The Ogden is an affiliate of the University of New Orleans and the Smithsonian.  This is the first satellite of the New Orleans-based museum which is considered the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Established in 1994, the Ogden Museum grew from the purchase of one piece of artwork in 1966 to an extensive private collection, to a traveling exhibit, to what it is today. 

The Ogden Heads for the Beach, by Doug MacCash, Art Writer, July 3, 2008, The Times-Picayune

On another note, since the ICI Paints stores are closed today, we are, too!  If you need an order for early Monday, please email us and we'll make sure it happens!

Wishing everyone a happy 4th of July and my brother, Ric, a happy birthday!

We'll be back to our regular hours Monday, July 7th. 

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When I started this paint line seven years ago, it was the quintessential cottage industry.  My office was in my upstairs loft and I kept pitchers of paint in my laundry room where I poured all those little 2 oz. jars.  I personally painted all of the sample sets (of course, they were quite small back then) out on my deck.  I kept the gallons lined up on shelves in my hallway which was actually more like an altar, complete with church candles.  I would sit on a stool in front of them and visualize that everyone who came into contact with our paints became joyful and balanced.  

Well, today I still like to work out of my home, but the "official" office is at Shadetree, a wonderful space in the main cottage of Shadetree Inn, the bed & breakfast I helped create 15 years ago.  Now that our palette has grown to over 90 colors, and then there's all the custom colors we have created, there are just way too many gallons and pitchers of paint to keep in my laundry room.  However, I still keep visualizing and praying that everyone who comes into contact with our paints is joyful and balanced and it is so wonderful to get feedback that it's working!  Here's a recent testimonial that's certainly boosted interest.  As it turns out, unbenownst to me, one of our customers, Terry Sapienza, is on the Washington Post Home Staff.  Every week, they talk about various ways to improve your home.  Here's a quote from her post on June 12th:

"Last year, I painted the inside of my linen closet with "Cameo" from Ellen Kennon paints. The brand is a "full-spectrum" paint, which is supposed to absorb light and change as the light changes in the room (www.ellenkennon.com). The colors are beautiful. It was a little pricey (I think a little over $60 a gallon - don't tell my husband!), but I loved the color and it was such a small space we didn't need much, so I splurged. And I'm so happy I did - I love it! It's soft and light, a whisper of a pink that I feel happy about whenever I open the closet."

(Of course, our paints are closer to $50 per gallon than $60)  

We all know that certain colors promote cheerfulness:  Yellows & oranges to be specific.  But pink isn't usually thought of as one of the cheerful colors.  It's comforting and nurturing, and has recently been used in prisons to tamper aggression.  So, I'm thinking, surely my prayers are working! 

So next time you order paint, if you mention you want "Happy Paint", we'll give you $5 off per gallon.  I hope you are having a Happy Summer! 

P.S. have you seen our "Photo's & Reviews" page lately?  We are constantly adding new photos as we get them--which I have to say is mostly from posts on the GardenWeb and HGTV website decorating & color forums. Thank you loyal paint customers who have become my friends!

Current Mood: happy
Tags: bed & breakfasts, color therapy, colors, cottage industries, gardenweb, happy, hgtv, paint, washington post

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We have been busy creating a special new palette of 35 colors for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art's new satellite museum soon to open in Seaside, Florida!  The opening will feature an exhibit by artist Hunt Slonem and photographer Richard Sexton.  It's all so new, we don't even have an opening date yet!  However, it should be soon (within a couple of weeks), so I'll be sure to let everyone know.  I know I'll definitely be making the trip to Seaside to enjoy the exhibit and soak up some soothing energy from the Gulf Shores!

To celebrate, we're offering another "Blog Sale"!  $5 off per gallon on any color if you mention this sale when you call to order your paint!

Hope you're having the beginning of a wonderful Summer!!

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 Today I received an email forwarded from another single mother who found an ingenuous way to try and help her daughter follow her dreams.  After clicking on the link to their website, http://www.helpamandagettocollege.info/ , and reading more about them, I immediately donated $10 and forwarded it on to about 30 friends.  Just when I was figuring out how I could put together an entry for my blog about this, Julia Rogers Hamrick, who forwarded the email, emailed me again with a link to her newly written blog entry all about it!

http://www.juliarogershamrick.com/weblog/

Kate Smith with Sensational Color, another talented single mother, who is incredibly internet savvy, sent me a link to another website she had recently heard about, www.realitycharity.com, that does something similar but on a huge scale.  They're calling it "the ebay of giving"!  Pass it forward!!

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 My valued assistant, Teresa David, was just selected as "Mother of the Year" here in St. Francisville.  Her daughter, Katie, who is graduating from high school, nominated her by submitting a beautifully written paper on why her mother should be named "Mother of the Year".  It took up almost an entire page in our local newspaper, so I'll give you the version sans Reba McEntire quote:

"If you live in St. Francisville, I'm sure you're familiar with her smiling face at Magnolia Cafe', her superb customer service for Full Spectrum Paints, and her brilliant organizational skills for local events.  You call her Birdie . . or Teresa, but I call her Mama. . . . Because my mom is a single parent, she has always worked multiple jobs to ensure that my brother, sister, and I have a good life.  She has always encouraged us to be everything we can be.  When my brother came to my mom his senior year and said that he wanted to join the United States Marine Corps, she immediately started buying cards and stamps to send him letters while in training.  When my little sister decided that she wanted to play every sport offered at the middle school, my mom made sure that Caleigh had all the proper equipment.  When I was selected to be on the 2007 Homecoming court, my mom brought an entourage of 26 people to support me.  You would say that my mom is so proud of us, and believe me she is, but I would say that I am so proud of her.  I cannot even imagine being a single mom, living in such a complex and busy world.  She manages to get right on by!  I don't know if it is her unfailing faith, her determination and drive, or just her love of life, but she is the happiest person I know.  Mom is probably one of the best friends that anyone could ever dream of.  Not only is she my best friend, but she is a loyal friend to many of you in this community.  I have never met someone so willing to come to someones rescue, or be there when someone has troubles, whether it e personal, car, or fashion related.  She's like our own little superhero of St. Francisville.  I know growing up, she definitely was the superhero of our house.  My brother and I used to call her "Spidermom" because whenever we would see a spider, she would come to our rescue.  Mom is also involved in the community by supporting and volunteering for Project Graduation, The March of Dimes, Relay For Life, sporting events banquets, or school related events.  She has always supported me on my COUNTLESS endeavours and does the same for our community.  Mama has, and will always be, "Mom of the Year" to use.  She deserves to be commended on her hard work.  She will never ask or expect praise for any circumstance.  What she gains is much more rewarding than being commended, she gains the love and respect of everyone around her.  I feel so blessed to have such a personable and charismatic mother.  I hope that all of her days are as sweet as her!  I love you Mama."

Pretty wonderful praise, don't you think?  And I have to tell you, Teresa has been working here at Full Spectrum Paints since last November, and while I've had some great assistants, Teresa is THE BEST!

TO CELEBRATE Mother's Day and Teresa's outstanding award (which, by the way, came with lots of prizes from local businesses), we are having a "Mother of the Year Sale".  $5 off per gallon when you congratulate Teresa while you place your order for paint!!  Please note:  Offer ends Friday, May 16th.

Happy Mother's Day to all the other wonderful mothers out there! 

 Click photo to enlarge

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 I just received an email from Kate Smith of Sensational Color letting me know she re-wrote some information (click here to read) on me and our paints.  That Kate, I don't know how she manages to do it.  She writes an interesting color blog every day--sometimes even more than one, and does a fabulous job of making sure her website, www.sensationalcolor.com, is always current with the latest on color!  Sensational Color just keeps getting better and better!   

Meanwhile, I'm struggling to finish my newsletter which I'm hoping to post early next week!  

Also, I just discovered another great website, www.1stdibs.com, that NYC Interior Designer Ellen Hanson (www.ellenhansondesigns.com) is affiliated with.  In addition to offering a wonderful selection of antiques, mid-century modern and vintage designer furnishings, it hosts a wealth of wonderful articles by various creative people.  Ellen Hanson, who has been recycling since she was 14, is the author of "Green Scene", and is passionate about helping others (especially other designers), pay more attention to designing environments that don't cause further harm to the environment.  Ellen has previous experience in the furniture manufacturing business, so she knows how certain aspects of even our most fabulous upholstered furnishings, for instance, can be toxic!  You'll love this website with so many interesting articles and furnishings, I just had to pass it on!  Ellen is 1st Dibs "investigative reporter", who will keep us up-to-date as to what's toxic and what's not, and help us enjoy "getting green"! 

BTW, our Dino Mark Anthony line of upholstery uses lumber from sustainable forests, water-based glues and finishing products, and an abundance of linen,cotton, hemp and other natural fibers. 

On another note, the CBS Sunday Morning segment on artist Hunt Slonem is finally airing this coming Sunday, April 13th at 9:00 EST.  

Have a great weekend enjoying the Spring weather!

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To celebrate the Spring season, we are having a sale!  We are offering a special "blog discount" on any and all of our paint products if you mention the sale when you place your order.  Just say "I want the blog discount" and we'll take $5 off of every gallon!   But remember, you have to tell us you want the discount when you place your order.

Also, we are offering substantial discounts on our new Dino Mark Anthony line of furniture and fabrics.  Just remind us when you call to inquire about pricing.  Dino's upholstery is THE BEST and will last for generations, so the suggested retail is pricey.  However, we are able to offer great pricing!  We have over 1500 fabulous fabrics to choose from.  Just tell us what types of fabrics you are interested in and we'll send you samples.

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Gosh, today is the last day of March!  It has flown by so fast--hence my delay in posting.  I have been out-of-town more than ever.  As much as I love living in St. Francisville--especially these days, with all the beautiful Spring weather and wild flowers!  However, I have been enjoying spending time away in different environments, getting acquainted with new friends and visiting old friends.  Earlier this month I went to a dinner and opening of George Rodrigue's "Blue Dog" show at the New Orleans Museum with Hunt Slonem who flew in from NYC to show his support for his friend George.  George's show was most interesting (I had no idea how many blue dogs he's painted!) and Chef Paul Prudhomme's food was a hit (no surprise there!).  New Orleans even seemed back to normal.  Hotels and restaurants were filled.  

I also spent a few days in Chicago helping a client (& new friend) put together a color palette for her new home.  Snow was still on the ground, but the sun was shining.  My client's home was actually in Hinsdale, which was a delightful surprise.  Lots of beautiful old homes and a charming, quaint downtown area.  There was actually a jack rabbit hanging out just outside her living room window!  I stayed in downtown Chicago where so much was happening I was thinking "Could this be the 'new' New York???"

Well, maybe not, but it certainly has more to offer than I remembered.  It had been quite a few years since I'd been there.  

I brought my daughter with me to New York last week.  She loves New York and has her sights set on going to Columbia.  She enjoyed attending plays, while I enjoyed visiting with friends, both old and new.  Hunt Slonem was kind enough to host a get together in his new studio which is pretty fabulous.  I just posted photos of several of our colors that he used (Del Sol, Giverny Blue, Giverny Green, Albania Teal and Coral).  It was great to be able to see the finished rooms and share them with so many friends and clients!  

I also was able to meet Sensational Color Guru Kate Smith in person, along with two other "Sensational Color Mavens", Julie Hoylen and April Clark.  Kate and I have become friends over the telephone, but had never met in person.  I've been reading Julie and April's "Live in Full Color" blogs on Kate's website, so it was so nice to also meet them in person.  Needless to say, we had so much in common, we practically closed down the Algonquin Lobby talking the night away! 

However, not all was business (which is pleasure) for me!  I finally got to see why Patti LuPone is my daughter's favorite entertainer!  She was incredible in Gypsy!  Of all the Broadway plays, with all of the incredible performances, I have to tell you, Patti LuPone is THE BEST!!!   

After almost a week of winter temperatures, we are back down south where Spring has definitely sprung!  To give you a taste of St. Francisville, I'll close with some photos we took at Afton Villa Gardens which is open from now until next Winter.  Owner Gen Trimble had 8,000 tulips planted which were in full bloom, along with Azaleas, Pansies, Daffodils and Cherry trees!   (Click on each photo to enlarge)







HAPPY SPRING!!

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I can't believe I'm just now hearing about this, but I'm so happy to have found www.greendimes.com!  Every day when I go to my mail box, I bemoan all the trees wasted on all the catalogs that keep popping up in my mailbox!  

Yesterday, I received an email letting me know about Green Dimes which is this wonderful service that not only takes care of getting rid of junk mail and unwanted catalogs, but they will plant trees as well!  There is a one time fee of $20 which covers all of their services.  Just go onto their website, complete their form and via their Catalog Screener section, you list all the catalogs you are currently getting that you want stopped.  They take care of the rest.  Interestingly, I discovered the biggest catalog culprit, Victoria's Secret, makes it extremely difficult to cancel.  For that reason alone, I have decided to shop elsewhere! 

With internet shopping more convenient than ever, including via iPhones, there's really no reason to waste not only trees, but as it turns out, water!  Here are the stats according to Green Dimes:  "In the US alone, over 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water will be lost this year to create junk mail.  Green Dimes has already stopped 3 million pounds of junk mail and planted over 425,000 trees, all in just over a year."

If you too are inspired, spread the word!  I'm inspired because someone is finally doing something, but if all this weren't enough, they have an email program where if you use their site to email friends, they will pay you $3 for every friend who also signs up.  Needless to say, they have some non-profit partners involved.

I'm so excited, I've decided to have a sale to celebrate "green"!  $5 off per gallon on all paint colors in the green range if you mention this blog.  Heck, I'll make it $5 off per gallon on all our colors if you tell us you signed up with Green Dimes!  But remember, you have to tell Teresa you read it on my blog when you place the order to get the discount.  Sale is good through the end of February.

Have a wonder-filled "green" day!

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I received a call late Friday afternoon letting me know that the Hunt Slonem segment on CBS Sunday Morning was postponed again!  Interesting that it's always on a Friday afternoon when they figure out what's going to air on Sunday morning.  

In any event, I really don't like to bother people with emails--so I usually only send an email once every season to announce the posting of my newsletter (with the exception of the emails announcing the CBS show).  So. . . rather than bother people on my list who are not interested with yet another email about it, I'm just going to keep the announcements limited to this blog.  We are assured that the segment will appear sometime before the Spring.  I would imagine I'll get a call one upcoming Friday afternoon confirming the new date, and when I do, I'll immediately post it here.  However, if you would like for me to email you personally, please let me know:  ellen@ellenkennon.com

On another note, the Winter 2008 Living Well Newsletter is almost completed.  I'm just awaiting information from a couple of the designers from our "Designer's Palette" which should be in any day now.  Also, we are busy painting up the 16 new colors, so we'll be ready to send them out upon request!

The names, selected by each designer, are quite enticing:  Pearl, Classic Marc, Morning Yellow, Ginger Ale, Christine's Cloud, H2 Ahh!, Sandy Lagoon, Dean's Dream, Perret Ivory, Amy's Sarasota Sand, Powdered Pebbles, Tiffany Taupe, Juliet's Potion, Jaunty Jen, Silk Road Plum and Barry's Babylon!

Soon!!!!

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I received a call from Hunt late last Friday that CBS postponed his segment until Sunday, January 27th.  Again, times are 9/8 EST/CST Sunday morning after next.

I'm still working on the Designer's Signature Palette which will debut in my next newsletter.  It's coming along quite nicely and I'm excited with the variety of colors.  In addition to 14 new colors from 14 different designers, we will also have ICI's 2008 Color of the Year!  Samples of these colors will be available at that time, so please feel free to call and get your name on the list.

We've had several calls from clients who are ready to paint, but don't want to select a color for fear of loving one of the new ones more.  So, if you're thinking along the same lines, just contact us and let us know what color range you're looking for and we'll let you know if there might be something new you may prefer. 

I'm hoping to have this out before the end of the month, so stay tuned!

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Recently, an old NYC friend, Dan Barclay Thompson, came to visit.  Dan is one of those renaissance men:  actor, decorator, contractor, and now he's going to nursing school!  His visit was on the heels of another trip to New Hampshire where he visited another old NYC friend who has recently created a new line of earth-sustainable beauty products, "Alexandra's Jewels".  Alexandra had given Dan some products to try and he was so impressed, he had some sent to me.  Alexandra uses only the finest natural ingredients, rich in anti-oxidents, and contain no chemicals of any kind.  Her "Diamond Deodorant" (that comes in a container that looks like perfume), has none of the typical ingredients found in deodorants that cause breast cancer.  Actually, the reason she calls them "jewels" is not only because they reflect some of nature's precious jewels like her proprietary "whipped" shea butter, moringo oil, coconut oil and diamonds, but she packages them to look like precious jewels!  I've been trying them for a couple of weeks now and love all three products.  Her "Lip Glossing Creme" is so light, I want to slather it all over my face!  Her "Sugar Lips" is an exfoliant that moisturizes at the same time and although, created for lips, like many of her products, it mult-tasks as a hand and face polish, too!  If all that weren't enough, everytime I pick up one of her little jewels, I smile because it makes me think of my daughter, Alexandra!  "Alexandra's Jewels" can be purchased online via her website:  www.alexandrasjewels.com

What I love best about the holidays (besides taking time off) is that many old friends re-surface.  I received an email from architect and friend Mark Meche who used to work at Concordia Architects in New Orleans and moved to Salem, Massachusetts many years ago and opened Winter Street Architects where he is now Principal Architect.  I hadn't heard from Mark in a few years and was dismayed to learn that his youngest son, Alexander, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June 2006, and although he has been clear of Leukemia for a year now, he will have to continue treatments.  Good news, though.  His prognosis is very good!  Mark is showing his gratitude to Massachusetts General Hospital by participating in their fundraising marathon.  The funds raised will go directly to support the Cancer Care for Kids by supporting research into the causes of childhood cancer and to develop new treatments for these cancers.  To read more of Mark and Alexander's story, visit their fundraising webpage:  http://www.firstgiving.com/Meche_Marathon_Team

I was able to spend the day with Hunt Slonem yesterday, who I mentioned in my previous blog entry will be on CBS News "Sunday Morning" this Sunday, January 13th (9EST, 8CST).  Hunt doesn't even have a television, so I plan on taping it.  However, if anyone reads this has that capability, I sure would appreciate having a back up!

Thanks so much!

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The second most important element in designing a fabulous, comfortable room, is what is known in the trade as "soft furnishings" (curtains & upholstery).  I'm excited to announce that we will now be handling the outstanding, award-winning Dino Mark Anthony line of fabrics and furnishings!  I'm excited to be able to offer a line that has everything a fine upholstered piece should be:   8-way hand tied frames, unmatched tailoring, and incredible down cushioning.  Also, a wonderful selection of over 1200 fabrics that are also sold by the yard so that they can be used for window treatments and other furnishings.  Dino, a Los Angeles-based family-owned manufacturer also offers slipcovers and frames that can be ordered by the inch, so size is never an issue!  And if that isn't enough, a lifetime guarantee!!!   http://www.dinomarkanthony.com

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It's time for a sale and I thought I'd make up a little game to go with it.  An article came out today in the 25th Anniversary issue of the Business Report, a regional business magazine.  The online version of the article entitled "Local Color" mentions several of our most popular colors.  Read the article to find out which colors are on sale ($5 off per gallon).  When you call to order, don't forget to tell Cathy or Tiffiny about the sale in order to be sure to get your discount!

http://www.businessreport.com/news/2007/sep/25/local-color/

Sale runs until October 10th!

 P.S.  My friends and co-workers swear I don't look nearly as bad in person as that photo!  :-)

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