Cottage by the Sea

A book-worm since age 6, I can remember my aunt telling me that I could travel all around the world within the pages of a good book. If that is true of a book, it is even more true of the plethora of interesting blogs that populate the ever-expanding blogosphere. One interesting blog-stop that I've discovered is Tales from Carmel a place full of tours of historic, beautiful and interesting cottages in Carmel, California. This weeks gem is 92-years-old By the Way Cottage, shown here looking oh-so-charming with smoke curling out of its chimney.

Neatly trimmed boxwoods and climbing vines lead to the French door and the light filled entry...

Which leads to another light-filled room, a vaulted ceiling great room...

offering a cushy opportunity to sit with a good book.

The expansive kitchen...

with a beautiful La Cornue range.

Upstairs, the master suite is secluded on its on floor..

With  a charming pale blue and white rose pattern covering walls and used on draperies...

and continuing through the bathroom..

to the charming slipper tub under yet another window letting in the abundant natural light.

Outside, a blue-gray dutch door continues the watery color palette..

and leads into the kitchen.

If the house isn't enough to make you sigh.. try out this view.

For more details on this gorgeous sea cottage, including a floor plan, visit Tales from Carmel, where you'll frequently be treated to gems like this one, or these...

You'll love the detailed posts filled with historical reference and beautiful photos, and frequently, floor plans.

All photos via Tales from Carmel.

Enjoy the WEEKEND!

Keri

The Chinese Bamboo Tree

Summer is in full swing with lots of "togetherness" with the kiddos being out of school. They are so much fun! They are also a constant reminder that raising them well is one of the most challenging things ever, anything but an ever-smooth, picture-perfect task. When we are having those, shall we say-- less than picture-perfect moments, I like to think about the story of the Chinese bamboo tree   related by Stephen Covey in his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families:

“...in everything you do in your family, keep in mind the miracle of the Chinese bamboo tree. After the seed for this amazing tree is planted, you see nothing, absolutely nothing, for four years except for a tiny shoot coming out of a bulb. During those four years, all the growth is underground in a massive, fibrous root structure that spreads deep and wide in the earth. But then in the the fifth year the Chinese bamboo tree grows up to eighty feet!

Many things in family life are like the Chinese bamboo tree. You work and you invest time and effort, and you do everything you can possibly do to nurture growth, and sometimes you don’t see anything for weeks, months, or even years. But if you’re patient and keep working and nurturing, that “fifth year” will come, and you will be astonished at the growth and change you see taking place.

 Patience is faith in action. Patience is emotional diligence. It’s the willingness to suffer inside so that others can grow. It reveals love. It gives birth to understanding. Even as we become aware of our suffering in love, we learn about ourselves and our weaknesses and motives.


So to paraphrase Winston Churchill, we must 'never, never, NEVER give up!'"

So tell me, are you waiting for a "fifth year"? 

7 Habits of Highly Effective Families is available HERE. 

All photos from Ilona Jongepier. View more of their stylish photography HERE.

Cheers!
Keri

Happy Birthday, America!

Veranda - July 2009 Sofas in Quadrille fabrics

Phoebe Howard

Better Homes & Gardens

Martha Stewart

Pinterest

Happy 236th Birthday, to my beautiful country, The United States of America. My love for art, history and antiquities may take me far from home, but I will always be a proud American girl. On the most American of all American holidays, I wish you, my fellow Americans, a happy and safe Independence Day. And to all of my friends, no matter your country, a prayer for peace, prosperity and FREEDOM always.

Love, 

Keri