November 07, 2008

Merry...Christmas?

Christmas came early this year when my mom decided she couldn’t keep her secret gift to herself anymore (she’s worse than a little kid, I swear!).

She wanted me to go with her to a local art gallery. I know the guys that own the place, so not an unusual request. But when she got kisses from both of them the second we walked in the door (and I did not) I was a little…how you say…curious. (Huh? Is she hanging out with my friends when I’m not around? Is she squatting in their gallery on weekdays? Do I smell?). As I was trying to figure this out in my tiny little pea brain, I looked at a painting . That looks like…is it…could that be…our HOUSE?


“Merry Christmas! I couldn’t wait!”

To be fair, this is what our house would look like if the wild wisteria across the front porch would produce the large, luscious lavender-colored blooms that this amazing artist miraculously cultivated with the stroke of a brush. And, from this vantage point, you’d typically see five (yes 5!) other houses (have I mentioned houses in this town are very, VERY close together?). As much as I genuinely like my neighbors, this painting has made me want to steamroll every one of them down. (KIDDING! Well…)

Other than that, it’s pretty spot-on and filled with incredible details, like Maggie in her usual perch on the front porch…


…and my mom keeping a watchful eye from the dormered window:


Pretty hysterical. We are honored to have received this amazing gift. And the mom herself isn’t too shabby. (Thanks, mom!)

I am also honored that lovely Pat over at Mille Fiore Favoriti, one of my blogs favoriti, gave me this fancy award.


Pat’s a New York-based blogger who takes readers through virtual walking tours of some of her favorite spots, with fabulous local history lessons along the way. Some of my favorites have been Flatbush (where my mom was born), Bay Ridge and Madison Square Park…and I even got to join her (virtually, at least) on vacation in Key West. And, Pat can cook (and bake. It was her blog that convinced me to join Daring Bakers.). So don’t visit on an empty stomach like I just did, because she’s cooking up lentil soup today.

Lastly,
Thrifty Cottage Dreams recently said I was one of her Top 3 Fall-Inspired blogs. Coming from this thrifty goddess, I’m flattered. This lady can shop like it’s no one’s business! I'm passing this Lovely Lady Award right back to her for being...well, lovely! Truly I am grateful to anyone who stops by my online home, so thank you. You are all lovely ladies (and gents) to me.

Have a fabulous weekend! Weather's calling for rain, rain and more rain here. Maybe I'll clean toilets. The exciting life I lead...

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

How lovely is that picture? Love it!

Mrs. Limestone said...

Wow, what a thoughtful gift!

Unknown said...

Your Mom Rocks! Please tell her I said hello, I haven't seen her in ages either but have many fond memories of her and the sleepovers at your house :)

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

That present is too fantastic! I love the details of your dog... and even your own mom. hehe! I don't think I would have been able to wait if I were her, either. I guess that's the good thing about living in Germany right now... holiday secrets are a bit easier!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laura, that story made me want to cry! How sweet is your mom!!! Wonderful painting of your house, too. I don't blame her for being too excited to keep the secret, it is really THE BEST.

Neat-O house! Neat-O painting!

And guess who's still here? I emailed you the gory details just for funsies. There is a silver lining, truly... I think. ;-)

XO,

Mrs. Magpie aka Sheila

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Neat-O mom! Neat-O dogla, too!

Does your mom want to adopt me? I come fully housebroken.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Beautiful painting, Laura! I would be so excited about that myself. Very sweet....hey, I'm with ya on the cleaning toilets thing. That chore comes around way too often.

Hey, we're still coming to NYC, probably the first week of Dec. or so. I'll keep you posted in case you can meet up for a coffee somewhere.

Anonymous said...

oh wow, that is great, how funny that she can't wait!

Sarah

Sue said...

You have a wonderful Mom-Lady....I know you must be a terrific daughter for her to get you such a thoughtful gift...Aren't Mom's and Daughters the best thing ever!!

Anonymous said...

Oh MY. How FUN! Awesome. I need to meet your mom.

P.S. Email me when you have a chance.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a beautful painting of your home! Your Mom was so thoughtful! I love the soft colors in the painting and all the nice details.

I know what you mean when you say the houses are close -- same here! Our property is 20 X100! We could reach out and hold hands with our next door neighbors ..lol! The joys of city life.

Glad you like the award! Thanks for your kind comments and linking to all those posts was so sweet of you!!

Enjoy the weekend!

Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

That painting I think is an awesome gift.

heidi said...

Holy canoli!!!! What a FABOO gift! The details are precious... Maggie with her head slightly crooked!
LOVE it.

Jean Martha said...

Your Mom rocks and that picture is awesome!!! A friend of mine did a picture for me of my house, I scanned it and also used it on my party invites. Would make for a nice blog banner too!

MauritaMason said...

What a lovely gift.

I'm told (though it hasn't worked for me, yet) that you have to keep all the new growth on wisteria trimmed during the summer to have blooms the next year.

Fifi Flowers said...

Merry Christmas to you! What a WONDERFUL gift... something you can treasure FOREVER!
ENJOY your weekend!
Fifi

Tina said...

What an awesome and thoughtful gift! I love it.
T

Rue said...

Hi Laura :)

Your mom made my eyes tear up! That is one of the most special gifts I've ever seen and it's beautiful too. She cracked me up though when I saw her in the window LOL What a great mamma you have!

Congratulations on your award too :)

xoxo,
rue

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura, thank you for the sweetest tribute to Cocoa with your donation in Cocoa's name. Our daughter and her family are in such grief it is breaking my heart. I am copying this post with the comments to give her and she will have this tribute to Cocoa for their memories.

I am in wonder about your beautiful art rendition of your gorgeous home.
This is the most special gift ever from your mom. She couldn't wait, that is priceless. You are blessed with the love of your Mom and I am sure your family too.

Now you gave me an idea. I better go clean my toilets as company is coming for dinner. LOL

Hugs...Jeanne

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hello again Laura
I forgot to mention that I was happy you joined Daring Bakers! I'm looking forward to seeing how you make the challenges each month. I've learned a lot in the few months that I have been a member.
Hugs, Pat

Maureen said...

Holy Smokes! That's the best gift ever. So sweet. Go, Mom!

pve design said...

Christmas should be celebrated all year!