I Just Read 'Thomas the Imperialist Tank Engine.'

Dear Ellen,

Do you use spray PAM olive oil? If you say no, that's one thing, but if you say it's not good enough for you, I will remind you that I once saw you eat Bagel Bites.

In other news, check out this article from Slate. I don't remember if I shared with you my semi-joking unease with 'very useful engine' being the highest compliment paid on the Island of Sodor. "What about those handicapped trains," I wondered aloud to Ben. This article spells it all out in painful and humorous detail.

How you been, girl?

I love your coffee table vignette, by the way. My response is, I realize, one million years too late. The vignette on the mantle seemed, while touchingly a Hannah shrine...a bit too many themes? Keep the cup for 'cougar coffee' in the kitchen. Color-wise, I thought the painting tied in nicely with the four hot pink dots while contrasting nicely: garish detail v. playful asceticism. Bam, you can take that to the bank! I just made that phrase up!

Love you!!
Hannah

Sweet Caroline

Dear Hannah,

We just got back from a fabulous road trip to Minneapolis and on the way, we stopped in Kentucky to see some sweet friends. The sweetest of all was little Caroline. I thought you would love to see her room!

The hottie and the cutie


Sweet girl's room





Love,
Ellen

New Digs

Dear Hannah,

As promised...

Cool and warm just like we like it.



The print is from Matthew's great grandmother.



Do you recognize most of this?









The white cabinet is the bottom of the hutch that was in the corner of the kitchen in the old house. We took the top off and will use this as a buffet.



A close up of the new knobs. I'm in love with these cicada knobs from Anthropology.



We had a lot of help. Not only your advise and tutoring over the years, but also our friend Lori consulted and did a lot of the arranging. Matthew helped a lot, too.

Okay, I want your honest opinion. What do you think?

xoxo,
Ellen

Teaser

Dearest Friend,
Pictures are coming of the newly decorated digs. I just need to find my cord!
Missed you through the whole process is an understatement.
Love,
Ellen

Dear Ellen,
When is this going to stop being funny?
Miss you,
Hannah

I am a dork

Here is proof.

Dear Ellen,
You know how to crochet AND knit? Isn't that like...illegal or something? Or like being good at Geometry and Algebra? I was told if you're not good at one you'll be good at the other and I sucked at both. Are we talking about math or yarn now? I don't know! I'm terrible at all of it.

But, I'm glad you had a lovely day with ladies and yarn and wisteria. What's up with the cicadas? I think that might drive me bonkers!

I've been meaning to say something about your pallet coffee tables: cool! I have been seeing pallets everywhere now. Also, I loved your cozy clutter images. I've been meaning to say that. Pay special attention to what makes the clutter work. Those rooms had some serious architectural BONES, man. They give off the old English vibe. Also, there was still a color palette. Should I finish the job and talk about palates?? Pallet, palette, palate. You gotta love our language. Anyway, as far as the PALETTE goes, there is some serious warm and cool going on in all of those rooms. Do you see it?

Lastly, here are some before and after photos. You are going to have to provide the 'after!'
xoxo
H