I have just finished a make over of my office at home and wanted to share the new look and introduce Mirella!  While out shopping one day, I spotted her and knew immediately she would be the crowning touch to my new space. I have always admired Mannequins and love the feminine touch they add to a room. I happily purchased her and then came home and had the most fun getting her dolled up!
       A simple black pashmina draped as a skirt and a lovely lace scarf  were the base for her savy style. Loving all that sparkles with  Romantic appeal came my Tiara as a choker and then several strands of Pearls for charm! A simple white hat with my black fasinator on top added to her sophisticated flare! The only thing missing is an arm so she could have held a Martini! LOL  Her name Mirella is Italian  and prounced Mee-Reyl-lah rolling your R's.  It means to admire . I decided not only is she beautiful to admire but she also brings out the creativity in me.
     With that said my decision  to make her my Silent Business Partner was made. It really is perfect, I do all the talking and she is always dressed for Success!  Here she is and a few pictures of my new creative space.

   We all have many memories that are brought to light at times and then quickly dismissed for the  next thought or idea.  The challenge to create, expand and compete to prove we have escalated to a more purpose driven life seems to be the priority of so many.  The Gold seal of approval whether in athletics or acting is supreme. For many others everyday tasks are a joy. I fall into the latter preferring the experience to the event. The take away sensation in my heart feels the same as many awarded medals . I often discuss with my family the need to isolate the moment and share the feeling of it, dismissing its ranking level. OK OK I will get off my soapbox before you click off, and simply celebrate Mama, her memories and most of all her fabulous Meatballs.
     Although not with us today her memory is one that I will forever treasure.  Whether it be a familiar smell when i'm cooking or shopping for vegetables at the farm stand, can spark feelings of so many special times we spent together. She and my father-in-law lived in Brooklyn and we were living on Long Island and they would come out for weekend visits.   It was always so much fun cooking, shopping, and just listening to the stories she would share with me of her childhood. She lived her life with the joy of pleasing her family.  She was creative, thoughtful,  and diligent to the family needs. She stayed focused with the changing times and adjusted her momentum without the need to be heard from a new platform. 
    On our trip to England and Italy I thought of her often.  Both Countries seem to preserve their cultures in their original make-up. There is less of a tear down and rebuild attitude, replaced with refurbishing the original state.  We found this in both Architecture and Food.  Their buildings and villages reflect years past and are sought out by so many tourists to glimpse tradition still in existence . Meals follow this tradition as well, with basics and  simplicity carried out, savoring the experience as a course in its self.
​    In Italy, as well as my mother-in-laws kitchen years back Macaroni and meatballs were followed by another course of meat and salad and then a dessert of Demitasse (espresso) and pastries with fruit and nuts to complete the meal. She said Sunday's were about  family, meatballs and good conversation.  Her home reflected her heart and I am so happy to have a few of her pots and dishes. She also crocheted baby blankets and sweaters for my children and made a beautiful lace top for their bassinet . 
     Remembering the taste of Mama's Sunday meatballs is an experience that I will forever Savour! She truly was a Golden gem!
    
    
    

       The beauty of the English Countryside is best enjoyed on foot. Taking walks along paths and discovering the natural beauty and listening to the sounds and feeling the breeze in the air are truly uplifting to me. Photos capture the scene but walking the countryside implants the experience in your heart to forever relive the moment in your mind. I practice meditation and reflect my holiday memories as my focus.I sit quietly and close my eyes and feel the memory come into vision. Walking through a path from Bourton on the Water to Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter provided me with beautiful refections to treasure.
    After a lovely English breakfast we sat with our inn keepers and asked for a local destination to go by foot. They suggested the Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter that could be reached by a path nearby and about a three mile walk to the Mill. 
    We set out for the path and stopped to take the photo below at the gate. Once again just being out in the open Countryside on foot made the experience for me a complete feeling of freedom! My mind had no worries only to breath the air and take in the beautiful scene around. As we walked further we came upon a horse out grazing and we walked over to introduce ourselves and a lovely couple took our picture!

    As we continued our walk we heard Church bells in the distance and remarked how perfect the moment felt with the sound of the bells. It was like experiencing a beautiful dream with the scenery and soundtrack in sync. The Church came into view and once again something out of a storybook set in past years . They were preparing for a wedding, as we saw tables being set with white cloths and centerpieces of bright colored flowers being put in place. I was hoping to see the Bride when I heard a group of men behind us and realized it was the Groom and his Groomsmen. They had on Morningcoats and walked the path to the church. I tried to get a quick photo to capture the idyllic scene.

    Of course by now if you could read my thoughts I already was planning that my Husband and I coul renew our vows here in that same church and with that happy thought continued on. We next passed a group of people on horseback and more beautiful Cottages. 

    I left this image large as I wanted everyone to savor such a simple beautiful scene. My thought was  to jump the fence and sit on that bench and hopefully the owner would come out and join me and perhaps we could share a cup of tea! A pleasant daydream on a fabulous day deep in the English Countryside...doesn't get better than this!

    Upon reaching the Mill we sat down for a little rest before going into the Museum and gift shop. I took a few pictures of a sweet dog that was playing with his owner and fetching a stick they threw in the water.

    After a visit to the Museum and purchasing some pretty linens and beautiful cards we started our walk back to our B&B.  We enjoyed afternoon Tea that day  and shared stories with other house guests. 
Here is one of the beautiful gardens of a home on our way back.