three.home by Rory Beck

2010-11-14T11:17:00.002-05:00

-A lot of seemingly inconsequential random moments all adding up.

You know the ‘what a small world’ comment that generally morphs into a conversation about the 6 degrees of separation?

Well I think mine is pretty nifty! Considering the definition of being 6 steps away from a connection to another person and this tale stretches from Cleveland to Portland, Oregon, I think it qualifies for the ‘pretty nifty’ category.

A woman from Portland Oregon called the shop the other day and asked for me by name. She introduced herself as the manager of the wholesale division from Queen Bee Creations. I do, from time to time, get cold calls soliciting merchandise or services mostly from larger companies taking random shots on three.home being their next big account. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be one of those calls or not. Also, I get the people who wander in off the street, artisans of some sort connecting my aesthetic in the shop with their particular art. It turns out this was no ordinary, random sales call.

The inconsequential random moments that added up to make this experience ‘small world’ are as follows;

The first is the phone call itself. (you will understand better in a minute).

Secondly, the bit about the person that called me, Abby. Her actually making the call instead of disregarding the comment “our products and your shop would be a good fit” (keep reading).

Third bit (or maybe I should be labeling these ‘bits’ as ‘degrees’?), contrary to her official role in this company, she happened to spend this particular day in the shop selling retail to the end user, which apparently she does from time to time as a fill in.

The next bit, the shopper, whose name I don’t know, who happened to be visiting Portland from Cleveland. What’s more, her wandering in to the Queen Bee Studio/Store and sharing her thoughts (& where she is from), about the fit she sees between Queen Bee Creations and three.home.

WOW!

Not to go unmentioned, the location of this studio is in a newly developed part of Portland, outside of the bustling, metropolis down town area. And although this new neighborhood with many like- minded shop/business owners, has been developed through the city commission, it is still off the beaten track a bit, as I understand. It is not like this area is a must see when visiting Portland.

The final bit, where everything comes together, the full circle. This whole experience became a ‘small world’ experience for me because of a chance meeting, a warm and inviting environment, a mindful moment, and a follow through by all participants.

In my attempt to relate my blog postings to three.home, or interiors In some way was a challenge and actually delayed this post. But alas, I have the connection.

It is, of course, the connection, the small world experience is exactly what I want to create, offer, share as three.home evolves into its new identity in our new location-576 Industrial Parkway, (still in) Chagrin Falls, and (behind Hunan on E Washington) just a bit past the center of the Village.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_world_experiment

http://www.pdc.us/

http://www.queenbee-creations.com/

2010-08-01T18:09:00.002-04:00

New post, hopefully one of many to come…

I have been hearing this song, and it is relatively new, by Eminem, featuring Rihanna. You may have heard this song, or Eminem. (If you have teenagers around the house, then you probably have heard his music, or at least heard of him). He is a rapper and in my opinion (albeit not very informed) one of the most authentic to his genre of music. And therefore the song is 'explicit'. This is the tag given to specific songs on itunes. His vocals and lyrics are harsh, rough and crude.

Rihanna, who is considered ‘pop’ in the music world, has this incredibly beautiful voice. It is soft and strong, sexy, well defined and nothing like the raw sound of Eminem. This song 'love the way you lie', (even the title implies a certain uncensored thought), has a complexity to it that I don’t hear in too many songs. Their 2 contrasting sounds somehow meld together in a way, not unlike voices in harmony do. Though this sound is not as much about symmetry as it is about synergy.

Hearing the hostility in Eminem’s voice and lyrics, brings up a certain negative feeling, I almost don’t hear the words of the song. Then Rihanna takes over with her chorus and the sounds are rhythmic, elegant, passionate, and I realize that the song about a love-story.

The result from this contrast between their voices, and the synergy that is created from the inconsistency of styles can sometimes be known as juxtapose.

How this relates to interior design and my world of three.home is swirling around in the juxtaposing of elements. Be it voices, vases, spaces or styles. Simply put, the more committed to any one style (of anything), the more likely to recognize and appreciate another style; with in a close proximity.

For example; a room with dark colors on the walls and fewer windows, small, may feel cozy, safe and quiet if the next room over is bright and spacious. Compare that with a house that has many rooms the same size, has little or no trees around and is therefore bright feeling throughout. The walls in all the rooms are painted some variation of beige, and the ceiling height is consistent all over. It would be challenging to remember specific qualities of each room, moreover, experience each room differently.

Similar to the sounds of two artists singing together within one song, who alone might not be appealing, popular, even acceptable, but together, or in close proximity to one another and abstract in their style, present a completely different result.

This theory speaks to having rooms in your home that all feel distinct from one another. This doesn’t mean that your home shouldn’t flow from room to room. This means that each room in your home being different offers a dichotomy of feeling, purpose, sensation, and awareness.

How committed or defined one element is, makes for a more clear appreciation of the whole. Eminem’s voice and style is very well defined in the world of rappers. So when I hear Rihanna’s voice with his, the contrast is unmistakable.

The attainability of this juxtapose is where the challenge is. And I suppose I it was a challenge to find a song of Eminem’s appealing.

To summarize, I would say that to be committed to something, to be strong in your style, clear and defined will, in the end take you to the places you are supposed to be.

2009-12-08T16:39:00.003-05:00

The most important thing I have to say today is that SUSAN Saltzman of STONZ is so freaking AMAZING!!!! She is talented beyond belief...check out her blog, or website, or ETSY site, or twitter thing or whatever. If you just say her name or business out loud you will get a sign from the heavens above and you will see what I am taking about.
WOW-Susan-you are just incredible

2009-09-16T15:32:00.010-04:00

Remembering the last time I went on and on about something that I thought was the end all, and then luckily recognizing how easy it could have been to sound ridiculous and over dramatic. We have all heard or overheard someone like this, right? I was able to mix in a llittle reality, and thought about the last time I was on the receiving end of someone's hyper-magnified and subjective perception of a topic. Anyway...

This topic came to mind b/c I start to get excited about all the new stuff I have at the shop, like the recycled and up-cycled shirts, skirts and scarves, and before I know it, I am in the middle of this spewing fest. So ever so calmly, but with lots of passion and excitement three.home is launching a few really crazy cool lines of clothing, easy to wear, and NOTHING you have ever seen before.

and of course....
ANTSY PANTSY-hand dyed vintage slips

and some of the local jewelers threehome is hosting; BLAKEMOR and STONZ

stop in sometime and check out these treasures and many more!

it almost feels like spring; everything is moving, almost growing. There are a lot of people out and about, no doubt because of the weather . We have had atleast 6 days in a row of bright sunshine, blue skies and perfect temperatures. And people are shopping. I love it!

I want to share my spring like feelings and all the new things going on at three.home right now.

We have a few of our favorite local jewelry designers who have dropped off some new, fabulous work; STONZ (she is making awesome HEARTs with her stones and beach glass), Deborah Woolfork (as always unbelievably unique semi precious gems hanging from the best of asymmetry), and ButtonDown Designs (the ever funky antique button bracelets complete with a charming tale of their origin).

In addition we are introducing an up and coming new jewelry designer; Kris VanderPeet. In combining little treasures and interesting chains, Kris designs both chunky and delicate styles, using various metals and leather in the most unpredictable way. Each piece is more crazy spectacular than the last. I want everything. Her pieces are completely ahead of the trend curve and I am predicting she will be out there in the big girl world very soon. So we should buy all that we can before she hits the Oprah train.

The popularity of ANTSY PANTSY's hand dyed vintage slips and T 's has given us @ three.home the initiative to add more specialty clothing; nothing over the top in terms of cost or style and fit, but definately one of a kind. We will have some recycled skirts, T's and scarves. And a few pretty special Parisian made camisoles, scarves, and cuffs! OOOhh what is a cuff you ask??? Well you will have to come in and see when we get all the new merchandise

losing perspective on perspective

2009-06-04T12:12:00.014-04:00

Everything in life really is about perspective, isn't it?

"...as seen at a particular time and from a fixed position..."

And don't I always lose perspective in the height of a moment?

From where I am standing when I experience something, it always looks a certain way to me at that moment. Later on, and or to someone else looking at it, the same picture might look like something totally different. I think this is so important to remember all day long, in good times, but also when things aren't going so well.

If everyone could consider that someone else has a different perspective of the same thing I think it would make the world a better place. It would certainly slow our fast-paced lives down a bit. Our minds would open immediately and we would stop and think. Stubborness would be no more. Oh, how idealistic of me. Well I had to put it out there.

Ponder the opposite for a moment; I am in a coffee shop and am talking on my cell phone for example. I think the person on the other end of the line can't hear me very well so I am talking loud - really loud. Everyone around can hear me. If I only think of my perspective here, I would be thinking that the other people around me would want to experience my phone conversation (or not care either way). Most likely this would not be the case. More likely, the people around would be thinking that the person speaking very loud in a public place and is negatively effecting their experience at the coffee shop.

Ok, that was a major digression, but I think I got my point out there. Always consider other possibilities, but mostly when you are sure you are right about something.

Back to perspective and interior design; I like to use 2 examples of this perspective theory of mine in terms of design and interiors.

I am often asked if a dark color (paint) will make a room look smaller. Dark paint, one of my favorite design ideas, never gets old - dark ceilings included. Obviously it depends on the room, so don't rush to do this tomorrow. My perspective is that light rooms feel airy, crisp sometimes, and bright. A dark room, ceiling included or not, from my perspective, is cozy and warm. Does this dark room feel smaller? Possibly, depending on your perspective. Depending on how many rooms you have seen painted in a dark color, were they big rooms or very small rooms? Was there a lot of natural light or none? Suppose we were not pre-programmed to think that "dark" helps to make things appear smaller. Then the smallness in a room painted a dark color may not be so recognized. PERSPECTIVE.

Consider us body-conscious girls. Didn't we learn early in our years that black makes certain body parts look smaller? You are probably saying to yourself "of course my butt isn't actually smaller..." The room (and my butt) doesn't just magically get smaller - I wish. But couldn't my butt look good in other colors? Or only in black?

The other example to help explain my theory on perspective is much more simple. The blue sky. People often say "I want such and such blue, like the sky". Well not only is the sky different colors of blue day in and day out, but how one person sees sky blue compared to how another person sees that same sky blue is different. I guess I would also throw in the word interpretation at this point.

the power of a smile

2009-05-05T14:08:00.006-04:00

The unfortunate trend of underestimating the power of a smile, face to face, is nudging us not so slowly towards the end of human interaction.

I think by now we all have sufficiently experienced the "small-world-ness" that the technology age has afforded us. I find people I haven't been in touch with for 30 years. I ask questions, get answers, and find out random information about any subject in a matter of minutes. I play music from something that fits inside my mouth! Amazing as all this progress is, it is also paralyzing the fundamentals of human nature.

Some years ago when my husband first got his Blackberry, he might have been one of the first addicts. I had put it in the silverware drawer in hopes of having his attention for 10 uninterrupted minutes. When there was this obnoxious rattling coming from somewhere near where we were standing, I knew it was going to be a long battle.

While more and more people have Blackberrys; controversy, discussions, public forums, articles, and statistics clearly outline the deterioration of public conduct.

A couple of weeks ago I shamefully became, yet again, another targeted consumer. I was totally sucked into the 'buy 1 Blackberry and get the 2nd one free' campaign. And if that isn't bad enough, the free one went to my 15 year old daughter.

Of course my BB practices will be...aahhhhh NO! I won't even say it. I will not be any better than any other technophile. It's been two weeks, max, and I am so bad. Rude social conduct; from corresponding or searching while someone is talking to me to figuring out any number of "how tos" at a stop light. Yes, definitely shameful.

However, I do have the learning curve in my favor. I am aware of my habits, which does count for something, right? And I am committed to practicing Blackberry etiquette everyday (formerly known as humanity and random acts of kindness).

This brings me to the point of this blog (BTW I realize none of this has anything to do with my business of interior design or three.home). It is really challenging not to explore, play, correspond, zone out, or multi-task when in possession of one of these little, mobile, limitless creations. However, not all exploring, playing, corresponding, zoned-out Blackberry owners intend to disrespect, ignore, or annoy the person with whom they are face to face.

That being said, with my most sincere apologies to all who have experienced this bad behavior in my company, and to all those who undoubtedly will, I am committed to the weighty task of keeping my behavior in check and resisting (mostly) the temptation and the ever captivating lore of my new toy. A new toy that just happens to connect us to the future (and our children).

our earth

2009-04-13T13:06:00.013-04:00

With everyone doing a little bit to help the earth, and some people doing a lot, it is so appalling when I see the blatant tossing of trash out of a car window, or an engine running in part for an extended amount of time.

ON MY WALK THRU THE PARK THE OTHER DAY I SAW A WALMART RECEIPT ON THE GROUND. I was shocked. Partially because I don't find a lot of trash in our parks system. But also, because I think most everyone has accepted littering as a sin of sorts. I am sure this receipt accidentaly fell out of someone's pocket rather than the alternative.

After I saw the receipt I started thinking about all the receipts and to-do notes I am always accumulating, trying not to loose. And that led to thinking about the endless supply of paper I write these notes on.

All of this mindless thought and worry made me think of the whole recycle, sustainable, green movement that is happening all around us. We are at the point on this earth that if we don't change the way we live with regards to living 'lighter', there won't be much earth to live on. However, we didn't always think and/or worry about the air around us, the water in our rivers, or the soil.

But then I remembered this cute grocery list 'kit' I have at the shop. I don't know the exact date - 50's or 60's I am guessing.

All of the sudden this random thinking had a purpose - sort of.

'Back in the day' (whenever that was), people didn't think about the earth and how they lived on it or abused it. They didn't look at what they could do now to save the earth later. And yet there was something like this gem. How much more 'green' can you get than a grocery list you can use over and over again? How conscientious, and they didn't even realize it.

Next thought... SWAPPING home accessories. Kind of like a civilized flea market or something like that. I read about a clothing swap party. It sounded like a great idea in terms of recycling cute things around your home that you have grown out of, and a way to get something new without spending alot of money. You know the old adage; one person's trash is another person's treasure.

I have proven that many times over. I recently found these great iron scroll-y benches at the 'collection' area near where I live. We take our trash there when we have more than what fits into our toters. These benches are light green and the seat is wood. They are a little beat up, but that works. I don't have to worry about leaving them outside all winter. They are sturdy and a great color in my backyard.

Maybe I will plan an event around the idea of bringing in any home furnishing that you are ready to pass on, and have great discussions, libations, some laughs, and the opportunity to come home with something new to put on a bookshelf or table.

Input from my followers or anyone else is always welcome.

twilight zone

2009-04-08T14:53:00.015-04:00

Ok, how weird is this? I was driving on I271 last week and I saw this in the parking lot of the JCC. By the time it registered as something other than odd, I was past it. So I made sure I drove the same way the next day. Still there. It seemed a little like the Twilight zone, or Harry Potter-esque for all those born after the 90s. It was still there on Friday, so I drove to the lot and took some pictures close up. I was so curious what it was all about, where it came from, and the purpose of the upside-down part, other than the obvious – the bottom half of a bus flipped over on top of regular bus.

I found a bit of information on the other side of the bus when I got close. It’s from the organization Teva Learning Center, which I believe is based in NYC. They teach about interconnecting with nature and Judaism. This was not as exciting as I had anticipated (no offense to anyone). But, I am glad I investigated its origin. And I am presuming they are here in Cleveland coordinating some kind of program with the JCC.

Maybe they travel around the country and offer special introductions to their organization, or maybe just in certain areas.

I don’t have any idea what was so fascinating for me about this visual anomaly. I think it was like seeing a really huge, cool sculpture in the middle of an urban setting, like our “free” stamp (Claes Oldenburg). Or some of the other unusual sculptures around the country. Honestly, I just wanted to see the bus up close.

THESE ARE SEA CONTAINERS STACKED TO FORM A BUILDING - Pier 54 Chelsea,
architect shigeru ban

artist gregory cobert; nyc-architecture.com

THIS INSTALLATION WAS IN CENTRAL PARK -'THE GATES' by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

island in the sun

2009-03-20T09:23:00.007-04:00

Hello from the beautiful island of Abaco in the Bahamas. Not too easy to get internet access, good food, or any other luxuries we enjoy in the USA. However, the water, sun, and sand are exquisite and worth every day of sacrifice. Just to give you a little visual...

These were not the sunniest days :(

I have felt remiss in my posting. I actually miss the connection I think I am having with the WWW, reporting on my random-ness, discovering if anyone new has found my blog yet, if anyone who is following has any good feedback, etc.

During all these days of quiet, sun, and relaxation, I have been pondering the life and times of three.home. I have missed my little world of beautiful things, and I do mean little. All of about 900 square feet layered with home accessories of all kinds.

I think about all the buying trips I have been on, what I have seen, and all the inspiration. I miss the stories that occur and then later come to mind when I find treasures for the shop. The most adored elements of owning my own shop are the buying, the placing, arranging, merchandising, displaying, staging and so on. All the same. My connection is tactile, the touch and the visual.

I love the hunt, whether it is antique shows, estate sales, people offering something they want to sell, gift shows, or other misc sales - I love it all.

And then there is the next step. Where in the shop to put each piece I find, what things should be together, on what shelf or piece of furniture, high, low, with similar objects, with pieces of similar color. My mind wonders at times about the most unexpected place for a treasure to be, and then I can't wait to try it.

I will be back to regular posting next week and looking forward to it.

Hi Anne, we all miss you if you are following this week...

yoga

2009-03-17T13:02:00.005-04:00

RANDOM-NESS: Target has the best plain popcorn EVER!

Yoga, something I have always thought would be a good thing to do when I got older and couldn't run and really needed to stretch and strengthen my muscles softly. Well, here I am, older and can't run.

Now having gone to yoga with my daughter and her friends a couple of times, I will say, it is not as intimidating at 44 yrs as it was when I was twenty something and early 30's; walking into a room filled with women and men scantily dressed, and in mostly great shape. So when my little, hard-body, with a cute butt, daughter goes right up to the front line in the middle of the room and rolls out her mat, I am OK with it.

I am surprisingly more flexible than I thought I would be. And I can balance in the 'eagle' position fairly well. Of course there is another side to this accomplishment of being somewhat limber. I expect to do the 1/2 pigeon position.

No coincidence this photo could pass as me, HA but no, because I couldn't get into this position, let alone get out of it and switch! Looks easy enough.

Staying focused, what I wanted to mention was how great my last visit to CLEVELAND YOGA was and why. It wasn't the physical challenges or benefits I experienced during or after the workout. It wasn't the relaxation, it was this one instructor, I think her name was Candy. Her role that day was to go around the very crowded room and adjust us as needed, while Tammy was leading the class. As I was ever so busy trying to concentrate on what I was supposed to be doing, trying to relax, empty my mind, not sweat my brains out (it is the HOT yoga class), all of the sudden, but delicately, I feel these incredibly gentle fingers, then palms very very slightly moving my hips to center and pushing down. I am not talking about a touch that was sexy, intimate, intrusive, or inappropriate. NONE of those. Her touch was like a feather dropping down from somewhere and landing on my back. Its not like I got some magic power from her and could suddenly 'do' the 1/2 pigeon like a yoga instructor - I still couldn't. But I think I felt some subtle energy passing from her hands to my back. It wasn't like a big, loud, sparkly something. It was more like telepathic, but through touch. If I hadn't been trying so hard to get my F*%#-ing leg up where it needed to be I might have missed the whole experience. T I imagine the ancient Chinese may have had moments like this one from practicing yoga millions of years ago.

I can't promise this will happen if you go to a class there, but I was not a believer in the whole relaxation, clearing of mind, breathing deep concept. As I mentioned I have always big into cardio exercising and the endorphin rush, big time. I couldn't understand how yoga could replace that feeling. I have to say that I did infact relax completely, and I didn't think of any other part of my life during the hour class, felt the mind out of body thing, it was cool. I will continue my journey with yoga.

trivia 101

2009-03-10T22:35:00.006-04:00

This evening I have a trivia question for anyone who is reading...
what do the following things have in common:

low voltage light bulbs- packaging and all
rit dye in powder form
night-mouth guard (actually 2 to date)
some intimate part of womens undies-can't mention on the web
corners of toss pillows
sofa cushion-just one cushion
an entire roll of t.p.
and the cord to an iron

I will give you a hint...

Answer:

a)E.Z.
b)Garcia
c) all of the above

Oh if they weren't so cute, and I wasn't such a push over.

2009-03-08T10:57:00.006-04:00

I have to share some personal stuff, at the risk of bigger and dirtier looks from my kids. They were both dressed up and expressing their own personal styles. Pia made her dress, very cool, she looked beautiful - all the girls looked fantastic. Wyatt had a yellow belt to pick up the yellow in his shoes. I can't imagine where my children got all this creativity and desire to be individuals...I am so proud.

Pia had 9 kids for dinner before the Spring dance and Wyatt had 2 buddies before a Bar Mitzvah.

Lindsey, Pia, Eve, Sonia

Will, Alex, Wyatt Wyatt, Pia

Spen, Sammi, Sonia, Eve, Lindsey, Pia, John, Tom, Oliver, Baui

This counts for one of the great things about parenting!

Cool things and creativity

2009-02-18T15:40:00.020-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post...gosh that kind of sounds like confession, how does it start; sorry readers for I have sinned, it has been 3 weeks since...Well hopefully its worth the wait.

I have been meaning to start posting something like design tips on a regular basis. Not the average, and not the most obvious tips. More unexpected ideas with lots of visuals. So be patient while I venture into more of the unknown.

MULTIPLES are eye candy for me, strong in their presentation as a display or arrangement. When I look at a grouping of multiples or a big pile, I read color first, even if its all natural or whites, and then the lines and other details of each object become clear. Finally the arrangement in its entirety surfaces for me. I love multiples.

You can always fill a shelf, a small perch or a chair with a collection of something. It represents something you like, or a place where you have been, or just fills a space. You can use just about anything. My mom has a pretty bowl on her window sill filled with taper candles that are all but burned down to a stub. All different earth tones, and very 'country'. A bit odd, but it proves my point that a grouping can be just about anything when you do all the same things.

These are so cooky; promo whistles from the 60's maybe, a guy running for some office in Chicago.

The dolls are a little creepy, and the whistles are a little goofy.

A collection of pottery flower frogs, probably 15-20 different sizes and colors but all pottery. Some of the frogs are grouped together and some are (individually) with other objects of the same or similar color. These 5 are almost all the same color. This unifies them as a grouping and helps to relate them to the things around them. The purple-pink one sets off the grouping enough, imperfect or unexpected. I hung them to allow for more flat surface area. Also you can kind of see there is something like wainscotting right under, which reinforces their linear application.

I have been a bit stir crazy waiting for Spring so I find myself creating stuff. I am starting and finishing all kind of projects with materials ranging from yarn to paper and punches, modge podge, oil crayons. Some of my finished or semi finished work include a handmade book, decopage walls, fabric scrap curtains, mini chandeliers made with tiny glass bottles instead of crystals. You name it. I have some at the shop and some at home. Some days I feel a bit spread out, but after a little bit of time focusing on one project, I am engaged in the activity yet again. I do think 'art therapy' is one of the best ways to relax, practice mindfullness, spend time with something not so positive but needs some attention.

Most of the time I am easily inspired by things around me. I recently revisited MARIMEKKO on line. http://www.txtlart.com/ Wow! Their new collection is fabulous. The pattern Purnukka is too cool, every color way. And the wine goblets! Kippis. Very Dansk- 70's. Brings back memories of my mom's collection of goblets that were ceramic rather than glass, all different but sharing one common element. Both of these prints convey my theory about multiples. And inspire me so intensly because of the use of color, the richness, and the blending of whimsy with art.

Another inspiration, an artist I recently discovered - Beatriz Milhazes. I was looking for something most likely unrelated to art and stumbled across her work. I love that she uses so much color, but also the range of color. Many of her pieces are bright and bold, the overall feeling is a comfortable balance of sophistication with a little bit of whimsy in my opinion. They look like paintings, but some actually are collage like. She did this fantastic installation in a Tube station in London. Unbelievable!

sun press

2009-02-16T13:20:00.006-05:00

On another note I wanted to let everyone know that I am featured in last week's Sun Press newspaper. The article is in the Life Section and I am on the cover! Lucky me - free publicity. I hate having my photo taken, but anything to help get the word out about three.home. However, I am pleased with the text, regardless of how I look. Joan Cooper Rusek asked some good questions and listened well. I think the basics were covered as far as what three.home is all about.

http://blog.cleveland.com/chagrinheraldsun/2009/02/moreland_hills_three_home_offe.html#more

Hopefully this will bring people in to shop!!!

dog days

2009-02-10T16:27:00.020-05:00

So I probably haven't mentioned a friend of mine who happens to be a dog trainer, and that she uses my shop as part of training for socializing the dog. There are days when she brings in 2-4 dogs a day. Her training program usually starts with a 4 hour session. Just the other day as I was becoming more exhausted just watching her with yet another dog - in the car out of the car, in my shop out of my shop, in yet another place...you get the idea - I said to her that this routine of hers is like speed dating. Instead of having different dates come to your table, talk about themselves for a couple of minutes and then move on to the next table, every couple hours a different dog comes into the shop, they do their loop through the shop, stop at the till for some chatting, possibly a test or two for jumping or whining, then a little human socializing between Michelle and I then out again. All this sometimes 4 times a day. Of course I have to comment on each dog and its name, their behavior issues, how they are doing on that given day, etc. It is actually pretty funny.

Last week she walks in with this little red teacup poodle... My dream date? Oh, I mean dream dog? ooooooo so cute, but does he come from a good family?

Actually Michelle was doing a breeder friend a favor and trying to sell the pup - there were 2. Due to the fact that Michelle is such a good sales person, as well as dog trainer, and a little due to her southern charm, she sold these cutie pies in a matter of hours for a mere $1100. Of course they come with all the papers etc. (not my gig).

Back in the summer there was Lucy . So big, so cute, so much slobber.

I bring this random-ness up because there are days where seeing Michelle and whatever friend/client she has brightens my day so much. And lately with business as slow as it is, I need the brightness. xxx

I should tell you that Michelle and I met when I chased her down on the sidewalks of Chagrin Falls last spring. In a panic because my new puppy 'Garcia' had somehow lost all of his manners that he so cleverly demonstrated when we interviewed him for our familiy dog, he was all but running the house. Not only did she train Garcia - to the point that when he sees her driving up the street he literally sits promptly at attention and waits for her to park, get out and give him love - but she also trained our newest addition. We got E.Z. on Fathers day this past summer. E.Z. - everything but...is entirely a different story, another blog. But as promised Michelle got her to behave somewhat normally - at least for a hound/beagle mix.

Antsy Pantsy Delivery Day

2009-02-06T12:33:00.011-05:00

Happy Friday. Happy Sunshine.

I mentioned in my last blog that I would be introducing something new in the shop. I have been looking forward to this all week. Today is the day! I am witnessing 2 incredibly beautiful, creative women, Cynthia Phelps and Donna Morrow-Alusheff, immersed in one of their personal passions: retooled, recycled, one-of-a-kind clothing.

They have carefully {re} designed miscellaneous garments that were previously something else into unique 'treasures' to wear! There are so many wonderful pieces I can't begin to tell you about all of them. But think of pieces you have seen in NYC or Europe perhaps, or in magazines, on models and stars who we covet - slip-dresses, t's, scarves, workshirts!, jeans. You have to come into three.home and see their creations. We are attempting to find the best place in the shop to display them, and it has been so fun. I love their energy and I think having yet another special something in the shop that no one else has is such a coup in terms of retail - at least in my world. Anyone who has been to three.home knows one of the most important goals for us is to find and sell the odd stuff that has never been seen before, or at least not often - stuff that you don't even know you want until you see it here and then can't stop thinking about it. First home accessories and now clothing.

I cannot wait to comb through every single piece and examine all the clever details. I have this very funky brown & cream, vintage checked dress that is a tiny bit too short for me and I have been searching for the right thing to wear with it. Leggings and boots are not enough. Although my 14-year-old was encouraging me to 'go for it'. I explained to her how delicate the fashion version of 'going for it' becomes as we get more mature. In any case, I know one of these pieces by ANTSY PANTSY will be perfect with it. I will have more pictures when everything is in place.

On another note, I finally visited a blog and website belonging to someone you may already know - Danielle DeBoe of Room Service: http://www.roomservicecleveland.com. Her stuff is great. We have very similar tastes. Lucky for all who live nearer to Gordon Square (65th and Detroit). This is a new area in Cleveland and gaining its celebrity. I haven't visited her shop yet, but I am sure it will be a great experience. Danielle's blog was very entertaining. As I am getting more and more comfortable with the 'blog world' I will be creating a list of 'links' or favorites. She will definitely be on it. In the meantime, check it out.

Thanks for reading.

Maison D Objet - Paris

2009-01-31T11:20:00.014-05:00

I think I am getting the hang of this blog thing. I just share any thoughts, ideas, pictures, whatever, whenever on my blog and hope that I can give as much inspiration as I get.

On that note...I was in Paris this past weekend for a quick 4 days. I had an opportunity to go to the MAISON D OBJET show, which is THE gift show of France. WOW! There were plenty of fabulous ideas to covet - talk about EYE CANDY! I wanted to buy a lot of wonderful furniture and crazy cool accessories and bring them back to my shop - three.home - but, as we all know, buying is not happening so much right now, and that applies to us shop owners as well. I did meet a lot of very talented, creative artists and exchanged business cards so when the retail climate shifts I will be ready to fill the shop with unique, FRENCH treasures.

I had 1 day to wander through St. Germain, an area much like SOHO in NYC, I think. My overall sense in Paris was on high sensory stimulation everywhere I looked. From people at the show, vendors and buyers both, the quaint little boutiques that I found, performers on the METRO, the tiny tables people sat at outside at cafes tightly clustered around a heater drinking espresso. Perhaps this is my perspective alone, coming from Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Be that as it may, every person wearing every and any fashion statement seemed exciting to me - interesting somehow. It was cold there, so most were wearing layers - coats, hats, gloves - but I still saw so much.

Of course, I am so inspired by people who stretch outside the comfort zone and express their individuality. It just seemed to me like everyone in Paris was wearing one or more garments that reflected a personal style all their own, ergo, I was continually inspired. It all looked fabulous in some way or another.

Another bit of excitement for me; I am introducing some new merchandise next week. I will be selling a very specialized, one-of-a kind, line of clothing by Cynthia Phelps. She takes wonderful vintage pieces and re-tools each one to enhance its original beauty. The result is a truly unique addition to your wardrobe. I think Cynthia and her vision for frocks works perfectly with three.home.

Stop By

2009-01-21T16:48:00.008-05:00

If you haven't been to my shop - three.home - in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, you should stop by next time you are in the neighborhood. I always have truly unique treasures. People who do come in are somewhat regulars and they tend to scarf up those fabulous, never-to-be-found-again pieces, so don't be surprised if you find something in one of my photos that isn't in the shop anymore. But, rest assured, there will be something that catches your eye.

I will look forward to seeing you soon.

First bit of free advice from me:

2009-01-17T16:32:00.010-05:00

I found this guy...who has a warehouse...you know the story. But his industrial finds are really cool and local to Cleveland. I have several different pieces in my shop for sale. He usually leaves whatever paint is on there, unless it needs to be roughed up a bit. Then he oils and waxes every inch of the pieces so all the loose stuff comes off and it has a bit of a finish or protective coating. Almost shiny. You really have to use some imagination to incorporate one of these extremely rough looking pieces in your home. But the results are unique, warm, creative, and unexpected. If you want your home to reflect these qualities, here is a place to start.

Hello...

2009-01-17T16:20:00.003-05:00

This is my first experience with blogs. I have read some, although not too many. Everywhere I turn blogs seem to be the place to be. So...here comes three.home (hopefully).

More to follow....

Testing...

2008-10-06T13:15:00.003-04:00

Testing new blog...