Happy summer...scenes from July.....

I have to apologize for my absence...I have been so busy and don't seem to have the time I used to for my blog.  What have you been up to?  It is very hot here in Maine, so staying inside has been a good idea.  I have posted pics of some things I have done this month.  I don't usually post too much personal stuff, but, a change of pace is always good right?  I looked after a friend's cat for a week which was fun, went to a lake here in Maine for July 4th and was THRILLED that Andy Murray won Wimbledon! I am a big tennis fan and have gone to Wimbledon and a couple of other smaller tournaments when I lived in England.  I have been exploring Maine and spent last Saturday visiting an island and Sunday at the beach.  I hope you are enjoying the summer, staying cool and having fun even if you have to work! 

Fluff, my little charge for a week in late June...

Lake view on July 4th weekend...

A friend's cat, Bailey...

The lake...

Enjoyed Andy Murray's Wimbledon win for the UK...

The Union Jack...

(all images by me)

What are you doing this summer?? 

See you soon!

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Best of MI...Fabulous Fabric Fridays...Richard Smith...

Well, its my last Friday in my seaside cottage and I've gone for my last walk...its bittersweet for me, but on to bigger and better things now.  I thought in true fashion for a Friday, I would post one of my favorite columns about one of my favorite places in the world: England.  My mother was born in Scotland and I lived in England so it has a very special place in my heart. Not to mention aunts, cousins and friends live there so its always a vacation I want to take.  So, enjoy and have a great weekend! I will be posting from my new digs soon! Thanks for following and stopping by -

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From October 2010

'Fairlight' - Richard's 17th century farmhouse

I'm sorry I'm so late with this post but I spilled hot coffee on my laptop keyboard and it stopped working! Needless to say, I purchased a keyboard that is spill-proof (!!) so it is just a quick fix until I decide to take my laptop in for some 'surgery...'  I digress...welcome to Jolly Old England for this post. Highlighting a fabulous textile designer in the UK - Richard Smith who has redone his country home and uses ALL his own fabrics to decorate...I think you will like what you see - I can't decide which room I like best...:))

Richard has designed fabrics for F. Schumacher and Warner Fabrics...

Richard Smith in his studio amongst his textiles...

'Cecily' hand printed silk...

(original images by James Merrell)
(Interior Design by Diana Kelly with Richard Smith)

I love all of the rooms, but the turquoise linen fabric in the dining room and these curtains above are particularly beautiful...Richard has done different collections for 'No. 9 Thompson' and you can see more here.  Since living in England, I have a soft spot for all things British and of course, British design.  Thank you for spending a little time with me this week and I hope you all have a great weekend!! I have something special for you next week so please stop in again! xx :))

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Thank you London...

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics from London and will go into a post-Olympic slump when they close tonight with a spectacular ceremony. Its always bittersweet, but, the amazing athletes with unbelievable personal stories are always nothing short of miraculous. Michael Phelps, Andy Murray, Oscar Pistorius, Usain Bolt and so many other athletes will long be remembered not only for their talent, but to remind us that anything is possible with grit, determination and focus.  Keep that in mind as you go about your daily business and negative thoughts creep into your head...'I think I can' and 'what you think about you bring about' are so simplistic, but powerful...here are some images by Etsy watercolor artist Jessica Durant whose work I really admire (do visit her shop on Etsy!):

(image)

(images Jessica Durrant)

So, until Rio in 4 years - next up, the Winter Games 2014 from Sochi, Russia -

Have a great Sunday!

If you want to place an ad on my blog or need help decorating your kitchen or bath, please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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