can you feel it?

It's sad to say goodbye to summer but there's a certain chill in the morning air that lets you know change is coming. I feel it and I love it.
*via betterthanfine

the rest of the story

I realized I never mentioned about how nice it is to go fishing! To sit and be silent and wait for the fish to bite. I enjoy the idea of it all but I don't really like the bait, the fish, and looking at the fish in a bucket...so we threw them all back in. Felt like I was giving a second chance to somebody.

crazy crazy

This weekend is one that I will most likely never forget. I met my only Uncle. Robert LaPorte, the brother of my father that I don't really remember; who turned out to be a very nice man. It was strange. We both didn't really know what the other looked like but he came up to me at the cafe and said, "Natalie? You look just like your mother." I could have started sobbing and never stopped...I realized how much I missed her. Everyday. My mother was always there for me.
He told me some things about my father. David. He was the youngest of the family and anyone that met him loved him. He told me that my father had a wild streak in him and that he did not get to talk to or see him before his death. My father. My father is gone. He died on some adventure in South America. Maybe that's why he never communicated with me? Maybe that's why my mother never spoke of him realizing he was never coming back.

I do not know when these pictures were taken but I scanned them in so I could share with you. This was really the first time as an adult that I have ever seen a picture of him. He is my father and as much as I want to hate him and yell at him and ask him "why?!" I realize that I can't. It's over.
He was who he was and I wasn't a part of his life. I've had to deal with this for a long time so it's not like all this was a shock to me. Meeting my Uncle just brings up some issues that I thought I had nicely tucked away and put up way high on a closet shelf...but I'm okay. I'm going to meet my Uncle again next week at his house to give him some time to look for any other items I may want or pieces of information (medical records, etc..) that I may need in the future.
I was glad to see Jack after this.

New Day

I have a big weekend ahead of me. A quick trip to have coffee with my Uncle Robert this Saturday...looking forward to finally meeting this man and getting to know him. It's a weird feeling; but it's just for coffee and we'll see where it all leads.
Afterwards, I'll meet Jack for our fishing date. Jack told me he would postpone the fishing until another day but I just thought it would give me a good excuse to end my breakfast meeting. Is that awful to say?
I just don't want too much, too soon and not be able to figure it all out. My Dad and his past; where was he all my life; where is he now? There's a lot of questions I have, but this way I can limit them and take it slow. Find out if I really want to know the answers.
Fishing is starting to sound better and better.

smile

Colbie Caillat - Fallin' For You
by UniversalMusicGroup

I'm not usually the video girl, but Lily (Jack's sister) just sent me this and I was on the floor.Disclaimer: Jack is NOTHING like this guy but the song definitely hits home.

Catching the First Fish

Catching the First Fish, originally uploaded by Tim Somero.

might be feeling a little like this sweet girl this weekend. Jack suggested we go fishing (first time for me, I'm afraid) at a nearby lake stocked with trout (that part sounds good) Keep you posted.

Taking a Chance

When I mentioned to Ralph that I left a comment on the lil bee's blog about how I enjoyed the newest Rachel Zoe show because I knew the outcome; Ralph replied,"Of course you loved it when you already knew the ending...you're a control freak, Nat".
I suppose in some ways he's right. I DO like to know how things are going to turn out...to be prepared if it's an unhappy ending or to have some idea of what the outcome might be. It's hard for me to go into something if the result is an unknown. I'm not the best with surprises I suppose.
Perhaps that's why I'm embracing the spontaneity of my life these last few weeks.
Finding Benson, meeting Jack, and the prospect of reconnecting with a lost family member is not really my style. I'm thrilled with how the ride's going so far...

Old is New

After seeing this wall and hearing the announcement that Urban Outfitters has saved Polaroid film for everyone....

I dug up my mom's old camera and am feeling inspired to have some fun with an old friend. Happy pictures everyone.

Paint with Molly

It's been way too long since I got my artist's groove on but I thought Molly (Jack's dog) would be a good first step. I'll be seeing Jack next weekend and thought this would be a nice surprise. Hope you're having a great day.

Laugh and enjoy your weekend everyone!
*via abbysharp

letter perfect

The good thing about Jack not relying on cell phones, emails, texting, twittering, and all the other online communication is that he likes to do things the old fashioned way. He'll call me from his land line and he's even sent a little note or two. It may take a little longer for us to connect...but it's worth the wait!

See Me

If I ever need glasses I hope I can look this wonderful.

Bag lady

I'm pretty much a one bag for two seasons sort of girl.

Spring/Summer gets a bag with color, something fresh and fun while my Fall/Winter bags enjoy classic colors in a fashionable look. I feel like I pay triple digits for most of my bags (it just happens...I'm not looking to spend hundreds...but I always end up and fall in love with the ones with the hefty pricetags) and I feel like I should wear them and enjoy them with most of my wardrobe without the worry and hassle of changing to go with this outfit or that outfit.

What about you? Do you change your bags daily? weekly? or do you use one bag for all seasons?
*loving this but not owning Rebecca Minkoff from SFA.

life changer

A wedding will change your life...but why not change the lives of others as well?
Wear TOMS in your wedding, and help children in need with the first steps you take toward your new life together. TOMS will offer a special deal for couples who outfit their entire wedding party in TOMS to help make an even bigger difference in the lives of others around the world. Shop your wedding TOMS, and as always, with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

I love the idea of this but I think I might have everyone change into TOMS for the reception and dance the night away for a great cause...what about you?

*just so you know...I have no wedding plans at the moment :) just happened to see a good idea and wanted to share.

picture this

Loving this Taylor & Wood "Frames" wallpaper. It's an interactive wallpaper where you decide how to use it- put up your youngsters art, paint directly in to a frame, or put up family photos - it's up to you.

best day

Jack came for a visit on Saturday and brought his bike. I'm loving that we have the same vintage style of transportation.
We rode, we talked, we played and then of course, we had to eat. Ice cream sundaes...gotta love that.

We rode back to my house and just enjoyed our time together. Have you ever met someone and felt like you can talk to them about anything? That's Jack. We finished the day at a coffeehouse and brought Benson (the city is SO dog friendly) and it was just the best day together.

delicious sundae via JustBeSplendid

(you didn't expect me to take a picture before wolfing it down?!)

meet me here

...I'll be the girl with the smile on my face. Jack's coming tomorrow- can't wait to see him. Hope your weekend is filled with just as much anticipation as mine.
*via fairlightday

Filling In The Blanks

I got an email from my uncle apologizing for canceling last weekend. He knew that most likely I was wanting to find out more about my father and promised that we would meet sometime soon so he could help fill in a few of the blanks. I'm a little in shock right now.

Uncle Robert wrote that he had only met my mother once in the late 70's or early 80's when my father, David, introduced her to the LaPorte family. He said that she seemed like a wonderful woman and was adventurous and brave to be riding on the back of my father's motorcycle. I never knew any of this.

He described my father as a carefree spirit; artistic and creative; and that he was always searching for the next great adventure.

It explains so much but there's still so much I want to learn. I realize that many of us don't know the "past" about our parents but in my case I never really had the opportunity to find out anything about my father when I was growing up. I have to wonder if I'm like him?

*corbis image

Do you?

No, I don't...but this girl looks amazing in hers.

*sartorialist

your next vacation?

AMAZING. Linda Garland, who enjoyed a career designing vacation homes for superstar entertainers and other high-profile clients, lovingly created "Panchoran" with the utmost respect and care for the environment and culture of Bali. Read more here. Wouldn't this be a trip of a lifetime?

blush

guess what lucky girl just got a dozen of these delivered to her shop? okay..okay...I'm more than enchanted now. Ralph is over the moon and is dying to meet this new fella.

DREAM

Dream a little dream...and with angel wings no less.

*hazelnutcottage,etsy

leader of the band

I'm pinching myself. Loving this 1930's marching band/majorette jacket with tails and thinking it will look amazing with jeans. It may come off a little Michael Jacksonish (if so, it can end up in the shop) but I'm expecting to strike up the band and twirl a bit once it arrives.

cautious

Ever felt a little like this? Cautious yet hopeful for what the future may hold? Taking baby steps to figure it all out.

merrily,merrily,merrily

My weekend didn't go exactly as planned...but it's all good. My uncle had to cancel because of some meeting he needed to go to; but I decided to still go up and take the day to see Jack, pick up the dresser, and entertain a very energetic Benson. I'm glad I did. This was the day Jack had planned--a rowboat and a picnic getaway (isn't that the sweetest?). He said he would have added wine to the basket, but he knew I was driving back (how sweet that he thinks of my safety) and yes...he made the little vase with flowers (loving that he thinks of the "extras").

It was such a dreamlike day...who does this kind of stuff anymore? Jack is easy to talk to and laugh with and I'm learning more about him and actually sharing some things about me (gasp!).

And Benson...OMG this dog LOVES the water. He can't get enough.

After our picnic we went back and packed up the dresser...she needs a lot of work! I got to see the other furniture--too perfect and polished for A French Cloud but GORGEOUS pieces...they certainly don't belong in a potting shed.

Color me curious about Jack Hudson. I think I've upgraded our relationship from "smitten" to "enchanted"...so, we'll see where all this goes. Jack mentioned he could always drive to see me and I might take him up on his offer.

This was Benson at the end of the day. I kind of felt the same way...relaxed, happy, and dreaming about good things.

fab friday

These gorgeous shots from Cote de Texas will most likely be everywhere before the end of the weekend but for now they're here to start mine off. Enjoy yours and I'll fill you in on the happenings of Jack, Lily, and Uncle Robert when I return.

Fly Away

Do you add accessories to your hair? I tend to be too busy running around the shop for more than a ponytail but this could certainly add a wow factor to any outfit.
via merricat

life

big weekend ahead.seeing new friends again and meeting unknown uncles.life is an adventure.

dog house

I am SO loving this lately...the vintage, the whites, and yes--the dogs.

so pretty

love the hand embroidery on the sleeves. of course my first thought was how great this would look as a top with jeans.

Jack Meets Dog

I just found out from Lily that Jack has a blog to promote his dog training business. He isn't very tech savvy (did I mention he doesn't have a cell phone?!) so Lily set it up and posts every once in a while. She promoted the ebay auction and a pic of my dresser is even on there.
Lily said that when she told Jack "I'm going to introduce you to ebay"Jack asked, "Is that one of your Indian friends?"
Why do I find that charming? I suppose that's why the conversation between us was so full and without pause...this man knows how to talk...and listen. Such a turn on, don't you think?

kiss

Isn't it wonderful that when our mind imagines this for a first kiss our heart brings us back to this.

1.homecoming

2. ardenwray

jump

Feeling a little like this. A little apprehensive about what the water will be like but wanting to be refreshed after jumping in.
*image via cacaococoa

smitten

On with the weekend. I feel like you should have a bucket of popcorn and a large fizzy drink-this adventure sounds more and more like a movie of the week.

My last stop was to pick up the dresser and then head back home. I didn't expect to see such a cute little cottage. So adorable (my cell phone camera doesn't do it justice).
I knocked on the door but no one was there so I put Benson on his leash(I've learned something over this weekend) and headed towards the backyard. Benson started tugging and pulling and rounding the corner and we ran (literally) into Jack.
As in; Jack who I just had breakfast a few hours ago with. I kid you not.

Total confusion at this point with lots of babbling about Miss English Rose, eBay, and why he's at Lily's house. The answer: Jack is Lily's brother.
He inherited his uncle's cottage (who was a gardener so no wonder the place is so lush) but didn't share his uncle's taste in furnishings. Lily set up the auction because Jack doesn't do computer stuff (he doesn't even own a cell phone!) and the rest is history.
We went inside and picked up where we had left off that morning. Easy to talk to, close to his family, loves dogs- what's not to like?!
Lily arrived about 30 minutes later. Love her. So open, honest, and a great sense of humor. I had to ask why she has the accent and I can't hear one with Jack. Lily said she takes "good care of hers" since they moved to the states (over twenty years ago) where Jack only brings it out for special occasions (and swoon...he did bring it out..geesh...I'm such a loser)
The dresser was in the "potting shed" and I had a peek at it but unfortunately there were no keys to be found. Jack was going to bust a window but I said that I was going to be coming up next weekend so I could pick it up then-works out perfect. It will be interesting to take a look at all the other pieces in there--they look beautiful but more polished and formal than what I usually go for.
It was a great day. I stayed for a late lunch and was truly enchanted with this family. I hope to learn more...I'm smitten.

I need to catch up with some paperwork from the shop and gardening at my house- and then I'll finish up about this weekend. Have a great day.

crash

After all the phone calls--I'm ready for a strong cup of coffee.In my mind's eye, I thought breakfast would be relaxing, like this: ...and it really was until Benson jumped into the relaxed, easygoing guy's lap in the picture.

On the upside...the guy just happened to be the man from the park--the dog trainer! Can you believe it? What are the odds? This IS a small town but still...give me a break.

Anyways, after the initial craziness (outdoor cafes+ Benson=chaos) I had a chance to talk to him. His name is Jack Hudson and well...he's cute. I couldn't exactly whip out my camera and start snapping photos but I think he looks a lot like this actor, Tom Cavanagh. And yes, now I sound like I'm ten years old. (The funny thing is that my mom and I used to watch a show called "Ed" that Mr. Cavanagh starred in- otherwise; I wouldn't have had a clue) .

He's very sweet, very charming, and if I lived in this small little town I just might jump at the chance to get to know him better. For now, we talked, we laughed, we ate breakfast. He even taught Benson how to shake hands/paws. Then, he had to go meet someone and we said good-bye.
It was one of those serendipitous moments in life that make you smile. More to come...