The world is a mirror. I always say that whenever something in life goes off the rails, first thing to do is look in the mirror. I say that. Sometimes it takes a while to get to it… but the answer is always there.
This Thomas Dreier quote was among the “150 Love Notes” I found the other day at stylish Wendy Foster in Los Olivos (CA). All 150 are different and with charming, vintage-y illustrations and borders. A picture of an old-timey sewing machine as the caption “You are sew perfect.” A pink sheep says “Love you baaaad.”
Their maker is Sugarboo Designs, based in Roswell, Georgia, and they make all sorts of lovely handcrafted slightly rustic-chic-granny sorts of things for the home. Great gifts, too.
Anyway we were having houseguests for the weekend, His Grace’s old Army buddies and their wives, and I thought these notes would be fun to incorporate into the place cards at dinner the first night. For each guest I put a note in an envelope with his or her name on the envelope. After the first course, we went around the table and read them in turn. Some were serious, and some were funny. I randomly chose them, but it was interesting to see how each somehow suited its recipient.
Our sunflowers are blooming and we are all about sunflowers at the moment. Here’s another table, similar.
And one more…
Now I’ll leave you to look in the mirror. You look great, by the way. Don’t let anybody tell you different. And remember, joy is the best make-up. Anne Lamott said that. Love her.
I’m traveling for a few weeks … but I’ll see you on Instagram in the meantime.
More sunflowers, these painted from a photo a friend sent from North Carolina:
How beautiful, Frances! Such a multi-talented woman!! I just love that quote. And I truly believe it. And those notes are just precious. I’m trying to take the time to do little nice things for people. Those notes would be so great for that! xo Kristy
Thank you, Kristy, and yes these little notes are great pick-me-ups for family and friends. More than we know, sometimes.
Love the sunflower painting! xo, J
Thank you sweet Julie. xo F
Love your painting Frances.
Camille
Thank you dear Teacher.
A Beautiful table with beautiful sunflowers!Enjoy your travels……….
Thank you Contessa!
Love sunflowers, the painting is beautiful .
Always a pleasure to receive a post from you. You always make me appreciate the little things like enjoying the beauty of sunflowers. I’m looking forward to your book.
I love little notes and quotes! My daughter is forever painting them on old windows and canvases and giving to friends. I like how you used them for your beautifully decorated dinner. (-: Your painting is lovely- You ARE multi-talented. Safe journeys. XO-Leslie B.
You always know just what to say Frances! Inspiring as always. xo C.
Your painting glows, love it, xo, linda
Thank you for such a “sunny” post! Love those precious note cards too!
Frances! Your timing is uncanny! I just finished looking in a mirror ( in shock) in the airplane bathroom after a 16 hour flight in economy to Hong Kong! Did I age that much or can I blame it on the Cathay Pacific lighting! Now sitting in a lounge at 5am your post has certainly cheered me up! And your sunflower painting – LOVE!! And your tables divine.. Love getting a peak at your beautiful life!!
I am off to Bali next flight to work on my new beach wear collection!! Excited and a bit nervous … The creative process as you know is always scary – keeps me feeling alive!!
Thank you for your creativity !! Your post keep me going!! Safe travels can’t wait to hear of your next adventures!! Much love
Dearest Laurette, bless your sweet jet-lagged heart, thank you. It is definitely the airplane lighting – nothing is worse. Can’t wait to see your next collection of beach wear! Love, love, Frances
Your painting is just so wonderful and happy.xoxoxMW
So glad to see that you are continuing to paint while working on your book. The sunflowers both on the table and in the painting are beautiful. They really are one of the best parts of this time of year.
Leslie, Linda, Mary Wayne, Alison, thank you all for your kind remarks about my painting. Goodness gracious it was just a toss-in at the end, and you have flattered me to pieces. Or petals, maybe. 😉 Thank you so much.
Sunflowers are such happy flowers, aren’t they? They’re so sunny and smiley. By the way, the sunflower painting would make a darn nifty card, perfect for dashing off a quick note to friends … just sayin’! Love, love, love Anne Lamott, her “Help, Thanks, Wow” is a permanent fixture on my night-table. Happy travels, Ms. Frances and keep the wonderful posts and photos coming!
Yes they are, EB, and not surprised you share my love for Anne Lamott. “Help, Thanks, Wow” stays by my reading chair as well. Thanks as always, love, Frances
The mirror quote from Dreier is lovely! Wonderful message for all of us. Thank you for sharing this, Frances.
So impressed with your painting skills! It’s beautiful.
Oh, Sarah!Thank you 🙂