A Magical Day
I went on my usual two mile walk along Ellsworth Ave., but this time I decided to go a little further to explore some of the antique shops there.
In one shop I was subtly followed as though I might be a shoplifter, and in another I was formally greeted, and met with a blank face when I commented on how beautiful the curved victorian staircase to the second floor was.
Then I came upon this shop where spring seemed to have arrived sooner than it had on the rest of the street, with crocus's in full bloom.
A beautiful bold red door said "open".
So I went in and was immediately greeted by a pack of about 6-8 happy little dogs with tails wagging. I photographed these two during their nap. I'm sure it's exhausting work to be a dog and greet everyone that enters your shop.
Then I was greeted by Sandy and Blaine Hall, two of the most friendly and open people you could ever meet. They were both obviously creative people, totally uninhibited, relaxed and slightly eccentric because of that refreshing combination of traits
This is the name of their gallery of art, chandeliers, antiques and artist's studio.
This magical place had cherubs holding up 700 lb. chandeliers.
And golden mythical figures were all around.
Wild beasts stare at you from the walls.
Blaine created and designed all of the magnificent chandeliers. There was one very spectacular piece that was not yet completed and I was not allowed to photograph it. Just believe me when I tell you it was amazing.
Blaine also paints and sketches. Here are a couple of his sketches.
This close up shows the wonderful lines he uses.
As an artist I take special interest in what another artist's studio looks like. Here are some of the tools and materials used in the creation of a chandelier.
I had only planned to drop into that shop for a few minutes and ended up staying for hours. I felt so inspired and refreshed having met Blaine and Sandy.
Then as I was leaving there was one last final surprise. Blaine told me there was one chandelier they never turned on. It was the one outside at the front doors of the shop. I asked why? And he showed me this Mourning Dove sitting on her nest, that comes back year after year to that special spot.
It was the perfect magical ending to a perfect visit with two free spirits.
In one shop I was subtly followed as though I might be a shoplifter, and in another I was formally greeted, and met with a blank face when I commented on how beautiful the curved victorian staircase to the second floor was.
Then I came upon this shop where spring seemed to have arrived sooner than it had on the rest of the street, with crocus's in full bloom.
A beautiful bold red door said "open".
So I went in and was immediately greeted by a pack of about 6-8 happy little dogs with tails wagging. I photographed these two during their nap. I'm sure it's exhausting work to be a dog and greet everyone that enters your shop.
Then I was greeted by Sandy and Blaine Hall, two of the most friendly and open people you could ever meet. They were both obviously creative people, totally uninhibited, relaxed and slightly eccentric because of that refreshing combination of traits
This is the name of their gallery of art, chandeliers, antiques and artist's studio.
This magical place had cherubs holding up 700 lb. chandeliers.
And golden mythical figures were all around.
Wild beasts stare at you from the walls.
Blaine created and designed all of the magnificent chandeliers. There was one very spectacular piece that was not yet completed and I was not allowed to photograph it. Just believe me when I tell you it was amazing.
Blaine also paints and sketches. Here are a couple of his sketches.
This close up shows the wonderful lines he uses.
As an artist I take special interest in what another artist's studio looks like. Here are some of the tools and materials used in the creation of a chandelier.
I had only planned to drop into that shop for a few minutes and ended up staying for hours. I felt so inspired and refreshed having met Blaine and Sandy.
Then as I was leaving there was one last final surprise. Blaine told me there was one chandelier they never turned on. It was the one outside at the front doors of the shop. I asked why? And he showed me this Mourning Dove sitting on her nest, that comes back year after year to that special spot.
It was the perfect magical ending to a perfect visit with two free spirits.
