…the perfect way to start a monday morning, non? The jams were made from the fruits of French Boy’s childhood garden – cerises, abricots, and griottes. His mother made them and brought them with her on her recent visit.

This morning, while French Boy and I spooned mouthfuls onto our toast, he told me stories about his childhood garden, with trees full of cherries, plums, figs and apples. I would scarcely believe him if I hadn’t already seen the garden many times with my own eyes. It is magical to me, a world so different to my own. Like a secret garden.

I wonder if I might make a garden like this of my own one day. I dream of it often.

I made this spontaneous little love letter for you know who and then framed it. He adores it, and as soon as he saw it he said “oh, this reminds me of Harriet“. I thought that was sweet and I asked, “Do you miss Harriet?” and he said oui. I miss her too. Perhaps she will come out to play again sometime. I know she is waiting for me to be not so busy, then she will come to visit us again. She’s very thoughtful that way.

in case you can’t see this far away it says “je t’aime”. The words are sewn on a scrap bit of brown wrapping paper…

It’s Friday afternoon, the sun is out, and as I sit here working at my desk on le petit bateau, I am listening to the soft lapping of the water outside my window made from passing paddleboaters. The weekend beckons.

I’m also listening to some piano that I recorded earlier today – as my facebook readers know, I have been heavily distracted today – pottering around instead of getting into my work, and recording new piano pieces instead of doing what I’m supposed to be doing. But, I’ve learnt, this is how I work. My schedule is only a guideline, and rules are meant to be broken. Lists are not boundaries, and everything is for a reason, no matter how inconsequential, or distractive, it seems at the time. I’m at peace with my way of creating things nowadays. Years ago I would berate myself for not following guidelines to their exactness, but I can’t say I was more productive when I did. So these days, I let things flow – through, up, over and under – confident that I will get my tasks done, no matter what, all in good time.

Have a thoughtful, inspiring weekend, mes chers amis. Enjoy every moment, and I will too.

xx

…that I am the proud owner of two of her gorgeous raku creations. When she wasn’t looking, I snuck in the store and bought them. I have kept it secret all this time (a whole week) to surprise her with this special post. These dear pieces now sit on my kitchen window sill, enhancing my every day…

I’m a sneaky little thing, aren’t I?

xx

…a little gift for a faraway friend which sits on my dining table. Wrapped in some lovely paper I bought in Amsterdam many moons ago, a little butterfly tag from Royal Buffet, some Japanese tape given to me from a friend who just came back from Japan, and a strip of velvet ribbon I bought at the Noordermarkt (remember the ribbon girls?).

I’m sleepy. It’s bed time. I’m hoping for sweet dreams tonight.

Bonne nuit!

It’s a rainy Sunday here in Amsterdam. I’m working hard in le petit bateau, getting my notes and ideas organised for the upcoming week, but I wanted to pop my head into the (blog)house to give you this little message above. I hope it might enhance your day. Enjoy the rest of your weekend mes chers amis.

xx