A Valentine's Day gift idea

With Valentine's Day coming up fast, I thought I would share a unique idea I had for a gift to my husband several years ago.

I'm a folk art lover, and I have long admired Catherine Holman's beautiful work, so I contacted her to do a custom painting of the building we were married in. My husband and I were married in December 2005 in a rustic building called the "Chestnut Shelter". We had a massive snow storm roll through on December 2 which made for long travels, but a beautiful setting for our big day - everything was covered in a blanket of white, and there were giant icicles hanging from the awnings of the shelter.

I was thrilled with her rendition and couldn't wait to share it with my husband. Catherine is an amazing artist, and I can't thank her enough for sharing her talents. It is a gift I will treasure forever.

Dreaming of spring

It was in the 60s here earlier in the week, but now we are back down to 17F with bands of lake effect snow. The cold temps and snow are typical for this time of year, but the warm weather had me dreaming of spring. Maybe that was the inspiration for my purchase on Etsy. That and my love affair with the "tempestuous tulip" (if you are a Room with a View fan, like myself, you will appreciate that last bit). Whatever the case, I spied this beautiful watercolor and had to have it.

The painting is by Nancy Dopler of Midwest Gypsy. She has other beautiful art there, so check her out.

Now I just have to find the right frame...