Paradiso

I live in paradise. Today is one of those days, I just wanted to pinch myself when I woke up to make sure it was true. The sky is the richest blue I have ever seen...the air is so clear...the temperature is an absolutely perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze. So, as you can imagine, I happily decided after lunch that I could not stay inside another minute...I needed to be out in the landscape. I rushed down the stairs and out into the yard to plop down in the grass under my favorite fig tree and gaze at the sky. I captured a photo for you. Then something strange...my back started to uncontrollably itch. From the middle...the part where you cannot reach...it crawled up into my scalp and back down again...an indescribable heat and sting. I ran inside, saw that my back was in hives, and jumped into a cool shower. Hee hee...so much for un paradiso...I guess I needed a little reminder to keep the perspective that some things are not always as they seem.

Agosto

August, agosto, has been jam-packed I tell you. I have been hiding a bit behind my work this month, but have also found some weekend time to relax and destress. I really need to remember to do that...especially when my computer is sending me signals like scratch disks are full...sorry cannot open that file, etc. Frustrating to say the least, but nothing takes that stressy feeling away better than these little faces...you had to know I was going to bring up the puppies at some point.

They are thriving. We have had to say ciao, or better yet arrivederci, to one and this weekend yet another two will depart...a little sad and my heart breaks a bit, but I know they will be treated with the loving care they deserve and I will be able to watch them grow...the beauty of knowing the new families! So, we will be left with our two and one to go, and rest assured I aptly named one Georgia.

Do you remember Ferragosto and our celebration from last year? This year was even better...we had 30 amici over to the house to grill steaks on the outside fire. Everyone brought their own bistecca and contributed to the meal...lovely melanzane alla parmigiana, bruschetta, pear and rosemary torta, pineapple upsidedown cake, torta con pinoli, and of course gelato. We stuffed ourselves and then danced and sang the night away under a sliver of moon. (I, as luck would have it, was stuck inside most of the day and evening trying to make a design deadline so did not get any photos of the beautiful table, but did catch this one of some of the group from the upstairs studio. Have to say, grazie tanto to my friends that did all the set-up work for me.)

Oh, and we made it to the seaside this month for the first time...can you believe it? We are smack in the middle of Italy here...travel two hours to the east or two hours to the west you can reach the beach. We chose the Adriatic coast for the most authentic taste of the Italian summer seaside life...and what a life it is...look at all the people.

I love the fact that it doesn't matter how old, young, skinny, wrinkled, etc. you are...on the beach you let it all hang out so to speak (not a tankini in sight) and enjoy yourself. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday...who knows...maybe I'll try the Tyrrhenian coast tomorrow...

Travelin'

Oh goodness y'all (southern accent took no time to come back), I cannot believe it has been over a month since I last posted! I have been so blessed to be able to have spent some wonderful time in Georgia...not to mention South Carolina and North Carolina, too. I am one lucky girl, I tell you!

My visit to Atlanta and the Gift Show exceeded my expectations. I was able to connect with some old clients, renew relationships with some would be clients, and secure some NEW clients. Oh the stories I would like to tell...soon I will be able to spill the beans, I promise. You are going to be amazed (I sure was) at the new product we will be launching in the coming months. A little hint, you might get to sleep with Laura Fair...hee hee. Lone Elm Studios is selling tons of my little Laura Fair product mix (above)...and I finally was able to put my own hands on the merchandise. If I don't say so myself, it turned out great...I love it...and am really proud of what we have been able to put together. Even bigger news, The Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia will soon be carrying the line...really exciting to have it in my hometown and so honored to be in such a prestigious place. (By the way, if you are interested in grabbing some, let me know and I will point you in the right direction.) Golden Rabbit Enamelware continues to offer all the Laura Fair patterns, Damask, Blue Toile, and Beach House...it is always great to catch up with Peggy and Kathy.

After the show was a whirlwind of family, friends, beach, lake, and even clients. I have to say, I just really did not get enough time with nephew Big Al, he is growing so fast, but I was fortunate to see him get his first cute little boy haircut and take his first of many boat rides on the lake.
The beach was incredible...a whole week at Isle of Palms in Charleston...thank you Meags and the whole Fullerton~Miracle~Oldham clan for an unforgettable yet extremely relaxing time...you have no idea how much it meant to me to be there with you all.
I am now back to the literal drawing board in Tuscany. I have deadlines and deadlines, scadenze...a new word I had to learn last week. It is great to be back...the weather is stunning and a cool 75-80 degrees outside right now...but I cannot pay any attention to that...I gotta work! Hope you all are enjoying these last days of summer, I am sure going to miss it when it is gone.