Dudarrific ~ Pronunciation: \ˈdude' a ' riff' ick'\
Function: adjective
meaning : Fabulous, sweet, one of a kind, generous
(Suzanne and Me)
Yes, that's her for sure….Dudarrific. Miss Suzanne Duda….
She took me into her home for several days, when I needed a place to crash before I traveled to Savannah. What she doesn't know is she gave me so much more than a soft spot to sleep.
Let me start the story off with photos and captions, but what I end with is really the meat of the sandwich.
Her home is one of the loveliest I have ever stepped through. When you walk in the front door, you are immediately greeted with this lovely vignette…
Now that I have hooked you in, I am sure you want the rest of the tour, right?
Her dining room is yummy……
I love it when people keep their table set all the time. I just think it is so inviting. I can't do this at my house, for we do not have a formal dining room, only an eat in kitchen, and it is too much of a catch all to have set pretty all the time.
Here is another brilliant idea to showcase bits of vintage wallpaper. Why didn't I think of this??? Darling, right??
Suzanne doesn't just decorate with "likely" items, but she throws in the unexpected. Like displaying her collection of vintage lucite purses at the table……
And decorating the place settings with more than just silverware….
If Suzanne hadn't had been so nice to me, I would have slipped this little number into my suitcase, like you steal hotel bathrobes and bars of soap.
Stunning addition to the dining room door……
Her sun room, might possibly have been my favorite room of the house. It was so comfortable and cozy, the colors a reflection of the nature outside her window. I think her home needs to be in a magazine!
I actually promised Suzanne's daughter that I wouldn't post this photo. I am so sorry Elizabeth, but I couldn't not post this photo. You are so amazingly gorgeous both on the outside and in, my trip was only enhanced by your presence. I hope you will forgive me, but I see you for the beauty you are!! And it is one of my favorite photos of my whole trip, so please don't deny me….
As if the rest of the house wasn't eye candy enough, Suzanne's studio is amazing. You must excuse the crummy photos, I think it was about 2am in the morning when I realized I hadn't taken any shots of the studio, so I quickly grabbed some before my departure the following morning.
Suzanne and I partook in some serious shopping while I was there. This photo she snagged of me clearly demonstrates this. ( I hope my husband isn't reading my blog right now…)
We traveled to a nearby town to go to Antiques in Old Town. Where, unbeknownst to me, the proprietor was both a blog reader of mine and Suzanne's! Rowann, the owner, was as sweet as they come, and she made our 3 hour shopping spree in her store a pleasure. All the bags in my hand in the previous photo came from this store, and I spent my ENTIRE budget there. It was worth it!!
Here is a testament to Suzanne's character……
We enter the store, Suzanne ahead of me. She proclaims loudly to look at this dress form and stunning vintage prom dress. She is clearly over the top excited, and surely wants to buy it. But I rush past her, my heart melting, scooping the dress form into my arms and hugging it tightly. I suddenly realize she has seen it first, and rightfully she shall have sole discretion on whether or not to purchase the dress. I know she wants it, but she surrenders it to me, and tells me to buy it. I hesitate, but only for a second. She is a true good friend to offer such a treasure up to me. I offer back joint custody of the dress, switching holidays on odd and even years….Not much consolation I know, but I felt so guilty for purchasing the dress. What a good friend……
BUT LOOK AT THIS DRESS!!!!
Ok, so enough about decorating, shopping and friendship. Now comes the meat of the sandwich I was speaking of. I really want to dedicate this post and mother's day wishes this year to Suzanne. One of the best things I walked away taking with me from my visit with her was this……
Suzanne is one of the best mothers I have ever known.
Her relationship with her children is enviable at the very least. She so openly loves them and puts their well being on a pedestal, whilst at the same time parenting them and giving them good advice. She is a softy, but only when it matters, and is as tough as nails when need be. She communicates with them on a level so well, I got out a notebook to take notes. She has had trials and errors in her relationships with them for sure, much of it has been a roller coaster ride. Her diligence and strength through it all is something I greatly admire. I left her home wanting to go home and be as good a mother as I had witnessed of her.
Suzanne, of all the things I can compliment you on, I felt this was the most important.
And you deserve to hear it.
(Suzanne and Elizabeth)
Suzanne, I wish you a very happy Mothers Day.
I hope everyone else knows a mom whom they can send love and support to for a job well done, because good mothers so often go unrecognized.
Happy Mother's Day……
xoxo, Tiffany
D
I have been a frequent visitor ever since. I hope you remember me. I have a daughter named Tiffany as well. It’s a shame we don’t live closer b/c I think we could be great friends. I love everything you do and create. I appreciate you sharing your life and ideas. I told my husband that I want a little donkey! They are so precious! We have fostered many dogs/puppies through the De puppy rescue. We have 3 dogs, 2 cats and a chinchilla…but I really want a donkey!
XOXO,Jenn
Happy Mother’s Day ~ Victoria
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