HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! OFF TO THE BIG APPLE!!!

SORRY HAVING CAMERA TROUBLE SO I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO POST NEW PICTURES... I WILL HAVE A NEW ONE THIS AFTERNOON.. I WILL BE LEAVING FOR NEW YORK TO VISIT FAMILY.... CAN'T WAIT.. I WILL TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES WHILE VISITING NEW YORK CITY...SEE YOU NEXT YEAR... HAVE THE HAPPIEST HOLIDAY FILLED WITH ONLY LOVE AND THE BEST MEMORIES!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! XOXOXO LAURA

VERBENA...Nested Treasures...Holiday Window..

Hi my blogging buddies...I was able to borrow a camera & took lots of pictures of my shop & my Moms... for some reason these are the only pictures I was able to download... I am going to see if I can retrieve them & post them for you to see... If not tonight tomorrow I will post.. I want you to see my moms wonderful shop filled with Chocolate, truffles cheese & lots of gourmet treats.. Her name is Edie & she is know as Edie Gourmet....Anyway hope you like.. my shop is very small..But ... the best things do come in small packages... right.
Oops.. forgot to turn the lights on the tree & outside... you get the effect I will take more pics tomorrow...... xoxoxo Laura
More pictures. down under...

Thank you Ocala Historic Preservation!!!

I was very surprised... and I am honored to have received this award this made my day!!!!! Thank You. xoxoxo Laura

Verbena Holiday displays.. con't..

Verbena's Holiday Window...

I need a new camera!!!

Detail from a fresco by Blessed Fra Angelico (Dominican Friar) 1387-1455

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9-10

Last night the Historic Society of Downtown Ocala gathered around the Downtown & drove around to take notes & vote on the best business windows & entrances decorated for the Holidays.. as I was taking a picture of Verbena's Nested Treasure's window I created for the Holidays... I dropped my camera... not working... dead... bye bye...Santa needs to get me a new one~~~~ xoxoxo laura

TODAY UPDATE!!!! guess what??? the Historic Society arived today with a big sign & red ribbon!!!! I won First Place... I was so surprised...never did I think I would get that... what an honor.. Thank you Ocala!!! see how the Good Lord Works.... now if I can only get a camera.. I will use my brothers tomorrow to post my pictures...xoxoxo Laura

A lot on my mind...lately

Running the store some days can be very challenging especially when you are helping three customers at the same time ( in a very small space) and the the poor crazy homeless lady comes in accusing me of selling off her $ 145.00 Bari j bag she told me to hold?, I tried to calm her down even gave her a bar of French soap.. ( she was offended)....these long work days, trying to run a household, kids, school, dogs, customers, custom work, late nights sewing, making jewelry, juggling money, some days I ask myself what am I doing... should I get a real job... no because there aren't any out there... at my age being a single mom trying to survive does put a lot on my mind...but I guess I am following my heart & doing what I love.. Is anyone feeling like they have a lot on their mind lately?? fell free to share & lighten your load..I call them blog vents we all need one once in a while.. ..xoxox Laura

Miracle Art....

Churches to me are the most beautiful works of art... I am mesmerised by the architecture and miraculous beauty of these sacred buildings.. Many years ago while visiting Barcelona I was very fortunate to have seen the early development & building of this fascinating Church
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia or simply Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions. Construction on this church will continue at least until 2041, but it has already become Barcelona's most important landmark. Trying to get into the holiday spirit... we must not forget the true meaning of Christmas.... xoxoxo Laura

Making Pretty new creations out of leftovers...Button Tassel Pendent

AFTER COUNTLESS HOURS MAKING MY OLIVIA ROSE NECKLACE TO SHIP OUT TO CUSTOMERS... I HAD A PILE OF HAND DYED SILK SNIPPETS LEFTOVER FROM MY NECKLACE CUTTINGS...PLAYING AROUND WITH THEM & THINKING WHAT I CAN DO TO USE THE RIBBONS... I CAME UP WITH THIS NEW CREATION.. ( It might be related to the octopus family) I DO REALLY LIKE THE WAY IT TURNED OUT.. I THINK I WILL MAKE A COLLECTION OF THEM. THIS ONE IS A FRENCH STAMP & BIRD DETAIL PRINT SOLDERED IN AN OVER SIZED BEVELED GLASS FRAME.. IT IS LONG..I USED REAL VINTAGE BUTTONS, MOTHER- OF -PEARL BUTTONS WITH VINTAGE RHINESTONE DETAILS...ALL RIBBONS ARE HAND DYED SILK.. TOP OF NECKLACE IS A COORDINATING RAINBOW OF MUTED COLORS WITH THE RIBBONS ALL TIED TOGETHER... I LOVE THE SOUND OF BUTTONS TAPPING EACH OTHER ALL GATHERED TOGETHER CREATING A SOFT WHIMSY TASSEL...LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.. I WILL HAVE A PRETTY ASSORTMENT FOR SALE IN MY SHOP OR YOU CAN CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS...XOXOXO LAURA

I AM ALSO FINISHING UP ONE WITH A RHINESTONE CROSS ON CHOCOLATE BROWN VELVET..I LOVE THE WAY IT IS TURNING OUT... I WILL POST WHEN I AM FINISHED...

XOXOXOLAURA

Passion For Putti's

The putto (pl. putti) is a figure of a pudgy human baby, almost always male, often naked and having wings, found especially in Italian Renaissance art. The figure derives from Ancient art but was "rediscovered" in the early Quattrocento. These images are frequently, and erroneously, confused with cherubim.<sup>[1]

I have always had a passion for these sweet little angels.. I have a few special ones.. this one is over my bed. If you have any putti's I wold love for you to share your photos.. xoxox Laura</sup>

KEEPING THE FAITH...

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best. how much stuff do we really need... all we really need is Love, Faith & Hope... wishing all my blogging buddies the simple pleasure in life. xoxoxo Laura

BED OF ROSES....

I still love the idea of an upholstered headboard.. It's like an accessory item for the bedroom... a necklace for your bed...loving just beautiful white linens on the bed you can change you head board according to the seasons, your mood or a just great inexpensive way to update your bed.. Share some ideas you may have on headboards you love. P.S. I have & made myself a white linen covered headboard in my Bedroom..love it.
xoxox Laura

COINCIDENTAL POSITIONING PHOTOGRAPHY... HAD TO SHARE MORE BELOW..

WINTER ROSES

BEAUTIFUL VELVET & FRENCH RIBBON ROSE PINS AVAILABLE AT VERBENA... ONE OF MY FAVORITE PERSONAL ITEMS I WEAR WITH MY DYED VINTAGE SLIPS, TEES & JEANS...ALSO LOOKS PRETTY ON OUR VERBENA SACRED TREASURE HANDMADE BAGS!!! SEE FRENCH RIBBON COLORS TOO. $22.00 VELVET SHADES OF PINK. $18.00 FRENCH RIBBON. E-MAIL ME TO PURCHACE. DELLAPORTA@COX.NET...

PAINTED ANGELS AT VERBENA

BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL ANGEL ART PAINTED ON WOOD BOARD SEVERAL SIZES AVAIL TO PURCHACE... CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS..GREAT GIFT GIVING... XOXOX LAURA

VERBENA SACRED TREASURES... MY LONGTIME VISION..

After many months getting the line together, copyrighting logos, a few big bumps along the way and an overwhelming response, my new line VERBENA SACRED TREASURES.. consisting of accessories, inspirational images with a vintage twist & jewelry collection is available. Please contact me for details.

Keeping The Faith!!!

I am very Blessed to have met with the kindest & nicest lady in Publishing today... Jenny Doh at Stampington regarding publishing my new line of inspirational religious tees, bags etc... Verbena Sacred Treasures has been a long time vision of mine.. inspired by my Grandmother, my Catholic upbringing & Italian heritage.I am proud to share my designs & passions with new in this new adventure. I will keep you posted.. xoxox Laura

QUEEN MARIE IN FRENCH LAVENDER

VIRGIN GORDA.... BLOGGING BREAK...

TAKE A MINUTE FOR YOUR SELF.... IMAGINE YOURSELF SITTING DOWN RELAXING ON TOP OF THIS HILL...FEEL THE WARM SUN...FEEL THE BREEZE BLOW THROUGH YOUR HAIR... BREATH... FEEL THE MAGIC OF THIS SACRED ISLAND... BETTER....O.K YOU CAN GO BACK TO BLOGGING NOW. ( many years ago I was very fortunate to travel by boat to this incredible place... it brings back a lot of special memories.. take time to think of special times in your life and think of all the better times to come)
xoxoxo Laura

And you got to have Friends...so Bette says...

I am blessed to have a few but very special friends in my life... Thank you to those who are my true friends...

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
~ Unknown

A friend is a gift you give yourself.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

What little things mean the most to you?

The Little Things It's the little things in life I pay most attention to Sometimes the smallest insult Can hurt the most A little white lie Can ruin everything It's the little things in life I cherish most One flower stands out In a garden of hundreds Two kids pointing at the night sky Not sure what they're thinking But they too Appreciate the little things It's the little things in life You do for me that I love A quick touch of your hand As we walk past one another A little but tight hug Holding me up when I want to fall One thing I adore most The way you look at me A little turn of the head While I stare into your eyes You look into my heart by Cody

Ready to move in...

I don't remember where I got this photo but I just love this room. I always wanted a claw tub bath in an open bedroom... imagine the fire going.... nice tunes...candles....I would add a cozy rug...mmmm good night....

Simply The Best..

Even though Rachael Ashwell's style is still romantically simple there is still some kind of magic in it that I love & I can't get enough of... Visiting her Santa Monica Shop you can feel the magic... I love the ways she now incorporates a mix & bend of ethnic patterns & colors.. ( see article in Romantic Country Magazine)

Blogging Blessings..

Thank you all for your lovely comments.. Blogging has certainly changed my life for the better. I have connected with so many amazing creative souls & am excited about a special project I am working on & developing... I will be sharing with you soon. I had a gathering at my home last night with some of the local artists who will be making Holiday treasures for Verbena... we have a surprise Artist that will be the highlight of our Ladies Night out next Thursday... Stay posted. xoxoxo Laura

Holidays birdies..

Many requests for Verbena's handmade birdies stuffed with pine & lavender for the holidays..we are busy sewing & filling our nests for next weeks big Holiday event downtown ( Thursday 20th 4-9:00... Be sure to stop by..

Our Marvelous handmade Mermaid Ms Faye.. Great Gifts

Ms Faye loves aroma therapy & will help you find a yummy handmade soap for your bath or you can take Ms Faye home to sit in your bathroom Armoire...
Contact me for details.

My Dad Robert Venosa...Love him sooo much

One of the best days visiting California was driving up the cost ( listening to Adele purchased at Gianetti Home I might add) going to see my father Robert Venosa & his beautiful wife Martina Hoffman. I am very very proud of my dad.. check out his work he is a world known visionary artist www.venosa.com as well as his wife www.martinahoffman.com you will be amazed.
I will never forget this day I was so happy being with them. I took a quiet walk along the beach by myself, collected rocks for my children, stopped at a local fish market located right off the beach.. we had an incredible dinner... a time I will cherish...life seems to be going faster these days.. I don't know when I will see them again... They sent these pictures to me tonight I wanted to share them with you. xoxox Laura ( please take note... what's the heck is up with my bag?)

St Ynes, California...Martina

4

Robert Venosa ( my dad) & Martina Hoffman

My father & his wife have been together for thirty years they have one of the most special, loving & inspiring relationships I have ever seen. I love being with them.

Behind The Green Door???

the sign speaks for itself

Santa Barbara... happy times with Martina

The one & only Robert Venosa.... My Dad

www.venosa.com

ANGEL BOY WAITING FOR YOU ....AT ROCOCO FLOWERS

ROCOCO FLOWERS HAS THE BEST SELECTION OF VERY OLD GARDEN ELEMENTS. THEY HAVE BEEN ON MONTANA AVE IN SANTA MONICA FOR 15 YEARS ( NEXT TO THE SHABBY CHIC STORE) I WISH THEY HAD A WEB SITE.. THE OWNERS NAME IS BRANCO HE IS A CHARACTER FROM THE OLD COUNTRY.. I ENJOYED MY TIME TALKING TO HIM...

BOUNTIFUL WINDOW

THE MOST IMPORTED BEAUTIFUL RUGS..ROCOCO FLOWERS

GREAT PRICES TOO..I HAVE NOT SEEN RUGS LIKE THIS ANYWHERE.. THEY ARE ALL HAND MADE & HAND CARRIED FROM EUROPE..THEY HAVE NO WEBSITE... YOU CAN CONTACT THEM 310-4582828 THEY HAVE HUNDREDS OF THEM PILED UP EVERYWHERE.. I WILL BE BACK TO BUY ONE ON MY NEXT TRIP.

ROCOCO FLOWERS... SANTA MONICA

BEST SELECTION OF METAL GLIDERS LOVE THIS PIECE..

Bountiful Venice ..

SOUL SISTERS..

CINDY AT WORK..

ORIGINAL SIGNITURE SPOON BRACLET MADE BY CINDY

BEAUTIFUL BOTTLES made by Kecia!!! AT WORKSHOP..

NANCY EATING A PRETZEL OR MAYBE SHE IS SOLDERING ONE?

BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBOR DIANNE.

MISS DOLLY BELLE IS AMAZING I LOVE HER STYLE!!!

AFTER WE DRANK THE CONTECTS IN THESE BOTTLES THIS IS WHAT CINDY CREATED... JUST KIDDING... CINDY ORIGINALS...

LIGHTS ON I'M HOME..

MANY MORE PICTURES TO POST THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING...TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY. XOXOXO lAURA I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT THEM IN BLOG ORDER STILL LEARNING. XOXOXO LAURA

HEAVEN ON EARTH...

EVERY WHERE YOU LOOK AT BOUNTIFUL THERE IS SOMETHING INCREDIBLE TO SEE.. THIS SHOT IS LOOKING UP ABOVE.

SALVAGED SANTUARY...