The peaceful tree-lined view from our shop window is no more. Earth moving equipment now stands atop vast mounds of dirt, scooping, dumping and otherwise dominating a bleak landscape. Good news is that earth moving will soon be replaced by condo building, and homeowners may well find a need for the magic of Belle Maison.

For two days last week Belle Maison, together with La Collection, became an eclectic boutique with scarves, belts, gloves and hats, as well as home accessories, laid out to entice shoppers. And shop they did, with 25% of the proceeds going to the Children’s Tumor Foundation. I’d like to thank all the clients, friends and family who made our Sample Sale a success.

Just read that …  “A yarn store in New Zealand is calling on knitters throughout the world to knit sweaters for the penguins affected by a massive oil spill that occurred earlier this month. The tiny sweaters prevent the oil-soaked birds from poisoning themselves by preening, as well as keeping them warm before it’s their turn to be cleaned up.”

Just when I was thinking I could save the penguins by knitting came the news that the yarn store was inundated with sweaters and have way more than they need.     Oh well….back to baby clothes for my nephews.

My son’s dog had the benefit of a visit to the grandparents recently, and the result was one spoiled mutt. We sat her down at the table, made sure decorum was observed with a napkin, and proceeded to do everything you’re not supposed to do. But really, what’s a grandmother for, if not to spoil the granddaughter dog rotten?

The view from the front porch of my friends’ perfect log cabin home a few hours north of Manhattan in Pine Plains is simply stunning. One morning during our recent stay we were up early and Ken captured the mist rolling over the hills with these moody photos.

For me, the digital world of organizers is missing one key element: dimension. My world of interior design is three-dimensional, as is my old fashioned leather Filo Fax organizer. In addition to appointments and contact info, it allows me to store pertinent floor plans, fabric and paint color samples, brochures, and assorted paraphernalia vital to my work. The photo above may seem the height of disorganization to one of today’s smart phoned executives, but for me it makes perfect sense. I have a smart phone for email, but I’ll never lose my Filo Fax, in spite of my husband’s constant complaints about my horse and buggy habits.

The art of applying wallpaper is too often underestimated. I’ve learned to seek out craftsmen who are wizards at wallpaper, and my clients are the beneficiaries. The photo shows one such craftsman working in what will be a guest bedroom.  The ceiling is pale blue and the blue and silver striped paper features a tiny herringbone design that adds dimension and texture. I’ll post the finished room in a few months.

Here I am with Louise, my latest grand niece. With most of my family in France, visits are essential to keep in touch with the latest goings on. The most significant phenomenon in the past few years has been the arrival of the next generation. So far there are two grand nieces and one grand nephew, but the total is sure to rise.