HAITI Needs Your Urgent Help

I've been wildly busy over the last two weeks so my posting has suffered considerably but I did want to touch on the truly terrible human tragedy still unfolding in Haiti as a result of the earthquake there last week. I encourage all my readers who are able to make a donation to contribute as much as you can possibly manage to your preferred relief agency. There are many GREAT charities mobilizing to help Haiti. All of them need our help. Here's a link to Charity Navigator's list of relief organizations to help you make a difference.

I donated to Doctors Without Borders, a magnificent team of doctors and nurses who have selflessly committed themselves to helping others who have nothing.

My husband donated to another wonderful organization AmeriCares based in Stamford Connecticut.

BRAVO SANDRA BULLOCK !!!!! This is one GREAT Hollywood star who has donated ONE MILLION DOLLARS to Doctors Without Borders. Click the linked image below for the story at Huffington Post.

Mountain Retreats

As a child I spent many months in the Pyrenees, a beautiful mountain range between France and Spain.

Upon my Doctor's order, the treatment for my anemic state was to live at altitude. As a result, I developed a deep love for mountains, snow, brisk cold weather and most of all skiing.

I was commissioned by a client to design her ski house out west. I was thrilled at the prospect of working in my favorite environment. We started the project in September and our installation took place during a massive snow storm just before Christmas of the following year.

Here are some images that reflect my thoughts and vision for the ultimate ski house and mountain retreat.

Stone and hewed wood beam construction

Soaring ceilings with wood beams and wide plank flooring

My client's entrance foyer

AD Italia; No 343 Dec. 2009

AD Italia; No 343 Dec. 2009

Elle Decor Italia; No 12 Dec 2009

Living rooms with a warm inviting fireplace

Antique leather Club Chair with cashmere throws

to wrap oneself upon return from the slopes

Maisons Cote Est; No 46. Dec-March 2009

AD Italia; No 343 Dec. 2009
Hotel Les Fermes de Marie, Megeves, France

A must: Iron hand-made lighting by Jose Esteves,

exclusively at Interieurs, cast the warmest light

Unexpected industrial touches will help create a warm rugged

feel to the space all while being extremely functional

A large dining table for fondue parties and other great mountain meals

I designed this custom table with reclaimed

teak top and a cast iron base

Elle Decor Italia; No 12 Dec 2009

Found on Internet; source unknown

Some of the great unique industrial dining tables we offer at Interieurs

Bedroom Sanctuary

We incorporated reclaimed barn planks into

the walls of this loft bedroom suite

A Master Bedroom ...

... with its own fireplace

A guest room option: Interieurs' Armande bed

AD Italia; No 343 Dec. 2009

Found on Internet; Source unknown

A must for any bedroom: A welcoming armchair

with soft throws and pillows (from Interieurs)

A small industrial desk for those short notes to friends

Coffee nook in the guest suite

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Long ago I gave up fantasies of keeping any New Year resolutions.

I just...

Keep loving

my life... my boys, Alexander and Hadrian

my husband Luke

my mom and dad

Luke's Mom

Keep dreaming...

Photo by Chris Noble © 2007 High Ground Productions, LLC

CHAMONIX

Always looking for the powdery steeps.

Dream of making it to the top...

Live every day

fully... look around... smile at life... treasure the gifts of nature

one day at a time

Photo by: Amar Valdimarsson

Northern Lights in Iceland

Bonne Annee

welcome 2010

JOYEUX NOEL

Having just returned from Midnight Mass, I wanted to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas.

Ever since my early childhood, Silent Night has epitomized the essence of Christmas for me. I can remember sitting beside my grandmother at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve as she played this very old and beautiful hymn on the church organ. The lyrics of Silent Night are some of the simplest, yet most evocative of the true meaning of this wonderful holiday.

The silence following a snowfall always brings to mind Christmas.

My two sentry dogs welcome you to my home

Gifts awaiting Christmas morning

19 for Christmas Dinner



From me to you, Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

SOUTHWEST FRANCE... MY PLACE IN THE SUN

During my October trip home to visit my mother during her surgery, I took a few hours break every few days from my hospital vigil. Camera in hand I wandered through my native village of Clermont-Dessous and later, Bordeaux to show you this beautiful region that I call home.

Clermont-Dessous, my village in Lot et Garonne, where my family has lived for generations:

The view from my bedroom window

The 12th Century church where all my family going back many
generations were baptized, married and ultimately laid to rest.

Surrounding landscape of the rolling hills of Lot et Garonne

Welcome to Bordeaux

Bordeaux, one of the largest cities in France, is ideally located on the Garonne River Delta and the home of the most beautiful and famous vineyards in the world. Bordeaux is also very close to some of the most stunning beaches in Europe.

Bordeaux Riverfront

Miles of magnificent walkways along the banks of the Garonne

My father and my dear cousin Anne-Marie on the permanent artistic
and architectural installation Le Miroir D'Eau.

The Bordeaux "Water Mirror" is the largest water sculpture in the world.

A man needs a dog to be whole.

Medieval times meet contemporary architecture.

The "Palais de Justice" (Bordeaux Courthouse)

Le Grand Theatre

What would France be without its outdoor Cafes?

One of many Plazas spread around the city

Could the brilliant Catalan Architect Antonio Gaudi have
found some of his inspiration in Bordeaux?

Another Bordeaux Plaza Square

Bordeaux, A City for Children

A visit to "ENTREPOTS LAINE" is an absolute must

Bordeaux by night is a very romantic city

And, at last, that for which Bordeaux is best known throughout the world, its sacred Vineyards:

Chateau Haut-Brion
(Photo: Haut-Brion Catalog)

The Vat Room at Chateau Haut-Brion where the vineyard's
2009 Vintage now ferments.

Your Bordeaux Guide (Me, of course) sampling Chateau Haut-Brion's 2005 vintage

Chateau Petrus. Vintage 2004 now available at $1800/bottle. Ouch!!!

My Favorite Store in Bordeaux, L'Intendants...
The Ultimate Hotel for Wines

My favorite Spa, Les Sources de Caudalie, was just rated by Conde Nast as the best spa in the world. I stayed at the spa with my parents a few years ago on a short trip home.

Les Sources de Caudalie
Chateau Smith haut Lafite
Maisons Cote Ouest/No. 84 Oct-Nov 2009
Story: Caroline Mesnil/Photos: Francois Goudier

All photos by Francine Gardner unless otherwise credited