Dreaming of Autumnal Bliss...

Woke up this morning to the smell of coffee and warm maple syrup and was soon eating breakfast in bed
as I watched the sunrise on this incredible autumn day.

Made a few calls and within an hour we met our closest friends out near our country house.

I was smart enough a few years ago to just go ahead and buy riding boots for my girlfriends and had them ready for a little jaunt around the grounds bursting with fall colors.

Of course, the plan was for me to be able to ride my favorite horse...

But somehow, I got last pick...

We rode and listened to the clip clop of the horses hooves and the sounds of the babbling brook...

Saying sad goodbyes to the horses, we headed back the path chatting about this and laughing about that...

We unpacked the baskets and set up  as the birds chirped and the squirrels snickered...

Hot apple cider warmed hands...and hearts...

While I perfected the scrumptious scene of snacks to tide us over til dinner...

Some of us whiled away the afternoon with a happy nap in the hammocks...

And others just read or relaxed...

It wasn't long before there was a chill in the air and wine in our hands.

And before we knew it, it was time to head into the barn for a candlelit dinner...

Happily having packed up earlier in the afternoon, Shawn and I waved goodbye to all as they drove off...

And we rowed across the lake to camp as he told me how very much he loves my new dark hair color...

Tents set up and the fire lit...we cuddled up feeling blessed for having such great friends and time to get to spend with them. Lucky. We're very lucky.

 Oh, and yes, it was only just a dream...well, except for having the best friends anyone could ask for and the hope that someday we can spend such a day together. That and I suppose that I really did go very dark with my hair and though Shawn does say he loves it, the fact that nearly everyone else has simply said, "Huh. Ya decided to go dark, did ya?", probably means that my stylist is going to have to work overtime next month to get me back to blond. As a side note...if you can't think of anything nice to say, it's probably better to not say anything at all! I mean, come on people! I'm just saying.

We are lucky though. Very lucky. Blessed in love and life and here's hoping you are, too.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xxoo

Equestrian Dreams

(via decor 8)

Whinnying horses and country homes were not a part of my upbringing...but I think in my next life they will be.   I've only ridden a horse maybe ten times in my life and though I was bucked off of one beauty when I was in junior high, it never deterred me from dreaming that someday I would one day be able to just walk out of my farmhouse and saddle up. This quiet ache overcame me once not so long after that accident when I stumbled across a pair of riding pants and boots during a morning of yard saling with my mom. They say to dress the part if you really want something...and so I did. I was utterly convinced that I had pulled off this look:

When in all actuality, I had managed to create this look:

And after witnessing far too much of this at my expense:

decided to hang up my chaps and spurs and get back to what I knew...

Venezia sweaters and Swatch watches.

So, while I'd love to think someday I'll make it to the Kentucky Derby dressed to kill...

For now I substitute my need for feeding carrots through fences to big buck teeth with trying to figure out ways to incorporate my equestrian dreams into beautiful interiors. Here are a few of my favorite inspirations...

(desire to inspire)

(house beautiful)

(eric roth photography)

(via design sponge)

(1st dibs)

Love those horse shoes...fabulous idea...think of all that good luck!

(melanie acevedo photography)

Oh, to have won these ribbons.