Last year I stayed in a gorgeous apartment in Paris while I was working on my book. Owner Maria did an incredible job with the renovation – sourcing light fittings, door knobs, bathroom fixtures and furnishings from brocantes (French flea markets). I will show (+ tell!) you more of this beautiful space this coming year, but for now I just wanted to take you for a little afternoon aperitif at Maria’s stunning bar, situated in the hall of the apartment. Isn’t it gorgeous? This fresque is an original and is a typical Brittany-scape, you can see the women on the cliff in their traditional dresses, and the sailboats below. Maria had it restored and added the bar stools which she had upholstered in a turquoise plush velvet.

with mojito in hand, sitting amongst the palms at sunset. this is a favourite place that I hope to visit again sometime soon.

you might be wondering how on earth I was able to run that far and hop on the swing before my self-timer went off? me too! somehow, I managed – I was always a good sprinter in school so maybe that helped. This was taken with my old Canon AE-1 film camera a few years back in beautiful Berry, NSW Australia, while staying on a friend’s stunning property. I went out for a walk around the paddocks and at sunset I found myself by this tree. It had a beautiful intensity and magic about it, and I just couldn’t say goodbye to this tree without capturing a special moment with it.

…happy new year everyone!! This is one of my old film photographs.

May 2009 bring positive change, hope, strength and courage. Enjoy the last day of the year my dear friends!

xx

PS I’ll tell you more about this photograph I styled a few months ago, in the new year. I love it’s simplicity, and i thought it was perfect for ringing in the new year with each of you here in the (blog)house: Let’s toast – santé!