New Author in Town

It is amazing how many talented people live in our little area just off the Chesapeake Bay.  I blog about 20th century designers, but also about our area and the interesting people, who live here.  One of our friends, Bradley Stephens is extremely talented.  He is a Renaissance man in almost every aspect.  Brad has been know locally for his artistic abilities.  He writes plays and acts.  Evidently he has been writing books as well.  Recently he has published through Amazon four Novels.  I am currently in the process of working my way through these.  Each one is distinctly different from the other.  The characters are vivid and totally believable.  He structures his plots masterfully keeping the readers interest peaked.  We are so proud of him and of all that he has accomplished.

The first book that he publish is called "The Letter."  This is a mystery revolving around events that occurred years before and how this mystery was solved by a caring woman.  Another is "A Child Called Lazarus."  A child comes back to life possessing unnatural powers, and the effect of these on the characters in the book.   "Bird of Prey" is a thriller and the newest one is "Seagaw Island." 

I have done several other postings on this site about Brad.  You can search for these by entering Brad Stephens in search on this page.  There I talk about his unique eye and his folk art work.

Something other than 20th century design

We do 20th Century Design but we also live in a rural area of Virginia just off the Chesapeake Bay.  Having our business on line and on 1stdibs allows us to have a relaxed life style, that is when Lewis is not driving all across the country searching for all the wonderful pieces that we have in our shop.

This year Lewis helped me plant a mini vegetable garden.  He planted several zucchini plants. We wanted to make sure that we had enough.  How crazy is that!  Mid June the zucchini started to mature.  One day there would be a small zucchini and before we knew it it would triple over night.  I started searching for good recipes.  I have found several that I love, but I think the best by far is a recipe for zucchini muffins.

I took a basic recipe that I found on the web and did my own thing.  Lewis and our neighbor Christine loved them.

Zucchini Muffins

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1.5 cups grated zucchini (about 2 small to medium-size zucchini’s)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
1/3 cup canola oil
2 tsp. baking powder
Cinnamon and sugar for topping

I added .....More of these would be even better.....
1/4 cup minced crystallized ginger...
1/4 chopped walnuts
1/4 golden raisins....
I substituted pumpkin pie spice for the nutmeg.

preheat oven 375

About 20 to 30 Minutes...Watch for when the look done insert a sharp knife or toothpick...

The excitment is building....May Brimfield 2014

Hurray, it is almost time to go shop and experience all the fun at the Spring Brimfield Shows.  For several years I have gone to and exhibited at the various Brimfield fields of Antique Dealers.  I have also gone just to buy.  You never know what treasures are out there waiting for you to scoop them up.  No matter what type of items you love to collect you are likely to be able to find them at the Brimfield Antique Show.

Today my son, Chris Trimble is packing for the trip.  He shows at the Meadows on the main road that goes though the show.  He takes up his 18th century antiques, and his large collection of Indian arrow heads.  Chris a history buff himself ever since first studying history as a child living in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Some how he found that living where history was made, actually helped history come alive for him.

I loved to search out good art in the fields there. I was brought up in Norfolk, Va. among art as my parents owned and ran the first art gallery it that town.  Both my parents were painter's and my Dad had a great love for art.  He was a self educated art authority.  The Gallery, Auslew, specialized in American paintings from the Hudson River School though the early 20th century. I spent much time as a young child in the Gallery especially in it's early stages.  I remember doing paintings in the back room when I accompanied my Mother there on school holidays.  Art just was in my blood.

Lewis, my youngest son discovered Modern design while studying Art at Virginia Tech.  He spent many hours in the Architecture library going though books on the various Architects and realizing that they were responsible for most of the early innovations in the designs of modern furniture.  He developed a great eye for both the design and the lines in very good modern furnishings and accessories.  So this is what he searches for.

We have a friend and customer whose family go every year to the shows in search of fine old books, and the great foods that you will find in the food courts.  Lewis wants to eat as many Lobster rolls as he can.  Chris loves the pilgrim sandwiches.  I loved the fresh Blue Berry Pie, and Lemon Aid.  There is definately something for everyone.