Sunday 31 May 2009

I’ve been busy…

I feel so disconnected lately, but have had lots going on with family and work. The weather is so beautiful right now!  I’ve also been spending some time in the garden and around the house sprucing things up.

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new numbers and pot at the front door…now I need a gray hose and new hose support:) it’s always something!

Ten things I have completed in the last 10 days:

1. Built a shed- yup, I built a subfloor on footings for it too!! Now I feel like I could build a house! Pics coming soon!

2. Cleaned the carport- With the new shed for storage, it’s cleaned bare.

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3. Planted petunias in these great little IKEA pots- I love repetition

4. Watched Bride Wars- a cute chick flick

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5. Brought home this amazing J. Adler vase from Provide- Check out Robert’s website and blog…he is designer friendly!

6. Confirmed and ordered drapery fabric and lining with client- finally…whew..

7. Got a new renovation job in Ucluelet- meeting the client and contractor next week!

8. Applied to Emily Carr- A mixed media class…can’t wait to share what I learn with you all.

9. Had lunch with Ivan- Yes, Ivan Meade from Meade Design Group was in town, and we got together in Coal Harbour :)

10.  Went to see Fleetwood Mac- Everyone there was my age. Nice…I didn’t feel old!

 

I’m also working on a couple of interiors and renderings that I can’t wait to share with you :)

Tuesday 19 May 2009

A West Coast Wedding

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A client has asked me to do some space planning for her son’s wedding this summer- Interior Designers wear many hats :)  I did the planning in CAD, but thought it would be nice to see what it would look like in perspective.

First, we will get rid of all the furniture; using it outside in nice weather…or in the garage if it rains.

We are using 36” round bar ht. tables and stools in the back, and reg. ht. tables closer to the head table. The bar is set up near the stairs and by the kitchen, and the large existing table becomes the buffet with a long white runner.

It would be lovely to use some native salal and ferns to make and hang garlands throughout the house. This house was built for parties just like this wedding. I wish the bride and groom the happiest and sunniest of days!!

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Interior Design: Michelle Morelan Design                                                                                    Photos of Eaglerock by Graeme Owsianski-graemephoto.com

Friday 15 May 2009

Where I’ll be this Weekend

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You guessed it; on my back deck. I’m planting scarlet runner beans.

Happy Long Weekend :) Come over for lemonade!

Thursday 14 May 2009

A NY Home

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For my wonderful artist blogger friend Patricia @ PVE.  When I started blogging, I took note of her talent, and she was so complementary to me.

Then she did an amazing portrait of my sister’s puppy, after I posted Bailey’s picture on my blog. I just had to have it for my sister’s birthday, which I am so looking forward to! Giving a gift like this to someone you love, of something they love so much…well…is priceless. I am giddy about it. Get in touch with Patricia to have your home, family or pet painted…PVE

This one is a humble thank you for Patricia…of her beautiful home in NY…wouldn’t we all just love to live here? So close to the best city in the world, yet, in this natural setting? This is going in the mail this week Patricia…I was very nervous to send it off to someone as talented as you! I hope you like it. Thank you so much for your generosity…with all of us.

Look at Bailey again…so cute :)

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Wednesday 13 May 2009

Map it Out

I think maps are fun…either nautical or historical, they evoke a feeling of freedom and a pioneering spirit. These are some of the best that I have come across. 

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Sullen Gregory via Cote de Texas

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Mary Evelyn McKee

1Sydney based interior designer Thomas Hamel

Thomas Hamel though Desire to Inspire

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Lamp Shade and Antique Rome Map- Joni Webb- Cote de Texas

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I spied these prints at Ethan Allen last week.

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Michelle Morelan Design

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Michelle Morelan Design

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 Ferm Living Wall Decals

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S.R. Gambrel

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Kerry Joyce Associates Inc.

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Image from Foto Search

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RL’s English Gallery – Parchment

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RL’s Great Harbor – Parchment or White

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RL Desert Map – Sand

Tuesday 12 May 2009

Sketches of Amsterdam

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I need to get away…I having been looking through my sketchbooks of Amsterdam…it’s so beautiful in the Springtime :)

Monday 11 May 2009

Post 200

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Yes, I have reached a milestone.

Why did I start blogging? I had blogged almost a decade ago for some support with health issues, and found an alike group of people with Diaryland, so I knew about the concept. Two years ago, I started putting together a website for my new ID firm, and realized I needed a dynamic addition, one where I could talk about design, meet other designers; where I felt  I am not in this alone. I came across Patricia Gray’s blog, and I was smitten.

I love where it has taken me…and has yet to take me :) There is untapped potential in the blogosphere, and I plan on being on the boat. Thanks and gratitude to all my new found friends!! I have come to realize, that this is where all the passionate designers live!!! I’ve been looking for you all my life! Who knew you were in Jordan, Norway, Brisbane, Atlanta, NY, Texas, Scotland…just waiting to chat about design?

On that note, I have finally figured out the Feedburner component to my blog (thanks for the help Albarosa), so join my subscribe list won’t you?

I’m looking forward to the next 200 :)

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                                 Watercolour by Michelle Morelan

Sunday 10 May 2009

I Love You Mom

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Mom, my sister Raylene and Miki (that’s me)  1974- Dad’s fishing in Alaska.

My first son was born in the evening; the next morning I awoke to see his little face through the clear bassinet in the hospital. I started to sob…I knew instantly the responsibility attached to that little face, that little body. I was to make him a man over the next 20 years… was I ready for this at 21? I cannot explain the fear, joy, responsibility and gratitude of that moment, which I will remember forever. I was alone with him, and it just seemed right…but there were two of me in the room…the young Michelle, with no worries, and the one with the new-found responsibility of raising a child. I was never to be the same.

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My babies are now 19 and 21…where does the time go?

Happy Mother’s Day Mom; I know what you have given up for us…and I love you :)

Friday 8 May 2009

Happy Mother’s Day

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Happy Mother’s Day :)

Thursday 7 May 2009

A Pattern Language

I want to thank Patricia for a wonderful addition to my library…one that I will be referencing for years to come.

a pattern language c.alexander I have known about the book “A Pattern Language” since the first year of college, but have never owned it. It is the second in a series of books which describe an entirely new attitude to architecture and planning. There are two other volumes in the series-

1- The Timeless Way of Building

2- A Pattern Language

3- The Oregon Experiment

Written in 1977, at the Center for Environmental Structure in Berkeley, California, it has influenced most most Architects, Planners and Designers. It was written by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein, with, Max Jacobson, Ingrid Fikskahl-King and Shlomo Angel.

Activity Nodes, Magic of the City, Scattered Work, Closets Between Rooms, Ceiling Ht. Variety, Car Connection, Indoor Sunlight and Life Cycle are patterns that certainly tweak my interest to know more about the language, and how to use it…about the poetry and choosing and applying  it to the right subject.

The book is divided into thirds; Towns, Buildings, and Construction. Here is one example of a pattern from the first third of the book “Towns”  (70)Grave Sites- page 354

“No people who turn their backs on death can be alive- The presence of the dead among the living will be a daily fact in any society which encourages its people to live” he goes on the write “Never build massive cemeteries, instead, allocate pieces of land throughout the community as grave sites-corners of parks, sections of paths, gardens, beside gateways- where memorials to people who have died can be ritually placed with inscriptions and mementos which celebrate their life. Give each grave site an edge, a path and a quiet corner where people can sit. By custom this is hallowed ground”.

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It’s a small world, because last weekend, I went to see UBC’s Master of Architecture Students present their final projects, with my friend Jessica, who starts at UBC in September. One of the projects by Kelly Gartner, addressed this “living and dead scenario”

The second third of the book is titled “Buildings”.

“This completes the global patterns which define a town or a community. We now start that part of the language which gives shape to groups of buildings, and individual buildings, on the land, in thee dimensions. These are the patterns which can be “designed” or “built”- the patterns which define the individual buildings and the space between buildings, where we are dealing the the first time with patters that are under the control of individuals or small groups of individuals, who are able to build the patters all at once”

patterns of home20 years later the language was the influence for the book “Patterns of Home”. Max Jacobson (an original author of APL, along with another c0-author of APL, Murray Silverstein, wrote the book, along with Barbara Winslow. The book looks at the “ten essentials of enduring design in a residential context”. Max and Murray worked at Berkeley with Alexander from 67-74, and now all three run their own firm- JSW Architects.

I’m looking forward to reading every single page of Pattern Language! Thank you so much Patricia!!!

Tuesday 5 May 2009

A Nice Gesture and my 196th Post! (so I don’t forget when I get to 200)

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What a nice gesture by a friend/client/mentor yesterday…these words are really true…and the older I get, the more I relate to them. I love people; I am a Taurus…homey, loyal, giving,  headstrong and passionate, but sometimes people have taken advantage of that; I guess I am a little naive as well. Like Maya Angelou said “If people tell you who they are, believe them.” They won’t tell you they are kind and giving, or jealous and mean, but they will show you over and over again.

I am so looking forward to my 43rd year on this planet; I have come to realize that we only have one life, and what we make of it, is up to us…there is nothing stopping us from turning 180 degrees. I have big big plans for this year, which I will share with you in the months to come, and as they unfold. I can say that they are going to make ME happy, and satisfy my need to learn and teach.

Meanwhile, I want to tell all who comment here, visit here (wish you would comment, but that’s ok), and those who have become friends through this blogging world, thanks for opening up your lives to me. I appreciate you…

Monday 4 May 2009

My Header

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I’ve been thinking of changing my header…any of this miss-mash appeal to you?

I guess I should mention…these are only quick pen sketches…just to see…maybe I should have an ode to nature somehow.

Sunday 3 May 2009

Wii

I got Wii Sports, Fit and the console for my birthday…I have not left it alone for 12 hours now.

I have tennis elbow and knee pain… but can not pull myself away from it…well, only to blog!

I am getting nothing done like this! And I look as crazed as this woman!!

Saturday 2 May 2009

Joy and Delight

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An instructor once called it “Joy and Delight”, that feeling of euphoria, wonder and place. I haven’t watercoloured in a long time, but this image inspires me to soak and staple the paper to the board. We will see what happens.

Meanwhile, I’d like to introduce you to my new blogger friend Stephen Gardner at Sketch of the Day…amazing drawing inspiration…you really won’t believe it!