Bikes, boats and canal houses at twilight, Amsterdam.
You may not be ready to kiss summer goodbye, but the prospect of fall fills me with excitement. In September, it's not just a birthday that makes me happy; it's the sense of possibility; the first hint of a chill in the air; the colours; the clothes. To mark my birthday, I'm joining other September babies in donating to Charity Water, which helps provide clean drinking water around the world.
My fall diary looks promising. First, there's a week-long photography course in London, fall clothes-shopping and chatty dinners with old friends. Later in September, there'll be teas and dinners with friends visiting Paris. I'll meet my blogging buddy Marilyn for the first time. My friend Joan, the fascinating proprietor of San Francisco's Timeless Treasures will be in town. I'll also be escorting my partner-in-crime Di Overton to the brocante at Chatou, hunting for goodies for Ghost Furniture.
Photo shoots in both Paris and the Loire Valley are planned for an upcoming book about French antiquaires and their private spaces. Early in October, David and I will holiday in Scotland and various points in England. In Northumberland, we'll visit Di and Harvey. Can't wait to see their renovated cottage (and sneak a few photos)! In Oxford, we'll visit David's daughter Marie-Claire, as well as Barbara and Barry, the lovely couple whose wedding the gorgeous Gillian and I were privileged to witness last December in New York.
November kicks off with the usual brocante at Bastille. I'll be brushing up on my Arabic in preparation for spending Thanksgiving and early December in Amman and Petra, Jordan, working on interviews and photo essays. I'll also make sure arrangements for our expedition March 1-8, 2010 are exactly as expected.
We still have two or three spots left; want to come along with Alex and me for an unforgettable adventure? Check out our Journey to Jordan website, then email me with any questions.
This fall I'll also be making a concerted effort to walk and bike more to build up my stamina (to carry heavy photo gear around for extended periods of time); to clear more clutter by selling some antiques and collectibles and to read more and worry less.
What's kick-starting your fall? Any plans for travel or launching new projects or creative ventures? Do tell!
P.S. If you like books and appreciate Brit humour and irony, you may enjoy Me and My Big Mouth. I especially like his criteria for getting rid of books. Note to self: Must do this!
this photo is pure happiness dear girl ~ i have also been biking in the
neighborhood in the evenings ~
oh my goodness! your schedule is wonderfully busy!
and that trip to Jordan is a magical opportunity for everyone with your
history and understanding and love of that land:)
Posted by: madelyn | 04 September 2009 at 17:06
Hey it's me at last. Thanks for the mentions. I have been so busy preparing my Big Fat Sale and creating new ranges so I have been off the radar. Can't wait to get to Paris only 4 weeks to go, which is 25 sleeps :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 03 September 2009 at 10:21
that's a good idea, looking ahead and the entire month...maybe i haven't put my head up and i'm only looking at tomorrow at the moment. i need a larger perspective.
will definitely check out me and my big mouth, tho' i'm not sure i want to get rid of any books! that sounds painful! i just doubled up on several shelves, where i was able to relegate some to a position behind the others, but (gasp) not even think about getting rid of them!
Posted by: julochka | 01 September 2009 at 23:53
You are one busy woman! And isn't being busy fun, when it's all glorious good stuff? Early happy birthday, since I'm not sure of the date! I'll look forward to hearing about your adventures in Photography, shopping, Scotland and more!
What's jumpstarting me? Hmmm. Looking forward to kicking in gear on art. And maybe, just maybe, taking a page from your book and getting a little purging in!
Posted by: jeanie | 01 September 2009 at 21:50
this sounds like a rather light hearted Fall and good for you after such a long year of campaigning and political stress...not that there is any ending to that in sight.. but to refresh, rejuvenate and revel in the good life is a well deserved reward. have fun, learn loads and enjoy all the good food and fresh air!
Posted by: Robin Laws | 01 September 2009 at 02:33
Dear Tara,
You and Di are going to have a great time.
I remember when you and Gillian went to the wedding in New York last year.
So cool that you are going to get together with the couple again.
I love your open heart~
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 31 August 2009 at 21:34
I am out of chai applebutter, but maybe another one will do.
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 August 2009 at 18:08
Bring Tara some chai applebutter! You'll rock her world!! xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 31 August 2009 at 16:48
What an exciting few months you have ahead of you! I am headed to New Hampshire for Squam in two weeks and then - as of now - no other travel plans until I head to Jordan with YOU!
Posted by: Swirly | 31 August 2009 at 16:36
Wow, you sure have a full agenda. I love September also and we always try to do a getaway to our favourite little spot in BC,Naramata. We do some hiking, visit a few wineries, some great antique stores and just relax.
Posted by: Anna R | 31 August 2009 at 16:14
I wish I could go to Jordan Tara. I have my trip to China coming up so I cannot. I long for Fall and Winter, though living where I do, it is always summer here. Like an eternal youth in this vampiric state. I will live vicariously through your blog.
Posted by: Yoli | 31 August 2009 at 16:00
Tara,
I can't wait to have tea with you in Paris. It will be the perfect way to start a lovely 3 week visit to France, with a little of Barcelona too.
Iam a sun lover, but for the first time I think I am ready to embrace Fall. After the trip I am throwing a 60th birthday party for a friend, then march on into the holiday season with joy.
And you have a birthday to celebrate. I hope you have special plans for a month of glorious celebrating. Have a happy birthday month of September.
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 August 2009 at 10:31
this is lovely! what a lovely line up you have for autumn. don't forget to pencil in a call from me, so I can sing happy b-day to you...
oh, I adore you.
: )
Posted by: christina | 31 August 2009 at 07:13
Autumn is my favorite season by far... plus, I get to celebrate my birthday! Your posts are always full of such fun and are so informative! And, needless to say, your photos are always bewitching! You have your audience captivated!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 31 August 2009 at 06:57
My.my..! You are quite the cosmopolitan girl. What a rich and sublime Fall you have before you...I cannot wait to hear all about things to come! Peace ...and loving it here on the Gulf Coast!
Posted by: pam aries | 30 August 2009 at 23:49
You are going to be spinning! Sounds like so much fun and full of adventures. Looking forward to all the pics :)
Posted by: Amanda Nicole | 30 August 2009 at 22:03
I'm an unapologetic summer-lover, although our summers in New Zealand are mild and our winters are miserable so that may be why, but I also love autumn. We are just heading into spring, of course, which tends to be a very windy, stormy season in Wellington but still with the promise of summer being on it's way. The days are getting longer again and the garden is in full bloom.
You have an action-packed season ahead of you! I know some folk who are going to be joining you and Alex in Jordan and I know you'll have the most incredible time. What a fantastic idea. This is my last week working at Oxfam and from next week I'll be without and income but with lots of time to write and I can't wait!
Posted by: Marianne | 30 August 2009 at 21:16
I love fall, and I'm looking forward to it as well! Though this year it came just a bit earlier than usual here in Colorado!
Posted by: Maia | 30 August 2009 at 20:14
No wonder you're ready to leave summer behind - with such enticing adventures awaiting you! Can't wait to read about each and every one!
Posted by: elsie | 30 August 2009 at 19:28
Wow! You are busier than ever! So many wonderful adventures in the planning. How cool that you're adventuring on an expedition to Jordan! And so many other fantastic places and plans. Wishing you a wonderful birthday month, dear Tara!
XOXO
(I tried to leave a comment on the previous post - and I'm not sure if it 'took' or not - the comment screen went sort of off to one side, and I could only click 'preview' - afterwards, it went to my profile...
I'll try to check back later and see what happened)
Posted by: tinker | 30 August 2009 at 18:16
Where to begin? This post is one of my faves already! You make me long for fall, I do love the crunching leaves, the comfort of a warm sweater over jeans and boots...the cinnamon and apple scented air, the start of my winter nesting process. Oh and your birthday! I'm so thankful for you, and could go shake your mother's hand for having you. :) Di and you will no doubt find lots of loot for Di's shop! Dinners and tea are two ideal fall pastimes. I'm in the exact same mood as you, for this morning I put on some warmer clothing and opened my windows...the cool air circulating throughout the house.
Jordan, sigh. So looking forward to it with you and all the others who signed up. It will be such a trip of a lifetime for Julian and I!!
I love your Amsterdam photos...note to self, must get to Amsterdam one day.
Off now to clean and nest, I must take ownership of my life here in order to make things work in my favour, right? Trips to Jordan don't pay for themselves! Kiss Barb & Barry for me!!! Sending my love to you today, love you Tara!!!
xoxox
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 30 August 2009 at 17:27
Good morning sugar, I, too, love fall and now that they are roasting chili, it really feels like fall here in the land of enchantment. I think I'll have to go the fair again this year...haven't been back since my marathon. I want to learn to knit and am going to be the in shrine auction to benefit the street children, so there is art to do. And of course, there is that Number 9 show! Today I am off to the Botanical Gardens to be part of the last few days of the butterfly pavilion and the beginning of the harvest in the vintage garden. Love it when it gets cooler and more comfortable to be out and about. Looking forward to all the reports of those adventures, thanks for sharing!! smooches
Posted by: Leau | 30 August 2009 at 16:49