one in a million
July 28, 2012
And, he came running to what seemed like a million pet names; Buddy Buckwheat Buttski Budinski Punkin Punkin Pie Punkin Donuts Monkey Monkey Butt MonkeyPants Monks Schlooks Schlookie …always with a shake, a spin, a wiggle, a nudge, a push or a big Eskimo Kiss. He came in a handful of black fluff with a gumdrop nose (wanting to be boss) and went out (I hope) happy, knowing how much he was loved ( and that he was boss). He touched everyone who met him with his unique style, personality and charisma and he never forgot those he met. Just the mention of someone’s name had his tail wagging and him waiting at the door…” ROAD TRIP!!!? Starbucks!!!? Grandma’s!!!? ” I waited so long for him and got so caught up in the fun we were having…I never entertained the thought of saying goodbye…never fully understanding that I was being touched so profoundly. I can’t stop crying. I can’t speak. Still, I will be forever grateful. Bud and I had a deal. I took care of him…he took care of me…it was a simple deal and it worked. Goodbye. My Buddy…my good boy…my heart.
Presto…pesto
July 26, 2012
Well, I love pesto. On pasta hot or cold…on pizza…even in potato salad. But, I’ve never had arugula pesto. How did this happen? I love arugula too and yet this had somehow missed my plate. When I found this recipe , which couldn’t be simpler, and tweaked it based on what was at hand…I had a hit. The simple ingredients provided a great lemony mix…fresh. There was no waiting for a pizza or focaccia dough to rise so I split a small Syrian wood baked loaf, spread the pesto and topped it with some bocconcini mozzarella…simple…perfect. 
Three Day Weekend
July 23, 2012
That’s what I need, a three-day weekend. At this cabin. Perfect. I’m not a fan of a steeply pitched roof, but somehow it works here, the simple comforting and welcoming shape of a Monopoly board game piece. A simple little summer house…with a surround of simple terraced decks and gravel paving. And, the genius touch of the storm shutters securing the doors and windows. Brilliant. I could grab a quilt and my pillow, throw Buddy in the car and hit the road…well, soon. Gladly it’s still only July. There are many summer weekends left.
There’s linen…
July 20, 2012
then there’s linen. All from flax fiber, but distinctly different. Thick, thin, crisp or rumpled, there is nothing else like it. This Shimmer drapery fabric and paperbacked wallcovering from Donghia Textiles takes linen for a fresh modern spin. In silver or soft gold fused to the linen itself, the effect is like the sun reflected off the ripples on a lake, either in the cool of the morning or the warmth of the light at sunset. I can’t think of a better backdrop for your collection of classic mid-century treasures. Wrap a room in it and, well…..simplequietstunning.
Skipping Stones
July 17, 2012
Up North…Up State…The Shore. Where ever you find yourself week-ending this summer you are bound to come back to the house with a pocket full of beach finds. You can take those smooth beach pebbles or wave sanded bits of glass…add a bit of Habu Silk wrapped stainless and black linen…knit them all together while relaxing with a tall cool beverage on the porch listening to the softly lapping waves. In less than an hour you have created ” Skipping Stones”, a great summer necklace that you will wear well into the fall. Beats the gimp lanyard of your youth, doesn’t it?
Stack em up
July 14, 2012
Every now and again you find yourself in need of additional seating at the table. You know, an impromptu birthday bash, your dinner guests had guests in from out-of-town ( do you mind if?) , or…heaven forbid…you’re hosting THANKSGIVING. Time to bring in the reinforcements and the Bellini Chair by Kartel fits the bill perfectly. Lightweight, stackable and most importantly comfortable, these stackable Italian wonders work as beautifully with your collection of modern furnishings as they do complimenting your more traditional pieces. No need to feel guilty about or assaulting your aesthetic sensibilities pulling out those folding chairs that have literally been a pain in the a** for decades. ( You know which ones. ) As a matter of fact, you might find these so appealing that you keep them out all year long, as pull-ups, home office task seating or an extra in the bedroom. Then, when the doorbell rings you’ll be well prepared to have your guests pull up a stylish seat.
Again, Plato knew.
July 11, 2012
” Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” Plato
Leave it to the French
July 7, 2012
to come up with a new spin on an icon of American design history…the log cabin. In my earliest recollections I have had on my wish list an”inspired” log cabin retreat…rustic yet with a modern turn. I never let my imagination run to this…simplequietmodern at it’s best. The fact that the “whole” has been broken into 2 living sections and that those are lined in one of my favorite materials, plywood, makes it even more perfect. It’s as if someone has been reading my mind.I can’t think of a better place to knock back some Champagne and take a deep relaxing breath.
http://www.busyboo.com/2009/09/24/prefab-house-flake/
Land of the free…
July 4, 2012
and the home of the classic 4th of July cook-out. I’m not a hot dog or sausage fan, but after having a “dog” at the Simply Good Kitchen in Birmingham, MI …made with one of their homemade fresh Polish Keilbasa…well, I had to change my mind. Presented in a beautifully browned poppy-seed bun with sauerkraut and their special horseradish mustard (or Chicago style)…well, I was hooked. If you happen to be in the Detroit area you’d do well to stop in and pick some up, knock out a bowl of potato salad and chill the watermelon. It’s that simple. And, as long as your fire is stoked, a giant toasted marshmallow and some sparklers would be the perfect finishing touch to your 4th of July celebration.
http://www.simplygoodkitchen.com/
https://simplequietmodern.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/you-say-potato/
Branching Out
July 2, 2012
What a simplequietmodern way to display a good handful of Rhoadsidiana ~grasses, wildflowers, seed pods~ picked on a relaxing walk around the lake. You are week-ending in the country aren’t you? Modeled from an actual tree limb by ceramist extraordinaire PaulaValentim ,Tree Branch maintains the shape, texture and detail of the real thing. Produced in porcelain clay, this vessel is glazed on the inside to hold water, yet is quietly matte in its exterior finish. Just like arranging flowers in one of your glass cylinder vases (you must have one by now), putting this to great use could not be simpler. Give all of your selected material a fresh cut, fill the container with clear clean water and drop in…letting everything arrange itself. Done.
simplequietmodern 