Aged and Gilded (Palazzo-Interiors & Gardens)

Who Is That Person?

I can hardly believe that May was the very last time I posted anything to this blog.  So much has happened to me since that time--both the divine and the disastrous. I wish that I was more open because my life would most certainly make for interesting reading. If I wrote about all that goes on I'm sure I would have a huge following of readers. It has all the makings of a novel--triumphs and failures, money and men, passion, rivalry... Unfortunately, I'm rather private and therefore not inclined to share those details. Before I started my blog, I read quite a bit about what makes a good one. Aside from the obvious of not writing for weeks at a time, the advice always seemed to include just be yourself. "To thine ownself be true." The problem is that sometimes I don't know exactly who I am. I think we probably all have several personas--who we think we should be, who we are for others, who we really are, etc. Throughout my life I've had a tremendous struggle with the collective selves. But I still have hope that in the end, my best self will win. I'm rooting for her anyway. In the battle for self, I'm learning to taste pain with the same gusto as joy, for within that pain I have discovered, is a joyous lesson. I'll let you know when I graduate.

In pursuit of

A well-known celebrity musician recently posted on his blog that the death of his mother changed his perspective on life. He shifted his priorities and has since decided that he will only take on projects that he loves--while other pursue cash, he will pursue happiness. What a luxury it would be if we could all live life in that way.  More and more I'm rethinking my approach to business. I find that while the bottom line on the balance sheet matters, it is more important for me to live with joy and to do that which I believe to be my life's purpose. After my last post, I took my own advice and considered whether my home environment did indeed reflect who I am. Nothing major--just a few small purchases.  Now each morning before I leave for work I linger just a little in my nest. Change is good.

Living Well

George Herbert said, "Living well is the best revenge." Most people have an opinion about what exactly that means and it doesn't necessarily have to do with income.  Sometimes my faith is shaken and I question if what I do is of value. In the midst of spiraling gasoline prices, home foreclosures and financial bail outs, I must confess this is not the easiest time to work in retail. People are wary of spending their hard earned dollars and rightly so. And yet I must continue to believe that in some way this is the best time. Our home is our refuge and should provide us a respite from the burdens of survival. We must somehow manage to create beauty in our daily lives and in our surroundings. While it is not in things that we will find comfort, living artfully helps us to retain our civility in a world gone mad.

Wanderlust

Do you feel it too?  With longer days, I find myself getting the urge to pack my bags, find the sun and get away from it all.  Unfortunately, I don't see that happening until at least the end of summer.  Right now I'm researching a trip I'm planning to Italy--more about that later.  If you're anything like me, you probably hate those large chain hotels that tourists flock to in droves (the exception being the Four Seasons).  I usually tend to gravitate to the smaller boutique hotels--fewer guests, attention to detail and service, and exceptionally beautiful rooms. While searching for the perfect luxurious lair, I came across a wonderful British site--www.chicretreats.com. This site specializes in listings and bookings for small, hip hotels around the world. Considering that travel is no easy feat these days--weak dollar, endless security, luggage restrictions, packing regulations and so on, it's imperative that when you finally reach your intended destination that it is well worth the trouble you've had to endure.  At least thats what I'm telling myself in order to justify the extra expense of chic.

Life is what happens...

There's been a bit of a gap since my last post.  Somehow, I succumbed to the flu proving that I am not, indeed, invincible.  After closing the shop and suffering through a hellish week of bed rest, I have resurfaced--although still not quite myself.  If there was anything good about the ordeal at all it was the fact that I spent lots of time napping and cuddling with my son, Alexander who was sick with the flu as well.  Sometimes when we are forced to slow down, it gives us the opportunity to remember what is really important in life.  Very soon the sweet moments of his childhood will be gone and I will no longer be able to kiss the crown of his head, that tender spot in the crook of his neck, or steal the last kiss while he lay sleeping.  I love my shop and can be quite driven by what I do.  However, I must try to remember to live fully because as John Lennon said, "life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."

Finally!!

Finally, this day has arrived--my first blog posting!! Now what?!! I have to admit that I have no idea what I am doing or where I am going.  But isn't that what makes life so very exciting?  I'm calling it "aged and gilded" because I think that aptly describes who I am and what I love--that which is perhaps a little battered, but none the worse for wear.  This is my own personal journey--starting a business, being a mother, maintaining a self, and trying to be fabulous, beautiful and creative all at the same time! (And very often missing the mark I might add.) I'm pushing myself in ways I never thought possible and inviting you to join me as it all unfolds (or unravels as the case may be). Along the way, I'm hoping to connect to others of you who are passionate about creating beautiful things and living a beautiful life.