Something different today ~ a recto-verso drawing. Found last year at an antiques store in Fredericksburg. I particularly couldn't resist the bee. The embossed crown in the corner is nothing more glamorous than the "A. Pirie & Sons Bristol Board" logo.
The other day, while musing on the architecture of Benjamin Latrobe, I stumbled across this painting of Sedgley Park. Built in 1799 near Lemon Hill, Philadelphia, it is thought to be the earliest Gothic-style house in America. A contemporary writer remarked "The natural advantages of Sedgley Park are not frequently equalled, even upon the banks of the Schuylkill. From the height upon which the mansion is erected it commands an interesting and extensive view. The scenery around is of unusual beauty, but its character is altogether peaceful and quiet."
The woods in Maine are full of wild blackberry bushes, and when I was a kid I used to pick them and sell them on the side of the road. My niece, who is not quite so entrepreneurial (but none the less practical), remarked last summer that blackberries are great, because if you are playing and you get hungry you can stop and have a snack. 
I admit that this tour is a bit of a tease as I did not actually get to see inside (so, I promise a part II some day!). It was pouring rain the day I stopped by the Tate House. Knowing it was closed, I thought perhaps I might be able to snap a few views form the street. However, I had the good fortune of running into the chairman of the board. He gave me a plan of the colonial-style garden (a riot of roses, lavender, sweet basil, and scented geranium), and graciously allowed me to walk around the property.
I love how the color palette at this time of the year softens and deepens, and the sun gets lower, casting golden shadows in the evening. Two lovelies from this past weekend ~ False Queen Anne's Lace (a lovely dark variety) at the market, and the frayed hem of a 1840s linen pillowcase I found in Maine.
Okay, I wholly admit that I bought these for the sole purpose of photographing them. I was inspired by EEE's post on Paulette Tavormina and her fabulous photographic still-lifes. And lest you think those lovely currants went to waste, I am happy to report that they were rather delicious tossed into last night's salad.
A recent acquisition. Uniscribed, undated, and printed on "carte postale." A château in France? Does anyone recognize it? I haven't had a chance to do any research.
Ooooh, gosh, two days have slipped by without a post! Isn't summer supposed to be slow and the livin' easy? I do have lots of things to share, including a house tour post (in progress, I promise!), but somehow I can't get my act together. Ah, well, at least we have been treated to a beautiful sunny week here in Washington.
At last! Local peaches. They are late this year, but oh-so-divine. In fact, they are so fabulous they need a post all of their own.
Found last week in Maine (click to view larger). No inscriptions or date. However, based on the type of postal card on which it was printed, it was taken some time between 1904 and 1918. Honestly, if one is going to insist on going camping, this is the way to go.
My niece is convinced that fairies live in these woods. I am pretty sure she's right. How could they not? Last year my dad planted her a fairy garden, and as you can see the little people have made themselves quite at home.
Here's wishing you a little magic in your day. 
Doesn't matter what age you are, but there's something about the beach in Maine that draws one's eye to the ground. As a kid I used to collect all sorts of shells, bits of driftwood, sea glass, mica, and stones. And truth be told, I still do it sometimes ~ all part of an uncontrollable tendency to create order out of nature. 
Back from Maine. Lots of rain, but still wonderful. There is so much catching up to do, but thought I would share a few little bits (more here). Hope you are all well and that the sun is shining where you are.
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