In honor of dad, I painted this velvet scarf in delicious shades of red. The perfect piece on a chilly, snowy, beautiful February day. I got my reinforcement as I drove home yesterday evening and saw not once, but twice a herd of deer feeding in fields with the sun setting low and hints of red glowing over them. The snowy fields, beautiful deer, muted red and gray sky….yes, February is a month of a rich red….a warm feeling.

“Red Velvet”…..$50

“There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself“….John Gregory Brown



Today is my dad’s Birthday!

Birthdays….special day for that special person. My mother used to tell me that she knew she loved my dad when she made him a Birthday cake the first year they were dating. She told me he looked like a small child when she presented it to him. Because of her I cannot remember a family Birthday without the “cake” being the main attraction.

I was leafing through old photos recently and came upon this picture of my dad’s Birthday back in 1997. Surrounded by his “girls”, (George-David wasn’t here yet), he was in his element! I had brought the girls their Valentine gift early, the infamous “Valentine Barbie”. The overall theme for so many of his early “Papaw” Birthdays….Barbies, hearts, the “best” movie ever playing over and over, “101 Dalmatians”, and of course, cake. As you can tell, the “girls” ruled!

The cake ritual was always the best though. After a wonderful dinner that mom would make, usually steak and potato, we rapidly cleared the table. The cake would be brought over. She always made his favorite cake, Red Velvet. Decorated with the help of the “girls”, candles would be stuck everywhere. Now the fun would begin… once lit, we would just sit back and watch! I think we would sing “Happy Birthday” at least a dozen times while each girl would try to blow out the candles!! Over and over again we would go through this ritual. Some years mom would even have two cakes….a ”child” one and a “dad” one!! Her last year to share his Birthday she had two cakes. The girls were a bit older, but George-David was the perfect age to enjoy this ritual. One cake held the “hunting scene” but the second one was adorned with a small train holding candles just for George-David. I am not sure who had more fun, the kids or dad! Even present time was fun…I truly do not think he actually opened his own gift by himself for about a ten year stretch! His grandchildren were always there ripping the paper away! I believe that was the actual gift in his eyes.

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate his special day. The dinner was light-hearted and easy. I cheated terribly on his cake, store bought Red Velvet, but sometimes the ‘gathering’ means more than the details. Dad’s life has been a constant change, constant growth. His spirit and strength have never failed though. His grandchildren still enjoy visiting him, teasing him and hearing his stories. Today he is 72. Still hard headed, funny, stubborn, and would drop and do anything for anyone at a moment’s notice. His idea of a perfect Birthday…his family there to share it, perhaps that nice card and remembering years ago. That is my dad…

Happy Birthday Dad….I love you!

"Dogs are miracles with paws." ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy



I am going back in time today, to August 22, 1996. The day is still as vivid as yesterday. My youngest daughter had her very first ballet class. It was the day before her third Birthday, she was finally big enough for dance! The anticipation got the best of her though, and to her dismay, she found herself locked to the bench, to shy to move and participate. After the class, we ventured off to lunch. As she nibbled on her chicken nuggets, little tears kept peeping out and she worried that 'Miss Martha' was mad at her for not dancing. Being the eve of her Birthday, and a mom who hated seeing her girls sad, I did what most parents would say was the ultimate "NO"! I scooped her up and walked across the street to the pet store. Of course she immediately found a puppy. A blond Pekingese and Poodle mix to be exact. She cuddled, loved, kissed her, and I began to panic. This little puppy though brought strength to my Fielder, because when I said we needed to go and to please put the puppy back, she kissed her again, told her things would be ok, then flatly said good-bye to "Daisy". Shock filled my body, so much so, that by the end of the evening, as she played with her sister and our much loved sitter, Amity, her early Birthday present arrived home, "Daisy". This was the beginning of a 13 year love, companion, and best friend.

Daisy, I think back to all you endured, the endless "dress-up" days, the too-many -to-count stroller rides, the amazing ability to eat anything and everything those girls tossed, dropped or left on the floor. Your docile charm to hop in the bath tub so they both would enjoy the bath more. You never complained while being packed around the house as if a child, instead of the beautiful canine you were, nor did you ever leave Fielder to sit in 'time out' alone. You were my saving grace oh so many times.

On January 21, 2010, you left our family, and flew on to Heaven. We knew it was time for you to go, but miss you terribly. This morning I awoke and so many things began coming together for me. Before Christmas I started working on a new style of jacket. The fabric is different, a blend containing rayon but I found this blend to take my dyes and paints much differently, I never know what the outcome will be, (much like puppies from mixed breeds)! The style is a Kimono like cut, hence I named this jacket, "Butterfly".

...The Butterfly...a beautiful symbol of a spiritual evolution, a sign of the soul passing on.

My jacket has a whole new respect in my eyes today.

This style of jacket is great to hide any figure flaw, the fabric is light and flowing, and looks great with anything. I am taking orders on these jackets, and to view and see more information on this new design please visit my website and hit on "shop". In honor of Daisy though, for being the beautiful spirit she always was and will continue on to be, I will donate $10 of each sale to the local Humane Society....our pets are so much a part of our own soul.

www.melissamarschwalblay.com

"Life brings simple pleasures to us every day. It is up to us to make them wonderful memories."
Cathy Allen


2010 has exploded upon us with a great arctic chill. For many of us, we find ourselves discussing winters of past. It seems like everyone I run into brings up an old memory of a winter they endured. I have a few memories my self.

Growing up on the lake made for a beautiful winter scene. Perhaps it is the ‘childhood’ memory, but it seemed like we always had cold, snowy winters growing up, compared to my adult years. Carpenter’s Lake would usually freeze over at least once during those winter months. I had two cousins that lived across Carpenter’s Lake, and over to Kingfisher Lake, the distance was a couple of miles by road, but on frozen water, it was just a brisk walk. Georgette and Theresa were just a bit older than me, we seemed to always be together, so much so, that sometimes we were more like sisters. They were wonderful ice skaters, and when the lake cooperated, over they came. I was more of a “ice-stander”, and would hope I would spend more time moving gracefully, and less time flat on my bottom! Not a care in the world, we would have so much fun, dreaming of dances and spotlights!

Of course our visits were never complete until we made our way in for hot chocolate and cookies. Mom and my aunt were amazing at always having plenty of both! As the day would end, we would walk each other back home or at least halfway. The sun would be setting over the frosty lake, dancing its own spectacular color show. Memories…

I have begun working on new items for the New Year and some of my nostalgia has helped inspire me. My hottest item this season has been scarves. I have truly been mass producing some of them, but sometimes I stop and get slammed with a memory and my scarf takes on a life, a memory, a personality of its own. This Charmeuse Silk scarf did just that. As the poppy red mingled with the sunny yellow, I found a hint of those sunsets over the frozen lake. Usually a winter sunset is predominately grays and blues, but there was always a glimpse of warmth peeking through, a smile of sorts to say hello. So I share this scarf with those who might need a blast of warmth to the soul, a flicker of sun to the New Year chill, or a reminder of our childhood days of wonder.


***I am taking orders on my scarves, just contact me! Currently I am still painting Velvets, in addition to Charmuese and Chiffon. Most are around 72”, great for wearing, and most run around $50.
To view:

Sea Grass Spa (Bowling Green, KY)
Abide Studio (Franklin, TN)
Mesh Boutique (Murfreesboro, TN)

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now."
...written by Hugh Martin


My favorite Christmas song....I share it with all of you. I hope the Spirit is flowing strong in your heart. I love this time of year! Like a child, I still wish for a 'white Christmas'....smile when I see a 'Santa'....gaze in awe at the wonderful lights as I drive through neighborhoods...and hope for Peace with every thought of what Christmas is truly about.

The season has found me busy this year, so many orders, so much to do, but then again, so much to be thankful for. I am blessed with so many great friends who are such a strong part of my life and heart. My family is wonderful, a true blessing. My mother is now physically absent at our gatherings, but still felt so strongly. She always found a way of making Christmas the absolute best...memories that will never be forgotten, lessons still being passed along. Each memory is a building block to creating our individual character, our soul.

I hope this Christmas brings each child a happy memory. We all sometimes forget what the slightest gift, the smallest gesture, the most innocent touch of kindness can do to a child's heart. I remember one year at Christmas, all of my countless cousins were gathered by my Grandparents' tree awaiting the "presents". Sitting in the front was an unwrapped, child's blender that with batteries actually worked! All of my girl cousins just knew it was "hers", and the excitement was wild. I sat quietly, knowing it was not mine, I usually got slippers. As the gifts were passed out, paper tossed wildly, my Aunt Eva stepped over to me handing me the 'Blender'. She looked me sternly in the eye and said this was for me, so I could start helping my mom in the kitchen and learn to cook as good as she did. My cousins were so jealous, but I was thrilled more than anyone would ever know. Today, I love cooking. Thank you Aunt Eva!

We receive gifts to the soul daily, but Christmas is so special. I send everyone a thank you for all you have given me and the hope for each child, old and young to have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.

"The merry family gatherings - the old, the very young; the strangely lovely way they harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all."
- Helen Lowrie Marshall

Christmas is upon us....trees are glistening, front doors are adorned in beautiful wreaths, floors show the remnants of wrapping paper and families and friends are rushing, laughing, smiling and preparing! Christmas is here!

We all have our ways of celebrating Christmas, our "traditions". A few weeks ago, my oldest was home and I was amazed at her recollection of our holidays past. She recalled how we began our season, Thanksgiving weekend and followed it through to the end. I was jolted into a glimpse of past, but also realized how some of our "traditions" have changed. What once had been a solid performance, new Christmas pajamas the day after Thanksgiving, sugar cookie making the first Saturday in December, St. Nick's Day abundant with goodies, the "mouse" moving each day to that one BIG day....oh so many "traditions", have been changed, tweaked, or simply set aside.

I have been thinking about traditions, and the celebration of the Holidays. Where did our traditions go? Growing up, the first Saturday always found my mom and me at my Grandmother's house making the infamous "Springerle" cookie. The process was endless, the result a hard, powdery, anise flavored delicacy that many would say, "yuck"! Yet every year, the same routine, the same schedule. This time of year the slightest sniff of anise and I am engulfed in those memories, the tradition.

I look around my home and see various old decorations still surviving, new additions sprinkled amongst, past Christmas photos of smiles, cards of greetings finding my mailbox and a warmth finds my soul. Our Christmas Traditions are not the actual "act", but the result, the bond, the meaning. I would have to have the Springerele recipe in front of me to make them, but I remember Grandma's laugh like yesterday, my mother covered in flour and Perry Como belting out some Christmas cheer.

Today I find my own kitchen counter filled with tins of cookies and fudge galore. Families and friends are busy making plans to celebrate. My days are spent searching for the special gift or perfect way to say "Merry Christmas". True, some of my "traditions" have changed, at least it would appear, but looking deeper, seeing my girls snicker as they shove that cookie quickly into their mouth, slowly pass by the tree to see the name on that gift, hang onto that old ornament one more year, or share one of their memories, I know my holiday traditions are still living strong. Christmas Traditions....remembering old memories, making new memories, and being with family.

I have been making so many new pieces for the season, but wanted to share my newest idea...note cards. I have transferred the paintings I do on silk to card stock...a great little way to send a unique message to all or perhaps a good place to write down those old memories, to preserve them, to share forgotten ways of yesterday...

Enjoy this beautiful Christmas Season!

"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