Here's What's So Great About My House . . . and Yours, Too.

On My Bookshelf

Two things inspired this post today. 

The first ... I just read a passionate tirade from a person who disliked another's home. A lot, as a matter of fact. It surprised me. No kind words uttered. Maybe it's the southern girl in me, but if I say something negative, I figure it's only good manners to find something positive to share, too. As a field editor, I can honestly say that while I don't always "click" with some of the homes I see, I can almost always find something I like. For instance, I like when people are proud of their homes. I like it when they share ideas (even if I don't relate to them).  And I like when people celebrate their own individual style. Like these ladies: 

This living room belongs to Ella King Torrey, president 

of San Francisco Art Institute.

You may or may not "click," as I say, with the room above. But don't you love that this person lives her life in ways that make her happy? The second inspiration for today's post is a book by Chris Casson Madden, titled "Room of Her Own: Women's Personal Spaces".

Can you guess? This room belongs to Victoria MacKenzie-Childs.

You might be familiar with this designer's dishware and furniture.

(sorry it's a bit fuzzy. where's my tripod?!)

I enjoy this book -- so much so that it inspired this series of posts:

 "Her Personal Space . . . At Home With . . ." 

I loved being invited into fellow bloggers' spaces. I may try to begin it again. What do you think?  That's also what I like about this book, getting to peek into personal spaces of such people as Oprah Winfrey, Ali McGraw, Bunny Williams, Dr. Maya Angelou, Faith Popcorn,Adrienne Vittadini and these women (+ others):

Brazilian actress, singer and translator Denise Dummont lives

in NYC. Her apartment, which she shares 

with her film-director husband and children, overlooks the East River.

At home with Hollywood Correspondent Chantel Westerman. 

Charlotte Moss, designer, author and retailer, wanted a 

room she could call her own. She took an extra guest room and 

transformed it into a space that called to her.

The home office of Helen Ballard Weeks, founder of

Ballard Designs.

This room belongs to Deborah Johnson, a buyer

for the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum

in Philadelphia.

A vignette of a room belonging to Anna Strasberg, an 

actress and widow of the founder of the NY Actor's Studio.

Her apartment overlooks Central Park in NYC.

A room in a weekend cottage belonging 

to Futurist Faith Popcorn.

By the way, I don't always stick to my southern girl "say-something-nice-too philosophy. 

I stick to my guns when supporting civil rights, humanitarian causes

 . . . I think that's the time to embark on a passionate tirade -- when true injustices occur.

Love Where You Live