Country Wonderland

We hope you are enjoying a fun and joyful week of holiday preparations. And to get us all in the festive, wintery mood, some images from our library of the Skagit Valley in snow.

This fertile valley and picturesque farmlands lie an hour north of our home. On this day, after a sudden snowfall, the barns lay serene and still and a cool, clear sky sent twinkling lights dancing across the hushed purity of the fields.

We felt transported by the views to a country wonderland, a real-life vintage postcard, nostalgic scenes of a timeless way of life. We hope they do the same for you.

See more scenes of winter beauty here.

Autumn Foliage in Bruges

Hello and warm greetings! Our balmy, sunny autumn has flown with the leaves on strong winds – winds that cleared the skies for a magical view of a glorious, almost-full moon last night. Did you see it? At midnight, looking out from the upper windows, our property appeared as if in near daylight with deep shadows cast by the trees and all else silvered with gleaming light. And the day dawned with ice on the bird baths and a faint threat of snow.

A day to stay in and delight in armchair travel! Join me on a little surprise tour. David recently returned from a wonderful trip to Belgium, including the magnificent medieval city of Bruges with the famous Flemish light, loved by painters for centuries:

Canals, marvelous architecture, autumn color, and a sweet pup napping in the sun.


In Bruges, two prominent features are chocolate and lace.

As well as beautiful views that haven't changed in hundreds of years.

Jewelled Tones

As the richness and glitter of winter days approaches, an unplanned but common motif emerges from recent shoots – hues of garnet, ruby and tourmaline, shades of alexandrite, topaz, amethyst and sapphire, jewelled tones to welcome the coming festive season.

The last of the roses from Mom's garden – Rosa 'Mr. Lincoln', photographed in a simple blue bottle on her antique Welsh sideboard.

A serendipitous mid-autumn flower market find – armfuls of rainbow-hued ranunculus!

Perfect buds in mesmerizing colors, faceted and sparkling like costly gems.

Outshining a silk damask pillow in our living room.

Saturated pinks and purples of handmade candles purchased in Cusco, Peru, regal in a silver candelabra – a wedding gift to my parents that now sits on a shelf in our office.

Vivid colors in our entry hall – hand bags and textiles from Peru, and more ranunculus.

My thoughts turn to velvets and satins, exotic wrappings and treasures from distant lands, gifts to be given with a grateful heart and joy to be shared with loved ones far and near.