Friday, September 16, 2016

Aprons~ And..Pinafores and the change..etc...










Not five minutes after I took the above foto in the gardens..a formation of geese flew overhead going south!




The annuals are still very nice..:)I loved this fresh new one.














And here is a little idea for some of you..




AACK..the change is happening..the first tree to show autumnal changes is our maple to the right if you are staring at the back yard..we have 3 maples..one golden..2 reds..and a tamarack..they are at least 100 years old ..our treeman Dominique told us..
And sure enough this happened..I noticed Tuesday.. it is because of the cooler nights..
The grasses are tall in the borrowed landscape..the wild black eyed Susans are still great sports..the pink hydrangeas adore this time of year..and the last of the roses are taking their curtain call..
the morning glories are turning to seed..the sedum takes a place of importance like all the hydrangeas do..
Indoors ..the light is changing..in the kitchen so bright..in the sunroom  a little darker..it's the height of the sun..soon we will need sunglasses to look at our computer screens:)

It is bittersweet for me as I love fall..as my mom did..but I know what's ahead..and although I settle into winter exceptionally well now that I do not work..it's the monochrome of winter that can get heavy on the eyes for me..and the shoveling for Jacques..always bothers me.
However..it's a fact of life here..we love the seasons..we have to get with the program..


It's no secret I love aprons..and all summer I have looked at the "pinnies" a very talented girl sells at our brocante....they are not used as aprons but as pinafores..I had seen some on rough linen..on Etsy etc..the girl at my brocante has a pale grey one she wears over an off white plain thin cotton dress..and I have loved the look all summer..
 one day ..I was tidying a cupboard in our dining room buffet and again laid eyes on a tablecloth I had from my mom..
..and the story I remember ..is that my grandmother was quite the stitcher..
I have a couple of her embroidered tablecloths..and rarely use any of them except when we are the whole family ..12..  w/ extensions in the table etc..
...all of a sudden in looking at this écru one..I thought of the Pinnie girl.I brought it to our brocante and asked Lynn..(aka the Pinnie girl :)) if she could make one out of this tablecloth..it was linen and I loved it.. she  said she wasn't sure how she could make the embroidery work..I called her after 10 days because I was not able to go the Saturday  we were away and.. she said..she had not had time..
I said don't worry Lynn I know it's hard..and if you can't I will buy one of your pre-made ones I love them so..

I actually got my lesson because another girl had white cotton sleeveless dresses..and I waited too long..they were all gone and she could not get more..and it has been the hottest summer in eons here..so yes I learned my lesson..

sooo  2 Fridays ago she called  and said:"I think you are going to be very happy w/ your Pinnie".

Well..I went the next day..and I cannot explain how moved I was..
She made the embroideries and cut work fit so perfectly!
I just love it..I rarely show clothes etc..but I had to show you her craftmanship..and care..and talent.I sew..I know well made:)
Not only that..but she had made a bag for my Pinnie..from the tablecloth too..



These are great for many ages..not just older girls..they are quite popular here.
Every week she has many orders..she's at least 20 yrs younger than I am and it looks great on her.. Mylène and Noah and Giuliana came for tea and pie Sunday ..it was sunny and cooler..and I asked Giu to take a pic of it w/ her phone.Because they liked it too:)So here you have it:)

I love how comfy it is..the deep pockets..the cross back..
it dresses up jeans..dresses down a white linen dress.
I have no regrets of using the tablecloth..I never used it and it would have been in a garage sale when I leave this world..:)Along with a lot of other "treasures":)


This is my favorite way of dressing..always has been ..Jacques and I are so different..he is so sporty dressed..always. has more clothes than I do..he was a golfer most of his adult life and his clothes reflect that.

I am not a sporty dresser..I love the look of a sporty girl in golf shorts and a white polo..but I look ridiculous and feel ridiculous..you have to wear what you feel so good in..
I like layers..and leggings and artsy things..longer skirts and boots..and ballerinas..never ever shorts..skirts over my bathing suits..not in the water..but I only ever go in the ocean..
skirts over footless tights..legwarmers..

big sweaters..lace..bows on shoes and sweaters..  on a skirt or a coat too....frills..linen..cotton...white..beige,black..charcoal.. I have 2 coral pieces..tops ..and my girls say ..that's your color;)
I never wear them..Too flashy for me.
And yes my denims..shirts..jeans..dresses..white shirts.

That little touch of the bag..w/ the pinafore?
Stellar.

The loaf ,is a recipe I have had since Feb 2005/Bon Appétit..I just saved the page..there is an article too:)
I have no idea who wrote it?  Ina? and old Julia recipe?
no clue..but the recipe is in the link..I have enough marmalade and yogurts at any given time that I can do this ..spur of the moment..even though I was not excited by it..apart from the E Dehillerin pan from Lee-Ann and Jonathan..that I made it in..Jacques really liked it w/ Susan's crème fraiche~:)

Merci!

I am still painting..and wanted to show you the cute book I mentioned..:)Purplicious♥

Bon weekend everyone~


Look how uncanny..had placed my coffee..cream(in my mini cow creamer..) ..placemat and my half muffin..opened IG..




:)

47 comments:

  1. Oh how I love the apron. I wouldn't know where to find someone to make that. I too dress casually; no frills for me anymore. I haven't seen anyone wear a pinafore here so that would be a new fashion trend where I live. So cute. I see you are having fun painting and think you'll be a busy bee at it this winter. Fall is arriving here too in many ways. I see the starlings flocking, flying and looking for food. The hummingbirds are still here; they'll let me know when fall has finally arrived by their absence. I'm making an apple pie today, tempting my daughter and her boyfriend to help me figure out my computer. Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. The apple pie will work!
      Over jeans or leggings this is the most comfortable piece I have..it won't be warm enough for winter..but all other seasons..great..any seamstress can make this..not lined..
      I am happy I didn't make it..it feels special.

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  2. What a fun post! Someday I would love to see the colors. While we do have trees changing colors, it isn't anything like the east. The pinnie is really cute. I love that you were able to use the linen tablecloth. Layers are just right for me, too!

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    1. The colors are unforgettable Kate..everything is gold and amber and red..a glow everywhere you look..but that's the price you pay for many months of monochrome w/ some colorful blue sky white snow days.
      Thank God I enjoy being inside too:)

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  3. What a wonderful apron! Your pictures are so pretty of fall approaching in your area.

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    1. They are so nice to wear:)..and yes..beauty arrives slowly at the beginning..then all at once!

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  4. Monique, I'm smiling here for many reasons. You are the cutest individual with such talent and thoughtfulness. The pinnie is adorable and you look so cute modeling. Love the pockets in the front. When I was in NY, my friend insisted I buy a long linen apron at ABC Home and wear it with a white tee and jeans. I've yet to try it as it's still been warm, but will. Hope I can pull it off. I thought she was being so clever to think of wearing it as a pinafore, but here you are suggesting the same. Love this idea! I often wore a smock / apron when teaching little ones. So handy!

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    1. I have to look at ABC home..had never heard of it...you will pull it off perfectly!
      I have seen your style:)
      Hope we see it..

      Rough Linen sells some online too:)

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  5. Simply LOVE your pinnie! As Sarah above says, you look quite adorable in it:) I also never wear shorts, but usually stick to capris or jeans/trousers. Not once did I go swimming this summer - and glad I didn't because my bathing suit is so old the elastic is gone and it fell down when tried on:) And your autumn pictures make me miss the Northeast and especially the maples. I have found none here. I adore fall, in spite of knowing winter is coming - is it the light? The leaves? The coolness? But then these days I love every season, happy to be healthy and happy. xxxxooo

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    1. Isn't it something? What a nice girl she is to have put so much thought into the placement of everything..an artist..and such a nice girl..a quiet elegance about her.

      You made me smile re the bathing suit!
      In Fl I kind of have to..but believe me there's a wrap:)

      Maybe now a pinnie?:)
      I love every season too..Katrina you sound fantastic! YAY.

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  6. Look at you, I love your pinnie! What a treasure to have, so clever and perfect. You are just too cute, I love the looks you talk about, you are one styling lady and so full of charm. Your photographs are out of this world. I always love stopping in to see you, you are one special lady and one of a kind. Precious!

    Nancy

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    1. I have missed not having you in blogland..you have been through so much..I often wondered how you were..we are so fortunate to have our little ones aren't we?
      So nice Nancy..

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  7. How wonderful is that pinnie and to know your mother had done the stitching. I know you will wear it with love instead of the table cloth being used so infrequently.

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    1. Karen..my GRANDMOTHER!..My mom would be in her later 90's..my dad in his 100's..it was his mom..she died..paralyzed..and I think stitching kept her going..she was a judge's wife..he was very active..my grandfather lost his first wife at a young young age..I only found this out recently..then he married Marie-Louise Hervieux..my grandmother..never met her..never met any of my grandparents..
      I will wear it w/ lots of sentiment..I plan on wearing it so much!

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  8. Hello ~
    I am totally in love with your flower photos, especially the hydrangea one. Such a mezmerising colour!
    You are also so skilled at watercolour! Your drawings are so light and fresh ~
    The first colours of Autumn must be marvellous in Canada, lucky you! It's such a beautiful season ~
    Have a lovely week-end Nana

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    1. Camille I hope you can visit here one day..you are perfectly bilingual and would settle into to Québec beautifully for a holiday! But come in fall:) Winter might be too rough:)
      La ville de Québec a beaucoup de charme:)

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  9. It is such a bittersweet time of year. I love autumn too but, Oy, the what comes after. I am glad that daylight savings stays until the first Saturday in November. I don't know why but my annuals in containers didn't do that well this year. Wow, that beautiful blue scaevola is VERY happy :) Your Pinnie (never heard that word before) is beautiful! What a lovely job she did making it for you and getting the embroidery spaced so well. I think a very wise way to use that "treasure". I have finally found something where we differ, although I've known it for a long while. I am not a frilly girl. I live in shorts all summer, although they are longer these days. Barely a ruffle, bow or piece of lace in my closet. It suits you perfectly but pas moi. Flip flops, jeans and white shirts, je suis 'in' :-) So glad to read Jacques enjoyed the creme fraiche! Love your watercolors, as always, as I smiled when I read the Key to Knowing Joy ♥

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    1. BTW, I see you have an app for IG on your tablet! I can't find one for my iPad.

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    2. You look amazing in your golf outfits!By frills ..you know what I mean..not frilly collars and dresses..but long skirts etc..that scaeveola is so very happy..much more than my birdhouse one this year..the front horse one is nice too..but this one is best.Locarion location location I guess as we used to say in real estate!
      He loves the cf..he grew up on cream lol..pas moi.
      For IG..I just Googled..go to the Apple ITunes Store..the ad one doesn't load it seems.
      Just tried..go see..it is a good one although I am still finding my way around it!

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  10. I love the time in the year when there are leaves changing on the trees, but still the last of the flowers, just wonderful.
    I love reading the description of your style sounds so pretty and fun and your "pinnie is just perfect"
    Hope you have a lovely weekend and get to spend some of it outside...

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    1. It is such a beautiful time..can't believe I thought about the pinnie all summer..we just need less stuff at my age;)The boys outgrow everything so fast!
      Have a nice weekend..the jewelry you have started personalizing with your look..very cute!

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  11. This was a charming read Monique...just before bed...I am pooped!
    Your flowers look so fresh, crisp...delightful!
    Your apron is so beautiful...you will cherish that...for sure.
    My daughter Erika always tries to get me into prints....not for me!
    Love leggings and big sweaters...and nice hoodies...the classy kind, of course!
    I am ok with Fall....but I do dread the Winter....oh well!
    Have a great weekend...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. You too..hope we see some shower pics:)Winter..if it was just 2 months shorter..but then everyone would live here right?
      I think you are milder even than we are..
      Have fun..bet your son has great ideas for his wedding..so creative.

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  12. Our leaves are changing and the light, so much. I am not a person that deals well with change. You would think I was, I know, but I am not. The sound of geese flying overhead and south for the winter. It is a lonely sound to me, and yet I was thrilled last year when some flew overheat when I was out in the yard. I was instantly transported back to my Canadian Childhood! I love your paintings, and your apron. That is how I like to dress also, but I don't because I fear I am too fat. But I love the style. You are blessed to have such a lovely figure. I wish . . . Anyways, As always my visits with you are a delight! Have a great weekend! xoxo

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    1. I remember when you heard the geese!!:)
      It does make you realize the cold is settiling in..
      My visits to Chester are always a pleasure too;)

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  13. What a great idea to use the old table cloth that is just sitting in a drawer. And to be able to have it made from one of your grandmothers handwork makes it special. I have table clothes similar but I'm not sure that look is me. Not to mention I would land up staining it probably! The garden is still beautiful. If I did not have my cosmos in bloom it would be sad. I'm waiting for a few fall bloomers to start, colchicums, chrysanthums, Montock daisies but the rest could be cut back at this point. What roses are those? Bon weekend!

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    1. The fairy..that rose is the Fairy..the white..I foregt..it looks like the fairy but gets much larger..not the blooms but the bush..I can't even remember the mail oreder place I bought the white ones at..canadian....something Heirloom I think..many many yrs ago..
      I have a red fairy..not nearly as lovely to me..then have a pink climber fairy that you could grow:) I think you are in a warmer zone..

      I'll probably get something on it too..I had a white linen top on 2 days ago..and potted up my spaguetti sauce ..big batch..big spots..Thank goodness for a qtip and diluted bleach;)

      I have a few fall bloomers to come also..but I should start cutting back NOW.

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    2. Thanks for the info Monique. Yes I should start cutting back too, it takes longer these days doesn't it?

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    3. It seems to! I used to go gung ho..and do and do..now..both Jacques and I say:"That's enough for today"
      Cela suffit pour aujourd'hui:)

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  14. The pinnie is totally to die for! What a terrific job Lynn did with your tablecloth and what a wonderful, useful way to have it to remember your family history. So nice to see, use it whenever you feel like wearing it!

    And your paintings are exquisite. It's a very rainy, gloomy day here and we are feeling the first hints in this fall of things to come. I could have written that paragraph when you spoke of loving fall but not what comes after. Exactly what I feel. Your garden, though, is still looking lovely -- far more so than mine, but perhaps this rain will help.

    Have a lovely weekend. You're inspiring me to paint today!

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    1. I saw Lynne again today:)
      Stopped at our little waterfront park..you can just tell things are gearing up for fall..
      I took a photo of a lady on a bench..may try painting that:)
      Oh to be blessed with my mother's talent..hope she's listening:)
      Have a great day.

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  15. i adore that pinnie...been wanting one for years and years...even before they became so now. you look adorable in it and the girl is a genius...and so are you, for using that tablecloth. i have pinnie envy...hah, hah. beautiful photos here and i can hardly wait to make that recipe.

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    1. She is a genius:) And showed such care in the confection by making everything work.
      Thank you:)

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  16. Ahh...your lovely fleurs could be out of a Fantin-Latour still life (over on PB by the way).
    Always joy here.

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    1. Just read.. a week is not complete w/out a new post or two from you..and personally I love your apricots.

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  17. She really did a lovely job out of the tablecloth-very talented and it suits you-you are artistic!!!

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  18. Such a treasure to have the pinnie and be able to wear. It makes perfect send to be made into that can be worn and appreciated, instead of sitting in a drawer. You look look like a doll. Your hair is lovely. Such gorgeous flowers to admire. The weather is changing....It's warm this week, but it will become alittle cooler next week. That book is darling and would make a great blog name.
    My style is summer dresses and cute sandals...no shorts. Leggings with tunics and sweaters and boots. Happy Sunday Monique.

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    1. I have leggings on now..still flip flops and a longer in the back denim shirt:)Boots..my fave..
      I still love loose dresses..so comfortable and not restrictive..hate the feeling of wanting to undo a button:)
      Happy Sunday to you too:)

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  19. What a gorgeous pinni..you look so cute in it.
    I love the loaf..I think I'll make that for us for tea.
    I like the feminine dress code too..lots of pumps and pretty sandles and dresses..don't have the legs for shorts. :((
    Your garden is still so beautiful for this time of the year.
    Have a good week Monique
    x

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    1. I don't have the legs for shorts either..but they work:) So grateful they walk and bend:)I know you are too!

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  20. Il est magnifique, ce tablier. Il y a des gens qui sont vraiment très doués ! Incroyable, la jolie distribution équilibrée des broderies sur la pièce terminée ... Tes aquarelles me plaisent toujours autant, aussi. Quant à une tea and pie party chez toi, voilà qui me conviendrait à la perfection ! ;-)

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    1. Je crois qu'un tablier t'irait merveilleusement bien.
      L'attention aux details..si professionnel de sa part:)

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  21. The apron is a work of art indeed! All your garden photos are spectacular and the loaf cake looks great too. The geese are coming this way! Woohoo I'm ready for cooler weather. We spent three wonderful days in the mountains - mostly off the grid. Camping in a pop-up camper and cooking outdoors. We had a little internet from time to time - so I was able to get on my iPhone and check messages. Sorry to be late in commenting!

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    1. I know you must have had fun:)
      I too love fall..it's starting here:)

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  22. What a brilliant idea to use the tablecloth like that! You are so right - it would just end up sold, and now it is used and loved.
    Wow, you are having fun with your photography! Those are stunning. We have seriously had one day to get in the door and out again for the last two months and I am exhausted. Not much blogging or time to visit the last half of summer. We have one more trip and then I want to stay home (until the snow smothers us- that is!)

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  23. :) Glad you still like your pan. Love the pinnie!

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