Night Shift

Though I rise early each morning and get right to the day’s work, on a schedule, it is often the late evening hours that give me more productive, less-scripted time to relax, unwind, and to have a few uninterrupted hours.  Here in Laguna, I leave my window open, to feel the cool night air and to smell either the salt of the ocean or the charming waft of my neighbors’ wood-burning fireplaces, and to hear the sound of the crashing waves a distance away.  

Surrounded by various candles and inspired here by the first Camellia offered by my garden this season, I can get some good work done.  These are the M E R R Y votives from the Romantic Homes shoot; the more they burn down the more you can see the burlap and stencil, fyi~

I keep so many little reminders of friends and joy and love on the large pine baker’s table which is my work table.  We need more affirmation of love, don’t you think? A recent gift from a best friend will be a treasure for my Christmas~

Tonight’s project is to cut up a vintage Vichy check French duvet cover and sew gift & wine bags and the like for the Sur La Table class I will be offering next month; I threw today’s necklace on top of the check, both from last month’s Rose Bowl visit~

There is lots of “stuff” on my pine table, including all the curtain rings and candles and a few copper skimmers from Guy that are like art on the table~

A few mini Christmas ornaments from my recent Rose Bowl trip will be supplemented by stuff from my personal collection for the Sur La Table class; we will use these to embellish the gifts we will make~

The humble yet oh so useful peppercorn is also getting ready for its prime time at the class~

A tussle of vintage French lace and other stuff is around the work table, here with the locket I wear daily~

It is so hard to find “time,” to be creative and to relax and breathe.  Wondering if I am alone in enjoying the night hours?  Stay tuned for more on our Farm to Table class at Sur La Table San Diego, and Christmas and other great stuff!!!