Once Upon A Time

Long, long ago, it all started in my bedroom



when I realized that I would never have a sister or a brother to play with. So I learned to pretend and to create a world of my own.



Then when I went to school and learned how to read, I knew what I wanted to do.



I wanted to go to Paris



study hard and learn how to speak French



write



draw









and fashion books of my own.



I have accomplished my first two goals, and the literary endeavor is in process. But in the mean time, I have taken my childhood pains and passions



and as an adult, I have unabashedly entered through the chimerical world of creativity


Myspace Glitter Graphics



at the risk of being outlandishly "different" to colossal proportions. To my surprise however, I have been breathlessly taken back



by the light shining through the portal from the other side of my dreams.



Call me an idealist or a romantic






but I prefer to be thought of as a visionary with a purpose to fulfill my idea of LIVING. So if you would be so daring dear reader, as to put on your hat



daintily lift up your skirt



and step into the carriage



to embark on a voyage to Marie Antoinette's Hameau at Versailles





after which I have patterned my own reality at Rabbit Hill.



I used to dream of how Marie's harp strings might have vibrated in the quiet air of the French countryside





but now, I make my own music every night



and fill the air of the garden of Clair de Lune with the gentle sounds of my harp.



During quiet moments on the weekend, I wander and wonder what is just around the corner



for me to examine, explore and pattern my home after the elegant luxury of the humble countryside of Versailles.











So while you are waiting for me to take some decent photographs of where I LIVE, take a seat



relax and dream



about the possibilities waiting for you!





Fairytale photographs by Lissy Elle

Carolyn Quartermaine Images via Google Images

Illustrations Copyright Castles Crowns and Cottages

Rabbit Hill by Castles Crowns and Cottages

Image of Can-Can Mouse - drawing by Anita but idea from Penny White of Angelsdoor

Images of Le Hameau at Versailles via Google France

By nature, nature

is elegant





refined



hauntingly beautiful







and breathtaking



providing us with a bridge upon which we cross the waters of inspiration



from nature's hues








and nesting instincts



in order to make our homes a place of repose











and personal royal treatment.







As you slip into your comfortable slippers



and putter around your home, open the windows of reflection and savor the colors and the scents of the season



as I welcome you to step through my doorway into MY home in the next several weeks.



In the meantime, sit with me in the niche of the Yew at Much Marcle



and dream of what marvelous things await us on the other side of the door at the Yew at St. Edwards;



perhaps it will be a magical soirée in an enchanted garden of wisteria that will inspire us once again to create an atmosphere all our own.



Merci mille fois for coming to participate in our birthday party; I know that we ALL enjoyed our special celebrations and you were a huge part of making this a memorable birthday for us all!

Bisous à tous!

Photo Credits:

Images from Google
Pink Duchess Chase lounge - via Paris Apartment
Blue Chaise - Castles Crowns and Cottages taken at Rose Mille, Stillwater, Minnesota
Metal Wreath - Castles Crowns and Cottages purchased from my sweet friend Julie at Gilded Moons
Much Marcle and The Yew at St. Andrew's from the fabulous book:
"Meetings with Remarkable Trees" by Thomas Pakenham, Random House