Maison Felice was not a long held dream of mine.  It came about like a child developing his interest, not sure where it would lead.  I never dreamed of having an antique shop.  It grew, like anyone's Life Journey.  You walk the Path and Work in areas of your God given talents.  It is preparation and study until an Opportunity presents itself.  Then you take advantage of the opportunity and Ago for it.  Work to be the best and build on it with a team of skilled people. Always changing - ever new - never static - to keep it exciting for yourself and others that you lead.  Only a few drawbacks.  If you tend to be a perfectionist involved in all aspects and details, other workers are driven crazy.  Not everyone sees your vision.  There needs to be open communication constantly.

I really think of myself as a decorator/designer and educator/teacher, a connector of people.  I guess my inner talent is to see quality - refinement - a sense of color - texture - shape - balance.  I love fabrics, including clothes.  I love to arrange and rearrange furniture.  All this has resulted from my experiences and exposures - taking advantage of learning from others that have something to teach.  I've been to many seminars and classes, taken learning trips all over the world - seeing the old - heritage- where it came from, the architecture and gardens, the many rooms of famous places.

In 1985 at the Chateau de Courances, it was like a light bulb went on.  I get it! I love it! I'd like to share it with others.  That's where I am now, bringing a bit to the desert in lectures.  A combination of Learning and having fun doing it.  In the process, being able to give a little back to our local charities.  (Every little bit makes a difference). Most of the speakers are someone I've met along the way or feel a connection with their field of expertise.  As I said, connection and opportunities in life are so important.  One of last season's speakers was Steve Salny, an expert on Architect David Adler.  My home design was influenced by Adler's ideas.

Antiques just add so much to a room, even if it is only one piece.  It is unique, one of a kind.  Has a history from a famous place or a farm house.  Think about how many people and what kind of person, ate on it, sat on it, polished it or made it.  AIf only a chair could talk.  Think about it. Next time a piece of furniture or Rug or Tapestry tugs at your heart or your eye likes it, think twice about it, as your life's history and enjoyment may add to it.  There is only one.

I've always been a teacher, boss, leader, team organizer.  Balancing between teaching and learning along the way.  Life Learning is continuous. My philanthropies are mostly for education, from primary school through college into adulthood.  Mentors are very important.

Lastly, the spiritual part of life is very important to me, both in my personal family life and in my charitable causes.  Our Young Life Camp, the Washington Family Ranch in Oregon, will, hopefully, go on forever.

Balancing our busy lives is always a big issue when you are an A type person that wants to do more.  Your list never gets done.  Family, Self, Maison Felice, Charities.

Next Vision - write a book.  Do a lecture on Color.  Continue decorating and buying beautiful antiques.  Above all, be grateful for each and every day, even the bumpy ones that make the calm after the storm even better.

Look around you and really see - up and down, in and out, sideways.

Listen to yourself and others and the god that guides you.

Speak the Truth with kindness and humor.

This formula is equal to a good life - hard work, perseverance and a little luck.
Your attitude will help you arrive at your hopes and dreams.

The visionary Journey of Felice to be continued each day, month and year.

Below are images from Maison Felice's extensive 18,000 + square feet of gallery on beautiful El Paseo in Palm Desert California.