bon anniversaire

December 15th, 2008

17


Friday morning, sleepy mouse eyes. Tumbled out of bed and into the land of Crixa Cakes, nibbled Fatima’s thighs, chocolate mousse, teapots of the best chai in the world.

On a mission to find a white dresser, we found this charming solid oak vintage one, for $15.

Sure, it needs some love, but I have some to give it! (Please let me know if you happen across six 3-inch glass handles!)

Phebus wax old, and hewed lyk latoun,
That in this hoote declynacioun
Shoon as the burned gold, and stremes brighte;
But now in Capricorn adoun he lighte,
Where as he shoon ful pale, I dar wel seyn.
The bittre frostes, with the sleet and reyn,
Destroyed hath the grene in every yerd;
Janus sit by the fyr, with double berd,
And drynketh of his bugle horn the wyn.
Biforn hym stant brawen of the tusked swyn,
And “Nowel” crieth every lusty man.

It took a moment for Kevin & I to decipher this Chaucer passage together, & I brought the print home.

The time came for gifts to be bestowed, and I almost fell over when Kevin gave me a red riding hood cloak.

A tiny walk through an unknown grotto, where this koi pond held a secret house under it’s waters, and kittens ran underfoot as we walked cobblestone pathways.

To the city! Aquatic wonders & eyeless owls, waiting for animation. A wondrous world that will have to be explored again & again.

Miette Confiserie ~ tiny princesses wait for treats, and we eye the delicacies before being gifted with a box from the lovely Holly, exploding with cake and candies!!!

The plan was to skate, but a crowded rink and a sleepy me found a lovely Elly & we visited a palace, with icing villages and trees bigger than most houses. Tiny gnomes showed up with gifts & hugs, and we all went home cozy in the drizzling winter mist.

Another early morning Saturday, and into the bright blue day with a hot cup of coffee and a kiss. Adventure! I zip north to gather my aunt from the airport, and we’re off for a night at her friend’s home / organic lavender farm. & what! a! home! From the moment I walk through the doors, I know I’m in for a treat. Plied with champagne and clam chowder, tiny cakes, and warm welcomes! Gifts of opal rings, crystals from Argentina, pretty scarves. Sink back into the magic coach, whisked to wine with bubbly ladies, good conversation, and more cakes…new friends, a crackling fire, egg nog and Crown Royal.

The house is monochromatic, creams and silvers, mirrored walls and a deep deep tub where I soaked in sea salts and lavender oils, watched over by the grandmother of this estate. Isn’t she beautiful? My charming hostess looks just like her!!

I woke Sunday morning in the most perfect princess bed, golden light streaming through the shutters, windows overlooking walled gardens. The other residents of the room include a tiny faerie & the grumpiest lot of children I’ve ever seen.

The only sun of the day, it quickly turns blustery as rain sweeps in across the lavender fields. We feast on mimosas, fresh fruit, yogurt, and strata in front of the fire; play dominoes & laugh as the rain pours down.

It’s time to go!! A tour of the grounds during a break in the rain, and then back back back home, where I find a HUGE parcel from Angel, and tear into it, revealing some of the most magical treasures ever! Tiny coral hands, hand forged spiral witch wands, perfect dresses, red shoes that just knock me over with their perfect, shards and butterfly bits & candles &&&&&& oh!!!

I feel so blessed, and so loved, and so held. 33, you WILL be the best year yet.

xoxo.

(even more photographs here.)