Book Release : DREAM of VENICE

The city was cloaked in silence. As we glided down the Grand Canal, I looked up at the darkened palaces.  

The ancient facades glowed in the moonlight. Once in a great while, a piano nobile would show signs of life, glowing like a beacon in a sleeping city. 

Windows thrown open to take in the late summer air allowed muffled conversation or music to waft over the water.  

These lit rooms granted us a glimpse of ceilings that groaned under the weight of sculpted plaster figures supporting vast, celestial paintings.  

I felt like the outsider’s outsider with my mouth

 agape and a suitcase at my feet.  

I looked up at these rooms illuminated by enormous chandeliers made centuries earlier in this very city. 

They didn’t sparkle like the crystal chandeliers of Paris—the Venetian chandeliers glimmered. 

They glimmered with a dim luster like the inky water that held us aloft as we floated into the heart of my dream city.  

~Matthew White 

from the book DREAM OF VENICE 

United States release date Dec. 5, 2014:  { $26. }

Intimate thoughts, memories, poems and stories of notable contributors from the world of art, literature, design, cuisine, music, and film making...

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...Woody Allen, Linus Roache, Julie Christie, Claire Bloom, James Conlon, Roger Crowley, Patrizia Gucci, Peggy Guggenheim, Dianne Hales, Marcella Hazan, Saxon Henry, David Hewson, Patricia Highsmith, Erica Jong, Paul Mazursky, Nicolas Roeq, Sylvia Sass, Giampaolo Seguso, Jessica Spiegel, Alberto Toso Fei, Susan Van Allen, Adam Van Doren, Matthew White and Hutton Wilkinson.  

Photography by Charles Christopher

Edited by JoAnn Locktov

Foreword by Frances Mayes

I was given the opportunity to preview this creative collaboration by JoAnn Locktov, a fellow Italophile with a special affinity for Venezia.  Described by her as a true "labor of love"  it is not only an ode to her beloved Venice, but a call to action —  supplication from the City of the Sea herself. 

Order DREAM OF VENICE - United States release date Dec. 5, 2014:  { $26. }

A portion of the proceeds from DREAM OF VENICE will be donated to Save Venice, Inc. to support vital art and architecture restorations in La Serenissima (the serene Republic of Venice.)

SEE OUR NEW SITE:
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A feast for the eyes...

no. 01

Rosemary Honey Cheese with figs

I came across this image today, having saved it some time ago to my inspiration file. I find I'm always drawn to images of figs. —(They're so photogenic.)

The recipe sounds like something I'd like too.  

I wonder if I'll ever get around to making it? 

For now, I'm completely satisfied feasting on this beautiful composition by Susan Powers: See more images and the recipe on her website:  
Rawmazing.com—Rosemary Honey Cheese with Figs and Balsamic Reduction

Speaking of figs, you might also like

           these previous posts:

{ linen & lavender - origin of a name }

{ I Dolci }

                                                   ..

{ Goat Cheese with Honey and a Platter of Figs }

{ Around the World - Our Latest Discovery }

Can't wait for fig season?  Click {here} for the article that asks the question: 

 "Should figs go the way of apples and become a year-round fruit?"    —What's your opinion?

..

linenandlavender.blogspot.com

see our new site:
www.linenlavenderlife.com

l&l collection no. 05

w i t h   h e a r t  and  v o i c e

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all images via pinterest - see {l&l collection no. 05} 

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Holiday Quick Links

music, movies, gift & decorating ideas

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Artisan Feature ~ Andrea Brugi (it)

Andrea makes organic shaped cutting boards, carved salt bowls, benches, chairs, tables, stools and other beautifully-rustic pieces in his workshop in Montemareno, Italy.  

   

  

photography by Ditte Isager

styling by Christine Rudolph

www.andreabrugi.com
Montemareno, Italy

Montemareno, Italy (image  by Yves Grau via Panoramio)

"...I had forgotten all about the prediction when, on a beautiful summer's evening in 2004, I caught a glimpse of Andrea on the square in Montemerano, and instantly knew that my fate had caught up with me.  I didn't know a word of Italian, but in disregard of all reason and under the sole command of my heart, I went back to Copenhagen, struggled to learn Italian, gave notice at my job and sold my flat, car and belongings..."

"Andrea made his living from being the local carpenter and joiner, he restored houses and antiques, and in his free time he applied his artistic talents to making the most beautiful cutting boards and furniture.  Samina didn't fall in love just with the man, but with the Aladdin's cave of beautiful hand tools, antiques and curiosities, and exquisite unique creations..."   

-excerpts from Andrea Brugi feature written by Regina Klint for SLOWFASHIONhouse.com

to continue reading the story of Andrea and Samina:  

SLOWFASHIONhouse - "We are in Italy..."

or

to purchase Andrea Brugi items 
via SLOWFASHIONhouse.com (world-wide shipping) 

above image, ABC Home, NY
via the Andrea Brugi facebook page

visit our new site:
www.linenlavenderlife.com