Living Life

Where in the world did THREE MONTHS GO!!!

Time has flown by, I have been soooo busy.  I have  attempted to be not so busy with a mini stay vacation.....which turned into a teeny time off.

But that's the downside of not wanting to take time out from life.......however I would be lying to say I've been cranky and should at the very least give my friends, family and work village, a rest from ME........


DAD AND FAMILY.....

In May dad made the move from London to Los Angeles.

Since mum passed, my dad has been lost, and he/we thought returning to his roots in the USA might help him feel grounded. (dad was born in Chicago but has lived in London for 60 years)  Moving was quite an ordeal emotionally, logistically and practically, with the whole big ocean to cross.....

Mum was such the glue and warmth in our home, I didn't really know my dad so well. So this has been a new relationship for us both.

Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers so he is living nearby in a facility that supports his needs. I am learning how to handle the disease and my relationship with Dad.  Its not easy, but a lesson in tolerance, acceptance and patience.

As time goes on I am learning the various forms gifts present themselves to us. And so much of how we receive, is our own prospective.

I have been keeping in touch with y'all thru Facebook and my latest form of communication in Instagram.

So this blog  isn't all news to y"all. I am learning all the bells and whistles of Instagram so I can share my journeys ......

My stay vacation was at my Malibu Beach house.

Not so far from my LA life, but a world away.......my cell phone and texting don't work so emails support less of a  "knee jerk" reaction to questions. So I do unwind a little.

Malibu is world famous (ala Baywatch), for bikinis and waves............my Malibu is a little different. I of course love the warm ocean breeze, but will happily enjoy a long walk on a grey day....

My sad songs fit right at home on these days.

July 4th fell under the June gloom cloak and I didn't do much other than catch up with some sleep and peek at some fireworks.....

As silly as it sounds, sometimes I just love to putter amongst my own stuff. When I get so busy I find myself having to delegate out "to do " things in my life, that I actually love to do, laundry, ironing, folding is one of those things......

The joy of seeing my linen cupboard, filled with archives of my sheets, from years gone by, gives me simple joy.

And then sometimes, I am happy to have a little celebration.......In Malibu the star of the show is always the ocean........ early start and early good nites seems to be the rhythm of social gatherings........

Talking of parties......

A friend of mine decided to have an impromptu birthday party and so I had a lovely excuse to create some magic.....

No matter what the season, I always like to set the tone of any celebration with whatever flowers I can find an abundance of to create luxury and WOW.

Following the mantra "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS". I popped flowers at each "water moment"

The vibe of the party was somewhat country and I wanted to keep the flower budget down due to how many I needed.  So I focused on bundles of wildflowers placed on foam inside several wooden barrels.

My friend had a favourite supermarket bought cake. I gave it some specialness with a few roses.

And then I sprinkled extra petals on the path... I certainly didn't come up with this idea but each and every time I implement it, it always feels so magical......

I completed the spontaneous celebration with creating an "ahhh" moment at the head of the table.

Bits and bobs of vintage flowers and layers of vintage fabric were the perfect ingredients.......my usual influence of Marie Antoinette complimenting a blueberry crate of hydrangeas with a little bit of country.

It was truly a lovely event, many WOW moments without too much fuss and bother..... 

And now back to work.....

Fortunately as hard a I work, I love what I do.  Its where my creativity gets to play and where I get to work with my village.

Recently I worked on some Fall 2012 product collections......

My imagination visited Italy, Russia and Paris and aesthetically told stories......

I have never been to Russia, but I have been fascinated by what I have read of the cottages, fabrics and eclectic beautiful hodge-podge decor .

Often my decor is thought Of as being oversized, but actually I love love small spaces. I have been focusing on smaller scale furniture for fellow cottage and shack lovers....

Patience is a virtue in my world.....process of product development. It takes time to get all the little "je ne sais quoi" details. Getting the patina, the hand of the fabric, or the finish of the wood, is no easy feat.....it doesn't always work. Sometimes an inspiration from an authentic vintage piece just doesn't work out.  And sometimes with a lot of effort and trial and error something wonderful is created, usually through a collaborative passion and understanding.

 

The manifestation of much talk, ideas and effort, the simplest most spectacular table is about to be launched into Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. SO very rewarding for all concerned.

 I have more projects lined up to share. Instagram is such a great tool for that.

This fantasy took us to Paris, with that in mind, the little touches had a backstory and I had a wealth of yumminess to pull from......and share with y'all.........

My last little share is a surprise delight to me.....

Over the past few years I have managed to gain a pound here and a pound there.  To the point my favourite jeans had to be put in the (don't fit but can't part with, side of my closet!!!!)

I also just wasnt feeling great.....I have tried many different diets overtime.....A friend of mine invited me to join a weightwatchers group with her and some other ladies.

While the point system is there to help with portion control, I have found that it has helped give me the structure to make my meals a special moment. Whatever and whenever I eat, I appreciate, and I make as pretty as I can......

After weight watchers no "on the go" snacks anymore.....

We meet once a week, for our weigh in and our camaraderie time.  We share stories and frustrations, and I find this process of a support group very powerful. something I haven't done much in my life. And on those busy days when I think I don't have time to do the 10,000 steps a day, (part of our goal to success),  I remember my team and off I go, one step at a time.....And the pounds, little by little, are leaving us all.

To come......

 

Next blog not so far away....