LUNCH, FRIENDSHIPS AND CITY LIFE IN A PIED-A-TERRE

Lunch had been planned in the city with two  friends . . . . . it was a day to enjoy and not be 'on' to create (which of course I do love), but to cast responsibilites to the wind and just be me!  The city holds so much passion for me and there isn't a day that my weekly travels to Chicago don't produce joy, vulnerability, surprises, discoveries and great dining.  Today was a day full of all . . . joy, vulnerability, surprises and a great lunch with two special people who I feel lucky to call my friends.    We met, shared English travel memories from our trip to Dorset last Fall, talked, talked and talked some more.  There wasn't a lull. . . . .laughter, tears of joy with concerns for each one taking her turn to speak and share.  Then (and I missed that memo) we were invited to dessert to share a new city dwellers home and with great joy we accepted.    Peoples homes are usually a reflection of who they are . . . . . this held so true for my soul was nurtured in her surroundings.  Come take a look!

Her colors:  grey and white.

Her elements: antique pine, linen, rattan, silver trays and

weathered iron!!

Her atmosphere:  to die for!!!

The master bedroom:  lush, cozy and simple (but so rich

with atmosphere) and calming.

Within bedroom limits sat a white, large upholstered chair and

ottoman with a neatly folded grey blanket to ward of a chilly

night of reading.

Because storage was at a minimum, a storage basket was topped

with a silver tray for the placement of a drink of preference.

This wonderful English armoire held the T. V.  My friend

pointed out that they had wheels installed on the bottom of the legs

         so the armoire could face the bed for late night T.V. or  the living room while dining.  

Love the bonnet feature of this armoire and the ironstone

against the brick vaulted ceiling!  The elements of warehouse

living so soothing to the soul!  Loved it!

The living room, an old chippy vintage trunk and a white linen

sofa!  The aged iron lamp with a linen shade could have been French.

This little woven stool (there were two!) served as extra seating

for her grandchildren (ages 5 and 11).  It was her idea to have

a little cushion created so the children would have more to sit on than just

a raw woven seat.  The fabric was a match to the sofa and armless chairs.

A birds eye view

 of the Lincoln Park Zoo

Candles on silver trays, white blankets in wire containers

all comfortably sharing a coffe table made from a chippy old

iron gate from the French countryside under a glass.

The small but attractive kitchen opened to the living room

but seemed so unoffesive in spite of its placement which shared the wonderful

elements of white, silver and glass!

The view by day . . . only to be imagined from this little

pied-a-terre, what nightfall will bring to this city

of lights.

One last look before leaving. . . . my thoughts of charm,

beauty, good taste all embodied in a little warehouse

structure that couldn't have been more perfect for

life in the city.

~

"At the heart of each of us, whatever our imperfections, there exists a silent pulse,

of perfect rhythm, which is absolutely individual and unique, and yet which

connects us to everything else."  ~ George Leonard

Yes, among friends, it couldn't have been a more perfect day!

Thanks girls for a great day and for the glorious gift of friendship.