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Dijanne Cevaal's Blog, Musings of a Textile Itinerant Dijanne has always been one of my favorite artists and now she has her blog describing her travels through the Mid-East with a show she created. I have asked for a copy of the catalog but don't know if I got to her in time (even told her I would take an Arabic copy!).

Yesterday TY and I went up north to see a house our architect just completed. it sure was, ummm, non-traditional! There were some aspects I loved but it was also good to see some of the details I do NOT want. For instance there was a glass elevator to the second floor, then, when the doors open, there is a glass floor you have to step on to get out. Woooooa Nelly- not me! The other thing was he had installed glass barriers along all the open floor and I got nervous just thinking about grandchildren careening over the edge. Told him I want steel guard rails on all second floor railings but he can use glass outside or on first floor. And he can even use glass floors going over the 'water feature' because that's on the first floor.

I didn't love the plainness of the finishes and hope I can crank up our choices a notch and still keep him happy with his design. For instance this house had concrete floors throughout, which we want, but it was all one solid color. I want mottled and stained color, maybe with some rock insets here and there, probably too funky for him but I will TRY. This house was way over the top too- had features that no human bean needs, like a full sized wine room with windows along one wall so the owner could arrange his bottles like in a store display. Like a full exercise room better than any gym I have been in (too bad they don't look like they use it...). Like a billiard room with thirty lights over the table. Like a professional kitchen with (count 'em) three ovens. Huh? NO ONE cooks down here but me I think. Like a lap pool AND a larger pool AND a spa. Like a screened in summer kitchen AND a table and sitting area next to it too. Who needs three complete dining tables anyway?

Anyway, it was sure educational to see such a contemporary place and it gives us opportunity to mess with our own plans. I really loved the courtyards and the 'view' windows at the end of the halls. I loved the openness to the outside. And both of these items we have already in the plans. Now, to tell him about my silver walls...