People Miss Their Share Of Happiness, Not Because They Never Found It, But Because They Didn't Stop To

Chateau de la Ferte Saint-Aubin Part 4.  The Dining Room.  In the 17th century, this was an antechamber.  The chequered floor dates back to this period, and curiously the white tiles in Burgundy stone have been worn off over 4 centuries while the black marble tiles have not been damaged at all.  The panelling dates back to Louis XVI.  There is an 18th century chandelier out of Bohemia crystal. The Kitchen.  It was entirely restored in 1995 from an archives document from the 18th century.  Everything is there, and in working order too: 18th century roasting spit, stone stove to boil vegetables and fruits using coal from the chimney, fish tank where fish was kept alive, the bracket for game animals and cutting table. On the long work surface is a collection of copperware and copper utensils.

For me, whizzing down the road to South Of France at 70 mph, taking a photo through the window screen is not an easy task to do.  “The scenery looks lovely, must take a photo.  Quick before we drive past.” Grab my camera, adjust the camera settings, press the button.  Alas I have the memories of whizzing down South Of France to attend a friend’s funeral.  Yep did get there on time.

Time to breathe In the bustle of life.  In the pressure of decisions, peace has become a luxury.  Take it when it comes, and cherish it.  It gives you the time to breathe.  It gives you rest and hope and life.

Pam Brown 1928

There is no calm like a quiet sea a space of stillness under the width of sky. A gently shifting flow of shadow. A silvering. A breathing silence that restores the heart.

Pam Brown 1928

South Of France Festival

Mostly every year we go to The South Of France.  We tend to stay at small villages not far from the beach.  One of the villages we stay at is Pomerols.  In August every year the local villages hold their own festival.  This was the first time we attended Pomerols festival. Other villages take part as well.  It was really good and enjoyable.

My heart is tuned to the quietness that the stillness of nature inspires.

Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882 - 1927)

Wow!  This staggering skyscraper is sure to turn a few heads!

Inside the Extraordinary 190m Atrium (World Tallest) Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects

New photographs have emerged of the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed Leeza SOHO, a mixed-use office tower in Beijing’s Leeza Financial Business District. Featuring the world’s tallest atrium, the twisting, contorted structure weaves two separate sections of the tower in a visual infusion. The new images celebrate the 190-meter-tall atrium rising through the full height of the building, designed to “rise as a single volume, divided into two halves.” The 172,800-square-meter scheme sits atop a new transit hub straddling a subway tunnel currently under construction.

… there’s the real danger of overlooking a very important day… today. For this is the place and the time for living. Let us live each day abundantly and beautifully while it is here.

Esther Baldwin York

(via sparklemiranda)

The one who masters the grey everyday is a hero

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881)

Chateau de La Ferte Saint-Aubin Part Five

The Guardroom or Games Room  The panelling dates back to the 17th century.  You can play any games or the piano.  The Lowendral Bedroom  This is a magnificent 18th century ceremonial room.  The chimney goes back to Louis XV, as well as the inlaid writing desk on its left and there is an early 18th century portrait of Princess Palatine above.  In the centre of the room stands an exceptional gaming table surrounded by four armchairs, facing the bed, all of them from the times of Louis XVI.