Having enough

You may be familiar with the story of a conversation between two famous authors, Kurt Vonnegut, and Joseph Heller at the home of a wealthy hedge fund manager on Shelter Island years ago.

In the course of the discussion, Vonnegut said to Heller that their host made more money in one day, than Heller would make in an entire lifetime on his book Catch-22. Heller replied that was probably true, but that he had something he would never have - he had enough.

Having enough is something that many of us reevaluated lately. For some, it has meant downsizing, out of need or desire to simplify our lives. For others, it may mean expanding, finally being able to afford that welcoming home, thanks to lower interest rates and prices. Some realize that it means getting rid of stuff, decluttering and organizing their homes so that they have more time for the things that are important to them.

Starting next week, my blog will deal with solutions to these challenges. I will start with a current project - a small studio apartment in Manhattan that belongs to a successful lawyer, who has chosen to downsize out of the desire to simplify her life.

I hope you'll return next week and the weeks there after as this project unfolds.

Happiness is three small dogs...

"Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads."- Harry Truman

Charlie

Pickles and Lucy

It is one year since Lucy - a lovable 6 yr. old Boston Terrier and her "little sister" Pickles, a 5 yr. old sweet, funny pug came to live with us. It had been 1 yr. since our sweet Rosie (seen on my website) had died at the early age of 9. I missed Rosie terribly, and our little Charlie was still despondent. When I got the call from a friend that due to circumstances she needed to find a new home for the two of them, I jumped on it, and haven't regretted it.

An old friend, Stephanie Massey recently photographed them. Stephanie has great talent with the camera. She senses the personality and captures the perfect moment for the shot. I wish I had her talent. I hope you all check out her website www.stephmassey.com. There are more pictures of Charlie, Lucy, and Pickles on her woof blog. I love her motto - "Life as it happens." It says it all. Some things just can't be put off until later.

We look forward to working closely with Stephanie on a new joint venture. I know that many of you have family photos that you would like to hang on your walls, but aren't sure how to do it. We will frame and hang them for you with a professional eye. Please contact us if you are interested.

In the meantime, don't forget that we are animal and child friendly, and specialize in practical, as well as green solutions that are healthy, easy to maintain, give an updated, clean look and even reuse what you have.

We have:

• hypoallergenic mattresses without chemicals


• hypoallergenic rugs and carpets


• organic and recycled fabrics for window treatments, reupholstery or slipcovers


• furniture made from recycled and sustainable sources without any toxic finishes


• wallpaper from natural, organic sources

and, recently added

• a line of very "green" greeting cards from Borealis Press - made with soy inks on acid-free, recycled, chlorine-free paper.
  
  

Welcome to my new blogspot

Welcome to "Simply Eva" my new blogspot - where I give you tips and easy solutions to design problems.

I have just returned from a long weekend on Mt. Desert Island, ME, one of the most beautiful spots in the country, and a mecca for painters. There was a juried art show in Southwest Harbor, with many outstanding Maine artists participating. One of them was a friend, Gloria Gustafson, from York. I particularly like the scene above that we woke up to everyday, painted from the inn we were staying at. Gloria has many wonderful works - check them out at http://www.gustafsonoriginals.com/. She also runs a gallery in York with other Maine artists displaying their work as well.

I find that my clients are often a little apprehensive about buying art at an art show and thought I would pass on some tips for finding that perfect piece of art. The first consideration is, of course that you really like the artist and their work. Art shows are an excellent way to get acquainted with the artist.

If you are looking for a special piece of art for a particular spot in your house, be sure that you go prepared.

• Measure the space available. If you're not sure how big or small it should be, make a paper cut out in a contrast color to your wall and put it up with magic tape, which won't pull the paint off of your wall.


• Take a picture of where you want to put it and note the colors in the room. With the measurements and picture in hand, it will be easier deciding. Step back from the painting and ask yourself - does this work colorwise in the room? Does it have the proper impact? If framed, does the frame work?


• Don't forget that the artists are always happy to do commission work and giclees and can change frames as well. Many will let you buy on approval as well.
  

First and foremost be sure that the art speaks to you. Art is an emotional thing. Take your time deciding, if necessary. You'll be living with your purchase a long time. Happy Hunting!