Black & White Wordless Wednesday!

Antique Chicago Brick. . . there is nothing quite like an old brick path!

Our newly purchased forty-one year old home, which I promptly named Magnolia House, was built in 1970. The exterior fascade is antique brick.

Old Chicago Brick, was salvaged from demolished old buildings in Chicago, Illinois. They were created during the industrial boom at the turn of the 20th century. The colors of this brick fall mainly under the red and brown family, with off-white, yellow and black occassionally mixed in.

Some have black spots found throughout while others have union-made diamond stamps.

Normally they have been exposed to natural elements for years. They contain clay gathered from the Great Lakes.

It was one of the many things that sold me on this house. I've always been fond of old brick. Back in the 60's my parents built a similar house in the Oak Cliff suburb of Dallas, Texas. My mother told us about the brick, explaining that it had once been apart of a old building which had been torn dorn. We were particulary fond of a few 'odd ball' painted bricks that apparently had once been an advertisement painted on the outside of the building.

I just love crusty, chippy old things! They add such wonderful character. I simply never tire of it! Old bricks were made all over the country. Here are a few that are from Texas.

I'm so thankful that the previous homeowner used an over abundance of old brick. She has exquisite taste and paid attention to fine details of design. We are so smitten with this place! We can't believe we live here. And though I'm still unpacking, settling in and adjusting, it's beginning to feel like home.

Magnolia House..... Art Studio!

Having an art studio right in our own home, was definitely on my 'wish list'.

However, whatever I imagined I'm sure it did not compare with this. A wall full of windows and two skylights lets the sunshine in all day long.

Not only does this space meet my creative needs, housing easels, dozens of stretched canvas, paint, and brushes.

It offers a picturesque place to drink morning coffee....which we haven't been doing much of but we will. It's one of the 'little things' we love to do.

There's plenty of room for everyone. Even Mitzi and Abby, have a spot.

Moving, unpacking and settling in have certainly taken a toll on my paint time but I'm convinced

everything will be in place soon and I'll be spending plenty of time in here.

Though momentarily on hold, I'm convinced my art journey has just begun,

and the best is yet to come.

I might as well go ahead and mention that a website is in my near future. I'm so excited! I'll tell more about it later but I will be displaying and selling my art there! Thanks Jenny, for the idea and vision you have for me and for designing and creating the site. More to come.....

Magnolia House.....Backyard Magic!

When the sun goes down and the lights come on, something magical happens in our backyard.




A perfect backdrop for backyard fun....



....or quiet conversations.

Kind of makes you wish you were a kid again.

Anyone for a game of Hide and Seek?

....or a party on the deck?

...or camping out in the fort?

Please tell me there are fire flies, rain storms and cooler temperatures in the near future.