Shhhh….can you hear that? It’s the sound of serenity. The traffic thins, the mountains rise around you, the rivers start to rush, and the people slow down and smile. It’s not a Splenda smile either – all Emily Post etiquette. It’s warm maple syrup, tapped from the tree where the wind whispers a happy tune.
Vermont is a special place. Oh it has it’s troubles like any place, but when it’s you, the smell of firewood burning in the distance, a brisk breeze making your cheeks rosy, the smell of fir pines as you tromp through the woods, they do seem far away.
Eight Days a Week.
On my annual work retreat we tucked away to Woodstock, Vermont, a storybook New England town, to work, and to hear one another, away from the noise of the city. We worked, and it worked. Maybe it is as simple as clean air, clear ideas, renewed spirit? Whatever the reason, I feel lucky and inspired.
Artisan’s at work.
On my way out of town I stopped into Farmhouse Pottery. My Boss Lisa gave me a beautiful parting gift from this store, and having seen a blog post from Erin Gates – Elements of Style, I couldn’t leave without seeing more.
Zoe and James have created their very own American dream. Harvested from the land, mined, tooled, and worked by artisans – all here in the states, they have created something sophisticated in its purity, and simplicity. The retail store and the workshop juxtapose mud and beauty. Thoughtful vignettes abound, a wall of pottery, a whitewashed stump turned side table, a linen pillow, apron or napkin, a custom crafted table set with wooden bowls, dried flowers, and decorative clay fired trees. A floor stained in a custom pale gray. I’d move right in – though I am pretty sure that Zoe, James and their two little girls live upstairs and would find my presence unwelcome. Now if I could perfect my pottery making skills, it might be a different story all together. One of the artisans assured me that after making 500 or 600 vases – I’d really get the hang of it. He wasn’t kidding.
Linen Pillows . from $85.