A Gift From the Sea ~ beachy whites.

When I think of beachy whites I think of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book "A Gift From the Sea"
This book has influenced me over the years...the first time I read it I was in the throes of peri-menopause and felt like I was at sea with my emotions, trying desperately to keep myself ship shape and stable in a violent storm.
Her words helped me to take stock and to look for the small things in my daily round that would keep me on an even keel. Those wise words continue to inspire and resonate with me today.

I make a point to read Anne's book every year. You might enjoy reading it.
A small book which can be a quick read, if unlike me, you do not stop after each chapter to reflect and digest the message within...

Anne wrote a lovely account about "finding herself" in a beautiful place where she lived for a short time as she needed to escape from her duties as a wife and mother. Anne lived a very simple and solitary existence listening to the waves and watching the tides roll in and out with the rhythm of the sea.
The beach taught her many of life's lessons.
Taking time to be in a quiet place, seeking solace from her hectic life, she was able to stop, listen to her heart, and it was only then that she found inner strength, her truth and was able to find her voice.
Writing this book has been her gift to many of us who have struggled at some point with the demands of life.

I am so grateful to have stumbled upon her work...and I often ponder what it might be like to own a rustic simple white washed home by the seashore.

I love looking at shabby chic rooms in the magazines and online sites.
This look is very popular, however, it is not in keeping with our dark heritage designated arts and crafts bungalow.

Dreamy, creamy whites are so soothing.
Beachy seaside whites play a big role in our guest room decor.

The all white collection of beach glass sits beside a clam fossil and some coral.

Barnacle and shell in the background.

Shades of white.

Sunshine and shadows.

Can you see Chester's silhouette in the shadow?

Large shells are often sold at flea markets and antique malls.

I bought this one at a local flea market many years ago.

The distressed oar standing up behind the wicker chair was a boulevard freebie.

I stop for boulevard freebies, often quickly!

 If you are following behind me in the car proceed with caution and I do put on my turn indicator.

I abide by the rules of the road.

I am guilty of following rules to the letter and I cannot tell a lie...

perhaps a little teeny tiny white lie

but only if it concerns a wedding or baby shower or a surprise 

never ask me to lie for you, it cannot be done!

I've added a touch of pink...

reminds me of Rachel Ashwell who created the Shabby Chic shop and books.

I loved watching her TV show and would dream of having my own Shabby Chic cottage.

So this guest room satisfies my urge to live in such a cottage...

 if it was on a sandy beach I'd find myself walking barefoot in the sand while the waves wash in and wash out beach combing 

for some pure white sea glass and creamy shells.

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choice less as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."

~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh ~

Savouring the simple things...OOTD

As I wind down from the last school semester...
and embrace the rhythm and gentle flow of the summer hoildays I realize how much I savour the simple things...

fresh fruit is in abundance

breakfast is quick and easy

juicy ruby red plums

a sweet delight for the taste buds

one of my students gave me this peace lily plant

it is a perfect perk up for the corner of the laundry room

there is time to move slowly

no need for a frantic frenzied rush to accomplish things

I have a "do list" which I run wavy lines through when I finish a job

 the silverware has been polished

drawers have been tidied

books have been sorted

there is more

but 

tomorrow is another day

for now it is enough

Can you feel the ebb and flow of your daily round?

"laundry helper"

 Chester is on the job!

Pepper and Chester love me working downstairs

they race around chasing their toy mice and jump in the laundry basket

 often sneaking the opportunity when my back is turned to lie atop the freshly folded laundry.

I love the freshness of clean bedding

the softness of the cotton sateen as one slides between the sheets

such a simple pleasure

Mother always said to my sister and I 

"no matter how poor you are soap and water are cheap"

Never underestimate the theraputic value of doing laundry or cleaning the house.

Don't forget to stand back and admire your handiwork once you have accomplished a task.

It will sustain you in ways that you may not have thought possible.

It works for me...

but

I have a simple way of looking at things

perhaps that makes me sound like a simpleton which is not how I intend it

hopefully you get my drift!

I've been wearing activewear most days to work in the garden

action domestic chores 

walk my route...

I have a sneaking suspicion that this might be my new uniform

to get fitter one needs to wear the clothes!

I wore this OOTD when Mr. HB and I went to see the financial planner.

Lizette pants

H&M tank

Style & Co. sweater

chunky pearls

Franco Sarto sandals

It's time to book another pedicure...

one of the luxuries that I plan to keep in my retirement.

I gave up having my hair coloured...

the grey is creeping in around the temples

I quite like it.

We will be making some other financial changes

in the months to follow...

financial security is very important for peace of mind.

What's on your agenda for the weekend?

OOTD ~ May 12

My OOTD has been seen here recently and I like the pairing so I have worn it again.
Like that French girl I am accessorizing it differently but the core garments are the same.

Jones NY top

RW ponte knit leggings

Adriana lace camisole

Pepper is not camera shy!

 lacy details that say "peek a boo!"

salt and pepper 

tinsel

the grey is here to stay

this is my natural colour now

all the dyed locks have been shorn

I find this charm a bit funny

if lost return to Tiffany and Co.

(as if!)

The closest Tiffany is in Vancouver 

 if someone found me lost ~ suffering with amnesia 

I doubt very much they would take me there!

My wardrobe is very small which is good in so many ways

I can get dressed very quickly and most things work together.

Mix and Match makes it look like more than it really is

and 

WHEN I lose some of this weight 

(note the positive slant)

replacing a few staples will not be an onerous task.

~ ~ ~

My sister, Mother, and I enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea at darling daughter's new loft.

We visited The Silk Road Tea Company sampled some teas

then ventured down the street to The Fantan Gallery in Chinatown 

we patted the two sleepy resident cats...

peered into the postage stamp sized garden in back 

Mother bought a house warming gift for darling daughter and I picked up some new placemats and napkins.

Chester checked them out...

Pepper was not too interested...

I went for my walk even though it was foggy and rainy...

plus I cooked a WW points friendly dinner.

I did indulge in a glass of white wine

after all it's Mother's Day.

How was your Mother's Day?

Chester gives us a scare!

Our indoor kitten Chester jumped out the window Sunday morning around 9:00 am and we frantically combed the neighbourhood, put up signs...registered on lost pets websites.

After about 6 hours of searching, and calling his name a neighbour mentioned that she saw a cat stalking something in the area of her covered storage area...
She and I went into the shed and looked around and huddled under a pile of wood I saw a mound of familiar looking fur.
He was not meowing or acknowledging our presence in any way so we had to grab him and remove enough wood to pull him out.
He was shaking and cold, obviously terrified.
I was shaking and cold with relief!

We are so grateful for the safe return of Chester.

I raced out and bought the largest bouquet I could find, a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.

Delivered with a heartfelt Thank You card...

A Happy Ending to a stressful day.

I am still somewhat shaken...

though relieved

and now we need to figure out how to cat proof the window so Chester stays safe.

How was your weekend?

OOTD and a new bag!

Sporting my new do I went out and about nosing around in the charity shops.
An open mind and leisure time are all one needs
to get "into the zone"
it is a treasure hunt after all and you never know what you'll discover and it cannot be rushed

OOTD ~ Casual attire
I imagine that this or a variation of this will be my retirement uniform.

Gap 1969 skinny jeans

white tank "generic no name brand"

grey cashmere cardigan from Lands End

fave belt from Olsen

pearls from Rennaissance Studio, Pender Island BC

Mee Too flats 

with an equestrian nod ~ via the snaffles

There's nothing like a little potter about in vintage clothing and accessories.
Often you'll strike it rich and find a gem...
I'd been looking online on etsy and ebay for a smaller classic hand bag for the past few weeks and nothing struck my fancy until I spied this one today....

Chester likes it!

I love the details and the quality of craftsmanship.

It's large enough to hold my wallet, keys, glasses, a lipstick and IPhone.

It's not too heavy and the size would work for evening.

I know I know

I can hear you murmuring

it's ANOTHER BLACK BAG 

but it's seriously difficult for a leopard to change her spots.

I instantly recognized the logo inside the bag...

Banana Republic

after a quick tootle around google 

I discovered this bag is circa 2008 and is called The Robson,

sold for just under $200 when new.

Chester in the background

not a bad size for a bag for the Hostess

and the price was right!

I am getting used to the new cut...

it dries in a flash and just needs some mousse to help the curls stay in place.

What fun things have you been up to?

My daughter has been scoring some great mid century pieces in her travels.

I'm looking forward to spending some time with that darling of all grand daughters 

the lovely Miss Isla and her fabulous parents.

 Be Kind

and mind your manners

they speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

~ ~ ~

All in a days work...

It's a home day today.
The weather is grey and gloomy and there is a chill in the air.
The kettle has been whistling merrily several times and tea is plentiful and soothing.

I gave my boots a lick and a polish to keep them looking good.

These have served me well for the past few years and I hope they will continue to do so.

I am a firm believer of maintaining things.

Even if you have but one pair of boots they should always look their best.

Is it just me or do your oven mitts get grubby?

I cannot abide a gooey glove.

Cashmere needs to be kept clean or the moths will go to town and feast on the yarn.

The new LG machine has a delicate wool setting and I tried it out.

The sweater was placed in a mesh bag and laundered.

It came out wonderfully!

It's not a dark and dingy space anymore.

I have a view out to the garden and the heated floors make it a cozy place.

Things are looking rather mossy and damp

typical for our January weather.

Chester is eager to get in on the action.

He is more of an onlooker than a doer.

He very nearly ended up at the vets this morning when he climbed into the dryer when my back was turned and I started the dryer only to hear some large banging sounds...

in a load of towels I thought that's weird and immediately investigated

 am I ever glad I stopped it to check.

He seemed totally un-phased by the experience 

I do hope that this has taught him a lesson.

9 lives

1 down

8 to go.

How is the weather where you live?

Hostess

Steiff horse down, a cat chat and studs.

Grand daughter Isla might be surprised to hear that Chester has been into her toy basket.
He's been digging deep and has found his new favourite toy.

It's the Steiff horse.
I am finding this wee fellow underfoot on the floor all over the Humble Bungalow.

He is cuddly and cute

 and is small enough to be carried by Chester.

Down for the count

I surrender...

My Steiff Teddy

Thankfully too large to become a cat toy!

Pepper on our bed

her favourite spot to snooze.

Chester is Trouble with a capital "T"

But what's not to love?

I have to resist rubbing this soft belly.

OOTD

The Saks Fifth Ave sweater

Black dark denim jeans

Gloria Vanderbilt

these have kept their dark wash despite numerous washings

(I turn them inside out and wash in cold water)

I so love the gnarly bark of this Garry Oak Tree.

Signature style = Diamond studs

always wear mine

if I add a hoop or another dangle I move the studs up...

as seen here a year ago

Relax a bit...

I think the cats have the right idea

naps help to improve their disposition

as do some fun toys 

regular feedings and oodles of TLC.

I still want to rub that furry belly!

I've got a post in the works

we were out of town and have just returned....

stay tuned while I get my case unpacked, 

laundry washed and purchases sorted.