“…Because every picture tells a story…” – Unknown

I love toile.  Toile patterns are marvelous storytellers, and they have been embellishing homes the world over for centuries.  They are treasured for their beautiful floral, gentle wildlife and idyllic bucolic images.  Toile (pronounced – twal) in French means, canvas or cloth.  Toile de Jouy means cloth of Jouy.  Jouy is the town outside of Paris where the fabric was first manufactured.   

Toile is available in a wide variety of patterns and in a multitude of scales and colors.  Toile lends itself beautifully to many areas of home decor such as: Window treatments, duvet covers, pillows, upholstery, and wall coverings.   Toile can absolutely lend unmatched charm to a room.  However, I would suggest proceeding slowly when considering it for a wall covering.  It can lose its appeal when it is overused.

Toile also mixes happily with other fabric selections, such as stripes (especially ticking stripes), checks and some soft florals.

So, why do I love Toile?  Ah, it is the charm, the romance and the stories.  Each pattern tells a story.  Stories such as those of barn yard characters, children at play,  and my favorite – courting couples.  Don’t you just love the way the gentleman is completely star struck while admiring his lady?  So romantic.

Additionally, there is Chinoiserie Toile.  In Chinoiserie Toile we see Oriental stories. It is considered to be a classic decorating staple among leaders in the field of interior design.

So, perhaps you are wondering:  Does she have toile in her home? Oh yes! Everywhere from the kitchen to the bedrooms and in between.   Below you will see our kitchen window treatments.  You will notice I chose a ticking stripe, as a coordinating fabric for the Toile.  I decided to make a pleated  edge to serve as trim.  Trim is the jewelry for window treatments, pillows or just about anything.  It is the finishing touch.   

I love to design draperies (another post), it makes my creative side happy. Working with Toile is such fun, because you can see the stories come to life and in turn, enjoy them in your home on a daily basis.  Also, from a design standpoint, nothing changes a room quicker than fabric. Because of the dramatic statement Toile makes,  it transforms a room instantly.

French design is very romantic.  The French appear to enjoy surrounding themselves with romance and a bit of whimsy.  And, this romance and whimsy is the very essence of Toile.  Don’t we all want this?  Romance and whimsy add to our “Joie de Vivre.”  Perhaps, do you have a spot for some toile?

Hope this finds you enjoying a beautiful week.  Love to you and yours !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photos:  Pinterest and M.Lambiotte

For many years I have kept, what I refer to as, “My Little Book of Special Things.”  I suppose you could say it may be somewhat like a journal.  This little book is a treasure, full of wonderful things and beautiful words.  In going through this book a few days ago, I came across this lovely piece, written by Dr. Kent Nerburn.  Clipped no doubt from a garden magazine, this piece touches me now, just as it did so many years ago.  So, on this lovely Sunday in June, I thought you might enjoy it too.

“The Gift of Garden“ – Kent Nerburn, Ph.D

I have not always loved gardens.  They seemed too controlled and futile.  It took a friend of mine, a Jesuit priest, to open my heart to their beauty.  He was a deeply learned man and had spent his life in pursuit of ultimate issues:  What is God, what is the nature of good and evil, what is the meaning of life?  But as he grew older, he had turned his attention to the creation of a Japanese garden.

Inside a small yard, day by day, on hands and knees, he would lovingly pluck a leaf, bend a twig, place a stone, or trim a branch until a new and unexpected shaft of light showered down and danced upon the earth.  He now spent more time with his garden than he did with his books.

I once asked how he had come to this.  “I still ask the large questions,” he said.  “But I no longer seek large answers.  A flower, or the space between a branch and a rock, these are enough.”

He bid me get down to where he was carefully removing a leaf from a small plant. “Look here, he said, as the leaf released and fell softly into his hand.  “This looks like nothing more than an insignificant shrub.  But in fact it is a small tree, strong and full, with a rich and private life than no one knows or sees.”

He pointed to a sliver of sunlight beaming down upon its branches.  “I opened this to the sun last year.  See how the branch is turning to the light?  This took months. But I knew that by allowing the smallest bit of light to shine upon this plant, it would slowly turn its face toward the sun.”

He turned and smiled at me.  “Are any of us so different from this tree – strong, full, with a life almost unnoticed?  And who among us does not grow and prosper when someone shines even the smallest bit of sunlight upon us?  What more do I need to know of God and faith?”

He stood and walked slowly back into his library.  “If I cannot see the face of God in a flower or a shaft of light, why should I expect to see it in ideas and books?”

I have never since ignored a garden.  They are, in all their richness, the bearers of great truths.  A well-placed rock is a statement of eternity.  A flower in bloom is creation made whole.

Life, death, earth, and sky all come together in the intimacy of a garden’s space.  At least once a day, I try to contemplate a garden.  The season does not matter.  The weightlessness of snow, the timelessness of rocks, the time-bound mutability of plants, the fragile immediacy of flowers – somewhere within is a lesson that will touch my heart and link me, if just for a moment, with the universal rhythms that are the source of all true peace.

I reach down and touch the delicate leaf of a plant.  My friend’s words rise up in my heart.  “Everything lives, everything dies, everything leans to the light.”

If I knew only this, it would be enough.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful day, full of light and love !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photo: Pinterest

“It is in the smallest details that the flavor of life is savored.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach

What exactly is it that gives a home or a certain place just that bit of “je ne sais quoi” – the intangible quality which makes something distinctive or attractive? Perhaps you, too, have entered someone’s home or a place and were seduced by such charm.  Charmed by a certain something you couldn’t quite explain. A charm so sweet, it cast a bit of a spell over you. This has happened to me many times, and I imagine it has to you as well. 

For one to be so  charmed, the home or place need not be extravagant  – but the details must be huge.  Truly, that “certain something” is all in the details.  While the room in the photo above has a fabulous chandelier, the remainder of the room is fairly unadorned.  However, the details make it grand.  The chairs are lovely and the beautiful floral fabric is not only on the fronts, it is on the backs as well.  There are gorgeous flowers on the table.  Attention to detail, and the detail is stunning. Don’t you want to see more of this home?  Sure, you do.  I do.

It is my opinion, such charm is also most often visible on the outside of a home. One notices that certain something,  from the moment you arrive at a property. You simply know, “This is going to be special.”   Maybe you wind through a lovely flower lined walk, or your attention is immediately caught by wonderful architectural details of the home or, just maybe, you notice a plaque on the front of the home.  And you realize, oh my goodness the house has a name.  Absolutely, you must see more.  Once inside, you are not disappointed.  

Yes, a name does give a home charm, a bit of “je ne sais quoi.”  Both of the homes my husband and I have owned have been given names.  Our current home took me quite a while to name.  I had thought about it from time-to-time, but nothing I thought of made my heart sing.  That all changed one spring day while I was working in the garden.  The name, The Garden House, simply floated into my mind. Yes, that would be the name – but with a twist.  

I know you are asking, “what is the twist?”  Our sweet home is an old French Georgian.  It was built in 1939, is loaded with charm, has wonderful architectural details, and it well deserved a name. But the name had add to the charm.   So, because of the home’s French architectural  style, the many French details on the interior, and our last name being French,  I decided the name would also be in French.  “Maison De Jardin,” translated – The Garden House.

Ah, now you finally understand the name of this blog.  The “flavor of life truly is savored in the smallest of details.”  I smile every time I see the lovely plaque on the front of our home.  It adds that certain something.  And, the day the plaque was secured in place, truly our home stood a bit taller.  To me, on that day, I will always believe our home knew she was being recognized as special.  She knew she was loved. 

So as you roam about your castle.  Be sure to let it know it is loved.   And remember, that “certain something,” really is, all in the details!  

Thanks for visiting, have a beautiful week!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Additional Information:

 – Surveys indicate homes with names have a higher value and sell easier (our former home sold in 18 days).  Go to Danthoniadesigns.com for further reading. This web site also gives many ideas for home names.

 – “The Bee Cottage Story,” by Frances Schultz – Frances Schultz is an interior designer, author of several books, former House Beautiful magazine columnist and for six years was on-air host of the award-winning cable television show “Southern Living Presents.”  Her latest book, The Bee Cottage Story, released in July of 2015, is a book devoted to the many reasons she named her cottage and how she chose the name.  A lovely and informative book.

Photo:  Home Bunch/Pinterest

“The smallest things warm the heart.”  – Unknown

Today, I am happy to announce the winner of my recent Giveaway. The winner will be receiving a pair of Saphyr Pure Linen Pillowcases. These lovely pillowcases, pure French linen,  will only improve with age and love.  So, without further chatter –

The Winner Is…

Nancy 

Congratulations, Nancy !

Nancy:  Please click on CONTACT at the top of this page.  Leave your full name and mailing address at this section of the blog.  Your information will be sent to me directly by email and will not appear on the blog.  Your pillowcases will be shipped via US Mail by Friday, June 2, 2017.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in this Giveaway.  There were many wonderful entries, making the decision difficult for the judge.  Be sure to follow along, there are more fun Giveaways planned for the future. 

For further information regarding Saphyr Pure Linen go to:  http://www.saphyrpurelinen.com 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Please note:  The winner was selected by someone other than myself, and the entry names were deleted.

Photo/Pinterest

“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it.  And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” – John F. Kennedy

Memorial Day Weekend is a special time of remembrance across our land.  It is also the unofficial start to summer and a busy time for many families.  There are cookouts, family gatherings, lake time and beach time.  All translated to, little kitchen time.  So today, I am sending along two wonderful recipes.  Both are easy to prepare and transport, should you need to provide a dish for a gathering.

Macaroni Salad (recipe from a Mississippi cookbook)

1 pound elbow macaroni

4 celery hearts, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, grated (1 cup)

1 cup chopped sweet pickles

1/2 small onion, grated

1 (4oz.) jar chopped pimientos, drained

6 hard-boiled eggs, grated

2 cups Hellmann’s mayonnaise

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

1 Tbls. cider vinegar

4 dashes Tabasco sauce

2 Tbls. chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbls. granulated garlic

4 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.  Drain well and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine the celery, carrots, pickles, onion, pimientos, eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, Tabasco, parsley, granulated garlic, sugar, pepper, salt, and dry mustard.  Taste:  You may want to add  a little more salt.  Add the cooked macaroni, toss until well coated.  Refrigerate overnight for flavors to mingle.  Note:  It is important to add the macaroni to the mayo mixture while the macaroni is still warm, so the noodles absorb all the ingredients and flavors.  

Pineapple Cake

Note:  I have made this recipe sine the early 1970’s.  The recipe was distributed in the school district where I worked, by the school nurses association.  You will note there is no butter or oil in the cake.  Also, it is so easy to prepare because you mix it by hand, you use only one bowl and you don’t even have to grease the baking pan.  It doesn’t get any easier and it is delicious. It tastes very much like a Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  It is a wonderful cake to take to a gathering, just cover with foil and go.

Preheat oven to 350

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 (20 oz.) can of crushed pineapple, undrained

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

Be sure to mix this cake by hand.  In a large bowl, beat eggs, with a fork.  Stir in sugars and undrained pineapple.  Stir in flour and baking soda. Mix well.  Pour into an ungreased 13×9 inch baking dish.  Bake in preheated oven at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Frosting

3 oz. cream cheese

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups confectioners sugar

Mix cream cheese and butter with mixer.  Add vanilla, gradually add the sugar. Spread on cooled cake.  Note:  This makes a thin layer of frosting, but enough.  If you prefer a thicker frosting, simply double the frosting ingredients.

This weekend take a moment to remember, and be grateful, for the many who have sacrificed to ensure our freedom.  

  Have a beautiful weekend, and be safe in your travels.

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photo:  Pinterest

“To love beautiful linen, is to love fair weather, fair weather that one can acquire and carry home.” – Louise DeVilmorin

I have always been in love with beautiful linens, specifically French linens.   And, finding them over the years while antiquing would always make me giddy as a school girl.  However, I rather like to think they found me.  I believe when we have an appreciation for specific things, they somehow work their way onto our path so we can “carry them home.”

Today, I want to share a beautiful find – Saphyr Pure Linen, French linen. 

 Saphyr photos

The person behind Saphyr Pure Linen is Rory O’Mara. Rory was the Director of International Fashion Marketing at Cotton Incorporated  for many years. During  her years of traveling she learned Europeans are fond of, and have the luxury of dressing their beds with beautiful linen. Nothing compares to the softness of French linen.

Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant, and just as a point of interest, Saphyr is the common name for the bloom on the plant.  Rory obtains the linen for Saphyr from the area it is grown and milled, specifically from the coast of Belgium, into France, and on through the Normandy region. Upon the touch of French linen you immediately know you have something quite different and special.  The more linen bedding is used and washed, the softer, stronger, and more supple it becomes. In other words, it becomes better with age.  Also, linen is mildew and moth resistant, non-static, and lint-free.  While it is more costly than cotton bedding, if properly laundered,  it will serve you well for decades.  

The French not only spoil themselves by dressing their beds in beautiful linen, they also dress them quite differently than many Americans.  Actually, they are artfully layered, paying great attention to detail.  First, a stuffed and quilted mattress pad tops the mattress, followed by two flat linen sheets (the French are not accustomed to fitted sheets).  Last, a blanket covered by another sheet.  In the winter months the blanket is replaced by a couette (comforter) which is filled with duvet.  Duvet or down, comes from the soft feathery underbellies of geese.  The couette has its own covering, often referred to as a duvet cover.  When the middle sheet is folded back, it most always reveals an embroidered monogram or family crest.  This is embroidered with great care in order for it to be easily read standing at the foot of the bed.

A French bed would not be completely dressed without un traversin – a long firm pillow (round bolster) which spans the width of the mattress.  The traversin may also be wrapped in a blanket cover or in its own, specially made case and will always support European square pillows (26″ x 26″).  Additionally, the European square pillows are often embellished or monogrammed.

The French are famous for their love of home and striving to acquire the best. They will save their pennies for fine workmanship, rather than to quickly squander their funds on anything not of quality. This very attention to detail is what makes Saphyr Pure Linen special.  So today, I am offering you a treat.  A GIVEWAY !  A standard/queen size set of Saphyr Pure Linen pillowcases in fresh white.   To enter:  Complete one of the following sentences.

A.   I love linen because…  

B.  I am interested in linen because…

All entries must be received by Friday, May 26, 2017.  Leave your answer to the sentence, along with your first name under the comment section of the blog.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.

Thanks for visiting, enjoy your week !

Au Revoir

Sandra

Notes:  This post was not sponsored by Saphyr Linen.  Although, I greatly appreciate their assistance with photos and information regarding Saphyr.  All photos used in this post are with permission of Saphyr Pure Linen.  To order from Saphyr Pure Linen or to visit their website go to:  https://saphyrpurelinen.com/  You will be glad you did!

“I feel very strongly we are spiritual beings in a physical body, and we should make our surroundings as beautiful and soulful as possible.” – Alexandra Stoddard

Has something ever occurred in your life, which surprised you, resulted in you taking a second look or perhaps made you think, “Was this meant to happen?” Certainly, it has happened to me – many times.  But, one such particular instance was life changing for me.  

One day, while I was browsing in my favorite book store, a book fell from the shelf just above where I was standing.  I am certain I was meant to read this particular book, “Open Your Eyes,”  along with many others written by the fabulously talented, Alexandra Stoddard. You see, Alexandra’s writing speaks to me.  And,when you come upon an author who makes you feel as though he or she is in the room, speaking only to you, well,  you have magic.  A connection. But, the day the book fell into my hands, I had no idea of  the connection Alexandra and I would actually make several years later.

My goodness, her wonderful book, “Open Your Eyes,”  did indeed, open my eyes to the importance of beauty in our daily lives.  Through this book, I learned the extraordinary impact beautiful details make in our homes.  Also, I became completely aware of the significant difference such details add to our daily rounds, and by our attention to these details we also enrich the lives of those we love. But most of all I would say, “Alexandra opened my eyes and my heart to the joy of beauty.” Something I was aware of, but did not fully understand or realize its significance.  Although, in time I would learn.

Going forward a few years:  My husband and I returned to the small town in West Virginia where we both were raised.   Once settled, I became active in a local garden club and was asked to serve as programs chairperson.   As I began to think of interesting programs for our club, I felt it was also necessary to schedule programs which related to the specific mission of a garden club.  And that is:   To educate its members and the public, by encouraging beautification of home and community.

All this being said, in a club board meeting, ideas were being tossed about for an event.  A special event, not only for our members, but one which the club would also open to the general public.  The board members wanted someone who could speak about beauty and its importance in a community.  Clearly, I do know you felt the earth shake a bit on that day several years ago. Because, that was when I spoke up and said, “How about engaging Alexandra Stoddard as a speaker?”  And, as the saying goes, “The rest is history.”

On a magnificent day in April of 2008, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, our humble garden club presented – “An Afternoon With Alexandra Stoddard.”  Truly, it was beautiful, I wish you could have been there.  Glorious flowers were everywhere, lilacs were at every entrance to the building and lovely music played softly in the background. This memorable affair was attended by over 250 people and drew attendees from all over West Virginia, neighboring Pennsylvania and Virginia.  And, all these wonderful people came to hear Alexandra’s talk , “Beauty Inspires Our Joy of Living.”

Was it a coincidence that the entire weekend was perfectly beautiful?  I think not. You see, God sent an angel to deliver a message and she did.  As I looked around the auditorium, I did not see too many dry eyes as everyone sat attentively, listening to Alexandra speak. Because she is so real, her sincerity and knowledge comes streaming through, right to your heart.  She touches you in a way that is unforgettable.  

Alexandra is all about beauty in our lives, our homes, the way we live, how we treat others – she radiates beauty!  Not only does she completely understand the joy of beauty, she is magnificent at teaching it as well.  She really is a gifted soul and God showered his blessing on me, by placing Alexandra in my path.

The weekend spent with Alexandra and her husband, Peter, was a magical time for myself and my husband.  Following her talk, the four of us enjoyed a long, marvelous dinner together.  It was wonderful hearing about their lives and the people, places and things they hold dear.  Such a grand time. I gained much more than I am capable of putting into words.

I have remained in contact with Alexandra. And, my heart beats a little faster when I see that French blue envelope in our mail.  I also keep up with her through her monthly newsletter on her website, www.alexandrastoddard.com.  She lives in her cherished village of Stonnington Village, Connecticut, where she remains ever so busy writing her next book. Soon, I hope we know a few details.  

Sadly, Alexandra lost her beloved Peter on September 25, 2014.   He was 92.  But through their deep and great love for each other, she continues to “Love and Live Happy.”  She once said, “Let there be happiness in my soul, and let me share it with the world.”  She has and she continues to share happiness every day.  

So, if you have ever wondered why I stand on my little box and preach about beauty and the ripple effect it can have in our world, now you know.  I had, and continue to have, a magnificent teacher.  A teacher who is endless inspiration.  So, from Alexandra, to me, to you, and so on and so forth – beauty can and will change the world.   It is our responsibility to make it happen.  So, as my mother would say, “We must get to it.” 

PS:  Do yourself a favor and read anything by Alexandra Stoddard – you will be happy you did.  (A very short bio of Alexandra Stoddard is listed below)

Priceless Photo: Alexandra at the book signing, feeding her beloved Peter a cookie. I wish you could have seen them together  – pure LOVE.

Thanks for visiting – Have a Beautiful Week!

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photos: Book cover and Alexandra in her garden, Pinterest

All other photos by, Michael S. Lambiotte

Short Bio of Alexandra Stoddard

Alexandra Stoddard is a philosopher of contemporary living, an interior designer and author of over 25 books. Alexandra has a passion for gardens, flowers and is an inspiring teacher of how beauty adds to our joy for living.  Alexandra believes we each have a responsibility to do all that we can to enrich our communities.  Her unique insights reveal the small but significant things we can do to change our attitude, heart, and environment.

Alexandra was the first recipient of a full scholarship at the New York School of Interior Design, and was the first female member of the Board of Directors of  Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc.  She has decorated the interiors of mansions, embassies and cottages throughout the United States and Europe.  She was the owner of Alexandra Stoddard, Incorporated, a Manhattan, New York based interior design firm.

She is the mother of two grown daughters and was married to Peter Megargee Brown, until his death in 2014.

“It was a good time to start something new.  We have two lives, and the second starts when you realize that you have only one.” –  Isabelle Dubois-Dumee

We all have those little things, positive and negative, that trigger our response buttons.  For each of us these things will be different, but when we hear, see or smell them – our hearts pound a little harder.  Also, our response buttons can be easily pushed, when we are reminded of a long held, “maybe someday” dream, or perhaps when we have been treated badly once too often.  Whatever the case may be, our hearts pound as though they are trying to speak to us.  Well, my friends, that is exactly what they are trying to do.  Or, as my mom would always say, “trust your instincts they are the ANGELS whispering in your ear.”

So, what do the ANGELS whisper in your ear?  Mine are constantly chatting.  So much so,  at times I can hardly sleep.  And, when I am in the garden they feel they have my attention – and they do.  But, the point is:  I am learning to listen.  I listened when the whisper said – “write something, do something to help others see the beauty in the world, learn something new, make new friends, share what you know – go inspire.”  And, so I am trying to do just that very thing, here at Where Inspiration Blooms.

While blogging is new to me and I do not claim to be a professional writer, I sincerely want to share with you my love of beauty, the garden, home, French food and French design, experiences from my life and from all the many wonderful, good people who have graciously blessed my life.  And, the lessons learned from the hurtful ways of those who were unkind.  I want my experiences to bless and inspire you.  

You see, I believe much of what we learn in this life, we learn from each other.  We all have unique talents.  However, far too often, many talented individuals go through this wonderful life without knowing their gifts and, therefore, are unable to share them.  Many, have those special dreams and gifts tucked away so deep they might not recognize them, should they be brought to the surface.  The result: These marvelous talents have been unable to bloom and the beauty of the bloom has not been scattered.  Indeed a loss, and the world suffers from such losses.

Spring is such an appropriate time for growth in our lives.    Bring that long held dream to the surface and give it life.  Take a class.  Embark upon new endeavors. And, when you find something which sparks your interest – learn everything possible about it, read, educate yourself.  Do not let your unique talents go to waste.  And, never let the opinions of others dim your spirit or keep you from doing everything you were meant to do.  One life – find your joy!  

Thanks for visiting – wishing you and yours a lovely weekend.

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Photo:  Debra Slohon Shielman Roses/Pinterest