COASTAL REFLECTIONS

It has been a very busy week! I had two assignments for Log Home Design magazine to finish, Section 2 of The Mystery Project to work on, tickets for two Bruce Springsteen concerts, and Thanksgiving to plan.

Before I tell you more about what I’ve been up to, I’d like to explain today’s Coastal theme.

Outside my house the leaves were falling. Inside I was gathering gourds into bowls, and stockpiling ingredients for our Thanksgiving extravaganza, like a crazed gourmet squirrel.

Why did I have a few starfish sitting on top of my printer (instead of tiny Jack Be Little pumpkins from my garden) and a handful of seashells sprinkled on my desk?

I needed to get in a Coastal mood.

Section 2 of The Mystery Project deals with several different decorating styles, and this week I was writing the chapter on Summery Seaside Style. So, I alternated playlists of Caribbean music (does anyone else out there love the Mighty Sparrow?) with Springsteen’s new CD, served lobster rolls for dinner one night, and tried to think coastal thoughts.
(photo from Roadfood)

I added several photos of Aquamare, a luxury beachfront villa enclave on Virgin Gorda (one of the British Virgin Islands) to my virtual bulletin board.
Sent to me by my friend Rachel, who knows I love to write about – and dream about -- quiet island destinations, the villas are luxury to the max. Each villa has an unobstructed view of breathtaking sunsets, a waterfront infinity pool, private balconies, and a secluded outdoor bathing pavillion with a rain forest shower. Wonder what all this costs? The bad news is at www.VillaAquamare.com.
I even displayed my car keys near my computer. They dangle from a Wriskey in soothing turquoise shore shades. Crafted by Tara, at www.bellapinkcafe, Wriskeys make great stocking stuffers—and they come in dozens of fabulous fabric patterns.Dee, a friend of mine since my days as editor of Country Collectibles magazine, cheered me on with one of her Sock Monkey cards. Dee’s book "Friends Knock Your Socks Off" is coming out in late January, and I can’t wait. The book – and over a hundred themed Sock Monkey note cards -- can be ordered at www.sockmonkeylady.com.
On the Log front: It’s time to get your copy of the January issue of Log Home Design. In addition to several stunning log homes in rural Illinois, Southern Virginia, and the mountains of Colorado, the new issue features my story on designing the perfect Master Suite.
Since magazines work far ahead in order to meet their production schedules, the assignments I was finishing up this week are for the April 2008 issue. One article was about a couple who built their dream home on a Florida cattle ranch that had been in the family for several generations. In my experience, folks who build log homes are the nicest most hospitable people. I now have an open invitation to come for a fish fry and stay in the couple’s guest cottage (in one of the ranch’s renovated barns). How cool is that?

As for Springsteen, while the shows are now well under three hours, they were as terrific, as always. Bruce and the E Street Band are supporting their new album, "Magic.” The hit single, "Radio Nowhere," is streaming at Springsteen's MySpace page.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Mary Poppins (no, that’s not her real name!) loves hearts, vintage lace, anything embroidered and brocante finds. Even if the only Italian you understand is “tiramisu”, you’ll be enchanted with this fascinating blog. Go to
www.atmosferadicasa.blogspot.com