A Few Moments

In the bustle of days (that is my life), I have lost track of time. I have deconstructed my daily rhythm, missing opportune moments for taking photos, completing projects and crossing off items from my "to-do" lists (and there are so many lists). For me, that is the nature of summer. We go outside when it is early, before the heat of the day, we eat when hunger seizes our bellies, we play and socialize and wander about until dusk, then fall into bed with a contented ease. I am happy to report that I feel the air of autumn approaching. Even though the air is muggy and thick with sweltering heat, I sense a difference. The flowers and leaves have peaked in their lavish grandeur, they seem to have a certain resignation, as the earth is pulling them back towards itself. In myself, I feel a certain striving that I have lacked for months. My thoughts want to get organized, I wish to check tasks off my list and plan meals ahead for more than a day in advance. Here is a perfect example. Yesterday, I thought to myself how I really wish to have a new set of cafe curtains in the kitchen. And instead of moping over the task of doing something about it, I peered into my linens and found the perfect vintage tablecloth to transform into a new kitchen look. And after persistently battling my sewing machine for a good hour, I finally set about the task of making the curtains. Mind you, I do not have any particular seamstress skills, I am practical and not too perfectionist about my results. But to end the day with the accomplishment of fresh curtains and a set of matching napkins was quite a joy!

 And here's to summer evenings, sharing a fresh strawberry tart (from Clotilde's Chocolate And Zucchini ) and  al fresco dining at Nikki's. We enjoyed french cooking in honor of our read of the month, Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. I loved the book.