Delivery Service - Bluffton Style

A new wine boutique, 55 Vine, is opening in my corner of the world.  The wise proprietor visited  The Side Door seeking wine oriented decor.

Could I deliver? Absolutely!

Salut!

Lynn

Prayers for the Vamp

This past week Valerie Hart of Visual Vamp and her tango dancing love were enroute to teach a tango workshop when Alberto suffered a heart attack in the Calgary Airport.

visualvamp.blogspot.com

 Having the pleasure of meeting this very lovely lady on a few occasions and of course, following this small statured wizard of creativity and taste on her blog, my heart breaks for her. She is a woman who wears her passions on her sleeve. To have this happen to her Alberto and to be so far away from her beloved New Orleans and friends must be devestating.

I hope that you will join me in sending Valerie all our prayers and support.

As she requested, please pray for the Vamp and her Alberto.

Salut!

Lynn

To Market, To Market ....

Market day in the South of France ......

The feast for the eye is overwhelming.  The aromas entice you, up one row and down another.

You become a gatherer. You gather this .....

and this .....

and this .....

Until your arms beg you to cease while your senses scream for more.

I'm off to market tomorrow. A different one from this, tho no less enticing. One of this country's largest and most exciting "brocantes". Heading west to the Hill Country of Texas. A very good brocante friend is coming along for the ride and roped in her side kick for the journey.

Hope you'll hang around for the stories and the adventures. There have been more than a few this past week and like everything we seem to love, they only get better with age. A brief stop in Atlanta tomorrow to pick up the Cowboy and then we're off. Hang on.... the first stop is the Big Easy. Here we come New Orleans! 

Head 'em up and move 'em out!

Salut!
Lynn

Found Object

How do you turn that special find, that I am sooooo in love with you piece of wonder  into a show stopper?  What do you do with that special object to turn it into the OMG I love it,  absolutely perfect piece?

Take one part architectural piece.......

One part hero person who has the ability to transform parts into lamps (that can so easily be you)....

Add the perfect shade. I am lucky. I have a wonderful person who takes antique French hemp and transforms my thoughts into amazing shades....

The reveal.  Extraordinary.

Salut!
Lynn

Coming Attractions

A little sneak preview  ......

Crossing the ocean now ......

Romantic, original toile de jouy .......

One of a kind ......

16 of these spectacular 19th c beauties .......

Gorgeous 18th c walnut ......

Draped and floating ......

Perfect patina ........

Gilded and carved ......

Incredible colors, original paint ......

Unique and inspiring .....

A touch of mid century shine .....

Architectural enticements .....

Copper embellishments ......

Rare and beautiful .....

Just a few of my favorite things.

Anticipated arrival .... September 3 at The Side Door.

Salut!

Lynn

Words to Live By

The last fews days have been frustrating. You know those days that just seem to be a contant stream of battles leaving you irritable and wrung out?

I walked into my friend Babbie's shop and hanging on the wall was one of those glazed plaques made from pottery that you can write on. Things such as menus, to do list, etc.

A friend had written a message for Babbie. 

Words to live by. Yep, feel much better now.

Salut!

Lynn

Gone Fishin'

 Living on the water, you need a boat.

 I don't have one ....yet. But I really, really, really want one.  So, for Mother's day my oldest son (a mere 26) bought me one. I love to go crabbing and am fortunate to have a special friend, Julia, who allows me to tag along ....

My new boat. She's a beauty. A fishing boat ......

She can handle up to an amazing 2 lb. fish. When Josh told his girlfriend what he was giving me for Mother's Day (along with a dozen roses, card and lunch - yes, he's amazing) her question was .... what if the fish weighs more than 2 lbs?????

See ya on the water. Look for the big fish stories. I'm taking my boat and going fishing my with son.

Salut!
Lynn

Through the Side Door

Wandering the streets

of the villages and hilltowns of Provence

side doors entice and pose the question ....

what lies beyond ......

which would you prefer ....

a glimpse through the door ....

do you want to know who lives behind this door ....

what must the interior be like with a door such as this....

what stories could they tell ....

or would you prefer to let your imagination soar?

Salut!

Lynn

Help: Techno Challenged

I need help. On many levels actually, but for this post it's limited to that techno field. I am totally new to blogging and challenged on more levels that I could ever imagine. Will post pictures in this blog to hopefully keep you entertained long enough to feel sympathy. How do I add the "email me feature" to my blog? Would love to contact you.

When you comment, how do I send you a response. I would love to reply to your comments, but I can't figure out how to.

I have gaps in my page and my pictures and text are always aligned the same. Please be patient, I'll figure it out eventually. But, know this .... my heart's in the right place.

Any advise and tips would be greatly appreciated. 

Salut!
Lynn

Remembering

My children, now grown, used to come home to Andre Boccelli blaring at a level I would have told them would permantely damage their hearing. They would look at each other and know that I was in my "Europe" mode. We had lived in Brussels for 4 years and I loved it. Every bit of it including the endless cloudy days, the rain, the lack of parking,,, and the lifestyle, the bread, the markets, the wine and cheeses, and let's not forget .. the antiques. But, best of all. as a mother, the lack of tv, no drivers license for teenagers, restaurants that forced you to take your time and enjoy your meal .. time spent together as a family.

I count my blessings. My children. My time here in France doing what I love ...hunting. Hunting for antiques.

Watching sunrises and sunsets over hilltop villages. Wandering through alleys where views and history beg you to whisper in awe one moment and listen for the trumpets sounding in the next.

Blessings where my friends at home sent me off with their best wishes and toast to my success. I miss you.

Blessed. How sweet the sound.

Salut!
Lynn

Down a Country Lane

You know how you're driving down a winding country road and coming around the bend, out of nowhere you see this .....

And as you're frantically craning your head over your shoulder to look while trying to find a place to turn around at the same time, dodge the passing fool and avoid running off the road, you spot this behind the hedge ...

And damn the torpedos... full speed ahead. Three point turn, narrow and I did mention BEND, with crazy, passing drivers..no problem. Not when this awaits. Well actually, the first stop was the Brocante with the great sign, but they gave me the scoop on the truly, breathtaking castle located on the grounds of the Brocante, or should I say, vice versa.

It turns out that this is part of a private castle that is still in the family and privately occupied. Dating back to the Medival Ages, the castle was improved upon in the early 16th century and also at the end of the 16th century when numerous outbuildings were added.  However, this isn't just any castle... it has quite a story. It seems that it was a favorite of artists of the time including Picasso and many others.  They were frequent guests of the owners and would often come to stay and paint.  A few "mementos" of their work were given to the owner as a thank you for their hospitality. While the castle is private, a "look" down the lane reveals exquisite gardens outside these breathtaking buildings and I can only imagine the tales they could tell as I stand there hearing the strains of "la vie en Rose".

Around a country bend, a hidden castle, a brocante, life is good. And did I buy.... mais oui!

Salut!

Lynn