Sweet 16

This Blue Lady is turning 16 and I feel she needs a bit of the spot light... I painted her in the late summer of 1995. A few weeks before I got married. My future husband had spent three months in Saudi Arabia, then working for a telecommunications company and I had heard his stories about the women, clad head to toe in black burkas. ( Since we were not married then I was not able to join him!)


There was little to no interaction with the locals, unless you've got invited by some of the executives. And even then women were not allowed. Unless the husband trusted you and you were formally introduced. At home, he told me, the ladies wore Chanel and Dior but still were not seen much! Meals were taken separately. He praised their cooking and their devotion to the family!
Of course I had heard these stories before but having it told by the man I was to marry a few weeks from then it made me shiver.
I am a bit of a rebel and certainly a free thinking woman. And it got me thinking!
This gave way to an idea for a painting. A proud woman I envisioned in a turban, facing the viewer! I was also influenced by one of my favorite painters: Gustav Klimt! It is called: Blue Lady - Homage to Klimt!
This is me on my wedding morning, my friend taking care of my hair at home! Behind me you can get glimpses of the painting, then still not quite finished. We lived in a shoe box studio apartment and painting was done in stages...There was no studio in this apartment...


And so she came about and she has been with us ever since. She hang a long time in my husband's home office, but I thought she might look really good in our living room! She has matured!



Do you have an artwork, which you love to live with? Any good stories with it? Do tell me.....

And have a lovely weekend!

XX
Victoria




All images and artwork by V.Zlotkowski

A little more Vermont

The Ottauquechee River, here in Woodstock!


Having been in Vermont for a couple of days, I am in love again!

I feel the atmosphere, the wonderful mix of landscape, winter sports, the pride of local food, locality, artists and craftsman, the alternative to the lifestyle I experience every day at home.

Time runs slower here, people seem to have more of it, there is time for listening and talking and time for quiet contemplation.




There are so many beautiful houses, immaculately kept. In small towns, villages and in the mountains.








I have spoken to many people around here: A man making furniture from branches.



And Elaine Beckwith, a gallery owner from the small village of Jamaica,VT with an absolute wonderful art collection...Thanks Elaine for introducing me to all these artists!

Painting by Ingrid Fromel Buckley.


Paintings by Jack Broderick.

Portrait by Hariett Wiseman. Interior painting by Ingrid Fromel Buckley.

Still Life by Jerry Caron.
I was blown away by the treasures in Elaine's collection. You can read her blog here!

Grocery store Vermont style...

I found again so much to look at and always feel the Vermonter's keen sense for environment, nature and history.

The name "Vermont" is derived from the French, les monts verts, "the green mountains." When peace was made with the French in 1760, the Green Mountains were quickly opened to settlement. In 1791, Vermont was the first state added to the US Union.
We have finally decided to come back here in summer time...

Into the green mountains!

Well, there is so much more I want to show you, I guess another post is in order soon!

xx Victoria

All pictures taken by V.Zlotkowski. Copyright 2011.

Today I love

This reading spot! Makes me think of spring and simple white dresses! The chair and stool by Laura Ashley!


And these vignettes too!




And look at these cool things: Caroline Mcgrath creates these lovely map paper cuts! You can find them here!


And the whimsical suitcase by Gabi Bolton can take you from imaginary worlds to travels everywhere! Look for it here!


I love British Elle Decoration! I am always so looking forward to the next installment!

Happy weekend!

xx Victoria




All images via British Elle Decoration.

A bedroom

I looked through my pictures for evidence of great details and this is one of the images, which came to my mind. I had seen it a couple of month ago in Lonny magazine and I truly love it.
Analyzing what makes it so enticing are a few things: The symmetry and the contrast between the light walls and the modern bed on one hand and these lovely antique chests, functioning as side tables, one the other.
I adore the popping coral red of the blanket at the end of the bed and the small vases filled with roses left and right next to the head board. The wall mounted reading lamps blend in and do not draw attention. But I become aware of the nail trimmed headboard. And I notice the smaller leaning prints along the wall behind the books. Please click on the images to enlarge and to see ll those lovely details!


There is a lot going on a in quiet way. Looking at the picture I realize how the large classic prints add height and definition to a small and rather boxy room, leaving space for the white monochrome painting in the center. The carpets almost mirrors the scene. All the patterns work well with each other, enhancing the effects of sublet elegance. The longer I look, the more I discover the details. There is a blue and white duvet, striped pillows, sheers and softly gray patterned curtains. And love sits right in this bedroom's center! I love how the light streams in from two sides. This is unique.
There are three layers of carpeting: A wall to wall sisal, a softer larger mat, perhaps a woven wool and again a smaller one right under the bench with a yellow frame inside...
I love the books staples, large colorful ones, perhaps of travel designations or beautiful interiors? Maybe gardening or fashion photography? This place makes me dream and in all its intimacy it opens a world.
On the opposite site is a fireplace. And an armchair with a history. Notice the red piping...And another popping pillow!
I can not see a TV! How divine!


Did I tell you it belongs to Lulu De Kwiatkowski?
It is beautiful!

And a happy weekend ahead to all of you!
xx
Victoria


Images via Lonny magazine.

Happy Holidays

The year comes to an end and I will close the blog for a couple of days between the years! Time to recollect my thoughts and to think about my future plans and ideas. I am so looking forward to the next year filled with new adventures.


The last days before every new year are a good time to think back and to look ahead. It is for many a time to make resolutions and start with fresh ideas and flip open a brand new page. I love the idea to begin anew!


I do look back on my experiences, the joys and sorrows, the times with friends and family, work and play!
This year was wonderful for so many reasons!


We had a long time to be with our family in Europe, we traveled with the children and showed them a new culture!


We have stuck to our plan to simplify our life, we have learned to live with a little less buying, more reading, vintage shopping instead of new!
We have cleaned our attic and the basement...
Life has been good!
And the way ahead is full of promise!


I am filled with gratitude and hope! My plans for the new year are within me and I do not have to wait to January 1 to put them into action: To live a mindful life, to love my family and be true to my friends, to always keep an open mind and a open heart!
I want to learn something new and I want to discover more of old...



Wishing you all a festive days ahead and a happy New Year! May your hopes and dreams come true!
See you all back in January!

With love!
XX
Victoria




Photography all V.Zlotkowski, painting 'The five Senses' by Jaques Linard.

Victoria's holiday bazaar

May I invite you to a holiday bazaar, filled with culinary and other inspirations? The holidays approaching fast and I guess I am somewhat late with this, but perhaps not all of you have completed their shopping's - some might just starting to look....


This is a very special charmer....from kimarijewelry
.
How about this blue black jade bracelet at lylaaccessories.

Flights of feather fancy! Clutch purse from mermaidsdream.


Get the mint swirl copper lampwork earrings at dkjewels.


Do you know an art lover who will appreciate The Maiden Voyage from janethillstudio?


One of these sweet cuties for a cuddly toddler from minu?


Telling time could be 'felt' here....at evgie!


Or perhaps a doll for a little boy? Get him one at the hazeldoll shop!


This oil lamp will brighten the darkest night.... from StudioKahn!


And I adore those monogrammed pillows from organicblankees.


And while we are still at home accessories, how about these charming bookends via nextdoortoheaven?


And I am sure someone can find a lovely spot for this stylish bench from ljindustries.


And what about this sparkler from bambina?


Any guy will like this cool duffel bag from RAGGEDedgeGear.


And I love this pad for a man's desk. From doneleather.


And speaking of guys, how about that? From kaylim.


And I know at least one girl who would love to wear these glasses...from Estemporary!


Or maybe this cool dress from here.


Baby, it's cold out there. Warm up and get this poncho at sandmaiden.


And this lovely clutch is on my Santa list... from opellecreative!


And last but not least my German heritage gets the better of me: For the holidays do try Dresden Christmas Stollen! You can
get one here!
It's a wonderful tradition, eaten with coffee in the afternoon or a slice warmed for breakfast!


Of course sugar cookies and Nuernberger Oblaten belong to that tradition as well! You could get them at the German Deli.


And these cookies were made by Twosoutherngirls. Or you could bake some yourself....


And if you need to send some lovely cards out - Soulflower has great stuff. Tea towels too and more!

A long walk through this bazaar? Well, yes, but I hope you found something for everyone on your list!!!


xx
Victoria


PS: As with many items on Etsy, many are one of a kind and might be gone fast...


Top image via google image, all others as noted.