Seasoned Citizens at Villa at Morlatton

I vowed I would write once a week...but the best laid plans...well you know...

I recently visited the Villa at Morlatton with a dear friend who is considering that life-style at this stage of her life...she is a very young and spirited 85..but she will soon be surrendering her drivers licence and thought this would be a wonderful alternative to her town home in Boyertown. She is a life long resident of Pottstown so the visit was fun for her as we ran into many of her old friends. It was clear to me that this was a great idea.

I have often driven past this facility, but had not given much thought to what was inside. So it was a pleasant surprise to learn of all the amenities this facilities offers their residents. The public areas where wonderfully designed and decorated with rich draperies and wonderful upholstered furniture everywhere..and the 2 story atrium in the lobby was bright and pleasant even on the stormy day when we visited.
It was obvious that their design goal was to provide warm and inviting surroundings that would encourage socializing. I noticed a large game room with wonderful tables and chairs for card games, a library stocked with books, a room for crafting and hobbies. The best surprise was the wonderful courtyards and formal gardens behind the building...water falls, ponds pergolas and patios...so very inviting.

Our trip was successful in that my friend has made a deposit on her new home. We are now working on what she will take to her new home and how we will design her new fabulous suite...she is so very excited about this move and I am pleased that there is such a wonderful place for our fabulous Seasoned Citizens

Post script..color and history..

Ah, the first rule of blogging...keep it simple and short...well my last blog had 3 distinct color thoughts..I was rambling..and apologize.

I had more time to research the Dewey Color System over the weekend. They have a wonderful web site where you can actually take a test. I was amazed by my personalized report after the short test. It was fun and so accurate, that I was a bit stunned for a minute. I recommend it.. if just for fun or perhaps if you are thinking of a change and willing to think out of the box. www.deweycolorsystem.com and you will see a link for the short test.

I think when doing this it would be wise to do it fast without to much thinking or rationalizing. Just click your selections and see what comes back.. Would love to hear back on what you think.

Color: Historic signs of improvement.

I recently stumbled upon a new color theory developed by Human Resource Managers. It was hailed as a new tool for matching personality type with job type. In their research, the authors of the Dewey Color System discovered that our personal color preferences seem to be a reliable indicator of personality as it relates to work style. Introverted or Outgoing. "Works better in structured environment or works best without supervision". All very fascinating.

I have know for years that we express how we feel about our lives with the colors we choose to surround ourselves with...Just look at the wardrobe of the corporate America with it somber "Power" suits and then look at the wardrobe of the artisans and gallery owners...free spirited and colorful..optimistic.

You can also trace the historic mood of the country with the colors of the time. The opulent Victorians could not get enough color on their homes. Then the Craftsmen movement that followed wanted only the true colors found in nature and much more understated..and of course there was the depression when survival trumped self expression..frugality is a dull grey palette.

So, I was thrilled the other day when browsing through new editions of my favorite home fashion magazines. A color we have not seen in the Home Furnishing and Fashion Palate for at least 5 years was Everywhere... It is the color of hope, security and prosperity.

The National Color Council has been responsible for the colors in our lives for many years. Their recommendations are put in motion several years in advance. They influence clothing, home furnishings, automotive and industrial manufactures and what is offered us. After the sudden crash of the financial system in 2007, we were stuck with the watery and light hearted hues projected during the 'feel good' Pre-crash days. And our "instant mood change" left us longing for solid, true and familiar colors. I observed that many people who where in a place to make purchases in the last 2 years, wanted the strong and solid colors, only to find many shades of beige, watery blues, dusty greens, and muted tones...and black.

The good news....The big new color is... Blue...wonderful, deep, rich Blue. From rich Azures and Lapis' to our favorite Navies...and lots of deep, saturated Forest Greens in all shades..Nothing muted or understated. These are the colors that make us feel good. Solid, Stable and Optimistic. Is this a sign that things are improving?...It works for me..but then I am a practitioner of positive thinking..

After Katrina

When I hear the name Katrina it is a painful reminder of the historic events of Labor day weekend 2005. I don't have a life experience to know the pain and suffering endured by the people of the lower 9Th on the days after the storm, but I can try to imagine.

So when my latest edition of O Magazine arrived with a story about Brad Pitt and his Make it Right Foundation, I hesitated a bit, not wanting to re-visit those emotions. But when I finally read the article and then checked the website, I was elated with what they are doing. . I was amazed by the beautiful structures and all the innovations built into these homes. The foundation is designing and building beautiful Eco sustainable homes that will eventually be available to build for $150,000. It is a working experiment of sorts, with talented Architects and Builders using new and better building products and systems. I loved Mr. Pitt's quote "We don't just want to make homes that are 'less bad'for the environment. We want them instead to have an environmental benefit."

These homes are esthetically pleasing in their modernness, produce their own electricity and have rain water storage systems to prevent runoff water. They also use carpets, paints and other finishing elements that are free of harmful chemicals. And you can see the happiness (and healthiness) of the new owners. But what is also important is the return of the vibrancy of these communities. These were working class neighborhoods with deep family roots. These folks owned their homes and cared for their neighbors and it was so nice to see the apparent pride and happiness return to people who suffered so much.

Right now the technology is only available for this project in New Orleans...Hopefully, someday soon, we will have homes like these in our little corner of the world. Thank you Mr. Pitt www.makeitrightnola.org

Walking at Welkinweir

What a perfect day to explore the former estate of Everett and Grace Rodabaugh, the founders of the Green Valley Association. It was Monday and I was the only visitor this morning. The quiet woods and gardens were stunning with lush foliage and colorful perennials all set off with beautiful puffy white clouds the bright blue sky...it was a perfect late summer day...I was hoping to see the inside of the historic mansion but could only peek in the windows for a teaser glimpse at the past. It is only open to the public on Mothers day and for a holiday open house in Early December. I have already marked my calender for those dates and for a Fall visit to savor the autumn colors..

The 197 acre property is a mix of meadows, formal gardens, arboretum, pond, wetlands and water fall. Many of the trees and shrubs are labeled for your reference. The fabulous stone mansion is overlooking the large pond. A spectacular view to be savored in any season. Welkinweir is located on Prizer road off route 100 just south of the route 23 intersection. There are gentle hiking trails though out the property and many wonderful spots for a rustic picnic. Of course if you "pack it in..you must pack it out," but so worth it..the property is well kept but not formally manicured as is Longwood Gardens.

This is a spot you will want to visit over and over again.. in spring,summer,fall and even winter..it is truly spectacular..take your camera and wear walking shoes and please make a cash donation for the upkeep. Now..go enjoy Mother Nature at her finest...for more information go to www.greenvalleys.org

Wilkinweir..explored

I have to appologize to all my reader...I got caught up in life and neglected to blog this week...I am getting the hang of this....One of my readers...Mogallant..suggested the Wilkinwier estatate/gardens...so that is where I am headed tomorrow...you can find out more about it at www.greenvalley.org...I know a bit about the history...but I will tell you more after my trip tomorrow...the weather is expected to be good and I will relish the free time to be be inspired...talk with you all soon..

Its all about the details..

I recently had time to dine at 2 of the area's newer restaurants. I chose each one because I love the architectural detail and ambiance of each. I knew from previous visits to both that their food and ambiance was terrific..You see I don't go out just to eat. I am a good cook and can feed myself quit nicely at home. In my college days I worked for fine restaurants to support myself...and learned "customer service" from award winning restauranteurs....I dine out to enjoy the setting and experience with friends.

What struck me in both recent experiences, is that both owners had gone to great expense with the restoration of their buildings, the decor of their establishments and their hiring of fine chefs. What they neglected to look at, and address, was the people presenting their wonderful creations and how that effects the total experience..and in the hospitality business, as in retail or any other business, it is about people and grace and style. In both cases the wait person was not informed of menu items, or of the kitchens/managements style and not properly trained in the art or service..Not their fault...

I had brought friends ( i.e. new customers) to both restaurants...there is a saying in retail that for every unhappy customer..there will be ten people that they will tell...ten lost sales..

Being a business owner who frequently brings contractors into homes of clients to preform services...I am very sensetive to how my clients are treated...my subcontractors make my business, just like the wait staff can make or break a restuarant. If there is a problem, then it is my problem and I have not done my job. . and I have had my share of "problems." After years of experiance, I have learned that you have to invest time with all the people you have representing you company and that when you take the time to train and empower you employees to do their best..they love it and will make you proud.

My Point in all this is not to find fault with local business.. but to bring the Art of Design and Style to the forfront of all businesses. No matter what the product we sell ..if we are not putting our very best efforts forward in all aspects of our business..then we are wasting money and shortchanging the clients we want to keep.

THE GOOD NEWS..
After my second experiance..I emailed the management of one of the restaurants...I took the attitude that they where not aware and explained my experiance without judgement..and thankfully.. I recieved a wonderful email back thanking me. I am so pleased because I really like that place...and hope to return soon... knowing I will have a better experiance... I will now email the other restauranteur with my concerns ...I want to live in a town that has lots of really great places and people to experiance...
IT REALLY IS ALL ABOUT DESIGN..HOW YOU DESIGN YOUR BUSINESS..