Enjoying the Fruits of Life

Hello friends, is anyone out there? I know I've pretty much stopped blogging entirely. It isn't because I am not still obsessed with design or photography, or because the move got the best of me. Although, maybe that last one is a little true.

To be perfectly candid I've experienced a lot of negativity in other areas of my life while living in Japan. It felt almost whiny to complain when my family has been so blessed and thus instead, I just didn't say anything at all. Maybe it is that, "if you have nothing nice to say..." thing. To make a long story short, I have approached the last decade of my life with openness. I've befriended people simply because they were brought into my life. Sometimes I think moving so much leaves you wanting connections to your current place and time.

The reality is that there are a lot of unhappy people in this world and at times instead of looking within, they look to express their unhappiness at the expense of others. It is okay to be unhappy, and the truth is everyone is unhappy or suffering sometimes. Yet, as I try to teach my daughter, you can't take your feelings out on others. It isn't fair and you don't know what challenges they're facing, some of which are beyond their control. Up until recently, my policy of letting everyone into my life has not always worked. I'm recognizing this idea left me vulnerable to bullying, yes bullying, from other adult women. I tried very hard to be indifferent about it but the truth is, it made me lose faith in people a little bit. In short, I've taken a page from George Washington (nerd alert) and followed a life focused within for the past several months, or really even longer. Time to start anew.

That being said, I feel incredibly blessed. Being back in New York (nay, just being back in America) has been really lovely after several years overseas. The simple joys mean so much. We've been doing great little trips around the Northeast - revisiting places and doing things I remember from my own childhood. There's been some reconnecting with old friends from before we started this crazy adventure which has been a wonderful reminder of both who I was but also of how I've grown. And there's been making new, more positive, friends which has been a breath of fresh air.

Most of all, it has been such a joy to see our daughter flourish coming home. It is amazing - she's embraced all the new experiences and friends so quickly. I hope to be like my daughter and live with resiliency and joy. I hope to find myself embracing new blessings and stages of life. And as such we're due with another child soon. I can't believe how lucky we are. I know not everything is or has been perfectly smooth sailing but I would venture to guess that's just a universal part of being human.

So while this blog may have suffered, all is well. Maybe in due course I'll have more to share - more historic houses, more architecture, more diamonds in the rough. We've been looking at farms recently, some in need of restoration. If that's the direction life takes us, I'll be sure to be back here with more to share. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy each and every simple pleasure life sends your way. Thanks for reading along! And I hope you liked my random photos from our recent trips around the Northeast!

starting over

We finally moved into our new apartment in Japan. Remarkably it is the same square footage that we had in the States so it feels large for Japan. And not to mention really intelligently designed to maximize storage. Not going to lie, that really makes me happy! It is Americanized. I was hoping for the Japanese tub which is deep and perfect for soaking. Although, I can't complain as everything is newly remodeled. And the walls are white.

Moving into a new place gives such a sense of starting over. I am already scheming about furniture placement and draperies. We still don't receive our things for a few more weeks so while we are "camping" I am daydreaming of making it our own.

What is the first thing you do when you move? I am a little odd but I always bring the shower curtain so my bath can feel slightly finished and I can pretend everything is already in it's place.

 image

okl challenge

I don't normally enter contests and I never win blog giveaways or anything of that nature. But I saw the One Kings Lane Pinterest Contest to describe your perfect summer day and thought, "what a fun idea!" And since I've become a pinning maniac, all the better. So my perfect day is all about Charleston, SC.

 Source: southernliving.com via Ann on Pinterest

Before we get started, here's a little snippet from OKL - neat huh?

In the spirit of summer, I designed my board inspired by a recent visit in Charleston to see family. I'm not from there but I love the spirit of the city and it was probably our last visit for some time once we move overseas. Despite the sweltering summer heat, I think that's a perfect town for a perfect summer day. Maybe start with a day sail in a small boat on the harbor, a picnic aboard perhaps followed by a swim, afternoon cocktails on the piazza and finally a late dinner on the town. Sounds like fun, don't you think? You can see my entire board here.

Source: google.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: everythingfab.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Ann on Pinterest

And of course, my favorite summer sip, a simple Tom Collins.

Source: overthehillandonaroll.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Ann on Pinterest

Source: wmagazine.com via Ann on Pinterest

I'll try to get some photos from this past visit up for next week but let me tell you, I love that city eve more after every visit. So tell me, after all this what is your perfect summer day? Have a great weekend!!

concours d'elegance

We just attended the concours at Amelia Island. We've gone for a few years now and I love it every time. The weather is always perfect! Some photos to share - enjoy!


Horsehair stuffing, original

Steve McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld Porsche 917

Photos by me! Please credit if you borrow :)

it's a duesy

I have a lot of fun stuff to share tomorrow. For now, a preview.

doggy paddle

I've been obsessed with these photos by Seth Casteel all week - good for a giggle. A friend said he actually did some photos for her rescue a year ago, how great is that? I'm so enjoying his work. Have a great weekend!

bonsai tree houses

These miniatures by Takanori Aiba are amazing! You must see them; and thanks to decorology for sharing them!

tagging your paintings

Your Paintings was brought to my attention by Hollister Hovey the other day. Your Paintings is a fun program by the BBC and the Public Catalogue Foundation to share the art of the UK. I think my favorite feature is the ability to tag and help catalog the works.

for the girls

I read a lot of blogs throughout my day and one of my favorites is Mrs. Howard Personal Shopper. Recently I saw this touching post where they are looking for one preteen/teen girl to whom Phoebe Howard will offer a bedroom makeover. They're looking for someone special and deserving and if you can think of that someone, please check it out.

This would also be a good time to tell you that I am going to be their newest team member (don't worry, I'm not paid - just there to learn) and I'm quite excited about this opportunity!

art history 101

I really do believe that interiors can be extension of you but also your tastes and studies of the arts. In and of themselves as specimens of decorative arts, obviously, but also as a showplace for the accomplishments of civilization. Or at least that's what I think about when I'm shampooing my hair... Anyways, I found this lovely interactive timeline, replete with articles and discussions, from the Met. As a form of Art History 101, it could save someone a couple semesters of tuition! Have a great weekend!

Images from the Met

kids on decorating

Or on stickers? I've recently become addicted to StumbleUpon thanks to a friend and the other day it brought me this before and after.

"This December, in a surprisingly simple yet ridiculously amazing installation for the Queensland Gallery of Modern Ar, artist Yayoi Kusama constructed a large domestic environment, painting every wall, chair, table, piano, and household decoration a brilliant white, effectively serving as a giant white canvas. Over the course of two weeks, the museum’s smallest visitors were given thousands upon thousands of colored dot stickers and were invited to collaborate in the transformation of the space, turning the house into a vibrantly mottled explosion of color. "

vacation's over

Returned from vacation and this little lady followed me home. I'm a sucker for a souvenir.


Invariably I feel a bit like a child after school holiday...

jolly old saint nick

One of my favorite occasional reads is the Smithsonian magazine. Yesterday I plopped onto the sofa (as I ungracefully tend to do) and read this article on Robert Walter Weir's 1838 painting and the history of Saint Nicholas as we know him.

"Weir’s portrayal of St. Nicholas was inspired in part by the descriptions of a fellow Knickerbocker, Washington Irving, the celebrated author of “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Irving’s A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, published on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, 1809, was replete with charming digressions. Among them was a set piece on the saint, portraying him as an elfin, antic figure, his appearance drawn from the ranks of the Dutch bourgeoisie. Smoking a clay pipe and “laying his finger beside his nose,” Irving wrote, St. Nicholas soars over trees in a flying wagon “wherein he brings his yearly presents to children.” Irving also advanced the notion that the saint descended into chimneys to bestow his treats."

Image and excerpt from the Smithsonian magazine

living in ikea

I have been giggling over this while trying to drink my tea this morning - very difficult to do both at once.

unleashed

It is finally here! All glorious, adorable four minutes:



Now that's a commercial.

dog person

Today I am teaching one of my dogs, Tally, to do this. He weights 80 pounds and looks small in comparison.

Photo from Harpar's Bazaar via Hair on the Brain and Habitually Chic

Love this, can't wait for the full-length version. Have a good weekend!

via Racked

pressure

Lately I've been obsessed with this music video from the Danish duo Quadron. I found it through an fellow equestrienne at Ribbons and Red Tape. Did I mention my husband and I met because of horses?

rain lilies

Walking around I found some of these growing along the road. They're a crocus look-alike (my first guess) that are found in warm climates and as soon as it the bloom dies, it goes dormant. One thing I love about moving is that every new place grows different trees and flowers. The snakes and bugs, I could do without...

Image from Comforts of Home

lovely thought

I recently read a Stanford study that said children laugh, on average, 400 times a day but by adulthood that number is less than a dozen.

found here via kiki's list.

lovely thought

I'll be the first to say that moving around constantly has its trials and tribulations. Sometimes the "natives" you meet are hostile. Sometimes the water is undrinkable. Sometimes you never think you'll find an apartment that works. Sometimes you get all dressed up but have nowhere to go becuase your friends live miles and miles away. Sometimes you are uprooted just as you are getting settled. But sometimes, I'm reminded of this quote.


I was reminded of it again via a blog I've followed for a long time, La Dolce Vita. Although I think it applies to boys and girls alike!