Veteran's Day: Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. - Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite celebrities is Gary Sinise. I've long had a crush on him (love me a cute red head!) but beyond that, he's dedicate his life to helping our active military service members, veterans and most especially those who have sacrificed so much so the rest of us can go about our daily business in safety.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_009.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/sites/default/files/img_gallery/full/Gallery_010.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ALjTZdrLR9A" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation</a> initiatives is to build smart homes for severely wounded veterans so that they can live the most "normal" lives possible. The technology available is remarkable, as is the dedication of all the volunteers and donors to this amazing program. By the end of 2014 they expect to have 30 homes across the country either finished or in the active building process.  This video below shows what amazing features a completed home will have. If you visit <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/programs/restoring-independence-supporting-empowerment" target="_blank">this page</a> on their website, you will see information about each home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wtWFOQlMVEQ" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My dad, Bob Merrill, was in Naval flight school during World War II and though the war ended before he graduated, he was ready and willing to serve. My maternal grandfather Edmund Costello, was an Army Pilot in World War 1.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-Q8FTrXiaw4m3NWq_NFNvkAJXfI8gAOFcVZtbpR4lJxkdVkG2f3C7AXQgO-rlNBl5EB0E11rYwDjHX4ung1QCfL4rk8k1d496q95Sw1EfbIybPaXgiaWq6FJhEMy2ysAGbBiC92sLY/s1600/RMM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH-Q8FTrXiaw4m3NWq_NFNvkAJXfI8gAOFcVZtbpR4lJxkdVkG2f3C7AXQgO-rlNBl5EB0E11rYwDjHX4ung1QCfL4rk8k1d496q95Sw1EfbIybPaXgiaWq6FJhEMy2ysAGbBiC92sLY/s640/RMM1.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Matthews Merrill</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAyBghzuHEYmsmMmrgbkHi36Of0r2zki1NZZp0a4wuBkWtPgII3IRkYX8h7YFS9WQG3ttCISAoi54EEgmKxhiMm1dsoOfgJsMrmat5gdJmOobP9p212yPUaGYKRUZTrchqmqi3v4egk/s1600/EJC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovAyBghzuHEYmsmMmrgbkHi36Of0r2zki1NZZp0a4wuBkWtPgII3IRkYX8h7YFS9WQG3ttCISAoi54EEgmKxhiMm1dsoOfgJsMrmat5gdJmOobP9p212yPUaGYKRUZTrchqmqi3v4egk/s640/EJC2.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Edmund James Costello</span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org/images/logo.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In honor of them and all those who serve, I have made a donation to support the R.I.S.E. initiative which includes the building of smart homes for those most in need. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would ask you to consider<a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org//product/make-a-donation" target="_blank"> making a donation </a>of any size as well to this wonderful initiative. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>100% of donations to the <a href="http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation</a> is dedicated to serving and honoring our nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a sign of my commitment to providing ongoing support of this wonderful organization and most especially the continued growth of their smart home initiative, I will offer anyone who makes a donation between now and the end of 2014 directed to the <a href="https://donate.garysinisefoundation.org//product/make-a-donation" target="_blank">Gary Sinise Foundation RISE program</a> a FREE virtual design plan (Jump Start Level 1) valued at $500. You can read more about this plan <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  This would make a great holiday gift for a new homeowner in your life as well!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2_files/LMDS%20Digi%20Inspiration%20board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Virtual_Decorating-Interior_Design-Massachusetts-Services_2_files/LMDS%20Digi%20Inspiration%20board.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you wish to participate, please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me proof of your donation</a> and we'll take it from there! Donations of any size will be fine, but the bigger the better.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnepZ0GLq13_LLNDVUMF6bKmBIz9g0AJ6lbwXprOXrtYI1_1_WbzRNYyd0Q9TP0sraAAqmsruoob_CaDdVMgUlf3pTB-qp_Bqpu0ZLVJATUkAc8djv-BufntBVogwEpZxn5CygqRDRy4/s1600/Happy_face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnepZ0GLq13_LLNDVUMF6bKmBIz9g0AJ6lbwXprOXrtYI1_1_WbzRNYyd0Q9TP0sraAAqmsruoob_CaDdVMgUlf3pTB-qp_Bqpu0ZLVJATUkAc8djv-BufntBVogwEpZxn5CygqRDRy4/s1600/Happy_face.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously, there are many, many worthwhile causes to support and I appreciate your consideration. Hug a Vet today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06eEXDHdHxwLwlEBZvmDfHx3498QLW_As4wY46ms6oBeQfh6Nv2RgMTdodIlxk3Y-JiI4DVeVfLTeurj68gpYUIHxtYEdIBoubVl9Bi8ajHaAQIRGAwx4Q3PaHCa9vMGdLZqcnTDndjo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06eEXDHdHxwLwlEBZvmDfHx3498QLW_As4wY46ms6oBeQfh6Nv2RgMTdodIlxk3Y-JiI4DVeVfLTeurj68gpYUIHxtYEdIBoubVl9Bi8ajHaAQIRGAwx4Q3PaHCa9vMGdLZqcnTDndjo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Veteran's Day: Gary Sinise Foundation - R.I.S.E. - Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment

One of my favorite celebrities is Gary Sinise. I've long had a crush on him (love me a cute red head!) but beyond that, he's dedicat...

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Oscar de la Renta - Fashions for Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/yo/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-half-mdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/yo/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-half-mdn.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Sad news this week of the passing of iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta at 82. I was actually surprised he wasn't older. The word "icon" is so overused today as much as words like "hero" and  and "diva", to the point where they don't really mean much anymore. We have lots of celebrities and fashionistas, but not that many true fashion icons. When one reaches true icon status, it's hard to imagine they ever weren't here.<br /><br />After all, there was this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chaos-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/080310-jackie-o-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chaos-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/080310-jackie-o-300.jpg" /></a></div><br />And so many others, right up to the end:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGctC5pnTuky-tZyZxVMAHjNzk25ZWoe2hsz8VhkLuz2uuSNv7Diaixp9oufyTA9y6m2c-wvpD_brIoXe0K2BWewG4Xc-fEasj6gOqdCVfTLAaVjQ6dj3A_I1P9-mPROe5hv-r6GopPU/s1600/amal_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGctC5pnTuky-tZyZxVMAHjNzk25ZWoe2hsz8VhkLuz2uuSNv7Diaixp9oufyTA9y6m2c-wvpD_brIoXe0K2BWewG4Xc-fEasj6gOqdCVfTLAaVjQ6dj3A_I1P9-mPROe5hv-r6GopPU/s1600/amal_-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />And of course, his interests included the home with pieces that were both of the moment and timeless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-RX310_mag031_G_20120221152013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-RX310_mag031_G_20120221152013.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/a1e1a7fb-a48e-4d16-aeb2-42f3e6316a44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/a1e1a7fb-a48e-4d16-aeb2-42f3e6316a44.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/products/2cy213/leopard-tumbler" target="_blank">Leopard Tumbler</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/07a7b932-437f-4632-9619-194c2ee014cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/07a7b932-437f-4632-9619-194c2ee014cd.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/home/table-setting/1is307/kent-teak-serving-bowl" target="_blank">Teak Serving Bowl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/adad7dd9-85ec-41cd-9852-5b9b03d3b6ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/adad7dd9-85ec-41cd-9852-5b9b03d3b6ee.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oscardelarenta.com/home/entertaining-accessories/2cy653/gardenia-brass-napkin-ring-set-of-4" target="_blank">Gardenia Brass Napkin rings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/2l/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-11-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.elledecor.com/cm/elledecor/images/2l/design-trends-delarenta-ED0410-11-lgn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moroccan side table for Century Furniture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVExlxG3K0IxNz1JbtVaV-MgZGynlekBI-PYmEqOFxcfLH0Zy-j4Rd9kp0cLD9CdV0sZL5HYIGy3ehwbohTs7bZ3HYyyBvRApRrft61fXoobY_yUqlOkb5lelT9gMH5Fosa9oz9xhc0/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtVExlxG3K0IxNz1JbtVaV-MgZGynlekBI-PYmEqOFxcfLH0Zy-j4Rd9kp0cLD9CdV0sZL5HYIGy3ehwbohTs7bZ3HYyyBvRApRrft61fXoobY_yUqlOkb5lelT9gMH5Fosa9oz9xhc0/s1600/item11.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.mario-buatta-12-palm-beach-ballroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Side chairs for Century Furniture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/fc0f7b0d-6b3f-4205-971c-a46376469e3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://imagesecod.ctscdn.com/images/656/870/fc0f7b0d-6b3f-4205-971c-a46376469e3f.jpg" width="481" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's to you Mr. de la Renta. Thanks for the beauty. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPlSDr94M2Chg65FoyXMDUWNBJZ8Bb8z6jCZt3dd-tMT1DVcrl9o19tGulbiEkm25EsLZEZ41yYwPqjCdeO883ng7kf69ksvp-oQoAetoO-lNYsy6Tgo3mJoYlrR-s2tNqo2NdWbhNA/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgPlSDr94M2Chg65FoyXMDUWNBJZ8Bb8z6jCZt3dd-tMT1DVcrl9o19tGulbiEkm25EsLZEZ41yYwPqjCdeO883ng7kf69ksvp-oQoAetoO-lNYsy6Tgo3mJoYlrR-s2tNqo2NdWbhNA/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Oscar de la Renta - Fashions for Home

Sad news this week of the passing of iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta at 82. I was actually surprised he wasn't older. The word...

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Famous Palaces depicted at Neiman Marcus' "Home for the Holidays" showrooms

Three of my favorite Boston designers were tapped to create holiday spaces based on famous castles for Neiman Marcus' "Home for the Holidays" event which kicks off their holiday season. Feels a little early, but that's the way of things these days! The event is done in conjunction with the Over My Shoulder Foundation which supports mentoring in the community. The showrooms will be open through January and are free to view. See the press release below for more info.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Gerald Pomeroy of Gerald Pomeroy Interiors in his Balmoral Castle Room </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJC5B6f0MA-q_VtFz8QqBAckoMxeBqQURoW2iat6YdrFJj-ioq-tMRlWzmYdF9umzaj_1u-5heh96BBgcgIiEJXYY6gvzavsaOMkyzToNHMfHKhtiI_8d9JYVx-N_i6yLgP2lh2iU26w/s1600/Balmoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJC5B6f0MA-q_VtFz8QqBAckoMxeBqQURoW2iat6YdrFJj-ioq-tMRlWzmYdF9umzaj_1u-5heh96BBgcgIiEJXYY6gvzavsaOMkyzToNHMfHKhtiI_8d9JYVx-N_i6yLgP2lh2iU26w/s1600/Balmoral.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10712788_10154707277880052_7164757913268361990_n.jpg?oh=394da62cf40f575bddd836bca5ca1328&oe=54F0B072" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10712788_10154707277880052_7164757913268361990_n.jpg?oh=394da62cf40f575bddd836bca5ca1328&oe=54F0B072" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1969144_548124541956512_3237922038356112647_n.jpg?oh=0b48d1149bcecbaf5978cab0485aacb2&oe=54BB45B9&__gda__=1425151472_2129d030397aea34ae775fa5abad9cc7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1969144_548124541956512_3237922038356112647_n.jpg?oh=0b48d1149bcecbaf5978cab0485aacb2&oe=54BB45B9&__gda__=1425151472_2129d030397aea34ae775fa5abad9cc7" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: center;">Versailles Renaitre created by Paula Daher of Daher Interior Design</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10513341_10154707276855052_4704662757400745983_n.jpg?oh=fe247ddb88b9dd8e0f315aca84da42f1&oe=54B43D5A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10513341_10154707276855052_4704662757400745983_n.jpg?oh=fe247ddb88b9dd8e0f315aca84da42f1&oe=54B43D5A" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3H9mCyvPiRMcFqxYPywlYQJsX0v-JYLVnOeL8VOt7TzH5gXq0uWaz1dQlv9IoFLdLSI_jEMhcLFUHxYzc82yQCEq3wSIrBMYL1oqXTvXtZNllYLqjR_v68dUwj1R8R5LC3IQB7hXzBA/s1600/Versailles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3H9mCyvPiRMcFqxYPywlYQJsX0v-JYLVnOeL8VOt7TzH5gXq0uWaz1dQlv9IoFLdLSI_jEMhcLFUHxYzc82yQCEq3wSIrBMYL1oqXTvXtZNllYLqjR_v68dUwj1R8R5LC3IQB7hXzBA/s1600/Versailles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Eric Roseff of Eric Roseff Designs stands in his Winter Palace</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_S5ed9rnC-t7PO3XrArDBC7nk59cdFiCwLfeT5sgdl37lrsHsuyOtsikN2xCro7R7ZtCAo79Pgw4NadnyRijCeT-Np6By0l2XSJktU-qP-wWZ_i29m06PpbNn4KcIKdW48xa3cjtPFw/s1600/WinterPalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_S5ed9rnC-t7PO3XrArDBC7nk59cdFiCwLfeT5sgdl37lrsHsuyOtsikN2xCro7R7ZtCAo79Pgw4NadnyRijCeT-Np6By0l2XSJktU-qP-wWZ_i29m06PpbNn4KcIKdW48xa3cjtPFw/s1600/WinterPalace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10703936_10154707277250052_3324959521481758557_n.jpg?oh=5549dd8e627463afeecacdb8095b82b4&oe=54AD7521&__gda__=1421638860_be1575f5bd133ee1f7329d85885f8267" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10703936_10154707277250052_3324959521481758557_n.jpg?oh=5549dd8e627463afeecacdb8095b82b4&oe=54AD7521&__gda__=1421638860_be1575f5bd133ee1f7329d85885f8267" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Photos courtesy of Robert Four</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="font-family: AvenirNext-Regular; font-size: 12px;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="h5"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">“Home for the Holidays” was unveiled Wednesday evening, October 8 at Neiman Marcus Boston kicking off the Neiman Marcus Boston Holiday season. </div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The three showrooms will be on view and open to the public, free of charge from through January 31, 2015 during regular business hours in the Gift Galleries department of the famed luxury retailer located in Copley Place.  The three custom-designed rooms are each inspired by a royal residence – the Balmoral Estate in Scotland, Versailles in France, and the Winter Palace in Russia.  Each master designer – Gerald Pomeroy, Eric Roseff and Paula Daher – will mentor a junior member of their team to create the showroom – fully engaging their young partners in their design process.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Every item featured in the rooms may be purchased. During the course of the showcase’s run, the designers will host special events to speak to the design process.  The showcase culminates in January 2015, National Mentor Month, when the Over My Shoulder Foundation and Cumar Marble & Granite Fabricators will feature a mentoring recognition event open to the public and held on-site at Neiman Marcus Boston.</div></div></div></div></blockquote><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-U06BenfGb-sUCrhtlJ_UHtuMuTmbNL3olrKBEhJuzDw1suLrfeYHhke7RbRaEguiBPkKQXdeete0-WXU6siXdvfR2JWG2Z0AfAAugmFGh9asA6jegsqGTTjSmACJE9Pxgtl0VbZulk/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-U06BenfGb-sUCrhtlJ_UHtuMuTmbNL3olrKBEhJuzDw1suLrfeYHhke7RbRaEguiBPkKQXdeete0-WXU6siXdvfR2JWG2Z0AfAAugmFGh9asA6jegsqGTTjSmACJE9Pxgtl0VbZulk/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div></div>

Famous Palaces depicted at Neiman Marcus' "Home for the Holidays" showrooms

Three of my favorite Boston designers were tapped to create holiday spaces based on famous castles for Neiman Marcus' "Home for the...

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The importance of the Love Letter (not love email)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/eb/6c/98/eb6c98822ac78136b54906efc21d9db2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/eb/6c/98/eb6c98822ac78136b54906efc21d9db2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/d1/29/eed12978a1f4a169e0bd162331c868fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/d1/29/eed12978a1f4a169e0bd162331c868fc.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So, it's Valentine's Day. When was the last time you sent an honest to God hand-written love letter on this day, or any other for that matter?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ab/ab/60/abab6037601500c6da41deb7f1ce24d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ab/ab/60/abab6037601500c6da41deb7f1ce24d9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Writing desks and letter writing conjure up romantic images of antique desks often set by a window for better light and for day dreaming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/eb/6c/98/eb6c98822ac78136b54906efc21d9db2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/eb/6c/98/eb6c98822ac78136b54906efc21d9db2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I think writing desks went out of style for a while because of the hugeness of computers. But now that lap tops and tablets are so tiny, the little writing desk can be used again. Of course, they were never too small for plain old pen and paper...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/23/bd/97/23bd977bd27e21a960fe955e4164aa82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/23/bd/97/23bd977bd27e21a960fe955e4164aa82.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/44/5a/75/445a75510f4ff928da37577870d8d54b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/44/5a/75/445a75510f4ff928da37577870d8d54b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Below is my writing desk that my Dad found for me in a barn sale or antique store somewhere and refinished to match my bedroom when I was in elementary school. It's one of my prized possessions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZOutEoq-kEgL78D5f6xuSf0CfDhoh1fftD8-OY7ja1njRqBISj4Flybc3LUG2MAsEJyltt8SkGvszkl2hkzPj9LgfFQBsbJH5mgxCKpWTjxwnEAJui6z3rQTjvKD5gwDAq3YS_mg21V-/s1600/100_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZOutEoq-kEgL78D5f6xuSf0CfDhoh1fftD8-OY7ja1njRqBISj4Flybc3LUG2MAsEJyltt8SkGvszkl2hkzPj9LgfFQBsbJH5mgxCKpWTjxwnEAJui6z3rQTjvKD5gwDAq3YS_mg21V-/s1600/100_3530.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, what got me to thinking about the importance of written love letters and correspondence today? As I've been sorting through my parent's files, I came across two items of great family importance. The first was a love letter my Grandfather Frank Merrill wrote to my Grandmother Marie (whom I'm named for - Linda Marie) on their wedding day: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc64ff_J_oEBKZEOn9143ZO6na5qqunAGomO1SQnd5BVPTsB1xUYTkukavQ3SFPjBaB395FwIWiLBljnMgxaFXbOIKD0xpGHs2ntVhJSnfeIw0WCVnxxFvSv9oMp1D549XdJPICC9wi0/s1600/Frank+to+Marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDc64ff_J_oEBKZEOn9143ZO6na5qqunAGomO1SQnd5BVPTsB1xUYTkukavQ3SFPjBaB395FwIWiLBljnMgxaFXbOIKD0xpGHs2ntVhJSnfeIw0WCVnxxFvSv9oMp1D549XdJPICC9wi0/s1600/Frank+to+Marie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Dad's parents, Frank and Marie, passed away before I was born, while they were both still in their 60's. My Grandmother died only 6 months after my parent's married, and my Grandfather just two years after that. While he always seemed a bit of a curmudgeon from stories I'd heard, it's clear his heart ran deep and my romantic notion that he died of a broken heart seems to be backed up by this letter. Also in the envelope was a gold bracelet and a red/white/blue striped ribbon - perhaps they met on July 4th? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Dad was quite an archivist and a romantic as well. He kept so many treasures, including a cache of the letters my Mom sent him when she traveled to Europe for six weeks in the summer of 1953. She'd saved for years for this tour of Europe, but her letters are peppered with her wishes for the trip to be over and how she'd be the first one off the gang plank upon her return. That they'd have "fun, fun, fun!" and that she was taking notes for a return trip - perhaps on their 50th anniversary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHqr0YAoQjGQfzs0_6FO4zctjuyzCFsv0xDMRsbS0lCsIypkMzPMBWMBdNrK1cCyViCWjzRMpvkpo236wlOEiVTtw1pKmBq08czeeLksAzZJ9fwO4HlUtpMDPnVlMYcjB9O_HHZkMVmA/s1600/Mom's+ltrs+to+Dad+-+Europe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHqr0YAoQjGQfzs0_6FO4zctjuyzCFsv0xDMRsbS0lCsIypkMzPMBWMBdNrK1cCyViCWjzRMpvkpo236wlOEiVTtw1pKmBq08czeeLksAzZJ9fwO4HlUtpMDPnVlMYcjB9O_HHZkMVmA/s1600/Mom's+ltrs+to+Dad+-+Europe.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As it happened, there was a little romantic travel on their 50th wedding anniversary, although it was in the form of a dinner train ride on Cape Cod with their children and grandchildren. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, I don't think my Mom kept his letters to her - which are referenced in hers. How cool would it have been to have both sides of their long-distance conversation? They'd only known each other for 3 months when she was setting sail and became engaged before the trip - he wanted to lock her down before some European Lothario got hold of her. Reading these letters, I found out that the engagement was actually secret - at least from friends. She kept begging him not to spill the beans till she got home.  I'm assuming their parents all knew, but who knows...? There may be more letters in his files that I haven't come across yet. There were stories of a drunken letter she sent while drinking chianti in the hotel room during a very rainy day in Venice. He always teased that her handwriting from good to illegible. The thought that my straight-laced Mom sent an "I love you Man" drunk letter has always tickled me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/80/8d/64/808d643d99155a65ec0395a0115e3c32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/80/8d/64/808d643d99155a65ec0395a0115e3c32.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, I'm supposed to be taking the train to NYC just for the day tomorrow to meet clients and go shopping. Now they are saying a blizzard is coming for the afternoon/evening... I've canceled my last two day's plans due to weather. I'm going nuts!!!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB236c-0pB5wf-8HMp6umUoDVcf5kJdGJiLtgmbUGJH_Z3NIoYfImfvKjUTNqpaWB8je7-I2EYAgFwU4Kci3VbsTF6nAcqPrZQNM5TtLLVClhRaFWp15kMH6LZG-JzYBPdtG0AITA5eA/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB236c-0pB5wf-8HMp6umUoDVcf5kJdGJiLtgmbUGJH_Z3NIoYfImfvKjUTNqpaWB8je7-I2EYAgFwU4Kci3VbsTF6nAcqPrZQNM5TtLLVClhRaFWp15kMH6LZG-JzYBPdtG0AITA5eA/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS -Still working on finding the perfect furry friend. Was supposed go meet a real cutie today, but we postponed till Monday. Finger's crossed!</div>

The importance of the Love Letter (not love email)

So, it's Valentine's Day. When was the last time you sent an honest to God hand-written love letter on this day, or any other for th...

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Target House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - a happy place during a stressful time

Some time in the 1930's or so, a young American performer of Lebonese/Syrian descent was struggling and appealed for divine intervention. He made what was likely this common Catholic prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus:<br /><br /><i>"Most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly – (specific request here) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.  Amen."</i><br /><br />In 1962, the year I was born, the 5-year survival rate for Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood leukemia, was 4%. Today, it's 94%. For every 100 children who are diagnosed today, 90 more children are saved. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1Ym6B-feBLgCtXPQk9JLUgAW72UexY1JDBzZFoaZaifJbKr1_AB9cj84wu69hHBzdd3JBn9BAjGPM1lq9UxkOfy1Ura6xqb_5avHly4gdIel08cO4LiTL2ZIMRbCtyGxH_D4obkTcik/s1600/No+child.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1Ym6B-feBLgCtXPQk9JLUgAW72UexY1JDBzZFoaZaifJbKr1_AB9cj84wu69hHBzdd3JBn9BAjGPM1lq9UxkOfy1Ura6xqb_5avHly4gdIel08cO4LiTL2ZIMRbCtyGxH_D4obkTcik/s1600/No+child.jpg" /></a></div><br />When actor Danny Thomas (born Amos Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz in 1912 in Michigan) made this prayer and pledge in his darkest hour, he likely had no idea what would be accomplished by the 21st century. Indeed, most of us would have paid our "debt" by making a few appearances and writing some checks to a worthwhile cause. Mr. Thomas dropped a stone in the water and it literally ripples across the globe and will continue to do so until the survival rates for all childhood cancers and related diseases are 100%. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB6w_WR_BSKvTKSK-D5N3aTZlUG2oqxbg1or654fSRzvgfQr7FgUvip-EmmOkX0cs3x9pKHkWBtguX30LQ-YwkpUeVapsm6Xfc6wBnpyKg2elcn2bS8dm-braj7ZcN4yWZudSsORLY7s/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="697" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB6w_WR_BSKvTKSK-D5N3aTZlUG2oqxbg1or654fSRzvgfQr7FgUvip-EmmOkX0cs3x9pKHkWBtguX30LQ-YwkpUeVapsm6Xfc6wBnpyKg2elcn2bS8dm-braj7ZcN4yWZudSsORLY7s/s640/IMG_3564.JPG" width="523" /></a></div><br />The emotional highlight of our all expense paid <a href="https://www.brizo.com/" target="_blank">Brizo</a> Blogger 19 reunion trip to Memphis was a day spent at <a href="http://www.stjude.org/" target="_blank">St. Jude Children's Research Hospital</a>, founded by Danny Thomas in 1962 after years of fundraising and planning. The morning began with the handing out of tissues on the bus followed by a warm welcome from the Brizo team. Breakfast was held in the Danny Thomas ALSAC (American Lebonese Syrian Associated Charities) Pavilion which is a shrine to Mr. Thomas' career and ALSAC, which is the fundraising arm of St. Jude. The gorgeous space, recently renovated with private Thomas family funds, is a fabulous mix of colorful Middle Eastern motifs and Hollywood memorabilia. Emblazoned on the ceiling under the dome is text that reads "He who denies his heritage has no heritage". ALSAC was founded by Lebonese and Syrian immigrants and descendents as a thank you to America for taking them in. <br /><br />So, with tissues in hand, we began our day touring Target House (as in <a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a>), the all expense paid, no expense spared housing for long-term patients and their families, and St. Jude hospital which cares for patients and does leading clinical research which is shared freely with medical communities throughout the world.  Amazingly, seeing the kids and interacting with them didn't bring on the tears - and there are some pretty sick kids there. For me, it was the magnitude of the institution, the outreach, the participants, staff, corporate and celebrity sponsors, and the tiny moments of thoughtfulness and even joy. No stone is left unturned. They are not just saving lives, at St. Jude every day is about preserving today for each patient and their family. No patient receives a bill for any medical care, housing or living expenses, or education for patient and siblings during treatment. And while every child in the country sadly can't be cared for at this remarkable place, all sick kids throughout the world receive the benefit of the world-class research that goes on there. They develop protocols and targeted treatments for individual illnesses, and then share what they've learned - the recipes as it were - with the world for free.<br /><br />The most obvious thing about both Target Houses (there are two) and the hospital is that neither looks or smells like an institution. They are bright, colorful, pristine, happy spaces. They even smell nice. <br /><br />I wanted to share some of my pics from Target House. Later on this week I'll have more about the hospital. Obviously, we didn't take photos of any people - patients, family members or staff. During the day, most patients and their families are at the hospital undergoing medical treatments, which is why we were able to take so many photos in the living space. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMEwi1SBLikXVMtPCtqJzarj8NxFuu-sidjfQsWP7aOEccM5Hd3GRWLnZPqpLfwzLYS28u_dFl9VfrR_6DyX2rbsIh_5HAVDFlgp0255Qcp76pO_XuZ4nLLJyUIPNY6TWl1Is8liCTM4/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMEwi1SBLikXVMtPCtqJzarj8NxFuu-sidjfQsWP7aOEccM5Hd3GRWLnZPqpLfwzLYS28u_dFl9VfrR_6DyX2rbsIh_5HAVDFlgp0255Qcp76pO_XuZ4nLLJyUIPNY6TWl1Is8liCTM4/s640/IMG_3567.JPG" width="586" /></a></div><br /> Snow boarder Shaun White sponsored this mod great room that is geared towards teenagers. It features comfortable crash sofas, tv sets, bright colors and photos of Shaun doing his thing.  The walls are stenciled with no-VOC paints as they don't use wallpaper, which can attract dirt and allergens. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGppR8dkH5Ujs2A0ydyRAgxRk_SjuwfMNPCCTPYng9Q11CzJpVeeZSRaipzQ2in8qUk-0CflKh12CtT5TUlmjiekInhohUDy6kVaD1coWpwY6yopiew0fW82OxlRH4-RDeTUYZBlgxFM/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGppR8dkH5Ujs2A0ydyRAgxRk_SjuwfMNPCCTPYng9Q11CzJpVeeZSRaipzQ2in8qUk-0CflKh12CtT5TUlmjiekInhohUDy6kVaD1coWpwY6yopiew0fW82OxlRH4-RDeTUYZBlgxFM/s640/IMG_3570.JPG" width="594" /></a></div>The Amy Grant Music Room is modeled after the singer's own living room and features a gorgeous grand piano, bongos and a closet full of musical instruments. The seating is plentiful and plush (and sized for both adults and kids) and is a great hangout in the evening as it's separated a bit from the rest of the house. There is also a low chair for Amy herself to sit in when she comes to play her guitar and sing for the residents. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzyK3Tdi3SjerTPQo0BEzZaGekX4ovtrAGKY-fq-iLx0OKwqWyDWeYspBm-vfqxe-S7a6hs414_Q12HsWy_QCADvkq30N-Y2hbp42NBEFuybfmgY7ORJ1KCROo_9lq-PMc25uq33soPo/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzyK3Tdi3SjerTPQo0BEzZaGekX4ovtrAGKY-fq-iLx0OKwqWyDWeYspBm-vfqxe-S7a6hs414_Q12HsWy_QCADvkq30N-Y2hbp42NBEFuybfmgY7ORJ1KCROo_9lq-PMc25uq33soPo/s640/IMG_3575.JPG" width="607" /></a></div><br /> The Brad Paisley Family Room is modeled after Paisley's own family room and is filled with musical and cowboy references. It too features comfy furniture, plus a one-of-a-kind chandelier made up of his own guitar's, a guitar pick embedded table and the cutest rocking saddle "hobby horses" you could imagine. And like any typical family room, there is a nook for Paisley family photos including his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley and their kids. Yee haw!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaSJEqiyzsDPIx2U1tNMuBCBmQ9HP1_v342JG3j8hA6qXvWaK5VU4GMmt3ay2daglXbbpBSplqJRv9oKHfGNEsMhlGWNnTNQ-JhYyCosyqG7ZaLuEIVo_O7MHleVgmEegzQDXStPMJM/s1600/IMG_3578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaSJEqiyzsDPIx2U1tNMuBCBmQ9HP1_v342JG3j8hA6qXvWaK5VU4GMmt3ay2daglXbbpBSplqJRv9oKHfGNEsMhlGWNnTNQ-JhYyCosyqG7ZaLuEIVo_O7MHleVgmEegzQDXStPMJM/s640/IMG_3578.JPG" width="607" /></a></div>The well stocked Arts & Crafts room was donated by Olympic skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton. The arts is a huge part of the St. Jude experience as it gives kids a way to express their experiences when they don't have the words. Hamilton also donated a well-stocked work out room for parents who need some ways to relieve their stress. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I7PyK49yJgR9Xaj1txDUBfOo8RHl8WXXS_3vK6MOrfxGqTqEugKXTPjQyiHaxVr1smbo32XFXPAS81T1eT2rM1vJfVVpRcJd589Gz-WbCcOr5GFgB6Dt7A-yo-GHwQEstNm4ZY-OBgY/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="811" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I7PyK49yJgR9Xaj1txDUBfOo8RHl8WXXS_3vK6MOrfxGqTqEugKXTPjQyiHaxVr1smbo32XFXPAS81T1eT2rM1vJfVVpRcJd589Gz-WbCcOr5GFgB6Dt7A-yo-GHwQEstNm4ZY-OBgY/s640/IMG_3583.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>The Tiger Woods Library features both children's and grownup books, dvd's, comfortable seating, lots of color, including Tiger's signature Sunday Red. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF0Gfjl3bHDKtWE6brxrwxRCSLooeyRv3FcfMPdwQ57Az9pvXbM4PUdfyZQj-Fkxu-LzSLBgDmuQ4Fhlhr18RKpwavg-5bMDK8UHLVr8WztDTBLFqcduj1gYeq-ggL0fRhzqgkRTy820/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="798" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF0Gfjl3bHDKtWE6brxrwxRCSLooeyRv3FcfMPdwQ57Az9pvXbM4PUdfyZQj-Fkxu-LzSLBgDmuQ4Fhlhr18RKpwavg-5bMDK8UHLVr8WztDTBLFqcduj1gYeq-ggL0fRhzqgkRTy820/s640/IMG_3585.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>Tiger Woods also donated the outdoor pavilion as well, which connects the two Target Houses to each other. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1OhThii5WMFfDGz2t4foidNlmXSKn_bPNUivfq8BY5oiHTQ5SqUYlS6KO-A8i_VyG3DCKPkbfW0w9hniaKvxJFeVfwnMdnRMONK5ZHeiutDN-KNl0K4D1aaSE_cKeBgXDD-h_AirrEg/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1OhThii5WMFfDGz2t4foidNlmXSKn_bPNUivfq8BY5oiHTQ5SqUYlS6KO-A8i_VyG3DCKPkbfW0w9hniaKvxJFeVfwnMdnRMONK5ZHeiutDN-KNl0K4D1aaSE_cKeBgXDD-h_AirrEg/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><br /><br />The elephant is a symbol of Target House - as it is a symbol of strength, protection and good luck. The Elephant Wall is a light-hearted, yet poignant, place to showcase the involvement of the many celebrities who contribute time and resources. The beautiful elephant in the middle was done by designer Cynthia Rowley. And there is a simple crayon drawing by Jon Bon Jovi and his son (not pictured) that is just as charming.<br /><br />Target House facility has 96 small apartments for families whose child is in treatment for longer than 90 days. These apartments have full kitchens, a living and dining area and two bedrooms, intended to sleep four. St. Jude not only treats the ill child, but also tends to the needs of the entire family. Their goal (aside from a total cure) is that the family should be free to focus on the heath needs of their sick child and the well-being of their siblings, without having the added stress of healthcare costs, transportation and living expenses. One has to imagine that this level of holistic care plays an enormous role in the survival rates, along with the superior medical care. <br /><br />More later on this week about St. Jude the hospital and research center itself.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4-3LGwsJghmGvtchPkERmHf7sR6CJjfM7eEU2vOYq-_kRFs038-t22BspfAUGK0strnzskcXntgb9CiYHqqGULqux5B1d0Na8UtGwT9ec4CsGz5NnPoAq6CJRkhUm7OHciiy1AdVR0Q/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4-3LGwsJghmGvtchPkERmHf7sR6CJjfM7eEU2vOYq-_kRFs038-t22BspfAUGK0strnzskcXntgb9CiYHqqGULqux5B1d0Na8UtGwT9ec4CsGz5NnPoAq6CJRkhUm7OHciiy1AdVR0Q/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Target House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - a happy place during a stressful time

Some time in the 1930's or so, a young American performer of Lebonese/Syrian descent was struggling and appealed for divine intervention...

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Surviving the Blizzard of 2013

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwmVrnA7tTKsPC-oruyuaGuOxWPIGMGnn0k3Gj3t9ivjE-7Ocnv7si-KEw6reC6VXIFUeL25WzMH0IEIYdzSQjNqJjZz8JRlEvZB4yqAKCbHvj9OrzdVMcvqIy6XwEq9bz0NTuSPW6At8/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwmVrnA7tTKsPC-oruyuaGuOxWPIGMGnn0k3Gj3t9ivjE-7Ocnv7si-KEw6reC6VXIFUeL25WzMH0IEIYdzSQjNqJjZz8JRlEvZB4yqAKCbHvj9OrzdVMcvqIy6XwEq9bz0NTuSPW6At8/s640/IMG_2208.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />So, the Blizzard of 2013 (aka Nemo) started off gently enough...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdXr1Zm-ZfGReeRhYCXI26nACcq1HdRBNt0Hn9MVGrBtdjYOaVeOCzwx-kaM9bDrADqSnws1pScpb7YKjw1G8qkM7JXaLBDUzy9h3njXBphghWfsPZ3291xcic1KmMoPv8atAmUjz3sVa/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdXr1Zm-ZfGReeRhYCXI26nACcq1HdRBNt0Hn9MVGrBtdjYOaVeOCzwx-kaM9bDrADqSnws1pScpb7YKjw1G8qkM7JXaLBDUzy9h3njXBphghWfsPZ3291xcic1KmMoPv8atAmUjz3sVa/s400/IMG_1078.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />But didn't stay that way. Lots of wind and snow, resulting in the expected power outage. We always lose power here on Cape Cod. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE1kYrdhjb9Z7lzzhLKT8VFQfBJs4Nyesd3DasNxtmt31CRjc2OB_R2tFnFlMb5ks1G-XyjLxzpRQsSW47g3xeYGfUgUiFPjxtvLqe7dpCYtpz4C26x2D1VwMgW3LknHI8tMiORKL_Ngt/s1600/IMG_1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE1kYrdhjb9Z7lzzhLKT8VFQfBJs4Nyesd3DasNxtmt31CRjc2OB_R2tFnFlMb5ks1G-XyjLxzpRQsSW47g3xeYGfUgUiFPjxtvLqe7dpCYtpz4C26x2D1VwMgW3LknHI8tMiORKL_Ngt/s640/IMG_1079.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>After the dust, err, snow had settled, we have over a foot, with up to 3 foot drifts against the house. The temps dropped to the teens outside and by the end of 48 hours, the low forties inside.  We have a very small wood burning stove, which was a life saver. I spent part of yesterday shoveling out my car and the driveway and getting in to warm up, not to mention power my telephone. This above from inside my car. Note - always, always have a clear exhaust pipe and open windows when sitting in a parked car with the engine running!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlheeHGhLknUR2YSUeEOLZ2cz62vAgSWjjqqw8F5CIx_0RYnXqKyGOebGHTGl-W_6TZzGPCPj6lvD_HUArFq_D4Z8zfyfQLddyFM-MzF0Nll5DqrPZ7FgO4nZglQpjFV6_vv0oXapmieF/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlheeHGhLknUR2YSUeEOLZ2cz62vAgSWjjqqw8F5CIx_0RYnXqKyGOebGHTGl-W_6TZzGPCPj6lvD_HUArFq_D4Z8zfyfQLddyFM-MzF0Nll5DqrPZ7FgO4nZglQpjFV6_vv0oXapmieF/s640/IMG_2211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>When not tending the fire in the wood burning stove, I kept warm under this vintage hand-tied quilt that I've owed for several years. Usually, it decorates a guest bed but this weekend it was put to the test and passed with flying colors! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW74vq4-kAemHN5VZWuLei6pTt4AxiYQKTInZDI_4PyZTS-0cTUporPtsko5t1i33ilNsCctVrU1TEjXSGyeguyCCwF0RJR4T2TsJmnhijwcyYSGn7jpf5E7JKg_1fIkFmaOjS38PtJWjO/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW74vq4-kAemHN5VZWuLei6pTt4AxiYQKTInZDI_4PyZTS-0cTUporPtsko5t1i33ilNsCctVrU1TEjXSGyeguyCCwF0RJR4T2TsJmnhijwcyYSGn7jpf5E7JKg_1fIkFmaOjS38PtJWjO/s640/IMG_1091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sunday dawned a beautiful sunny day and I was finally able to get out of my driveway by mid-afternoon. This is the grocery store parking lot. We finally got our electricity back around 8:30 last evening, just in time watch Downton Abbey! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSzdPNrpU6eSNqMHF6HYUnLNE7GfcrpgnDc00zCMqiem_IVUAEL2cP_U8uw4kuL3k6P8R7jh9bmXp0XkvbSKwIkqwnX9dURa2dxB2ctYmsUA8DNibwa-hd6wgQZIvNETYxArmePfaVccJ/s1600/IMG_1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSzdPNrpU6eSNqMHF6HYUnLNE7GfcrpgnDc00zCMqiem_IVUAEL2cP_U8uw4kuL3k6P8R7jh9bmXp0XkvbSKwIkqwnX9dURa2dxB2ctYmsUA8DNibwa-hd6wgQZIvNETYxArmePfaVccJ/s640/IMG_1092.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Today was the big clean up. This little Franklin stove saved us, it really did. We cooked hot dogs in the open flames and wrapped food up in tin foil to heat in the embers. There are quite a lot of uses for wood ash including as a glass and silver polish when mixed into a paste with water and as a traction agent on ice, which I intend to try. More ideas <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1581470,00.html" target="_blank">here</a>:<br /><br />If you were affected by the blizzard, I hope you're safe and warm today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/homepagerebuild/images/roadshow_home_banner_20121218-mw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/homepagerebuild/images/roadshow_home_banner_20121218-mw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Meanwhile, I'll be live tweeting this evening's episode of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html" target="_blank">Antiques Roadshow</a> along with bloggers Katy Elliot, Stacy Kunstel, Mally Skok, Cynthia Bogart and others. Airing tonight is part 3 of the Roadshow's trip to Boston. The show airs at 8:00 pm tonight (check local listings) and we'll be tweeting using the hashtag #AntiquesRoadshow or click <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=antiquesroadshow&src=typd" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Surviving the Blizzard of 2013

So, the Blizzard of 2013 (aka Nemo) started off gently enough... But didn't stay that way. Lots of wind and snow, resulting in the expec...

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