Thursday, February 16, 2012

Spring Greetings!!


Spring Greetings!!  I hope I am  not rushing it, but since that horrific October storm, Albert, we have been enjoying an unusually mild winter.  I know, I know, there is plenty of time for snow and a  sizable storm.  I think it's ironic that we planned a snow shoeing party for this winter, I guess we should have planned a beach party.
Even though we have finally moved into our new home, the finishing work goes on.

Here is a photo of  Richard Harris, the Michelangelo of stone masons.
Richard, Mike and Molly enjoying a cigar in celebration of the completion of the stairs and wall surrounding the front courtyard.  Richard started in August and just finished this week.  He is wonderful to work with, neat, methodical and truly creative.  We just loved working with him. 
Augustus, aka "Gus" on a new perch
The Pergolas are completed and the arbor has been delivered so we can complete the east side of the garden.  Looking forward to those grapes, blueberries, and strawberries.
Winter, no matter how mild gives most of us the opportunity to read, watch TV and go to the movies.  That is what is wonderful about hibernation in New England.  We haven't been to the movies in quite some time, but I wanted to see HUGO, the film by Martin Scorsese.  It was in 3D, and I hadn't seen a 3D movie since the House of Wax ( who is dating themselves now?) 
(click above for official movie trailer for Hugo)
 For those of you, who want to be swept away by a story and wonderful effects, you will love this film.  So happy it's been rewarded with 11 Academy Award nominations.
On the music scene, I have stumbled upon a wonderful group, Cafe del Mar.  Their CD arias is magical and I could listen for hours.
Now, our latest guilty pleasure, DOC MARTIN, the BBC "Dramedy" (a combination comedy and drama) is addictive.  We have shared with with so many friends and they too are hooked.  Whatever creates a hit, whether it is the acting, writing, music or in this case even the setting, this series is wonderful.  If there are any other DOC MARTIN fans, let me know.  This has the makings of becoming one of my all time favorites.
Happy Birthday to our Molly Brown! 
She will be celebrating her 13th birthday.  I will bake her a great cake (good for doggies) In appreciation for her gentle presence, companionship, and all that she has added to our lives all of these years.
We have wonderful new items in both of the shops, if you need some decorating advice, a spruce up or just to stop and say hi, we look forward to a mid winter visit.
Stay warm, and think spring and planning you new garden.
Best, Alex

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Blessings 2011


Merry Christmas!!  
 So good to start hearing that again, we have made it a practice to sing it out loud and clear at the shop!!!   As I ponder what to write, all of the truisms come to mind.  Blessings of family, good health, a roof over your head, Plenty of good warm food  Things we sometimes take for granted are high on the list.  I wanted to take a look around at simple things sometimes taken for granted, a hearty laugh with a friend, the look your husband gets when he suddenly realizes he REALLY loves you, the energy you get from doing something you love to do  The sense of accomplishment from creating something no one can do exactly like you.  Then my eyes fell on my Molly Brown, still giving me unconditional love after 13 years. 
Many of you know her and look forward to patting her on her old head.  We shaved her this year in a very hot July to help her be more cool and comfortable.  The fur is not coming in at the same wonderful fluffiness we have enjoyed running our fingers through on a cold winters night, as soothing to us as well as her.  We have joked about comb overs, but it was also said she looked like the Velveteen Rabbit, so well worn and much loved, she was rubbed bare in spots.   This is the simplest form of love and devotion.  I am thankful for having her so many years and pray optimistically that she will be with us many more years.
  
When I was a child my father, who was instilled with the spirit of Christmas, would bring home a fresh cut tree from the downtown streets of Chicago, with a kitten, that was rescued, tucked into the branches. (click here for history of Chicago Christmas Trees)  I am sure that the love and appreciation of animals began with those unspoken lessons.  This year, even though it is challenging for many of us, I send along hope for a brighter 2012.  Remembering those who are no longer with us but live in the lessons lovingly taught, and are reminded of the pure and simple act of love.  Even though it is difficult at times, wrap yourself in the happiest of memories.   
Many Blessings come your way from our family, the Seraph and Domus crew, and Molly Brown too.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

YES WE ARE FINALLY IN TUDOR HILL !

For those of you who are interested in reading the latest post on
 our new home, Tudor Hill   please  click here !

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Well it is hard to believe but this marks our 30th year in business.

 A lot has changed since we began with the Seraph back in 1981.  I remember someone saying to me "things must change to remain the same"  That seems to have been our by word as we have gone through the years.  Some of the things I treasure most are the friends we have made, many of whom remain good and close friends to this day.  The line became blurred as to where our business life stopped and our social life began.  Also because distance separates Mike and I from family, so many of our clients have become our family.  We have helped to create the most intimate spaces, homes both inside and out have become like living pieces of history and art, and one of the things that has brought us great joy is knowing that we have helped to provide that special refuge from what has become an increasingly forbidding world. 

We are planning to have a celebration this September.  We have not yet selected the date, but J Dana Designs is adding a new tiger maple kitchen and has already added a closet display and will also have a bathroom with many ideas to inspire. 
Our building three will be fully opened by then, and will have a great clearance area for special buys, but the main part of the building will have furnishings with a special twist with a look to the future. Domus X is defining more and more of its Euro Chic ambiance, continuing to feature a soft palette of colors and one of a kind special purchases.

As always The Seraph has one foot in the 18th century, and maintains it's focus on 17th and 18th century furnishings.  The Seraph still maintains it's singular collection of everything from the mid 1600's to 1840, and to our knowledge is still stand alone in the breadth of it's selection in authentic furnishings.  We pride ourselves on our resourcefulness and being able to provide anything you may need to replicate, with authenticity in the finest in American Country interiors.

Also, this fall we hope to have workshops.  There will be a schedule posted on line and in the shops.
Jeff Dana will do one on kitchens and proper design of the space,

Karen Stelmack will be giving one on curtain pattern how-to's
 Mike Pifer will be giving one on painting techniques featuring Caromal Colours  paints, and Alex will be giving one on how to define your design style.  We will be posting updates on all the above.

We will also be changing our website and using it's advantage to the most efficient way.  Because we have to many items, we feel it is better for you, the client to have more recent updates in actual room settings and encouraging you to call or send us your number and we will better be able to answer your specific needs.  This is in an effort to personalize our contacts with you.  With the marvel of digital cameras and cell phones we can immediately serve your needs and deal directly with you.  We hope that this will again put us in direct contact with you and bridge the gap of the personal touch married with speed and marvel of the cyber-world.  We welcome your comments on what we hope to expedite and assist you in your needs.  To view this new approach visit our website www.theseraph.com  
        
A new season is upon up and we are always renewed and hope to pass this sense of hope and realization that there is no place like home, and creating your special refuge.
We are fortunate enought to live on a large piece of land that we share with the wonder of nature.
 I watch every morning with awe at the wonder of geese feathering their nests

and in our rookery there are 11 nests of blue heron going about the business of creating the comfort of a new home for the next generation. 
 Tell me we are not alike!!!

Till next week,  Best,  Alex

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Welcome SPRING!!!




As  Thoreau said " I await spring in earnest!"  I as you await this wonderful time of year, when all of the power of nature is focused on all that is ready to be reborn.  After this challenging winter, I, all the more appreciate the warmth of the spring sunshine.  It has brought home to me the reality, that you cannot appreciate the good without the counterpoint of the bad.  That is why I feel the blessings of this season even more so this year than ever before.
We are looking forward to oh so many new ventures this year.  Our building three will be featuring he new ESQUIRE HOME COLLECTION, along with a whole new focus looking toward the more Avante Garde and modern.  Dana Design is adding a new section featuring another kitchen, bath, and modular closet design. that will be located in the design barn in the Seraph.  Domus is stronger than ever with one of kind European, French and Belgian wares.  We will be hosting an open house in early fall and will be keeping you informed of that with invitations and notices.

I can think of no better way as an example of what this season represents than featuring our artist of  the month, Tom Coe.  Tom is an amazing, unassuming  and talented artist that is obviously one with nature.  His hands create these wonderful paper mache creatures that seem to come alive.  We have chicks, ducks, rabbits, mice and even a small size sheep and raccoon.  Prices range from $18.95 to $59.95.  Tom has been creating for us for over 25 years, we are proud and happy to have him as a part of the Seraph family.  We have included some photos of his wares.

Please come to see all that is happening in our part of the world, as ever we look to your return a eagerly as we await the spring.

Alex and crew

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

Well, we are at the end of yet another year.  To say that 2010 was a challenging year does not  really describe the impact that this economy and its' effects had on each and every one of us.  Our lives have been impacted as to how deeply many of our close friends and associates have been touched by the many ways in which this has been manifested.  We have been very fortunate to have never experienced the seriousness of times like these, however, it is to be noted that gives us the opportunity to seek out any positives that can be derived.
If I have any resolution in the coming year, it is to take stock of all the things that I am blessed with in my life rather than those things that are gone or changed.  I was struck the other day with how lucky I was to have a warm home, food and someone to love.  To value and not to take for granted those abstract things, like creativity, enthusiasm for life, energy, and the good fortune to be born in these great United States. 
We hope to see each and every one of you in the New Year,, whether you need to avail yourself of our services or not, we still love seeing you.
May your heart be full of joy, and the ability to realize you have the power to live whatever you believe or can imagine.
Happy New Year, Alex, Mike, Molly and the entire Seraph & Domus X Family