things

In retrospect, not only did the downstairs of Casita Alegria feel creepy, so did the upstairs. The curved steps in the entry that wound their way up to the second level ended at an empty, shallow [...]

The magical remodel of Casita Alegria’s lower level was finally complete. The old adobe allowed me to remove both walls of the creepy hallway to expand the tiny kitchen and family room on either [...]

I loved the way Casita Alegria’s chunky chocolate brown lintels defined the adobe’s entryway, where a flamboyant spiral staircase literally floated up to the second floor. But the scrawny [...]

For much of my adult life I dreamt of buying an old adobe in Northern New Mexico. Finally, one crisp summer night in the tiny town of Galisteo, a few miles southeast of Santa Fe, I shared my [...]

Like all things in life, this painting has a story. Several years ago, I was staying at Doris Day’s famous dog friendly hotel in Carmel, The Cypress Inn, with my husband, Marshall, and Texas [...]

The couple found a home on an island whose layers hugged a lush green hillside by a brilliant blue sea. Perched on a narrow windy road near the island’s ridge, a curved stairway led down to the [...]

I love homes that are soulful, but I also adore rooms that make you smile. With the world as crazy as it is these days, who couldn't use a little sense of humor or playfulness to greet you when [...]

The couple met in their thirties in Houston. He took her to a gem and mineral show on their first date. He had started collecting and wanted to impress her with his knowledge. But her father was [...]

The first time I discovered black was when I became terrified of blue, yellow, green, pink, red and orange. That may sound crazy to some of you who know me. But I had finally met my match when [...]

Even though it’s still sunny and warm here in Northern California and our last heat wave of the season is behind us (we hope!), I can feel the subtle change in the air that lets me know autumn is [...]