Marrakech Express

Each new year, for the last ten or so, I have made an effort to get away, to make some kind of physical retreat.  That is usually Paris, but has been Brittany, Beaune, Los Angeles or my own backyard, and a retreat it is, a few days or more to contemplate the year ahead, focus, make goals and gather energy.  Each year seems to pass with greater speed, and while I am busy through the holidays I don’t feel the sense of depletion and stress which I seemed to feel years ago…it used to be enough work to get my own home decorated, one or two big dinners on the table and and gifts found.  Now I spend more time styling others’ homes for Christmas, and my own decor develops in stages as time allows.  And so it was this year; you can see images of my home in Laguna on my Instagram.  Years ago I hated the crowds and noise of bell ringers in New York City.  Too much going on, too many crowds if you live there.  This holiday season was quiet yet constant; I hosted dinners, parties and small gatherings for family and friends just about every night for weeks, and that was most of my gift-giving, the most important gift- which is time well-spent together.  This year I also gave several members of the family some prized carving sets; one family heirloom and several other sets which I had bought at the 26th Street flea in NYC oh so many years ago.  I love how the vintage sterling caps cleaned up perfectly well, and I know they will all be used throughout the year and will be meaningful.  In a few days I am off to this year’s retreat: a weekend in Paris, a few weeks in Morocco, and then another few days in Paris.  Can you tell how much I am looking forward to this particular trip? 

I have made and cancelled and made and cancelled plans to go to Morocco for….forever.  I am not the only one in love with the Gypset /Boho life of Talitha Getty, here below with Jean Paul Getty circa 1970.  Shame about the heroin.  I love her caftan and boots and harem pants…though those are not on offer today in the souks, she remains an enduring icon of style; I have a large collection of Chinese silk jackets thanks to this image, which has long inspired me~

I will spend this trip alone, which is extremely rare.  Other than my local contacts, and a trip to Essaouira and Casablanca to visit my basket supplier, I will have no agenda but to explore Marrakech and its markets and sites.

What will I find….Beni carpets or colorful textiles?  I hear they import many from China now, but I’ll check it all out.  The process of discovery of a truly new place is wonderful.  It’s been a long time since I have really been somewhere “new.”

The definition of exotic, is it not, Marrakech and Morocco??

Djemaa el Fna…can’t wait to see it in person~

Wishing you all a beautiful new year, and I must say one of my new goals is to blog again more.  I have much exciting news to share soon, and will be posting during my trip and sharing many pics of my trip here. 
These are from Pinterest, not my own images, though the best way to follow me is now on Instagram.  Wishing you much love and prosperity for the new year!!

xxoo

A