...... We leave a few lights on at night....don't want anyone to fall over a piece that has "moved" !

CITY-FIED GROWTH.....2008

CHRISTENING DRESS 2010
AND
ITS PLACE IN THE FOYER

LADY OF LOVE AND HOPE 2010

COCKTAIL FIZZ 2009

MEMORIES IN LATITUDES 2009

URBAN BOLD 2008

We are so blessed to have Erica in our lives......Thank you so much Dear Dear Erica

UGLY DUCKLING TO SWAN....

WOW...

The last piece of the "Ugly Duckling" project arrived!!!!

Patti and Mark came the other day with the "Finial" for the lamp I have been making.

To give you some "History" on this piece....it all began around 1902. My Great Grandmother lived a Glamorous life! She loved to entertain and her parties were considered the BEST. An invitation to one of Christine's Parties was envied by all!!! Amongst her treasures was a Tiffany Glass vase she purchased at Tiffany's, on 5th Avenue in New York City. Not long after, electricity was being installed in homes and table lamps became the "RAGE". She had to have one!!! She took her Tiffany vase and had it converted into a lamp...... never realizing that in so doing, she destroyed the value of the vase!!!

In 1988 my Grandmother moved in with us. .... ...She brought with her most of her furnishings and her mother's "Lamp"! I never cared for it. After my Grandmother passed away, I took the lamp parts out and used it as a "decorative" vase. Remember.....a hole was now at the base ...no water in that vase!!!

THE UGLY DUCKLING.....

Lately, I have been noticing beautiful Murano glass lamps and love them!! I couldn't get them out of my mind !!! You got it EPIPHANY .....Why not convert my Tiffany (can't use) vase back into a lamp!! The Tiffany glass is as much a treasure as Murano glass!!!

The computer is a marvelous invention. With a little research, I was able to find all the parts I needed. We ordered them all....except the finial! MC in no time was able to put the pieces together and I had a GORGEOUS TIFFANY GLASS LAMP!!! Now, the perfect Finial! Greensboro, N.C. has a shop that sells all sorts of lamp parts. I called them and sure enough they had the PERFECT FINIAL. Patti was more than happy to run over and purchase it, and soon after she and Mark arrived it was the CROWN to the new JEWEL!!!!

It is now a treasured, beautiful addition to our home......maybe not the valued Tiffany Vase....but the Tiffany glass still glows!!!!

THE BOOK SIGNING.....

AL'S SUCCESSFUL DAY

MC and I just got home from Al Gonzalez's very, very, successful Book Signing Event at the Club Peachtree.

He has graciously arranged to donate some of the proceeds to our Community's favorite charity, Relay For Life.

Who Wants to Be Somebody ........by Al Gonzalez


Al and Jan are wonderful people and we are so happy for their success...

To learn more about Al and to order your copy go to:
www.southpointepublications.com

AL AND JAN

AL SIGNING OUR BOOK

THE MAGIC OF PAINT

WORDS AREN'T NEEDED FOR THIS .......

SOPHIA'S GIFT WITH "WHITE" FRAME

NOW...
THE COLORS IN HER PIECE "POP"

Just wanted to share. The last few weeks MC (known lately as "Goldfinger") has been painting a number of things "gold". Each item we spray.... pops!!! Amazing. Little touches of gold and red have brought the sunshine in!!! Hello .....SPRING

HOW GREAT IS MC....

HE'S A GEM.....

Yesterday, I was out shopping ..... MC had to go over to our Church to cook fish for the Friday Fish Fries. He and another parishioner have been serving fish on all the Fridays during Lent.

Now that is a good thing, BUT.......this is where it really gets good....

Before he leaves he sets up "My" dinner so I don't have to prepare a meal for myself. Yes, I am SPOILED!!! I must explain he loves cooking and enjoys being very creative in the kitchen, And.... even a sandwich tastes better when he makes it!!!!

I came home from my little shopping trip an found this with my meal.....


I AM A VERY LUCKY GAL AND I APPRECIATE MC........ SO, SO, VERY MUCH.

Now this little gesture inspired me to do a little change in the Great Room. Moved a few things around. I wonder why I don't "see" these ideas sooner???

LOOK AT ALL THE "POPS" OF RED .......



We have been working on little projects here and there. None are finished, as of yet, but as soon as they are..... you know I will share them here................

I AM AN ARTIST.....

AT LEAST I THINK I AM..............YOU BE THE JUDGE........

As I mentioned earlier, I worked on TWO projects this past weekend....
I was a busy little girl!!!

The second project was conceived after browsing through my new book, Glamorous Rooms, by Jan Showers. Thank you again, Claire!

In a number of the rooms, featured in the book, there are sketches like the one I am showing below. Jan has different variations in a number of different settings. These two.... are the simplest ones. Most are more detailed and resemble the female form.....some female faces.




I thought........ I can do this........................

I called our In House Artist, Erica, for some advice. She had wonderful hints for me to follow. The most important..... Dress in something that can be messed up!!!

As it turned out, I didn't end up using the brushes and paint we bought. MC and I spent two days deciding on brushes, paint and of course the PAPER.

After experimenting, I discovered that a felt pen worked the best!!! How easy AND no mess!!!

Of course, MC was a big help. He advised that I "practice" on scrap papers. Good idea. I did a lot of "practice" pieces.

MC....he's such a good guy......spray painted old frames, gold....Just like Jan's!!!!

FINALLY, I was ready!!! I applied my pen to the REAL sketch paper. WOW.......


Below, is my interpretation of the Glamorous art pieces that are in the book.........

I AM AN ARTIST

I was going to wait until tomorrow morning to post ......BUT.....I couldn't wait!!!
I am so excited about my artistic talent!!!!!! I have never drawn a thing!!! AND I HATED ART CLASS IN SCHOOL...................

DON'T YOU THINK I SHOULD HAVE A "SHOW"

DRESS-UP

A "WEEKEND PROJECT" upped the ante to FABULOUS........

BEFORE

Adding left-over crystals from an older chandelier, I DRESSED-UP the piece to a higher level....

AFTER

NOW IT'S REALLY "A JEWEL"

I did another project over the weekend......will post it tomorrow......you won't believe what I was capable of doing.....I surprised myself.......

AND OUR WINNER IS................

CONGRATULATIONS

ANNE NEVIN

As soon as MC and I realized that our winner was LOCAL.......We had to make it special.
And so.............

THE PRIZE PATROL
PRESENTED ANNE WITH HER WINNINGS

What fun and what a surprise that we had our WINNER so quickly........this is a FIRST!!!!

Now..............onward to 20,000...........WHO WILL BE OUR NEXT WINNER???

WE HAVE A WINNER

YES, A WINNER.......WE ARE OVER 15,000....

RECORD TIME.

WILL POST MORE LATER.......STAY TUNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AL GONZALEZ

WE HAVE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR ON OUR STREET..............



A few weeks ago, I learned that our neighbor, Al Gonzalez, was in the midst of having his first book published. Not only was I surprised, but I was taken back by the content!!! Al has accomplished miracles in his life!! This book reveals how he did it ....AND.... how everyone can..................

A MUST READ...

WHO WANTS to be SOMEBODY?

He has four book signings in the next few weeks......one here at Sun City Peachtree. I definitely plan on attending that......I want my "SIGNED" copy....SIGNED in PERSON!!!!

To read more about Al and his unbelievable success, here is a link to his Publisher.

www.southpointepublications.com

I have two pictures to share .....until that upcoming Book Signing at Sun City Peachtree. One is Al standing in front of the delivery of 2500 books. The second, is Al signing the first orders. He has sold over 100 the first week the book has been out!!!!!




CAN'T WAIT FOR SUN CITY PEACHTREE'S BOOK SIGNING.......

A very interesting week. Apparently ......the Talent Posts have created a lot of interest. That is GREAT......

It appears we are very close to having a WINNER of our 15,000 POST.

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING......

RUSS.....ADDITIONS....

THESE ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST........ON PAR WITH THE FIRESCREEN!!!!!!

Definitely worth the day's wait. Judy and Clay Davis are the PROUD owners of two of Russ' best pieces.
The Flag with the Eagle was in the Silent Auction at the Holiday Tour of Homes. The Davis' bid put it in their gorgeous home!

ENJOY...........





I am hoping to have a surprise Talent for tomorrow......
Look for the Bucket List Update email......

RUSS KELDORPH

WOW....HE IS GOOD!!!!!

Russ is someone you must meet.....He is one of our dearest friends. He would do ANYTHING to help you, has a heart of gold......and I'm not even going to try and explain his fabulous sense of humor!!! Those who know him, know what I'm talking about!! He is one of the WALKING TRIO. The three crazy people that walk the 6 miles of this community at 6:15 AM every Tuesday and Thursday...weather permitting.

Well..... with all that going for him, he also is very, very talented. He does the most beautiful Stained Glass work I've ever seen. His ART is displayed in many of our homes, since he is very generous and gives most of his talent away as gifts to friends and family. His work is also displayed Internationally!!!! An adorable clown with colorful balloons is hanging in a window...(Isabelle's) in Seoul, Korea! The Sun City Logo he did will soon be hanging at the Sales Center here in Sun City Peachtree!!! and some of his works have been donated to raise money for charity........

A GEM !!!!

Now, please enjoy his TALENT.............

SUN CITY LOGO

THE BIG APPLE

GREEN FROG

OWL

FIREPLACE SCREEN

ANGEL

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

RELAY FOR LIFE (GLASS IS PURPLE)

What did I tell you.......there are a few more pieces that I hope to be able to post later this week......

CONTEST DATES BY THE MONTH

MARCH

ANNE NEVIN....................................MARCH 31

APRIL

CARLA DELGIORNO........................APRIL 6

ERICA DOUGHERTY.......................APRIL 16
PAT WIHNYK..................................APRIL 23
PATTI MCDONALD..........................APRIL 30

MAY

CARLON BRIDGES...................................MAY 11
BOBBY WIHNYK......................................MAY 14
LINDA WILEY............................................MAY 15
HELEN MILLER.........................................MAY 17
CAROL WHELLER.....................................MAY 18
CLAIRE WIHNYK......................................MAY 23
ALLISON AND ROGER STONE ................May 24

JUNE

MAGGIE MCDONALD.......................JUNE 1
MARY KATE WIHNYK.....................JUNE 5
JAN GONZALEZ...............................JUNE 6
HENRY WIHNYK............................JUNE 7
BARRY MILLER..............................JUNE 10
BOBBY DELGIORNO....................... JUNE12
JIM MERCURIO..............................JUNE 18
ROXANNE BRIDGES.......................JUNE 22

JULY

SUE WIHNYK..................................JULY 1

ROBERT DELGIORNO.....OUR SON...." BOBBY"

TALENT- TALENT......EVERYWHERE.....

Bobby, our son, is very much his Dad! Bobby's life has followed MC's more than one would imagine! Career wise, yes, but also in hobbies and interests.

For a number of years, Bobby was spending a lot of his spare time making models. I never knew the extent of his talent until recently.

1970 OLDS CUTLASS

On our 50th Wedding Anniversary he made a model of the car our family traveled in all over the country...........rarely for vacations .......mostly, to move from one Air Force Base to another. From Tacoma to Florida, and many other places in between, we "motored" in our 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass. Mom and Dad in the front and the three "Angels" and our Miniature Poodle, Sam, in the rear. These adorable "Angels" remember the voyages somewhat differently than we do!!!! They love to relate "stories", that while cruising at 70+ miles an hour on Interstate Highways, we never opened the windows because we didn't want the other cars and their riders to know we didn't have air conditioning!!!! In reality, if one thinks about it, we didn't open the windows to prevent them and their "toys" from blowing out of those windows!!!! The one truth we will admit to, apologize for, and regret...........is that Mom and Dad did smoke during these migrations. Remember, it was in the 1970's and smoking was considered OK!!!!! Enough said!

Getting back on track.....Bobby has sent me pictures of his collection of models. I am amazed at the detail of each piece! This is one talent I would never have the patience for. Again, he takes after MC in that department!!!!

A WORK IN PROGRESS..USAF A-1J SKYRAIDER ("SANDY") VIET NAM

USAF F-105G THUNDERCHIEF ("THUD") VIET NAM

CAMIONETTA SAHARINA..WW II ITALIAN SCOUT VEHICLE

WW II GERMAN ASSAULT GUN

WW II GERMAN STUKA JU-87 DIVE BOMBER

Thanks, Bobby, for sending me these pictures......You do amaze me!!!

PS...THE LONG AWAITED ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Yes, we are in CONTEST mode once more.....We have exceeded 14,000 hits !!! My old readers know what that means, but for you new followers, let me explain. When we get close to a milestone in the number of hits, I run a contest to see who can guess the DATE we will reach this number. AND...........as is known......there is a HUGE PRIZE for the winner!!!
The prize has become something everyone strives to win.......A CHECK FOR $25 ...BUT.....even more valuable.......IT'S SIGNED BY ME!!!!

So everyone send me your guess. Just click on the email notice of this blog the date you think we will reach 15,000 hits!!!!

You can keep track of the "hit" numbers yourselves by scrolling to the bottom of the Blog Post. The number at the very bottom is the number of "hits" the blog has received.

The first one to choose a date gets that date. In other words, only one person per date! I will keep a running list of the contestants and the dates they have chosen.

CUT OFF TO ENTER IS APRIL 1, 2011

GOOD LUCK.... AND
LET THE FUN BEGIN...