{ my place or yours...nichole robertson in paris, france }

coffee love by littlebrownpen

Happy Friday and welcome back to another My Place or Yours feature. I've been looking forward to today's post for weeks because it takes us to one of my favorite cities in the world, Paris...yes Paris...for a visit with Nichole Robertson of the lovely and charming blog, little brown pen.

I became an instant fan of Nichole's incredible sense of style, spot-on finds, and eloquent observations via my daily visits to her blog. It was there that I also discovered the little brown pen shop--a wildly successful endeavor recently launched by Nichole and her husband, Evan, which features irresistible {and affordable} ready-to-print designs.  She's since become one of my best blogging friends {BBFF :)} and I was thrilled {and yes, a wee bit jealous} when Nichole announced that she was moving with her husband and two young sons to Paris for a six month rendezvous. Lucky for us, today, we get to tag along and experience this enchanting city with Nichole...

Please tell us where you live, and a little about yourself
Last November, my husband Evan and I found ourselves at a juncture in our lives where we could work from anywhere (Evan had just left a full-time position at Ernst and Young), had children who were not yet in school, and happened to be incredibly sick of living in the New York City suburbs.

Over too many glasses of wine one night, we asked ourselves this question: if we could live anywhere in the world for 3-6 months, where would it be? Answer: Paris.

So we pared down (actually about 75% of our possessions), packed up, and now live on Rue St. Paul in the heart of Paris.

I credit two things for making it possible. Our flexible jobs – I am a freelance writer, and my husband is a business development consultant. And our lifestyle. We both share the same values when it comes to living, and champion memories over material things. We don’t own a home, and we don’t own a lot of stuff, so we channel that money into other things. We’re certainly not living the high life, and there are definite trade-offs (I sometimes ache when I see a friend’s beautiful garden or gorgeously renovated kitchen), but most of the time, I am happy with our choices, and they’ve allowed us to live as fully as we have.

Three words that best describe Paris are...
beautiful, refined, appetizing

What is your favorite time of day?
Twilight. We take a walk after dinner, and at the moment, it coincides with sunset. We walk along the Seine, cross Pont Marie to the Ile St. Louis, and head toward Notre Dame. It’s about a five-minute walk, and as we approach Notre Dame, it’s often bathed in the most beautiful pink light. As the sun sets further, there’s this great moment where it’s not quite illuminated by the night lights, but it’s dark enough that it takes on the quality of a huge shadow in the sky. You have to be there at the right moment to catch it.

After our boys burn off some steam in the Park behind the church, we head home via Rue St. Antoine, which is alive with shoppers and cafe goers. I love the soft glow and buzz of conversation coming from the cafes. It puts me in the best mood.

Currently on my radar...
Éclairs. All shapes and sizes. Caramel and chocolate filled. I have one every day with my afternoon coffee. My current favorite shop is Miss Manon at the corner of Rue St. Paul and Rue St. Antoine.

My most cherished spot in my home is...
The dining room table. The bulk of our day revolves around eating the food we bring home from the shops we visit in the morning. For example: Fresh fruit for a mid-morning snack, cheese, bread and salad for lunch, éclairs in the afternoon, and rotisserie chicken and roasted potatoes from the boucherie for dinner.

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, and my children love their new “morning coffee” routine. They each have their own small latte bowl, and we fill them with a teaspoon or so of coffee and warmed milk (just enough so it changes to a light caramel color). They squeal and clap as if it were liquid chocolate. Now that our 18 month old is starting to communicate better, sitting down to eat a meal is my favorite time of day. Now if the kids could just discuss the economy or Rimbaud, we’d be set.

Favorite discovery...
The people. We’re all familiar with the stereotypes, but I’ve found them to be completely untrue. Just about everyone is super friendly and many have helped us assimilate into Parisian culture.

Our main interaction is with the local shop owners and they take pleasure and pride in helping us select the perfect bread, vegetable or wine. It’s such a stark contrast to the big box-style approach to customer service we’re used to at home.

Where do you go to escape?
Notre Dame. Each time I’ve been to Paris, I’ve made a point to go to Notre Dame multiple times. It’s no different now. We live just a few blocks away, and walk past it at least once a day.

It's a humbling, absolutely logic-defying masterpiece. And architectural achievement aside, there’s something about the unbelievable cavernous space above you. As soon as you walk in, you look up.

When you stand in its shadows and grasp that it took 200 years to complete (sans modern tools), it’s an incredible testament to passion and faith.

On a personal level, it’s the most humbling and peaceful place I’ve ever been.

What are your favorite local shops?

Naturalia

Though I enjoy shopping at Monoprix for French grocery goodies, Naturalia carries the natural and organic food we’re used to eating. They sell oatmeal, whole grain breads and organic produce.
Naturalia

75 Rue St. Antoine

L’Atelier
My former colleague and Friend Delphine let me in on this Parisian secret. Every baguette, every croissant, every single item in the shop is to die for. Light as a feather with a crackly brown crust that shatters into crumbs my sons lick from the table.
36 Rue de L’Atelier
Rue de Turenne

Chez Hannah
The. Best. Falafel. Ever. Crowds, faces dripping with tahini and smiles don’t lie.

Chez Hannah
Rue des Rosiers

Carre D’Artistes
Modern, local art for sale. Reasonably priced with framing! I plan to purchase a few before we leave.

Carre D’Artistes
66, Rue St André des Arts

Best-kept local secret...

La Rouge Gorge
Deb of Bon Bon Oiseau insisted (thankfully) that I check out La Rouge Gorge--one of her favorite spots in Paris. It’s just down the street from us, and has a cheerful, old world Parisian feel. The owner always recommends the perfect glass of wine, and doesn’t mind that I speak in broken French.
La Rouge Gorge
8, rue Saint-Paul, Paris 4th

An ideal spot to linger over lunch...
Cafe Beaubourg
It’s right across from the Pompidou center, and it’s fun to sit and watch people meander by. They also have the best frommage blanc I’ve ever had.

Cafe Beaubourg
100 rue St-Martin, 4e

When visiting Paris, don't miss...

Chez Omar
We first went to Chez Omar a few years ago after my friend Catherine recommended it. It’s hard for me to eat cous cous anywhere else without comparing it to the delicious versions they serve here. The Vegetable cous cous comes in a huge bowl with just the right amount of flavorful broth. Heaven.

Chez Omar
47, rue de Bretagne

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
I tend to like extremes: urban life or remote, rural life. It’s the in between (cookie-cutter suburbs) that leave me most unsatisfied. Who knows, we may end up in the mountains next.

What is your motto?
Live simply, minimally and in the moment. Arguably cliché, but it’s truly how I live my life. Pleasure in the details is what it’s all about. Those details add up.

I am most homesick for...
Long hot showers. My cat. Whole Foods (so, so sad, but true).

Merci beaucoup Nichole!

Quick Links:

Enjoy daily updates of life in Paris via Nichole's blog

Take a moment to stop by the littlebrownpen shop

{ my place or yours: welcome diana from please sir }

Goodness you don't know how happy I am to {finally} be here with you all today. I'm on travel and have been trying to log on and post since yesterday, but have had a heck of a time finding reliable online access. After some trial and error and a little tech support...I am here. Whew!

I am especially excited on this gorgeous Friday morning because today marks the first 2009 "My Place or Yours" feature-- and joining us is the ever-so-savvy Diana of Please Sir fame. She graciously agreed to share her home town, Raleigh, North Carolina with us. 

Please Sir has become part of my daily ritual--I know I'll always find a huge dose of design inspiration or a thought provoking, lively discussion when visiting. Her drool worthy vintage finds always leave me swooning and lucky for us, Diana lets us in on a few of her secret vintage sources. So without further delay...let's welcome Diana and see what she has to share with us today.

I would like to give a big thanks to Suzanne for giving me the opportunity to re-discover Raleigh, North Carolina and to share it with all of you. I'm originally from New York, but when I was young my family and I moved to North Carolina. I like being a little bit Yankee and a little bit Southern (hopefully the best of both!). I consider Raleigh my home, even though I currently live outside the city. I moved to Raleigh several years ago to attend North Carolina State University for degrees in textile and design. I currently work as a textile designer and write for my eclectic design site, Please Sir. Raleigh is a great city for inspiration from the growing art scene to the natural landscape. Fond memories, good friends and fun times will always give Raleigh a special place in my heart.

2. Three words that best describe Raleigh, North Carolina
Evolving, Welcoming and Intellectual

downtown Raleigh

3. Your favorite time of day and why:
My favorite time of day is early evening especially during spring when the weather is gorgeous. It's the perfect time to eat and people watch outside Lilly's Pizza or grab a drink at Hibernian Irish Pub. Hibernian is also the spot where my boyfriend, Dave, and I had our first date. I still tease him about the unfashionable leather jacket he wore!

4. Currently on your radar?
I've been obsessing over Dos Taquitos, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Raleigh. The food is amazing and I love the crazy atmosphere. If you go, check out the bathrooms…you'll see.

5. Favorite discovery
It's a tie between The Cupcake Shoppe and La Farm Bakery. Both are sinfully good. Cupcakes and croissants …what more do you need?

la farm bakery

6. Where do you go to escape?
When I'm stressed and looking for a place to relax I get a cup of Chai tea at Third Place and head to the JC Raulston Arboretum  or Lake Johnson Park.

lake Johnson

The arboretum continuously rotates plants so it's always interesting to explore. 

The lake is also a nice, quiet place to hike and paddle boat. Luckily North Carolina weather is great for lake activities. I cherish the spring and fall weather here…it is truly amazing.

7. What are your favorite local shops?
Father & Son Antiques – The best local store to furnish your place. You never know what to expect from retro and modern furnishings to vintage fashions.



Askew-Taylor Paints & Art Supplies  – When I was in college I practically lived in this store as I searched for art supplies. Reactive dyes? Pigment paints? Colored pencils? Check!

Peace Camera – During a photography class this was the place I went for all my photo needs. When it comes to photography, they are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I still love to wander in there and pretend to know what I'm looking at!

NOFO – Located in an old Piggly Wiggly Grocery store in the Five Points section of Raleigh, this store offers a little bit of everything. They have a delightful café, a quirky gift shop and a food market. The bar was even created from Piggly Wiggly food cans!

Fab'rik  – Found in Cameron Village, one of the oldest shopping centers in Raleigh, this fashion boutique delivers high style without the attitude or sticker shock. I believe everything in the store is under $150 and they have a selection of beers and drinks for your shopping pleasure.

8. Best kept local secret
The best kept local secret is the Roast Grill a.k.a. Hot Wieners, a small eatery with limited options and no menu. You get a drink, a hot dog with your degree of burn and choice of toppings from homemade chili, yellow mustard, onions and hand chopped slaw. No ketchup, no chips and no credit cards. They are serious about hot dogs, but they are seriously worth it.

9. An ideal spot to linger over lunch
I have two spots that I enjoy for lingering lunches:

Seaboard Café inside the Logan Trading Co. – After you get done eating the tuna, swiss and cranberries sandwich (my fav!) you can browse the garden center filled with plant necessities and garden décor.

Rockford – You can easily miss Rockford due to the hidden location and 320 ½ address. Nonetheless you shouldn't pass it by. An eclectic atmosphere with a great view of Raleigh and I highly recommend to order the ABC sandwich (apple, bacon, cheddar).

10. When visiting Raleigh, don't miss
Fairground Fleamarket and State Fair – The fairground always has an event going on whether it's the wonderful fleamarket every Saturday and Sunday or the annual State Fair in October. A must visit if you are in search of vintage finds.

Artspace – Every first Friday of the month downtown Raleigh art galleries buzz with art patrons and free wine. A great place to start is Artspace, a visual art center with quality exhibitions and educational programs within an open studio environment.

North Carolina Museum of Art – Another inspiring spot to visit with permanent art collections and intriguing exhibits. The outdoor sculptures and collections are also worth a look.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Science – Two words: butterfly garden. You stand in a sealed room while butterflies fly around you. How neat is that?! Plus, it's fun to look at the crazy taxidermy animals and real insects.

Marbles Kids Museum– A great place to visit if you bring along kids or you're just a big kid at heart! Be sure to get tickets to the IMAX theatre– talk about surround sound and picture.

Big Boss Brew Tour – Beer tours are becoming a popular activity to taste new beers and meet people. If you happen to be in Raleigh on the second Saturday of the month then go to the Big Boss Brew Tour. Extremely fun and only a buck a beer!

11. If you had an opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
Ideally I would be most content to travel the world and have a fabulous place in Raleigh to come home to and store all my vintage finds. But, I would also love a quaint house with a sheep farm in Ireland or a sunny villa in Cinque Terre, Italy. As long as I can bring along friends, family and my laptop!

12. What's your motto?
"Please Sir" of course! I kid...although my friends and I do say "please sir" quite often. "Everything happens for a reason" is a phrase I tend to repeat in my head. It may be a cliché type of motto, but I believe things happen in our lives to make us stronger and smarter. Plus, it's a little reminder to get through the hard times and to remember to celebrate the good times.

Thank you so much Diana... for the few of you who haven't yet discovered Diana's blog, please sir, be sure to stop by--it's delightful.

Note: I will be on travel and offline for most of next week. However, I have invited some lovely and uber talented blogging friends to stop by and share a bit of their week with you all--including a very special guest for the official launch of Makeover Monday--don't miss it!  Have a wonderful weekend everyone...thanks so much for your visits and thoughtful comments-they mean so much to me!

{ my place or yours...savannah, georgia with katie runnels }

image via better homes and gardens

Today's guest on My Place or Yours is the lovely, creative, and always inspiring Katie Runnels. I adore this lady--she's become one of my favorite artists and bloggers to follow. She designs the most beautiful, handmade wreaths and charming dioramas and...ask anyone who knows her and they'll tell you how nice, kind, generous, and genuine Katie is. 

one of Katie's darling bell jar creations

one of the amazing wreaths available in Katie's shop

As one of the original founders and creators of the amazing shopSCAD, Katie has a keen eye for great design and up and coming artists. I always find something new and drool worthy when I pop over to her blog and I really admire her for the support and encouragement she offers to other artists. Today Katie is treating us to a tour of one of her favorite spots--Savannah, Georgia--a place she still calls home, though she no longer lives there. After reading Katie's interview, it's easy to see why one would be forever drawn to this charming little town. 

Are you ready? Let's go...

 

Please tell us a little about yourself

I'm not originally from there and its been two years since I've moved away, however Savannah, Georgia still feels like home to me. I moved there in 2001 to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design for graduate school and then worked for the college-co-creating shopSCAD after graduation. I was looking for a small art school to attend after having a miserable time living in Boston. I'm originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, which isn't that small anymore-but I definitely thrive in a smaller and warmer community-which is what I found at SCAD in Savannah. I lived in cozy little apartments all over the historic district while I went to school and was lucky enough to later purchase a sweet little cottage in Ardsley Park.

Three words that best describe Savannah
Quirky, Historic, Artistic

-Favorite discovery
I used to love heading out to Tybee Island Beach on the weekends. The North Beach Grill located next to the black and white lighthouse on Tybee is great for plodding over in your sandy feet for great beach drinks! Be sure to order the chips and/or plantains and salsa which are incredible!

Who is/are your favorite artist(s) (can be local or not) ? And why?
My favorite artists who are actually located in Savannah are Tiffani Taylor, Sara Neuburger of The Small Object and Marcus Kenney 

stocking stuffer by Sara Neuburger

What is/are your favorite local shop(s)?
shopSCAD, of course!  -original artwork and designs by student, faculty and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design!

images by Chia Chong

@home  Vintage and vintage inspired housewares and gifts-fantastic ribbon, paper, and millinery selection.

image via Apartment Therapy

image by Jade McCully

The Paris Market and Brocante  Always inspiring range of antiques and vintage inspired housewares, furniture, and curiousities from around the world. 

image via The Paris Market and Brocante

Primary Art Supply -supplies SCAD students with everything they could possibly need!

Wild Fibre  -Delightful shop with an always bountiful selection of yarns and supplies for knitting, weaving, crochet and felting.

-Best kept local secret
Sweet Potatoes restaurant on the southside of Savannah. Its a bit of a drive to get out there but their amazing southern style cooking is well worth it!

-An ideal spot to linger over lunch:
I adore Soho South Cafe on Liberty street. Soho is part art gallery, bookshop and restaurant. Order everything on the menu!

images via caanc75

When visiting Savannah, don't miss:
I just don't understand the cattle-call that lines the street everyday at one very popular southern-style restaurant. I recommend getting your southern food fix at the quaint Mrs. Wilkes Boardinghouse restaurant on Jones Street. Then continue shopping along Whitaker Street-Madame Chrysanthemum, One Fish, Two Fish, and Circa Lighting, Arcanum and La Paperie. 

image via Circa Lighting design portfolio

Don't miss Back in the Day Bakery for their yummy lunches and incredible homestyle sweet treats! 

I get homesick for Savannah when I think about...
My friends and the food! I always get a cozy and nostalgic feeling when I drive back into the downtown under the canopy of Spanish Moss. I miss the big-city feel of the relatively small and charming historic district.

If you had an opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
I would love to live in a small village in England, France, or Italy for a few months out of the year. I think I'd enjoy tending to a cottage and farm like that of Beatrix Potter.

image by Katie

Don't you all want to hop on the next plane, train, or automobile and visit Savannah for yourself? Me too!!! Thank you Katie for offering us a true insider's view of the lovely and charming place you call home. I hope you have the opportunity to return there someday if that's your desire. xo ~Suzanne

Quick Links:

The Constant Gatherer blog

The Constant Gatherer shop

{ my place or yours...destination: jordan }

Petra photo by Yaatra. via flickr.

Each day, upon visiting my {virtual} friend Karey, I feel as though I'm transported into a magical fairy tale. This gorgeous Midwestern Princess, now living in the Middle East, shares the most amazing, heartfelt stories of her beloved prince, their 3 little princesses, and their life in a land far, far away--certainly all part of the magic Karey weaves into her special tales. It's Karey's knack for seeing and celebrating the little things, however, that bring true sparkle to each and every post she writes. 

So while Jordan may not currently be on your top 3 list of Places to Go, your perception of it is certain to change after reading today's My Place or Yours. Please join Karey as she shares with us the happily ever after she and her family have found in Amman, Jordan and why she's so proud to call it home. 

 

Please tell us a little about yourself

hi everyone! it’s me…karey m. i’m positively giddy about sharing suzanne’s space today. mostly because S.HOPtalk is brilliant, but mostly-mostly because suzanne is, quite simply, a wonderful soul. as the oldest of my girlies three would say, i’ll bet her heart is ruby red. she's become one of my very favorite imaginary friends.

i live in amman, jordan with my husband, who affectionately signs all of his notes to me love, uncle sugar, and the three girlies we’ve made: lillie kate, grae-rose, and esmé dahlia. most days, i write mackin ink to remind us of who we were and the grand adventures we shared. if i’m feeling particularly naughty, i write mackin ink to make uncle sugar’s eyes overflow.



we may have already met on kirtsy, where i’m lucky enough to be a design and crafts editor. which means i’m required to scour your bright sites for inspiration to share with the kirtsy masses. {sigh.} it’s a dirty job…good thing i only wear black.

i’m a foreign magazine junkie, currently addicted to anything and everything in print from the uk, australia, anywhere-in-asia, and, of course, the arab world. i’m a crow, drawn to all things sparkly, a madness i’m trying not-so-hard to cure. and every so often, i freelance for a local writing refinement firm. but all i’m really trying to do is add three women to the world who love themselves so much that they want the best for everyone. i really hope that one works out.

enough about me. i’m desperate to introduce you to the country i’ve called home for nearly three years. a country that has gifted my family with her lovely people, her magical traditions, and her never-ending generosity. welcome to my place. welcome to jordan.

Three words that best describe Jordan
heroic, humbling, and always a haven.

Your favorite time of day
ever since we’ve lived in this part of the world {we previously lived in muscat, oman for a few years.}, i’ve woken up every morning around four thirty during the day’s first of five calls to prayer, known as fajr. it sounds like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WvPHkmifnI

no matter your beliefs, it’s an incredibly serene way to begin the day, right? made even more irresistible when i remember that an overwhelming majority of jordan is awake and at peace at the very same time. it's moments like this when i almost pinch myself.

Currently on your radar
cuba has me under her spell. i’m on constant watch for the exact minute our embargo and travel restrictions disappear. until then, i vacation on flickr, swimming in the deep photostreams of modest and jill and saminater.

turquoise.coche.havana photo by saminater. via flickr.

thanks to uncle sugar, we’ve amassed quite an impressive collection of old-school cuban wooden cigar boxes. just a few more, and i’ll be able to make my dream advent calendar for my girlies three. because nothing screams merry christmas more than tobacco and communism.

What is your most cherished spot in your home? And why?
i adore our walls crammed with photos. they truly tell our life story. which, to me, looks an awful lot like one hell of a holiday.



my mood always brightens when i walk through our back hallway. adorned with my girlies’ petite homages to rothko and wescoat, grae’s portrait of uncle-sugar-riding-on-a-turtle from nearly seven years ago, paper lanterns hung with fuchsia ribbon, a locally-crafted carpet, and ever-changing tubs of toys…it’s just plain cheery.

the best part? that hallway leads me to my three and uncle sugar.

Favorite discovery
i love the spontaneity of outdoor markets. souk jara is a delightful weekend excursion during the summer months, and a great source for local artwork, all-things-handmade, and even furniture.

the souq al ard at beit al bawadi is another, i wonder what they’ll have this week kind of a place. from lavender to lemon curd to soap house goodies to a secret back room filled with racks and racks of random couture, this market never disappoints.

i also didn’t realize how much i loved the local pottery, especially silsal ceramics. their modern collection is my downfall, for sure. if you can’t get to amman, you’re still in luck; silsal’s on the verge of opening an online shop.

Where do you go to escape?
i could wander ‘round readers bookshop all day with my girlies, and still return that evening after i sent them off to sleep. it’s seriously that well-stocked and that much fun.



for me, maybe the most remarkable aspect of readers is that it was made in jordan by two jordanian women. even more impressive? they’ve hand-picked every. book. in. the. shop. the very very very best part? one of them is my friend. and both she and readers make me way less homesick.

Who is/are your favorite artist(s)?
i firmly believe rima malallah must be a living fairy. not the kind that perches quietly on tufts of pale pink, but the kind who mesmerizes all who enter her studio as she races up and down her twisty staircase with her pixie fringe and random expletives and armloads of her very cool art.



i’ve bought customized treasure boxes and journals, which are always a hit. when i need an exceptionally fab hostess gift, i simply drop off bottles of wine, upon which she decoupages a sampling of her exceptionally fab work. i always always request her owls.

What is/are your favorite local shop(s)?
the crow in me can’t stay away from lama hourani’s gallery. i think every woman should own one of her distinctive pieces. as for me, i’m working on my third.



Best kept local secret
when we first arrived in amman just a smidge before our girlies’ september birthdays, someone whispered in my ear about sugar daddy’s bakery. at the time, sugar daddy’s was nothing more than the most drop-dead delightful cupcakes and cakes, baked in a home kitchen and delivered by one of the most handsome boys in the city.

today, that handsome boy’s become a family friend, and is mere weeks away from opening new shops in beirut and dubai. we never celebrate a birthday without his babycakes. and he’s promised me that as soon as he moves into his brand new amman location, he’ll give me his current shop’s sunshades. anyone recognize those cupcakes?



An ideal spot to linger over lunch
i honestly can’t remember the last time i enjoyed a leisurely lunch. but lingering over early cocktails or a light dinner with uncle sugar? i’m in.

the living room has been a favorite since our first few weeks in amman. they've a sushi bar, a stellar salmon tori, sinkably deep velvet couches, and the lighting makes anyone look gorgeous.

we also enjoy the square bar at the four seasons. uncle sugar is always impressed with the mini kobe burgers. i’m always impressed when the staff - from the valet to the doorman to the waiter - pretends to remember me. welcome back, madame.

at least once or twice a month, i meet friends at our favorite sushi bar, vinaigrette, for some urgently needed laughs and crunchy salmon salad. it’s beyond.

When visiting Jordan, don't miss...
there’s a reason petra was named one of the new seven wonders of the world. it’ll steal your breath, and fill you up with enough awe and beauty and…wonder to last a lifetime and maybe even a few days after that.


lights at the end of the tunnel photo by flylice. via flickr.

be sure to schedule your trip around a nighttime tour, which is pure magic.

If you had an opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
we move a lot, and i’ve found that i require very little. the closer to water, the better. sunlight and heat are delightful, too. but, for me, the very idea of our next home – wherever it may be – is terribly exciting. i always dream of our next adventure.

secretly? if i could steal anyone’s life and homes and talent, i’d become john hardy in half-a-heartbeat. wouldn’t you?


john hardy home in bali via cookie magazine.

What's your motto?
it is sheer good fortune to miss someone long before they ever leave you.

i so wish i could tell you those words can be found in…i don’t know…some j.d. salinger short story or the secret history or even me talk pretty one day. they’re not. i tripped over them years ago while reading one of toni morrison’s books. i never made it past the dedication page, where these fourteen words sat.

no regrets, though. because they’ve been in my back pocket ever since, and helped me get through a few heartbreaking goodbyes.

i’m also a big fan of it’s nice to be nice. even when it sounds more like please. stop. being. a. jerk. please.

the end…

oh, suzanne! this was heaps of fun! thanks, everyone, for reading my ramblings.

i wonder if i’ve tempted you at all to visit? i know jordan’s far away and she lives next door to some rather interesting neighbors, but this is the sort of country that’s simply worth all the effort in the world. jordan breaks my heart with her courage and love and never-ending loyalty. you’ll love her. i just know it.

and, remember…you’re always always welcome at my place! xoxo. karey m.

Thank you so much, Karey...what an amazing place you've shared with us all today! And yes...I'm tempted.