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  This picture actually makes me smile. I took it this September in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. Timely, that a black pigeon should decide to use it as a perch just then.  I began to imagine this huge, ferocious looking stone lion, standing sentry at the end of my long lane tomorrow night, if I was a young child. Our lane is quite long and narrow, climbing up the Escarpment, lined by large oaks and very dark, black dark at night, with nary a glimmer of light. Imagine it looming over you when you arrived at the top, with a black crow sitting on it's head! Funny or frightening? A different take on spooky. Happy Halloween!

It appears I've been dreaming in the same colours lately. Ecru, shades of tea- stained cream, touches of black and gold, as seen in the vintage vanity tray on my dresser. Hunting for vintage fabric for my winter project, I stumbled upon this gorgeous turn of the century outfit at Granny's Boot, one of the best sources for antiques in our area. Madge, the owner is one of a kind...energetic, charismatic and generous.  When she saw the look on my face, she gifted me this exquisite little treasue. Look at the silk ruching and beautiful, perfectly stained fabric flower, with a black bonnet pin attached. ...... small, hand made silk rosettes..... .....and gorgeous, silk lining, which is virtually unavailable today. ......more lovely details to savour in the waist length jacket.... I already have something in mind for the lining, perhaps a pin cushion, in the shape of a pear... sitting on a tarnished silver candlestick base???? I started this needle case early this spr...

It seems that with the onset of cool weather and that I can no longer putter and poke in the garden, my thoughts turn to fabric and thread, the garden's answer to puttering indoors.  This means unearthing all the stashes of remnants and textiles which caught my eye at some time or another. There are bits of lace, trim, buttons and bobs which leave me wanting to sew.  I feel honoured and privileged to have been invited to participate in a sewing circle this winter with a group of women who truly create magic with their hands!  A little nervous in such elite company, I am carefully playing with some ideas for an all white or cream quilt.  I love the French boutis, simple, just a few fabrics used and all over quilting which give them their signature look.  I especially like Kaari Meng from the French General's quilt kits. Hoping to replicate something along those lines here. These are the colour ways that are comi...

Is is inevitable.  The air is getting colder and even though the sun was shining today, you can feel the change in seasons. I got out my Nespresso frother and made myself a hot and spicy chai latte, added a little treat of pistachio, cranberry and white chocolate biscotti of my sister Micki's and I was ready to settle in. Now on to winter pursuits....

Growing up we had very little in the way of "decor" as we know it today.  My Mom kept our home spotlessly clean and the tantalizing smells of her delicious cooking greeted you when you entered the door. On her kitchen counter she had a set of stainless steel canisters for her sugar and flour and on our kitchen table, a soup tureen which was never used. We had everything we needed in the way of necessity and comfort, but there were no "things" for the sheer sake of having them or for their beauty. It is no wonder today, that after so many years of having my own home and being a wife and mother, I am sometimes obsessed with finding and filling my space with things that are beautiful and meaningful to me.  Over the course of thirty some years, this has translated into many things. My obsession with pearl handled sterling flatware....   blue and white china..... and any colour transferware.... ....anything with gold gilt..... .....acorn...

The Cattedrale di Sienna,Duomo, is perhaps the most awe inspiring, magnificent church compared to the Vatican in Rome.  Actually it was built in the early 16th century to rival the Vatican by the wealthy bankers who resided in Sienna, the seat of the first bank of Italy. It was never completed because the Black Death swept Europe and eradicated most of the population. I visited Siena, which is only one hour by train, from Florence. I was totally captivated by what I saw. It was renamed La Chiesa di Santa Maria del' Assunta. It is magnificent in every detail, inside and out. .....lovely pale pink in its perfection. The black and white striped, marble columns, striking in their simplicity and unexpected stature, in stark contrast to the ornate gold and ormulu interiors. ......the magnificent cupola..... ......every where awe inspiring and jaw dropping beauty, evoking feelings of mystery and incredible wonder! ....a crypt... and the magnificent organ. Beauti...