Daily Courage

The glory of Easter Sunday lies ahead, but before we get to it, there is a quiet Friday pondering the meaning of the celebration. Blessed with a large extended family, it means over 30 people at our house on Sunday. It’s not exactly intimate, which is why I’ll need to some quiet time between now and then. I love the feeling this shot gives and and how tempted I am to sit right down in one of these chairs and enjoy a quiet corner of the room. Layering  several tablecloth adds color variation and warmth to s small round table. In fact, I think I’ll set a couple of tables dressed like these and put then in some of the main rooms of the house to encourage small,quality conversations among our guests on Sunday. 

Whatever you celebrate at this springtime season, we wish you calm, relaxation, and quiet time with those you love.

(Photo courtesy of April Cornell)

We have long been fans of author Kaari Meng and her wonderful store and product line – French General. Kaari and her husband Jon are a dynamic team and have a very rare gift for creating and expressing an aesthetic that few can match. Kaari will be at Remnants of the Past on April 25th in the central California coast town of Nipomo. She’ll be signing her wonderful books that also includes her wonderful new sewing book with Chronicle. 

It’s sure to be a fabulous spring day, and is a great opportunity to escape from the worries of world and wander among treasures gathered and offered by some of the most interesting dealers you will ever find. 

Shutting down the national news and getting out into the fresh air in a beautiful setting needs to be part of each of our personal stimulus package. Nourishing the creative spirit is part of survival these days. It’s off a long country road in a darling barn and pasture surrounded be rolling hills. Hope to see you there!

Artist Anna Corba showed her array of work at Remnants of the Past last spring.

A basket full of treasure.

I was talking to an author yesterday who lives in another part of the country. We discussed how we know when the season is about to change. Since moving to California many years ago, I have had to learn to look for subtle changes to announce the new season. When living in Upstate New York and New England, the signs were obvious, and often welcome. But here in the west, we have to be keen and alert. Yesterday was the first day the light seemed different. Fall is around the corner.  

I don’t know anyone who loves each season like April Cornell. She cherishes each one and shares its unique color palettes and images in the fabrics she designs. 

I have had the opportunity to enjoy fall with her on a lake in Quebec, summer in Oregon, and spring in Vermont. I think it counts as winter that we were together in New Delhi in November! I see her innate color sense and artist eye take in every detail around her so that it can be translated into the lovely linens, clothing and accessories she designs.

Her fabric line for Moda is very popular and its easy to see why. Quilters love her color palettes and  her gift for bringing colors together in unexpected combinations. Today I got a peek at her new line of home linens for Danica, and it’s made me commit to having a few more lovely dinners outdoors before we bid farewell to summer.

Oh, and I am happy to share that her quilting book in underway! It’s going to be a beauty.