my living room

The other day the dark teal cut velvet pillows for my home were finally completed. I am having a professional photographer take photos of my livingroom soon. It will be exciting to have this done.

wonderful memories are like perennials. They keep growing back.

Today, I got a phone call from my friend, Mary. She wanted to find out how I was doing. I had to let her know that in February of 2010, I ended up back in the hospital in the emergency room. I came out two weeks later, after surviving yet another near death experience. This time I had a blocked intestine. It was twisted like a garden hose. I was reminded of the lovely garden party that her and her husband, peter had hosted last summer. I wrote the blog featured below. For photos Please go to the original blog in July 2009.
It is a wonderful spring afternoon. I wish you all a wonderful weekend. All is well.The most beautiful flower is one that is grown in adversity. I am a perennial...

Welcome life.
take care,
john


Wednesday, July 22, 2009
white night





My dear friend and outstanding interior designer, Mary Roberts invited me to her home for a quiet evening with a few of our friends.During my year and 1/2 struggle surviving stage 3 colorectal cancer, Mary was there like a devoted mother. She came to visit me ever so often to check up on me. She and I would have wonderful chats.The encouragement she gave throughout this time truly gave strength in my horrible situation.
She was also a devoted friend to my friend and employer, the late Wayne Martin. The founder of Wayne Martin Inc,the premier designer's showroom in Portland, Oregon.
I remember when Mary and her husband Peter lived in the garden apartment in his building downtown, he would always rave about her wonderful dinners that she would prepare and bring up to him. The first time that I had gotten a hint of what white could do to an interior was when Wayne had asked me to return her casserole dish.

Her home is filled full of beautiful objects and furniture covered in various tones of white. benches covered in Fortuny, ottomans in simple white cotton, a french armchair in a subtle tone on tone stripe. The walls were a very pale grey almost white. She had antique botanicals in simple gold frames above the fireplace.

As anyone knows that has read my blog before I am all about colour, stripes and graphic patterns. That night I fell in love with white for the first time. These photos that I have included are not her home and do not do it justice. You will have to imagine the true beauty that is her home.
It wasn't the perfect amount of light that created the warmth in her white rooms. It was the warmth of her graciousness and hospitality that gave each room that depth of colour. The Vivid colour that flowed through her home was the enchantment of the evening, the conversations that were had by our mutual friends and of course the pale summery colours that we wore in our clothes.
It was a truly a beautiful evening spent with enduring friends.
thank you Mary for sharing the beauty that is your heart and your home.


love, john
Posted by john thompson at 6:30 AM

Sarah is in the House

TV designers are like TV evangelists.( Do not be offended by that statement). They both give the public what they want to see or hear. They have a large following with limited time to share their knowledge. However, my new favourite HGTV show is "SARAH'S HOUSE". Sarah Richardson is amazing as she transforms homes that need extra special love. She often uses clear colours and white in her fresh interiors. She does it her way. Her rooms are a perfect confection.

Follow interior designer Sarah Richardson through the entire process of purchasing a house and renovating it room by room. She starts by buying the worst house in a good neighborhood — a true fixer upper that oozes with potential. Learn what to look for and what to avoid when house-hunting with a renovation in mind. Get inside Sarah's creative mind as she decides what stays and what goes. See her do it all — budgeting, conceptualizing, managing dusty, disastrous renovations — while creating stylish touches that are her trademark. Let Sarah's House empower you with the knowledge you need to tackle your own whole house redesign. It's nail-biting drama, practical know-how and jaw-dropping, inspiring ideas all rolled into one exciting show! her designs. The spaces are fresh and modern.

This is a must see if you are into TV interior design shows. It puts the others to shame.

sincerely, john

Awaken your Secret Garden

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. In Oregon, the song birds have been practicing in their choir since late February. The colourful blooms with their delightful fragrances are intoxicating. It puts a smile on my face. It has been awhile since I have written in my blog. Not that I have lost interest, but I have been recovering from another near death experience that put me in the hospital for two weeks.

The spring is a season for new beginnings. During my stay in the hospital awaiting my fate with this life, I had time to reflect on the value and importance of quality friendships, among other things. In our small window of opportunity that we call life.It becomes important to let go of the past. New things can grow when the dead wood is pruned. Although it is painful, growth will take place in a healthy life. It is repaired.
I am a genuinely good man, however many tragic things have happened to me. I rarely pondered on as to why all of this has happened to me. I have always hoped for the best and somehow wonderful things have happened for me. I am choosing to survive. I am here breathing the sweet spring air. My challenges have given me courage.

Giving up the past and beginning with a fresh start has been the most amazing part of my new plane of existence. I have freedom like I have never known. I feel free to make my own choices. forge my own path, till the earth, water the plants and watch something wonderful grow.I am a changed man. Stronger and healthier; emotionally, spiritually and physically. I am happy more than ever. I have new found friends,old hurts have been healed. Life is wonderful.
take care with much love,

john

fresh inspirations

time for something new

A BRAND NEW START!

Today is the best day to create your vision for your new space. Starting out with a plan is the first thing you should do. Take an inventory of what you have for your home. Do you need a sofa? chairs? pillows? artwork? Are you going to paint? Lighting is important as well.Do you need more light fixtures? WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET? Will you be hiring an interior designer? or do it yourself? What is your lifestyle? Do you entertain? Single? Married? Children? pets?
For myself, I wanted a home that was simplistic, easy to clean. As a single father, I need a home that my son would feel comfortable and relaxed. So I wanted it to be casual yet stylish. I love to entertain small groups of friends. So I wanted to create a warm , friendly environment to have friends over.
Today! is the best day. It is a day that you can go forth with your vision. Take your time. There is no rush to have it perfect. just relax and breathe deep and know that you have a chance for a brand new start.

happily yours,
john