Golden rays of love & light...

Much of the time, with two small, incredibly insightful children, I find myself stopping to take it all in...all that surrounds and passes me by (or I pass by)... I am constantly amazed and never let down by what I see, smell, live and am in those moments.

Here is a golden ray of light which made me stop and admire the wind, blooms, wonder and love all around me.

A little man of real intrigue and interest in all he encounters, in a field of gold, embracing the windy swirl of a sun drenched moment.

Life is amazing. I am so lucky.

Oh the great Backyard...

I used to subscribe to Sunset magazine & loved it, then it ran out and between Dwell and Domino, I just pretty much forgot about how much I completely enjoyed the articles, tips and down-to-earth California style that comes across every page. Granted, I could only dream about some of the featured spaces/homes/gardens/recipes...but that is what it's all about anyways, right?
So, upon renewing my subscription (missing that Domino and needing a bit of a replacement fix) I strolled through the pages online to get some summer inspiration and planting info.

This Phoenix backyard looking out to Camelback Mountain is a dreamscape...the fiberglass chairs are secured on that top step of the pool and does it get any more tranquil than looking out onto all those agaves, red yucca, creosote bush, saguaros, and palo verde.

Which brings me to my ever blooming succulent garden...pics to come another day.

Have a dreamy day!

Twisted but Stylish

Who says you can't be a little twisted and in style?...

Here is only the 2nd glimpse of my hearts work, which I have been nervous about introducing to the world and a bit hesitant to get out there, but in small steps I reach great lengths (I must recite this to self regularly).

This lasting & unique sculptural art will add texture, interest and style to any space...reclaimed, sandblasted Grapewood, Norweigian moss in green and black on a bed of sea glass and grey fresh water pearls (pearls also found) nestled on the branches in wee little beds of moss and lichen, crystal white sand shimmers in the light...natural, a bit modern with clean lines and simple beauty. Posting soon to my Etsy Shop, and more twisty and turny designs on the way.

Have a stylishly twisted day!

California Dreamin'

I tell you that I have a long way to go before I am -where one begins....
You are so young, so before all beginning, and I want to beg you, as much as I can, to be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.
Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live some distant day into the answer.
Resolve to be always beginning -to be a beginner!

--Ranier Maria Rilke

Ode to Mum's...

When a lovely girlfriend recently requested that I create a design for her Mum for Mother's Day...it got me thinking of that very topic...Mother's...

...they are like proud Peacocks, gracefully doing their business (most of the time)...shining so brilliantly in all their amazing ways and glorious presence.

I, of course, am a Mum (sometimes I don't feel so glorious or shiny, but I do amaze at times).

So, armed with the color red (requested for her Mum's desert home color scheme) and a penchant for Peacock's (Oh lucky me!)...here is what came to be:

You can barely see that wee little beautiful, shining fresh water pearl...see it?

A Very Very Happy Mum's Day to all you wonderous, amazing, over-the-top, beautiful ladies everywhere!

Have a most wonderful day!

KZ

Staging Away...

Well, in case, for some reason you are reading this and are not familiar with the concept of Staging, let me elaborate: Staging is the art of preparing a home to sell, it usually involves de-personalizing the property and making it visually pleasing and a place which anyone could imagine living in themselves. It is funny what people are influenced by and how their perception can be impacted by the smallest of things, enough said.

Here is the one day transformation:

Before:

After:

Furniture placement makes a world of difference...

Before:

After:

Have a splendid day!

KZ

Ho...Hum...Lukers...

Here is Luke the Duke...Oh so amazing in all his puppy

wonder.

Ta Da...just a few short months later.... Luke the Warrior...

He is a Love and a Bully, a Knight and a Baby, he defies gravity and cuddles like nobody's business...he is a great companion and sweetie to all...

And yes, his eyes changed from blue to green.

Have Dog Gone Great Day!

KZ