Trees

For Christmas, I received a copy of Bernd Heinrich's book, The Trees in my Forest, in which he describes the details of his forest ecosystem.  The detail employed requires observation skills far beyond my own, but his ability to sit atop a tree and sketch the surrounding treetops each season, noting all the subtle changes, exhibits a youthful curiosity we all have buried.  Perhaps that curiosity is tempered by the wise processing of what the observations actually mean, something I'm still working on grasping. 

Woodcut prints above by Bryan Nash Gill.

Christmas Eve

It's early Christmas Eve, and my cat is resting her head on my arm as I type.  I got up at 7 to hear the live broadcast of Lessons and Carols from King's College, and it was accompanied by the patter of rain outside and the occasional scrub jay squawk.  While my teapot brewed, I lit some candles, turned on the tree, and checked the status of my paper white bulbs on the mantel (happily sprouting).

Later today, we will make some anise candy, prepare for tomorrow's feast, and then head out for some Chinese dumplings.  Tomorrow we celebrate with Grandma Cooper rolls, good coffee, presents, and a walk in the nearby hills before we sit down to Christmas Dinner.  

Wishing you a Christmas of quiet moments and full hearts.

Last Minute Gift Guide

A decent Scotch, $4095.
Image via The Attic Birds.

A purebred Scottish Deerhound, ~$2000.

Image via Wikipedia.

A private 30-acre hillside above Los Angeles, $15,000,000.

 

Paper white presents

It's the last week of work before Christmas.  A few weeks ago I prepared some vintage pots with paper white bulbs and pebbles, and set them aside for later.  Now there are little green shoots emerging, and they are ready to be passed out to my coworkers so they can enjoy the intoxicating white blooms in the New Year.

I am regretting not doing something as simple as the yogurt jars above -- the roots are almost as pretty as the flowers themselves.  I'll be tucking that idea away for next year.

Top photo from Frolic.  
Bottom photo from Ted and Debbie.

Winter Wreaths

I am always late to decorate for Christmas, and am just starting to think about what to do this year.  Wreaths are an important component of my holiday.  There have been some lovelies this year, wild and gnarly and dripping with greens like the one above by Amy Merrick.  Here are a few others for inspiration:

Big beautiful wreath made by my very talented Uncle Pete (aka Robie) in Maryland.

 The two above are from Saipua, from whom I would expect nothing less than extraordinary. 

And the classic LL Bean wreath that magically appears on our doorstep every December (thanks Jean).  It smells like heaven and Maine, and is a warm welcome hanging on our screen door. 

One for me, One for you, Part II

Just a few more gifty bits...

Beeswax candles, that smell like warmth, from Ancient Industries UK, £5 per pair.  (Paw Paw not included.)

Vintage Welsh blankets, in an array of lovely but sometimes garish colors.  Prices vary.

Drafting, writing notes, or just twirling your pencil is much better when it's an antique silver one.  Prices vary, but the gem above is $199 obo. 

The ever useful Bkr, in a new line of jewel tones, $28.

My grandmother used to love to give me magazine subscriptions for birthdays or Christmas.  The gift that goes all year!  Landscape Architecture Magazine, 12 issues for $59.

For the chic minimalist in your midst, the Takara Bar necklace, hand dyed silk cord and hammered brass, $100. 

Heath Ceramics Frost Vases look like they emerged from an icy hill on the Labrador coast, $55-110.

In the absence of a lap cat, a hot water bottle with a hand-knit cover is your next best bet for keeping cozy.  Also from Ancient Industries, $45 for cover and $25 for bottle.

For the person who seems to have it all, feel free to make a donation to a cause of your choice. 

2012 Gift Guide

Here are some items I've got on my Christmas list, to give and to receive.  I know so many smart, stylish, heartfelt women who I'd love to give one of everything to.  Until then, here's a round up of some of what I would give to them in my dream world.

A stylish monogrammed clutch from Clare Vivier, $193. 

Insanely useful sheers for the garden, flower arranging, or any quick snip.  Image on left from Organic Gardening, showing some Felco pruners, about $50. Sophie Conran pruners, $32, on right.

Another stylish clutch.  You can never have too many.  I love the cast brass details on these made in LA ones, by Samantha Grisdale. 

Although girlier than she might want to admit, these flowery pjs in a Liberty print will make Sunday mornings brighter.  $198 from Elizabeth Cotton (shown above), or J. Crew.

A charming carry-all trug for garden supplies, hand made in Sussex, $125. 

Soap made for queens' hands.  Soap stones by Pelle, $8-$32.

 Sewing lessons (just a refresher, really) at Sew L.A.  $85

Rodin Olio Lusso, $150, for glowing skin and a soft scent.  Available at Broome St. General Store or Clare Vivier.  Image via Editor.com.

A tin of tea, or sample box, for afternoons in the low winter light.  Bellocq Tea can be found at Broome St. General Store, prices vary.

A handmade bud vase that is reminiscent of her grandmother and Vermont in the 60s.Judy Jackson tiny bottle vases, $29, from Lake or Sumi's.

Tulum II

Just got my film back.  Even the ones where my camera went off accidentally look dreamy.

Ok, now I'll get on the bandwagon and get Christmassy. 

Tulum

This fall has had me traveling more than I normally like to, but looking back on it all now, it's been a wealth of experiences.  We vacationed in Miami, attended a wedding in north Mississippi, and just returned from another wedding in Cozumel.  Before joining the party, we decided to linger in Tulum for a couple of days.  Most of the time we read in the hammock, but I ventured out for a few walks along the wide white beaches, which were dense with life forms (and remnants of oceanic life).

Carlos '91

The 90s were rough on a lot of things, but these poor ficus in downtown LA really bore the brunt.   That being said, I like how this row of trees on Hope Street has turned into a decades old record of passers by.

Fall Back

I was thankful to wake up to a sunny house this morning, especially when I saw how the light was catching my anniversary flowers. 

Flowers from Clementine, arranged by me.  There's nothing more beautiful than the gift of an armload of flowers wrapped in brown paper. 

Naturalist

According to this NYT article, "Potter sketched animals, objects and fungi as if training herself for a career as a naturalist."  Oh, if that were still a career option.

Ms. Potter pictured with her mouse, Xarifa, top photo, an illustrated letter, middle, and pictured with Benjamin Bouncer, bottom.

All images from the New York Times.

Desert nest

Everything can seem a little harsher in the desert.  I did not escape this scene unscathed, but got a very large, thorny burr stuck in my foot.  Upon pulling it out, it then stuck into my finger.  That bird knew just what it was doing building its fortress there.