Santa is coming to town ~ it's Christmas time!

The holidays are upon us. Over the past week, family has arrived from the Netherlands, from Brazil; and soon from Barcelona. Oh the joy! We will gather around. Christmas Day will be festive. Friends will join us as well.

Last year, my mood was in soft teal, lavender hues, and silver (click here to go back in time). This year, I return to the magical quality of my favorite color, magenta, this time wrapped in a vintage accent…  

I mix it up with old mercury glass, crystal jars and glass ornaments (I just love the porcelain face on the Russian ornament). Since I simply must have a taste of France, I sneak in my slow growing collection of Eiffel Towers, along with a few miniature bottle brush trees wrapped in glitter and baubles, and I steal last year's photo of "Dreaming of snow"! 

The weather is just exquisite. There will be no snow. There will be joy and laughter and delights.

 

If I have time as the festivities begin, I will attempt to photograph the Christmas village tucked on a chest of drawers in a corner of the dining room. There I have blanketed the land with snow and  "Santon" clay figurines from Provence. I do believe they do deserve their own fifteen minutes of fame. Let's see what I can do. For now though:

Jingle Bells ~

Merry Christmas ~

Joyeux Noël ~

Peace on Earth ~

Oh so good for the soul ~ Enjoy ~ Adeline

Mendocino Coast

Today is the day after Thanksgiving. I could have been be dashing off to mega-stores, rushing and crushing against the masses, eagerly seeking the ultimate gift. 

Instead, I choose to gift myself with the many moods of the Mendocino coastline. Each time I am within its reach, I am transported in a swirl of peace, in a gift of thankfulness for this amazing area where I live. 

Down by the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, I edge close to tide pools; I wrap myself in the cooling morning mist, the fog slowly lifting in small parcels across the sky. I climb into it, then over it. I smile.

Recent online reviews of the area mention how one simply must stop at the newly refurbished and family-owned Stewart's Point General Store - first opened in 1868. I am tempted. 

To my delight I discover that their small displays tucked here and there in the store are just like the vignettes of style and design that I treasure. I smile. I leave sandwich in hand and head seven miles inland to the ridge-top vistas of Annapolis Winery, another gem of a find!

Soon after Stewart's Point, the Sea Ranch beckons. Each time, I am drawn to its tranquility. There is a dreamy secret about it. The ocean in its endless vastness leaves me in awe every single time. I will not reveal too much. It is too precious.

The setting evening light after a long drive over the rugged ridge to Anderson Valley brings me full circle to Point Arena, in time for a relaxing twilight dinner with all the beauty that envelops the area.

I shall indeed give thanks… for witnessing the beauty and the life that revives my spirit every time I sense a tension in my being.

I do believe you will agree. It is good for the soul…

A Secret Garden in the wine country

A bit busy since my last post! My excuses are mine alone - I could call them valid… A daughter launched off to college in Europe; another daughter enraptured with the thrill of another ballet season (taxi-mom at your service!); and a lovely new relationship to distract every bit of me. The good news about these past months is the abundance of beauty I have kept coming across.

The Fall is now here, with its crisp morning chill, its balmy midday sunlight, and its captivating evening twilight. My pace is often dreamlike as I walk along paths of new discoveries; absorbing new vistas, new colors, new scents, new inspiration, new light.

This set of images was captured on a stunning day just weeks ago in the wine country at Preston Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley ~ bucolic setting; ideal picnic grounds; dear friends; a bottle of 'Madam Preston' wine in hand, and a stroll through their Secret Garden ~ a gem in itself ~ a gem of a day.

Away I plot my next post ~ but do indulge in this one, it is just a tease for what is to come.

My blog hiatus has been indulgent ~ but I have treasures to share; the amazing art of my father; a new journey up the coast; more wineries to inspire; the ultimate French café experience; unique vintage market finds; lavender blossoms along hidden paths.

I must hurry ~ the holidays are around the corner of the season.

It's all coming ~ it's all so good for the soul; don't you think… even taking a little break.