My Marrakesh: Peacock Pavilions: and Modello Designs

Back in September or October, a strange and wonderful thing happened. I received an email, which started off a conversation, which went something like this:

Her: Hello, hello. My name is Melanie. I am a professional painter and decorative artist. I have been reading your blog. And I have a blog, too.
Me: You’re not by chance the Melanie of Modello Designs, are you?
Her: Well, yes I am actually. I was writing you to see…
Me: (interrupting her) Oh, I love your work…so intricate, so feminine, so fresh.
Her: Oh thank you. I was writing you to see if a group of decorative artists and I could come and help custom stencil and paint some beautiful designs on your walls or ceilings at Peacock Pavilions.
Me: What?
Her: We would do it for free.
Me: What?
Her: Yes, you see, every year for the last few years, we have been picking a house -- a palazzo in Italy, for example -- that we make the subject of a painting and stenciling trip. This year I thought it would be fun if we could come help paint Peacock Pavilions.
Me: What?
Her: We could help pay our way, too, to stay at your place. So it would be some extra cash for you.
Me: What?!
Her: We could paint/stencil just about whatever designs you wish. You would be our pro bono client. What do you think?
Me: Is this some kind of trick question?
Her: What?
Me: Did my rascal-y brother put you up to this?
Her: What?
Me: Am I on one of those hidden camera shows?
Her: Ummm....No, no.
Me: Well, in that case…… all I can say is……..yes, yes.

And so dear friends, they are coming. In May. Peacock Pavilions won’t be quite ready yet but Melanie says that if there are beds to sleep in, electricity, plumbing and good food…….that that might be quite enough. And Melanie is flying out for a consultation next month. Next month. Imagine......Peacock Pavilion guests sleeping under a gorgeous hand stenciled ceiling or two....... And you won't believe what we are painting.........?! Click here to see the inspiration. So, so lovely. Am I or am I not, the luckiest girl in the world?

Melanie's other beautiful projects and stencils in images above and below. The stencils she develops for Peacock Pavilions will also be available to the public. eeeek, I am so excited that I could just about pee in my pants except, ahem, that wouldn't be polite:)

Comments

You are just getting back the great vibes you send out!

Posted by:Kathy here again | February 11, 2008 at 07:13 PM

wow, this is amazing! its so great when two creative forces can come together. can't wait to see the outcome! you are so lucky!

Posted by:rachel | February 11, 2008 at 07:33 PM

Wow this is fantastic ...the paintings are really amazing.
I am sure that Peacock pavilions will be the best guesthouse in Marrakech.
Built and decorated with love !

Posted by:Lamirose | February 11, 2008 at 07:41 PM

Wow! Yes you are lucky! What a wonderful treat to have Melanie and her crew paint something for Peacock Pavilions!

Posted by:Paris Parfait | February 11, 2008 at 08:11 PM

now that's the kind of experience I'm talking about. HOW MARVELOUS! Melanie and Co are obviously very talented. How great to have such beauty and talent added to your already fabulous retreat!

Posted by:franki durbin | February 11, 2008 at 08:21 PM

Beautiful... the painted designs look absolutely perfect for your place. I am so happy for you. It seems to be coming together beautifully.

Posted by:Judy in KY | February 11, 2008 at 08:42 PM

I'm sure you will all have a great time.

Posted by:barbara | February 11, 2008 at 09:03 PM

Maryam, you forgot the part about also needing fresh flowers, wine, and shoulder massages from your husband!!

It feels strangly odd and wonderful to see some of my work posted on this beautiful blog. As I've told you repeatedly, I am VERY thrilled and greatly honored to be able to contribute in a small way to the realizing of your design dreams for Peacock Pavilions. There are 10 of us decorative artists who can't wait to leave our mark, and shopping dollars, in Marrakech!

Posted by:Melanie | February 11, 2008 at 09:59 PM

How absolutely incredible! Melanie- your work is stunning! what a wonderful, positive thing to do!

I think I said things will work out in Peacock Pavillions! :o)

Posted by:simon | February 11, 2008 at 10:57 PM

Maryam, it's like winning the lottery! This is so exciting! What gorgeous designs!

Posted by:halimah | February 12, 2008 at 12:02 AM

We all lead such dull lives in comparison Maryam. How do we top this? Oh my.

Posted by:Liberty Post Editor | February 12, 2008 at 12:18 AM

How utterly magical and wonderful!

So happy for you & can't wait to see it in person :)

Posted by:Baraka | February 12, 2008 at 12:21 AM

Ooh, I can't wait to see the results of your collaboration! Peacock Pavillions is going to be the most amazing guesthouse in Marrakesh, I'm sure of it.