Cottage Industries

Go West!

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:52:00 +0000

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green & golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space."
Ansel Adams, photographer

It's November. The leaves are on the ground. The snow is yet to fall. As always this time of the year, I find myself daydreaming. Where would I rather be. I'm contemplating my escape. Yosemite Valley, California. I've never been but have long known the photos and beauty captured by Ansel Adams. And I've googled the historic Ahwahnee Hotel looking for reservations. I'm as good as there!

Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park

Ahwahnee in the snow

Thunderstorm, Yosemite Valley by Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams working in Yosemite

Moonlight at Dome Rock

The Promised Land

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:48:00 +0000

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

Not so long ago...

February 24 1956: Martin Luther King, then a pastor in Montgomery, Alabama, sits for a police mugshot after his arrest for directing a boycott of segregated buses. The 382-day boycott began when a black woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man.

"Free at last..."

Reaction to Obama's win - these photos say it all.

Martin Luther King makes his last speech...

Prophetic words...

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Montepulciano on my Mind...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:10:00 +0000

View from Montepulciano, Italy

It's that time of year in New England. Indian Summer days coming to an end - and still months away from the bright, white snow-scape of winter. Outside is your typical, dreary November day - drizzling rain, gray sky, damp cold. More than the chill in my bones, it affects my mood and sends my mind wandering to a possible escape. Whether immediate or in the future, I start thinking of where I'd rather be. One of the places I consider Heaven on Earth is Tuscany. Spring in Italy, or perhaps summer. I start plotting. I choose Montepulciano (more authentic than Florence or Siena) and check out the local rental properties. I must have a friend somewhere willing to split a week's rent with me! I've narrowed it down to two villas. I'm almost there!

Apartment Mariana, situated on the main Palazzo in the center of town.

And the view!

Villa Bettina, in the nearby countryside.

The view.

Where I'd be spending my time with a glass of Chianti!

And for those with a bigger budget...Villa Bertrando.

Anyone interested?

Magic In The Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:41:00 +0000

For a cool 3 million plus, you could be hunkering down for the impending winter in this enchanting estate in the country. Located in Lyme, Connecticut, it features 6 bedrooms & 3 full/2 half baths. It includes a circa 1787 reconstructed Cape & Hay Barn with Gallery & Guest House that create it's own little compound around a central boxwood garden, all on 23 acres. What's that? You've just won the lottery? You can find the realtor HERE!
* It's been on the market for 563 days...sounds negotiable!

Dining Room

Living Room

Library

Conservatory

Guest House

Gallery

FOR MORE ANTIQUE REAL ESTATE...

Indian Summer in Connecticut...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:27:00 +0000

...when the days feel like they're standing still. The sun warm on your skin, made all the more precious knowing this particular glorious weekend could be the last until spring.
My mother is very ill at the moment. An unsuccessful cancer surgery - she is presently in ICU at a local hospital and my days are filled with work, kids, doctors & the hospital. Needing a reprieve, my husband and I head out to the Berkshires of Northwestern Connecticut. Just a simple road trip, jumping on Route 44 and heading west. Indian Summer was in all it's glory.

View of Woodbridge Lake in Goshen, Connecticut

Along route 44...

And into Collinsville, Connecticut - an old mill town.

Overlooking Collinsville from Village Cemetery
Another favorite cemetery of mine...

Like it? It's FOR SALE in New Hartford, Connecticut.

Demarchelier @ le petit palais

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Patrick Demarchelier, at his Petit Palais Exhibition

Hanging in Paris this weekend? Can't find anything to do? No, I didn't think so. BUT! On the off chance you're soon to be visiting the City of Light, there is a once in a lifetime exhibition at Le Petit Palais. "Patrick Demarchelier: A Passionate Journey". The work of the world renowned fashion photographer is on exhibit through January 4th. Born in Paris and and raised in Normandy, Demarchelier came to New York City in 1975. He didn't speak a word of English but with camera in hand soon made a name for himself working first for Harper's Bazaar and eventually Conde Nast - the home of Vogue magazine. I had the good fortune to work with him back in the 80s. He was a charming man, always with a glint in his eye and a wry smile that made it seem he was up to something. I would love to have the opportunity to see his exhibition but alas, my private jet is in the shop. You can join me though and do the next best thing. Get yourself a pain au chocolat and a cup of cafe creme and check out his website!

Le Petit Palais, Paris, France

Linda Evangelista

Tom Cruise

Madonna

Leonardo Dicaprio

Out-takes from the Exhibition

Scarlett Johansson

If I had a body like this, I'd be swinging from a tree too!

Paul Newman

Princess Diana

Have you always dreamed of being an Innkeeper?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:48:00 +0000

The Daniel Clap Homestead $2,950,900

8 Main Street, Salisbury, CT

Property Details:
Circa: 1810
Style: Greek Revival Mansion
Type: Single Family Residential
or Commercial Bed & Breakfast
Rooms: 10
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full/1 half
Sq. Feet: 10,000
Acreage: 1
Est. Taxes: $12,606
Heating: RADNT
MLS#: L120655
Agent: Elyse Harney Real Estate
Description:
More recently known at the Ragamont Inn, this house was fully restored as a single family home in 2005 and featured in House & Garden Magazine in 2006. A bluestone walkway bordered by apple trees leads to the door of this exquisite property. State of the art kitchen with Viking appliances, six bedrooms all with en suite baths, upstairs laundry, central air, and updated systems. Located in the heart of the village, the property is still commercially zoned for possible conversion for business.
CLICK HERE FOR LOCATION MAP

(The Ragamont House as The Maple Shade Inn in 1853)

(Front Foyer)

(Living Room)

(Living Room Fireplace)

(Library)

(Kitchen)

(Kitchen eating area)

(Dining Room)

(Sitting Room)

(Master Bedroom)

(Master Bathroom)

(Blue Bedroom)

(Red Bedroom)

(Fireplace in Red Bedroom)

(Bath to Red Bedroom)

(Back Porch)
Photos by Francois Dischinger

(View of Lion's Head, Salisbury, Connecticut)

FOR MORE BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE HOMES...

Paul Newman (1925 - 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Paul Newman and Katherine Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

My favorite actor of all time is Paul Newman. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke. Who can forget those performances? Father to a son and five daughters (from two marriages), he lost the first - his son Scott - to a drug overdose in 1978 and later created the Scott Newman Center for drug abuse prevention. Married to Joanne Woodward, they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. Known for his generosity and philanthropic works he created "Newman's Own" which has generated more than $200 million in charity contributions. A resident of Westport, Connecticut, Newman founded "The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp" for seriously ill children in nearby Ashford. It's a summer camp tucked out in the woods - just a few miles from my home. Newman was known to visit often.
I am sure he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

Paul and Joanne - 50 years of marriage

Paul with the kids from The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp

DONATE TO THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP

On the Connecticut Wine Trail - Hopkins Vineyard

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:42:00 +0000

The last weekend of summer! And what better way to spend it than sampling a little vino on a Sunday afternoon. Nestled into the western hills of Litchfield County we found ourselves at the Hopkins Vineyard (oh - how did we get here!) where our friend and fellow blogger Bird-in-the-Hand was helping out at the Fall Harvest Wine Festival. She was working full stop and unfortunately couldn't join us as we consumed lots of lovely cheese, fruit, pate and of course, wine! We tasted a handful of varietals, decided our favorite and then bought the whole bottle - why fool around on the last day of summer? Winter is coming!
Located in New Preston, Connecticut along the banks of Lake Waramaug, the vineyard sits up on a hill overlooking the lake with The Hopkins Inn as it's neighbor. We bumped into a few friends who had the same idea, including our canine friend "Boddington" who seems to travel in the same social circles. Granted, his owners Meg & Mo from Two Ladies in Waiting were there also. It was a glorious day and ended too quickly. We are known for our "Indian Summers" here in New England, meaning an autumn with gorgeous sunny days and cool nights. Hopefully, this one will last well into October!

Lake Waramaug

Hopkin's Vineyard Gift Shop

The Vineyard and below...The Vino!

The Hopkins Inn, New Preston, Connecticut

And just down the road a piece...

A yellow Greek Revival Colonial on a hill
overlooking the lake.

For more information on the Connecticut Wine Trail...

ON THE MARKET - Connecticut Gold Coast Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:32:00 +0000

One of Southport's Finest Estates $5,995,000

134 Center Street, Southport, (Fairfield), CT

Property Details:
Circa: 1882
Style: Queen Anne Victorian
Type: Single Family Residential
Rooms: 22
Bedrooms: 6
Baths: 6 full/2 half
Sq. Feet: 7,000
Acreage: 1.73 - 2.69 more available
Est. Taxes: $43,635 (ouch!)
Heating: Hot Air, Zoned, Gas/ Central Air Conditioning
MLS#: 98375682
Agent: William Pitt/Sotheby's International
Description:
An architectural masterpiece that has been impeccably restored. Includes pool, gazebos, formal gardens, greenhouse & 3 car carriage house.
CLICK HERE FOR LOCATION

What do we think? Yours for being the highest bidder. Do invite me over for a pool party! ;-)

Enjoy old houses? More New England Beauties!

BRILLIANT OR BAD TASTE? Director Roland Emmerich's Knightsbridge Townhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Known for his blockbuster films, "Independence Day" with Will Smith, "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson and his most recent endeavor "10,000 B.C.", director Roland Emmerich told his interior designer John Teall of Flux Interiors to make his house "as non-frumpy as possible", adding "when the neighbors peek in, they might want to call the police or something." I think he's definitely achieved that look! Love it or hate, the place certainly has no shortage of "conversation pieces".

German born Emmerich was told that his Knightsbridge, London neighborhood had a reputation for being "staid". All that changes when you enter the front door.

The walls of his office are painted with chalkboard paint. The chair was formally used by a military dentist.

The master bedroom mural was inspired by Chinese propaganda posters.

The "English" bedroom include Charles and Diana sitting in the fireplace.

Here, a coffee table features a diorama of the JFK assassination.

The door in the dining room is a replica of one in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow. It's made of wood with a metal finish.

Artist James Gemmill painted the striking murals throughout the house.

In the library sits an American vs. Arab chess set.

And under the staircase? A statue of Pope John Paul II reading his own obituary.

A birdcage designed to look like the White House sits in the terrace hallway - along with a Rodin-style statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger as "The Thinker".

The guest bedroom features a headboard made from the wing of an airplane.

Roof-top terrace with skylights over the living room includes a chair made in Ghana out of Shell Oil drums.
Photos by Jonathan Player and Gavin Jackson for The New York Times

For more on another artist accused of bad taste....Photographer Tierney Gearon

Transported in Time...

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:01:00 +0000

I've started a new blog featuring historic homes on the market in Connecticut. It's just in it's infant stages but I decided to take advantage of this beautiful weekend to take a road trip with my husband and photograph some of the antique properties myself. Of course we had to take a few side excursions - dairy bar for an ice cream cone - a local winery (I'm much more artistic after a glass of Reisling) - and later on, Sushi (drinking makes you hungry). On our travels we stumbled across the Old Abington Burial Grounds. Through a grove of trees, down a grassy path, we came upon this historic oasis, invisible from the road, sitting on a hillside surrounded by old stone walls and peaceful countryside. Abington Village is located in Pomfret - one of the sleepy towns located in the "Quiet Corner" of northeastern Connecticut. The cemetery is the final resting place for 60 revolutionary war heroes and in it, one witnesses the harshness of life 250 years ago. Short life spans, the loss of young children and death in childbirth are evident everywhere. Despite the sorrow once experienced here, this place exudes calmness and beauty - a window to the past.

Is it possible that it's over?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie Louise) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:04:00 +0000

(Essex Boat Club from Pettipaug - Summer Afternoon)
by Leif Nilsson

"And so the seasons went rolling on into summer, as one rambles into higher and higher grass" - Henry David Thoreau
I have always loved this quote. I think it captures the true essence of my favorite season - "summertime". Unfortunately, with school beginning this week for my girls, it is for all intents and purposes, over. Just a blur between my first roasted marshmallow on the 4th of July and the hot fudge sundae at the dairy bar last weekend. Replaced by 6am wake-up calls, homework and hectic schedules. Last weekend, knowing that the end was near, my husband and I took a drive down to Essex, Connecticut, to savor this old river town and share the last of our precious "summertime".

More on painter Leif Nilssen