COTE DE TEXAS
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My 50th birthday rolled by 3 years ago and now, it's that time again on the 20th. To my complete and utter surprise, two of my favorite blogging friends conspired to wish me a happy birthday in a most creative way, or course! Patricia Gray, the fabulous Canadian interior designer of Architectural Digest fame, asked Ronda Carmon of the delightful AND informative All The Best to contact Ronda's new friend and artist, Patricia van Essche of PVE Designs. Ronda asked PVE to design something special for my birthday and, wow, did she ever: her watercolor completely captures Cote De Texas and me.

If you look closely, you can see my Springer Georgie and also, my baby Cavalier Sammi Jo sleeping on a French chair. There's a Texas armadillo (how did PVE know about my Armadillo days in Austin all those years ago????). I love the flowery urn and the French wine and cheese. A starfish hails all the from South Padre Island. PVE even managed to draw my design books in. I can't remember ever receiving another gift as creative as this and I'm anxiously awaiting the watercolor's arrival.

PVE is available for custom watercolors. Besides her character studies, she does delightful paintings of homes. Be sure to visit her web site and check out her work. Ronda and PVE rendezvoused this fall in NYC and Ronda has nothing but praise for Patricia. She described her to me as a lovely woman, extremely warm and caring, well mannered in the Southern way, and an absolute pleasure to be with!

To Patricia Gray and Ronda: I owe you both a big one! Somehow I'll repay you in kind one day. You helped make this one of my best birthdays ever. I felt so loved by your gift and just walked on air all day yesterday.

15 comments :

  1. Birthdays are to be celebrated and I am so thrilled that I "made your day" - with my little watercolor!
    All your praise will give me more inspiration to continue to keep my brush in hand!
    Happy Birthday!

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  2. What a simply wonderful Brithday surprise!! A gorgeous birthday artwork from such a talented and creative soul!! Many many happiest returns of the Day!! And Many blessings on your family and wonderful home -- we are all so happy to share your joy!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  3. How wonderful! My birthday is Nov 22, and I will be one year older than you....
    Happy Birthday!
    Penny

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  4. What a wonderful, personal and unique birthday gift! It's beautiful. Happy Birthday!

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  5. What a fabulous B-Day gift! What better way to start your special day. Happy, Happy 50th! And many more!

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  6. how delightful! happy birthday ~ hope this next year is filled with joyous discoveries and continual prosperities.

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  7. Happy Birthday! How clever of the gifters, how creative of the artist. I can't believe you are 53; in your picture with 'All The Best", you look decades younger than that.

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  8. You must mean your fortieth birthday rolled by three years ago.. Just thought I'd note the typo.

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  9. I want to clarify that....I meant Joni clearly made a typo because she doesn't even look 40.....obviously she hit the wrong number key...that's what. Happy Birthday!

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  10. Yes, I don't look 50 at all! Thank you - I'm glad you noticed that. Anyone else want to second that? hahahaha!!

    Thanks Kevin!!! I owe you one.

    JOni

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  11. Hope you had a wonderful birthday Joni! I definitely second that you look way younger than your years- but are wise beyond them! :)

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  13. Happy Birthday, Joni! I will second that.......you do look younger than your years! Isn't it nice when people tell you that...Bonnie Hope it was a great day for you!

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