What Was I Thinking?

5 inch heels. New York. Raining = No Taxis Available. Had to walk blocks to the subway. Subway stairs down. Subway stairs up. Switch trains. Stairs up. Stairs down. Walk from subway home. More like stumble home. By the time I reached the door my calves were burning and I was walking with legs bent in a sitting position. Not. Walking. Shoes...

@PiperlimeBrand ::: Soho Pop-Up Store

Like the rest of New York City, I have been bombarded with ads and mentions of Piperlime in the taxis, in WWD, and twitter to name a few. So I guess I am living proof that advertising blitzes do work, because I went to the Piperlime Pop-Up Store in Soho yesterday to see what this was all about.

I was beyond impressed. If you are in New York, GO. I have never bought anything from Piperlime's website, but that will be changing soon because the pop-up store really brought everything to life.  They merchandise with an array of price points and I was especially impressed with the quality of the less expensive items. Sometimes it is hard to translate clothing and accessories on a website (I know that first hand) but I have to say - even if you are not sure how their items are going to translate - from what I saw yesterday - it will be better than what you see pictured (and with free shipping & return shipping you have nothing to lose)!

At the Piperlime Pop-Up store they also give you a chance to style a look with the store's clothing and accessories (my inner stylist was loving this part).  Yesterday's theme was "faux fur" where I had to incorporate a faux piece with my look.  They take pictures of each person's look and judge them at the end of the day. Each day the winner receives a $100 gift certificate to Piperlime.

Some of my favorite items that I saw yesterday ....
Military Jacket $108 (I bought this one and LOVE it)
Stardust Sequin Dress $158
Faux Fur Vest $92
Gold Party Dress $295
Tiered Side Top $95
Batwing Blouse $389
Tallulah Boot $299
Meris Boot $78

If you are in New York: Piperlime Pop-Up Store, 93 Mercer Street at Spring. Open until 3 October.

600 Facebook Fans

Well I just spotted some very nice news - as of today there are now 600 Fans of Cannon Lewis Jewelry on Facebook! Thank you all for your support!

Concierge of Chic: interview w/ designer Patti Flowers

I have known Patti Flowers my entire life. My grandfather and her father fished together every week and as a little girl I would go to her studio and watch her design beautiful dresses. Years later when I got married she designed my wedding gown. Patti's designs have a timeless and sophisticated air while accentuating the mystery and beauty of the female form. Patti's studio is by appointment only and located at 3617 Fairmount Avenue, Dallas TX 75219, ph. 214.369.7027.

Cannon Lewis: As a clothing designer, how did you decide to move into the more niche market of bridal and evening wear?
Patti Flowers: Evening wear was my first love, with the beautiful fabrics, details and endless design possibilities. Bridal found me when I was asked to design wedding gowns for clients. Not long after, I was invited to be the In- House Designer for the Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon, and a new love began.

CL: Who is your style icon?
PF: There are so many. For designers, Coco Chanel and Edith Head. Chanel's classic yet avant-garde approach to design and Edith Head's feminine and glamorous designs for film. As for individuals (this may sound cliché), but Audrey Hepburn for her classic elegance and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy for her understated modern approach. Also Jan Strimple, with her swan like beauty, who embraces every design she wears.

CL: Name a few of your favorite fabrics to use and why?
PF: Double-Faced Silk Satin and Silk Velvet, for the richness and lush textures. These fabrics are wonderful to create interesting design lines and draping, yet embellish beautifully with beading and embroidery.

CL: If you could go back in time and design for one era or decade, which one would it be and why?
PF: The fifties (not because of Mad Men) because design was so feminine and flattered the female body. During this era, women presented themselves in a graceful, elegant manner. The designs whether day or evening were beautifully tailored. However, while I was born In 1956 I would not like to be a professional woman during that era due to the limitations placed on women by others and themselves.

CL: There are many bridal and evening wear designers, but you are consistently considered one of the best in Texas, and sought out by those who could have their pick of any designer. What is it about your designs that make them distinct and desired?
PF: Thank you for your kinds words. It is such an honor to be part of this special time in a bride and her family's life. Since you were one of my brides, I hope you agree with this, but I believe in designing for the bride, so that the bride is the focus not the design of the gown, I want every one at the wedding to say "what a beautiful bride," not "what a beautiful gown".

CL: Tell us about a business lesson you have learned from owning your own company.
PF: My father was right, I should have listened and taken business courses in college. No matter what line of work you go into or what you study, everyone needs to also study business.

CL:What advice do you have for people looking to have a career in fashion design?
PF: Get an education in design and business. Work in the industry in various capacities not just design so you have a good understanding of all the areas surrounding fashion design.

CL: If you could live anywhere for six months where would you go and what would you do?
PF: An isolated place in the mountains. No computers,television, etc. I would sketch, journal, meditate, connect with nature and be able to turn everything off and re-discover in a quiet and creative place. The only problem - my husband likes the beach.

CL: How would you describe your personal style?
PF: Classic with a current updated edge. I love to add a modern look to dresses, suits, evening gowns that have been in my closet for years with new or vintage accessories.

CL: If you could have one piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry, which one would it be and why?
PF: I am very fortunate to have several "vintage " Cannon Lewis pieces and each time I wear one I always get many compliments. I would like to have at least one piece from each of the Cannon Lewis collections, because each collection has such a different feel and speaks to me in a unique way. I particularly love the strength of the Captivate Collection and a necklace from this collection is definitely on my Christmas wish list.
Yet I also sincerely want a piece from the Life Collection with the quote from the designer's Grandmother about Willows: " Be a Willow, Not an Oak. Willows Bend, Oaks break"
It is definitely best to be a "Willow" in the Fashion Industry.

Pictured is an example of a dress designed by Patti Flowers

Jewelry in New Store: Broken English

My jewelry is now carried at the store Broken English in the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles. Broken English is a very cool store and buyer Laura Freedman has an eye for picking original pieces, and it is an honor for me to be in this store. If you are in the area, stop by and see my jewelry or visit the Broken English website here to see the array of interesting pieces she carries.

My Living Room: A Closer Look

I was sitting on the couch and noticed how pretty the roses were in the window. So much has changed though - so I give you two pictures: one a view of my living room as I immediately saw it, and second, upon closer inspection what I found. A baby does change everything but these changes make me smile.

New Website coming soon!

I have some news that I am so excited to share - a new website is on its way! Robert Milam did a fantastic job designing my new logo that captures the essence of my brand (my new logo is featured at the top of this blog) and now he is back for the website design and I can't wait to see what the final product will look like. Robert pays an extreme attention to detail and is a talented artist and there is no one else I would trust more with this project.

The goal of the new site is to give the user a more intimate understanding of the story behind the jewelry pieces and what inspires the designer. The new site will be coming out sometime late fall and I will be busy working on all the details that are involved with getting a new site up.

Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to make the website better, or send me a link to websites that you love for one reason or another.

Homecoming

After a 5 hour flight with two strollers, a baby and a dog, we are in the taxi on our way home after three months away. I remember when I used to visit here and it seemed a bit overwhelming and larger than life. Now I'm in the cab just looking up at the buildings and the people on the streets and smiling - New York I've missed you and its so nice to be back!

What Do You Think?

I have created a short survey that will help guide the Cannon Lewis jewelry brand going forward. The survey is only 7 questions and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

The survey is completely anonymous. I really appreciate you taking this survey as the results will help me make important decisions. Thank you for your support, friendships, and input! You can Click Here to take the survey.

Surfing Big Dume

Big Dume is one of my favorite places to go in Malibu. My husband would surf all day if he could, and on this afternoon I went with him. I got this great picture of him surfing (he is the one on the far right).

Drama & Designers

Drama is the uniting characteristic behind a few of my favorite designers. First there is classic Vionnet. I love her use of the bias cut and the way the clothing falls on the female form. The dresses seem to float and move as if you are being carried into a room.

Morgan Le Fay (photo above courtesy of Morgan Le Fay). The pleats, cuts, and folds come to life when you put the clothing on. There is intention in the placement of each section and the layers create movement and depth in the dresses.

Marchesa (photo courtesy of Marchesa). The draping is fabulous. I love the use of vivid color, the detail, the imagination. The dresses can transport you to some other glorious place.

There is an ethereal quality to J. Mendel (photo courtesy of J. Mendel). I walk by the store on Madison and would like to just live there. The dresses seem to float by and the organza draping, pleating, calculated positioning of each cut creates a bold statement while not overpowering the beauty of the one who wears the clothes.

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 21 *last day*

Well ... I've done it! 21 Days of Forever 21! This was my favorite outfit so I've saved it for last. I've never blogged this much in my life and I've had a fun time doing it!

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Scarf: My mom's closet
Sunglasses: Gucci
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis willow earrings, long slice of shell necklace in gold, acorn necklace in gold

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 20

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Victor Camuto
Purse: Chanel
Sunglasses: Forever 21
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis long slice of shell necklace in silver

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 19

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Current Elliot
Shoes: Victor Camuto
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis medium willow earrings, tree pose necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 18

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Terra Plana
Purse: Mui Mui
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis willow earrings, long grow pendant

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 17

Top: Forever 21
Pants: Forever 21
Jacket: BCBG
Neck Scarf: Tiffany & Co.
Purse: Chanel
Shoes: Victor Camuto
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis dove cuff, acorn earrings, starfish necklace

Sail On.

I want them all. Sea Bags is a company based in Portland, Maine that takes reclaimed sailboat sails and turns them into very cool tote bags - a perfect summer accessory. You can visit their website here.

To add to this nautical inspired post, I heard this poem referenced this week, and I thought I would leave you with a thoughtful reminder...

The "Winds of Fate" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

One ship drives east and another drives west

With the selfsame winds that blow.

'Tis the set of the sails,

And Not the gales,

That tell us the way to go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate;

As we voyage along through life,

'Tis the set of a soul

That decides its goal,

And not the calm or the strife.

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 16

Shirt: Forever 21
Pencil Skirt: Forever 21
Handbag: Chanel
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis acorn earrings, tiny branch necklace

Meet The Press: The RC Project: CW 33 TV Interview

I had the pleasure of being interviewed yesterday by Roni Proter and Candice Crawford on their show, the RC Project. This was my 1st studio interview and it was so much fun! Roni and I met last year when she interviewed me for a TV segment, and her co-host Candice and I actually went to high school together, so it was such a fun little reunion of sorts that took place in a very chic sitting area that happened to be in a studio with lots of hot lights and cameras.

RC Project: Cannon Lewis Jewelry Design - KDAF

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 15

Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis willow earrings, rutilated quartz life necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 14

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: L'Autre Chose
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis silver willow earrings, silver slice of shell necklace, dove bracelet, little branch necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 13

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis willow earrings, dove bracelet, tree pose necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 12

Shirt: Forever 21
Cargo Pants:
Shoes: Barney's Co-Op
Purse: Soho street vendor
Scarf: Hand-painted silk from Poland
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis amethyst marquise and amethyst leaf ring, gold grow pendant

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 11

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Terra Plana
Handbag: Miu Mui
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis willow earrings, tiny branch necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 10

Shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Forever 21
Handbag: Chanel
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik with black and white stripes
Scarf: Hermes
Sunglasses: Forever 21
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis gold willow earrings, leaf cross, leaf ring

Concierge of Chic: Interview w/author Deborah Davis

I met Deborah at a book signing in Newport, RI. Little did I know at the time that this spunky red-head was actually a veteran film executive and an accomplished author. If you are looking for good summer reading, I would highly recommend her writing, and click here to view a full list of her books.

Cannon Lewis: What inspired you to write you most recent book Gilded, How Newport Became America's Richest Resort?
Deborah Davis: I have always been fascinated by the opulent lifestyle in Newport, and I wanted to tell the inside story of the city's long and colorful history as the playground of the very, very rich.

CL: Cannon Lewis jewelry reaches a niche audience which I would describe as "refined bohemian." That being said, which of your books would you recommend and why?

DD: Definitely Strapless, the story of the scandal behind the John Singer Sargent painting, Madame X. The book shows that what you wear - in this case a stunning black dress -- can change your life, and it paints a vivid portrait of an enthralling time in history that is surprisingly like today.

CL: As an author you have had the opportunity to act as an observer of so many people's lives through your research and interviews. What are a few of the most important life lessons you have learned from these encounters?

DD: I usually write about people who seem to have everything, but are rarely satisfied, leading me to believe that the greatest gift is not achieving success or fame, but appreciating what you have every day. It sounds like such a cliché, but I have spent so much time studying larger-than-life figures such as Madame X, Truman Capote, and the fabulously rich in Newport, R.I., and I am always surprised to see that happiness eludes them. The lesson is live in the moment, as best you can.

CL: What is one of your favorite summer memories from your childhood?

DD: Waking up very early one summer morning and playing in my Grandmother's backyard, which was a magical place at first light. Her garden seemed enormous (it wasn't, really) and was filled with hiding places -- the Weeping Willow tree, the lilac bushes, the corner where the hedges met the wall -- for an imaginative little girl and her favorite dolls.

CL: Looking back on your career as a writer, wife, and mother is there anything you would have done differently?

DD: Well, I was married at 23, so I couldn't have done that much earlier and I am happily married to the same man, so that choice was correct!. Sometimes I wish that I had started my family when I was younger, but then I might not have the two extraordinary children I have today. As for writing, I have been in training for this job my entire life. On a more practical note, when financial advisers tell you to save a little money each month for college, listen to them. Ouch. Oh, and I wish I had worn more sunblock.

CL: What are some things that you have not done yet but would like to do in your lifetime?

DD: I would like to care for homeless dogs. My win-the-lottery dream is to underwrite a country home for abandoned pets -- a place where they could find comfort, love, and security.

CL: What advice do you have for young people pursuing the field of writing?

DD: They have to learn that good writing is really about re-writing. Put ordinary words on the page and change them again and again, until they get better. And write about what interests you -- if you are genuinely enthusiastic about your subject, your readers will feel the same way.

CL: How would you describe your personal style?

DD: I went to Catholic school as a child and it must have made a big impression on me because I'm all about uniforms. Lot's of black -- in fact ALL black -- clothing with strong, simple lines, and one signature piece of jewelry that says it all.

CL: If you could have one piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry which one would it be and why?

DD: The Captivate Collection has captivated me! I love the pendants because of their beauty, their timelessness, and the great wisdom of the messages they carry. I especially like the one that says "Glean away the wheat, remove it from the shaft. Remove the comfort of the past, a new life is here at last." It is a "forever" piece -- one that would be precious and meaningful everyday, and for a lifetime.

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 9

Shirt: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Scarf: Tiffany & Co.
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis grow necklace, starfish necklace, gold willow earrings

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 8

Blouse: Joie
Skirt: Forever 21 sequined lace
Shoes: Vintage from my mother in law's closet
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis rutilated quartz life pendant

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 7

Shirt: Forever 21
Black Jeans: Forever 21
Pink silk scarf - my mom's closet
Shoe: Victor Camuto
Purse: Chanel
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis long slice of shell necklace, sand dollar dove necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 6

Here I am in my Forever 21 maxi dress with Sophie. You can't see my jewelry but I am wearing the starfish necklace and long grow pendant.

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 5

I flew home to Texas this weekend and drove to a small West Texas town for my dear friend's wedding. I wore my boots, ate chicken fried steak, got bitten by mosqitoes, sweated in the heat and took in the slow pace of the town coupled by the overwhelming hospitality. I love it here - it is so quite and still that I have time to really reflect on life and family relationships. I can live anywhere in the world but there is something about Texas that will always have a part of my heart.

Dress: Forever 21
Boots: Cole Haan
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis leaf ring, window necklace, tree pose necklace

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 4

Shirt: 5/48 (Saks)
Skirt: Forever 21 black linen
Shoes: Zara navy with gold metal beads
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis gold willow earrings, captivate boulder opal necklace, tree pose pendant

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 3

Top: Forever 21 black damask lace
Jacket: Thorn
Jeans: Forever 21
Handbag: Soho street vendor - I love it! His wife makes them and he sells them
Shoes: Victor Camuto (TJ Maxx find)
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis gold willow earrings, black rutilated quartz Life necklace

The Thrill of the Hunt

So I have received some feedback. A few of you want to know where I find everything else and how I put the outfits all together, and what to do if you are on a budget. So I am going to divulge some of my secrets intermittently.

I am a scavenger. I like hunting and I like finding. If friends ask, I will always tell how much I paid for things IF I got a deal, and when I don't get deals, I don't say anything, and hope my husband doesn't notice.

I don't pay full price for basics. I pay full price for nice fabrics, soft leather, texture, artistry, craftsmanship and detail. But full price is never as fun as finding something - I love the feeling I get when I happen upon something fantastic for less. Hard to explain unless you know what I am talking about...

TJ Maxx - in the designer section I can find some good things. Also their shoes are great. It is hit or miss.
Loehman's NYC - better than TJ Maxx. I have found gorgeous silk scarves, nice hand bags, smaller RTW niche designers who I love, and Cashmere, Cashmere, Cashmere.
Century 21 NYC- also discount but I haven't had as good of luck.
Consignment - takes digging to another level, however I have scored new Phillip Lim w/tags vintage Chanel, St. John, and Dior to name a few.
Daffy's - at 34th street Harold Square NYC. I hate the location, which is probably good so I don't go all the time, however they carry beautiful European children's clothing, children's cashmere, etc. Adult clothing is lacking - so don't go unless you have children.
Sample Sales - these can be amazing.
Ebay - I have found some things, but only when I know exactly what I want and all the details on the item so I don't get scammed.

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 2

Today I am wearing:
Top: Forever 21
Jeans: Earnest Sewn - Skinny Jean w/zipper
Shoes: Zara - navy blue with gold metal beads
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis long grow pendant, starfish pendant, large willow earrings

Stealing Angels

My godsister, Caroline Cutbirth, (girl on the far left) is in an amazing country band called Stealing Angels. Their single, "He Better be Dead" just debuted on the country charts at #59 Today. You can get it on Itunes or check out their website or their facebook page. I am so proud of her. I have known her all of my life, and even though when we were little she used to give me "rose gardens" on my arms we moved past that and have had lots of fun memories together and I am so happy for her!

21 Days of Forever 21: Day 1

Dress: Forever 21
Handbag: Miu Miu
Shoes: L'Autre Chose
Head Scarf: Hermes
Jewelry: Cannon Lewis large willow earrings, long grow pendant, tree pose pendant, dove bracelet

21 Days of Forever 21 : Intro

I had a brilliant idea a few days ago. To preface this, I had a baby. My cute tight summer tops of the past are not working out so well these days, and although Core and More is kicking me into shape, I need some outfit forgiveness. After feeling drab for a few months, with the Aha moment being when I wanted to wear workout clothes for the day not because I was working out but because I didn't know what to wear, I took some initiative. I needed some major change without spending everything I have. So I went to Forever 21, stockpiled, and that night put all these outfits together with cards on the hangers saying exactly what to put together for each outfit, since I have about .00000001 minutes in the morning to think about these things with a baby and a dog. So I bring to you my challenge: I am going to wear Forever 21 for 21 days, styled with pieces from my closet and my stunning jewelry, and you guessed it - I will blog about each outfit. Daily.

Smells of Summer

I like to change up my perfumes from season to season. So this is what I smell like right now...(actually come to think of it not really because I just worked out) but in an ideal world:

In Love Again by Yves Saint Lauren (daytime or casual evening)
Mondragore Pourpre by Annick Goutal (for evening)
Un Matin d'Orage by Annick Goutal (daytime)

A word about Annick Goutal - I am a huge fan of her perfumes. Each scent has a story and the bottles are designed to harmonized with the scent inside. I always seem to fall for things with details and stories...

Twitter 2nd Attempt

I decided to get back on Twitter. I don't know why - maybe it is summer and I feel like chatting. So follow me: cannonlewis
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What I love right now

These are some things I love right now:
Wearing: Current Elliot stretch jeans
Reading: Strapless by Deborah Davis - book about Sargent's painting of Madame X
Ambiance: the design of the J.Crew store on Madison & 79th, also the J.Crew store in Malibu.
Mothering: The Nap Sac by Lilly Gold. Basically its a fold out bed that I can take to the beach and the baby sleeps. It isn't the prettiest but amazingly practical.
Relaxing: going to the beach, MOU boots in tow, looking at driftwood
Wish: Antique Buccellati bracelets and rings ... I am currently taking donations - I promise I will take very good care of them
Surviving: Ballet flats 925 by Kenneth Cole. Cute but have good support and I can walk for days in them - must for NYC
Spending: buying estate furniture at Santa Monica Children's Charities
Comfort: hibiscus iced tea, pimento cheese sandwiches, watermelon
Accessorizing: wearing my marquise amethyst ring (see post below)
Sleeping: just that.

I'm Alive...

Sorry about the 2 month blogging hiatus - I wish I could tell you that I was off somewhere Walden style staring at a pond drinking green tea and sketching, but in reality I was running all over the place getting blisters on my feet while trying to finalize the fall line and now I am staring at a blank sketchbook and need to start designing again for spring.
A short re-cap on life:
Sophie dog got a haircut, the bill was $90. Husband says he will cut her hair from now on.
I got a new dress by All Saints (love this brand)
I had a birthday
Husband bought 4 new surfboards
Baby is teething
I am coming to terms with the fact that my shoe size still hasn't returned to its pre-pregnancy size and am remorsefully concluding that shoes are a terrible investment.
I had a fun time working out for the first time - Core and More class @ Sports Club LA

And finally, I leave you with what I should be writing about, ehem.. the jewelry.
Sterling Silver baby spoon ... the word "Love" is written in the vines
Walnut Necklace with blue topaz drop dangling inside - it is sooo cute
Leaf Ring - marquise cut pale amethyst with alexandrite and diamonds looks so cool on ...

Press: Baylor Line Alumni Magazine

Click here to view a recent article on my jewelry in the April 2010 Issue of the Baylor Line Magazine.

Easter at Chelsea Market

I loved Easter when I was little: new dress, new shoes, taking flowers to church to put on the cross, and the eggs. My grandparents had a huge Easter egg hunt at their house, then there was another one at the country club, and then my sister and I would take turns hiding eggs around the house to continue the merriment. My mom had an Easter tree that I helped her make one year and she taught us how to take a needle and blow out the yolks in the eggs and dye them to make ornaments. I even took a class one year to learn to make Czech Easter eggs.

But my favorite eggs of all were the sugar eggs. I remember having small ones with ducks floating in a pond of icing, large ones with a family rabbits in a grassy field, and I even got a kit one year with the supplies to make my own sugar eggs. I saw these eggs today at the Chelsea Market and my heart jumped - for a second I felt like I was age five again and the Easter Bunny was real and my stress list consisted of not being allowed to wear my new white shoes yet and my basket being too small to hold all of my eggs...

First Day of Spring

A friend of mine sent this poem to me and I thought I would share it, since I love seasons and leaves and all they symbolize, and there are lots of Margarets in my life who are very dear to my heart.

Spring and Fall: To a young child

by

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Margaret, are you grieving

Over Goldengrove unleaving?

Leaves, like the things of man, you

With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?

Ah! as the heart grows older

It will come to such sights colder

By and by, nor spare a sigh

Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;

And yet you will weep and know why.

Now no matter, child, the name:

Sorrow's springs are the same.

Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed

What heart heard of, ghost guessed:

It is the blight man was born for,

It is Margaret you mourn for.

Snow Stories

On my walk today I saw this and thought it was cool: my boot, Sophie's paw, and a bird's claw.

While the Cat's Away ...

Charles Nolan + (Cannon + Hannah in shopping mood) - (Cannon's husband (he is out of town for a few days)) = DAMAGE.

My friend Hannah and I wandered in this store today. I would like to just move right in. This is an eclectic mix of Charles Nolan's own clothing, vintage clothing, jewelry, shoes, and home furnishings. The decor is so cool - the fireplace in the picture is actually a flat screen TV with a video of a fire burning. I left with two vintage findings, Hannah with some jewelry, my name on a mailing list, and a feeling of joy over my new discovery.