And there you have it, a space that ticks all the boxes. Pink ladyfingers, check. Mid-century teak, check. Leafy palms, check. Mermaid pool, check. Light, white, check.
Life
cacti
September 15, 2016
Many years ago, Jason and I drove through the desert, from the lush, clean city of San Diego into the seedy town of Tijuana and down into the depths of Baja California. The drives were long and the terrain monotonous, and by the half way point, cacti started to look like emaciated Giacometti figures. Suffice to say, I’m not a big fan of the cactus. But every now and then, I see a tall, willowy cactus and I’m reminded of that long drive through the desert. Eagle-Eye Cherry on the radio, re-fried beans in every rickety old town, dodgy motels, stunning beaches –– just the two of us –– and the cacti.
Black is back
September 14, 2016
I don’t wear black. Me in black is as bizarro as Diane Pernet in colour. But in the spirit of trying new things (a 65-year-old woman in my pottery class has inspired me with her mission to try everything) I’m giving black another go. This seems like as good a place as any to start.
Splash of colour
September 12, 2016
I painted my toes a deep red-coral on Saturday, and snapped up a rug for the bathroom in the brightest turquoise, too. I can’t tell you how pleasing it is to look down at my bare feet on the bathroom floor. The colour combination is stellar.
plastic fantastic
September 9, 2016
I’m often on the lookout for stool options for our kitchen table. The juxtaposition of these low brow plastic cups with fancy gilded doors, delicate sconces and an industrial table amuses me. I’m not sure how comfortable they are on the derriere, but for quick breakfasts and casual suppers, I think this is a fun little stool. Cincin!
pleats, please
September 8, 2016
I bought an outfit today at Zara –– simple, monochromatic, slightly avant garde –– that’s quite unlike me. The pants have a million Miyake pleats in them and the top, wide and billowy, is a fine knit graphic silk. Except it’s not, because it cost $29, but sod it, it looks good. And while I was drawn to the floral tops that look like curtains, the sparky tulle skirts and the leggings in bright colours, it’s always fun to veer off track.
Pool Time
September 7, 2016
The salt water pool at my local community centre has re-opened after a massive renovation, and I can’t wait to put on my frilly cap and dive in. The water will be bracingly cold this week, but with hot days like these, who needs tepid water. In the meantime, I’m still dreaming of my own piscine –– big enough for a pool party, and small enough that one mermaid makes a splash.
Prune
September 6, 2016
If the look of traditional topiary is too stiff and stuffy for you, take a look at Jake Hobson‘s work. The Dorset-based pruner and topiary specialist studied sculpture at the Slade. He then went on to live in Japan for two years where he was introduced to Japanese gardening and pruning techniques. His style of “organic topiary” marries Japanese and European approaches to topiary and embraces the “natural shape of plants as much as the formal and mass sculptural style of pruning like we see in Europe.” If you have a few minutes today, watch the short video on his homepage –– it really is quite inspiring.
Freckles
September 5, 2016
Iole discovered a smattering of freckles on her cheeks this morning. “Can I scrub them off?” she asked. I told her that freckles are beautiful, and a sign of individuality. Then I showed her Brock Elbank‘s stunning portraits of freckled faces, and told her that her great-grandmother was a strawberry blondie with a thousand freckles. It may take her a while, but eventually she’ll realize that it’s her quirks that make her beautiful.
to the lake
August 26, 2016
We’re off to the lake again, and I wanted to share this painting, Homage to Cezanne by James Bishop, because the grass and water remind me of where we’re going. It’s a lovely painting, and anything infused with a little Cezanne, will always catch my eye.
