img_26701

bon anniversaire

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

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

Sure, it needs some love, but I have some to give it!

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

Early morning Saturday – an 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. 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 & stay cozy 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 perfection, shards and butterfly bits & candles &&&&&& oh!!!

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

17 Comments

  1. Happy Birthday! What a visual feast. I enjoyed these photos so much and agree that these posts are real treasures. I miss having the ability to post multiple shots in my entries (I have issues with photobucket and my home computer) and love entries with so many show and tell components. I don’t know where to insert commentary. The albino alligator!! Where was that?! That bed looks yummy.

  2. Selene: It’s the new http://www.calacademy.org/ in SF- truly amazing, and the planetarium is phenomenal.

    When the elfling gets older, a trip to SF should be in your plans!! You’ll always have somewhere to stay!

    You can post flickr photos like this in journal entries – just use the html img tag and copy the photo location.

  3. aw, thanks Michael! Which reminds me, I never talked to you about your site – I haven’t been doing freelance because the 9-5 is so draining! But your site looks good, did you do it?

    P.S. there has to be a prettier way to say “lifestyle blog!” Chronicle de la Vie?

  4. My dear friend Benjnard did it. Thanks! I like it, too. And don’t you fret – there are plenty more potential trades that could be in our future. Actually, I have been meaning to e-mail you about some possible involvement at The LAB as we have a show coming up that will explore the intersection of art and technology.

    And ha-ha. In a way, I knew “lifestyle blog” was a wanky term when I used it. That’s my sense of humor: just a little sneer under the surface. But yes, it’s an uglyish term and this beautiful spot deserves a better one. I’ll have to think on it.

  5. Pingback: icing sugar

Leave a Reply to Andrea Cancel reply