The Hermes Avalon Blanket

Each season is admirable for its' individual merit, however spring and fall are dearest to my heart.  Choosing between the two would equate to designating a favorite child.  Nonetheless, the anticipation of Autumn is delightful... cool days, crisp apples, heavy sweaters, colorful leaves, new shoes, novel school supplies.

I'm one to curl-up under a throw year round, but it has a certain charm when there is an autumnal chill in the air.  For years I've dreamed of wrapping myself in the oh-so-elusive Hermes "Avalon" blanket.  Wishful thinking, unless I bankroll it myself.  In the meantime, I'll recycle images pasted all over Blogland and revere how others incorporated this icon in their home.  

Who needs Big when you have Hermes?

I may be so bold to say that given the choice I would choose an "Avalon" blanket over a "Birkin" bag.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  ~Albert Camus

The Gray House

Whew... last week was anything but paradisaical. Thankfully we are safe and fared no major damage. The dawn of this last week of summer recess is meet with high expectations.  Thus far the weather is exceeding the forecast and my vacation read is a page-turner.  

No week would be complete without some decorating decisions.  First on the docket is a paint color for my mom's bare brick house.  The freshly repainted white trim, black shutters and black front door should complement the foremost contender - Benjamin Moore's "stonington gray".  Below is the look we wish to accomplish.

Images via

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“The color of truth is gray.”  ~ Andre Gide  

A Year Later

via

One year ago today my dad passed away.  The sum of painful breaths and shed tears reaches across four seasons, yet the memory remains just as raw.  A loop plays in my mind of each excruciating detail leading up to, during and after that day.  Now time is measured in befores and afters instead of days and weeks.  Even as I write this I am compelled to paint a precise picture of the event.  Then I remind myself that the memory of my father lies in all the moments leading up to that fateful day.  Dwelling on August 26, 2010 brings no solace, nor would my dad wish me to do this.  


Left with no choice, I must view the last year as a prelude to the next chapter of my life.  Although this was not my intended path,  I can trust in the support of family and friends, while allowing my dad's spirit to guide me.  So I will close with an abundance of unsaid words and embark on a pursuit of understanding that will take my lifetime.  While my certainty is compromised, I know this for sure; Dad, I love you!

‎"Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" 
~ William Shakespeare.

Afternoon Snack: Bear Hill Interiors

Working for the weekend?  Pass the time by admiring the work of Bear Hill Interiors.  The serene spaces, drenched in light, are sure to aid in transitioning your state of mind.  

I spy a Sally King Benedict painting

Remember this foyer?

Happy Friday!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it."  ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Destination Summer

We are headed out of town to soak up every last second of summer.  While I am excited for fall, I relish in the last few weeks of summer.  The only thing I am not looking forward to... packing.
I loath packing!  Since it's such a tedious process and editing what to bring is not my strong suit, I tend to over pack.

My ideal packing experience is to collect a few necessities and buy a new wardrobe once I arrive at my destination.  Unfortunately the luxury of time and money do not exist to make this wish come true. 

Once the car is loaded it's nothing but blue skies!  Here are few highlights I am looking forward to:

Watching the sun set from the Boat.

Enjoy a few moments of R & R.

Catching and feasting on crabs.

Taking in the view.

Enjoying friends, family and...

... good drinks.

Making s'mores and...

... catching fireflies with my kids.

Tend to the garden and plant the seeds for the fall.  

Eat lots of fresh produce while it lasts.

Pick peaches for pie and margaritas. 

I better go for a few bike rides or walks, to work off all the calories.

Last, but not least... read this book.  

I will try to post daily, but I am not making any promises ;-)  Enjoy the end of summer!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."  ~Henry James