Camping & Comfort

 There’s been some discussion around here lately regarding the subject of camping & comfort. In my opinion, these two do not go hand in hand.

That’s why God created Boy Scouts.

MR. Eagle Scout suggested it would be great fun and that maybe I would be more in the mood {what kind of mood might that be honey?} if I had my own uniform!

He said I could sew on as many badges as I wanted!

Sure thing. Right after I sew on a discrete flat pocket to hold my slim straight shooter ~

Oh, calm down. I’m talking about a slim straight shooter from Stanley. “For those occasions that require more than a toast.”

Then there’s the question of accommodations.

 Yes?

Remember it goes everywhere I go?

               

Didn’t think so.

There must be a better way…

There is! 

Shelter Co. 

Born from the love of the California landscape combined with nostalgia for the days of summer camp.

Shelter Co. provides fully furnished European style canvas tents for a luxury lodging experience. 

Shelter Co. packages include all necessary amenities and are fully customized to meet individual needs! 

Shelter Co. also offers a “Camping Butler” who will unobtrusively stoke your fire, pour your favorite liquor, {you can still bring your straight shooter Stanley} and provide turndown service?

It’s as easy as one, two, three.

Pick your spot.

With Shelter Co., you get to pick wherever you want your campsite to be.  A mountain top, a vineyard, a beach, even your own backyard. The possibilities are endless!

Pick your amenities.

I’m signing up for lighted paths, campfires, lawn & board games, a doggy tent, a private bath with organic toiletries, and yoga.

Sit back & relax.

Stargaze, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and get to know nature. 

I think I might be getting in the mood.

 

They say that camping will renew my love of the great outdoors. What I love is that the folks at Shelter Co. will pack it all up after we depart and leave things just the way nature intended.

Now accepting reservations.

Shelter Co. 

Hmmm.  I’ll let you know.

Feeling a bit more adventurous & want to take it to the next level? Clayoquot. 

If you prefer the comforts of home but enjoy smoky, woodsy stories, pictorials, and videos you’ll love Kinfolk.

 

If you’re a hippie at heart you’ll love The Yard.

 If you were a Blue Bird like I was you’ll remember this. I think it could easily be The Blogger Wish too!

Wherever you go & whatever you do this weekend I hope you have fun!

  Vintage Boy Scout & toys via Etsy.

Click photos for Sources

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Claude A. Simard - Inspiration

Every now and then we’ll chat via email. When he’s at home, conversations are about summer & winter, gardening & grandchildren, Windsor & Newton, Labradors & life on the lake.

His Cultivated Garden.

His Supplies.

His Labrador named Flanelle.

 When he’s traveling, conversations vary from market day in St-Rémy-de-Provence to his preference of Châteauneuf du Pape over champagne and he’ll always include a beautiful sketch or a snapshot.

“Here is proof I've been working hard in Paris for the past two weeks. Claude A” 

This one, most likely taken by his muse, his beautiful wife Huguette, at a café where he recently spent his days sketching the beauty of the city. He wrote,

“No Eiffel towers, I promise!”

In the Spring of 2011, his beautiful new book arrived at my doorstep. I was flattered by the expression of such a kind gesture, and at the same time humbled by the sincerity of the handwritten note inside. Thank you, Claude.

The book, titled Inspiration is an observation of life guided by the heart, seen through the eyes, and painted by the hand of Claude A. Simard.

A delightful foreword by Alan Klinkhoff and illustrated with 125 color plates, this collection of paintings & tales of travel are both elegant and charming!

Huguette in Blue | Claude A. Simard

Acrylic on canvas 2001, 30 x 36’’

 

 

Barberino | Claude A. Simard

Ink and watercolor on paper 2007, carnet d’Italie

His paintings borrow the soft lavender of the countryside. Shades from buff to whitish-gray are reflected in the architecture.

Roadside House | Claude A. Simard

Watercolor on paper 2010, 8 x 11’’

 

 

The rich ochre of an ancient farmhouse atop a beautiful hill overlooking vineyards under a big blue cerulean sky.

En marchant avec Rosalina dans le vignoble de Montalpruno | Claude A. Simard

Ink and watercolor on paper 2002, carnet d’Italie

 

Mr. Simard’s Inspiration animates his vision and gives the reader much more than a casual glance at his subjects. This man is also quite the raconteur.  His lively stories of sojourns with family and friends & his charming character had me sitting at his table and ordering another glass of Châteauneuf du Pape! 

Claude and I became acquainted a couple of years ago when he emailed to say, “Happy Holidays!” and tell me that he was a new reader!  I clicked the link to his website & instantly fell in love with his work!  I was thrilled when he agreed to sit down for a visit with TLPC so that we could learn more! You can read my in-depth interview with this most charming man here. 

A Visit With Claude Simard.

 

 

Thank you again, Claude, for continuing to inspire us all!

To market, to market…

To say that Santa Fe is colorful would be putting it mildly.

They call it the “Land of Enchantment” you know.

One of the best ways to get a feel for Santa Fe is to take a drive.

We love to take a slow easy drive through the soft-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains 10 miles north of Santa Fe to the quaint village of Tesuque.

Tucked quietly away behind low adobe and stick walls under the shade of cottonwood trees you’ll catch a glimpse of beautiful old compounds.  Sitting high on the mountain ridges you’ll find stunning estate properties featuring traditional Santa Fe architecture and sweeping views.

Initially, Tesuque drew in artists because of its affordability and beautiful setting.  Later, the more affluent caught on to its “back to nature” appeal and began to seek out its peaceful environment. 

Today it’s home to famous artists & local families & celebrities & civic leaders like Ali MacGraw.

It’s also home to the world-famous

Tesuque Village Market.

“Think chic general store with a hipster aesthetic” TVM

It’s a good spot to pick up provisions if you live in the surrounding hills - or do as we did, have a wonderful long lunch and keep an eye out for Ali.

  Oh,  I’ve only mentioned Ali MacGraw on my blog how many times?  Meanwhile, my mother runs into her here at the market! 

I would be remiss if I did not mention that their Tortilla Soup with cotija cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and tortilla chips are the best in the world!

Remember, “Land of Enchantment?”

Taylor became completely enchanted not only with this, 

but also with this!

In fact, I’ll let her show you around the market…

I swear there were other folks there…

Freshly baked bread, a deli, homemade deserts,

 

fresh bunches of lavender,

and liquor!

I think I saw on their Facebook page that he was an employee of the month!

Thank you, Taylor, for the colorful tour of Tesuque Village Market!  And thank you, Nancy, for the wonderful lunch!

Even though we missed Ali, you two made it the most memorable afternoon!

To read more about Ali MacGraw’s private journey to live an authentic life in Tesuque, read the story by Sheila Weller for Vanity Fair Magazine.

photo Annie Leibovitz