Happy Father's Day!

Okay, so there was this guy that I met a couple of years after moving to Atlanta from Little Rock.  I will never forget it!  I was working part-time at the Limited to help supplement the few modeling jobs I was getting while trying to become established.  Let's see, back then I was with L'Agence.  Long time ago!  Anyhoo, one of the managers that I worked with had to help out a different store with their grand re-opening and when she and I worked together again, she waxed on and on about this guy she had met!  Her name was Mandi Allen.  I didn't know it then, but Mandi would play an integral role in my life! 

I was stocking one of the earring towers when Mandi says quite loudly, "Hey Pete, this is Rhonda!"  I turn around and see this guy dressed in a pair of nicely pressed trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a necktie with this goofy grin on his face.  Back then that was the attire of the IBMer's that worked out in the field!  I, of course, say hello, but turn quickly to continue the intricate work of stocking those earrings!  I'm thinking to myself, "Really Mandi, this is who you've been going on and on about!  Really!  I mean he's cute and all, but just a little too on the nice side!"  As you see my friends, like so many young women, I was more interested in the bad boy!  You know the ones that you know are so not good for you, or himself for that matter!  Ohhh, to be young and foolish!  So a little time passed and Pete and I finally went out, though just as friends!  I mean come on, I'm not blind, he was cute and he was a lot of fun!  We truly had the best times together!  Just as friends!  We continued to "hang out" and one evening I accompanied him to a basketball game, he played in this IBM league, and he was really good!  I was impressed!  But not as impressed as I was after seeing him, after the game, remove his wet, sweaty shirt to put on a clean, dry one!  I literally thought I was in a cartoon!  My eyes had come completely out of my head and went to the other side of the court!  My! My! My!  Definitely a game changer!!!

Well, he and I married October 22, 1994, almost 2 years exactly from the time we met!  And guess what?  We're still going strong!  He is not only an amazing husband, partner, and friend, he is an incredible dad!  Our children are so blessed to have him!  When I decided to go back to school a couple of years ago, he never missed a beat picking up the slack and making sure none of the balls, he now had to juggle, fell to the ground!  Mandi saw what I couldn't see at the time was this courageous, spirited, strong, compassionate, funny, inspiring, determined, dedicated, and fine (and I truly mean fine!), man that I am blessed beyond deserving, to have as my children's dad!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*Quote

P.S.  Thanks Mandi Allen!!!



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A Rip Van Winkle Moment! Friday Already...

Are you kidding me!  It seems I was just composing my Happy Friday posting from last week and now it's already a week later!  Where did all the time go?  I know I didn't sleep it away because I can remember everyday being chocked full of the daily grind!  You know, work, kids, errands, household stuff, and oh yeah, more work!  Although, I didn't have a Rip Van Winkle moment, it sure feels as though I did!  I do so enjoy my bedroom enough to where I could definitely try to have such a moment!  I just wouldn't want to wake up any older than I am already!  I would want to wake up either exactly the same, really!  Well, maybe with a tweak or two here or there!

 

My ideal bedroom is one that first and foremost has the most comfortable bed and bedding.  The kind of bed that makes it challenging to get out of in the mornings and an absolute joy to get into when it's time to retire!  I love to read, so having a place for books, magazines, and my laptop is a must; as well as a great place to sit and read once I've pulled myself from the bed!  I mean really, I can't stay there all day!

 

Although I love sunlit rooms, I do enjoy one that can be dimly lit just a bit for those moments when I want to nap during the day or just retreat for a bit of peace and quiet.  I love being alone with my thoughts!  Honestly, I am sometimes the only company that I want to keep!  I don't have to talk, entertain, or be thoughtful!  I can just be! 

 

The idea of spaciousness in my bedroom is wonderful!  It would be so nice to be able to have a nice, comfortable area to linger knowing that the place where I dream is just footsteps away!  A bedroom that has a very lived in, collected energy is the best!  I am a little OCD and do prefer to have everything just so, but it would be my collected chaos and that makes it okay!

Here comes the sun!  Morning sunlight is the best!  Sometimes I will open my draperies and just lay there and drink it all in.  You know, just kinda gather myself and bask in the energy that is needed to get through what I know will be a pretty hectic day!  How do I know it will be hectic?  Well, it usually always is in some way or another!

I didn't mention anything about aesthetics because if my bedroom doesn't have many of the things that will make it enjoyable for me, then being beautiful is a utter waste!  Give me a bedroom that I can function in the way that I need to and long to and the prettiness will come!  That, my friends, we can work on!

Have the most restful weekend possible and...

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

*Images via my Pinterest board Bedrooms

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So Much Southern Charm...Interior Designer Kerry Howard!

I could kick myself!  I'd first seen him on season two of Bravo's Top Design, as well as a couple of events around the city; not to mention, even experienced his design at the high rise home tour at The Residences at The W Atlanta.  This event paired six of Atlanta's top design talents with six showrooms to create the most unique and imaginative living environments!  Kerry Howard was paired with Redefined Home Boutique and the collaboration was beautifully successful in invoking a home with a modern feminine air that had elements of southern charm, whimsy, and a discerning eye.  To read more about one of my new favorite designers click here, as featured in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle magazine!

Anyhoo, I attended an Emerging Professionals Camp, hosted by ASID, where Kerry Howard was the featured guest speaker.  He is one of the most genuine and endearing people that I've come across in quite a while!  Kerry is truly like a great big southern hug, sitting on the swing, on the front porch, drinking iced tea!  I was so captured listening to him speak about his beginnings in the interior design field and his experiences since!  This is a good guy who is incredibly funny with a sincere heart and genuine passion for what he does!  I enjoyed every moment!  Oh yeah, right, back to why I could kick myself!  Well, I wanted to introduce myself, of course!  I am usually so good about these things, but this time I was distracted by... who knows???  I can't remember!  There will be another time and when I see him again, I will introduce Mr. Kerry Howard to Ms. Rhonda E. Peterson! 

Make it AMAZING,

Rhonda

*via Atlanta Home and Lifestyle magazine            

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Inspiration For An Entry Wall

There is this wall in the entry of my latest project that is going to drive me bananas!  I want to do something really cool on it, but not too much because I don't want it to be overpowering to the person who walks through the front door!  However, I do want it to be that unexpected Ah, that makes one pause to take it all in and nod their head in an okay, this is a wonderful idea kinda way!  Oh my, what a balance to strike!

Country Living September, 2011

I truly never thought about using ceiling medallions like this!  I am wowed by this installation!  It makes a stunning impact painted the same color as the wall!  Such a fantastic idea that adds depth and interest to an otherwise sterile wall!  The room itself, with the lilac loveseat and hints of subtle color makes for quite a lovely and sedate space to sit and enjoy.

Martha Stewart.com

Frames in varying shapes, sizes and finishes is another great way to go!  Using this image as a spring board for my imagination, I was thinking of going a step further with this and maybe not using as many frames, but also adding a natural element inside of the frames.  I don't know really, but off the top of my head, something like moss, coral reef, twigs...There are so many things that can be done!  I guess I could use bud vases intermingled with the frames...Hmm the possibilities are endless!

Kelly Wearstler Interior Design

This is probably my favorite!  What a beautiful room divider!  Not exactly what I'm interested in it for, but great inspiration it is!  Even if I can't find this pattern exactly, I do have a friend that I could possibly collaborate with, if I buy the necessary materials, and construct something very close to this and hang on the wall.  Even if I did some type of lattice... Again, the possibilities truly are vast!

Thanks for stopping by Guys, and as always

make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

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There Is This Boy...

Happy Birthday to the guy that stole my heart and has had it every day since!  He is my dear, sweet Noah!  He is twelve years old today!  Wow!  Time has certainly flown by!  I wish I could write more about this amazing child, but I'm fighting back tears and a huge lump is in my throat even at the contemplation of all that I would say.  No one has affected me as much as my son and in as many ways.  I love him more than I can possibly express.  Happy Birthday, my Sweet, Sweet Boy!

This is who he is today...

This is who he will always be to me.

Make it AMAZING,

Rhonda

*Quotes via my Pinterest Words of Inspiration and Humor board



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Not Your Run Of The Mill Cabinetry!

Images of this kitchen are being pinned all over Pinterest and being featured everywhere in the blogosphere, and I am so thrilled to be able to go to the showroom here in Atlanta, Design Galleria at ADAC, that features these most exquisite workings and see for myself the incredible artistry that is the work of American renowned architect Peter Block!  He released this, his first line, last May and calls it the Belgian Collection.  It really is extraordinary as it is even more breathtaking paired with the selection of stunning white marble!  The quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail is evident in every door, drawer, knob, and hinge!  All things from which springs a kitchen of dreams!

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

Images via Peter Block Caseworks





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Let Me Tell Ya Bout My Best Friend!

I have never made any bones (Is that how that saying goes?  I need to call my mom!)  Anyhoo, I've never made any bones about how blessed I am!  No, please don't think this is one of those postings where I am making my life seem to be without it's hardships and challenges, because obviously it's not!  However, dwelling on things like that does nothing but keep you in bondage to it!  So as I was saying... I woke this morning, again as I've been blessed to do every morning, thinking about my time spent with my best friend, Tomeko Oates.  He and I became friends years ago while working at Louis Vuitton.  Now, there are many stories to tell of our time there, but for the sake of this posting, I won't!  We've been friends now for hmmm, ten years or so?  Seems so much longer!  We've seen each other through some truly difficult times!  We have witnessed moments in each others lives that would have made others spin on their heels and run for the hills!  But, we didn't!

When he and I spend time together, there is a song that plays in my head!  It's like my theme song!  I love the old classic shows from the 60's and 70's!  Could literally watch them all day!  They are just feel good shows!  I digress!  The name of the show is The Courtship of Eddie's Father.  Now, this show is about a widower and his son and their relationship, so the song really speaks to that; but where it strikes a cord with me is the happy, light-hearted, catchy chorus!  People let me tell ya bout my best friend!  I wish you guys could follow us around or be a fly on the wall for conversations!  Some would leave you with your mouths agape! Ha!  Some would make you shake your head in agreement!  Yes, Amen!  And some would make you cry.  We come down on each other when it's needed and we lift each other up constantly.  There are those that you can't share your happiness with because they will walk with you, but won't be for you.  There are those you can't share your trials with because they are glad you have them!  He's not one of them!  I have a very small circle that I allow to have access to my life and quite honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way!  Tomeko has a very special place with me that none of the others inhabit and the same applies for them!  I care for them dearly, appreciate them greatly, and am there for them in every way possible!  You get what you give!  You just have to be discerning with whom you give to!  When people show you who they are the first time, believe them!

I chose to place the above quote last because it is the last thing that I want you to read in this posting!  I have had experiences that I've tried to handle in my own strength, knowledge, and time that led to a place of isolation, confusion, and sometimes a lot of pain.  It wasn't until I acknowledged that I am not equipped to handle any of life's challenges and experiences on my own that things began to become clear in every area.  We need people in our lives!  Let God be the one to place them there!

Make everyday AMAZING!

Rhonda

*All quotes via my Pinterest board, Words of Inspiration and Humor



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