Make Art.

Sometimes I forget how fun making art is. Ah, it can be such a stress-reliever. Today, I took Iyla and her friend to the River Gallery School of Art to check out their Word and Image Workshop, which included  brush paining, collage, calligraphy, letter setting, and book binding. We did it all! Carol and Donna were so patient helping the girls (and me!) make sweet little journals and after Iyla's friend said "this was the BEST day ever!" I think they did a pretty good job, right?

Check out the after school art classes for kids, scholarships are available!

xo Desha

It's like a scene from your blog...

Late summer dinners on the porch in Vermont make me happy. Even without a kitchen and washing dishes in the yard with a water hose, everything is better with wine and good friends.

it's like a scene from your blog.... Theo

sweet friends reunite

black rice, roasted root veggies and honey tofu polenta bake from Gita

blessings

Sweet Spot Style Summer Office is Open

Hello dear ones, July is dedicated to writing, playing, decorating and seeing private clients. I'm excited to reopen my summer "cabin" office! I had the joy of counseling a client today in the space and it reminds me how much I love helping people get clear about their hopes and dreams. If you are interested in doing a little one- on- one work around manifesting your dream career, decorating with meaning, or designing your own personal Sweet Spot Life, give me a shout. We'll talk over hibiscus tea and lemon cookies. xo Desha

Scared of listening to your intuition? Don't be.

This morning I had the pleasure of being interviewed on BCTV to talk about living in the Sweet Spot and how creating The Desha Show on BCTV has opened up doors for me that I could never have imagined. Less than three years ago I was struggling with that never ended esoteric question, "What should I be doing with this fine life of mine" but really it was probably phrased more like, "What the HELL am I doing???"

How cute is Roland at BCTV?

I love my day job as the Director of Career Development at Marlboro College because I get to help people with this question daily. I encourage students to get in touch with their intuition and explore fields they might be interested in. Then it occurred to me, maybe I should take my own advice. I had this dream of doing something creative... but WHAT?

I'd dabbled in ceramics, knitting, Chinese brush painting, sewing, photography and more.  I loved home decor, fashion, art, travel and inspirational stories but couldn't see how to pull all my passions into one thing. Until a fateful day when I went to see Patti at Silvermoon and through some heart opening conversations I came to the realization that I should start a TV show. But, seriously, who starts a TV show in Brattleboro, Vermont? Shouldn't you be in LA or NY or something? And I admit, I was sort of like... what's the point?  But you know what, I didn't let my ego get the best of me. I did it anyway. I produced 7 shows with the amazing support of BCTV and it's opened up so many amazing opportunities for me.

Besides making new friends and being inspired by their Sweet Spot Stories (like author Suzanne Kingsbury from my very 1st episode!) , I've also won an award for best series, hosted several large scale Red Carpet events, and now.... I am writing my first published book- the working title is Sweet Spot Style: Creating the style you crave on  a budget you can afford. I never dreamed of having my own show or writing a home decor book, it's so perfect for me that I can barely believe it's real.
But it is.

A huge thanks to Patti for helping me tap into my own intuition and following it. And thanks to BCTV, because I never would have created The Desha Show without you.

Are you struggling with making your dreams come true? Are you scared to listen to your intuition? What can you do TODAY to get closer to your Sweet Spot? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.

xo Desha

See you on the Red Carpet Baby!

Yes, it's February and it's cold, but it won't stop us from donning our best frocks and having some fun on Feb 24 at the Latchis! Join Suzanne Kingsbury, Alfred Hughes and I on the RED CARPET where it's YOUR night to shine!  Walk down the red carpet in style, smile for the paparazzi and then be prepared to see yourself on the big screen while Suzanne and I get all the details about your designer wear. Who's wearing Experienced Goods? Suzanne might even give you a smack on the lips (if you're nice). 

*Hollywood’s Biggest Awards Ceremony Live at the Latchis*

a benefit for Latchis Arts

See the Glamour: On the Latchis Big Screen!

Be the Glamour: Strut the Red Carpet Like The Stars!

************   Drink Cocktails- Win Prizes!   ************          

HOLLYWOOD BRATTLEBORO – Wondering where to wear your killer couture this winter? Brattleboro’s finest will be out in full force February 24, 2013, at the Latchis Theatre’s See the Glamour, Be the Glamour red carpet gala in celebration of – what else? – the world’s most famous film awards ceremony.  (For trademark reasons, we can’t call it by its rightful name, but let’s just say, “We’d like to thank The Academy…”)

Come watch Hollywood’s glitterati strut their stuff on the Latchis Theatre’s big screen, where it will broadcast the 85^th year of this awards ceremony live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Sashay down the red carpet, cast your vote for Best Picture, Best Actor or Best Actress, nibble a crudité, quaff a cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the show!

The Latchis will bring all the action to you, from the pre-ceremony’s grand entries and star interviews to those “special category” awards (remember the one for sound-mixing?). Watch the stars arrive with E! straight from the West Coast and see the entire show, hosted by comedian Seth MacFarlane.

As it is a milestone year for the Latchis, this is the first annual Latchis Arts benefit screening of this world famous awards celebration.  Admission to the screening is free, but there will be fund raising opportunities to support Latchis Arts throughout the night.

Don’t forget…dress your absolute best. The Latchis – just like the Academy – will be recognizing a winner at the end of the night in the category of Best Costume!

Check the Latchis Web site for updates and sneak-previews of what’s to come.

See you on the Red Carpet Baby!

One Thousand Love Letters

This project is about love and love letters.
Love letters are an endangered species and it’s one that we can save.
Let’s write our hearts out… 

One Thousand Love Letters
Project by Brattleboro Area Artists, Spearheaded by Dalia Shevin

Hello fine folks! This post is directed at all you LOVERS in Brattleboro, Vermont. Are you out there?? 

I found this amazing event via a friend on Facebook and was impressed by two things. ONE, we've had some pretty bad stuff happen in our town, we've had floods, murders and most recently threats of possible violence in our sweet schools, BUT this project focuses on LOVE. Aren't you ready for a little news related to LOVE?

TWO, I'm impressed because a lot of people are using Kickstarter to fund projects- some get funded and some don't. But, this one got super dooper OVER funded. Watch the video and you'll see what their original goal was and how much they actually got. AMAZING.

THE PROJECT
“One Thousand Love Letters” is a project conceived by local artists to create a participatory community art installation that is both an invitation and a challenge. Beginning during Gallery Walk on Friday, February 1st and culminating two weeks later on the Friday after Valentine’s Day, the public is invited to a temporary space in downtown Brattleboro, to write one thousand love letters. Participants can define a love letter as broadly as they like. Letters may be written to people living or dead, people known or unknown to them, to animals, places, or even objects—anyone or anything to whom they wish to express their love.

THE LETTERS
The letters will be written and some displayed in the Letter Lab, a studio and gallery located in the storefront of the former Sanel Auto Parts building at 47 Flat Street. The space has been transformed by local artists into a beautiful environment that will provide a warm spot to sit and relax into the tactile experience of handwriting or typing a love letter. Side by side with neighbors and strangers, participants will have the opportunity to write their hearts out. Visitors will also be able to view some of the love letters on display during the run of the project. Materials will be supplied, and writing prompts and ideas will be available to help you get started. All you need to bring is a desire to express your love.

THE ACTIVITIES
Following Gallery Walk night, the Letter Lab will be open daily from 12 pm to 7 pm, and hot tea and cocoa will be available to help warm participants’ hearts. There will also be a late night love letter writing marathon beginning at Noon on February 9th, and ending at 1 a.m. the next day. The One Thousand Love Letters project will end with an evening performance of letter reading and music on Friday, February 15th. 

Learn more on Facebook

2013 Fire Starter Themes

Sending LOVE, GRATITUDE, HOPE,  STRENGTH, & VITALITY to my new 2013 Fire Starter Group. Once again, it's a full house with an awesome group of creative and smart ladies.

It's a great time of year to get together around supporting each other with goals and so we started by exploring our themes for the year. You might recall mine is LUCKY!

And yes, I feel LUCKY today to be with such a great group. BTW-most dedicated Fire Starter Award goes to  Stasia, who is 9 months pregnant and possibly in labor today- she's such a trooper, she did not want to miss the first session. We are all pulling for you Stasia!  XO Desha

Love to My Soul Sisters

I just had to share this sweet invitation because it warms my heart and I would like to encourage anyone out there who is working on their dreams to form a support group of some kind.

It's hard to admit your dreams to yourself, and even harder to share those delicate dreams with others,  BUT if you can find or form a group of like-minded souls who can consistently support and love you through all the drama of real life, then you have a much better chance of actually making your dream become a reality. How do I know? Because I'm living it sista!

I've been on a roller coaster of emotions during this last year and a half and I wouldn't be able to continue this path without some serious encouragement and support. For the past 8 weeks, I've been facilitating a powerful session called Fire Starters with an amazing group of creative women. A few weeks ago, I was out of town and asked a friend to facilitate the group.  While I was gone, my dear group came up with the idea of throwing a party to "help advance Desha's dreams".

My Awesome Fire Starter Soul Sisters

They've planned a lovely party and as you can see from the above invitation, it's going to be a really fun and beautiful event. We'll watch my latest episode of The Desha Show, "Life on Nantucket" and look at my new book proposal, Eclectic LifeSTYLE.

I'm honored and a bit nervous about this whole thing. I haven't shown my book proposal to ANYONE except my agent. In fact, I haven't even said a word about it on this blog... but there you have it, I'm working on a book proposal :)

If you have experience/interest with design, fashion, style, film, social media, SEO, TV... we'd love to see you there. It's Sat, November 17 at 6pm. 

RSVP to Susie:  belleci@yahoo.com 

Thank you to all my dear Fire Starters. You are the BEST!

Local Writer Exposes Brattleboro's Real Ghosts

Brattleboro's Most Beautiful HAUNTED House

As featured on My Little Brattleboro...

Cathryn Lykes is a Brattleboro writer and Fire Starter who has recently published her intriguing ghost story called The Doorbell,  a true story about a single mother and her daughter who inadvertently move into a haunted house and begin communicating with its resident spirits, unraveling a long-forgotten series of events from the Victorian era. 

Excerpt:

"The doorbell was a vintage affair, probably from the 1940s or ‘50s, with a beige and gold Bakelite housing over three long brass chimes. I knew they would make a lovely sound to announce the arrival of guests. We had tried, but pushing the button outside did nothing, and we had to be content solely with the visual interest the doorbell lent to the apartment.

One stormy night during this period, I was at home alone, finishing up Clara’s year-end homeschooling assessment. I was proud of her. She had worked diligently in every subject, and had a large body of work to submit with her portfolio. I worked at the computer and on the wide kitchen table, with only one light burning. 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I looked down the staircase to see if anyone was at the door, turning on the hall and outside lights. No one. By this time, the doorbell had begun making a loud electric buzzing in addition to the clear ringing notes. I touched one of the chimes, hoping to alleviate the vibration, but it came off in my hand."

Read the full story here for just 99 cents on amazon.com 

Fashion Tea Party Pics!

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted aFashion Tea Party for Stasia Savasuck, a personal shopper and thrift store junkie. Stasia has a unique business model which includes private closet consultations and Fashion Thrift Parties, like the one I hosted. Read more about how Stasia is following her dreams here.  

 The party was awesome, with lots of local gals sharing tea, treats and stories. 

And of course, there were the clothes! If you are looking at these pics and feel sad you couldn't come, you should contact Stasia and host your own party (you get a free oufit for hosting, BTW!)





                       

                                        Everything is better with tea.







Stasia, Personal Thrift Shopper





              

                        Julia, wearing one of Stasia's finds





                                     

                                                     Tessa finds the best pink sweater!





Janet in her new stylish trench.







Beads!!!

Stocking Up!

The Wares

Timberly and friend take a shopping break for tea

Thanks to all who attended our Fashion Tea Party, it was lovely to see old friends and meet some new folks, too~ If you are interested in a closet consult or in hosting your own fashion party, contact Stasia directly at stasiasavasuk@gmail.com.

Thrift Fashion Party!

Hello and how are you today?

I'm excited because this Sunday I'm hosting a fashion party at my house in support of a fellow Fire Starter and personal shopper, Stasia Savasuk. Stasia is a fine example of someone taking their passion and turning it into a business and I LOVE that! If you'd like to join us for some fun and fashion, please RSVP at our Facebook Event Page or send me an email- deshapeacock@hotmail.com

Stasia's Story
My name is Stasia Savasuk.  I've been a thrift shopper all my life, but only recently has it become an obsession of sorts.  I simply can't get enough, and I find myself scouring through jammed racks of color coded shirts and disorganized bins several times a week, at various thrift stores throughout Vermont and New England.  I've come to know, through experience, that if I wait long enough, I will find just about anything that I want at a thrift store, for a mere percentage of the actual retail cost. 

You know how friends will often compliment you on a nice piece of jewelry, nice shoes, or a sweet pair of jeans.  Well, I simply love saying, "Thank you, this entire outfit cost me $9."  I'm not shy about stuff like that.

Well, over the years, friends have asked me to shop for them.  I wasn't much into the idea because I always felt badly if I bought something that they didn't like, which left one of us to deal with the unwanted item.  But after a while, I thought... wait a second, perhaps I COULD do this for people.  If I shopped for lots of people, then it wouldn't matter if somebody didn't like something I purchased, because I could see if somebody else wanted it.  I was onto something.  Perhaps I could be a personal thrift shopper!  I just loved the idea... especially for the many moms I knew that didn't have the means to run over to Anthropolgie or J.Crew to buy $300 worth of new clothing, nor do they have the time, patience or will to do what I do... scour through racks of color coded, sometimes stinky clothing - for that one in a thousand gem.  I don't see it as a chore, but as an adventure.  A thrill.  I've been brought to tears (I'm a little embarrassed to admit) when I've found something at a thrift store that is simply fabulous. 

Say NO to FRUMP!
For years, I've been frumpy.  My frumpy-ness went through the roof after my daughter was born.  I've worn clothes that didn't fit right, were all the wrong color, and really never fit my style.  The style that I wanted was WAY out of my reach fiscally.  So, my style became whatever I could find on the sale rack at Old Navy or if I was lucky, GAP.  But then, I started thrifting in earnest.  I now wear brands and styles that I've always loved, that feel perfectly ME.  I only buy things that are exactly what I want... the right color, the right fit, the right style, the right price.  Although I may have to search high and low for the right piece - I know it's out there, it's cheap, and it just needs to be found.  There is something to feeling good in the clothes you wear.  It puts a little bounce in your step.  And as Danielle Laporte says in her book, The Fire Starter Sessions, "When you feel good, you act smarter."  And who doesn't want to act a little smarter!

Good for the Environment, Good for YOU
You combine this with my ecology background, and thrifting makes perfect sense.  Just about everything I own is second hand... right down to the furniture in my house.  I recycle/upcycle, I compost, I only buy second hand... my global "stuff" impact is minimal, and that feels good.  I feel proud!  AND - at the end of the day, I've got a little room in my budget to support local non-profits that are doing good work in my community.  And, that feels good too.  

Overcoming Self-Doubt
First came the idea.  Then came the self doubt.  Is the idea a good one?  Will others think it's silly?  I can't do this... I'm just a mom and wife with a regular old job and I don't do stuff like this.  I'm ordinary.  But, it's been a year and I can't shake the idea.  Every time I think about it, I get excited!  What if...

What If? The Art of Imagination

What if I became a personal shopper?  What would it look like?  Would I do closet consultations with clients, where I find out what they want/need/look good in - and shop from there?  Would I create style menus?  Would I shop for men, too?  Would I just have folks over to my house to check out my inventory when they're feeling like they need new clothes?  

Start Small

I started small, with a fashion party at my home. I priced and displayed all the clothing, invited over a bunch of girl friends, served food and drink - and celebrated! I called the event, Fashion Friday.  I received great encouragement and feedback. And now, I'm having my second fashion party, and it's being hosted by Desha Peacock on September 23rd.  I've been shopping for months, and have bundles of clothes to sell. I focus on high quality clothing that is in excellent condition. Brands like:  J.Crew, Banana Republic, Patagonia, GAP, Horny Toad, JOE'S jeans, Isis, Seven for All Man Kind, Ann Taylor, Lucky.  The list goes on.  

Now, I'm in the process of getting serious, and am starting to answer some of my own questions of HOW.  

If you would like me to personally thrift shop for you, or would be interested in hosting your own fashion party, or have any ideas for me, you may contact me at stasiasavasuk@gmail.com. 

Where Vintage Meets Modern: Kokuun

As featured on My Little Brattleboro...

Brattleboro is great for many reasons, and now it's even better with the addition of Kokuun, an eclectic little shop in downtown Bratt. The shop features vintage home decor, clothing, and modern hand -painted furniture by shop owner, Sarah Johnson.

Kokuun will be open during Gallery Walk, this Friday on September 8, along with a handful of other art studios on the top floor of 22 High Street, the same building that houses the Brattleboro School of Dance, third floor (it's worth the climb).

Don't live in Vermont? No worries, everything you see here is in her cutey pie Etsy shop- Kokuun.

Stop by Kokuun this Friday and say hello!

Garden Design by Dot

Dot's Shade Garden

Today, on My Little Brattleboro, I would like to introduce Dot Lenhart, gardener extraordinaire! I love home architecture and it's amazing how a garden can change the aesthetic of your exterior. I've been walking past Dot's home garden for the last few years, admiring it and watching it grow (often quite jealous). Gardening is a form of art, and Dot's landscape is a fine example of how a garden can enhance the beauty of your home. While summer is simmering down, it's a good time to think about your garden design for next year, so contact Dot if you need some great advice. I plan to!

Dot, I often walk by your house so I can see your gorgeous garden. What led you to garden professionally?

Plants have been my biggest continual interest since I was a small child. Once my children grew to school age, I was searching for a career. Friends and professionals alike encouraged me to put my passion for gardening into a business, and I have been in the business for about 20 years now. 

What's your favorite thing about your own garden/ garden design?

Well, I have two favorite areas of my current gardens. I have been in love with my shade garden since I created it, even though it presents me with some challenges. It's wonderful how our gardens teach us. Secondly, I adore the shrub garden I am creating in front of my house. I have always focused primarily on perennials, so this garden is refreshing to me. Okay, third area - the Day Lily border!

Day lily Border

What colors, textures inspire you in outdoor design?

I used to be a 'pastel person' as far as gardening, so it's interesting how I've moved into saturated colors. I like to mix up the textures for interest so that the garden doesn't have to rely on color alone to be attractive. I've also learned the value of white in a garden.

You are starting a new outdoor design business, right? What are your services and where can we find you?



Front Garden off the Porch

I am indeed starting a new business, Dot Lenhart Garden Design and Consultation. I am offering garden design and consultation services, garden coaching for people who want to learn about gardening, and classes/seminars for groups interested in lectures on garden topics. 

I can be reached at 802-257-6917, or len1922@aol.com.

Do you love Dot's garden? Let her know in the comments below~

Naughty Dog. Cute Skirts.

It's Thursday!
Time for MY LITTLE BRATTLEBORO, where I talk about art, culture and style on Brattleborology.

The other day I was shopping in one of my favorite downtown stores, Twice Upon a Time, and I happened to find the CUTEST handmade skirt. It was perfect since my BFF was coming to visit from Cali bringing her adorable little 3 yr old and I needed a gift. Luckily, I was able to get a matching skirt for my daughter so they could be twinkies. I was so excited that I emailed the designer and found she was local! Jamaica is local, right? I mean, it IS Jamaica, VT. Here's her story:


Twinkies. Skirts by Naughty Dog.



Kim Rak, Naughty Dog

When did you start making clothes, and what inspired you to do so?
I started making clothes when I was a kid - my mom was always making things for me, and gave me my own machine when I was a teenager. I remember making clothes in college for kids going to parties to make extra money. When my son was born, I made some of his clothes. Several years ago I realized I needed a retrospective, a portfolio, to make sense of my life in the arts. I decided to develop a children's line as a business model for colour expression, and because children's clothes wouldn't require many materials. It helped me find my confidence again, and here we are today.

What's your story?
I have always had to relay on my resourcefulness, inventiveness and attitude to make ends meet. I lived self sufficiently for 15 years (using a treadle machine during those years,) by choice. Growing up in the 60s and 70s with a European mother who was a refugee from an occupied country, and a french Canadian father who

was an orphan for part of his life, brought me a different perspective of living life. Being of modest means, I have a tendency to feel challenged by day to day activities - how can I make it brighter, more interesting and more fun? The byline of my portfolio project is inspired by a line from a postcard my son sent to me during one of my most creative times "Hope you're Having Fun!", it's something I think of daily and thus became part of the logo/branding of The Naughty Dog. Though we have our own naughty dog, I imagine we all know and love the spirit behind any family "naughty" dog.

Where can we find your stuff?
Right now, my stuff is available at Jamie and Dave's, Jamaica Coffee Shop in Jamaica, Vermont and at Twice Upon a Time in Brattleboro, Vermont, and on Etsy at The Naughty Dog. I do have a website, that is currently down, at www.thenaughtydog.us. (I hope to have that running and up to date soon.)

Anything else you'd like us to know about you or your creative work?
hmmm. I think that it can be hard to let creativity just happen in everyday life...you have to practice that idea. Once you have, it's important to take time to enjoy the beauty, you know, admire the moment... and..then..do it again. Do it for growth. Do it for happiness. Share it. Teach it. :) It's most enjoyable!

Thanks Kim for sharing your story. Are you creative? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a note in the comment section below and stay in touch HERE as well.