I have to admit, I found the rain storm to be refreshing, and I especially loved the petrichor that came with it, did you know that is the name for that wonderful scent you smell when it rains for the first time after a dry spell, petrichor? I love that scent.
These lovely parasols hang from the windowed ceilings at Trés fabu, an interesting housewares, clothing boutique in the village of Eastsound on Orcas Island, in the San Juan Archipelago, in the Salish Sea.
While we’re talking about rain, did you know that in French an umbrella for the rain is called a parapluie {pluie = rain}, and then, of course, the parasol, is for protection from the sun {sol = sun}. I’m guessing that “para” came from “pour”, which means “for” or “parce que”, which means “because”.
In this charming little cottage in the center of the village of Eastsound you can find beautifully wrapped cubes of soap
and fun, newspaper toned home accessories.
It’s a perfect place to go for hostess gifts, home embellishments and so much more.
The decor is artsy and even a little edgy.
There are plenty of whimsical touch to emphasize the airy beauty of this island cottage.
Sorry this is a little dark, but I had to shoot this book that has me most mesmerized, The Life of a Bowerbird, Creating Beautiful Interiors with the things you Collect, I just ordered it from Amazon, click on the title if you’d like to do the same, see the Amazon description below to be further tempted.
“Sibella Court is bestselling author (Etcetera, Nomad, The Stylist’s Guide to NYC) and a renowned interior stylist and creative director who has styled for such retail giants as Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Saks on Fifth Ave, Pottery Barn, and Target, as well as for publications like Gourmet, Marie Claire, and Vogue Living. Often referred to as a “bowerbird”—an Australian avian known for decorating her nest with all manner of eclectic treasures—Sibella now offers a wealth of ideas on how to incorporate the things you collect and are passionate about into your home’s design to create beautiful and evocative interiors. With gorgeous photography by her brother, commercial photographer Chris Court, Sibella’s The Life of a Bowerbirdshowcases her unique eclectic vision in this gift for “bowerbirds” everywhere.”
I’m very intrigued, have you read any of her books?
In the back section of this little cottage, is The Kitchen, a simply tasty Asian influenced spot that serves up flavorful bowls of steamy noodles, salads and other dishes all made with hearty offerings of fresh, locally harvested vegetables.
We were guided along the walkway to The Kitchen by hydrangeas taking on a lovely, smokey, autumn patina.
Hidden between the bushes I found this great little lichen covered chair with a garden of sedums growing where there used to be a caned seat, furthering my seduction with sedums.
And there were pale violet colored roses, weighted down by heavy raindrops.
The seating at The Kitchen is all centered around a tiny, busy kitchen, where they put together the most wonderful ingredients from the island as quickly as possible. The menu is on a chalkboard and one orders over the top section of an old split door.
On a nice day, it’s a pleasure to sit out on the treed lawn at one of the picnic tables. There are also a couple of tables in a tented section, providing protection from the sun or the rain. On this rainy, breezy day, we were happy to find a table indoors. With the wall bouquets of sunflowers I almost forgot it wasn’t sunny outside.
A small guest cottage in the back lawn hosts a hip new little pop~up bar,
The Barnacle offers an interesting array of cocktails and tapas from 4pm~on most days. Reportedly, The Barnacle is going to be a full~time fixture now, which is a great thing, since I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting this nautically natured lounge as of yet.
One more peek at those pretty parasols at trés fabu, here we’re looking back into the entry through the window from our indoor table at The Kitchen.
There are promises of a big rain storm here tonight….we’re still waiting. Are you adjusting to the weather that autumn brings? If you make it to Orcas Island {oh, and I really think you should}, do keep this intriguing little cottage in mind.
Word for the day, "petrichor"! Who puts a word to that wonderful scent? Well, now I know who looks for the word.
Our weather finally dropped her humidity and it gave me the idea to make cioppino tonight for dinner – yum!
I know, it was still in the high 70's… but the air was so much cooler! It was nice eating outside too.
Cheers!
Lovely post…it was like walking through the shop with a friend, chatting together and pointing out beautiful things of interest!
Such a lovely way to spend a rainy island day. I love that after-the-rain smell, but didn't know there was a name for it! Petrichor! What a perfect word. I'm glad we have another stretch of summer ahead (even though the clouds seem to be lingering this morning). I'm not quite ready to say good by to warm evenings by the lake yet! XO
Parasol means "against the sun" as in, protection from the sun. Makes sense now, doesn't it?
I just love a rainy day when I can relax and enjoy it. Such beautify images and happy to learn a new vocabulary word this morning!!