COTE DE TEXAS: Sweet People

Sweet People

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again  - you make so many great friends through the power of the blog - some are virtual friends, some you meet in real life.     First up – take a look at this:

 

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My great blogging friend, Artie Vanderpool who writes Color Outside The Lines, dedicated his “Tablescape Thursday” to ME!!!   He designed an entire tablescape based on the Cote de Texas “style.”   Just look at the details he incorporated – all things I love:  the white slipcovers (that he made himself) with downy cushions, a skirted table – based on a Pam Pierce design that I adore, fleur de lis dishes, seafoam checked napkins, blue and white porcelains, pink peonies – he just totally nailed my look.  Thank you Artie for this – you have to be the sweetest man in Niagara Falls, if not the state of New York, or maybe the entire United States.   To read Artie’s article, go here.

 

 image Cote de Texas inspired “Tablescape Thursday” by Color Outside The Lines.

 

And tonight, interior design GREAT - Ms. Bunny Williams - came to Houston’s MECOX to show off her new line of furniture.  It was wonderful saying “Howdy” to Ms. Williams and seeing her entire collection of BeeLine Home merchandise up close and personal.    But, for me, the best part of the evening was meeting up with the two original Cote de Texas stalkers – Cindy and V.   We three go way back now – I’ve told you about them before, but in case you forgot -  one day these two women showed up on my front porch to stalk me – all in good fun.   We’re old friends now and tonight I was thrilled that they came and kept my poor, miserable, insecure self company.  Thanks y’all.   I owe you big time!!!     The evening was just fabulous until Cindy (Stalker #1) decided to knock over an expensive glass vase with her huge purse thus causing everyone to turn around and stare at us.   Luckily the vase didn’t break – thank God!!!!!!   Cindy and V – y’all are the best stalkers in the world, a blogger couldn’t ask for anything better and I mean it from my heart!  I love y’all!!

 

image Mecox – new to Highland Village in Houston.  If you haven’t been, go.  You’ll love it. 

 

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From BeeLine Home – the famous scalloped edged sofa in velvet.  The lamp, table and throw are BeeLine Home, too, as are the crewel pillows - V. really loved those!

 

 

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The Ebony Anglo coffee table is a knock out in person.   I can see Bunny using this in her house in Punta Cana – read what I wrote about it here.

 

 

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Bunny’s BeeLine Home logo was on the matchboxes.  Too cute.

 

 

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OK, what is it????  Any clue?

 

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It’s for the powder room – to secret away rolls of toilet paper!    Great idea!   

 

 

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A BeeLine Home chair – love the fabric on this.

 

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Ms. Williams flashing her adorable dimples. 

 

Need you even ask?    Of course I was too shy to take a picture with her.  Remember when I told you that I had finally conquered a lifetime of shyness – well, I think I need to go back to school.    Boy, I really am the shyest, most insecure person in the world and tonight proved it!  I mean – I had a million things to tell Bunny – things she REALLY needed to hear from me!!!!    Important things like – her book “An Affair With a House” is my second favorite design book after John Stefanidis’ own “Living By Design.”  “And by the way” (I would have asked her this if I wasn’t such a shy dork) “were you inspired by Stefanidis’ book when you wrote your own?”    Oh, I had a list of things to talk to her about – her husband, John Rosselli, for example.   I would have told her how wonderful he is (as if she needs ME to tell her that)  – what an inspiration he is with his lighting and furniture lines.    She’ll just have to wait for another time to hear all my pearls of wisdom.   Cindy and V. don’t have to wait – they get to hear my great b.s. whenever they want!

 

 

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The famous Cote de Texas stalkers, great friends, and the sweetest people in the world.  Cindy, the klutz, on the left, and V. on the right, working on her second toddy.

 

 

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That’s right, big shot,  hide behind that huge ol’ camera acting like you are an older version of another inquiring photographer:  

 

 

 

 

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I’ll bet SHE would have had the nerve to ask Bunny what Sister Parish REALLY was like!!!

51 comments :

  1. Heee. Joni, you are so funny! Looks like a fun night, and everyone needs a great group of stalkers to hang out with!

    Arties tablescape is lovely...what a tribute, eh?

    off to sleep girl! Me? just waking.

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  2. I never noticed the uncanny resemblance between you and Jackie Kennedy before!! :-)

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  3. Joni, how sweet of Artie to dedicate that lovely and charming tablescape, huh? It is adorable! Needless to say I love the skirted table and crisp white slipovers. That gives another inspiration for a next slipcover. It really is chic! Wishing a great day! Vanessa

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  4. Haha, I KNOW you're not shy -maybe just down deep you second guess yourself. Well stop that! How fun to have been there and meet Bunny - it sounds like a really fun evening!

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  5. I just popped over to see the table scape, what a brilliant job he did! You should be so flattered! What a wonderful honor to meet & greet with Ms.Williams, another favorite of mine. Wow Joni, you had better sit back and recooperate! What a whirlwind evening! Thanks for sharing!
    Leslie

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  6. Stalker friend are great- looks like fun at Mecox, what a beautiful line of furniture. Oh and Arties table for you- stunning!

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  7. * Yes, friends n' family ~~~ THAT'S what life's REALLY all about~~~ (And YOURS sounds like such F*U*N!!!)~

    SO very nice to read such an "upper" this early (5:50 a.m.) in the day!

    Thanks, Joni!!!
    Linda in AZ *

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  8. Joni - NEXT time you'll talk to her. The images are great! Joni Webb, girl reporter.

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  9. You are just too funny, Joni! You must have been absolutely star struck! Glad to hear that you had a ball. Also, didn't Artie do a great job! Blog friends are amazing and so kind. I'm glad to include you as one of my favorites!
    GSG

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  10. Joni, you are too much! I know we would be great friends...move to Kansas City!! Wow I love those pillows and your honorary tablescape.

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  11. Hey V. is that a "Sally bracelet" I see peeking under your sleeve??? Looking good, girl!
    Sally W.

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  12. This is why we all love and adore you, because you are so authentic!! Everyone has these kinds of moments because we are human, and you are always generous enough to share them!!
    xo
    Maria

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  13. It's so hard for me to imagine you being shy....you are so incredibly gifted and smart......but I love most that you can laugh at yourself about it. I think the Ropund Table is going to help you but out!

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  14. JONI...so good to see you last night!!! And, I have to 'fess up. It was NOT C, but V!!! whose huge bag made the commotion. Mecox folks could NOT have been more gracious; as was Bunny.
    Oh, SALLY W. - YES! Good eye! :)

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  15. I love your blog. I'm not sure how I even found it, but it's a stop of mine each day as I sip my coffee. I've been relocated (by my husband!) to Natchitoches, Louisiana - home of Steel Magnolias, and french influence galore (our street signs are accented with fleur de lis!). My 8-year old daughter is smitten with everything french! I am so inspired and in love with your style - it's so refreshing to find beautiful french inspired design in the south. Thank you - I'll be here!!

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  16. Well Joni...those are 2 of my best buds..and then you make 3 of the nicest friends I never met! LOL So glad you got together again. Looks like a fun evening.

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  17. I have to go over & see Artie's whole post but it's so you!!

    So glad you got to see your "stalker" freinds again & it looks like y ou had a great time!! Next time, you must drink another toddy & go talk to Bunny!!!
    xoxo

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  18. Joni, you are such a sweet one! It was great seeing you again last night.

    Hey! bring out the "girls from the burbs" and you never know what you'll get. LOL

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  19. Joni, thank you so much for posting that tablescape here. I hope I really did you proud. Lots of sewing ... I think I need lessons, but it all paid off. Thanks again, and you're welcome for brunch in the falls - anytime! :)

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  20. I completely understand the shy issue and the fact that (although we are in recovery) it grabs you by the tail at times. I'm sure that you'll have another opportunity to talk with Bunny Williams--she'll probably email you and ask to interview you! Loved this post, especially the outsized patterned crewel pillows. (I would rather have Fortuny--but these are great) Thanks for all of your work.

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  21. Joni, you are too cute! I hope that you have sent a link to this post to Bunny Williams. She would probably get a kick out of reading it. :)

    Artie's tablescape brought a big smile to my face this morning. What a nice tribute. :)

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  22. If anyone is sweet is you. I love Ms. Williams furniture line.

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  23. I love that sneaky photo of you. How GORGEOUS is that sofa and pillows. god, I'm dying over that whole ensemble.

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  24. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it, but I am glad you had fun. Don't you just love Mecox? Bunny's line looks amazing! I met your stalkers at the Urban Market and they were super sweet. :)

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  25. LOVE the Miss Bunny! Did you tell Bunny that I said Hello?! Did I tell you we've been to her house featured on "An Affair with a House" and she even mentioned the event on pg. 188 of her book (just went and looked it up;)- the May 18th that it snowed at her Trade Secret benefit show? We stood right there in that FABULOUS barn and chatted with her for the longest time,telling her that we had come from Texas to the show and she actually invited us back!!! (Maybe we'll go ring her door since we live so much closer now!!) And I DO have a photo with her!! I did feel a little silly asking, but she was amazingly gracious, kind and lovely.
    And to only make the day better Michael Trapp was there selling his fabulous finds too! John was there and all the dogs were running all over the place-- it was a perfect day!!
    Oh, and yes I know I've already told you.... as it's my only claim to design royalty!!
    Fun post! And cute, fun stalkers! joan

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  26. Artie is so talented. He never ceases to amaze me.

    The Bee line pieces look beautiful. I have to stop by Mecox here in L.A. and see if they have any of them yet.
    I met Bunny Williams a couple of times at her book signings hosted by Suzanne Rheinstein at Hollyhock.
    I was so star struck both times when I met her. I just kept going on and on about goodness knows what. I'm sure she feared for her life!

    xo
    Brooke

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  27. I love Bunny and her new line. Actually, I have talked to her before. She is very sweet and loves to talk about her dogs...one of which she adopted in my city!!

    You stalker friends look delightful, even if they can be destructive!!

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  28. Joni I can't imagine you are shy!

    I love Bunny Williams. An Affair With a House is at the top of my favorites list!

    I was by Artie's earlier. Wonderful tablescape!

    Thanks so much for the sidebar note! I appreciate it.

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  29. Love Artie's table landscaping inspired from you. I didn't realized that I inspired from your skirted table and gorgeous chairs which I seen from your past posts.

    Your great inspiration! Thanks for sharing...

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  30. You are too funny. Now, what you have to develop wit your stalker friends is the "wing man" mentality. I was too shy to ask actor Chris Cooper for a photo with him, so a friend went to meet him with me and she had the camera. So, she asked - can we get a pic with you? Works every time! A little nugget from moi to toi!

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  31. Miss bunny .....great

    Gina from Germany




    View Mine

    Gina from Germany

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  32. Oh, you seem to be having a lot of fun. Great share

    Nicolette
    http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com

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  33. Awwh Joni, I had to fight back a mini jealous fit, you are too funny, but seriously I felt a moment of envy, you've got some real entertainment with your stalkers, I wished for a while I would not just labor along without so much as talking to the contractors...Well I stop feeling sorry for myself already!
    Love!
    Victoria

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  34. Joni,
    You are a riot! And quite honestly I probably would have wussed out too! ;) I love your cute stalkers, glad we got to see their faces!!!
    E

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  35. How cool is Artie?? You are so hilarious Joni. I am so happy to hear of all your wild and happy adventures!!
    FYI fellow cotedetexas friends, zebra rug on sale at PB for 8 days (brown and white synthetic).
    Joni from Dallas

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  36. Joni!
    You are too funny....your purse looks like quite a large bag too...heehee. What fun friends you have and it looks like a great store.
    Now listen YOU....just stop that.....being so shy. You have NO reason in the world to be. Just don't worry one little bit about what OTHER people think...your friends know and love you and that's ALL that matters. The way I always look at it is people are judging me then they just don't have enough of a life and need to get one.
    hugs...
    xo

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  37. As a fellow hide behind the lenser all I can say is....great images. I love Bunny's line & quietly emailed photos of those very pillows to my aunt with only my birthdate in the title line.
    & remember darling...the greatest artist are the ones who don't think they are....uhh thats you!!!!

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  38. Joni are you sure you don't have some Aussie somewhere in those Southern genes of yours? All too funny girl, promise you won't ever lose your wonderful sense of the ridiculous. My favourite Bunny creation of all time still remains that amazing Hen-House/Dovecote that John made for her on their farm. Never have I seen anything as stylish for a bumch of 'chooks' in my whole life. Totally awesome.
    Millie ^_^

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  39. Your self-portraits are great (a la Hitchcock, who always appeared in his movies)and they could become a diary of your blogging, telling a story of places you went to. Fun!
    I love to listen to the Skirted girls...

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  40. Oh, how lovely!!

    You're in my blogroll now :)

    Thank you!

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  41. Hahaha...Too funny Joni! I do know exactly how you feel. I have to force myself to introduce myself....but so glad do. It always surprises me when people have heard of my blog. I am naturally really shy too. I got to meet Barbara Barry not long ago and I was afraid my palms were going to be sweaty when shaking her hand. She was so gracious though. She never mentioned it as she wiped her palm on her cocktail napkin (just kidding). And do you stress over what to wear to these things? Here we are "design" bloggers meeting other designers and such....I always think I am not wearing the newest hippest fashion or something.

    Looks like you had a blast, and I LOVE that toilet paper hide-out. :)

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  42. LOL I would have been the same way...totally tongue tied. :-) An Affair with a House is one of my favorite, favorite books and if you said Living by Design is even better...well,I gotta have it. I just ordered in off Amazon...and it's all your fault! :-)

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  43. You are too funny.

    That chair!!! I want it!!

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  44. Oh my goodness, I read your blog all the time, but was I ever surprised to see your stalker Cindy. You see, I work at a fab antique store on St Simons Island, GA. Your Cindy shopped at my store a month or so ago. She told me how addicted she is to your blog, and I agreed. Then I see her pic on your blog. SMALL world, from one coast to another...almost. Thanks for your great inspirations.

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  45. Artie..ben is such a sweetie and a talent, isn't he? (Actually it was thru his Blog that I had found the link for yours.)

    Always enjoying your expertise and wit......plus thanks for the tour of Mecox.

    -Brenda-

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  46. I must have the scalloped edged sofa!!! GORGEOUS! Joni, you are really becoming ultra famous!!! I am a stalker too...but from a far!!! ha ha!! LOVE your blog!

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  47. Looks like a fun store. I'll have to check it out. But I keep saying I will go to Mitchel-Gold too and haven't yet. Thanks for the heads up. Great pics!

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  48. i wanted to come to this..just drove by there on Wed and finally realize where the store is located..only you would have such cute stalkers!;;

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  49. I love Bunny too but it's Sister Parish who I would REALLY love to meet. I've read articles she's written and her daughter Apple's book and she was a true character.

    There use to be the cutest store in (I think) Highland Village that I use to go visit when in Houston visiting my brother & SIL..Hamricks? Or Pat Hamricks? My memory is horrible.

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  50. Hi Joanie-
    I just added you to my blog - www.karensugarmandesigns.blogspot.com - and created a post. Hope you will take a look to see the six degress of separation regarding yourself, Bunny Williams, Sister Parish, the "Vanity Columns" and myself!

    I adore your blog but very seldom comment. This one was just too coincidental for me to pass up!

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  51. Jackie Kennedy knew first hand what Sister Parish was like when she decorated the White House. which is why she fired Sister and brought in Stéphane Boudin of Maison Jansen. According to Sister Parish's obituary, "There have been persistent reports that Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Parish -- who could be blunt and acerbic -- had a falling-out over the White House. As Town & Country magazine recounted it in 1988, the First Lady 'fired Sister for telling little Caroline to keep her feet off the upholstery. Sister would later describe the experience in explicit, harsh terms.'"

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