Summer...Pretty Please

I apologize for having dropped out of my blog for a while.  End of the year as a history teacher is so intense that I have had no creative energy left at the end of the day.  However, my seniors graduated on Saturday and I only have this week and next left.  My goal in the next two weeks is to finish work without collapsing and preparing my patio for the summer.  Most years, I would have done this weeks ago but we have had record rain and storms here in the Northwest.  Yesterday I found two wonderful barrel tables - I'll post a photo later today.  Thanks for visiting again and I promise not to drop out again any time soon.  I have to say I have missed my blog world tremendously.

(photo: style files )

Searching for Sunshine...

As I looked at the long list of blogs I visit everyday, I was particularly drawn to any photograph that evoked days spent outdoors.  I know its just around the corner but if you look outside the window today, it seems like its too far to see.  I found these photographs on dressdesigndecor and frolic . I hope you enjoy them and that we all enjoy a little sunshine very soon.

Thinking Outside the Box

Several years ago, I recall visiting a friend of my sister in Pacific Grove, California.  She and her family had converted their garage into a guest house.  Right in the center of the room was a claw foot tub. It took my breath away.  Whenever I decorate, I always try to remember this and many other times when what is simply doing something outside the box turns into the extraordinary.  

{photos: stills location }

Romantic Gypsy Caravan

Last week, From the Right Bank  had an amazing post on caravans.  I've had it on my mind all week and it brings back amazing memories of many trips to the marshlands of southern France called the Carmargue.  In this region of France, there are wild ponies running in the marshlands, stunning birds including flamingos, and more importantly - gypsies. Legend has it that the reason the gypsies make pilgrimages to this region is that Mary Magdeline and two other women left Palestine after Jesus had been hung from the cross.  They set out in a small boat and landed in the Carmargue.  In their annual trek to this region, they often came along with their beautiful caravans.  When they arrive to this region the gypsies take a swim in the water and often go to the church that is in the small town. The walls of the church are covered in retablos, crutches, and stories of redemption.

Being someone who usually basks in neutral colors in both my clothing and home, I also feel that I have the soul of a gypsy and crave a retreat that is at polar opposite to my usual neutral retreat.  For years I have joked with friends that I wanted a Streamline Trailer (because of the beautiful silver exterior) to live out the more colorful part of my soul.  Who knows... maybe one day I will.

{photos: From the Right Bank }

Sweet Simplicity

This home is called the Alabaster House.  I can see why - the sweet simplicity of its palate reminds me of alabaster.  I would love to be using an abode similar to this one this summer as a getaway spot.  I can just imagine curling up in the sofa on the final photograph and reading a favorite book.

{photo: stills location }

Coming Back to Life

Having rested half of the day today, I'm finally beginning to feel like my old self.  I slept for fourteen hours straight and the cold I've had has finally lifted.  I have some amazing photographs that have given me such a jolt of energy.  I have only a few more weeks of teaching and I can focus my efforts on decorating my brownstone.  These new photographs give me all new inspiration.

{photos: stills location }

In Need of a Cuppa....

I apologize for not having a single entry this week.  I have a terrible flu and when I get home from a long day at work I have hardly had the energy to make a cup of tea and fall fast asleep.  I feel a bit better today but still not back to my normal active self.  I'm thrilled its the weekend and I can have as much rest as I need.  I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

{photo: flickr}

Was I Swedish in a Former Life?

I loved this home featured on skona hem and I think there must be a part of me that is Swedish!  I would love to find a file cabinet like the one in the office.  I'm dreaming of new creations!

{photo: skona hem }

Blog Inspiration - Greige

One of my new favorite blogs is greige . The photographs that are posted on this site are phenominal!  They look so "Old World" to me.  I especially like the chairs in the last photograph - I would love to crawl up in one and read a book!

{photo: greige }

Sweet Simplicity - Italy

I think this house is definitely my new crush!  The wrought iron railing against the white walls along with the simplicity of furnishings. This is what I consider my nirvana!

{photo: style files }