A Cotton Candy Break

(Image Source: Weheartit.com)

Deep within my childhood memories, and as if held by magic, invisible threads, summer and cotton candy are woven tightly together. I used to watch mesmerized as the colored sugar spun around and around and became a fluffly cloud. I truly thought the candy man was a magician. I also believed cotton candy was fairy food.

Walking along the boardwalk, holding my father's hand, the warm breeze playing with my hair, the sand between my toes, the tingling in my sun kissed shoulders,  carefully guarding the tin red bucket full of the pretty shells I had collected to later display on my window sill. Those distinctive smells and sounds of a typical summer day,  free of worries,  free from school. Times when the only major decision was to choose between cotton candy or candy apple (another favorite!)

Just like I can't think of hot apple cider during the summer, I can't think of cotton candy during the winter, but the minute July comes around I can't wait to get lost in that wonderful pink cloud and be transported to those wonderful days...

Speaking of wonderful days and special things, my dear friend Katy, who shines in her very own Sunny Spot has given me the "This Blog is Charming" Award:

Thank you Katy!  Your friendship truly is a blessing and I really mean it when I say you are like a breath of fresh air :0)

This Award requires that I share some things about myself. So, here it goes:

1- I always get out of bed stepping on my right foot (no comments...:0)

2- I love  dragonflies but am afraid to touch them.

3- I LOVE to dance.

4- I hate to exercise (hence the "pouch")

5- I love train rides.

6- I rode the Maid of the Mist (the steamship that goes "under" Niagara Falls) but now the mere thought of that makes me cringe with horror (do you get the impression I did this when I was VERY young and fearless?)

7- I am obsessed with fairy lights and they are EVERYWHERE in my house and garden.

Lastly, and here's the worst part... I must choose and pass it on! It is quite agonizing but rules are rules, so here I go. I pass this Award to:

Karen, the lovely creator of Sitting Oh So Pretty. This little lady never fails to make smile with her stories about the world she shares with her beloved Mister Darcy and Master Darcy :0) 

and to:

Abril, another lovely lady who lives in beautiful, sunny Spain and has a wonderful blog called "El Apartamento en Paris" (don't be fooled by the name... she does live in Spain :0) Abril is an avid fan of Hollywood as well as a very talented artist.

Wishing you all a beautiful "Cotton Candy Day"

XOXO

Out in the country

I have great news to share with you. As many already know, I am a lover of quiet places and I don't really like living so close to the city. Well, it so happened that this weekend we visited some friends who own a vacation home located at a campsite in New Jersey's beautiful Kittatiny Mountains. This is near the very point where one could turn one way and be in the State of New York, or turn the other and be in Pennsylvania. Needless to say the view is magnificent!

We were sitting there enjoying a glass of wine when we were told there was a place for sale. My husband and I looked at each other and before the day was through the "place" was ours!  The following images will give you an idea of where my TRUE Purple Caravan will be:

The previous owners had a well tended garden which I hope to bring back from under the many weeds

I hope to have a screened porch built quite soon!

The living room has two bay windows looking out to a wonderful forest. I can't wait to transform it from this outdated 80's look into my beloved Bohemian Garden style :0)

This home has been gently used and the kitchen cabinets are in perfect condition. There was a "purple" candle left behind... an omen perhaps? :0)

Dining area... I envision a hanging chandelier with colored crystals, a beautiful tablecloth, and definitely another mirror or painting... what do  you think?

This nook will also be transformed. A perfect spot for daydreaming!

I'm afraid I will be very busy the next coming months. The camp opens from April to November so we will have time to start some of the transformations we plan to make. I will, of course, be showing photos of that and of the lovely sites, such as the lake and hopefully the many critters that abound :0)

We got back home last night and already I have filled pages with ideas and shopping lists. A favorite Three Dog's Night song keeps coming back to me:

"Whenever I need to leave it all behind

Or feel the need to get away

I find a quiet place, far from the human race

Out in the country.

Before the breathin' air is gone

Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime

Out where the rivers like to run

I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'

Whenever I feel them closing in on me

Or need a bit of room to move

When life becomes too fast, I find relief at last

Out in the country..."

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. I apologize for not having been around to say hello as often as before, however, I do read and hold dear every single comment. Thank you!

Wishing everyone a lovely, magical day XO