round trip

Returning home after an extended vacation is almost as exhilarating as taking off. I am sitting here in the studio trying to recap three wonderful weeks away, sifting through notes and photographs, and sorting through my thoughts...

The first week was spent with family and friends in southern Sweden. The weather was gorgeous and we were offered a plentitude of delicious meals and refreshing drinks. Our evenings were laced with engaging discussions, laughter, and friendship. We criss-crossed the region via train, bus, and car, visiting museums, shops, and cosy restaurants. We swam, basked in the sun, and strolled. It was the most perfect of times.

Paris was the destination for the second part of the trip. We arrived wide-eyed and ready for everything the city of light has to offer. The beautiful apartment on the left bank had a roof top view of the Eifel tower and was the base, for our daily excursions. We quickly came up with a long list of favorites including; Degas painting The orchestra of the opera at Musée d'Orsay, the tomb of Heloise and Abelard in Pere Lachaise Cemetery (what a love story), Papier+ in the Marais quarters, the Victory statue in the Louvre, the all out meat dinner at Relais de l'Entrecote, the kitchen store of all kitchen stores - E. Dehillerin, the stroll through the Porte de Vanves flea market, and getting to know Eva Besnyö and her beautiful photographs at Jeu de Paume. The list goes on, but it is still the everyday experiences that are the true highlights when visiting a new city, such as fetching fresh bread from the bakery every morning, walking down a narrow street at dusk, overhearing a conversations at the lunch table, perusing the market for fresh fruit, and going to bed at night with aching feet and a mind overfilled with new impressions.

Happily back home, I admit that we were ready to reunite with the dogs, sleep in our own beds, and cook a simple meal in our own kitchen. That is what vacations are for. And I am itching to get back to work, to continue pieces in progress and start on things totally new. Somehow the experiences from weeks past will make their way into the process of making and creating that I love so much.

 

preparations

We are preparing for departure once again. In a few days time we will be on our way first to Malmö, Sweden and then to Paris, France... I can't wait to see my family again - my nephews, my mom, my sisters, my brother-in-law, and then  uncles, aunts, cousins, and old friends. These visits to the home country keeps me sane, and anchored. This is where I really belong and this is where my history began. So I will savor every minute, every hug, every laughter. Not to mention every meal, and every glass raised.

Towards the end of the month my boys (all three of them) and I are heading to Paris. We will spend a full week in this magical city; walking, looking, eating, looking, and walking some more. Kind friends have already sent me lists of things not to miss, but more ideas are always welcome. Let me know what your favorite Paris spot might be. I did get my hands on Paris: Made by Hand by Pia Jane Bijkerk, so now I am envisioning one or two shopping trips to some of these old fashioned stores filled with linen, silks, notions, threads, and other treasures.

Part of preparing for departure is to make sure everything at home is left in order. I am finishing up work and shipping pending orders. I am tidying up the garden, hoping our house sitters will take advantage of its bounty (the tomatoes are especially delicious this year). The house is gradually being cleaned and the dogs are showered with love. Leaving the pooches behind is actually the most difficult part. I know they will have the best of care, but it is still so hard.

I have listed a few new pieces in the store, including similitude, a new favorite art quilt based on a mirrored walnut eco prints on wool. Both the online store and the etsy shop will be closed while I am gone, so take a quick look now to see if something catches your fancy...

Lastly, I want to brag about my friend Kelly McKaig, and her brand new etsy shop. Kelly is a renowned photo stylist who also makes sachets, pincushions, and other house ware, and she cultivates and sells her own honey. She lives, works, and raises her bees on the southside of Chicago. The image shows the beautiful pin cushion I bought, made from rust dyed and hand stitched linen - handmade, wholesome, and beautiful.

I heart New York

We walked, ate, drank, looked, ate some more, strolled, shopped, gawked, sipped, and ate again. Intense is the best way to describe life as a New York City visitor. Here is a list of the best of the best from this trip: Best museum exhibit: The Loving Story at the International Center of Photography. Best meal: braised pork shoulder at Birreria in Eataly. Best drink: Gin and Tonic at Gaby in Hotel Sofitel. Best breakfast: Oatmeal and large latte at Le Pain Quotidien. Best hike no. 1: Crossing Brooklyn Bridge by foot. Best macarons: Maison Ladurée. Best art: Kim Abeles' Smog Collectors at Museum of Art and Design. Best hike no. 2: The high line. Best home store: Ochre in Soho. Best art no. 2 Lee Nam Lee: Ming and Chung dynsasty paintings: crossover at MAD. Best craft store: Purl Soho. Best craft store no. 2: Tender Buttons. Best run: the path around the reservoir in Central Park. Of course there was much more, and much that was missed. I am already compiling a list for the next visit.

love

Love is best when dispersed frequently and freely. I am back from an amazing (and love filled) weekend in New York City. Photos, and other impressions soon to come. I dropped off some work at Trunk, a wonderful artist owned shop and gallery in Brooklyn. Make sure to visits if you are in the area. Happy valentines day!

NYC here we come

Ever since my first visit at the tender age of less than 20 I have loved this city. New York is magical, it oozes of  creativity and energy and style. I love the pace, the abundance, the tackiness, the colors, the people... This time me and my love are spending an extra long weekend in its midst. I am so excited to return. PS. Last minute suggestions are most welcome...