Pastures of Heaven

Yesterday I went to the Salinas Valley to revisit a home that I have done some sewing for through a very talented designer, Cindy Hattersley. You can see more of her work on her blog, Villa Cantina.



I was near Castle Rock which is mentioned in John Steinbeck’s book Pastures of Heaven.( I need to read that book.)
I got some pictures of some of my work: pillows, window seat and window shade.



Another window seat with pillows and shade.

 

A slipcovered chair with pleats. Oh how I love pleats on a slipcover.

A pleated chair cushion:

And although I made the large pillows in this last picture, I am including it mostly because I love the bird nest paintings above the bed.

 I came home with two pages of notes and measurements for some new projects. Yea!

Over the river and through the cacti.

One of the interior designers that I work for lives in Chular, 10 miles south of Salinas. It’s a beautiful drive to her house, so I enjoy making the trip once in a while. I always see scenes out her way that I think would be fun to paint, but usually forget to take my camera. Last time I didn’t forget and got some great photos. This little prickly pear patch is around the corner from her house.
I enjoyed working on this painting and am looking forward to carving out some more painting time.
The husband and I are in an informal book club with a few other couples and we just read Sweet Thursday, a follow up book to Cannery Row by Steinbeck. It was really fun to read the stories and colorful descriptions of the places so close to home. It feels more and more like I am driving through a painted landscape when I travel through the area.

journey

A few days ago I went on a journey. I loaded my car and headed South. I drove past the Giant Artichoke:





past a pungent green onion harvest, admired a beautiful green victorian house in the middle of farmland flatness,




and ended up at the foot of Steinbeck's Castle Rock. I have not read this book (Pastures of Heaven), but it was fun to be there.




I unloaded this slipcovered chair from my car, and took a picture of this chaise that I slipcovered earlier:




On the way home I went to my favorite antique/collectible store down the street from the Giant Artichoke, but it had a big padlock on the door. I consoled myself by going into a couple of antique stores across the road from the giant smoke-stacks, but I didn't buy anything. I got home in time to put in a few more hours of work.