I am half sick of shadows, said the Lady of Shalott

In July 2009, I went to London with my dad. We were there for just three days, and we lucked out because I saw a poster on the underground for an exhibition at the Royal Academy - John William Waterhouse. He is quite literally my absolute favourite artist (well, he's fighting it out with Botticelli for the top spot), and I was so thrilled to see all his works all located in one spot. I find his works really do something for me, and inspire me to no end. Here are some of my favourites, even though I like all of them.

Circe offering the cup to Ulysses. Oh that Circe, she was quite the woman.

The Lady of Shalott - this one is my absolute favourite. I stood in front of this painting for a very long time and may or may not have shed a tear for her. Poor thing.

Lying, robed in snowy white

That loosely flew to left and right

The leaves upon her falling light

Thro' the noises of the night

She floated down to Camelot:

And as the boat-head wound along

The willowy hills and fields among

They heard her singing her last song

The Lady of Shalott

Enchanted Garden. I want one of those.

Whenever I need to do something that needs me to be stern, this is what I think of. Yes, odd, but just look at her.


We have one Waterhouse here in Toronto at the AGO, I enjoy looking at her for a long time. Unfortunately, they've put it in a rather horrible position and given more prominence to pieces of art that are far less appealing. But, at least she's here.

xox

A.

Divine Inspiration

It's been a while since my last post, back to school is hectic and leaves little time to stop and smell the roses. I went to church this morning, and found a quiet spot. We're lucky enough to have some really wonderful windows at our Church... A little piece of Europe here in the T dot! I hope you enjoy them as much as I always have. The photo above is of the Window in the Choir loft, where I always sit. St. Cecilia patron Saint of music.

I always wonder who this mysterious woman is peering out at the congregation.

This one has always been my favourite. The angel wings are so perfect - rainbow coloured AND feathers. It was recently restored, and I'm happy to say nothing has changed.

I hope you find your quiet space too.

xox

Ave

The Overlooked Closet

Years ago, I read a book called "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. (You can find that book right here ). That book has been a constant inspiration to me over the years, and I recently picked it up to leaf through it again. In one of the chapters, the author discusses how to create beautiful spaces in your home, in the most simple of spots. In one case, she discusses the Linen Closet. I suppose most people's linen closets are a jumble of towels and such, but why not make it something more special? Add something to make it a place of wonder...


Beautiful towels are always a good place to start. I got this one for my birthday. Can't wait to take it to the beach...

Piles of cute linens can be inspirational too - you can get nice ones anywhere, but right now vintage linens are very collectible. See what whimsy you can find.

Our linen closet is overflowing with lace. My grandmother passed down to us piles of frothy lace table cloths, and lace trimmed hand towels...I just think they're charming and pretty.

You all know of my love for lavender, in the linen closet it takes on the job of keeping things smelling lovely and I believe it also keeps away moths. Useful!

Now this is the perfect linen closet. Special, something ordinary turned extraordinary. Imagine having a walk-in linen closet! So sweet!

Enjoy the last bit of summer my dears, new beginnings are just around the corner.

xox

A.

Sweets straight from Paris

My parents have returned from their wanderings on the old continent. They spent some time on our cousins' vineyard in Burgundy, took a trip to Normandy, and gazed up at Mont St. Michel. You can read about their adventures here I had set them the task of getting me one precious little thing from Paris.... A mini coffret of macarons all for moi. They did not fail in the attempt!


The taste is somewhat indescribable... Ok fine, it's crisp on the outside, but as soon as you get to the middle, the delicate thing crumbles into your mouth and inside the soft creamy centre ..... hmm so good.

The bag and the box will be lasting reminders of the deliciousness -- until I get more. Hmm.

I'm so glad they got the lovely green coloured box with gold...very classic.

Tellement mignon, tellement délicieux. Le sigh.

I`m quite obviously going to keep this box forever. If anyone throws these out they`re completely insane.

I`m savouring these.... as slowly as I can. But currently there are only three left. So far my favourite is the vanilla.... Delicious.

xox

Ave

Target and Liberty of London

I know I'm late jumping on this train, but the truth is I've been eyeing this forever. I am finally planning a day down in Buffalo, NY, to try and snap up some of these fantastic items from Target. You all know how much I love Liberty of London, and I'm hoping that I'm not too late to get a little something. Quite frankly I'll settle for anything....


Anything with Liberty florals pretty much floats my boat. But when you toss in anything tea-related, you've got me hooked!

Candles, stationery, pillows...... I want it all!

You just know if I find these, they're all mine....

Come on now, a piggy bank with peacock feathers on it??? I'm coming to get you, piggy! ;)

xox

A.

Lavande

What is it about lavender that is so enchanting? I think my love of lavender started many years ago, when my family and I first visited Provence. We went to a lovely place, hidden in a valley, not far from the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse. Amidst a field of lavender was a weathered and beguiling building - the Abbaye de Sénanque. There is something about that place that really enchants you. The heat, the sweet smell of lavender in the sun, and the buzzing of bees all around - very dishevelled and wonderful.

The smell of lavender will always transport me back to provence. I always picture the warm colours of Roussillon, or the clear blue sky, or even the potted pansies in January. Sigh.

The Abbaye de Sénanque produces several lavender products - but the beauty of the place is what attracts me.

There is nothing better than Lavender sachets. I love the colours of the Provençal fabric.

I make dried lavender bunches such as these often. I pick the lavender from my backyard and then make wands... a very agreeable pursuit!

I have no words to describe the beauty of this place - though I would venture a guess that fairies live here...

Speaking of which! One of my favourite flower fairies - the Lavender fairy! I once received a gift set of lovely perfume and lotions all stamped with her impish visage.

The iconic solitary tree amidst lavender fields. This picture is symbolic of all of Provence...There must be hundreds of solitary trees there, but every picture is beautiful to me.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer weekend - and I hope you come across some lavender, wherever you are!

xox

A.

Birthday Cupcakes

It was my birthday the other day, oh joy, oh rapture. I started my day with a cup of tea in my favourite Tintin mug. Tintin for the win!


My little brother Marc was ever so sweet... he bought me some lovely cupcakes from "The Cupcake Shoppe" at Yonge and Eglinton. My fave was the vanilla with the buttercreme on it... note the miniature strawberry.

Aaaand I was super excited to serve them on my strawberry plates. Cute.

I like my birthdays to be pretty low-key, nothing too loud or celebratory, not sure why... but cupcakes sure do make my day. Thanks mon frèreau.

xox

Ave