DESKTOP INSPIRATION

Today, I've decided to show a few of the images I've recently saved to my desktop. Things + places that inspire me. If Freud had a look at this collection, he might say that I desire to go make-out on the beach somewhere, and maybe squeeze in a little project! The first image is a dog-eared page from House & Garden magazine. I'm not sure of the issue date, but it's a chinoiserie-toile wallpaper {Schumacher, Nanjing} that I just love. To the right, is an iconic George Barris photograph of Marilyn Monroe. I had one of those Mexican sweaters in the 1970s, and would love to find one again. Any thoughts about where? I think Brook Farm General Store might have sold them last year? Next, a photo of a room at the divine Perivolas Hotel in Oia, on Santorini. I love the simplicity of the space and the color of the cotton coverlet is an absolute favorite at the moment. To the right... a sexy, sweet embrace between Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. I love this couple! A friend posted this image on Facebook and I am not sure of its original source. Then we move to a photo of Majorca with almost surreal looking umbrellas. They remind of Lulu's Italian umbrellas. And, finally... the chic Don't Tread on Me needlepoint canvas designed by Louis Gartner, Jr. that I first discovered on the wonderful Mrs. Blandings. I'd love to stitch this needlepoint canvas... maybe Art Needlepoint can re-create it! What inspires you lately?

It's a perfect day here on the Massachusetts coast and my sister is coming for the weekend! Have a great time this weekend wherever you are. oxo

ICONS MEET | MONROE & SANDBURG

It was a December afternoon in 1961 that photographer Len Stickler photographed two American icons, Marilyn Monroe and author/poet Carl Sandburg. Marilyn was apparently three hours late for her visit because she was at her hairdresser trying to match her hair-color to Carl's. Carl Sandburg was 83 and Marilyn Monroe was 35. And, as the afternoon passed... a deep bond was formed between them. Sadly, Monroe would die just eight months later. Today, Len Stickler's photographs of this remarkable afternoon visit go on sale. I found a Sandburg poem that he could have written for Marilyn.

WHITE SHOULDERS

YOUR white shoulders
I remember
And your shrug of laughter.

Low laughter
Shaken slow
From your white shoulders.

MARILYN MONROE | HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It's difficult to imagine Marilyn Monroe beyond age 36, but this week [on June 1st] she would have celebrated her 83rd birthday. I had not seen these three photos of her before. They are innocent, fragile, and radiant—and capture the depth of her emotions so clearly.

Happy Birthday Marilyn.
[via art star+]