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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Preservation Awards 2013 Indian Rocks Beach

Front Row:  Valerie owner Cafe de Paris, Helen Tilston, Julie Hoofnagle, Mary Rose Holmes. Back Row, Eric Meyer President Acton 2000 and Julie Folden VP Action 2000.
The Plein Aire Cottage Artists' Prervation Award is given each year, around Arbor Day, to one business and one residence at Indian Rocks Beach.  This much coveted bronze plaque was revealed seven years  ago. 


Bronze Plaque


This year, Cafe de Paris was awarded.   This small business recently renovated and is a welcome haven for locals and visitors.  The macaroons, crepes and quiche are among our favourite items.

Oil Painting of Hoofnagle Home by Helen Tilston
 The Hoofnagle residence,"Idlewildcottage" which was been lovingly and carefully restored and given a new life both inside and out is the winner of the Residential Award.    The sunsets from the living room window are most memorable.

I am heading back to my easel to complete some overdue commissions.

Hope your week is very special






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62 comments:

  1. JenMay 8, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    You have me intrigued by Indian Rocks Beach--I mist visit one day! Your painting is lovely--the green house and turquoise water is captivating. I would like to sit on that porch, enjoy the view, and then walk to Cafe de Paris for a crepe!

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2013 at 8:24 PM

      Hello Jen

      I hope you come to IRB one day and that is exactly what you can do, the distance between the Hoofnagle house and Cafe de Paris is less than a mile on the clear sandy beach

      Helenxx

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  2. Jane the BookladyMay 8, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Hello Helen, It's so important when communities support and praise each other.
    I love your painting, I can almost smell the sunshiney, salty air!
    Have a happy week painting, Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2013 at 8:25 PM

      Hello Jane

      Your comment is fitting and I agree with you. Thanks for your compliment on my painting. Wishing you a joyful week

      Helen xx

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  3. MrsLittleJeansMay 8, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    Congratulations to Cafe de Paris...what an inviting name...I love your oil painting...it is great to see you Helen xx

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2013 at 8:27 PM

      Hello Mona

      Cafe de Paris is a unique French cafe whose owners hail from a small village in France. Thank you for your kind words.

      Wishing you a week of sunshine and joy with my two four legged friends

      Helenxx

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  4. MadeliefMay 8, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Congratulations to Café de Paris! Enjoy your painting!

    Madelief x

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2013 at 8:28 PM

      Hello Madelief

      Thank you for stopping by and for your kind wishes.
      May your week be special

      Helen xx

      Delete
  5. Things and ThoughtsMay 8, 2013 at 10:20 PM

    I like your painting Helen, I love the colors , all the nuances of green you have used and I like we don't see but only a part of this house and can also imagine its view.
    Cafe de Paris must be a very charming cafe and I would pleased to visit it and taste its delicatessen . Congratulations to it !

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    1. helen tilstonMay 9, 2013 at 4:29 AM

      The Hoofnagles have exquisite taste in colour. The house harmoniously fits into its environment and is a compliment to surrouding residences. What is beautiful is that the owners used the existing footprint and have also retained many items belonging to the former owner.
      Cafe de Paris is a must visit when at Indian Rocks Beach.
      I thank you for your comments and wish you a day of joy

      Helen xx

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  6. AnnaMay 9, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    Hello Helen! Cafè de Paris sounds like a lovely place... any place where good food and ambiance are provided is lovely!
    We have lovely caffè in Italy, where we enjoy sitting in the sun and having breakfast, drinks, granite and, if you want, antipasti platters, which are magnificent! One place in particular, we really love!

    You seem very busy with your paintings, which must be fantastic for you!

    Looking at the painting you posted, I must say that I love it! Hoofnagle Home lookes really beautiful. What strikes me about this painting is the fact that it looks different from your other paintings: lots of beautiful, delicate blues and greens, with little touches of the Helen we know. I wonder way!
    To me, these are the colours which I associate with an Irish landscape. Did this place remind you of your Irish home by the sea?

    Lots of love

    ANNA :)
    xxx

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    1. helen tilstonMay 9, 2013 at 4:35 AM

      Dear Anna

      Cafe de Paris is unique, as the owners are French and have their thumbprint on all the delicious items that are served.Their is always humour and laughter as neighbours greet and banter with Xavier, Valerie and their son Luigi.

      My art is keeping me delightfully busy.

      Your artistic eye I welcome Anna. You are correct the colours of the Hoofnagle house could very well be coastal Ireland. Yes, you read my heart Anna, the house touched my soul and spoke to me. I had painted it many years ago before renovation when it was a different type of beauty.

      Looking forward to visiting you soon. Are you in beautiful Italy presently?

      Helenxx

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    2. AnnaMay 10, 2013 at 2:39 AM

      Dear Hewlen,

      I could tell there was something special about this painting, and I couldn't help noticing the lack of your vibrat oranges, yellows and turquoise. It's a very romantic image!

      We are going to Italy next week, as we have bought a town house where we are intending to live, though we will be from time to time coming back to this house, especially around Christmas time.

      I have been busy packing things and getting some beautiful antique furniture we bought for the house, which is going to be collected today. My husband is sending furniture and paintings from NY. So... it's all very busy!

      I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for a lovely reply to my comment. You are too kind, Helen!

      HUGS

      ANNA
      xxx

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  7. SumanMay 9, 2013 at 2:08 AM

    Hello Helen,

    That is a beautiful painting; love the different shades of green. It is such a soothing palette for my tired eyes, especially in this killing Indian summer.

    Many congratulations to Café de Paris. Have a lovely week.

    Suman

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    1. helen tilstonMay 9, 2013 at 4:39 AM

      Hello Suman
      The Hoofnagle home has been delicately and carefully restored and still has the elegance and grace that comes with maturity. There always seems to be a gentle breeze, even on hot days, from the Gulf of Mexico.

      Thank you for your good wishes. Hope your beautiful balcony continues to welcome butterflies and birds.

      Helen xx

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  8. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenMay 9, 2013 at 3:56 AM

    Congratulations to Café de Paris. Sounds like a very inviting place to dine and enjoy the sunset sipping an aperitif.
    Sam

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    1. helen tilstonMay 9, 2013 at 4:40 AM

      Hello Sam

      Thank you for your kind words. I would love to read your review when you visit Cafe de Paris. Tell them I sent you!

      Helen xx

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  9. ~Lavender Dreamer~May 9, 2013 at 6:14 AM

    This is wonderful news! I love Indian Rocks Beach and that whole area. The painting of Hoofnagle Home is lovely...sunsets from the living room sound amazing! Enjoy your day my friend!

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  10. helen tilstonMay 9, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    Hello Dianne

    Next time you are visiting Indian Rocks Beach you must stop by and enjoy a cappucino and their pastries will make you return often. Thanks for visiting and wishing you a great week

    Helen xx

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  11. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 9, 2013 at 5:05 PM

    HELEN! How fabulous of a life you lead....painting, friends, the oceanside? How much better can it get. LOVELY! And you will not believe this, but you came into my mind today as I was teaching kindergarten. A little girl asked me to paint a rose for her with watercolours and I had NO idea where to begin, but you suddenly came into my mind. THEN I SEE YOU at my blog! Welcome!

    Have a lovely weekend, Anita

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    1. helen tilstonMay 10, 2013 at 2:43 AM

      Dear Anita
      How lovely to hear you thought of me today.I think of you often, as one of your beautiful card sits my credenza as part of a vignette. I am very grateful for my life and community and yes having art partners means very much too
      Hope your week is special my friend

      Helen xx

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  12. cedarmerefarmMay 9, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    WOW!!!!!! That painting is AMAZING! I like how simple it is while having a ton of fantastic happy, refreshing and soothing colors. I can smell the air and feel the cool ocean breeze. Everything about it reminds me of Turks & Caicos. We visited it for the first time last year and instantly felt in love with it. We went back three months later for another week. We plan to go back again this year. You will not believe the colors you see in the ocean and on the little houses and restaurants for the locals. I think you will love TCI. Visit it if you haven't been. It's not far from Florida.
    Christa

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    1. helen tilstonMay 10, 2013 at 2:47 AM

      Good Morning Christa
      Why thank you for this beautiful compliment on my painting of the Hoffnagle home. It is painted en plein aire and the Gulf of Mexico has many personalities and loves to show off in different colours. You are the third person who recently spoke of Turks & Caicos and now you have me longing to visit. You are right it is within easy reach of Florida. Thanks for sharing this with me dear Christa

      Helen xx

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  13. Louise @ INGREDIENTSMay 9, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    Hi Helen, the painting of Hoofnagle residence is beautiful. The colour palette is so pretty and serene. Cafe de Paris sounds wonderful too. What a great way to honour the local businesses and residents!

    Hope you have a great weekend!

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    1. helen tilstonMay 10, 2013 at 2:53 AM

      Good Morning Louise

      Thank you for reading my post. The Hoofnagle home is indeed embraced with love. My art partners, Violetta and Mary Rose and me(Plein Aire Cottage Artists) and a local non profit (Action 2000) decided on the Award to encourage beautification and renovation of existing historic homes and businesses. The plaque, we are delighted to say, is received as a major honour.

      Hope your weekend is blissful

      Helenxx

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  14. A Bit of the BlarneyMay 10, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    It sounds like a delightful place to visit! It's wonderful to give recognition to those who endeavor to beautify and improve the environment. Well done! Cathy

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  15. helen tilstonMay 10, 2013 at 5:45 AM

    Hello Cathy

    We love living at Indian Rocks Beach and many have commented that the place has a heart, which I feel describes this little corner of paradise.

    Thanks for your kind comments

    Helen xx

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  16. KarenaMay 10, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Dear Helen I adore your cottage painting; truly beautiful!
    A most wonderful spot to be painting (and to live)
    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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    1. helen tilstonMay 10, 2013 at 10:24 AM

      Hello Karen

      Why thank you most sincerely for this big compliment. You are right it is a wonderful spot to paint and live.
      May your weekend be full of joy

      Helen xx

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  17. Woodside ParkMay 10, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Dear Helen - Your painting is beautiful!! (I would love to sit on that porch.) It should hang inside Hoofnagle Home. Macaroons, crepes and quiche? All favorites of mine :) I hope to one day visit and enjoy lunch at Cafe de Paris.
    Cheers,
    Loi

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 3:52 AM

      Hello Loi,

      What you say are all the finest ingredients for a quality life. Wishing you a day of beauty and joy

      Helen xx

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  18. UnknownMay 10, 2013 at 12:39 PM

    Helen,

    Only art can capture the true magic that lies within a precious moment in time. What a thrill of living a life in an artist's way.

    Happy Mother's Day!

    Bette

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 3:53 AM

      Hello Bette

      Thank you most sincerely for these bautiful words.
      May your day be bright

      Helen xx

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  19. A Super DilettanteMay 10, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    My dearest Helen,

    I offer many congratulations to Cafè de Paris and it is always good to support our local small businesses - credit should be given when credit is due. Your paintings always draw me in - I think there is an aura of quietness and serenity in your work which I find very reflective and peaceful. Your spontaneous brushstrokes are very assured and flowing. The colours combination is beautifully balanced and it invites the viewers to smell, observe, listen and feel the breeze from the ocean. High-keyed colours on the tree just throw out different facets as if one is looking at the details of a kaleidoscopic imagery. I would never get tired from looking at your painting. It reminds me of what Matisse famously said:

    "What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity...a soothing, calming influence on the mind, something like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue."

    Have a wonderful weekend,

    ASD x

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:02 AM

      Dearest ASD
      The winners both well deserved to win. The common denominator in both awards is passion for where they live and professionalism in what they do.
      Your very positive critique of my painting I shall treasure.
      I am printing this and putting it on my studio wall. As you well know. Like the two winners of "The Preservation Award", your profession as a Writer, Art Historian and Art Professor deserve an Award.

      Fondest wishes and let you week be filled with sunshine and joy

      Helenxx

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  20. PoppyMay 10, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    Hello Helen,

    Simply staring into your picturesque painting takes me away to dreamy landscapes by the sea, where sand and seashells call for strolls on the shore. I am enchanted with the green walls of the house. Thank you for sharing your inspiration.

    Poppy xo

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:03 AM

      Hello Poppy

      It is always a wonderful day when we can stroll upon the shore totally absorbed in our thoughts.
      Thank you for your beautiful comment on my painting.
      To a week of happiness
      Helen xx

      Delete
  21. KukkaiselämääMay 10, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    Such beautiful colors in your painting. Lovely! Happy weekend, Helen!

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:04 AM

      Why thank you most kindly for this beautiful compliment.Wishing you a glorious week

      Helen xx

      Delete
  22. Emilie's daughterMay 11, 2013 at 1:12 AM

    YOu live in such a wonderful area, Helen! I just checked it out on the internet. Having the ocean and the sun around you all year is something I cannot imagine! The Café de Paris is lovely! In this respect I am glad not to live there - I would visit too often! Your painting is brilliant! The colors are vibrant - just like you are! Happy weekend and please send some sun over here - it is terribly grey and cold! Christa

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:10 AM

      Hello Christa

      Thank you for taking the time to research where I live and love. Thank you most sincerely for your flattering compliment on my painting of the Hoofnagle Home. It is such a joy to paint what one loves.
      I hope the sun shines on your beautiful corner of the world.
      Helen xx

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  23. GillianMay 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Hello Helen,
    Thank you for your heartfelt comments about Tinkie...who you had never met. We are recovering slowly and are resisting the temptation to rush out and grab the nearest available Bengal cat or kitty for a hug. We shall get another cat when we have finished grieving.
    I love your palette in Hoofnagle Home. Is that cerulean blue?
    Cheers Gillian

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:13 AM

      Hello Gillian

      Thank you for your compliment on the Hoofnagle Home, yes cerulian was used, how observant of you.
      So sorry about Tinkie and I hope time eases your pain and that shortly you will be left with just the memory of good times with your sweet pet.
      Continued blessings.

      Helen xx

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  24. Julie@beingRUBYMay 11, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Hello dear Helen
    You paint such lovely scenes a little escape to the seaside is just what I need

    Thanks for the lively birthday wishes ciao ciao xxx Julie

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    1. helen tilstonMay 12, 2013 at 4:15 AM

      Hello Julie

      How lovely to hear from you. Thanks for your compliment on my art, which means a lot coming from such a fine artist.
      Hope your years is very special

      Helen xx

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  25. 24 CornersMay 12, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    You are surrounded by the most beautiful and inspiring places to paint Helen...I'd love to step into your painting of Hoofnagle Home this very minute, looks so peaceful and pretty.
    Hope you had a lovely weekend...
    xo J~

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  26. helen tilstonMay 13, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    Dear Jessica

    An artist like you Jessica recognizes beauty and places of beauty.
    Thank you for your welcome comment for my painting of the Hoofnagle Home. This means a great deal coming from a teacher of art.

    Helen xx

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  27. Rachel CotterillMay 13, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Now I want to go to that cafe! :)

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  28. JaneMay 13, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    Hello Helen, I found your blog via your comment on Foxglove Lane, and was interested to see that you lived for a while in Sydney. I am from NSW. I love your painting of Hoofnagle Home. Just lovely, I would welcome it on my wall :) Bye for now, Jane

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    1. helen tilstonMay 14, 2013 at 8:26 PM

      Hello Jane
      A warm welcome and thank you for following my blog. I did live in Sydney and Canberra and have the most wonderful memories of life in your beautiful country.
      Thank you kindly for your beautiful comment on the Hoofnagle painting. It now hangs in their beautiful home

      Helen xx

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  29. helen tilstonMay 14, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    Hello Rachel

    I wish you would come and visit and I will treat you to morning coffee at Cafe de Paris

    Helen xx

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  30. sandaMay 16, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    Helen, I would love to eat the macaroons, quiche and crepes at Cafe de Paris! Love your painting of Idlewild Cottage. Hope your work is going well!

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    1. helen tilstonMay 29, 2013 at 2:13 AM

      Hello Sanda

      Thanks for asking, work is going extremely well and with that comes lots of deadlines. It is all good and I am grateful but I miss visiting my favourite bloggers with the frequency I like. Hope all is brilliant in your corner of the world

      Helenxx

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  31. helen tilstonMay 17, 2013 at 7:48 PM

    Hello Sanda
    Thanks for asking, yes work is going very well. There is just not enough hours in some days. We are very fortunate to have Cafe de Paris in our neighbourhood and also beautiful subject matter to paint. Thanks for your kind compliment on my painting of Idlewild Cottage.

    Helenxx

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  32. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsMay 17, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    Hello Helen! It is always nice to see a comment from you. Thank you for coming by. I can tell you that Paris in December is truly magical, if you love cool weather, sometimes a little snow, beautiful sights, and Christmas!

    I hope that you are keeping yourself busy! Do you have any new paintings?

    Have a beautiful weekend, Elizabeth

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    1. helen tilstonMay 29, 2013 at 2:15 AM

      Hello Elizabeth, I feel the same about your blog which is always interesting and uplifting. I have not had the pleasure of Paris in winter but know we would love it.
      Lots of new paintings and exciting projects happening with my personal art and my partnership with the plein aire cottage artists.
      Hope life is wonderful for you

      Helen xx

      Delete
  33. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 18, 2013 at 3:28 AM

    Dearest Helen! GOOD MORNING! How wonderful to see that you stopped by yesterday for our party. You will see original art, humor, big dreams and little home spaces with a French touch on this tour...I hope you are having a productive and creative spring. Many wishes for a delightful weekend! Anita

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    1. helen tilstonMay 29, 2013 at 2:16 AM

      Hello Anita

      Lovely to see your smiling face and to read and hear about the wildly successful Paris and France party project.
      Art is keeping me very busy and I am so thankful for that.
      Helen xx

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  34. Elizabeth Rose StantonMay 26, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Your painting of the cottage is so evocative-- makes me feel like I'm there!

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    1. helen tilstonMay 29, 2013 at 2:18 AM

      Hello Elizabeth

      It is indeed a magical cottage and the energy from the owners seeps through the walls. Thank you for this beautiful compliment and from such an accomplished artist it means even more

      Helen xx

      Delete
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    1. helen tilstonMay 29, 2013 at 2:19 AM

      Hola Nina

      Many thanks for visiting and for commenting. Your kind compliment is much appreciated. I welcome you warmly and open heartedly to my blog. Looking forward to future visits.

      My best
      Helen xxx

      Delete

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