Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Very sweet interview…especially for Valentine’s Day. You and John make such a great couple!

The new look at you two is so much fun. Thanks for sharing. You are two of my favorite people. Wish we could have cocktails together.

Here’s & cheers to ya! What a couple…and what a legacy you’re building! Hugs!

What an adorable couple you two are. You compliment eachother so well. It’s nice to see live video for a change. It keeps things fresh. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Come visit me at my blog-
wwwwhisperingoakscottage.blogspot.com
xxxooo Ruth

Love the new video segment. Y’all are an awesome couple. Looks like y’all were made for each other. God bless and Happy Valentine’s Day.

Where’s your red lipstick, girlie!?!?!

CC and Virginia, You better have on your red lips tonight! It is Valentine’s day. And Tracy, thank you for this lovely Valentine gift. I love the videos.

Loving your blog including the video segments. The new catalogue is wonderful. I’ve been a fan since Inspired Gatherings came out. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hi Tracy~

I LOVE your blog & catalog…It is so fun to watch the videos and “feel” like I “know” you. I was so inspired by your video post “Enchanted Living” that I created a picutre wall…still in progress…in my home…and got my bedside organized…thanks for all the great tips.

Heres’ a couple questions if I was behind that video camera…What book/books are you reading right now?? What is your favorite kind of tea??

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Dawn

Tracy, When asked what you would do if not this, what was your answer? I couldn’t hear it. I’m very curious to know what other field you would have chosen.

love all these videos!!!! keep them coming–i feel like i right there with all of you
xo

Just found your blog – thought I’d “discovered” you, and called my mom.
MOM: “Tracy Porter – I “know” Tracy Porter, she’s been around for a long time – I LOVE her stuff! I bought a plate of hers, maybe 10 years ago in downtown Plano.”
Anyway, glad I found you site. Wisconsin is a beautiful place.
Love the videos.
Dena

Dena-
Me too. I stumbled upon tracy’s blog thinking I had found the next best thing, and immediately called my business partner yelling, “we must go buy her book, it’s so us.” She said, I already have two of her books from a long time ago.” What’s up with that, burst my bubble why don’t you. I am still just as excited that I discovered her stuff, even if I am the last one to know.

Great video Tracy, it’s wonderful to be able to know the women behind the beautiful creations! Keep ‘em a comin’!

The video’s do a lot to personalize your brand. I love your style and as an artist, I really admire what you have built. You have quite a team and what an amazing studio!
Best,
Christine

Morning!

What a wonderful video! Such a surprise first to come upon your blog unexpectedly but than to get to know you in such a personal way was a nice Sunday morning ‘pleasure’! I have been hunting for some information on a clam shell that I found at a local thrift store. They only identifying label is yours on the back of the silver/gray/black shell. the inside is a painted coral, pink & white floral disign. I was wondering if I took a picture of it if you could tell me more about it, mainly what year is was made and if it truly is one of your pieces? Thank You for any help!~Dona Morrison

May I whine for just a moment? I just measured and the curtains I’ve been coveting are going to be too short for my windows! Boo hoo hoo…..Any tips on how to make those babies work for me? I need them to be 6 or 7 inches longer.
A sad (sniff, sniff) CC

Needed: Creative Ideas….I have a sweet little wrought iron bird cage that I have displayed. However, does anyone have any cool ideas of what I can put in it?
Thanks! CC

I’m full of impromptu conversations/questions today, aren’t I??? Tracy, I have to tell you….my daughter and I made the Barefoot Contessa’s recipe for coconut cupcakes this weekend. OH MY GOODNESS! They are delightful! So moist, so deliciously yummy! Thank you for sharing that recipe with us.

Also, I have a request that may not be able to be filled….while at my kitchen sink today I thought it would be so nice to have a liquid soap dispenser in the Artesian Road pattern. What do you think??? If you make it we will buy! Tee hee hee

Tracy, In your book (Page 43) there is an awfully cute English Bulldog. Is he yours?

CC, Were the cupcakes a box mix or from scratch? I don’t remember a recipe.
Ms. Nettie, where are your recipes? We are not letting you off the hook!

Artist – page 43 of WHICH book??? I have 2 of Tracy’s books. No Bulldog. So, there must be one I have to buy! I second CC’s idea to make soap dispensers for the kitchen. They would be a hot item!

Artist, the cupcakes are made from scratch. THE BEST I think I’ve ever eaten! I think Tracy blogged about them in January.

Virginia, The book that is on line now for sale: Tracy Porter Home Style, under the chapter Medley of Color.

Tracy, Are you back yet? We miss you!

CC, I can’t find the cupcakes. Please email me the recipe.

Oh, my. Cannot believe I missed THAT book. Thanks, Artist!

Hi there!!! I am back….! I miss you all as well! I was excited to see all the fun comments and chatter! I am thrilled that you like the videos, we will keep them coming.It’s a great way to communicate our world. I feel like we can let you in more this way!…
* to a few questions….my answer to what else if not this….perhaps a librarian of some sort…I am a book lover…or something in the garden, but honestly i cannot imagine not doing this.
* dear woven heart..yes the clam shell you describe is us. Perhaps 4-5 years ago?
* CC…the curtains were too short for me too, so I hung them lower in my window ( very french if you will )….I did have a wooden division to tack them onto though, one possibility is to use a pretty hempy rope that sways lower, does this make sense what I am describing…think of the curtain photo from my last blog, sort of that feel.Let me know…I hope they work for you, aren’t they luscious! Oh and for the birdcage, try candles in it, or a small pot of rosemary or a collection of something that you have…..aren’t those cupckaes unbelievable…I keep them stashed in my freezer at all times.
* dear Artist, the bulldog you speak of was named OTIS he was Sarah’s and sadly died last year, we ALL miss him.
* yes, yes….soap dispensers are a great idea, we did have some in our TRACY line at Target a few years ago, but not since then…I will keep it in mind, thanks for the suggestion!!
I am so glad to see so many newbies join us! Really fun to see this grow, thanks to all of you…thank you for sharing us with your friends and family….we know how very fortunate we are to have all of you staying tuned in!!!
xoxo
T.

CC, Is there a way you could sew the valance to the top of the curtain ? That would give you the extra length of the valance. Right now the valance is over the top curtain. It would look the same from the front, if both are lined you’d be alright on the backside too.

Tracy, thank you so much for your suggestions, for addressing all of our issues and for listening. It’s so wonderful!

Here’s a toast to Otis. He captured my heart in that photo. I lost my beagle last year after 14 years and so I feel your pain Sarah. What a lovely picture you have to remember him by.

Tracy, silly questions: Where would I find the hemp rope that you use in hanging curtains? My local hardware store or a craft store? About how thick is the rope?

I’m thinking of stepping out of my comfort zone and going for this look. It looks so fabulous in your home but I’m afraid it will look like curtains on a string in mine…..

CC- I am so sad, I have been making comments, but having trouble with them actually posting. I agree with tracy (WHO WOULDN’T, RIGHT?) on the candle idea. Not sure how big the bird cage is, but maybe you could put a stack of pretty books at the bottom and set the candle on top.

Artist – Thanks so much for the greeting on another post. I am so excited to be blogging with you lovely gals. I am a newbie in the blog world, but OH HOW IT HAS QUICKLY SUCKED ME IN!

Tracy – Thanks so much for replying to all of our comments. Not everyone does, and you are so appreciated. Thanks for giving your time to do all the videos and posts, they are so inspiring. Your book(s) are on my birthday list. Unfortunately that is 2 months aways. How will I wait?

Melissa

Melissa, glad you’re back with us! I thought we’d lost you. Keep those books on your list. I have all of Tracy’s books and read them over and over. By the way, are you in Texas too?

CC…I am of the “there are no silly questions camp”! Yes, you can do this and it will look great. The hardware store is the place or do you have a “fleet farm” kind of store near you ( that’s where I go)…maybe those are not nation wide?? We are in the country here and it’s one of my favorite places to go! But most hardware stores have rope. You are going to want to go thicker on these or it WILL look like they are dangling on a string…so I would see if they have a one inch rope or so ( even 3/4″), bring your curtain with you. The rope should be nice and brown looking…I use this kind to hang candelabras in my home etc. It’s a very cool look. I have no doubt you can make it work. Another layer….right!! …and…BTW way to be open minded my love!
Melissa you are too sweet! Thank you for joining us, we have such an amazing group here…everyone loves chatting lots of good ideas flying around……love your idea of the books under the candle as well, always good to add books whenever in question…keep your eyes peeled for aged books at flea markets etc. pretty spines and good colors….they make great perches and add such a luscious layer to any home. In fact we are ( as i mentioned earlier) doing a photo shoot in our house this week..we needed a little interest above a shot and we added a shelf above 3 doors in a nook in my hall….charm fairy…. loaded it up with books and just like that…instant aging….love it!
I forgot to mention to you girls that last night after all the talk of the coconut cupcakes…I pulled one out of my freezer and popped it in the the microwave………ohhhhh…toooo good! I have a nasty cold so unfortunately it was without my evening wine…but still fabulous!
xo

Melissa! Hi there and so happy to have your among all of our blogging friends! This is fun, isn’t it. (I’m new at this too. Tracy, see what you’ve started!?! Tee hee hee)

I think I’m going to go with the candle idea. Love it!
Thanks ladies!!!

OK fellow bloggers. This is the BIG day. Virginia and CC are meeting for lunch. Let’s all toast new friends around that time. How wonderful that like minds can meet like this. Thank you Tracy for allowing all the fun!

To artist and all. Cheers to my new, like minded, creative, magazine ripping, book reading, make-up wearing, collecting, daring fashionista friends.

Hi gals! I’ve been lurking for awhile but I had to comment on the bird cage post–I think from cc? My dining room is currently all about birds. I have several antique bird prints hanging and quite a few bird cages sitting on my buffet and on the floor. I have this great old rusty red bird cage(about 4 feet tall)that sits in the corner. Anyway, most of the year it does hold candles(so fun to light during dinner parties)but it is always transformed for holidays. For Valentines Day, it was strung with pink twinkle lights with hearts and cherubs on the inside. It gets orange lights for Halloween with a raven perched on the outside and a vintage black cat on the inside(irony). For Easter we’ll fill it with eggs etc…you get the picture. Sort of a seasonal thing…I am a holiday freak. Always something to celebrate!!!

Anne in CA

I want everyone to know that CC has a BEAUTIFUL home. She sent me pics and YES go for the Tracy curtains on the hemp rope. How enchanting that will be.
Can’t wait for a lunch report. We are 2 hours ahead of you so this lunch seems to be taking forever.
Hope you girls at the studio are working on videos!!!! Can’t wait.

To Anne, Don’t lurk, join in the fun!!!! Your birdcage ideas are a blast. I especially love the raven one. Hope we’ll hear from you again.

Tracy, Sarah, Katie, where are you today? Hopefully working on a video for us!

Artist, I am laughing out loud!!! Y’all are just the sweetest bunch!!! Thank you for your compliments on our home….It is quaint –think cottage (another word for small) but I do love it.

Anyway….LUCNH WAS FABULOUS!!!!! VIRGINIA IS PRECIOUS…ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS!!!!! Oh, what fun…we were like two giddy school girls. There was so much we wanted to visit about I’m sure the people at the next table were wondering what in the world was going on….FUN!!! That’s what. Simple, girlie FUN!!!! I just wish we’d had more time to visit. But, I think we’ve both agreed to meet again (this just can’t be a one time meeting; she too great a lady!). Anyone else living in the Houston area? We can start a TP fan club!

Funny note: My best buddy was SOOOOOO nervous for me to meet Virginia (she’s the only one that I told that Virginia was my “blog friend.” I had to promise her that I’d call and give her a report as soon as lunch was over. Well, while at lunch Virginia’s hubby texted her and asked if I was a murderer????? It is soooooo funny……I’m such a powder puff…nothing scary here. What you see is what you get with me! However, I could probably cause harm to someone due to the fact that I LOVE TO TALK!!!! Tee hee hee

Tracy, thank you, thank you for your specific ideas on hanging those curtains. That’s what I need, especially when stepping outside of my box….I need specifics and you gave them to me. Thank you!

Also, just curious…do you freeze the frosted cupcakes? We froze some but they were unfrosted. I didn’t know how they would freeze with the frosting on it.

Anne, Im, Melissa and all!!! It’s so great to grow our group. You gals are just great also. Thanks for the inspiration, ideas, and sweet words!!!

It’s been a GREAT DAY! Hope y’alls has been equally HAPPY!!!

Heartfelt hugs!

CC and Virginia, At last a lunch report. I am thrilled for both of you. How special to meet like this and have so much in common. I knew it would be wonderful. Don’t you feel like high school again ( but better)? Girly girls doing girl stuff! Can’t wait to get my emails.
Hugs.

I am laughing my head off!

CC, you are too funny. You will have to send pics of the birdcage once you have it completed, you know. We are all involved in this now.

It seems you all really get going on the conversation during the morning/afternoon part of the day. Unfortunately, I go off to my studio and work on my frames and/or drive around town faux finishing other peoples homes, so I always get the tail end of the conversation. When I finally get to sit in front of my computer, I am like a giddy little girl waiting to see what was talked a/b next.

Artist, thanks so much for the warm welcome. I actually live in Tennessee. I’m a good ole southern girl.

Tracy, so sorry to hear a/b your cold. I know your a busy gal,(wife, mother of 4, business owner – could you add more to your list please?) so hope you get to feelin’ better.

Thanks for the great chit-chat, I’m love it!

melissa

CC is NOT an ax murderer! In fact, she bubbles with joy. Plus she’s adorable. We really jumped from topic to topic. And you TP bloggers know of what I speak: books, make up, TP, family, jewelry, make up (did I mention that already)???? So…we had to take a pic but before doing so had to “do our lips.” We both pull out make up bags big enough to be a suitcase (slight exaggeration). We ALREADY had the “Robyn lip tools.” CC had been to the MAC counter and I was headed over there. Really, I didn’t think I would meet anyone so “into” all that I am. And, this blog has brought us all together. Thank you Tracy!!!!

Anne – we’re glad you joined us. You’ll soon be addicted.

IM – LOVE your descriptions of us: magazine-tearing, etc.

Artist – you now know what we look like. CC is on the ball to zap you our luncheon picture already. I hope YOUR luncheon was as fun.

Let’s make a toast to girls that wanna have fun…in the most delightful way! Ta-ta…

** having troubles posting too, so went “Anonymous” aka Virginia

Hi Girls!!!! So great to have you all with us!!!

We are actually in the middle of shooting our next catalog… and wouldn’t you know it artist… we are indeed shooting video – tons of it!!!! Amy has been awesome behind the camera–we did the messy bun video for you and lots more… I am a tease aren’t I–just SO excited from the shoot – out of my mind excited!!!

And that is too funny that Virginia got a text from her husband!!! I’m so glad you had a nice lunch!!! If we are ever in the area, we will definitely set something up!

Cheers!!! Katie

Tracy, you mentioned hanging your lighting with the hemp rope. How do you do that? You’ve got pictures of it in your catalog but I can’t figure it out. Do tell, please!

Also, on a personal note….how old are your sweet boys? I’m just curious if any of them are in school. And, how do you have time to do everything that you do!?!?! You must be a super organized person….I don’t believe that you live in organized chaos (Like you mentioned earlier).

Virginia, you are too funny. So glad lunch was delightful. I loved the picture. Everyone needs to know you are glamour girls!!!!!

Melissa, are you near the NC border? Doesn’t anyone live in the east?! I feel your pain faux painting! I did it for years and it is hard work. Fun but physical. Design consulting is so much easier on these old bones.

Katie, you are a tease. HURRY with the videos. We are all so eagerly grasping your every word!!

Have a wonderful morning all.

I hope all of you remember there is a big world out there, even though we prefer being in Tracyville. Did any of you watch the eclypse last night? It was amazing!!!

Virginia, I love reading your posts. You are blessed with the gift of writing my friend. You just have a way with words. I had to giggle when I read your post about our meeting.

To my magazine junkie sista’s….have y’all ever picked up a copy of Southern Lady? I know it sounds like a magazine you’d find at your grandma’s but it’s not. Really nice pics, articles, and recipies.

Just thought I’d share!

Tracy, I’ll say a little “feel better prayer” for you. Hope you are sniffle free soon!

CC & Artist – thank you for the kind words..about writing. I have always enjoyed words and writing. I’m waiting for those videos: woo-hoo.

Southern Lady mag – CC, I have seen it; but didn’t pick it up for that reason..didn’t think I was THAT old yet. I’ll have to check it out now.

I subscribe to Southern Lady and do love it! I was born and raised in the coastal south, where I still live. I am very blessed! I did not have a “privileged” upbringing, so I enjoy peeking in the windows of those gorgeous homes. Southern Lady is a real treat, like going back in time….and the recipes are exceptionally good! I used to subscribe to their teatime mag. too, but had to give that one up….no time to read it all!! I am always scouting for simple, but delicious recipes, which is why I am eager to get a look at some of Miss Nettie’s recipes!! I hope she will post some!!

cc, I have never heard of Southern Lady, where do you get it?

I guess I have not been to your site in awhile, I because I had no idea you were blogging! I adore the ‘unplugged’ interview. I write a blog All the Best and each week I profile stylish and enterprising trendsetters from the world of design, wine, food, travel and art.

I have huge admiration for the entrepreneurs of the world and I love getting to know the creative minds behind the work. I would love to profile you and John.

Some of my recent profiles/interviews include:
Ivanka Trump, Kelly Wearstler, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti (Vivre), Susanna Salk (author of A Privileged Life), Rita Konig (Domino Magazine & UK Vogue), Holly Dunlap (Hollywould), Chris and Suzanne Sharp (The Rug Company).

You can contact via my blog.

All the best,
Ronda

artist, no I am in Memphis, all the way West Tennessee. I did live in Lexington NC for a year about ten years ago. I have family there. But we missed the big (haha-it’s no NYC)city life, so we moved back. Loved NC though, we were right in b/w Greensboro and Charlotte.

cc, have you tried the candle idea yet. How does it look?

Also, how are y’all getting to see all these pics of each other? I want in on the fun!

Katie, I cannot wait for the messy bun video. Edge of my seat, meet my bumb!

melissa

i think your videos are a grand idea. i always find what happens behind the scenes infinitely more interesting than the fabulous finished product. i just love the process, and love to see how others create. i wish the shelter magazines would devote one section to studio shots and interviews with artists and designers about process. i also think it invests customers in the final product. you do a wonderful job. i look forward to the studio video! hint, hint (although it would have to be after the fact, no?) i wouldn’t be surprised to find you with your own magazine one day either!

happy weekend,
amy

Tracy, your own magazine!!!! What a wonderful idea!! Yes, please consider.

Priss, Where are you? I’m sure you must have said but I missed it. I too am coastal in NC.

Tracy, Katie and Sarah, Please don’t make us go all weekend without the new videos. Couldn’t you post just one?

Greetings from the frozen Tundra of South-Central Wisconsin. This is “Mr. Tracy Porter”, aka John. I just came from the house (I say that like it’s someplace else but it’s actually where Tracy, the kids and I live – our home) where Tracy, Sarah, Katie and the gang are shooting some of the Summer stuff (it looks amazing). They’ve all been there since Tuesday, slaving away making great products look good in pictures. I think between our crew and the photographers’ staff they’ve consumed about 400 gallons of coffee and tea (and turned our house upside down in the process). The kids are digging the whole thing too – no school today for conferences. Gus had about 20 jelly beans as compensation for being in one picture (as his agent, I wouldn’t let him get near the set for anything less than 30 but he has a thing for his momma).

Anyway, I see reading the blog that you’re looking for MY girls. I can tell you that they are having a great time creating some great “behind the scenes” stuff and that they’ll get that up on the website soon. In the meanwhile, you’ll just have to settle for me. Sorry though, I have no great tips on whether this bag goes with those shoes or how to reach decorating nirvana – you’ll just have to be patient until the girls complete their latest creations. BTW, the layer that they’ve added to our house is amazing (how’s that for a teaser?!). I don’t know how I fell into this dream but I am, as I say so very often, the luckiest guy in the world.

Have a great weekend,

John

Tracy are you out there? You mentioned being sick, are you in bed? Take care, we miss you!

Melissa, the pics are through email. I just sent you photos of some of my artwork. You’ll soon be addicted to both the blog and email.
Interesting that you were in the western part of our big state. You were in furniture land. A great place for a talented person, so many design showrooms in Highpoint. Glad you’re back where you want to be. I’m on the east coast. Literally I can stick my toe in the ocean daily if I choose.No bright city lights but lots of natural beauty.

Tracy and gang, You have just teased us with another new home page and still no new video. We are begging.

The messy bun video is on its way girls – just hold on a few more days!

I’m the tech gal here at our studio and I’ve spent the last few days as the omniscient voyeur at our photo shoot – videoing behind-the-scenes footage for our website! It’s hard to believe that we’re shooting a summer catalog when the snow outside literally goes well over the top of my car in places!

Although Wisconsin winters are beautiful – I will admit, this photo shoot has put me in the mood to shed those layers! There are simply too many fashion choices this time around to pick from… I could rave for paragraphs. My top choice right now… well, personally I’m smitten with this smashing kelly green “bohemian top” which literally puts me over the edge! Combined with the luscious jewelry, fantastic accessories, smokin’ models – (Tracy, Brooke, Robyn – the natural beauties that they are!!), romantic photography, and a home with an overabundance of artful layers – well, it’s simply too much for a gal to handle!!

This shoot has been a fairytale. My favorite moments are watching the “real life” creep into the romantic stories we are creating… Gus popping unexpectedly into one shot, Siggy trying to fit Max’s head into one of our new bags in another shot, accidentally stepping on a Mr. Potato Head while I was videoing… it’s all part of the bliss. I really tried to take some great footage to share… it will take me awhile to edit down (as I’ll have three full days worth of footage by the end of today) but hopefully it will be worth the wait!

knock knock, anybody home? No new posts. You must be getting ready to release something big.

I love reading these blogs!! You ladies are full of fascinating info. from paint colors to makeup (really the same, no?). I have so many great ideas to try. I’ll start with my rusty antique birdcage which has been gathering dust in my basement since move-in day. Keep it coming, ya’ll!!

I am confused on how to contact each other outside of the blog. Artist, help me.

* Mr. Tracy Porter – thank you for visiting. By now, you probably DO know fashion! Especially after hanging with all those women!!
* Amy – ok, we’ll allow you time to edit. Thanks for the teaser!!!! We’ll be over the edge happy when we get to view the videos. Happy weekend to all! Ta-ta…

Hi there all! WOW! I’ve missed a lot today. Lots of fun reading.

Im…I’ve gotten Southern Lady magazine at Barnes and Noble and even my grocery store. If you find it please let me know what you think about it.

Melissa~ Confession Time!!! I was shopping with a friend on Thursday and I found the most amazing “candle holder thingie” at a local shop. It was one of those things that you say…That’s mine!!! So, it took the place of my birdcage. Actually, it honestly looks better than the birdcarge because it is a lot taller. I needed height more than I knew in that corner. However, I do plan to gather up a stack of books and place them on the floor by my hutch and put the birdcage on top. Inspiriation from our very own lovely Tracy Porter in her catalog.

John, thank you for taking the time to update us all. Tracy! WOW!!! You’re husband seems as precious as you!!! You are a lucky, lucky girl. Very blessed and thank you so much for sharing all of you with all of us!

Amy, can we talk??? Okay, this is the bog for Tracy Porter…I cannot speak for everyone but I must beg of you please do not cut too much out from the video that you’ve taken. Hello! It’s us…we want to see a day long shoot in the life of Tracy Porter. We…okay…I am one of her “can’t get enough” TP fans!!!
Seriously, thanks for taking the time to give us a glimpse of the behind the scences action…and for the teaser of what to expect in the summer catalog. Can’t wait!!!!!

Here’s to a great weekend~

John and Amy, Thanks for the update. It seems we have a lot to look forward to. Who is Brooke? Glad you guys are having fun. Can’t wait to see.

Anon, you must be from the south. I caught that Y’all!

To Amy, Don’t edit too much. We want to see it all!

Hi Girls!

Well, have we kept you on your seats or what!!! We literally just wrapped the shoot (I should be headed home for a wonderful glass of wine – or two- but I just had to blog first!!). We had a GREAT shoot! Lots of amazing shots – sorry to say you will have to wait for them a while linger (until our summer catalog drops)…but the messy bun video I bet Amy will have ready soon! Thank you for all of your posts – they are such a treat to read! I hope you have a splendid weekend!

xoxo & ta-ta – katie

Amy, Thank you so much for all that you do to make us part of the family. We love it and eagerly await your next video.

IM, We write via email. If you are willing to post your email address on the blog, we girls will write. It has really made our friendships special. Don’t know how private you want to be. If there is a business address where you can get email you can start by posting that . Then, via email you can give us your private address without blogging it. Hope this makes sense.

Okay, y’all….can we talk wine? Tracy, Katie, and all what are your favorites? I always love sampling new ones.

Hi,hi!!
what a week! You have all been so patient with us as we have not been as available with the shoot going on. I am glad that John and Amy were able to give you some snipets…( John my husband and Amy from the studio for anyone new!)….Amy will have a nice lot to share with you. Videos galore……Don’t worry the footage you will see is really raw! Just the way we all like it……there are very many funny moments that she captured….behind the scences is always the way to go. Life is unpolished and more interesting this way …..we are so glad that you seem to like seeing this side of life too! While the photos we create are very beautiful…it takes some time getting there! We invited our good friend Brooke to join us on this shoot. She is a talented interior designer…and lovely friend, she was an amazing sport,and I cannot wait for you to meet her in the next catalog!Also Robyn was with us for a few days, we had so much fun…and even Nettie and Dave ( my parents) made it into a few cool pics!
I was excited to read all the things going on with everyone!…..thanks for keeping us updated…love knowing!
* Ronda, thanks so much, would love to be profiled i will pop into your blog asap. So kind of you to ask!! Thanks for visiting us.
*cc, the boys are 7 ( Max and Fin are twins), Sigerson is 6 and Gus is nearly 2….( and how!)…and as far as “doing it all”….well…..I think my husband makes my day to work just that much more smoothly. I am like any other mom ever trying to find balance…..which for me is just not letting guilt into my life!…that and realizing what is important and what is really not…ever learning! ( thanks for asking!}
* oh, and for the rope and chandelier, now…this is really only with a candleabra that I do this…but we use a large “hook”…again hardware store….and this goes in the ceiling, with a nice hefty knot in the rope. Very rustic….just play around with it, try not to go for perfect here…it’s quite the opposite!
* yes, I keep the cupcakes in my freezer frosted….it works well. Love having those treats handy!
* so glad you ladies had a nice lunch, your notes really had me laughing! What a picture you created for all of us! Too funny!!!
I hope I haven’t missed anything…questions etc.
Yes, wasn’t the eclipse of the moon was marvellous…..with all the snow we have it is just glowing outside right now….we are expecting more monday!
ok, glass of wine time for me!
xo

I’ve noticed that you usually respond to comments on the blog… I was wondering about a painting (landscape) that shows up frequently throughout the new catalogue, specifically behind the lamp in the rosewater bedding picture. It never seems to be available for purchase. Where did you get it… where can I get one??

Im – got the catalog yesterday (Saturday)…so maybe yours is coming. Now I have two – just what an addict needs! I’m hopeful that I will be on the regular mailing list. Yippeee. Ta-ta…

artist – near the ocean huh? I couldn’t be more jealous. The Carolina waters are so beautiful. I can just hear the waves now.

CC – could you be any funnier. Every time I read your comments I can’t help but laugh out loud and then I get a strange look from my hubby. I think he is aware of my problem:) So glad you found something that works for your vignette. Whatever works honey!

John – Thanks for taking the time to feed our addiction. I think we were about to have some serious withdrawal, and you gave us just enough to keep coming back for more.

Tracy, Brooke, Robyn & Amy – We are so glad you girls do what you do so that we can enjoy it all. Aside from all the hard work you are putting in, we appreciate the time your taking to keep us here in on the loop! We are on the edge of our seats now.

BTW, I finally got my catalog:) Ahhhhh, it was so beautiful and refreshing. If only I had an endless flow of mullah, I would truly be in heaven.

John,
I admire you & Tracy for what you have created. Your style and class are obvious & admirable, both on a personal and professional level. I am wondering where your products are made? Are any made in the US? Of those products made overseas, have you visited your production sights, and do you know what the work conditions are ? I am only asking these questions out of concern for the deplorable conditions that exist around the world, when children are held at gun point and forced to work long hours in inhumane conditions for little pay for the sake of meeting our society’s materialistic demands. Remember the Kathy Lee scandal some years back, when it was revealed that her clothing was being produced in overseas sweatshops? Today, there continue to be human-rights violators like Gap, Nestle, and Coca-Cola. I admit I have been as guilty as anyone of purchasing products with no thought to how the product was produced and under what conditions, other than to care if the price was low enough. (see also sweatshopwatch.org and globalexchange.org)
I believe it is incumbent on all of us as human beings to boycutt companies who are known violators, and to buy USA when possible! I know you are caring and compassionate people. Thanks for listening!

Tracy,
I have a question I have been dying to ask…how on earth do you decide out of all the pieces that you have designed which ones you are going keep in your own home? Is everything in constant rotation? Since you have been doing this for so many years and there are thousands of products, how oh how do you choose?

I know in my own experience that things I have designed are like my “babies”. Do you keep one of everything?

Tracy, as the Budwiser frog would say, “I love ya man!” Thanks for taking time once again to answer my questions. I am amazed! Balance…and peace…along with other virtues are all in a days work for us moms, right!?! And, I believe it’s the same if you are a stay at home mom or a working mom….we are all working towards the same good, aren’t we!?!?

Melissa, I’m glad you enjoy my blogging. Can you tell I am a “people person?” I can’t help myself…I love to chat…just ask Virginia!!!

Wonderful Tracy!
All best,
Ronda

Dear anonymous from Feb.24,

First of all, thank you for your kind words. We appreciate the support and, most important, we appreciate you caring enough about this subject – and us – to bring it to our attention.

Like most products in the fashion and home décor industries, many of the products that we sell are made overseas. Many though are made in the USA. Like you, we understand and appreciate the iconic status of Kathy Lee Gifford and the negative implications of not being diligent in understanding our vendors’ practices. We agree that every product’s manufacture should be subject high standards of moral, ethical and human rights. To that degree, we apply very strict standards to our purchasing decisions and the manufacture of products over which we have control. While we cannot visit every factory, we are confident that our legal prerequisites, due diligence and conditions-of-purchase provide us with a high level of confidence that the factories are decent and the workers are being treated fairly.

Thank you again,
John

Well said John!!! We love you both.

Amy, Katie, Sarah, Tracy,
Could we please have new video today!!!!? You have teased us with hints of what’s to come. We are ready!

It won’t be today, so sorry..but friday we will post new video.I am so glad you are excited to see!
Check out Rondas website…ALL THE BEST. Very well done! I am certain you girls will love it! Also Melissa I finally went to your site as well…way to go. you are one busy gal! Nice job! I am ever inspired by you guys!

Tracy, I am confused. We just got your catalog. You are working on the next one. When will we get that? Are all the products new? Do the older products that are left go on sale? I’m sure you must feel it is very constant.

Sorry to confuse, yes, we work way in advance with design then the photo shoots happen months before you actually get the catalogs. So the one that you just now recieved was wrapped us for us quite sometime ago. The products in it will continue to be in the summer book, some of them that is. Others will sell out and not be available again. You won’t get the summer book until end of April/early May. Our goal is to keep loads of inspiration and lots of new beautiful things in front of you all the time……I must admit we like creating all the goodies and the photos to go with! It is constant ……which we really thrive on…keeps us fresh all the time! Hope this all makes sense, thanks for asking!!

You have made me so eager to see with your paint colors.
We still want a Tracy Palooza blow-out on line sale. Any hope of that one day?

Tracy, I am so glad you went to my little ole website. Thanks so much for the kind words, and especially for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do so.

Have you ever thought about writing a book about your journey through being a woman in the entrepreneurial world? I know you have several books out (they are all on my b-day list), but I don’t know if you have one like that. You should consider it, you have such a successful business and you are obviously admired by A LOT of women!

P.S. A blow-out sale, yes!

Tracy – 3 of us (bloggers) have had SUCH fun! I sent digital pics of my home. I rec’d the most wonderful, magical suggestions. For 2 days I have fluffed. I have always agreed w/your motto “it’s the mix, not the match.” I am so thankful to you, your team & this blog. It’s wild how it has brought us together!!! And…I had never “blogged” before. You were the draw…your talented team with their perfect eye–forced us to stay. And blog. We’re waiting on pins & needles for the new videos Friday. Ta-ta for now…

I’m simply drooling over this catalog!! Every page is dog eared in anticipation. I seriously need to hit the lottery! Maybe I should start buying tickets….

Any chance of some summer studio open houses? That would put Wisconsin on my list of potential vacation spots for sure!

Lots of southerners on this blog!

Hey Ya’ll!!!

Jen in Atlanta

Hey Jen, Welcome! Join us in our lust for all things Tracy. We do have fun here.

Tracy, Virginia is right. I am one of the 3 lucky bloggers. Your team is so talented, friendly and kind. The pages are so luscious, they drew us in and wouldn’t let us leave until we spoke. It was magical. We are so grateful for the friendships formed and the attention you have given us. Thankyou , thankyou, thankyou! This is not typical of all blogs. You are warm and wonderful!

You are entirely melting my heart, all of you. What a warm, lovely and kind group of friends you really are. I love reading about your gatherings… your open nature…your willingness to accept one another, so cool. I said to John the other night that I think it’s so magical that all of us have come together like this and that we really don’t know each other…. and yet…are truly enjoying each other. What an amazing thing technology combined with the human spirit….has brought to us. Thanks for all your kind words about us, our team…really….it is “you” that we need to thank…if “you” were not so delighted by our blog and the catalog, so honest so wanting……you are allowing us to enjoy our days….to be able to what we do, you are challenging us, pushing us in amazing new ways…..never in my wildest dreams did I think a girl could have so much fun in her job. My kids were asking me last night why I choose not to go to college …and it was so interesting… I am very PRO college for most young people. My path just ended up taking me in a differant direction…I told them it happend to work out for me that I did not go, in many ways it pushed me even further, the fear I supose that there was nothing else to fall back on, no degree, no background in anything…….but I know that it is one of the MANY things that keeps me humble…..well..that and your amazing continual support, your questions your on going interest. I know I have said this a million times over…but how ANYONE gets a big ego is so entirely beyond me……the growth and learning that we go through only confirm to me how much more we need to listen, to pay attention….how hard we need to work…the persistence we must have everyday…as individuals and as a company.
Oh…well….is it my early grey tea or my afternoon peanut butter cookies ( thank you mom for dropping those off) but boy…I really got going there. I know you girls can swing with me…..yet another reason I adore chatting with all of you. Thank you….thank you….really.
xoxo

*Tracy, Tracy, Tracy – YOU have such a way with words. Yes – somehow we are all connected. And, it’s all good. It’s refreshing to have something positive come out of the internet, ya know? What I find so baffling, is that every person that blogs here, thinks alike. I don’t have these conversations with friends in “real life.” Just in Tracyville. Since you speak our language, I think a magazine with all your goods, your lifestyle, makeup, hostess tips would have a HUGE following. I’ll be your first subscriber!

You all are so right, Tracy should have a magazine. Virginia, so cute “tracyville”. I do appreciate having an outlet where people do speak the same language. Some people just don’t understand when I talk about needing beautiful inspirations or just the enjoyment i get out of little simple things in life. You guys get it.

Tracy, you are so good with words. Is there anything that you just stink at? Seriously! You are too good!

BTW- speaking of peanut butter cookies,I just had almost a whole box of the Girl Scout peanut butter cookies. Ummm, nothing better.

Virginia, I want in on pics of your home. Is that possible? All 3 of you have peaked my curiosity as to your styles.

I guess it’s only fair we expose ours since Tracy has been so kind to open her home up to us every day:)

…and I’ll be the second (magazine sucriber!!!)

Tracy, your wonderful down to earth comment above is what makes us all love you. You are so incredibly real, humble, grateful, and I think you realize this is all an amazing blessing for you and your family. It’s little wonder that we all love Tracyville!!! … and all things Tracy!

Oh Tracy, a magazine would be wonderful. If this is not something you want to tackle perhaps you could just write a column in some other magazine. It would be magical! Of course, we prefer you have your own.

IM, we do get it and love you for sharing with us. We are all kindred spirits.

oh boy, plenty that I stink at. But you are kind. I supose if you fail enough times..( and I have) you start to really learn that it helps you more than anything. I always say that we don’t really learn from the compliments we learn ( if we are willing) from the criticsm. ( do you agree?) We have toyed with the magazine idea, thanks for asking. Perhaps, at some point…..I’m glad you’d have us. BTW, Melissa…girl scout cookies, especially the peanut butter ones are some of my favorite cookies too! …and thin mints in the freezer…..ohhh!!! When the girl scouts come knockin’ I am always ready to write a juicy order!

Melissa – how fun to exchange pictures of our homes!! All – wasn’t it cool to see Tracy’s foyer??? The videos were cool…

Oh wow, how in the world did I not know about this blog? I’ve been a Tracy Porter fan from way back and have all the books. My favorite TP item? My needlepoint shams (in a green & white stripe pattern).. LOVE THEM! I love needlepoint and don’t know of anyone else who has done shams. Tracy, you will find this odd (especially with four kids – I only knew about 3 till I just saw your video – wow!) but I remember thinking (way back) that you were the type who wouldn’t have kids. You and John just seemed like it was just enough with you two, and I just couldn’t picture it! I was so glad to open up that book one day and see you and those adorable twins in the intro section. And my favorite “story” about you? Was when you said your brother said something like your scraps & tearouts (or whatever) would never amount to anything, much less a career. Yes, I remember that from reading it years ago. That stayed with me.

Okay, enough for now. I’m up with a cold & cough and knew I was keeping up the Hubby so I fumbled my way downstairs to the computer and found your blog through another blog! A new discovery – yipeee!

Jill