Cottage Industries: 2008

My Holiday House

I love a big Christmas Tree! Although, I have to admit I am cheating in that this is last year's tree. It couldn't be avoided. I wanted to join Julia's Holiday House Tour and lazy me still hasn't gotten my tree up! This was our first Christmas following a new marriage and move into a brand new house. We were thrilled with our cathedral ceilings and left unsupervised, my husband and I, encouraged by our kids, went totally overboard with this 11ft. White Pine. Blue Spruce is normally my favorite but alas, we couldn't find one big enough and this monstrosity won us over. It definitely made for a memorial first Christmas.

I absolutely love Amaryllis, and always have them at the
holidays, although I can never manage to keep
them alive long enough for the following year.

So, shame on me for being so late with my Christmas preparations. Finally, just today, my husband, daughter and I
headed out to Ingalls Tree Farm in Brooklyn, Connecticut,
in search of the perfect Christmas Tree. That's right,
not New York. This Brooklyn is definitely in the sticks!
It was a cold but sunny day here in New England and we were determined to fine the perfect tree. Unfortunately, they were all a bit too wee for me at Ingalls...

...so we headed to nearby Allen Hill Tree Farm also in Brooklyn. Beautiful views and 100 acres of trees. There must be one with our name on it!

Here is the family home that sits atop the hill, where we
found the perfect tree just steps from their back lawn.

Guess who cut it down. I'll give you a hint - it wasn't me!

Mission Accomplished! My favorite - a blue spruce!

Go West!

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green & golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space."
Ansel Adams, photographer

It's November. The leaves are on the ground. The snow is yet to fall. As always this time of the year, I find myself daydreaming. Where would I rather be. I'm contemplating my escape. Yosemite Valley, California. I've never been but have long known the photos and beauty captured by Ansel Adams. And I've googled the historic Ahwahnee Hotel looking for reservations. I'm as good as there!

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

Not so long ago...

February 24 1956: Martin Luther King, then a pastor in Montgomery, Alabama, sits for a police mugshot after his arrest for directing a boycott of segregated buses. The 382-day boycott began when a black woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man.

"Free at last..."

Reaction to Obama's win - these photos say it all.

Martin Luther King makes his last speech...

Prophetic words...

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Montepulciano on my Mind...

View from Montepulciano, Italy

It's that time of year in New England. Indian Summer days coming to an end - and still months away from the bright, white snow-scape of winter. Outside is your typical, drear

y November day - drizzling rain, gray sky, damp cold. More than the chill in my bones, it affects my mood and sends my mind wandering to a possible escape. Whether immediate or in the future, I start thinking of where I'd rather be. One of the places I consider Heaven on Earth is Tuscany. Spring in Italy, or perhaps summer. I start plotting. I choose Montepulciano (more authentic than Florence or Siena) and check out the local rental properties. I must have a friend somewhere willing to split a week's rent with me! I've narrowed it down to two villas. I'm almost there!

For a cool 3 million plus, you could be hunkering down for the impending win

ter in this enchanting estate in the country. Located in Lyme, Connecticut, it features 6 bedrooms & 3 full/2 half baths. It includes a circa 1787 reconstructed Cape & Hay Barn with Gallery & Guest House that create it's own little compound around a central boxwood garden, all on 23 acres. What's that? You've just won the lottery? You can find the realtor HERE!
* It's been on the market for 563 days...sounds negotiable!

Dining Room

Living Room

Library

Conservatory

Guest House

Gallery

FOR MORE ANTIQUE REAL ESTATE...

Indian Summer in Connecticut...

...when the days feel like they're standing still. The sun warm on your skin, made all the more precious knowing this particular glorious weekend could be the last until spring.
My mother is very ill at the moment. An unsuccessful cancer surgery - she is presently in ICU at a local hospital and my days are filled with work, kids, doctors & the hospital. Needing a reprieve, my husband and I head out to the Berkshires of Northwestern Connecticut. Just a simple road trip, jumping on Route 44 and heading west. Indian Summer was in all it's glory.

View of Woodbridge Lake in Goshen, Connecticut

Along route 44...

And into Collinsville, Connecticut - an old mill town.

Overlooking Collinsville from Village Cemetery
Another favorite cemetery of mine...

Like it? It's FOR SALE in New Hartford, Connecticut.

Demarchelier @ le petit palais

Patrick Demarchelier, at his Petit Palais Exhibition

Hanging in Paris this weekend? Can't find anything to do? No, I didn't think so. BUT! On the off chance you're soon to be visiting the City of Light, there is a once in a lifetime exhibition at Le Petit Palais. "Patrick Demarchelier: A Passionate Journey". The work of the world renowned fashion photographer is on exhibit through January 4th. Born in Paris and and raised in Normandy, Demarchelier came to New York City in 1975. He didn't speak a word of English but with camera in hand soon made a name for himself working first for Harper's Bazaar and eventually Conde Nast - the home of Vogue magazine. I had the good fortune to work with him back in the 80s. He was a charming man, always with a glint in his eye and a wry smile that made it seem he was up to something. I would love to have the opportunity to see his exhibition but alas, my private jet is in the shop. You can join me though and do the next best thing. Get yourself a pain au chocolat and a cup of cafe creme and check out his website!

Le Petit Palais, Paris, France