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.

From Farm to Table ~ The bounty!

Have you ever been to an outdoor Farmers Market in Europe? It is simply a must - a requirement for the soul. It is always a cherished memory for me to recollect the ones I have strolled through - many of them in France, my native country. I seek them out constantly. It is not difficult to be tempted by the bounty of Mother Nature's richness. It is not difficult at all. 

On the other side of the world, here at home in Marin County, Northern California, weekly Farmers' Markets abound in each small local town - and year round! Here too, the earth is rich. The climate is temperate. The sun is shining on the land. The farmers are devoted. The community is hungry.

I do not always go there to shop. I go to soak in the patterns, the vibrant colors, the textures, the tastes, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the feel. A lot of inspiration for my art comes from these outings. Look closely at these images; you will not just be hungry - you just might be tempted to pick up a paintbrush!

I might arrive just past sunrise as the tables fill up with displays yet untouched; or I laze out of bed on a Sunday morning, and walk through the thick of the morning rush - rubbing elbows with tempted gourmands sipping their hot lattes, indulging in fresh made crepes, all eagerly awaiting the roast chicken vendor. Welcoming sellers with their multitude of seasonal samples, one more delicious then the next, keep tempting me. Sometimes as I sit at a table and listen to the live music, I am so clearly reminded just how good this all is for the soul.

What bounty!