This past weekend I had an amazing time in Asheville, NC firming up event plans (which btw way is ONE month away! Eeeek!)

Everything is coming along beautifully and Im busy making all the final preparations for the magical weekend.

 

I was also told that the leaves at the very top of the mountains are starting to change colors right now so that is a wonderful sign that we will have PEAK foliage in mid October. This will make the scenery all the more beautiful.

These are a few shots of the farm.

 

Long gravel driveway. 

 

 

Sweet farm animals.

 

I tried to stay away from this guy. He doesn't look too happy. If I remember correctly Alpacas spit? Right?

 

 

Picture's definitely don't do it justice!

 

 

 

While visiting Asheville I had the lovely invitation to stay the weekend at my fellow artist and friend Penny Carlson's home.

 

 

Penny and her sweet husband Kent opened up their beautiful home to me and were the most gracious hostess all weekend long.

 

 

Penny is a mosaic tile artist and refinishes old flea market finds. She also turns drab  pieces of furniture into lust worthy beautiful pieces. 

I own two gorgeous pieces that Penny created and that is how we formed our friendship.

Her work is stunning!

 

This is a peek of her studio.

 

Im thrilled that Penny will be a vendor at the Once Upon A Dream Welcome/Vendor Market night.

 

These are a few pieces she's completed and will be selling. Just a few photos to wet your whistle! 🙂

 

Goooorgeous!!!

 

Beautiful picnic basket.

 

 

 

 

 

Darling decorative step stool.

 

 

 

 

Im coveting these pieces! hee! hee!

 

Penny rolled out the red carpet for me. We spent late afternoons in her peaceful backyard and dining under the stars.

 

 

 

 

I had a terrific view of the garden while enjoying my dinner. Every now and than we would spot the pesky furry mole that runs to and from the garden. Penny and Kent are determined to catch the critter. He's enjoying the garden way too much!

 

 

 

This pretty sign that's displayed in the garden was hand painted by Natasha Burns. 

Lovely isn't it?

 

Penny cooked every evening. I truly felt spoiled.

We always enjoyed a yummy appetizer before dinner.

 

 

Mmmm…so good!!!

 

 

 

These napkins rock!!!

 

Saturday Penny and I spent all day long hitting the antique shops and exploring downtown Hendersonville. 

Penny and I both found some great finds!

 

Cute lamb salt and pepper shakers.

 

Sweet vintage millinery bonnet.

 

Can't have enough little shabby roses pitchers.

 

Precious vintage children's books that I got at a super deal!

I adore the illustrations.

 

 

 

This pretty summery aqua and white dress I found at a consignment shop.

It's a Trina Turk dress and practically brand new.

I paid $16 for it! Whoo-hoo! 

 

 

 

My favorite finds of the day were a pair of ceramic pink poodles.

I have them displayed on my kitchen table next to the candle sticks.

 

My overall visit to Asheville was just wonderful and lots of fun.

I enjoyed spending quality time Penny and feeling super productive and prepared for Octobers event.

 

I'll be taking a wee blog break for the next week or two. LOTS to do between now and mid October.

 

I'll definitely pop in soon to say "Hi"!

 

Wishing you all a fabulous, inspiring, and creative week!

 

XOXO,