Quiet.

I've been spending some time thinking, dreaming, living - simply being. I've been a little bit absent from the blog world, but I'm still here...

I've been embracing quiet time to myself instead, playing Legos with my little guy who just turned six (six!), and I've been taking long walks in the sunshine before the heat and humidity of the south chase me back indoors.

I thought I'd share with you a poem that a beautiful friend sent my way... I've been thinking a lot about this poem's words, and how we have much to learn from the gentler, nobler pace of nature. I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I did.

Tonight and always, I am wishing you all peace, dear friends. Be well.


The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's life may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

~Wendell Berry


(image: via my scandinavian retreat)

Interior Windows

Remember this post I wrote a while ago..? I keep coming back to it for many reasons, but one of the most inspiring things about Johanna's space to me is the use of interior windows throughout her home. I can spot three of them in the above photo alone...

I love natural light, and using old windows that might otherwise end up in a landfill seems like a wonderful idea to let in more light...

I like them as a way to suggest privacy - somewhat playfully...

I like them in entryways,

and as mudrooms...

Sometimes, I even like the idea of interior windows in place of knocking down entire walls... And not only because it might be a way of saving storage or counter space, but also because - isn't it alluring to just get a peek into the next room over, without sacrificing the sense of intimacy that smaller spaces create..?

A suggestion of what lies beyond and the promise of loving light ahead... Yes, I think I like this idea. I like it a lot.

(images: 1. & 2. vintage; 3. via kitchen and bath ideas; 4. banks design associates; 5. via the goodie life; 6. via renovation style magazine; 7. via canadian house and home)

What's on Your Nightstand?

Lovely Kate of the wonderful and oftentimes hilarious (seriously - check this post out) The Goodie Life asked me to participate in this series - and I said, why of course. Just like that.

When you have a moment, do stop by... I have a few more pictures and words about my nightstand over there.

(Peek of gorgeous handmade lovelies: framed photo by Cara, ruffled bowl by Denise, sequined bracelet by Emma, little notebook by Katrina, lavender eye pillow by Allison.)

Periwinklebloom

If Noah could still fit in the sizes available, I'd dress him in nothing but. These are all homegrown and handcrafted in the United States, made of organic 100% cotton, and accent fabrics are vintage. Oh, and did I mention that the styling and photography work are worth framing?

This beautiful dress/tunic with a handmade crocheted flower would look just as lovely with a long-sleeve shirt underneath it...

And this - the perfect gift for that little one that will be just the right size come summertime...

A warm and soft turtleneck for the last cold winter days...

And a pretty, cozy sherpa blanket with the loveliest ruffled edge...

A beautiful halter top with the carefully hand-printed ferns of talented Lotta of inleaf to welcome spring...

A sherpa hoodie to ward off the lingering chill in the air of late afternoon...

...or another cozy option with vintage fabric used for lining.

More pretty vintage fabric for pretty ears on this adorable mouton...

This lovely waste-not garland,

...and a sweet waste-not satchel with the subtly embroidered words 'gather' - all made of remnants so as to reduce waste.

I've loved Periwinklebloom for a while now, and I love them even more now that I know the wonderful woman behind this labor of love. Please take a moment to browse through her site - I have a feeling you will fall in love with her work just as much as I have.

**ps: use code cozywinter at checkout for 40% off**

(images: periwinklebloom)