Thursday, November 7, 2013

A SWEET RETREAT


When the sky gets moody,

 

and grows gloomy, heavy and grey,


huffing and puffing cloudy complaints,


you take the hint,
 give it some space,


and head for the nearest cafe,

 
where, iron rails,

 
  
 and walls of stone,

 will shut out the impending storm!


Soft, cozy seating,


and a hot sweet treat,


make this comfy cave the perfect retreat!


Thanks for visiting!

xo
Poppy

All images: Poppy View


80 comments:

  1. It is so scenic there! Wish I could sit down with you in the little cafe.
    Brenda

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  2. Brenda,

    It is SO cozy, we'd chat the day away, over hot, steamy cappuccino, not even aware of the storm brewing outside!

    xo
    Poppy

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  3. I love the brilliant colour against the moody skies in your photos. Yes, it would be nice to retreat to a cafe and get out of the weather. Beautiful photos Poppy.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pamela!

      Snow falling softly on the other side of a bay window, while hot chocolate is being sipped inside, is another of my favourite retreats, at my sister's in Unionville. Sweet memories. How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

      xo
      Poppy

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  4. I love cloudy and stormy days-they make me feel so cozy. I think it is because of the long winters in Idaho near the rugged mountains and Moms cooking that bring these feelings back to me. Your pictures are lovely!
    Happy Thursday my Friend!
    Jemma

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jemma,

      Every season has its own, beautiful traits, doesn't it? Your memories of winter are warm and happy ones!

      xo
      Poppy

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  5. Sounds like a plan, Poppy!
    I'll be right over to share a cuppa with you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kim,

      Saving you a seat, hurry on over!

      xo
      Poppy

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  6. Beautiful ... stay warm and cozy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marisa,

      You too! I'm sure you'll be baking up a storm soon enough to keep your family cozy, too!

      xo
      Poppy

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    2. Ah! So beautiful, I so want to be there!

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  7. And we can all use a cozy retreat, Poppy!

    xo
    Claudia

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    Replies
    1. Hi Claudia,

      I know you and Don love that vegetarian restaurant, which sounds just as cozy!

      xo
      Poppy

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  8. Your pictures are stunning - I love all the beautiful clouds. How fun to go and have a coffee and sweet treat. I love when it rains but we don't get much in SO CA.
    Mary

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary,

      Thank you! We also don't get as much rain as we should, BUT, when it rains, it POURS! We've had two days of it and I'm ecstatic, just freshens everything so beautifully, (and I don't have to hose down the front path!;)).

      Enjoy that glorious California sun, my friend!

      xo
      Poppy

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  9. Poppy, this post made me smile as I was reading (as yours often do), but I could just feel how wonderful it would feel to steal away to that cafe while rain is pounding outside. You have conveyed that mood perfectly! The photos of the clouds are stunning!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amy,

      Thank you! I know you would enjoy taking lovely walks around the surrounding villages, up and down rolling hills, leading to valleys of vineyards and little cafes that attend to one's craving for coffee and a sweet after such wanderings!

      xo
      Poppy

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  10. I have not been stealing away from the house much lately. I think I need to take a day off from projects and go sit in a cafe by the sea.

    thanks for the inspiration

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    Replies
    1. Do it, Carol! You have been extra busy lately and now your attention needs to be on calm seas and hot herbal teas!

      xo
      Poppy

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  11. Ι just needed this coffee with the smell of the amazing area where you are so lucky to live.You create breathtakingly wonderful posts Poppy and this one was a balsam to my soul after a difficult night ...
    Thank you so much!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Olympia,

      Your very welcome, my friend; glad it helped! Hope you are feeling better. If it is possible to steal a few minutes from your schedule, take a walk around your own beautiful area; it does wonders!

      xo
      Poppy

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  12. Greece looks stunning, even with an impending storm, the colours are so vibrant.
    I bet the coffee tastes great too.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Fiona,

      I think you'd really be inspired by Crete's landscapes and colours, with regards to your lovely painting and artist's eye!

      xo
      Poppy

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  13. Good Morning Poppy, The skies look so stormy and so very beautiful. The cafe you chose to retreat to is lovely..... did you enjoy your hot Greek coffee. As always, your photographs are stunning.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Daphne. Yes, my cappuccino was smooth and very hot, just the way I like it, with a dash of cinnamon for extra aroma!

      xo
      Poppy

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  14. I like the strength of moody skies; they're equal match for the beautiful stone walls of your retreat.

    Have a lovely weekend, Poppy.

    -Karen

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen,

      You're absolutely right! Love your comparison!

      Have a great weekend!

      xo
      Poppy

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  15. Your lovely photos make me miss Abruzzo so much! I love this scenery, even in the rain or cloud. : )

    Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Louisa! It's so nice to have you here! Yes, Abruzzo and Crete are very similar, glad you see that!

      xo
      Poppy

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  16. Oh Poppy, you make me miss those wonderful warm cafes in Crete. "Next year. . ." is my new mantra.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jackie,

      You will be here soon enough! Until then, hope you stop by whenever you can and explore Poppy View; love having you!

      xo
      Poppy

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  17. Poppy,
    Gorgeous photos...I always love visiting you and seeing the scenery...and reading your poetic words..
    Love, Mona

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mona,

      Thank you! I know how much you love to garden and I think you'd enjoy the flowers of Crete!

      xo
      Poppy

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  18. I love this post. A cloudy day is such a rare treat where I live that I actually look forward to them and when it begins getting cloudy, I automatically begin to hunker. I light candles, get under a blanket and make tea. I love that feeling.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer,

      The climate where you live is probably very similar to Crete's. We used to get two seasons, summer and winter and now, we have a little bit of spring and fall, the the last two being my favourites. Stay cozy!

      xo
      Poppy

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  19. Poppy,
    Love the stone walls in that cafe . I hope you enjoyed your cafe on that moody day.
    have a blessed day.

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  20. I so enjoy the way you write your entries, such sparkle and charm, and I am thinking that with gray skies, I would head right where you did and have a nice warm sweet drink as well. Happy weekend Poppy!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary,

      Thank you so much for the sweet words! As I've been saying throughout this post, I'll save you a seat, by the window for you, as you are always aware of the natural world around you, with your trusty camera, on standby mode, ready to capture an unexpected visitor flying in from a far.

      xo
      Poppy

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  21. My, it was moody, wasn't it? Like a Heathcliff of a day! You found the right solution, Poppy. Any sentence with cafe and hot sweet treat in it has got to be good medicine! I feel better already.

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    Replies
    1. Hello my dear friend,

      Yes, that's exactly what it was, a 'Heathcliff of a day'! Dramatic, unpredictable and dark! Wish you were there for added sweetness!

      xo
      Poppy

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  22. Dear Poppy, once again you set the mood beautifully, by ignoring the moody sky:)
    Have a sweet weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lucy,

      It was either that, or start my own rainy rant, and so chose clouds in my coffee over those above me!
      xo
      Poppy

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  23. What a beautifully written post and equally gorgeous photos. Fall/winter skies often look like that here in Ohio and they are my daughter's favorite.
    Cindy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy,

      Thank you! I know sunny skies are bright and cheery and uplifting for the soul, but these stormy ones have such depth of character, don't they?

      xo
      Poppy

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  24. Wow, even the storms in your area are beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie,

      Storms, stirring in skies, do have their diva dimension!

      xo
      Poppy

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  25. My dearest Poppy , you have a wonderful mental gift to transform even the bad weather in a beautiful and cozy time! I wish to you always be well and to take us with you to the beautiful Crete!
    Have a lovely weekend !

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    Replies
    1. Hi Olympia,

      Thank you so much! Is the sky in a better mood in Thessaloniki? You have some charming cafes in your town squares...and the most delicious tsoureki!

      xo
      Poppy

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  26. We had stormy skies yesterday as well. Things are much sunnier today.

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  27. I really like the contrast of the moody sky and the yellow in the first photo. How lucky you are to be on Crete!

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    Replies
    1. The vineyards are quite brilliant with coppers and rusts, right now. Our version of those amazing maples!!

      Poppy

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  28. The scenery is beautiful even with stormy skies! So much drama!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Manuela,

      Oh, yes, lots of drama...this is Greece, birthplace of drama!

      xo
      Poppy

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  29. Poppy, your cafe looks like a wonderful place to hide-away from the storm. The stormy scenes are still very beautiful. Another lovely post. Have a happy day!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Eileen,

      Thanks! There is something very soothing about sitting in a little village cafe, enjoying a cappuccino, anxiously waiting for the skies to open up and vent their feelings!

      xo
      Poppy

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  30. How beautiful! It's definitely a different way of life and something I would love to see and experience! Enjoy your week and the beauty that surrounds you! Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      I know how much you love to explore; you always take us to such wonderfully fun and interesting places!

      xo
      Poppy

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  31. Looks pretty stormy was the pending rain or snow? That cappuccino looks so inviting~Jennifer

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer,

      Rain - a downpour, thunder and lightning! All great special effects for my cafe outing!

      xo
      Poppy

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  32. There is something not only about your pictures, but your words as well that truly makes me fell like I've just been on a mini vacation when I visit you Poppy. I hope you know how talented you are, and how very fortunate you are as well to have such beauty surrounding you.

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    Replies
    1. You, my friend, are TOO sweet, sweeter than my delicious, Italian elixir...But, having just discovered your Italian roots, I'm not surprised!! :-)

      xo
      Poppy

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  33. beautiful images - I enjoyed the way you put the story together with pics and words.
    Have a wonderful week - I am joining you through Mosaic Monday

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jill,

      Thanks! On my way to your beautiful blog!

      xo
      Poppy

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  34. Poppy, what a sweet post! Your photos are SO lovely and just the thought of finding a cozy retreat in the midst those cloudy skies gives such a feeling of comfort....and I love the poem too!

    Blessings!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Debby Ray,

      Thank you so much! The charming cafe is in the next village over from ours, a mere 15 minute walk!

      xo
      Poppy

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  35. Great pictures / beautiful collages :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! So nice to meet you! Visiting you...now!

      Poppy

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  36. What amazing views and beautiful pictures!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maria,

      Thank you! Have been following your own sweet blog for a while and have made those scrumptious cinnamon twists!

      Poppy

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  37. Replies
    1. Hi Kelly,

      Thanks, and welcome! I've just returned from another beautiful setting...your Cortona! :-)

      Poppy

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  38. Just lovely.

    Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  39. Great pictures / collage you show :)

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  40. Oh wow, your pictures are totally stunning. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  41. I would love to settle into that stone walled cafe and sip on something hot! Wonderful pictures, Poppy. Thank you for sharing and joining me for tea. Have a beautiful day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  42. Perfect place to weather the storm - lovely cafe! I bet these are wonderful - I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  43. Such scenic views even though the sky is gray. Quite a contrast from little old PEI where there are no mountains. Thank you for sharing at my HOME.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  44. Absolutely gorgeous stormy photos Poppy. It is rather grey here too - would love a cozy cup of cocoa! Beautiful post, I am delighted that you shared with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!