Guess the Artist (Detroit Institute of Arts) #10!

On September 4, 2023September 1, 2023 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the ArtistLeave a comment

I find the slight tilt of the head interesting. Almost like he’s listening to someone tell an interesting story. This guy is a listener – it’s in the body language! Fabulous painting, love the bold brush strokes and dark background – it adds the the air of mystery. Is he dressed and at a formal event, or is he undercover on a mission seeking the truth, is this a self-portrait or did a woman paint this painting? Questions. I love paintings that produce questions and keep the mind wandering.

Can you guess who this week’s artist is? Answer below…

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Portrait of a Daylily!

On September 2, 2023August 28, 2023 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

The couple who originally owned our home many, many years ago, had our house and a lot of both sides. We had heard (and have seen evidence) that she loved to garden. After her husband had passed away, she moved – and sold the lots on either side of her. New homes were built and her gardens were no longer. But every once in a while we’ll see a sign of her handiwork. This daylily comes back year after year, decade after decade. I hear about daylilies spreading, but ours has not. I think it’s staying just as Mrs. H. had intended it to. Every year it’s a nice (and striking) surprise.

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Randolph Cottage Porch Alternative by Bill Ingram for Southern Living!

On September 1, 2023January 9, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans2 Comments

Randolph Cottage Porch Alternative House Plan by Bill Ingram for Southern Living

House plans are a favorite for many of you who visit this site. For the serious lookers – those of you planning to build in the near future, to the dreamers who think about moving, building, and what type of house plan would best suit them. Considerable time should be spent finding just the right plan for you, you’ll know when you find it, and if one is close, check with the architect/designer, most will make changes that can work for you. I know good house plans when I see them. This, of course, is a good one! I love the steep roof, the front porch, the scale of this home is nice – just wait until you “step inside”, it feels much larger than it’s square footage!

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