amanda briggs at dear ada

hot geranium

Our garden was featured as a part of the Garden Conservancy open days program a couple of years ago which was fun. We were happy to open our garden to the public for such a great organization plus it gave us a good deadline to work towards on some bigger projects. The day arrived and the skies literally opened with such a deluge, I was sure that no one would venture out. It poured and poured and poured, plus it was absolutely freezing out too. But gardeners are a hardy bunch, so in spite of the weather tons of people of showed up (even a tour bus from Vancouver BC arrived which was a bit daunting). People wandered around with wellies and umbrellas full of questions and nice compliments. Plus we some got great tips from people who visited too. Like the recomendation of this great (of course I can't remember the variety) hardy geranium that adds a tangy heat to the cool greens and dark burgundies that serve as the backdrop to the entire garden. If you have an open garden program in your neighborhood or city, I'd highly recommend checking it out. It's a great way to see what other gardeners are doing to get some new ideas as well as some wonderful examples of what you surely want to avoid.

keep showing up

I've been thinking about the power of consistency. How people will test a situation, an authority, a new rule and if they can't tear it down or undermine it after a while, they just stop. Showing up, over and over again, being true to your word, being just plain reliable is a source of great influence.

It's the same thing with dogs. If you stick to your guns and remain consistent with saying sit and off, your dog is happier. And more accepting. It's hard to remain strong when they are so cute and charming, but in the end, they want to know who's boss. And it's better when it's you and not them.

Every time I go back to my favorite blogs and see that they are still there, still writing entries, I feel good. I like the idea that there are smart people out there, thinking and writing and sharing. It's very comforting.

tortoise, L.A.

And speaking of cool shops in L.A. on my last trip there I found this great shop on Abbot Kinney called Tortoise. Oh my god. So great. Sophisticated, modern, everyday, special Japanese objects for the home. I particularly loved these cast iron bird and animalpaperweights. And I loved their motto, "long and steady". Reliability is a good thing I think. I would definitely recommend a look-see.

hollywood feet

I was born in Los Angeles, so maybe that's why I like it so much. I haven't lived there for a million years but I visit for work fairly often which is great. I get my fix of warmth and coolness and relaxed intensity which feels so right to me. Such studied disinterest and casualness. I always feel amused by L.A. Plus I love the shops and art and beach and grafitti. L.A. makes me feel happy.

I always think Hollywood Regency when I think of L.A. At least the Kelly Wearstler form of it. Plus there is a great Jonathan Adler store on Melrose, so I always mistakenly think that he's from there to. Anyway, another great Hollywood Regency-esque store on Robertson in L.A. is Tory Burch. It's so cool! Hollywood Regency for the body, though I hear she's going into home furnishings soon. In this months Elle Decor there is a nice write up about Tory Burch and her undying love for David Hicks. She is open about her admiration and well, the clear inspiration she takes from his work. She's carrying these fabulous ballet flats that feel like Hollywood Regency for your feet. I want them. So groovy. And for me, so L.A.

fabulous blazer

A good linen blazer is a good addition to the perfect uniform and J.Crew has a wonderful one this season. I'm beginning to feel like a commercial for them, but it's really not on purpose. They just are doing a great job as far as the perfect uniform is concerned. I liked this blazer so much I got two (I can hear my dear husband saying one of his many goofy phrases at this point: "take two, they're small"). Anyway, I'm learning that when you find something that works just right, it can be a good idea to get two. Saves time and makes it easy to extend the grooviness. Perfect.

cat screams in his mind.

Sometimes a good doodle is the only way to survive a meeting.

XO UXUS

My great friend George Gottl and his partner Oliver Michell from UXUS, have just been written up in this months Frame magazine for their design of the new Oililly shop in Antwerp. As always, George is doing amazing, inspiring, clever work. Honestly, one of the most talented and fresh thinking people I know, it's not surprising that George and his company are taking the design world by storm. Check out their site, especially the wonderful UXUS bloom section. So sweet and brilliant. I XO UXUS.

pretty in pink.

I really like this photo I found on flickr. Oh no, another fabulous form of entertainment from the web.

and speaking of roses..

oh my god!

early summer in spring

It's only May and the garden is in full bloom. A week of temperatures in the 70's, 80's and even one day in the 90's, seems to have truly jump started the season. And the scent of all the roses in bloom is divine.