Wishful Thinking {guest post by melissa loves}

Hello lovely Reverie readers,

 

Melissa is the most lovely & warm person.....isn't she? So, I am honored to be over here, at her beautiful place, sharing my wishful thinking for today. My house.....let's just start there. I love my house....it is a 1898 Victorian that we bought 2 years ago. To say that I pour a lot of love & my personality into my home is an understatement ( ask any of my good friends) :) Though I love it and it's current incarnation, I can't help but, wish I had the resources to pour even more love into it. We didn't paint before we moved in and that is one of my favorite things to do. If I had my druthers...I would paint every room, all of our trim white and maybe even the floors if nobody stopped me! :) I also wish we could renovate our kitchen; a breakfast nook and french doors into the garden (if there was one). So, here are some inspiring photos....that I have cultivated. Things I would do, if I could. 

 

1. Wouldn't this be a beautiful color for a Victorian? With a bright yellow door  perhaps? 

2. A room in the gray on these shutters, I think...

3. and one in this beautiful lavender

4. a floor or two in this blue 

5. and our bedroom in this blue?

 

I am hoping someday to make these dreams come true. I will keep you posted! :) What would you do if you could do anything to your home? I would love to know. Thank you so much for having me and have a wonderful week! 

xo

Melis

 

Sweet as honey, a cheerleader for all, and an excellent cheap & chic personal shopper, Melis is one of those gals you want by your side because she always offers up honest encouragement and happy words to brighten your day.  Her blog, Melissa Loves, is an oasis of pretty that you don't want to miss! 

[Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Trespassing ~

I'm not sure additional words should accompany this image, for the point is made loud and clear.  Although, when I stop to think about it, too few people are actually getting the point.  We need to wake up and restore sustainable, organic land practices to the Earth ~ the soil, the dirt, the very thing we are made of, we live from, we return to.  Is it that hard to do?  Or will the greedy forces of humanity continue to reign supreme when it comes to the use of chemicals, pesticides, genetically engineered seeds, and unethical 'farming' practices?  

I love this planet I call home, the dirt beneath my feet, the food that maintains and keeps my body healthy and alive, the water I drink, the air I breathe, the stunning vista visions which surround me, and I refuse to just accept the common food/farm/agriculture practices of today's society.  Instead of feeling overwhelmed and defeated by what I consider a personal trespassing upon me and my family, I choose to continue to educate myself and make a difference in every way I can. Obviously, I do not have millions of dollars to fight the aggressive conglomerates {aka chemical trespassers}, but I do believe there is power in numbers; people who wish to go back to the days when organic didn't seem to carry the weight of 'privileged and wealthy' but rather as it has always  meant to be ~ simple, pure, healthy living for all mankind.  

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

¡Olé!

The past few days have been hot and steamy here in the wine country.  I love it.

This sizzling trend will only add to the excitement of our weekend plans ~ a Catalan Festival at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards.  I've been giddy about this Spanish celebration all week long.  

Mi guapa will most definitely be taking center stage considering her love for Spanish guitar music and dancing.  It's bound to be a day to record in the  good-life memory books ~ bubbly, Flamenco dancers, and food seasoned with saffron and other make-your-taste-buds explode spices.

By the way, did I ever tell you that my nickname at a former job was Fuega?  

And with that I bid you all a muy bueno weekend. 

[painting by Pino] 

Wishful Thinking ~ {guest post by under a pink moon}

For as long as I can remember I have taken my wishes very seriously. Whether I was blowing out the candles on my birthday cake or tossing a penny into a fountain I would pause, close my eyes and imagine the very best possible outcome for whatever was weighing heavily on my heart. 

A decade ago I stood before the Western Wall and stuffed a note into a crevice of ancient Jerusalem stone and wished for my Great Grandmother to feel loved and less alone than I knew she felt. She lived a second lifetime without her husband, a man who died before I was born and I felt her heartbreak my entire life. 

As a young girl, I blew out candles on my birthday cakes year after year and wished for my mom to stumble across a pile of money so that her daily struggles might be lightened. 

And I will admit to many a coin being tossed in the hope of a certain boy to notice me so that we might live happily ever after. A sixth grade love story.

Now, when I catch myself wishing or even wanting, it is always for peace. Peace of mind for myself. Anxiety is my constant companion. A peaceful heart for my daughter. Frustration and intense emotions take her far away on too many days. A peaceful way for all of us. It's a profoundly better way than the alternative.

Estelle has become one of my very dearest friends.  Simply put, I adore her.  We get each other, and we both love champagne...so really, life is good under a pink moon.  And one of her many talents includes sewing, the girl turns a piece of fabric into a coveted fashion piece.  Trust me, I'm in line for one of her divine creations and hoping she opens a shop soon!

[image via Estelle]

Friends ~

On Saturday, we took a drive through the wine country to visit with our city friends who were enjoying a Healdsburg holiday in a very cool modern barn.  

A grand time was had by all; especially two very cute little girls who have been friends since 6 months of age when they 'met' in a mommy and me swim class.  I believe they need bracelets or something adorable that has BFF on it because these girls are definitely the best of the best, for no matter the time distance between their last fun and play, they pick up exactly where they left off: non-stop smiles and giggles.

  

That's the wonderful thing about true friendships, they withstand the test of time and continue to grow stronger as the years go by.  Friends are definitely one of life's greatest investments because the yield is generally a happy return.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

swimming in kisses ~

 

Our girl is swimming.  Her papa and I are quite stoked, and if you happen to walk past her swim lessons, you will know which one is Gaia Miette, or at least wish we were your biggest fans too.  We clap and cheer as if she won the Olympic gold medal.  In our eyes, she has conquered one of life's greatest freedoms ~ the ability to tread, float and glide without sinking {a foundation for survival in or out of water}.

An Aquarius, such as our crumb, flows with the seventy-plus percent of water that pumps through her veins.  She can't resist it, and we foster this ongoing tidal wave of energy.  We have set our sights high for waters beyond the community pool...you know, the Mediterranean Sea and so forth.  

But this community pool gig is rad.  Daily access, fun life-guards, and no maintenance on our part...I'm so down with this perk.  Mostly, we are enjoying meeting all the peeps in the town we consider new to us.  There's something about summer and pools, people don't really have anything to hide behind, so I believe it forces them to just be who they really are.  Cheers to swimsuits and petite swimmers!

Happy weekend lovelies!

 [A Kiss by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema]

Aiming High ~

I tend to be an overachiever.  

In most instances, this is a good thing, but when you have a list of goals that can fill a journal {or two}, your head begins to spin.  For me, it's not about just checking the items off my list, it's about taking my life {and my little family's lives} to new heights.  This is ridiculous major pressure I put upon myself for even the littlest of dreams...

As I become older wiser, I realize time is fleeting despite my daily pleas for it to stand still. So when the first signs of summer started to shimmer with warmth, I began to step back and focus on the elements of my life that mean the most and deserve to be tended to with gusto.  {Summer tends to always offer a fresh landscape for soul renewal, non?}  Reconnecting with nature, mind, and body versus a constant online connection was the recurring theme ~ discovering a healthy balance.  

So this overachiever is still aiming  high, but I'm taking a more leisure climb up the ladder of life and enjoying every moment as I reach for those shining stars.  

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

Coop Crush ~

I have a major coop crush.  

I cannot stop thinking about these adorable Bantam variety of chickens that have made The French Laundry garden their new home.  It is definitely the equivalent to a five-star resort in the world of chickens....umbrellas for shade, a customized coop with a tres chic blue door, their very own rows of napa cabbage to munch on, and hand-fed snacks of strawberries, carrots, purslane, and more from the chief gardener. 

While admiring our newest neighbors, we had the honor of chatting with their 'land-lord', Thomas Keller.  It was one of those surreal moments for a foodie like me ~ standing in an organic garden, crushing on chickens, and making small talk with one of the most talented chefs in the world.  

Sometimes life is so good you just have to pinch yourself.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Simple Little Pleasures ~

 

She likes fresh flowers beside the bed.  

She tells me they make her dreams sweeter.  I believe her.

And for this reason alone, I will continue to fill my great-grandmother's pitcher full of the most fragrant and beautiful blooms I can find because it makes  my crumb smile.  

Simple little pleasures are what life is all about, non?

[Reverie-Daydream Image] 

Wishful Thinking ~ {a guest post by Dustjacket Attic}

Wishful Thinking...

When Mel asked this question I thought of many things, I mean the sky is the limit.

But something I really wish I was better at, is being in the moment, seeing with clear and present eyes and appreciating the here and now. We are always looking ahead and thinking a whole bunch of things at once, so it's easy to miss the beauty of now.

Our life is short really when you think about it. I cannot get over how each year goes faster than the last...kind of scares me a little, I often say to my sisters "before we know it, we will be old ladies" (I'm hoping I'll be a stylish old lady though...he he). 

So I wish to make each moment count ... drink it in and really appreciate it. 

xxxDJ

Dustjacket Attic is a fashionista's dream world.  I'm not exactly sure how she does it, but DJ posts incredibly gorgeous images daily {sometimes twice}, and each stunning model draped in fabulous fashion set amongst jaw-dropping backgrounds leaves you breathless {and plotting to step-up your wardrobe}.  I'm not surprised by DJ's perfect wish...if I ask nicely, perhaps she will let me ride on its wings because life is worth living fully every. single. second.

  

[image via here]

Bees ~

 

"It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning

no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening."

~ Sue Monk Kidd

This past weekend, we had a little documentary fest at our abode.  One of the  viewings was of Vanishing Of The Bees.  Eye, heart, and mind opening in every way.  Damn us humans for messing up nature's perfect harmony.  Newsflash, in case you didn't know it, BEES are essential to life.  They are vanishing because of pesticides.  I've always been enamored with these buzzing little beauties, but now it's time to BEE the change we need to be in this world to help keep these vital lifelines strong and happy.  

Watch this film and you will agree.  

DIRT! and Ayurveda, art of being were the other two films we enjoyed and highly recommend.  Important stuff that feeds good knowledge to your mind {and soul}.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking {a guest post ~ the space between ms and mrs}

letting in the light ~

this past weekend i spent 3 days at wanderlust, an epic music and yoga festival in the mountains of vermont.  surrounded by yogis and activists, spiritual teachers and seekers and lovers of life in all shapes and sizes, all ages, genders and sexual orientations…my heart continued on its journey…and the crack got a bit wider.

that’s the thing about cracks, once the light starts pouring in….it’s hard to go back to the darkness.

today i wish politicians would realize there are much worthier wars to wage than ones that simply strive to keep people from loving each other.

i wish people would realize no real and worthy god would ever wish ill and pain and suffering on others.

i wish our oceans to heal and that people everywhere could fall asleep in the presence of parents who love them, with bellies full of food and clean water and warmed by the knowledge that they have worth and dignity.

but my biggest  wish for you on this wednesday is that today something comes along and cracks you open too.  this crack….it’s a little uncomfortable.  no, that’s a lie…it hurts like hell and it seems to have brought with it a steamer trunk full of baggage and fear and questions and what-if’s… but it’s also brought its fair share of goose bump laden moments and new ways of looking at the world. and some of those ways… are pure magic. so today i wish something unexpected would stop you in your tracks and some sleepy part of your brain would register and for a moment you’d see a bit of yourself in someone else. when you feel the goose bumps…you’ll  know….

because it starts with you.

we have a long hard battle ahead of us but if you don’t give up on me, i won’t give up on you.

Do yourself a favor and visit Melanie of the space between ms. and mrs. ~ she throws a beautiful soul-enriching party with her words.  And one thing is for sure, I absolutely love every single word of this guest post.  Melanie's wishes mirror some of my very own. Wanderlust Festival?  Sign me up.   

[images via here and here]

La Rose ~

Sean recently had the opportunity to show some of his ballerina paintings {First Ballet Slippers is one of my all-time favorites}at the premieres of Napa Valley Ballet's Jeux D'Enfants and Romanza.  

The evening inspired him to paint this recent work titled, La Rose.  I love how he captured the Principal Ballerina's repose so beautifully.

**La Rose, a 28 x 40 inches oil on linen painting is for sale.  If interested, please contact melissa@reverie-daydream.com

Groovy ~

I could have been a hippie.

Bell-bottoms, barefoot, and beads.  Going with the flow.  No rules.  

Peace and love.  Fruit and Granola.  Communal inhabitant.

Oh Summer, you offer the grooviest daydreams.

[mcardle images]

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Dumbwit teller}

Wishful thinking seems to be something I’m quite good at; in addition, but not limited to, longing, and desirous day dreaming. Always giving due diligence to leave out the step-child of the meaning, crippling ‘covet’. The greatest of wishful thinking is the variety that I least expect. It’s a sudden feeling or memory that rushes into your mind like a jolt of lightning. It’s a good thing, and quite honestly, can knock you off your feet. Those precious recollections can make you laugh, and make you cry. Crying I have no objection to, unless I’m wandering about Target and I’ve looked as though I’ve checked my sanity in at those sliding glass doors. 

The other day I was overcome with the overwhelming feeling of what it was like to feel (really feel) a hug by one of my children when they were of a young age. A ‘hug’ that expressed that you the parent, mattered more than anyone else in the world. Their small fingers grasped you tightly and the hug was with all their strength; most often followed by a sincere, as only as child can be, “I love you mommy”. You were among a limited selection of ‘things’ that were the center of their tiny universe. I hadn’t thought of those hugs for a long time for it’s not that I don’t receive a genuine embrace from my faithful four from time to time. But we’d all agree, the hugs of a wee child are on a whole unique level. 

My story is this - from the birth of my first child to when the last left for college, there was a span of 30 years. Believe me, when I was taking away car keys, scraping peanut butter from the high chair tray, or conducting a Spanish inquisition as to where a coat was, I can assure you that I did not dream of reliving such episodes. 

These snippets of recall are the parts of our lives that equal the whole. When each precious moment occurs, and before it quickly slips into a memory, if only we had the ability to slow them down to a snail’s pace, recording each movement, and savoring each second. What we do not know when we’re in our 20’s, 30’s, even 40’s, that those times with which we often over-look, take for granted, and quite honestly, drive us mad, we later miss, cherish and want to recreate, especially for a moment of wishful thinking. 

Deb of the cleverly written and fun blog, Dumbwit teller, has shared a wish so important to me ~ especially at this very special time in my life where I do not want to miss one second of my crumb's life.  As I told Deb, her four children are lucky to have her as their mother.  She believes in living life with grace, style, and humor...and she definitely does this with a witty flair!  

[Rialee Photography]

Growing ~

This weekend, the crumb and I visited Tara Firma Farms.  I left there a different person, a person seeking a way to be a part of this amazing place.  I'm not sure when or how this is going to happen, but my heart danced there, my senses were in overdrive, and my desire for a deeper knowledge of bio-intensive gardening needs to be nurtured. 

Tara and Craig Smith founded this farm in 2009, and I was blown away that neither of them had any farm background when they purchased this 300-acre property.  The Omnivore's Dilemma is what changed their life causing them to step away from their corporate jobs in order to help balance the needs of environment and nutrition via a harmony with land and animals.  So far, it is remarkable what they have accomplished and are offering to the community. 

Tara gave us a tour of the farm which included baby chicks {biggest deal ever for the crumb}, goats, a new to the world baby bull, baby owls, piglets, and the vegetable gardens.  She spoke freely, proficiently, and brilliantly.  I could have listened to her stories, ideas, lessons, and facts for hours, and I did ask how I could learn more about the bio-intensive farming from their mastermind gardener, Elijah.  I'm hoping a valid answer is forthcoming...

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

A Key Role ~

It warms my heart to see the beautiful relationships growing between the little crumb and the men in our family.  There is no doubt, she is a papa's girl.  When he is by her side, her soul reaches new heights of happiness.  She has his mischievous {in a good way} ring-leader qualities, and she can make any room her stage with all the occupants within hanging on her every word/action {just like her charismatic papa}. He invests time in her, listens to her every word, and worships the ground she walks upon.  She will always save her last dance for him, and him only.

Her grandfathers also play a key role in her life.  They have taught her how to fish, catch lizards, hit a golf ball, ride a bike, and use tools to 'fix' stuff.  Most importantly, unbeknownst to her, a healthy, respectable, adoring outlook of the male variety is being established. Every moment she spends with these strong, skilled, gentle, loving men is special and adds another layer onto a growing foundation of honor and trust. 

She and I are lucky girls, and they are amazing men who deserve to be celebrated every. single. day.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

 

An Outdoor Table ~

Along with our move to the wine country, came the ability to eat outdoors for almost every meal.  Unless it is raining or temperatures drop below 55 degrees, we are gathered around the outdoor table underneath a big ol' walnut tree.  It's one of those dreamy simple things in life that I never really want to do without {again}.  

I've been searching for vintage tablecloths and napkins to perk up our 'dining room', so when my wonderful friend, Estelle, gifted me with this French striped tablecloth {it is so soft and exudes summer} along with made-by-her-creative-hands-pretty-as-you-please napkins, I wanted to jump over her pink moon! 

Don't you agree that a table setting is the ideal backdrop for what food you place upon it?  No doubt throughout this outdoor season, there will constantly be plates of watermelon, vegetables, and other tasty courses upon our table as well as sweet endings too.  One of my favorite summer desserts is a Banana Cream Pie.  I like to use this simple recipe here with Dr. Oetker Organic Vanilla Pudding.  If you try it, just one request ~ save at least one piece for breakfast the next morning.  You will not regret it. 

 [Reverie-Daydream Images]

Soleil ~

I'm giddy.  The pool opens this weekend.  More fun times are on the horizon.  I've got big plans for this Summer.  The crumb and I are going to wear the path out to the community pool, and fingers-crossed, she will know how to swim by the end of this glorious season.  

Also with this warm weather, I've developed a 'dangerous' addiction to home-made ice cream.  My little machine has been churning non-stop ~ lemon verbena {using this recipe as my base for all flavors}, coffee, strawberry, and cherry with raw cocoa nibs.  The tasty concoctions are endless which means the laps I will need to swim daily is a really high number.  I'm okay with that.   

Outdoor movies, library reading challenges, alfresco dining for every meal, farmers markets, concerts in the parks, popsicles, garden-to-table-food, dancing under the stars, soaking up every bit of Summer's magic and then some ~ it's that time of year where I am ready to 'disconnect' and just reconnect to BEING. 

The other day, it struck me that my crumb is no longer a little baby.  She is growing up really fast {and I'm not going to lie, I'm all for the growing up..}, but I'm REALLY loving this age.  She is fun, sweet as pie, full of personality {a real jokester}, and a total sponge. I want this formative time of her life to be off-the-charts incredible because the memories we make will hopefully be what brings a huge smile to her face every time this splendid season of soleil roles around.

Now my sun-bunnies, what are you planning for the blissful months ahead?

[Jean Gabriel Domergue]

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Jeanne Oliver }

I grew up in a small town in Illinois.  Sometimes you know you won't stay and that the world is calling you.  Sometimes the very things you ran from...you later will come to long for.  When I go home now to see my parents, it is the little things that bring peace and joy.  

I think the corn looks so beautiful when it is high and it lightly sways in the wind.  I love the rich brown of the soil.  The soil that looks like brownie mix and will grow anything.  As the sun sets and all the lightning bugs come out to play.  As they light up the fields as they fly.  The quiet of the country.  How when I am in the country, I want to grab a blanket and cuddle with my husband under the stars.  {No one is looking.  Why not.}  Morning coffee on the porch while there is still dew on the grass.

Someday.  Someday we will have our land.  Our quiet.  Our morning coffees on the front porch.  Our summer nights filled with fireflies.  Our garden ripe from the soil that will grow anything.  Our secret cuddles under the stars.  I don't know where we will find our little bit of land.  But we will.  Someday.  

What are you wishing for?

Jeanne Oliver is one of those people who is extremely talented, beautiful inside and out, and hilarious {I'm talking don't have your mouth full of food or drink when she tells a story or else...that kinda funny}.  I'm hoping she visits me one day soon, or at least I get to see her again next year at ALT.  She sticks with you that Jeanne...a country girl with a city flair who you just don't want to lose track of on your friendship radar.   

[images via Jeanne Oliver]