A quick but interesting read in the WSJ about the iconic City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco and Poet/Co-Founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti's quest to open an all-paperback bookstore in the 1950's. Lawrence's adoration for poetry and literature is perhaps a correlation to his less than desirable childhood he describes. Read the piece here.
love notes
My Grandfather's desk sits in my room at home in Rhode Island. It has many secret compartments in which I keep mementos from cherished moments, including notes from my Grandparents that they each wrote to me close to their passing. They were both so sweet about writing notes to their grandchildren and I love coming back to them, longing for their presence again.
Flâneur Forever
A genius campaign by Hermès called "Flâneur Forever". My dearest francophile taught me the meaning of the word flâneur, a french noun that means "stroller" or "lounger" and one that "strolls aimlessly but enjoyably, observing life and his surroundings". We both discussed that we could master the essence of this definition quite suitably. It's rather romantic.
Cheese by Carol
My sister does such a lovely job of arranging cheese platters. It truly is an art and she masters it well. I like them to appear in a very organic state - not too structured or fussy. Above, a cheese platter from a fun evening at home, with hibiscus from Mom's trees!
Green Animals
Love a good lush shrub and don't even get me started with topiaries...Had such a blast meandering around Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. My Mother used to volunteer there when I was a bebe, and my elementary/middle school is just across the way. Fun day of exploration & reminiscing.
No Trespassing
I ignored the signs last evening on my bike ride and well, trespassed to discover this construction site at the very end of a road around the corner in Jamestown. The home appears to be a renovation from a historic residential structure that is well positioned to be a charming seaside home over looking Narragansett Bay.
Rose of Sharon
Loving being back at home in Jamestown. I just returned from a morning bike ride and swim in the ocean. I've noticed how our neighborhood boasts of these beautiful bushes of Rose of Sharon. They resemble a hibiscus flower and come in a variety of shades. Above, is a shrub in our yard I was admiring while eating breakfast. My Mother brought this shrub back to life when we moved into our new home. And now, I am off to rinse the sand off my feet before my Mother squawks at me again...xx
Perspective in Florence
My cousin sent me a few photographs yesterday amidst his late summer trip to Florence. They were of beautiful ornate doors around the city in addition to this view. They reached me during a rather frantic moment at work and they truly made my day. It's all about the little things. Thanks, Greg and can't wait to see you! xx
Sotheby's Hits the Road
Sotheby's posted this photograph of the 1956 Ferrari on Instagram that had my heart thumping. The car, is one of many that was presented at the annual classic car auction event in the coastal towns of Monterey and Pebble Beach this past weekend. This year, a 1961 Ferrari California Spider (not to be confused with the photograph above), made news as it was estimated at as much of $18 million. It is only 37 of its kind. The collection, totally over 390 cars included a car that was built for Pope John Paul II ( a 2005 Ferrari Enzo selling for $6.1 million). The auction wrapped up on Saturday, however you can view all lots from the auction, here.
The Last Mile
The next few days are a serious push as I work to get finals off loaded and the intensity of work at a decent simmer. All that keeps me going is the thought of swimming in the ocean and spending time with friends and family doing all of those easy breezy summer activities.