"Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality."

Alfred Painter



With Thanksgiving upon us, and the door is opening to welcome in the Christmas Season, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends, family and God. As a child, Thanksgiving was a time to visit all my cousins and relatives, to eat delicious foods, and to be out of school. Pilgrims, Indians and stories of the First Thanksgiving engulfed my school days' lessons. With each growing year, those lessons of long ago bring me new meaning, new appreciation, new spirit.

A symbol we all recognize with Thanksgiving is the "Cornucopia", the horn of plenty. I take time this year and look deep inside my own "Cornucopia" and see so many blessings, so much harvest, so much love, hope and belief. I am blessed with a beautiful, loving, strong family, a pillar to always keep me going. I have friends that surround me with love, humor and strength. I see my dreams, my hopes, all supported and within reach. I am thankful.

It is funny how God changes our life, helps us gain strength, and most importantly, guides us to new paths. About eight months ago, I met a lady that immediately I knew our spirits were connected. Deborah Gall is an artist and a gallery owner, but more importantly her inner spirit is strong, kind, and one of hope.

Most of November I spent preparing for the Trunk Show at Abide Studio in Franklin, TN. If you have not visited this quaint little gallery, beautiful little shop, then you must put it on your to do list. The show was great! Sales were good, traffic unbelievable, exposure fantastic, but most of all, a new friend quickly became a good friend. I cannot thank Deborah enough for support, help, kindness and friendship.

I am so thankful this season. Happy Thanksgiving!

"but Mom...look how cute she/he/she is! You know you want her/him/her! Mom! You love dogs...we promise we will take care of them..."
Holland and Fielder Walblay


"Hey...where's mom going??" (Poofy)
"I don't know,she has been very busy lately! And I don't like it when she is so busy...no time to hold me!! (Petey)
"Such whiners!! She is getting ready for her Trunk Show! That's why she made us model these sweaters...I love my sweater, it has a hood! (Daisy)
"You are just old...I don't like all this action going on, I am suppose to be played with!" (Poofy)
"Well Princess won't even come out from under the bed!" (Petey)
"I'll say it again, don't worry, mom will be back, and probably bring home treats! I'm taking a nap." (Daisy)
"Well we are staying right under her feet! We want to help if she is bringing back treats!" (Poofy& Petey)

Yes, my dogs are big helpers this week! My latest designs..."Doggie T-shirts", some are hooded, some just plain, all painted with a design on the back!! A fun stocking stuffer for your nearest and dearest! Let's face it, our kids bring home, and we make them ours...one way or another.

I will be at Abide Studio tomorrow 2-5 and again Sat afternoon. Stop in and visit this week or contact me for a custom "doggie t-shirt"!

Doggie T-shirts......$12

"Neckties satisfy modern man's desire to dress in art."

Harry Anderson


We all have our thoughts of what makes a man unique, desirable, sexy. My opinion...a sexy man is confident, strong, powerful, he takes care of himself, but does not profess his vanity. He does not need the admiration of numerous women to boost his power, he knows what he wants and settles for nothing less, even in his search for a mate. This man shows his individuality not only in his stance, but his appearance. He loves being an original. This man can just walk down the street in a basic shirt, but make a bold statement with a flash of color in his tie.

I worked for awhile in the furnishing department of Rodes Rapier before completing my master degree. One of my biggest lessons learned there was how a man's personality, his flair, his soul is often limited or constricted by fashion. There is one place a man can open the window though....his tie. Through neck wear a man can show a taste of who he is deep within. The necktie can be a reflection of the man's soul.

In less than 48 hours the Trunk Show will be in progress. I have numerous hand-painted neckties for any man who loves showing his originality. Most are made of Charmeuse, a few of Jacquard Silk. Colors that are rich and vibrant with illusions of calm, relaxing places to be seen flow through the silk. I do suggest, due to the bias cutting and lining, that my ties be dry-cleaned rather than hand washed...just keeps them looking their best!!

See you Wednesday!

Neck wear prices begin at $50.

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!"...Amanda Bradley


It is time to top the Holiday shopping! Don't you hate showing up for those Holiday parties only to see your outfit on someone else?? Or everyone is wearing the "in" color?? Make a grand statement or entrance with a unique and original work of art!

I have been working non-stop on several new design of tops. I have blousan tunics of100% silk crepe that are soft, draping and figure hiding perfections! They have a drawstring waistline that allows a comforting "drop-over", a seductive v-neck, bell sleeves with elastic at the wrist and all are painted in various colors to guarantee a wardrobe match!

A newer style to try is the cap sleeve tunic of 100% Charmeuse. These are one size fits all and can be belted, left alone, worn under jackets, or a year round deal in the warmer months! I love these!

As always, I still produce my shells, a tank style , and camisoles, in 100% Charmeuse, both are the perfect, can't go wrong with, piece!

The Trunk Show is just four days away! I hope you can make it in, but if you can't contact me or www.deborahgall.com for more details on any of my items!

Make the Holidays spectacular...wear something original!


A few samples...

Icy Waters............$70 (camisole, size M)
Holiday Fiesta........$65 (blousan tunic, size L)
Cranberry Cocktail....$65 (size L)
Caribbean Waters......$65 (size M)
Rubies................$70 (size M)

Shells priced at $75
Cap Sleeve Tunics priced at $60

"The secret of fashion is to surprise and never to disappoint."
Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton


The scarf....the statement! I love scarves! A scarf is the easiest way to update an outfit, add a touch of color, texture or femininity. When shopping for others, the scarf is the best idea to give! I find a scarf to be a wonderful form of self-expression and flair reflection of the wearer.

Between the upcoming Holiday season, and the Trunk Show next week, I have been busy creating, styling, and designing lots of variations of scarves. Here are just a few samples to be seen next week!

Included in the selection is my favorite, Chiffon scarves. My sizes range 22" x 90" to 18" x 72". This year I have several color choices, some that are fairly solid in color with bits of metallic splashed through or a touch of a design to an edge. When wrapped around the neck the look is amazing and the softness of the chiffon perfect. I have a few that I "over-dyed" with a touch of opaque colors resulting in an amazing iridescent color blend.

Of course, I still carry the famous, never failing Charmeuse scarves. My favorite size, 22" x 90" or 18 x 72. I have several varieties to choose from, most with a festive watercolor effect.

To compliment the season, I have included this year a few Silk Cut Velvets! Truly lovely pieces that hold their hues incredibly. The added fringe makes these around 76".

Last, I am venturing into a new look. Using 100% Habotai Silk, cut a generous 45" x 108", this scarf has endless possibilities. Lightweight enough to be worn as a typical scarf, generous enough to wear on those lovely tropical vacations as a wrap, or, stay truly on top of the "in crowd" and you have the perfect yoga scarf for meditation. They are so unique!! The colors shimmer, and the feel is remarkable.

Come see everything next week!! I am sure you will find lots you want for gifts...and maybe something for yourself! Plus, I will be taking orders if that special color scheme isn't found! Remember, Abide Studio, Nov 18 - 21, for more information contact me or www.deborahgall.com

Scarves....the fashion staple! prices range $40 - $60

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
Albert Schweitzer



I realize I have not been staying in touch lately, but my time has not been wasted! I am preparing for a Trunk Show next week, Nov 18 - 21 at Abide Studio in Franklin, TN! Abide Studio is a lovely gallery located in The Factory right in the heart of the town. Deborah Gall, the owner of this amazing little shop, is also a very talented artist herself! Her inspirational pieces have been captivating people from here to India!

To prepare, I am trying a few new ideas! As most ladies know, we love our bags, our handbags, our purses, our clutches, etc! I decided to try a new twist on the handbag/evening bag. These are 100% silk, a soft, rich black charmeuse. They have a zipper closure with interior pocket. The strap is a durable cord that can easily be adjusted to the desired length! The 7" x 8" size is perfect for those evening outs or just a little addition to the outfit! Each have been adorned slightly with a selected design painted in opaque colors.

The bags will be at the show next week, and I am also taking orders if anyone wishes to "custom the look". I personally will be there Wednesday afternoon and back on Saturday. I hope you stop by and see me!

"Peace"
"Night of Jazz"
"Merlot"...................... $40 each

For more information on Abide Studio www.deborahgall.com

"To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.”
Louis L'Amour



Last night I attended a Senate Rally that a good friend is running in. The evening was beautiful, full moon above, crisp temperatures and warm company. I looked around at all the friends and acquaintances and saw a sea of support. Obviously there was a political party being represented, but more importantly there was a stand for beliefs, values and change. This crowd were participants....they believed and showed it.

Too often, people take for granted a simple privilege we have, the right to vote. I was raised with the sense of duty, and one of pride to vote and support our nation. My earliest memories begin with both of my grandparents having pictures of John F. Kennedy hanging in their living rooms! I was brought along to the election polls and watched my parents vote. My parents have always been very active in supporting their candidate of choice. Over the years they have hosted gatherings, waved signs, as well as attending so many fundraisers. They instilled a deep desire to always vote and protect your rights.

I remember too how important it was for me to register to vote. I actually was taken to the courthouse on a field trip in High School and registered as a class! My Government teacher was committed to bringing us this privilege and teaching his students their rights as citizens of the United States.

Today, I lack seeing this same enthusiasm in our communities. Our children are being taught government in high school by coaches, not a dedicated advocate of government and its history. Too many young adults leave home and have never bothered to register or have knowledge where they may vote if they wish too, or how to apply for an absentee ballot. With each election, rally, fundraiser, I hope we begin to change this pattern.

I kicked off this political season with a special order from a very strong politician! He requested a red tie for his campaign. Knowing him as I do,I chose a jacquard silk to begin with. First, because it takes a special loom to weave it, second, a jacquard weave incorporates a special pattern of intricacy. I played with various shades of red until the right shade of "power" was found. One last step to pull out this man's strength...a few brush strokes of gold, to remind us all of the value of our VOTE.


The Politician....