Happy Spring...

Above: A shot of Mr. Peacock’s kitchen.

You’re probably wondering where Mr. Peacock's been the last few months? My unexpected sojourn was due to my time being completely consumed by work, and not allowing me any free time to blog. A few weeks went by and before I knew it… it’s already June 1st!

I've truly missed blogging and chatting with everyone! Thank you for all of the nice emails inquiring about my whereabouts, and wondering if I was okay. I appreciate it.

My work load has become more manageable and I’m ready to blog! I won’t be posting everyday, but will share things that inspire me whenever I can. And I look forward to chatting with everyone.

Best,

Mr. Peacock.

Can you spare a dime?

(click image above to enlarge)
Money is on the mind of everyone right now! My neighborhood grocery store has one of those self-service automated machines that counts your coins and gives you a receipt with your total, which you then exchange for cash at the front counter. Each time I’m at the store, someone is pouring a large container of saved coins into this machine hoping for a large total.

Here’s some of Mr. Peacock’s numismatic inspired goodies on his wish list right now:

1) I like the way this foreign coin necklace looks! I think it would look interesting draped around the neck of a gourd style lamp. You could also make your own charm necklace with all of the souvenir coins from your own travels.

2) Mr. Peacock has been obsessed lately with the estate of the late floral designer/party planner extraordinaire—Robert Isabell (and fellow Gemini). He was a keen collector with exquisite taste...and what treasure-box home he created (see more here)! His estate will be auctioned at Southeby's on December 17th.

He had an amazing coin sofa (shown above in a room at his home, from the NY Times) designed by the artist Johnny Swing, made up of over 7,000 nickels and 35,000 welds (detail below left).

The sofa is too large for my apartment, but the butterfly chair (#2 at top) would fit quite nicely. It’s made up of over 1,500 half-dollars and 7,000 welds (detail above right). It would be very luxurious lounging on money!

3) This vintage inspired gold coin and ribbon necklace would be a handsome gift for any hero in your life.

4) There are many different cuff links available made of vintage or replica coins. I like these elegant cuff links made with vintage Mercury dimes embellished with black enamel.

5) Everyone needs a touch of Fornasetti in his or her home! This brass and wood tripod occasional table decorated with drawings of Roman coins would add a chic decorative accent to your décor.

6) Mr. Peacock has always liked anything with a secret compartment (especially my Pee Wee Herman watch!), and these “Spy Coins” are no exception. The tops of these real coins pop off revealing a hidden hollow space perfect for hiding an illicit piece of paper, your bank code, or some high tech tracking device. These coins are the perfect stocking stuffer for the person who has everything!

7) This decorative lidded box (14.5"H x 11.5"W x 8.5"D) adorned with faux Roman coins reminds me of my mom’s vintage faux Roman coin medallion brooch. It would be a perfect vessel for saving cherished cards and letters.

8) Mr. Peacock has amassed a collection of exonumia (flattened embossed souvenir pennies) from various destinations across the United States. The machines are frequently located at touristy spots. Each one costs fifty cents, plus one sacrificial penny.

I just love watching the penny roll down the gears and get rolled flat, and then embossed with the tourist location...and plop out as a warm oval disc at the bottom of the machine. I’m not sure what I’ll do with my collection of embossed pennies...I guess I could make a charm necklace.

Anyway, I’m very glad to be back after a brief blog sojourn. Thank you for all of the kind emails and wonderful comments—I appreciate it! I hope everyone has an abundance of coins this holiday season!

My apologies…

Mr. Peacock is happily buried under project deadlines right now, but I’ll be back next Monday. Thanks for stopping by, and for all of the wonderful emails (I’ll be catching-up on emails this weekend too) and comments! Happy Thursday.

Whip It good—Kudos to Drew

Mr. Peacock saw Whip It last Saturday at a barely half-full showing—everyone was at Zombieland. You already know I like Drew Barrymore, but I wasn't sure how she'd be as a director. I liked Whip It, and wasn't disappointed—go see it and tell me what you think.


The casting is spot on—Juliette Lewis, Jimmie Fallon, Drew Barrymore, Eve, Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Marcia Gay Harden (she's always great) and Ellen Page (go Babe Ruthless). I've liked Ellen Page since I saw her in that disturbing film Hard Candy. She's perfect in this teen role, and it's different than her teenage character in Juno.

[download][download]
The movie is sweet, funny and inspiring. The message of the film is "accept and support your kids for who they are." Yes, it's a teenage coming of age film, but the happy ending doesn't mean you come in 1st place—you can come in 2nd place and still be a winner. Thanks Drew Barrymore!

An Emile Norman Treasure

Last April, Mr. Peacock wrote about the extraordinary artist Emile Norman. I received a very lovely email from a reader whose husband was good friends with Mr. Norman, and had commissioned an elephant and cherub (which is in the likeness of Emile’s partner Brooks).

Here's a shot of the stylized elephant by Emile Norman. Thanks Sue for sharing your wonderful Emile Norman treasure!

A sad footnote:
Mr. Peacock was saddened to hear the news that Emile Norman passed away of natural causes last Thursday. Actress Jill Ekenberry, who produced (along with her husband actor Michael Tucker) the documentary, Emile Norman: By His Own Design, told the Los Angeles Times, that “he designed his life as well as his art.” Michael Tucker said, "The way he looked at his art and work was a calling. It flowed through him. He was the purest artist I ever met." Thank you Emile Norman for your inspiration to be true to yourself!

Will Ferrell's take on health care...

Will Ferrell's film, Land of the Lost, fell short of expectations earlier this year, but this satire on the health care reform makes up for it. Thanks Will Ferrell!

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Obama's address to students...

Mr. Peacock was very saddened and disappointed, at the beginning of the week, seeing parents on television news not allowing their children to watch President Obama’s address to students in the United States this past Wednesday. President Obama gave the speech at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia.


These boycotting parents were afraid the President was going to indoctrinate their children into beliefs against their own (Socialism or health care for all Americans?) within a 20 minute speech, and decided it was better to censor the speech from their children. Their kids, unfortunately, were some of the children that really needed to hear some encouraging and inspirational words from an authority figure like our President. And shame on the schools that refused to show the speech!


I feel fortunate knowing my parents, when I was a child, would have required me to watch any American President’s address to students whether the president was a Republican or a Democrat—and would have talked about it with us in our home that evening. I’m also thankful my parents taught me that you can have different opinions, beliefs, and values than your President (or neighbors, coworkers, whomever) without being disrespectful. And my mother taught me by example, that you can actively voice (and fight) those disagreement of values and beliefs in a constructive and productive manner (most of the time).


I wish these disgruntled parents would have voiced their disappointment that President George W. Bush never made an address to students nationwide (no child left behind) during his 2 terms in the White House, as did his father, President George H.W. Bush Sr. and President Ronald Reagan. Thank you President Obama for taking the time to address and encourage American students.

A Modern Paper Doll

Mr. Peacock would like to congratulate gentleman peacock James Andrew for the 1 year anniversary of his inspiring blog, What is James Wearing?

To celebrate his blog birthday, James created a 1st Anniversary Paper Doll Collection of himself with some of his most memorable ensembles from the past year. The artwork is beautifully illustrated by artist Scott Mcbee. You can download it out here. Congratulations James, and thanks for an inspiring year!

My apologies…

Mr. Peacock wants to apologize for the absence this past week. I’d like to say I was off on a wild adventure, but I was simply buried under project deadlines. But I’m back, and I hope everyone is having a fun summer! Thanks for stopping by, and for all of the wonderful emails and comments!

Thank you UK Elle Decoration!

A little bird (thanks Susan from Shop Curious) told Mr. Peacock to take a peek at page 67 in the July 2009 issue of the UK Elle Decoration magazine.

What a lovely surprise! Mr. Peacock has the honor of being included in their roster of “cool style blogs” alongside such wonderful folks like:

Jonathan Adler,

An Aesthete’s Lament,

Pure Style Online, and...

...the amazing and charismatic James Andrew, from What is James Wearing?

Mr. Andrew shared his inspirations and influences last March with Mr. Peacock, click here to read the interview.

UK Elle Decoration has always been a favorite read of Mr. Peacock. I’m thrilled for the kind shout-out from this incredibly stylish and inspirational magazine! Be sure to grab a copy of the July 2009 issue. Thank you UK Elle Decoration!

Thanks for the birthday greetings!

Thank you everyone for the birthday greetings! And thank you to Mistress MJ at Infomaniac for the naughty birthday wishes last Friday.

My favorite Aunt sent me a birthday card and a check (she has every year since I was born). This year she also included a tree dedication in my name through the Arbor Day Foundation. She's been "green" her entire life. You can buy a tree for someone here.

My mom took these photos at my birthday party when I turned 3 years old. I’m the chunky one in the short coveralls. We didn’t have big fancy, themed birthday parties as a child—just a few kids, ice cream and a homemade birthday cake on a sunny June day.

At the party, my cousin Tracy, (I’m 2 months older) started to cry for some reason ...and ran to her mom, my Aunt Criss. I actually remember thinking, “Why are you crying Tracy, it’s my birthday party!?”

One of my mom’s best friends, Nancy, brought her 2 sons, Ron and Tony. Ron was the oldest—maybe 6 or 7 years old. He didn’t really want play with us little kids.

My mom said, “I want a picture of you and Ron…” So I grabbed his hand and my mom took the picture. Oh, to be 3 years old again...

My partner Jason made me a clever homemade birthday card (which he always does for me), and a wonderful dinner….and I received nice cards (and gifts) from my sisters too. Thanks everyone—I appreciate it!

What's your favorite birthday memory?

Mr. Peacock sends out a thank you...

Mr. Peacock would like to kindly thank a couple of wonderful sites for the shout-outs!

Beefranck, part of the Mr. X Stitch squad, kindly featured Mr. Peacock's naughty napkins on her weekly posting called, NSFW Saturday, which features naughty stitched items "not safe for work." Mr. X Stitch site features contemporary embroidery and needlecraft. The amount of talent and creativity showcased is almost overwhelming! You can easily spend hours looking at a diverse sampling of modern and experimental stitching.

After each visit to Mr. X Stitch, I immediately want to start embroidering—while my head is spinning from the amazing work they feature on the site. Even if you're not a needlecraft person, you will be inspired by the work shown on Mr. X Stitch. They also sell Mr. X Stitch patterns on etsy. Thank you Beefranck—and I love the adult content "warning-puppy!"

And a big merci to the crafty, Skitso Leezra, for always thinking about Mr. Peacock, and turning me on to Mr. X Stitch!


Mr. Peacock would also like to give a thanks to Thombeau, and his entire Fabulon Board of Directors, over at Planet Fabulon. Fabulon was "paging" Mr. Peacock from his fabulous universe...and I answered the call. If you need a good dose of glamour, fashion, and beefcake...all wrapped up with a sly sense of humor, be sure to make a pit-stop on the planet full of fabulousity at Fabulon.

And thanks to all of the folks who read and enjoy Mr. Peacock. The blogosphere is an amazing universe!

A Peacock Respite...

A man and his peacock—Castro Street Fair, circa 1991.

Mr. Peacock is a bit under the weather (no Swine Flu here) and over-extended right now, and will be taking a brief blog break. I extend my apologies, but will be back on Friday—bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Thank you for reading Mr. Peacock. See you Friday!

Room of the Month—Mr. Peacock

Here’s a peek at Mr. Peacock from the monthly feature, The Room, in the upcoming May 2009 issue of the San Francisco lifestyle magazine, 7x7.

I’m really hooting it up here on my sofa! The numbers on the photo correspond to text on the 7x7 website (and layout in the upcoming May issue), click here to read the full copy.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve moved many times over the years, and I never had a “real” sofa. I would usually have a large table with chairs in my living room—easier to move than a large sofa, and great for large dinners. People didn’t like coming over to my place, because there wasn’t anywhere comfortable to hang out. A friend in the furniture biz convinced me (with a great price too) that it was time to get a nice, adult sofa. Well, being a Gemini, I had a difficult time deciding and committing to a single sofa style. The sofas that were visually appealing were unfortunately terribly uncomfortable—and visa versa. Many of the sofas that were super comfortable, looked like an upholstered beached whale, with piles of pillows. I even went to the Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the amazing furniture fair in Milano) on my quest to find the ultimate sofa with perfect form and function. I did find two comfy and nice looking chairs in Milano, and was ready to order them, however, they didn't meet the fire codes (or something problematic) in California and it would have turned into a big project to get them here...

Above: I like the look of this IKEA "Karlstad" sofa. It would look great with a patterned slipcover!

In the meantime, another pal told me to just get a cheap IKEA sofa as a temporary solution, and then get rid of it when I decide on my “permanent” sofa. I took his advice, but wasn’t too crazy about the shape and silhouette of the IKEA "Nikkala" sofa I selected (now discontinued)—but it was super comfortable, and not too bulky. When it was delivered, however, I was taken aback by the tyvek used as upholstery fabric under the white cotton slipcover, and thought that it wouldn't be very durable.

Above: I like this black on white stylized peacock fabric at IKEA. It also comes in the reverse—white on black fabric. I think it would look interesting on a sofa.

Well seven years later, I still have the $400 sofa from IKEA, and the foam is just as firm as it was the day I purchased it. I’m shocked too—I think they have a 10 year guarantee on the sofas. I was never a couch potato in my life, but I have to admit, I’ve taken many naps and lounged on this inexpensive comfortable sofa.

After 7x7 Magazine heard my sofa testimonial, they asked me if I would share my tips on how I styled my own IKEA sofa on video for their website. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the darn video to embed here on the blog, but you can watch it here. The photos (above and below) are stills from the video by Jason Jurgens.

I’m sill on the hunt for the sofa with “perfect” form and function, but until I find it—I’ll keep making different slipcovers for my comfy “vintage” IKEA couch.

I want to thank all of the folks at 7x7 Magazine (including the editor of my piece, Leilani Labong; the photographer, Joe Budd; and the videographer Jason Jurgens) for doing such a great job, and making me feel at ease. And also, thanks to the folks at IKEA for being so accommodating for Mr. Peacock. Thank You!

What kind of sofa do you have—do you love it? Is it comfortable, or just look good—or both?

My favorite color is WHORANGE...

Mr. Peacock would like to send a big San Francisco thank you to Miss Tula down in Los Angeles, the "hostess with the mostess" of the wonderfully clever and quirky blog Whorange, for her kind "shout-out" on my inspirational homage to The Seekers. Thanks Whorange!

Edgar Allan Poe Commemorative Stamp

"Leave my loneliness unbroken!"
—The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe

Mr. Peacock loves the commemorative stamps honoring American poet and writer, Edgar Allan Poe. The stamp was issued in January, and designed by Carl T. Herrman, of Carlsbad, California. The image above doesn't show the true colors—the price is in blood red, with Mr. Poe's name in metallic gold.

You can order a special limited edition, 40 page softcover book of Edgar Allan Poe's classic poem, The Raven. This booklet (see above) comes with a block of four 42-cent Edgar Allan Poe stamps.

This booklet contains 6 beautiful illustrations (see above and below) by the illustrator, Emmanuel Polanco—his work is perfect to illustrate this narrative poem! Mr. Peacock likes the Edgar Allan Poe portrait, although I would have also loved to see a commemorative "The Raven" stamp too, using Mr. Polcanco's illustration (above) from the booklet.

You may remember Mr. Polcano's illustrated Tarot cards I shared with you in early in March. To order the limited edition commemorative "The Raven" book, click here. To order the Edgar Allan Poe stamps, click here. Thank you US Postal Service!

Birds We Know...

Mr. Peacock received a wonderful little vintage children's book from 1954, titled The True Book of Birds We Know, in the mail from Sara in Richmond, Virginia.

This book was originally part of the collection at The Richmond Public Library.

Mr. Peacock loves this spread on "scratching birds!"

The color plates are lovely too. I'm sure many children enjoyed reading this book, as will Mr. Peacock. Thank You Sara!

Thank You Nightline...

Last night, Nightline (on ABC), had an insightful and informative piece (see photo above) on Alzheimer's. As you may already know, my mom and uncle both have Alzheimer's.You can watch the entire video of the segment—here. Nightline began this segment at a GQ Magazine photo shoot. As a culture we know the names of pop stars, but not our top scientists—the upcoming GQ shoot will feature top scientists, including Alzheimer specialists, as "rock stars" in a fashion spread. The host of Nightline, Terry Moran, whose own mother passed away from Alzheimer's, took a DNA test to find out his risk for different diseases—including Alzheimer's. Mr. Peacock thanks Nightline (and GQ) for increasing the awareness, and hopefully research, for Alzheimer's disease.

Greetings from Mr. Peacock

Mr. Peacock received a very lovely embroidered postcard in the mail yesterday from Christine in Canada (see photo below). Thank you so much for the thoughtful card and feedback!

And thank you to everyone who has sent wonderful emails, left kind comments...and to everyone who enjoys reading Mr. Peacock blog! Merci!

All Aboard—Prêt à Voyager

Anne, from the wonderful travel blog, Prêt à Voyager, featured Mr. Peacock today as a Boarding Pass. Anne interviews fellow designers about how they travel for her Q & A series called Boarding Pass.
Her blog “is all about travel, design and getting out and doing something different.” Check out Prêt à Voyager and Mr. Peacock’s Boarding Pass here. Thanks Anne!