JULIUS SHULMAN

Chances are, even if you are not a fan of mid-century modern architecture, you most likely have seen one of the many architectural images by photographer Julius Shulman. His most famous photograph is "Case Study House #22, Los Angeles , 1960. (pictured above) The home, in the Hollywood Hills overlooking the lights of Los Angeles, is also known as the Stahl House. Stahl House was a collaborative effort between architect Pierre Koenig and the homeowner Buck Stahl. Shulman's photograph of the Stahl House is one of the most famous photographs ever taken of American architecture. Shulman's photography spread California modernism around the world. His library of photography can be viewed at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. I invite you to spend a few minutes with Mr. Julius Shulman. (Scroll down to view video) Enjoy.





ht="340">

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

This Weeks Finds

We had a whopper of a week. Can you spot which items are new? Hint...carroms and rattan. Who remembers Carrom Boards? We loved Carroms, didn't we? I remember checking out Carrom boards at summer recreation at Mission Valley Elementary School. What could be more fun? Yes another(!) Waste Management find. My husband was ecstatic! So was I. It makes a mighty fine coffee, (or should I say Carrom) table. Don't you think?



My husband spotted the tallest vase shown here in the picture at a little shop in a nearby town. I thought it was a very pretty hand blown glass piece, but the first thing that everyone says when they see it is that it looks like a bong. Can you tell which generation I'm from? So what do you think, lovely handblown glass vase or bong wanna-be?


I spotted these rattan chairs at Mountain Treasures, a great shop here in town. I bought a set of eight chairs in excellent condition. They have been recovered in "pleather" which would not have been my first choice, but hey, it's a very durable surface and cannot be damaged by red wine. That's a big plus. I won't brag about what a great price they were because you just might hate me for it! (hint; 8x9=?) FYI, Gold Country Girls has a spot here with some great vintage finds. You might even spot the infamous Penny there flaunting one of her stylish outfits. Check it out or see Penny online @ goldcountrygirls.blogspot.com. Penny is a real fashionista.

Remember the bad boy retro desk chair from a couple of posts ago? Well he's been sent downstairs. He's been replaced with a classier, more grownup chair. My son was happy to inherit him, more seating for his lan parties.

One More Cool Console

What can I say? Do I need another console stereo? Not really, but how could I resist this lovely creature? It was screaming out, "TAKE ME HOME AND RESCUE ME FROM THIS DUMP!!!". Yes, it was another Waste Management Thrift store find. Do you consider this waste? Well I certainly don't. For under $30.00, another fine piece of Mid-century modern Danish furniture... or at least a pretty fine knockoff.

Our Town

Look who made the cover of The Most Beautiful Villages and Towns of California. That would be our town, Sonora, California! The clock tower in the picture is the courthouse building. It is even more beautiful at night when it's lit up. Some of these photographs are from the 50's and 60's, others are current. It's hard to tell. The town has not changed that much.

We can see the Courthouse from our deck. Can you spot it?

I feel very fortunate to live in one of California's most beautiful towns.

Things I really, really want, but will probably never get.

Let's go camping in style. Don't you just love this little Bambi Airstream?

Okay, so who can resist an Eames lounger?

Last one in is a rotten egg! Can I refresh your martini first?


Bubble chairs. How cool are these? Does anyone out there have a bubble chair they want to get rid of? I will gladly take it off your hands. Two of them would be even better.

Fabulous Finds For Under Five!

Hull Pottery

These fabulous finds were all under $5.00. Yes, you heard me right.
It was an epic week for this bargain hunter. Are you jealous?
Well you should be. Go on now, get out there and find your own bargains.

Haeger Pottery

Claire Lerner of California

Terrific Teardrop Lamp...that's right, under $5.00

Retro office chair. I found this bad boy for a mere $2.00.


A cool teak vessel.

This original oil painting was found by my 88 year old friend Lola. She bought it unframed for $1.00 at the Senior Lounge. She gave it to me. I took it home before she changed her mind. It was one of seven paintings she brought home that day. She had to fight a 92 year old woman for them. Way to go Lola. Whatever Lola wants....Lola gets!

Another Waste Management thrift store find. Vintage Syroco wall clock. Uh huh, under $5.

The little green salsa bowl.

Think I'll have a fondue party. Or should I say FUNdue party.

Another Salvation Army find. Thank you Sally.


Last but not least, a vintage table linen in colors I love.
I found this at Scarlet's Web, a new used furniture shop in town.

Cliff May California Ranch Homes

Another one of my favorite architects is Cliff May. May was responsible for tract home developments that resulted in approximately 18,ooo homes in southern California beginning with the original California Ranch Home in 1931. His homes, like those of Joseph Eichler, were modest in size and constructed in the post and beam fashion. Again, like Eichler, May's use of windows brought the outside in making the homes feel much larger. He will always be known as the father of the California Ranch Home. I think Cliff May is someone I'd love to have to a dinner party. I would sit him right next to Joseph Eichler.

Does this lovely thunderbird come with the house?