Newport: A sip, a sip or a spoonful won’t do…

“No, I want it all…….’Cause a sip, a sip, or a spoonful won’t do, won’t do nothing for you. Cause a sip, a sip, a sip……” has been running Through my mind over and over again since hearing M. Ward at the NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL!!!!

If you know me well, you know I have an affinity for all things folk. And to spend a day with my love listening to fantastic folk music surrounded by fellow folky, folk-lovers is a good day indeed!  The festival has been a tradition for 52 years and it is set at the historic Fort Adams State Park which has refreshing panoramic views of the Newport Harbor. I loved hearing the seagulls between sets.

To my surprise and delight, I think I may have enjoyed the first band the most.

It consisted of three girls who refer to themselves as “Mountain Man.” Listen.

\”Animal Tracks\” by Mountain Man

They also sang an old tune from the 50’s by the DeZurik Sisters, which I looooved. It was yodelicous indeed.

                                             \"I Left Her Standing There\" by the Dezurik Sisters

Here are a few other highlights from the festival to wet your whistle:

\”Harlem River Blues\” by Justin Townes Earle

\”Dance Me to the End of Love\” by the Civil Wars

\”Cry, Cry Darlin\” by Chris Thile and Michael Daves

\”Someday\” by Middle Brother

\”Middle Brother\” by Middle Brother

These ladies liked it.

An eclectic bunch there was. I’d go again just for the people watching. Fashion at the festival was featured in Elle Street Style. (eh hem, I got my photo taken for it, but I guess I didn’t make the cut. haha) View it here anyways. Snore. (j.k.)

~~~

And speaking of Newport, Jeremy and I recently celebrated the 4th in Newport. We watched fireworks not once! Not twice! Ok twice. I’ve decided the 4th of July is THE best holiday.

Some Brooklyn friends joined us on the Jamestown Beach after our first fireworks party…

Photo by Karen Kristen Photography. View her stunning work here.

Some Providence friends joined us on the Providence “beach” for our second fireworks party.

I do loooove fireworks!

~~~

The following day, our Brooklyn friends joined us in Newport for some games sur la lawn.

Photo by Karen Kristen Photography

Photo by Karen Kristen Photography

Photo by Karen Kristen Photography

Ahhh Newport. I’m excited to do some more coastal exploring this August. Maybe lets all plan on going sailing! Can we agree to this? Here is an article I found recently on the “Seven Wonders of Newport.” So named after Newport just made the “Most Beautiful Places in America” list. Happy sailing!

A Week in Review

What a whirlwind of emotions! Our recent apartment search has been a stress I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  A whirlwind of tornadic-force winds capable of foiling all my plans for modern conveniences and aesthetic delights. Our final decision, however, was not based on aesthetics, kitty satisfaction, the number of south-facing windows, or the amount of growing space for herbs, (believe it or not,) but rather the confines of our budget and the flexibility of our lease. Ya know,….things grown-ups prioritize.

(I would especially like to thank my sweet friend Esther Howe for her wise counsel during my most manic hour. I like her a lot. She is the wife of this guy. My pastor and friend.)

(I would also especially, especially like to thank my mother for answering the phone every 10 minutes and for her counsel and prayers. I do loooooove my Mom.)

Here is a photo of the exterior. Note the color. It’s an honest aquamarine.

I might put a bird-feeder in that tiny street tree.

The new apartment is a bit on the dreary side because the walls are a taupe or a dark beige color. We plan to paint all the walls white, because I happen to be highly allergic to beige. My parents have always said the same thing. It must be genetic.

The house is located on the south-eastern edge of the Smith Hill neighborhood. It is only a 5 minute walk to Providence’s beautiful State House, a 15 minute walk to my new art studio, and a 15 minute walk to the nearest Whole Foods (win, win,….win!)

The capital grounds are quite idyllic and will prove to be valuable green space on sunny days that require lying in the sun on a blanket.  Also, two huge, terraced lawns on the west side of the capital might necessitate a game of croquet.

These are my friends. We play croquet.

Lately at the workplace, I’ve been working on terrariums and succulent gardens.

For example…

THE most amazing inspiration for everything terrarium comes from Artemisia Nursery and Gallery. A Portland, OR based company. View their blog here. There online store here. And their book here.

Our veggie garden has gone through quite the evolution lately. We have more kale and lettuce than any two individuals can safely consume and I LOVE it!

I also have some flowers in my backyard that are currently bringing me joy.

Clematis vine and Diamond Frost Euphorbia

Inspiration this week came from my dear friend Emily Wingfield.

She is a textile designer and artist. Her knowledge of the field is helping me get my designs industry-ready. She also introduced me to an online company called SpoonFlower that prints designs on fabric; (brilliant!) I just sent off for the fabric sample booklet; (excited!) I plan to print some of my textile designs on fabric so that I can send them to potential buyers, like….Anthropologie ;) View some of my patterns here.

Studio in the works:

Currently this studio is being used by a RISD textile prof. I hardly noticed…. but, those window sills are just begging for some green growing things ;) I hope to move in next week as long as everything goes through. Fingers crossed.

Here is an example of the flowers from Megan and Gabe’s wedding, as promised. Photo by Alastair Halliday

Also, I’m in love with this glowing ball of fur.

Thanks Thad Vickery for the photo.

….And speaking of Thad Vickery, view his handsome, handmade clothes here.

A Week in Review

………I’ve been thinking about:

finding the perfect art studio. Like this one…..and what color the walls must be once it is my

s a n c t u a r y. I think I have found one,

thanks to this girl:

mon amie and ceramic artist whose work can be found in cyberspace at www.courtneymattison.com/Courtney_Mattison

her work can also be found in person at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington D.C.

I hope her gumption is contagious.

…………I’ve also been thinking about:

Peonies and dahlias,

after designing the flowers for my friend’s wedding on Friday. Inspiration came from my favorite Brooklyn-based designers at Saipua. Actual photos coming soon, courtesy of my friend, Alastair Halliday.

I would also like to formally welcome Megan and Gabe Wingfield into the lover’s club. Congratulations little love birdies!

Their story can be found at meganandgabriel.wordpress.com

I would especially like to thank my friend Polly,

from Robin Hollow Farm in Saunderstown, RI for supplying the beautiful flowers for the wedding. I helped Polly seed and transplant some of these flower babies back in March. Photo by Nat Rea.

………….I’ve also been immensely inspired by this RISD artist:

Field Kallop is her name and she explores dyeing and bleaching techniques on paper and fabric.

………..Annie Dillard has got me thinking about the smallness of my faith. “It could be that our faithlessness is a cowering cowardice born of our very smallness, a massive failure of imagination… If we were to judge nature by common sense or likelihood, we wouldn’t believe the world existed.”

………….I’ve also been thinking about my dear friend Candice.

We have a phone date tomorrow. I wish instead it was a real date. One where we could lay on a blanket in the sun, braid our hair, and feed each other fancy cherries from goblets. hmmm yes. I’m anxious to hear all about her recent adventure to France and Spain with our dear friend Emily. See photos here.