Friday, July 29, 2011

A little taste of LUXURY.....in Saint Andrews


Last week I had to go to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick to deliver some paintings to the Kingsbrae Gardens Gallery. It was a five hour drive so my mum and I decided to to spend a couple of nights.

This is where we stayed, the Kingsbrae Arms.

It was absolutely gorgeous and I felt pampered and special.

The house was originally built as a summer “cottage”in 1897, by a prominent Nova Scotia businessman. He and his wife had lived for many years in Shanghai where he owned a fleet of cargo boats loading and unloading trade from foreign ships. His daughter created a salon for artists, poets, writers, and statesmen during her years in residence and was herself, an expert on Chinese art and culture.
All throughout the house are interesting things to look at and books and out the many windows are vistas of their beautiful garden.

This is the dining room and at the far left ( which you can't see), the floor is raised like a stage and there is a grand piano in the corner. The original family liked to perform little plays and have music in the evenings after dinner.

The staircase leading up to our room.

Ours was on the left just beyond that arch.

Voila! So beautiful! There was even some soft jazz playing on a cd playerwhen we entered the room. I could feel the stress literally fall away.

But wait.....there's more..... a window seat!!!

With a view !!!!

And then we had dinner......just had to show you the menu for our first evening. A five course meal with a cleanser of lemon sorbet topped with iced vodka after the gazpacho and butter basted lobster for the main. Creme brulee topped with flambéed bananas and roasted cashews for dessert. Yum. Most of the veggies came from the kitchen garden. The second night we elected to eat on the main street.

It was heavenly....

More to come about the gallery,The Kingsbrae gardens, Saint Andrews and the historic Algonquin Hotel ( We even went on a ghost tour there)
Part 2

Monday, July 25, 2011

ahhh


I've been tremendously busy and feel like haven't had any time to do things I want to do. It's all about getting what has to be done, done. Anyway, I AM getting things done and will be able to catch my breath soon:) Isn't this sky lovely? This picture was taken at about 7:30 am after I filled my gas tank, before we headed out to Saint Andrews. Looking towards Dartmouth over the Bedford Basin.

Monday, July 18, 2011

You never know...


Yes, you never know where your day will take you!
Last week during a break between visitations at the funeral home, I decided to take a little walk around the neighborhood and this is where I found myself!
As I was strolling along a quiet street, I noticed a wonderful doll house sitting in the windowed porch of a house. I went over for a closer look, delighting in all the detail. A woman was walking by and as she came closer, I remarked to her on how marvelous it was. "Would you like to have a closer look?" she asked.

How wonderful! It was the owner, Heather Mowry. Can you guess what I replied?

I was totally enchanted. This is the stuff my little girl dreams were made of. I am so grateful for her generosity and willingness to share these treasures with me.

Everything tiny, tiny and perfect

A miniature world to play with. Heather told me about a camp that occurs each summer here in Nova Scotia called Camp Minihaha where miniature fans can go to learn how to craft the things that fill these houses. It is a growing hobby that I don't know very much about.

Even the nursery was lovely. My pictures are a bit out of focus but it was quite dark and I did not want to take too much of her time.

Look at the black stockings on the bed! Ha!

We ventured inside her "real" house and she showed me a wee British pub she has been working on. So quaint and cozy.

Love this old couple!!! Heather is a member of Miniature Crafters Of Nova Scotia

Then she took me upstairs where another gorgeous house awaited!

There is so much to look at. I was enthralled. Even a basket of kittens on the kitchen floor!

Upstairs, an elegant bedroom

And even Queen Elisabeth!

Wow. What a nice surprise to happen across her porch at just the right time. Made my afternoon!

Tomorrow mmy mom and I are headed to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick! I am delivering some paintings for a group Folk Art Show at the Kingsbrae Gardens Gallery. We are going to stay here and I am very excited. It will be a LOVELY break. There will be pictures.....

Thursday, July 14, 2011

today


The road to Skye.... I took this in Scotland. It was one of those afternoons where the sun and clouds were dancing, creating amazing patterns and light. So beautiful.

Today I am at a funeral and then gravesite. That is the hard part. When I leave, I want to be cremated and my ashes scattered to the wind. Fluttering and billowing, chasing the four corners of the globe.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Contemplation


There has been a death in my family so life is a bit surreal at the moment. Now caught up in a flurry of activity, details, arrangements, words written, calls, choices, decisions. Time to reflect will be later. We are here and then we are not. Simple as that. xo

Thursday, July 7, 2011

July days....


Gorgeous flowers, gorgeous weather. Finally, summer is here. Went to the Tattoo last night. A summer tradition. Love it. Especially the massed pipes. Makes my Scottish heart sing.

Look at these two! Canada's finest:)

Monday, July 4, 2011

Fluffy


This wee fluffy cat is available as a print from my etsy shop. The 8 x 10 original is destined for the Witherstone Gallery in Lunenburg.

In other news, it's been a busy week at the market and I've been spending a lot of time at the hospital sitting with a very sick relative. Things don't look good but we are keeping spirits up, come what may. Makes me reflect on my own health and my role in keeping well.

Also, the Seaport Market has a new twitter account for those of you that might be interested.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Happy Canada Day!


It's our birthday and the sun is shining! Hooray! Lots of things happening in Halifax today. Wish I could partake but I am at the Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market all day. Should be a fun day there with all the festivities and people out and about enjoying themselves. Good day for a picnic on the roof!