the place we called home

During college, I had the privilege of studying abroad in London with my best friend, Linda. The place we called home was a cute little flat known as  "Cromwell House." 

It was such a special time there. I loved the constant traveling, bounty of shopping, and the fact you had to walk if you wanted to get somewhere (oh and school was good too!). I have mentioned this before, but my first love of art was through drawing and sketching. I used to just draw and sketch all the time, though they rarely resulted in a framed piece (I have very few of those).  Several years ago, I drew the place we called home for those few months and gave it to Lin as a birthday present...

I had so much fun drawing a place that held so many wonderful feelings and memories as this was my first real time away from home. I fondly remember looking out that large flat window and missing home, but at the same time, being unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to live there. We had a lot of good memories... lots of fun times, semi-crazy ones too (just semi- as I am still pretty square). 

Now, several years later from our galavant through London and that drawing, I wanted to give her something else that was reminiscent of our special time. I commissioned the overwhelmingly talented artist, Sam from mummysam, to recreate our  "Cromwell House." I think she did a mighty fine job in capturing it...

She even got the teal-green-ish colored door just perfect (I gave her a colored picture, but sorry can't tell from my black & white drawing) and look at the lettering of the restaurant, perfection again! Sam is so, so amazing...

I loved the little house so much that it was kinda hard to give away (but I am glad Lin has it), though now I just can't wait to have my own. I so wish I could go back to London, but this time with my family in tow. Seriously, kissing my Ben by the Big Ben, now that is perfection! How wonderful would that be! Never know, maybe one day I will be back...

Also, excuse my recent absence here. My sister-in-law was here (combined with my mac being out) and we travailed all through southern California. I have so many fun moments to share, but now I working and the shop will be opening soon... really. Next week, that is my goal. 

Oh and remember our "photo fun party," well, here are the results of the photobooth pictures... enjoy! They are hilariously funny and my sister and her boy love taking pictures. Here is one of my favorites (it's True and the birthday boy and some other kid I don't know)...

Hello again everyone! Hope you are still there.

p.s. Linda reminded me of how freaky that large window could get too. Sometimes, it would just lift up all by itself (I don't think that is normal). Though, on a good note, we saw the queen drive by through there too!