An Enchanted Life

For more reasons than I can count I feel blessed. True, there have been more than a few wrinkles. But the greatest lesson has been how absolutely enchanted a life it's been so far and how much I want to capture the most of every day...all the good, all the bad, all that's beautiful and all that is sad.

My journey has been one of curiosity and optimism seeking new adventures, finding beauty and I've been supported to live a full life.

Raised by smart, funny, supportive people who encouraged us to follow our dreams even if that meant that we dug ditches. My parents were firm in their expectations that whatever we did we should strive to be the best at whatever it was that we loved. We spent a lot of time with them and knew the ins and out of their work (which they loved) but they left this earth much too soon, though my brothers and I feel their presence.

This is dedicated to them and to everyone who dares to live a full life, it's hard but I try. This is an exploration and expression of the things I love and the communication of my love of expression, design, travel, and all the beautiful things that our senses allow us to take in.

Bon voyage!

Sausalito - a slice of heaven with a few stars even if they sometimes are blurred by the fog.

Part of the great fortune of my life is the wonderful home that I’ve found in California. For the last 14 years Sausalito, the small city just over the golden gate from San Francisco, has been my home base for at least half the year. The fact that I’m away so frequently makes me appreciate the time I’m here more. The beauty of the bay, the hills, the weather and the being between all that San Francisco and Marin County have to offer makes this a truly special spot. Tourists from around the globe flock here all year ‘round and as a local this serves to remind you of how fortunately you are.

While San Francisco is known for its beauty and contributions to culinary achievement, Sausalito manages quite nicely on both counts. This past weekend I returned for the July Fourth holiday taking in some of the best Sausalito has to offer with a few friends. The summer season brings Friday evening traditions of the Sausalito Farmer’s Market and Jazz & Blues by the Bay. While there are larger food and music events to be found, Summer Fridays in Sausalito are fun and some friends from L.A. and I enjoyed it as our kick-off to the weekend’s activities.

After an hour of listening to jazz, sipping on a lovely Napa Rose and walking along the bay we headed to Sushi Ran one of the Bay Area’s finest places to dine. While I’ve long enjoyed the food and service at Sushi Ran, this past year saw the loss of the Michelin star this Bay Area favorite earned in 2007. This loss seems to have nudged the place to think a bit about what they do as I found an updated menu. The opportunity to introduce friends who truly enjoy sharing a great meal got me off my “usual” order and indulge in some of the new offering and also enjoy a few favorites which have been updated. Our server was great — entertaining with some wonderful suggestions. The evening’s selections were probably the best I’ve ever had at Sushi Ran. While I’ve always enjoyed my time here, I can’t wait to return and congratulate host Yoshi Tome on the updates.

The weekend weather forecast called for clear, warm skies and I was looking forward to watching the many fireworks displays you can see from Sausalito. However the fog didn’t seem to have read the same forecasts. Instead of looking for stars in the sky Saturday night we went looking for more Michelin stars at Murray Circle the restaurant at Cavallo Point Lodge

Cavallo Point has been open for just over a year and is set in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area tucked almost under the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a beautiful setting and the resort has been receiving rave reviews. Chef Joseph Humphrey earned two Michelin stars while at Meadowood Resort and last October earned one for Murray Circle just months after opening. The menu showcases fresh, sustainable selections highlighting the farm or boat which harvested each featured item. While I have enjoyed a few nibbles from the kitchen while at Cavallo Point’s Farley’s Bar or on the grand porch outside the restaurant I hadn’t been terribly impressed. But enjoying a full meal in the restaurant showed what all the fuss is about. The dishes each of us had were quite wonderful showcasing some of the best in local food.

It was a joy to be back in Sausalito. The fog may have put a bit of a damper on the night sky and fireworks, the food stars were shining brightly.

Jun
7th

Sun

The last piece (for now) arrived at the design project in San Francisco. The space is a new Dogpatch condo and the owner only had a couch, bed, dressers and 6 dining chairs. His last home was minimal and monochromatic. The new space is now filled with color including the large leaf photo which also helps to bring a touch of nature into the space which has great city views.

Jun
6th

Sat

Great design find that’s so appropriate for the times.

A new furniture and housewares consignment store called Leftovers opened in the past couple of weeks in SF at the corner of Polk and Bush. Driving by today it caught my eye and I had to go back to check it out. A great collection of items that are well priced and very well merchandised. I couldn’t escape without picking up a great vase that was only $16. Welcome to Leftovers!

May
31st

Sun

Visiting friends brought on a great excuse to leave the overcast skies of Sausalito and head up Mt. Tamalpais to see the sunset and hopefully rise above the fog. Indeed it was a bit warmer and we got above the fog but it seemed to be licking at the sky as the sun prepared to set. Thanks Steve & Tara for the reminder to head up the hill.

May
7th

Thu

The view feels more like lower Manhattan than SF to me.

Change of venue, change of view.

A new, highly talked about advertising, marketing and branding firm in San Francisco has given me a new enticing view. It’s been great to explore this part of town as it’s been awhile since I worked near here. The views from this office are more sophisticated and urban anywhere else I’ve worked in SF and they are a welcome change.

Apr
26th

Sun

It’s always a rewarding day when you can see a vision come to life. This console table took 12 weeks to get from design to delivery but seeing it in the entry makes it all worthwhile. So great to see what was a plain white entryway that no one would have noticed become an interesting and textured transition into this new San Francisco condo. Now we just need to find the right art.

Feb
17th

Tue

A wonderful winter trip to NYC and a long stroll on the west side.

Jan
10th

Sat

A found still life in the parking lot at Cornerstone Gardens.

A lovely winter day in Northern California and a good reason to drive to Sonoma.

One of my favorite stops, Cornerstone Gardens, has some areas they’ve added to the garden since my last trip here. Love this poem in a pool.