Welcome Autumn

My favorite reset button

​This afternoon the universe gave me a gift;  an unexpected free afternoon, perfect weather and close proximity to one of my "happy places", Hopewell Lake outside of Morgantown, PA. 

​I've been traversing the trails around this lake since I was a babe in arms and have carried my own babies on these same trails.  

There is something special about having an intimate relationship with such a beautiful place. I have circled the lake in knee high snow, through Springtime's budding green and Summer's lush warmth.  But if I am truthful, I love it best in Autumn. 
​

As I walked the familiar path, it struck me that it was the perfect metaphor for life.  Sometimes easy, sometimes challenging, sometime clear, and yes, sometimes obscure and a little scary.  But the path is always there and no matter what your thoughts are on the divine, it is an excellent place to
 " Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46
​

I am so very lucky to have parents that understood the importance of nature to the nurturing of your soul.  As a family, we've camped from coast to coast and all through Canada,
 (with pressed clothes and tablecloths). We do have standards.

The gift is priceless and reminds me of a wonderful book that every parent and grandparent should read and take to heart.

The Last Child in the Woods 
​

​Other books on my nature reading shelf - 
The Invention of Nature

And another fascinating read
Flora Mirabillis

Don't overlook Henry David Thoreau's classic 
Walden
​

​and a few thoughts from Robert Frost

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.

Excerpt from
Stopping by the Woods on a Winter Evening
​

Apple Season!

What is a trip to the country without a stop off at a local farm stand? The apples were wonderful and I had to bring some home.
​
It was a great excuse to  try out this recipe.
What a shame the recipe only called for 1/4 cup of hard cider.  What to do with the rest of the bottle????

Apple Cider Donut Cake

​The Delaware Designer Showhouse

http://www.delawareshowhouse.com
Do try and visit this gem of a showhouse.   Designers took their cue from the beautiful sylvan setting and created their designs with integration of interior and exterior in mind.

Photos courtesy of Daniel Jackson

Don't miss our room,  a design office and studio.
​And remember, furnishings and accessories are for sale.

"God is in the details"
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
​

This fury guy was on the path today. 
I forget, does this mean it will be a cold winter or a mild one?
It is not always the big things that make our experience special, but usually the totality of the small things.  
I think this is true as well in our homes. It is the special items that we choose to surround ourselves with that make our houses home. 
We have a wonderful selection of unique "smalls" in the shop right now that I hope will speak to you and help you create your own special spaces.