Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My Father: In Memoriam
My father, James Robert Sunderland, Sr., died Sunday morning, February 06, 2011, at home. My sister, Jill, his constant all his life, was there. Dad died in her arms.
He lived a long life, almost 89 years. We all found out October 06 that he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis. Hospice came the end of November. I stayed with him and Jill three months, I will always cherish those days...so nice being HOME.
A good interior designer is all about "home.". We decorate our butts off to make our clients' houses feel like HOMES. All houses have walls and windows; HOMES have much more: favorite colors, family photos,...a combo-platter of memories, momentos, and much more.
Dad's home, my home in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was purchased the year after he returned from WWII in 1946. It was a pre-fab house from Sears, $5000 I think, as many were back then. It was, according to my friends, the tiniest house they ever saw.
Recognizing this hard-and-true fact, my brother, sister, and I always knew that although small, our little house was never lacking in anything, at least for us. Sure, we didn't have running hot water until I was a teenager, but we always went to school and church quite clean,
dressed to the nines, and Mom excelled in housecleaning and laundry services (Minnie's favorite thing in the world, laundry).
My parents always bought the best they could afford, whether it be clothes or home furnishings. Children of the Great Depression, it never took much to make either of them happy. But we all enjoyed new things as they became affordable to us. And we KEPT them. We kept those things for a very long time. We were "hoarders" before there was a name for it (why get rid of something that you still enjoy?)
My gifts from Dad and Mom were many. Some were wrapped in paper; most were not. The biggest and best gift, by far, was the understanding of Love of God, of Family, of Country. Dad was one of "the few, the proud,...The Marines. His services were, if I do say so myself, a loving tribute to the man he was. It was a CELEBRATION of his life, his duty to his Country, his love of his family, but, most of all, his Faith in his God.
Appropriately enough, this celebration took place at Asbury United Methodist Church, where he had been a member for over 65 years. Committal was at Soldiers' Circle at Grandview Cemetary. Three Marines drove up from Arlington, Virginia, in a snowstorm to "take care of their own."
On this Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, I honour my father, The Marine. Before he was a husband, before he was a father or grandfather, he was a Marine. He served his country with Duty, Honor, and Courage. He came back from the South Pacific; many did not. He always reminded me of that fact.
I'm not a Veteran, nor a Marine, but I know the value of the gift of being raised by one. Semper Fi, Dad! Love, your son, Mark.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Vitality and The Next Cool Thing
F. Scott Fitzgerald said that vitality shows in the ability to persist as well as the ability to start over. If this is true (and I believe it is), you may be reading the words of the most energetic man in interior design. As most of you know, throughout the strained economic times of the past few years and my own strained emotional times of the past few months, I have persisted in creating beautiful interiors for my clients, saving them time and money in the process. And, out of the dying embers of the late, great Beverly Hall Furniture Galleries, I have fanned the flames of the now vital Mark Sunderland Interiors. This could not have happened, of course, without the enthusiastic support and encouragement of my exceptional clients, business associates, family and friends. In other words, you.
The Next Cool Thing will be a vibrant exhibition of Atlanta’s interior design creativity – and Mark Sunderland Interiors is slated as one of the event’s top highlighted talents. Taking our cues from the world of television and film, each exhibitor is creating an environment that entertains, delights and above all, shows the sophistication, quality and cleverness of Atlanta’s best. Most exhibitors will present a small taste of what they can do in a 10 foot by 10 foot space. I’m thinking quite a bit bigger than that, bringing together my top manufacturers, suppliers and artisans in a spectacular 10,000 square foot display of Americana, inspired by American Pickers, television darling of the interior design world.
Especially as we enter this season of gratitude and giving, I have been thinking about what I can do to show you my thanks and share my vision for the very bright future ahead for us all. And I’m so excited to tell you about it – and invite you to join me for The Next Cool Thing, January 14 – 16, 2011.
The Next Cool Thing will be a vibrant exhibition of Atlanta’s interior design creativity – and Mark Sunderland Interiors is slated as one of the event’s top highlighted talents. Taking our cues from the world of television and film, each exhibitor is creating an environment that entertains, delights and above all, shows the sophistication, quality and cleverness of Atlanta’s best. Most exhibitors will present a small taste of what they can do in a 10 foot by 10 foot space. I’m thinking quite a bit bigger than that, bringing together my top manufacturers, suppliers and artisans in a spectacular 10,000 square foot display of Americana, inspired by American Pickers, television darling of the interior design world.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll see a variety of interior displays – including, of course, my own creation earmarked by signature wit, intelligence and charm. During the day, the event will be a family-friendly festival, featuring local fare, art and live performances. In the evening, it will transform into a star-studded, elegant, red-carpet affair to rival the gala balls of the 1920s. Every attendee will be treated as a celebrity, although we’ll be sipping champagne and martinis with actual celebrities of the film and television world – stay tuned for more info on that.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of the remarkable people and items that I can’t wait for you to see in person. Meanwhile, I want to hear from you! Tell me what you hope to see at this amazing event – and let me know if you want in on the festivities. I’ll be sure to get you access to what promises to be an event that people will be talking about for a long time to come.
I expect that it will be a display of vitality that would make F. Scott quite proud.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Come Ye Thankful People Come...
Coming home to Mom and Dad's house for Thanksgiving is what life's all about, family.
Good memories start flooding into your mind: the way the trees look outside in the woods, a smell from inside an empty oven. Nice memories.
When I was in second grade,...back when you could do this kind of stuff, my teacher, Mrs. Stine (the porcupine....that's another blog) around this time of the year would have the class memorize this song. We probably sang it every day in November, and, of course, my little church, Asbury, sang it every SUNDAY in November. I cannot tell you what my sister's phone number is (stored in direct-dial, voice-command mode in my FANCY phone, ...but I remember most of this song (someone tell me if the next to the last stanza is right, I think not).
Come Ye Thankful People Come,
Raise the song of Harvest Home,
All is safely gathered in
'ere the wintry storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied.
Come Ye Thankful People Come,
Raise the song of Harvest Home!
Love that song.
As we give thanks this week, why don't we REALLY give thanks? Try a Random Act of Kindness: pay for the next person in line wherever you are, you Starbucks people gotta cough up another five bucks,....I TOLD you that coffee shouldn't cost that much,...pay for the next guy's carwash,....go to your closet today and remove a box of NICE clothes (preferably from this Century) and take them personally to that family whose house just burned down. By the way, they'll LOVE cashmere; just don't tell them that they'll be wearing GOAT.
You don't have to plan this kinda thing; you'll know when it's the right time. You'll know.
Share your ACT of KINDNESS on my blog with the rest of us, or, better yet, just tuck your story in your little heart,...and don't be surprised if your little heart grows a couple sizes bigger this week.
Sure, I'm gonna watch the Macy's parade this Thursday (trying to enjoy the tidbits of live, non-dubbed marching bands,...and I'll have my fair share of bird, filling balls and football, with a deregeor nap or two thrown in,....but I plan to PAY IT FORWARD a few times this week, as I've grown accustomed to doing.
When you're not looking, your personal cornacopia is filling to the brim. Have an apple, folks. Good work.
Good memories start flooding into your mind: the way the trees look outside in the woods, a smell from inside an empty oven. Nice memories.
When I was in second grade,...back when you could do this kind of stuff, my teacher, Mrs. Stine (the porcupine....that's another blog) around this time of the year would have the class memorize this song. We probably sang it every day in November, and, of course, my little church, Asbury, sang it every SUNDAY in November. I cannot tell you what my sister's phone number is (stored in direct-dial, voice-command mode in my FANCY phone, ...but I remember most of this song (someone tell me if the next to the last stanza is right, I think not).
Come Ye Thankful People Come,
Raise the song of Harvest Home,
All is safely gathered in
'ere the wintry storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied.
Come Ye Thankful People Come,
Raise the song of Harvest Home!
Love that song.
As we give thanks this week, why don't we REALLY give thanks? Try a Random Act of Kindness: pay for the next person in line wherever you are, you Starbucks people gotta cough up another five bucks,....I TOLD you that coffee shouldn't cost that much,...pay for the next guy's carwash,....go to your closet today and remove a box of NICE clothes (preferably from this Century) and take them personally to that family whose house just burned down. By the way, they'll LOVE cashmere; just don't tell them that they'll be wearing GOAT.
You don't have to plan this kinda thing; you'll know when it's the right time. You'll know.
Share your ACT of KINDNESS on my blog with the rest of us, or, better yet, just tuck your story in your little heart,...and don't be surprised if your little heart grows a couple sizes bigger this week.
Sure, I'm gonna watch the Macy's parade this Thursday (trying to enjoy the tidbits of live, non-dubbed marching bands,...and I'll have my fair share of bird, filling balls and football, with a deregeor nap or two thrown in,....but I plan to PAY IT FORWARD a few times this week, as I've grown accustomed to doing.
When you're not looking, your personal cornacopia is filling to the brim. Have an apple, folks. Good work.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Jerry Hux; A Memorium
Jerry Hux, my boss and the owner of Beverly Hall, died yesterday, September 22, 2010. He was 64. He was my mentor, my leader, my confidante, and my friend. If there were one word to associate with Jerry, it would be integrity. He had loads of it, and I admired that. He valued above all things his family, which is what every good man should value before anything else. Please pray for strength for Jerry's family: his wife, Anne, his children: Mason and Emily and Spencer, and their mother, Susan, their families, and Jerry's mother and brother, Huxie and Charles. The last few years in this troubling economy have been very difficult in our industry, but Jerry forged ahead and down-scaled his business to maintain a presence in our community. Job well done, Boss!
Jerry was serious and focused, but he treated all of his employees with fairness and respect; we were his second family. He knew more about the Furniture Industry than just about anyone, ....period. There will be a cast of thousands at his services; you'll see.
I loved to see Jerry interacting with his grandchildren, the loves of his life. He became a totally different person around them, and it was a joy to watch. Thank goodness he had that joy, and the love of his wife and children in his life; he deserved it.
I have no idea what the family has chosen for your memorial wishes. As many of you know, I volunteer at Shepherd Center every week. I do this in honour of my buddy and first design assistant that Jerry chose for me, Michael. Michael was in a car accident, going on a house call, ten years ago, and left for dead in his car for over 10 or 20 minutes until they found out he was alive. He was in a coma for a long time in North Fulton Hospital. Shepherd Center usually does not take patients in comas, but Jerry got Michael to Shepherd, and he emerged from his coma and started his recovery. Michael lives in Salem, Mass, now, and we stay in touch. I already have a link to Shepherd Center on my website, shown below, and may I be the first to contribute a separate contribution to Shepherd Center, in memory of Jerry Hux. Jerry was on the board there, in fact, Jerry and Beverly Hall had a list of hundreds of charities that he regular supported. We used to have a list in the Buckhead store, and the list was so long, it wouldn't even fit inside the frame. Jerry gave back.....always did. I can only hope to be half the man he was.
Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue through this difficult week of grief and sadness. May the day come when the emptiness in our hearts is filled with comfort and peace.
--
740 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, Georgia 30076 USA
RING 770-642-6641
FACSIMILE 770-594-5655
WEB www.msunderland.com
Jerry was serious and focused, but he treated all of his employees with fairness and respect; we were his second family. He knew more about the Furniture Industry than just about anyone, ....period. There will be a cast of thousands at his services; you'll see.
I loved to see Jerry interacting with his grandchildren, the loves of his life. He became a totally different person around them, and it was a joy to watch. Thank goodness he had that joy, and the love of his wife and children in his life; he deserved it.
I have no idea what the family has chosen for your memorial wishes. As many of you know, I volunteer at Shepherd Center every week. I do this in honour of my buddy and first design assistant that Jerry chose for me, Michael. Michael was in a car accident, going on a house call, ten years ago, and left for dead in his car for over 10 or 20 minutes until they found out he was alive. He was in a coma for a long time in North Fulton Hospital. Shepherd Center usually does not take patients in comas, but Jerry got Michael to Shepherd, and he emerged from his coma and started his recovery. Michael lives in Salem, Mass, now, and we stay in touch. I already have a link to Shepherd Center on my website, shown below, and may I be the first to contribute a separate contribution to Shepherd Center, in memory of Jerry Hux. Jerry was on the board there, in fact, Jerry and Beverly Hall had a list of hundreds of charities that he regular supported. We used to have a list in the Buckhead store, and the list was so long, it wouldn't even fit inside the frame. Jerry gave back.....always did. I can only hope to be half the man he was.
Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue through this difficult week of grief and sadness. May the day come when the emptiness in our hearts is filled with comfort and peace.
--
740 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, Georgia 30076 USA
RING 770-642-6641
FACSIMILE 770-594-5655
WEB www.msunderland.com
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