Snowbound!

Not just a poetic title, D and I are, in fact, snowbound, by an unheard-of-for-November storm, which left us with a generous helping of what the weatherman (wrongly) predicted would be a “near-zero chance of accumulation” or a “slight dusting”. Ha! With a steep and narrow drive, and icy roads below, we are, at least for a day or two, marooned on our hill.

We have plenty of provisions and are cozy and safe. But never before in my recollection has snow fallen here before the trees were bare of leaves, an uneasy foreboding of a winter not yet arrived.

My yellow rose ‘Graham Thomas’ still boasts dozens of buds.

Tonight will be bitterly cold. I’m thawing the hummingbird feeders hourly and the little hummers are gratefully drinking and drinking, their tiny bodies shivering in the wind.

Although it will all thaw in a few days, I worry that it is too extreme, too fast for the garden.

But hopefully not for our sweet wildlife friends.

Guest Photographer – Beauty from Belgium

Hello and warm greetings! Our balmy, sunny autumn has flown with the leaves on strong winds – winds that cleared the skies for a magical view of a glorious, almost-full moon last night. Did you see it? At midnight, looking out from the upper windows, our property appeared as if in near daylight with deep shadows cast by the trees and all else silvered with gleaming light. And the day dawned with ice on the bird baths and a faint threat of snow.

A day to stay in and delight in armchair travel! Join me on a little surprise tour that I’ve put together for you. D (my husband David Phillips) recently returned from two trips to Belgium for a client and I thought you’d enjoy some of his photographs as I’ve been doing this weekend.

First, an entire day exploring the magnificent medieval city of Bruges with the famous Flemish light, loved by painters for centuries:

Canals, marvelous architecture, autumn color, and a sweet pup napping in the sun.

When I’m not along on these trips, D always shoots for me the details I love – doors, windows and of course, hearts!

Part of the day was rainy and murky so he processed these images in an antique style which really suits this wonderful city.

In Bruges, two prominent features are chocolate and lace.

As well as beautiful views that haven’t changed in hundreds of years.

A few images of dramatic Antwerp in early morning light:

I love how he captured the light illuminating these golden statues so that they glow.

Tall ships and bicycles.

Thank you for coming along on the tour. Yes, I admit to bias, but I fell in love with D’s photographs before I ever met him. I hope you’ve enjoyed these as I have. More of his Belgium photos can be seen here and much more of his work can be seen on his website here.

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I will return tomorrow with a little early holiday gift for you!

Jewelled Tones

As the richness and glitter of winter days approaches, an unplanned but common motif emerges from recent shoots – hues of garnet, ruby and tourmaline, shades of alexandrite, topaz, amethyst and sapphire, jewelled tones to welcome the coming festive season.

The last of the roses from Mom’s garden – Rosa ‘Mr. Lincoln’, photographed in a simple blue bottle on her antique Welsh sideboard.

A serendipitous mid-autumn flower market find – armfuls of rainbow-hued ranunculus!

Perfect buds in mesmerizing colors, faceted and sparkling like costly gems.

Outshining a silk damask pillow in our living room.

Saturated pinks and purples of handmade candles purchased in Cusco, Peru, regal in a silver candelabra – a wedding gift to my parents that now sits on a shelf in our office.

My thoughts turn to velvets and satins, exotic wrappings and treasures from distant lands, gifts to be given with a grateful heart and joy to be shared with loved ones far and near.

Wishing you a week of bounteous beauty and wonder, dear friends!

love, g