tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43325327609228731082024-03-12T21:36:11.328-04:00Earthly DelightMicha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-88360311914411890252012-03-05T11:16:00.026-05:002012-03-09T12:14:40.838-05:00New York, home for now<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Found a furnished room in Brooklyn. A room so far beyond my expectations, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I can hardly believe my luck, finding a place so perfectly conducive to</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:100%;">peace and happiness.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv5Az354RZM/T1TwavlZ4MI/AAAAAAAABRs/jref5kUF7FA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.28.49%2BAM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv5Az354RZM/T1TwavlZ4MI/AAAAAAAABRs/jref5kUF7FA/s400/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.28.49%2BAM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716458169280618690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/kit.claire">Kit Schultz</a>,</span> my darling roommate, manager of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><a href="http://nymag.com/listings/stores/moon-river-chattel/">Moon River Chattel</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><a href="http://godhatesacowardblog.blogspot.com/">Sean Mcclelland</a>,</span> builder-furnituremaker extraordinaire,</div><div style="text-align: center;">create the perfect nest of cozy rustic charm. I feel right at home. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b03QnBrf5NE/T1TwZ9S72GI/AAAAAAAABRg/xd7JX2QiYOM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.53.52%2BAM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b03QnBrf5NE/T1TwZ9S72GI/AAAAAAAABRg/xd7JX2QiYOM/s400/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.53.52%2BAM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716458155781380194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Playing dulcimer, keeps me calm. Much needed after a ride on the subway.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eBp-uyTy8g/T1TwZcYP-OI/AAAAAAAABRU/TgtrCEnWPjQ/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.54.34%2BAM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eBp-uyTy8g/T1TwZcYP-OI/AAAAAAAABRU/TgtrCEnWPjQ/s400/Screen%2Bshot%2B2012-03-05%2Bat%2B11.54.34%2BAM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716458146945300706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Time and inspiration to design some things for myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That hasn't happened in a while.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7M9aBp8w54E/T1Ts-PBmd2I/AAAAAAAABQY/7eSvLuVaUZ0/s1600/76781ab85f0111e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7M9aBp8w54E/T1Ts-PBmd2I/AAAAAAAABQY/7eSvLuVaUZ0/s400/76781ab85f0111e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716454380969293666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Instagram is getting all my social-network love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Discovering what's beautiful day to day, little things people chose to share,</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I find it uplifting, especially when I need a distraction from the city.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzJDpnXxwwA/T1TsN85TG1I/AAAAAAAABPE/VHE00hdJpWo/s1600/c5415eec60c911e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzJDpnXxwwA/T1TsN85TG1I/AAAAAAAABPE/VHE00hdJpWo/s400/c5415eec60c911e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716453551468911442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basking in the glow of a recent trip to Mexico (more coming soon)</div></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5h2mWCAM68/T1TsNsf0Y8I/AAAAAAAABO0/19PkOrz237w/s1600/cf040096654d11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5h2mWCAM68/T1TsNsf0Y8I/AAAAAAAABO0/19PkOrz237w/s400/cf040096654d11e180d51231380fcd7e_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716453547067073474" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working on a project to be shared with you this coming summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dreaming, sewing, there's plenty of space here, an unexpected blessing.</div><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BX-We7Jzvw/T1TsNUgAhQI/AAAAAAAABOo/Jh84y4Vdqbw/s1600/130c8e9e624611e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BX-We7Jzvw/T1TsNUgAhQI/AAAAAAAABOo/Jh84y4Vdqbw/s400/130c8e9e624611e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716453540625417474" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emersonmerrick.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Amy's</span></a> new studio is breathtaking. I'm so proud of her. </div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yf_kGHDLhk/T1TsNABCaiI/AAAAAAAABOg/jxeMZ6XF68g/s1600/2eb30baa618311e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yf_kGHDLhk/T1TsNABCaiI/AAAAAAAABOg/jxeMZ6XF68g/s400/2eb30baa618311e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716453535126809122" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Keeping raw materials out in the open for inspiration.</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUcwX9uwmh0/T1Tt6HZwmHI/AAAAAAAABQ8/p45TKGvnULo/s400/4c3f110c53ee11e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716455409715288178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adding my own little touches to the space, keeping connected to green growing things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-11892796188095659972012-02-06T12:55:00.022-05:002012-03-05T23:42:12.220-05:00mid-winter<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Appreciating the textures and twilight colors of this warm winter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6825899525/" title="twilight by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6825899525_4d2c9376c2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="twilight" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">dry grass near my family's home in Maryland. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6825900899/" title="by Susan Emerson by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6825900899_d8d9ba9f86_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="by Susan Emerson" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">portrait by the lake, Age 2 maybe?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6825901417/" title="Maryland feild by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6825901417_f85aa43c11_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Maryland feild" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">winter grass has such a beautiful flesh color</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6825900081/" title="winter colors by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6825900081_eb18b7ecd1_b.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="winter colors" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">from an orignal 1911 pattern, simplified, in washed silk </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6825898679/" title="marsh grasses by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6825898679_85e2739fce_b.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="marsh grasses" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I find natural fibers so appealing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6831068747/" title="DSC_0066 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6831068747/" title="DSC_0066 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6831068747_12fba68162_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0066" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> playing with jute macrame and hanging plants. </div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-33032145972374812232012-01-10T21:04:00.011-05:002012-03-07T22:22:02.767-05:00reflections of 2011<div style="text-align: left;">So concludes a year, back and forth, here and there... living in Florida, exploring the lushness and the freedom, visiting Maryland, remembering my roots. Basking in all the beauty. Finding quietness amidst the chaos.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6249911400/" title="DSC_0292 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6173/6249911400_0301ed86fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0292" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6249909548/" title="DSC_0323 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6226/6249909548_e6cc5cf916_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0323" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6320994979/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6320994979_c6760b5ddf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(34, 34, 34); white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676809587/" title="DSC_0498 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6676809587_fa6e27d78c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0498" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6158266179/" title="simple muslin curtains by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6201/6158266179_73ba345dd0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="simple muslin curtains" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6320996657/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6320996657_67c7ed889f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6958039377/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6958039377_9de840e57d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6067328823/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6205/6067328823_078637d541_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614356349/" title="If only I could be so luckey by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5267/5614356349_417bb74191_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="If only I could be so luckey" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6463923679/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6463923679_e50fdacdbc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6959112699/" title="Key West by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6959112699_d29f8287a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Key West" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6463943177/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6463943177_d118df5404_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6463934195/" title="The most magnificent pool in recorded history by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6463934195_66b7a78ae8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="The most magnificent pool in recorded history" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6463931951/" title="Darling seashell grottos! by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6463931951_e93b9436bb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Darling seashell grottos!" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6463930651/" title="Completely charmed by these fearns growing so naturally out of the rock wall by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6463930651_8e63a5c3b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Completely charmed by these fearns growing so naturally out of the rock wall" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6063232812/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6073/6063232812_0f85ec2af5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5674797674/" title="art deco coverd in vines by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5108/5674797674_7797416585_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="art deco coverd in vines" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676945291/" title="DSC_0238 copy by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6676945291_f3ecbce19a_z.jpg" width="640" height="438" alt="DSC_0238 copy" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676807747/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6676807747_40809eb685_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676806677/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6676806677_269e059ecc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676807145/" title="DSC_0380 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6676807145_2fb4d021f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0380" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676945741/" title="DSC_0287 copy by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6676945741_1820d52de8_z.jpg" width="640" height="483" alt="DSC_0287 copy" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676811049/" title="DSC_0052 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6676811049_cb2e259dab_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0052" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676811761/" title="DSC_0119 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6676811761_5800f9a443_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0119" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676813155/" title="DSC_0188 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6676813155_5c1bc55633_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0188" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676813679/" title="DSC_0190 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6676813679_6ebc23ee31_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0190" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6676810525/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6676810525_9399d8a1bc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-31653456978801607402011-11-01T00:22:00.021-04:002012-02-01T23:54:16.280-05:00Halloween: Bride vs. Indian<div style="text-align: left;">Every Monday in October we celebrated Halloween at the resort, much to the delight of our largely European guests. Pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat (with a big box of dress-ups I put together for children who didn't have a costume) a haunted house and Halloween circus show, the complete American holiday. I dressed as a ghost and performed a hoop act in the circus show, I’m a little shy, but if you promise not to laugh you can see it <a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=1216373430" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm back in Maryland now, so I spent the day poking through old photos. Here are some highlights of Halloween past. An eternal question emerged... who would be the blushing bride and who would be the wild indian...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6300025847/" title="Baby Amy wearing my outgrown halloween costume, mama made this by hand by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6300025847_ed51010d1c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Baby Amy wearing my outgrown halloween costume, mama made this by hand" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6300024689/" title="Bride and Indian strike again! by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6300024689_c3be4845b5_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Bride and Indian strike again!" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My mother lovingly sewed the whole family indian costumes, hand beading and fringing each piece. They are a staple of Halloween in the Merrick house to this day. The gown above was originally intended to be my mothers wedding dress. In the end she opted to wear a simple Gunnysack (much more her style) and the fancy dress was reassigned to the dress up box.</div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6300558010/" title="later mom crafted this magnificent horse to snaz up the old costume by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6300558010_8b02cedd67_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="later mom crafted this magnificent horse to snaz up the old costume" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I'm wearing my fathers indian shirt as a dress.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later my mother crafted this amazing horse to snaz up the old costume.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">It makes me laugh to think that Amy and I can still be found dressing up brides and playing hunter-gatherer for wild berries and branches in the woods...</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-40334272654081505032011-09-11T22:12:00.024-04:002011-12-06T22:05:47.625-05:00Saint Lucie RiverThings are slow here at the resort now that the children have returned to school and very few families are vacationing. It's a much needed lull after a long summer. Finally I have the enjoy the place that has been my home for the past six months.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6138875814/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6138875814_02e77f25e1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6138600641/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6138600641_55c92337f3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6138874010/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6138874010_82073bf8ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6139060866/" title="DSC_0118 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6139060866_69a3be09d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0118" /></a></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-23398999171849800932011-09-05T16:09:00.009-04:002012-02-01T23:14:53.810-05:00in good company<div><div>Why do we feel such a strong desire to be surounded by beautiful things? Experiencing beauty, even in the smallest way, elevates us. We find things beautiful because they are in accord with our inner world, a visual representation of our beliefs and dreams, our hopes and our experiences. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6121969784/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6121969784_032a14ff51_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><br /><div>I just purchased these little pincushions, made with great care by<a href="http://enhabiten.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> Liane</span></a> of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78352553/enhabiten-pincushion"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;">Enhabiten</span></a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#996633;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">They sit beside my machine as I work and I feel I am in good company. I respect her vision so it's inspiring to have a piece of her creativity in my workspace. </span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div>I look down beside me as I sew and see this patchwork of vintage prints. I think about the day, long ago, when these fabrics were still uncut and some enterprising women fashioned her vision of beauty into a garment, loved then faded, and finally preserved as a quilt. Used and worn within an inch of it's life, this quilt took on the unique loved-ness of things shaped by time. </div><div><div><div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6097684471/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/6097684471_8bb68b9792_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I've been spending a lot of time at the machine these days, both for work, and for my own investigations into what I find beautiful. My next project has been growing in the back of my mind for some time now, I'm ready to jump in and let it cary me away. I'll tell you more about it soon ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6097683805/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6097683805_2727085b75_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-82959139338521591562011-08-24T17:28:00.005-04:002012-02-01T23:15:24.788-05:00Selby Botanical Gardens<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6063232812/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6063232812_0f85ec2af5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6063233878/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6063233878_bf3445821c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6063238286/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6063238286_d36ea5ddd6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6063239334/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6063239334_726ee3b8d2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I you are visiting Sarasota, I highly recommend a visit to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;"><a href="http://www.selby.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;"> </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;"><a href="http://www.selby.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">Marie Selby Botanical Gardens</span></a>.</span></span> We arrived late in the day so I did not have as much time as I would have liked to explore the seven acres of epiphytes, bromeliads and orchids. What I did see of the Texaco Oil founders 1920's estate was quite exquisite.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-6222896459522127042011-08-20T17:07:00.007-04:002012-02-01T23:15:54.808-05:00If you can't go naked..<div>When I was sixteen years old I sacrificed one of my mothers indian gauze dresses to make this swimsuit. I used instructions from an old 70's sewing book, titled "If You Can't Go Naked Here Are Some Clothes You Can Sew on Fast."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6060326190/in/photostream/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9966;">The suit</span></a> is a bit worse for wear and has many sloppy mendings but it's still one of my favorites.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6060322566/" title="Untitled by </div><div><div>MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6060322566_b53d6db3d7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6060325234/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6060325234_761a55f553_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6059774025/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6059774025_57c69482ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div><div>After breaking camp at Myakka River we headed to Siesta Key for a dip in the gulf.</div></div><div><br /></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-84724263714190482732011-08-17T15:41:00.011-04:002012-01-12T17:01:52.256-05:00Myakka River<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:21px;">To celebrate my birthday </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:21px;">I gave my self two special gifts; A new camera and a long weekend excursion to the golf coast. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;"><a href="http://www.myakkariver.org/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">Myakka River State Park</span></a> </span>is truly enchanting.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053389032/" title="DSC_0238 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6053389032_55d4a6deaf_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="DSC_0238" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:large;">Far from the amusement park flash and suburban sprawl typical of Florida, I felt completely free and at home in this place.</span></div><br /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6053380658_e0a319ddd6_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 683px; height: 1024px;" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6053380658_e0a319ddd6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:16.0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053374438/" title="DSC_0201 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6053374438_b8b489918f_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="DSC_0201" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:16.0pt;">Under the hammock of live oak and cabbage palm, every branch is lushly curtained with Spanish moss. Wild tree orchids, resurrection fern and multicolored lichens catch hold of the gnarled bark and take root. </span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053378436/" title="DSC_0206 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6053378436_3f9ba502a9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0206" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053387018/" title="DSC_0236 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6053387018_a452056eb8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="DSC_0236" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:21px;">Even the heavy heat of August does not penetrate the canopy, and for once, the moist air feels in keeping with the surroundings.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6052824545_7c526935b4_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6052822525_c45c6cb4ce_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6053389032_55d4a6deaf_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6052822525/" title="DSC_0198 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6052822525_c45c6cb4ce.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0198" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6052842727/" title="DSC_0278 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6052842727_f7f15b61b2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0278" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6052840955/" title="DSC_0264 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6052840955_1d9dbfdf5a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0264" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div></span><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Golden silk spiders weave giant orbs through the trees and I saw no less than ten alligators patrolling the waters. Their still emotionless eyes in a constant state of meditation. I felt like I had entered another world.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></p></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6052848169/" title="DSC_0303 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6052848169_ffb6d6e2e0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053390500/" title="DSC_0276 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6053390500_9ef469a918.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6052824545/" title="DSC_0230 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6052824545_7c526935b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0230" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:21px;">The Civilian Conservation Corps built a series of beautify crafted <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/staythenight/cabins/default.cfm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66CCCC;">palm log cabins</span></a> in the mid 1930’s. I fully intend to book one for a few days when I reach the end of my contract. I'm not sure why but small hand constructed buildings speak to me on a basic level. Simple, humble and charming.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/6053395268/" title="DSC_0287 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6089/6053395268_ae3c68c0a5_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="DSC_0287" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-60851935024930381472011-04-12T21:47:00.005-04:002012-02-01T23:38:42.373-05:00love in the banyan trees<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614937930/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5614937930_3c4a989858.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614937390/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5614937390_6d00f0d0cd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Key West, 1976. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Their eyes met, dancing in the sunset, bare feet in the sand. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They disapeared into the twisting limbs of the banyan tree. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Branches entertwined, roots mingled and overtime</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">grew together to became one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614935520/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5614935520_17a4bb95f5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A few weeks ago they came to visit me in florida and I caught a glimpse of those two young lovers. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614356349/" title="If only I could be so luckey by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5614356349_417bb74191.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="If only I could be so luckey" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614356815/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5614356815_3530377306.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614355789/" title="mammerrick climing the banyan tree by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5614355789_05d1f8c30c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mammerrick climing the banyan tree" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5614936018/" title="thirty one years of marage by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5614936018_9e140de24d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="thirty one years of marage" /></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After 31 years of marriage my folks are still kissing in the banyan trees.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Happy Anniversary</span></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-73499337048083178102011-03-06T16:23:00.002-05:002012-02-01T23:39:08.151-05:00living on location<div style="text-align: center;">I’m settling in nicely to my new location. My sewing studio is arranged and costume production is underway. There is a lot of work to be done, but living on a country club resort is a good incentive for proper time management. Yes indeed, I think the next three months will be just fine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495987456/" title="SDC14571 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5495987456_3d32af6074.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14571" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495986454/" title="SDC14608 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5495986454_a4749c8110.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14608" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495986646/" title="SDC14612 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5495986646_0f63958a4e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14612" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495396001/" title="SDC14609 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5495396001_3deea019a7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14609" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495397803/" title="SDC14580 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5495397803_35d9366a4e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14580" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495398211/" title="SDC14579 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5495398211_c43103cd7f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14579" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5495987788/" title="SDC14576 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5495987788_80d78f1e27.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14576" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sit on the end of the marina, my back against wooden pilings. The sun warms my skin, through a haze of clouds overhead. I am surrounded by lapping, splashing drips of water against the hull of boats in the harbor and the percussive cling clang of metal pulleys on tall masts. Although the breeze is gentle, a whirling whistle can be heard between the boats. Such is the melody of the marina. Blue paint, weathered wood, white canvas and reflected shimmers of light on the water. I’m happy to find that my wifi works here. It’s such a peaceful spot, a place to recharge my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-55725754270306366852011-03-03T21:51:00.007-05:002012-02-01T23:39:31.859-05:00rasberries and roses<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5437397007/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5437397007_5d9dbbe517.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5438004826/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5438004826_1f938e0251.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5438005306/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/5438005306_bd9f2661b9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These pictures were taken on my last ramble through the woods before leaving home, two weeks ago. Woodland brambles tipped with red are one of Maryland's earliest signs of spring awakening. It makes me happy to think these buds will become raspberries and roses by the time I return.</div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-6269394788813865262011-03-03T21:21:00.004-05:002012-02-01T23:39:55.252-05:00Homemaking<div style="text-align: center;">There are few things in life that make me happier than creating a cozy nest, so these past two months have been a true luxury. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5437201086/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5437201086_218ffa9dfc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mama and I wove this egg basket together on her birthday this past January.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5437200318/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5437200318_98c05ca2a3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amy and I designed this two part stencel. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I drew and cut the shapes. Amy picked and mixed the tonal colors. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We tag-teamed the paint job.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5437200866/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5437200866_3f71178514.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;">All the Merrick women had a hand in designing these curtains for the living room. I was lucky to have the time to work out the pattern and sew up the final product.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5437200866/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:19px;"></span></span></span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5496127854/" title="SDC14538 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5496127854_9ba44f6d0c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SDC14538" /></a></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mom was so happy with her curtains that I put together a variation on the same theme for the dining room. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-77824867429761679172011-02-14T18:47:00.001-05:002012-02-01T23:40:19.322-05:00My funny Valentine<div><div style="text-align: center;">Allow me to introduce you to the magical mystical Mr Mephistophelies, my demon kitty... Stalker of sewing supplies, slayer of pincushions, eater of houseplants, master of crazy hijinks, magician of curious mischief, a certified expert in purr therapy and burry your face in fur therapy. He and his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emersonmerrick/4710964842/in/set-72157624457768809/">siblings</a> are the cutest little loves of my life. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5446099691/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5446099691_021b8e6848.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5446098615/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5446098615_8b78c59949.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5446099463/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5446099463_1cb85b4c9b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5446700820/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5446700820_23ea370a24.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel so surrounded by love here, so blessed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to believe that in two days I'll be flying away.... away from my family, my kitties, my woods, towards the unknown. Three months of work and sunshine in Palm Beach await me. I'm really excited. I'll do my best to blog throughout but oh how I'm going to miss my darling little kitties.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5446701092/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/5446701092_dac4f0bcb3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-89263262656056284732011-02-02T14:55:00.003-05:002012-02-01T23:40:43.206-05:00sunlight in february<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5411421652/" title="SDC14415 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/5411421652_0a9d8328f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14415" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">It's a balmy fifty-five degrees outside my family's home in Maryland. The thick blanket of snow, that has covered the ground since Christmas, is lifting into the air and sinking into the soil. I woke up to mist so thick the whole world became a white haze. I decided to take a walk with the old beagle dog. Putting on rubber boots, coat and shawl, we tramped off through the woods together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">Our feet splashed through frozen slush, and from time to time, patches of earth at the base of a tree, would reveal a hint of green moss or ivy which outlasted the snow's icy shroud. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">When we reached the bay the sun was shining bright. The mist cleared. I took a seat on top of an old wooden pick nick table, warmed in the afternoon sun. I was so flushed from the briskness of our walk that I felt compelled to take off my coat and wool sweater. Then through some strange impulse, I took off my boots and socks too.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">No one was in sight except for the good old dog. I could see for miles down the shoreline. So, with the Chesapeake bay before me and the snowy white world behind, I did a series of sun salutations, right on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">pick nick table</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;">. There is nothing more delightful than to move and breathe in the open air. I kept my eyes wide open through the postures breathing in the sights of the world. The steel gray water and wispy clouds, snowy earth and gray tree trunks turned upside down as I stretched in the sunshine. And before I knew it I was turning pirouettes on the wooden table top. At last, it was time to come back down to earth. I put on my coat and shoes, whistled for the beagle and trudged my way back to realty, but with a light heart and a fully nourished spirit.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5410809171/" title="SDC14394 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5410809171_cd334fb2e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14394" /></a></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-85891793659863257522011-02-01T14:31:00.005-05:002012-02-01T23:38:08.471-05:00Hand Hemmed<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'm getting my things packed and ready. After a nice long break I'm heading off to work again. I expect I will be away for four months. I'm in the thick of weeding through my clothes and I have built up a whole big pile of mending and alterations. I've been wearing this vintage Lee skirt around with its frayed edge flying in the breeze. I decide it's time to do justice to its cuteness and finish it properly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Frequently, when I do alterations for myself I do it down and dirty... "It's just for me, it dosent need to be perfect. Who else is going to know that I cut corners? It will be faster this way," I tell my self. Then I spend twice as long fussing with corrections that would not have been necessary if I had just taken the time to go through the right steps. Inspired by the craftsmanship of my vintage clothes I vow to give myself the pleasure of finishing my own things right. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5408497226/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5408497226_e46b7d257c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5407887243/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5407887243_054a9d15a9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5407887477/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5407887477_71fb0a57fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5407887977/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5407887977_098e317672.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5408498592/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5408498592_e630be5bee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5407888745/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5407888745_c879e008a8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5408499316/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5408499316_74b0e04c95.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">To hem a skirt yourself, try it on and mark the length you desire with a safety pin.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Measure up from the original hem and transfer this measurement all the way around the inside of your skirt, with pins or a light pencil mark. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Add one and a quarter inch to this length for hem allowance, which will be folded inside and stitched into place. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Cut a piece of twill tape slightly longer than the circumference of the hem. The twill tape or hem tape reduces the bulk of the hem along it to lie more smoothly. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Lay the twill tape over the cut edge of your skirt on the outside (or right side of the skirt) so that it overlaps the edge by one-quarter inch. Stitch the tape in place by machine close to the top edge of the tape. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Press the hem allowance under one and a half inches, towards the inside (or wrong side of the skirt.) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">Thread a needle and knot your thread. Start your stitch at a side seam, hiding the knot behind your twill tape. Move your needle to the right to take your first stitch (reverse these directions if you are left handed.) Your stitches should be between one quarter and one half inches in length. Although your stitch is moving from left to right your needle will prick from right to left. This serves to strengthen your stitches and "knot" each one in place. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"> To make a tiny even stitch, follow the edge of your twill tape and prick through just a few threads of your skirt fabric at the exact line where it meets the twill tape then prick through the twill tape at the same point. This keeps your thread in line with the edge of your tape making it less noticeable and less likely to snag as you wear it. Be sure you only catch a few threads on the back of the skirt fabric and do not bring your needle all the way through to the front. This makes your hem invisible from the right side of the skirt. It is as if your skirt magically ends with out a machine stitch line. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:medium;">This technique takes longer than machine stitching the edge under, but it looks so much nicer and I always find hand-stitching to be peaceful.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;font-size:16pt;"><br /></span></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-51004971606835313042011-01-27T13:18:00.008-05:002012-02-01T23:37:06.713-05:00Unexpected Beauty<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 19pt; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I’ve never been one for fussy beauty products. </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Still, I was surprised, even doubtful,People actually use baking soda and vinegar to wash their hair? I imagine dull greasy locks, smelling distinctly of salad dressing. But </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">after some research I was intrigued. For years, I have mixed my own home cleaning products using the same ingredients. So, I figure, it can't hurt to try? </span></span></span></span></b></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: left;"><!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 19pt; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5392968787_89b54af25b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14281 copy" /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:19.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></span></b></p><!--StartFragment--> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 19pt; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5392967443/" title="SDC14290 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5392967443_963d99d370.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14290" /></span></a></span></p></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5392968027/" title="SDC14306 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5392968027_e2cec91ed1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14306" /></span></a></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/michamerrick/5392968531/" title="SDC14292 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5392968531_2db2f0f198.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14292" /></span></a></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#1D1D1D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16pt; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here's the result of the experiment: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A mixture of </span><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Go-No-Poo/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">baking soda</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> in warm water, massaged into the roots of my hair cleared away oil better than shampoo. As it turns out, baking soda's pH is mildly alkaline, so it reacts and dissolves the fatty acids that form on the scalp and skin. It was so effective in clearing oil from my hair that I'd be nervous to use it again for fear of stripping away too much. </span></span></p><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then, I soaked my hair in</span><a href="http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/natural-hair-care-product.html"><span style="color:#0026E2;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">apple cider vinegar</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">.</span> Strange as it seems, vinegar's pH level is the same as human hair slightly acidic. My hair was left smooth and shiny and when it was dry...surprise, no vinegar smell.</span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I may be tempted to try this one again. </span></span></p></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#262626;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#000000;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But my favorite Natural beauty trick is coconut oil, I use this all the time. Mix it with a little solid perfume on your fingers, work it into the ends of your hair or onto your comb. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain fatty acids, the same substance as your skins natural oils. It's hands down my favorite moisturizer.</span></span></p></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></span></span></span></span></b><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><b style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></span></b></div></span></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#1D1D1D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></p></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The little pinch pots: </span><a href="http://gotriad.news-record.com/content/2008/09/17/article/meet_an_artist_susan_ridenour"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Susan Ridenour</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">.</span></span></span></p></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The vintage brass hair clip made from vintage jewelry findings.</span></span></p></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The little cloisonné tins of solid perfume were found at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><a href="http://www.followyourheart.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Follow Your Heart</span></a>.</span></span></span></p></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style=" color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Art deco table runner is an example of decorative darning embroidery.</span></span></p></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="text-align: left; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38); font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><div><br /></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></span></div></div></span></span></span></span></b></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-35124777723615736282011-01-22T21:59:00.006-05:002012-02-01T23:42:03.233-05:00Branscombe lace<div style="text-align: center;">A big white moon is rising over the trees behind the house. Droplets of condensation have formed on the storm windows and the misty glass defuses moonlight through the room. I'm in a pensive mood, curled up under the covers looking at the spoils of an epic thrift hunt. I had my eye open for vintage handiwork and the universe delivered textiles with abundance.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5379748362/" title="SDC14172 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5379748362_6975f4a261.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14172" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This breathtakingly detailed needle lace blouse took the prize. I found it at a consignment store for next to nothing. Holding it in my hands, I wonder who wove this delicate web. I can't even imagine how long it must have taken and what thoughts must have drifted through the mind if it's maker in all those hours of focused attention and repetitive motion.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5380765371/" title="SDC14181 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5380765371_dc052034aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14181" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5379748902/" title="SDC14179 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5379748902_0feb565f11.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5379147153/" title="SDC14182 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5379147153_6ddbe137c4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14182" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was so intrigued by the whimsical scallop patterns that I felt compelled to do some research. This is an example of a needle and tape construction, introduced in the 1860's, called Branscombe lace, originating from Devonshire</span><span style="color:#343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> England. Bold handcrafted designs became fashionable at this time as an alternative to the more readily available machine made laces. Its organic patterns could not be mass manufactured. At the turn of the century Branscombe lace became a popular craft. Ladies could by kits to make "renaissance lace" at home. I'm guessing this piece date from the twentieth century, it's in perfect condition and the shape is fairly modern.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5379749768/" title="SDC14176 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5379749768_d31dffaea9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC14176" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There is something indescribably special about wearing a garment made by hand with loving attention and personal pride. I feel honored to surround myself in the creative force of this nameless remarkable woman. I respect the intelligence and time it took to learn this craft and make this one of a kind work of art. I hope she would be pleased that her creation is still loved and appreciated. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-42360609638066512302010-12-26T14:34:00.005-05:002012-02-01T23:44:40.492-05:00frolic architecture of the snow<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,</i></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Arrives the snow, and, driving o'er the fields,</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Seems nowhere to alight: the whited air</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Hides hill and woods, the river, and the heaven,</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>And veils the farmhouse at the garden's end.</i></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5298542123/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5298542123_790a3dcce2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>The sled and traveller stopped, the courier's feet</i></span></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Delayed, all friends shut out, the housemates sit</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Around the radiant fireplace, enclosed</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>In a tumultuous privacy of storm.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5298412765/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5298412765_824ba10f78.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Come see the north wind's masonry.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Out of an unseen quarry evermore</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Curves his white bastions with projected roof</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-size:16px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5298413215/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5298413215_123faa39d0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Speeding, the myriad-handed, his wild work</i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>So fanciful, so savage, nought cares he</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; "><i> for number or proportion. </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>Mockingly, </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; "><i>On coop or kennel he hangs Parian wreaths;</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i> A swan-like form invests the hiddden thorn;</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>Fills up the famer's lane from wall to wall,</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>Maugre the farmer's sighs; and at the gate</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>A tapering turret overtops the work.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0D141A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5298413585/" title="Untitled by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5298413585_ffd42fceff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>And when his hours are numbered, and the world</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Is all his own, retiring, as he were not,</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><i>Leaves, when the sun appears, astonished Art</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone,</i></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Built in an age, the mad wind's night-work,</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>The frolic architecture of the snow.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The Snowstorm</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>1835 [1841]</i></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">On Christmas night snow came, a ticklish, caressing kind of snow. The kind that brushes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> your cheek for a moment, before settling down to melt into your skin, c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">rystalline flakes catching the light, catching the wind, swirling and sparkling like tiny shards of glass glitter through the trees. Overnight t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">he snow built it's crystal castles </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">and offered it's wild creation up to the day, but as quickly as the sky built this frolic architecture, with equal speed it starts to melt away.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(13, 20, 26); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;">(Amy's depiction of our <a href="http://emersonmerrick.blogspot.com/2010/12/we-wish-you-merrick-christmas.html">Merry Merrick Christmas</a> is so sweet, give it a read!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;color:#0D141A;"><br /></span></div></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-70781186092833037232010-12-07T23:57:00.011-05:002012-02-01T23:45:24.581-05:00Modes<div style="text-align: center;">Just north of the famous Brussels flea market, Jeu De Balle, we found this little shop...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5243241834/" title="SDC13704 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5243241834_2b1bb5a030.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13704" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5243242018/" title="SDC13703 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5243242018_dfb54f8fda.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13703" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Modes</i> is a costume designers wonderland, frothing over with antique textiles and museum quality vintage. Amy and I stocked up on pretty tortoise shell hair barrettes and handmade lace.</div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-10745132146838324432010-12-07T22:37:00.003-05:002012-02-01T23:45:54.842-05:00Hamleau de la Reine<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Queen's Hamlet on the grouds of the Petit Trianon, at the palace of Versailles</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:78%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:9px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235190908/" title="SDC13568 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5235190908_87ba4f3c02.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13568" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5234599651/" title="SDC13574 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5234599651_57bca8d2b0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13574" /></a></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235191938/" title="SDC13571 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5235191938_b6b49437a3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13571" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235193892/" title="SDC13584 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5235193892_dc303702dd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13584" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235189342/" title="SDC13555 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5235189342_e22f21dff2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13555" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235184786/" title="SDC13533 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5235184786_21e9f8f15d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13533" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5234595195/" title="SDC13542 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5234595195_7668c529ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13542" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5235187158/" title="SDC13541 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5235187158_1063b93bb6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13541" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">It must be nice to have your own little weekend palace, on the grounds of your royal palace, and if your weekend palace starts to feel too stuffy, just build a farmhouse in an imaginary Swiss hamlet in your back yard, so you can feel like your faraway in your own magic kingdom fairytale. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">I can't blame Marie Antoinette... I want to live here too.</span></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-35574865151923746972010-12-07T21:47:00.003-05:002012-02-01T23:47:20.071-05:00Paris<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224118920/" title="SDC13484 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5224118920_af93f16161.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223521989/" title="SDC13488 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5223521989_ea08e31a80.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224119946/" title="SDC13486 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5224119946_0bf9fc0755.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SDC13486" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224119736/" title="SDC13493 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5224119736_5c52f1f7ce.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SDC13493" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">I imagine girls in feathery hats, high collars and button up boots eating macaroons and sipping coffee in this very same shop, one hundred years ago. Everything is perfectly maintained. Parisians do not seem to suffer from the neurotic need to update and remodel that which is already beautiful. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-66743762492885770612010-12-03T08:02:00.006-05:002012-02-01T23:46:27.763-05:00Costume<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224116846/" title="SDC13635 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5224116846_2f73760ecd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SDC13635" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223518895/" title="Le marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen... antique Lido or Mulan Ruge costumes by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5223518895_f619e095bd.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Le marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen... antique Lido or Mulan Ruge costumes" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These vintage costumes most likely graced the stage of the Lido cabaret.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223519151/" title="SDC13637 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5223519151_e50071be39.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13637" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224117888/" title="SDC13639 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5224117888_7bab58a4aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13639" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223518649/" title="SDC13638 copy by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5223518649_e286f92c8e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13638 copy" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223519695/" title="SDC13636 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5223519695_1b5d82d4e2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13636" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being that I was a somewhat strange child, playing alone in the woods in old ballet costumes, sequin tiaras, and vintage rhinestone necklaces, not to mention prairie dresses, hooded capes, Indian princess costumes and folkloric hippie dresses, all from my prized trove of goodwill dress-ups, was an every day sort of activity. Thanks be to my mother, who's hippie goddess sensibilities indulged my imaginative endeavors.</div>To be honest, I've never grow out of this phase. My closet looks more like a costume stock than a wardrobe. When I went to pack for this trip, I had to imagine what a sensible person (who didn't want to be cold while traveling through Europe) might look like. I tackled the project in full costume designer mode, hitting the thrift stores to create a simple warm wardrobe... so that I wouldn't end up hauling a colossal mishmash of flowing fairy dresses, fringed vests, flimsy footwear, and all the imposable impractical articles of dress of which my closet is mainly comprised. Think I did alright... one pair of black boots, one pair of wool pants, one pair of jeans, two dresses, three sweaters, a few tee shirts and undershirts, leggings, tights, wool socks, a coat, a scarf, gloves and a hat. Everything fit into one carry on. I selected my items based on a neutral color scheme instead of fit, so all the pieces could be mixed and matched, and then got creative with the sewing machine to bring things down to size. It was all very practical... not my normal mode of operation when it comes to my wardrobe. It's funny that my job is sort of like playing dress up with other people but I go about it in a much more organized way. It was nice to "costume" myself with the same sort of order I try to bring to my work.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All this being said, I found no lack of fuel for the creative imagination through out our travels... clothes to tickle my fancy for impossibly frivolous and painfully beautiful. The pictures above are vintage costumes from the Lido cabaret for sale at the Puces de Sant-Ouen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><span style="color:transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">flea market. As you can see from our </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://emersonmerrick.blogspot.com/2010/11/merrick-sisters-top-10-paris.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paris Top-Ten</span></a></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on Amy's Apple a Day, this flee market was not our top pick due to it's prohibitive priceyness, it was still worth a look for inspiration.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; min-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thankfully, for me, this store was closed. The feathered fabulousness was only within reach of my imagination, so I was spared the temptation to add a rhinestone bra and matching head piece to my wardrobe.</span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-65336460832458196192010-12-02T14:55:00.002-05:002012-02-01T23:48:43.185-05:00<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224115930/" title="SDC13468 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5224115930_563428dc4d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SDC13468" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's really rare for Amy and I to have time off at the same time. Usually one or the other of us is up to our noses in some kind of project and can't get away. We have barely been in the same state for more than two week's time in a any given year since 1998! That's why we jumped at the opportunity to travel together. Who could be a more perfect travel buddy... We have similar interests, and we know each other inside out, the good, the bad, (and the tired and hungry) and still get along. It's one of the main reasons this trip was so special for me. Yes, I am thrilled, inspired, and culturally enriched by my experiences, no question, but it added an extra dimension of specialness to share these memories with my sister.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332532760922873108.post-78539209946741911802010-12-02T08:33:00.002-05:002012-02-01T23:48:11.278-05:00Paris at last!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5224112452/" title="SDC13426 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5224112452_ca7498ff47.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13426" /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All employees of the international resort where I worked (as a costume designer and performer for the better part of last year) are required to wear a name badge. This badge details with little flags your country of origin and the languages you speak... my tag shamfuly displayed four little American flags. You can imagine the teasing I had to endure as I would sit down to dine with well traveled Parisian guests... "And what do you think of Paris?" they would ask. "Oh you've never been? never been to Europe?? An American girl who speaks only English and had never been to Europe... How typical." No matter that I've visited thirty seven of the US states, five provinces of Canada and twice traveled to Central America, this did nothing to ease my feelings of worldly inadequacy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A trip to Europe seamed to be an important rite of passage that I somehow missed along the way. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everyone had a good laugh, including me (and I silently vowed to correct this situation as soon as possible.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223515283/" title="SDC13456 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5126/5223515283_7ae299cfdd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223515563/" title="SDC13457 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5223515563_704597db16.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13457" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41193462@N08/5223515887/" title="SDC13461 by MichaMerrick, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5223515887_74fdd175a2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SDC13461" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So now it's done! I've been to Europe, on the first of what I hope will be many adventures.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I can answer when asked that "Paris is unmatched in it's graceful refinement and delicate beauty" Just what the french want to hear... and also very true.</div></div><div><br /></div>Micha Merrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01878959245925536166noreply@blogger.com2