Happy New Year

As the sun begins its descent into the horizon for the last time in 2010, I find myself in disbelief that the year is at an end. It has been a whirlwind, to say the least, filled with gifts -- some which brought elation, some that were bittersweet. Some magical, some out of hard work -
All necessary.



With 2011 knocking at the door, I am grateful for being able to walk through that threshold with everything I have learned and with the company - the excellent company - which I keep. I am so grateful for you, my bloggy friends, and in the coming year I will be carving out much more time for myself and to spend here with you.

I look forward to sleeping in tomorrow - lingering in bed with coffee and some of the beautiful books I received at Christmas - and just reading and doing .... nothing ... and loving it. It's been a long time since I have done that.




I hope that the Holidays have filled your hearts with joy and that the New Year finds all of us surrounded and abundant in inspiration, the love of family and friends, and time to just be.

Happy New Year!
xo Isa

Sail on...

I love this hauntingly beautiful vignette --
for me, it captures the fading of summer
perfectly -




The dreamy cloudy mirror, the whimsical wire of the ship reminds me of beautiful skeletal leaves that will be prevalent soon enough, the faded sails that still look full of salty wind -- an empty nest perfectly placed and looking cool and casual... so in line with the feelings of the last lazy days of summer.

I truly love this photo. I wish I could remember where I found it...

Happy weekend!
xo Isa

photo credit: unknown -- if you know the source, please let me know and I'll happily credit it.

The Whisperings of Autumn

It's barely there on the edge of the horizon - but unmistakably there. The air is a little crisper, the evenings are a little cooler - there is a faint smell of the fires being burned at night -- more than just the bonfires on the beach.

I love full blown Autumn. Soups, apples, homemade bread... sweaters, boots, leather, velvet, mohair, scarves, throws, paisley, tapestry... when the world is cloaked in the cover of night earlier, we retreat into our homes sooner and before long the evening walks will be illuminated not by the setting sun but by the lights warmly glowing from windows in the houses lining the street.

However, before Autumn arrives in all of her splendor, there are those weeks proceeding - where Summer fades into a pale palette of muted gold and greys - when the hustle and bustle of tourist season ends and the beaches are once again quiet and peaceful. The world exhales and things slow down. That is beginning to happen now.



Contemplative.

Quiet.

Lovely.

xo Isa

Obsession...

I'm completely ga-ga over this straw dress artwork by Todd Murphy.



First I saw it here at (dreamy) Bobo intriguing objects...

and I fell head over heels in love with it.

I saw it again at Restoration Hardware and left without it - as difficult as that was.

After a few days it faded to where I only thought of it a few times a day (LOL), and then it danced back into my heart when I saw it again, here with Brooke's beautiful post over at Velvet and Linen...



Now I see it constantly in my mind's eye, even in my dreams! The painted burlap, tulle and straw... It's so wonderfully ethereal and otherworldly.
I can't get it
off
of
my
mind.

Have you ever obsessed over a piece of art, or an object of beauty - a heart's desire that way?



Perhaps the next time I'll see it ...will be in my own living room!

Hope you are having a good week - we're busy behind the scenes, but will pull you into Museville soon. So much to do, so little time.

xo Isa

Photo credits: 1 & 3. Restoration Hardware 2. Velvet & Linen

The Golden Hour

One of my favorite times of the day is those magical minutes in the late afternoon when the sun begins its slow descent towards the horizon and makes way for dusk --



when the sunlight filters through the low boughs of the olive and pepper trees, causing the lacy canopies of elegant grey green leaves to almost shimmer while the gentle sea breeze causes them them to whisper quietly to one another --



Like a cat, I languidly follow that light as it draws everything into its rich golden arms, I want to be embraced by its warmth and am always mesmerized by how it beautifully gilds all in its wake.



Everything looks enchanting and at its best in the golden hour --




I wish it would linger just a bit longer...
ah, well... there's always tomorrow afternoon.


I hope you are having a lovely week
xo Isa

Photo credit: All photos from John Saladino's VILLA