I've noted this for years - for decades, even. Not just love letters, but any letters. When was the last time you wrote or received a personal letter? Not a postcard, not a fax or email or blog post or text message or wall post, but a handwritten letter? Way back in 1998 or '99, a time in which email had become the primary form of written interpersonal communication, I, as a joke, wrote a letter to my then-gf, who lived on the opposite coast. It seemed absurd since we were used to our written notes getting sent immediately, to use a communication method which took days to get there. But I realized at the time I had lived my entire life without ever having written a love letter - I came of age too late for that to be common, although I heard lots of stories for older people and in old movies and songs. The closest I've come to having received a letter in the last 20 years is an email attachment I got about two years ago, from someone asking me to read her thoughts that she had written down. I was expecting a RTF file or a Microsoft Word document when I clicked on that link, but instead it took me to a .JPG of four pages of handwritten notes, written on lined paper in a spiral notebook. It was shocking to read something in her actual handwriting in this day and age, and somehow it packed an emotional wallop just seeing her real handwriting even over a computer screen. I wonder if this will become more common if tablet computers become common (I haven't tried using a stylus with an iPad yet; writing with a fingertip is awkward). Sometimes I can't even bear to part with my old text messages every time I change cell phones - a problem for those of us that use Verizon or Sprint with their non-GSM phones that don't have swappable SIM cards. I use BitPim for moving my data but it doesn't work with all phones. I want that old text message sent to me from a woman I just met and didn't realize we were about to start a relationship. Likewise for voice mail messages made under the same circumstances - I miss the old days when they were stored to a cassette tape and easily copied if I had something worth saving. deedee99, I can still play on guitar the love song I wrote for my first real love. I can't sing it anymore though, time has taken a toll on my voice (and it wasn't all that good to begin with). I am working on an elaborate handmade greeting card, a project planned for last Valentine's day that I scrapped but may reinstate if I can find the time and inclination. Completely custom made from cardstock and art-store supplies. Certain sentiments you just won't find at the Hallmark store, and sometimes I really want her to feel me, and have her know that what she's reading isn't a card I picked up at the drugstore that's just like thousands of others, but something that was made especially for her with all of her favorite colors and textures and scents and artwork, something that is truly the only one like it in the entire universe, just like the girl I'm giving it to. Here is a link that might be useful: One of these was about me....

I went looking for images of those elements. Ribbed glass panels in cabinet doors is easy enough. Here's one in a bathroom vanity: Ribbed glass (or ''seeded'' glass) is also often found in period light fixtures: As for marquetry countertops, if you asked most kitchen cabinet makers for such, I imagine they would gape blankly at the gabbling woman. But there are plenty of companies doing stock and custom hardwood marquetry inlays using CNC laser cutters. Here's the thing - they are doing it in floors. Google ''hardwood floor inlay'' and see. Yes, many of the rosettes are infeasible for a 26'' counter, but look for the ''border'' designs - or create your own. Assemble a 26'' wide section of inlaid ''floor'' on a 3/4'' plywood substrate, encase it in Waterlox, and I do believe you'd have yourself a marquetry countertop. Another option - perhaps cheaper - is stenciling on hardwood, of which this is an example. And so is this What else? Beveled glass is readily available, as is chrome countertop edging, and any furniture or auto upholstery shop can cover a panel of 1/8'' plywood in soft butterscotch leather framed in silver studs (maybe not actual silver, but close enough). I don't know exactly what version of Art Deco you are headed for, or if you even like butterscotch, but the point is, you are not doing yet another white kitchen, you're doing something that isn't being done by the mainstream, so the ordinary kitchen sources are not making this stuff. Sure, there is cool Art Deco hardware around, but what passes for ''Art Deco'' kitchen cabinetry in the online catalogs is . . . disappointing. You are going to have to make it, or at least source it, yourself - and I think if you're comfortable outside the painted lines, you can. You'll find yourself hiring a floor guy to work on a countertop, hunting down the local hot rod upholstery shops, telling your cabinet maker to fit bathroom vanity faces to kitchen cabinet boxes - they'll still look at you like you're crazy, but you'll know you're not. Go for it, girl!

Maybe buy some canvas from Michael's and Diy some art. Just get painter's tape to tape off the diamond shapes, and have fun with it, but if you art not artistic there are some good Mr Kate tutorials on YouTube for DIY art.

Where the original placing was a tad too large the new one may be a tad too small but no need to overthink it. Thank you sincerely for not having a gray couch, a gray carpet and gray walls. Your space is lovely and inviting. The green wall color with white wainscoting in what I presume is the dining room is so inviting, as is the glimpse into your kitchen. The living room couch, pillows and carpet go together beautifully. I can't see the painting over the couch very well but wonder if it might not be slightly too large. The curtains you'll be hanging will add the finishing touch to a beautiful space.