I've Been Tagged!

Michelle, this is for you....Thanks for giving me a reason to blog here!

3 Joys

• my adorable son
• smiles and kisses from my hubby
• a nice cup of tea or a hot mug of coffee

3 Fears

• anything wiggly or slimy
• not being prepared
• port-a-potties

3 Current Obssessions or Collections

• writing
• at the risk of being repetitive...coats
  
• OCD - obssessive Cullen disorder (ha-ha, had to throw in a Twilight reference!)

3 Surprising Facts

• I once wanted to be an astronaut
• Orange was my favorite color in kindergarden
• I love baking but don't care for cooking too much
  

A Girl Can Dream

I found this on Paloma's blog, La Dolce Vita. It is officially on my list of dream homes!

Maui on My Mind

Balmy breezes. Swaying palm trees. The delicate scent of plumeria. The whisper of the ocean waves. The exotic flavors of papaya and guava. Ahhh, Maui. Just got back late last night. Miss it already!

Mamma Mia!

Skopelos, Greece

My mom and I just saw this movie and now I am dying to visit the above location.

The Fireflies Have Arrived!

Thank you, Michelle! See the post below, for it is a fitting tribute to you, one of my oldest and dearest of friends....

A Toast to Friends Old & New

photograph by John Granen

I have a new friend to thank for this lovely homage to old friends....

"...being with my old friend, caused me to contemplate just how important these sort of touchstones are in one’s life. Places you can return to, and friends that you can be with, that remind you who you are. Who you really are. Deep down. When you spend time with a friend such as this, it is restorative. There is an ease of conversation emanating from a shared history, a finishing of each other’s sentences, comfortable companionable silences, and the salubrious joy of being understood without effort. That type of friendship, I’ve found, is harder when one gets older. Perhaps we tend to grow a little more guarded with age. But if you are blessed, as I am, with an old friend, I wish you a clear summer day like mine and a chance to appreciate that friendship anew."

Raise a glass to all of our dear friends, old and new...

Nature According to Lord Byron

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,


There is a society, where none intrudes,


By the deep sea, and music in its roar.


~Lord Byron~


I've just returned from a camping trip to the Mendocino Coast.
These are a few of the natural and scenic photos that I took from there.

A Fabulous Fourth

one of the many quaint Carmel cottages that I admired

Just a brief report on my Fourth of July weekend. It was one of those memorable occasions that can be attributed to that perfect combination which makes any gathering a success--good food and lots of it, a lovely location with just the right ambiance, and most importantly, people with whom it is a joy to be with! Of course, that included my mother, my one and only sister and her gregarious husband, and many of my oldest and dearest friends along with their families. It was blissful to watch the children immensely enjoying themselves as they frolicked along the shore, dodging waves and building sand castles, while the adults busied themselves with their own amusements--the men bumping a volleyball or throwing a football, and the ladies unsuccessfully tossing a frisbee but still managing to have a good time! It brings to mind something that I had shared on Brin's blog:

"There are so many beautiful things about life. One of them are those brief moments in the midst of crazy, hectic fun or sublime merriment where you pause, take a deep breath, glance around meaningfully, and realize just how blessed you really are--that profound stillness filled with thankfulness directed to the God who has graciously allowed us to enjoy all things."

I certainly felt this that day! So suffice it to say that I am feeling very thankful--for friends, for family, for freedom and for fleeting moments of beauty!

Firefly Dreams

If you've read my sidebar, you would know that seeing fireflies is something I've always longed to do. In my youth, I'd often stare up at the stars, mesmerized by the multitude of those fixed points of light that illuminated the night sky. How much more enchanting would it be to witness the magical dance of fireflies on a warm summer night! To be honest, I don't know if I'll ever have the chance in this lifetime to witness such a spectacular sight. At least there are pictures like the one below to satisfy somewhat.


Then, there is this faux firefly jar! I think I may have to purchase this and place it in my son's bedroom. Then, both he and I can dream of fireflies together.

Art & Artifact

I've Been Sucked In!

I blame my sister for catapulting me into a world of vampires and werewolves by introducing me to this series! Thanks to you, I am now absurdly aware of shiny silver Volvos and have officially added the name Emmett to my baby names list.

Check out: Twilighters Anonymous

Summer Solstice

A something in a summer’s Day
As slow her flambeaux burn away
Which solemnizes me.

A something in a summer’s noon —
A depth — an Azure — a perfume —
Transcending ecstasy.

And still within a summer’s night
A something so transporting bright
I clap my hands to see —

Then veil my too inspecting face
Lets such a subtle — shimmering grace
Flutter too far for me —

The wizard fingers never rest —
The purple brook within the breast
Still chafes it narrow bed —

Still rears the East her amber Flag —
Guides still the sun along the Crag
His Caravan of Red —

So looking on — the night — the morn
Conclude the wonder gay —
And I meet, coming thro’ the dews
Another summer’s Day!

~Emily Dickinson~

Pretty Palettes

I'm back. For how long, I really cannot say. Will I return tomorrow? The day after? Next week? Who knows? I don't mean to be noncommittal, but California blue skies and warm weather beckon too invitingly, and sitting in front of a computer is the last thing I desire to do when those twin sirens call. I must be out--enjoying the sun, breathing deep of the fresh, clean air, walking briskly alongside green vineyards and relishing the lovely sight and scent of fragrant blooms. If you're wondering where I've been, that is exactly what I have been doing! I hope that you, too, are enjoying the late spring-early summer days, wherever you are. . . .

I found these lovely palettes to be so dreamy and nostalgic that I just had to share. . . .

images courtesy of Decor Amor

Divine Dining - IV

Laguna Resort & Spa
Nusa Dua, Bali

It is twilight as the balmy breeze gently ruffles your hair and you listen to some rhythmic melody that plays afar off in the distance. You are walking, lingering, in a tropical garden of delights where the scent of exotic flowers greet you. It is intoxicating. Soon the music fades as another sound dominates your ears, the powerful pounding of the ocean waves. It grows louder as you turn a curve in the path where a spectacular scene suddenly awaits you! It is a canopied gazebo of white muslin, illuminated by a myriad of twinkling candlelight and torches and lanterns. It is aglow with an unsurpassed beauty, and like a moth to a flame you are drawn to it. It is simply breathtaking! The most amazing part is that it was all set up for you, so in disbelief you carefully make your way to the table where you pull out a chair and take a seat. It's time to dine like a Balinese princess.

We're off

....to the Happiest Place on Earth! Will be in touch as soon as we return.

Fantasy & Whimsy

In just a few, short days I'll be off to a wonderful Magical Kingdom! I'm sure you know what place I'm speaking of, even if I hadn't hypertexted it for you. It's a place of dreams, a million of them in fact, where reality temporarily takes a backseat to fun and fantasy. Well, that got me to thinking. (A dangerous pastime, I know). What a perfect excuse to share some of my favorite fantastical and whimsical costumes of all time. Here they are in no particular order....

Elegantly-clad elves

Pretty pirate

Fairest of the fairy queens

Classy courtesan?

Absolutely stunning angels

White & Bright

A mainly white palette is so peaceful and serene, don't you think? It also feels cool and refreshing, especially during the brighter, warmer days of spring and summer. During the cold months of winter, however, when the days are short and the skies tend to be gloomy and overcast, I prefer richer, earthier tones to warm up my interiors. On days such as those, I think this palette would feel downright chilly! Thank goodness those days are still far away or these photos would not beckon to us so invitingly.

photos from Country Living