The Porch

The back of our house has this huge awning and porch that becomes the center of our world each spring.  Last winter the awning came crashing down under the weight of one of the biggest snow storms to hit our region.  Last Friday the new awning went up,  we painted the porch and put the furniture back in its place.  Then last night we christened it with dinner, friends, wine and music.  No reason to travel anywhere this time of year.  I like the contrast of the gray porch floor with the cream and white of the house.  We have three sets of french doors across the back that can all be opened creating a wonderful zone where people call flow freely in and out.  This is my favorite time of year and one of my favorite places to be rest and think.

Things that Make Me Happy Part III

 

I promise this is the last Things-that-make-me -happy post but the roses at the side of my house are really mind bending.  Every time I pull into the driveway I am delighted to see them.  Further down the row are heirlooms with the most heady fragrance.  They attract every beetle and bug in the neighborhood but they are worth it to be able to smell and see real roses.  This was taken this morning before the fog lifted.  Welcome summer.

Things that Make Me Happy Part II

Roses from my garden and antique and new linens freshly ironed.

Things That Make Me Happy

I have been in this house for 18 months and finally have gotten around to planting a small herb garden.  It is right out the back door of the kitchen in about the only sunny spot in the yard.  There is something about getting herbs straight from the garden while I am cooking that really makes me happy.  I feel like I finally really live in this house.  I also need to paint those steps!

Great Designers you may never have heard about

In Shanghai one of my favorite designers is Denise Huang owner and designer of Suzhou Cobblers (www.Suzhou-cobblers.com ).  Denise has the most beautiful hand embroidered slippers in bright colors influenced by various riffs on Chinese iconic images.  Her work always inspires me and whenever I am in Shanghai I buy a few pair of shoes or one of her other interesting pieces (baby hats, scarves).  If you have a chance stop by her little store right off the Bund at #17 Fuzhou Lu, Room 101.

The Landing

The landing in the gloaming. To the left is the large topiary of rosemary that seems happy to overwinter here.  To the right are a set of antique Delft tiles of people either floating boats or working or sitting around thinking.  The vase is something I picked up in a museum in Wuhan and then later saw thousands of in Hongqiao Market in Beijing.  I love the colors in the vase no matter where it came from or how special or common it is.  It has a beautiful peony on it that is just the same color as those I have grown at other houses in which I have lived.  I love this landing and the way it makes you pause as you transition upstairs.  The view from the window and the diminutive size of the  stairwell all work in a way that is part of the charm of this little space.