LA DOLFINA

28 years ago today I found my greatest treasure. Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love,  joy and celebration.  Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday.  The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation. Happy Anniversary Chris I love you madly!

"What is it about living by water, be it sea, ocean, river or pond, that adds such an interesting and attractive dimension?"  Sharon at My French Country Home recently posed this question and invited me to link up to her "water view party" where I am to describe "our watery spot and how it fits into our Lifescape." We are infinitely blessed to live in the San Francisco Bay Area in a small town located across the bay from one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is actually an island city called Alameda and affords us some of the most spectacular views of the City by the Bay! Most days our view across the bay is somewhat foggy... but we are used to that. Mark Twain once said, "the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco". Here is a shot from the back of the Oakland Alameda Ferry that many commuters see on their way home each evening. The best thing about our "watery spot" is t...

Are you up yet? It's a beautiful day!  A special day and I'm in a celebratory mood because today is your Birthday!  A Milestone Birthday! So put on your Party Dress,  make a wish and blow out your candles. It's time to celebrate!! You deserve everything and more! I love you! XO If you get a moment today please go over to Beach House Living and wish Rita a very Happy Birthday!

Chinoiserie and Coastal are two words I use to describe my decorating style.  Yesterday while out for a day thrifting in the wine country with my friend Michelle I came across a treasure that combined the two styles perfectly... A vintage shell encrusted pagoda that lights up!

Mend a quarrel Search out an old friend Dismiss suspicion Show your trust Write a letter Share some treasure Give a soft answer Encourage youth Manifest your loyalty Gladden the heart of a child Keep a promise Find the time Forego a grudge Forgive an enemy Open your heart Apologize if you were wrong Try to understand Appreciate, be kind, be gentle Think first of someone else  Root out envy Laugh a little more Do a good job Deserve confidence Reach out Fight prejudice Express gratitude Don't give up Take pleasure in the beauty of nature Give thanks to God for all good things!

I wait all year long for my beloved peonies to arrive at Trader Joe's. This morning there was a bounty from which to choose! I couldn't get home fast enough to arrange them.  They reminded me of Eddie's post on the gorgeous table setting he and Jaithan created for A Date with a Plate ... ... which got me thinking of the cache of Chiavari Ballroom chairs I scored a few months ago with the idea of painting them in fun bright colors like these hot pink ones. So... if any of you local readers or bloggers out there are equally smitten with these ballroom beauties let me know as I have over 30 of them available to purchase as is, which is currently classic gold, or I can arrange to have them painted any color you choose. Email me for details.