E. B. White writing in his boat shed

E.B. White writing in his boat shed overlooking Allen Cove, Maine photographed by Jill Krementz via

There's a lesson to be learned from this photograph. So many of us think we have to have a stage set kind of place in which to work. This isn't necessarily true, is it? Not that this isn't a special place but it doesn't look very comfortable. E.B.White's mind was probably churning with so many things he wanted to put down on paper and he could probably work anywhere. Jill Krementz's childhood home is near my cottage. xo

A Glimpse into Jackie's Fifth Ave Apartment

Jackie lived in the same apartment in NYC on Fifth Avenue for more than 30 years. The apartment overlooked central park and was a lesson in restraint, style and comfort. via Mark D. Sikes

French Choir Boys

Dreaming of Home. I found this wonderful video on Donna Baker's Blog called Gather. She posted the lyrics and the history of this beautiful song too. Choir boys always make me cry. This old Scottish hymn is from the movie JOYEUX NOEL and it's not on my must see list. Thanks, Donna.

My Fortune for Today

I have a can of Chinese Fortune Sticks that sits on table in my bedroom. When I think about it in the morning, I shake the can and open it up. Then I shake it at an angle and then pull out the stick protrudes the farthest and that is my fortune. The one for today was especially true. Here it is photographed on top of a book. "You(r) work is best done alone not in a group." That's me in a nutshell, the lone wolf. Busy day ahead -- see you later. xo

Do You Procrastinate?

Yes. I agree with this wonderful thought. Love the poster too. via

Cat Cleaning Her Dog Pillow

I don't think the dog ever moved a muscle while this cat worked so very hard to get everything just right before settling in for a nap. I got up way too early this morning thanks to Tabitha and I took an afternoon nap on the sofa all wrapped up in a big woolen throw. It's very chilly outside and inside too. For some reason I always resist wearing socks until it gets really cold. xo

A Sophisticated Bar

I am a complete failure in the bar department but I think this setup is lovely. via I have a similar étagère in my bedroom with 2 drawers. It's perfect for holding all of my iPhone and iPad charging accessories and fits perfectly in its assigned space. I'm always thrilled when I find the perfect piece for the perfect spot. I am officially out of room for any more furniture unless I get rid of something or become a magician.

Pretty Soon, This Will Be Me Too.

This is adorable even though I no longer allow dogs on furniture. He certainly must be having sweet dreams on this beautiful needlepoint pillow. I'll be tucking in soon to watch and learn about The Roosevelts on PBS. Will you be watching too? photo source

Perfect Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon

I adore this photograph. It captures the perfect nap surrounded by a Duke's favorite things.

The Duke of Devonshire Taking a Nap in the Library at Chatsworth, Shot by Christopher Sykes. via

Mesmerizing Stream

This animated gif is absolutely hypnotic. I can't stop looking, can you? See you later. xo

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II |Page 83

These pages never get old, do they?

Thornton Hall circa 1695, Simply Elegant

Thornton Hall in Britain. This is late 17th century home is lovely beyond words. via

The windows pictured have segmental pediments and there is an open segmental pediment to the door.

© Copyright David Wright

Beautiful Entrance to A Secret Garden

Such a lovely door to a private garden surrounded by hedges. Oh, how I love the Chippendale panels and pediment. via

A Watercolor of Henry, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

It's been a long time since I played around with the Waterlogue iPhone App. Henry was the perfect subject, wasn't he? He's very responsive to having his picture taken and his cuteness translates well into a watercolor.

Cawdor Castle, Cawdor Scotland

14th century castle. photo source

Cawdor Castle and Gardens Website here.

Saw a Beautiful Bathroom Today

On today's open house tour.

To the left is the shower in the photo below.

Isn't this tile work beautiful? I love the windows too. My photos.

A Beautiful Forest Floor

This is gorgeous. I love the ground cover. Mother Nature isn't so neat in my neck of the woods. One of my neighbors saw a bear on our street a couple of weeks ago and I found evidence that he was on my property too. Bear Poo! Exciting and scary. I hope I never see the bear up close. I'm happy all of my wild raspberries are gone. I'm sure he was just passing through looking for something to eat. via

The Peacock House of Furlow Gatewood

His houses are follies—each has been an excuse to indulge his passions for vernacular Southern architecture, collecting antiques, and interior design. Peacock House is a typical Gatewood creation: He assembled a motley but sublime collection of architectural fragments, designed the house around them, and had a wondrously understanding builder bring it to life. Max Kim-Bee photo for Veranda Click on the link for more photos of this delightful sophisticated Georgia Cottage.

Such A Lovely Library and Print Room

This is fabulous. Teleport me there now! I think I will need a more comfortable chair, please, if it's not too much trouble. via

Webster and Henry Hanging Out after Sunday Supper

Karen in VA requested pictures of Henry, our visiting dog. His mom is picking him up tomorrow and Webster will miss him. The only reason I have the little one on a leash is so he won't terrorize the cat. Tabitha hasn't set foot in the house since he came on Wednesday morning. If he sees her and he's not on a leash, he will chase her. He loves cats but Tabitha barely tolerates Webster so she wants nothing to do with Henry.

They have been fed, walked and watered so they are all set for the evening. I might take them out one more time before I bed down for Breathless on PBS. I can't believe it will be over after only three episodes. They really have a lot of territory to cover for tonight's finale. See you tomorrow. xo