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


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80 comments:

  1. Brenda PruittNovember 7, 2013 at 10:22 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. PoppyNovember 7, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pamela GordonNovember 7, 2013 at 10:54 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 7, 2013 at 11:10 PM

      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

      Delete
  4. Jemma@athomewithjemmaNovember 8, 2013 at 12:26 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 9:49 AM

      Hi Jemma,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  5. camp and cottage livingNovember 8, 2013 at 12:46 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM

      Hi Kim,

      Saving you a seat, hurry on over!

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  6. Marisa BNovember 8, 2013 at 1:30 AM

    Beautiful ... stay warm and cozy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 10:23 AM

      Hi Marisa,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
    2. All The Pretty DishesNovember 11, 2013 at 7:59 PM

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

      Delete
  7. ClaudiaNovember 8, 2013 at 1:57 AM

    And we can all use a cozy retreat, Poppy!

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 10:31 AM

      Hi Claudia,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  8. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryNovember 8, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 10:49 AM

      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

      Delete
  9. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesNovember 8, 2013 at 5:42 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 10:56 AM

      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

      Delete
  10. Art and SandNovember 8, 2013 at 8:02 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 11:08 AM

      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

      Delete
  11. Things and ThoughtsNovember 8, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 11:14 AM

      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

      Delete
  12. fiona andersonNovember 8, 2013 at 10:30 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 11:27 AM

      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

      Delete
  13. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!November 8, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 6:00 PM

      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

      Delete
  14. My Little Home and GardenNovember 8, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 6:04 PM

      Hi Karen,

      You're absolutely right! Love your comparison!

      Have a great weekend!

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  15. UnknownNovember 8, 2013 at 3:14 PM

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

    Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 6:16 PM

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  16. Jackie @ travelnwriteNovember 8, 2013 at 4:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 6:22 PM

      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

      Delete
  17. hidden art of homemakingNovember 8, 2013 at 5:06 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 6:25 PM

      Hi Mona,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  18. Jennifer HaysNovember 8, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 8, 2013 at 11:56 PM

      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

      Delete
  19. MarissaNovember 8, 2013 at 7:13 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mary Howell CromerNovember 8, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 12:25 AM

      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

      Delete
  21. DewenaNovember 9, 2013 at 12:04 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 12:30 AM

      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

      Delete
  22. Lucy@heart and hearthNovember 9, 2013 at 2:09 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 9:46 AM

      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

      Delete
  23. Custom ComfortsNovember 9, 2013 at 2:10 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 9:53 AM

      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

      Delete
  24. MelanieNovember 9, 2013 at 5:25 AM

    Wow, even the storms in your area are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 9:56 AM

      Hi Melanie,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  25. oldthingsNovember 9, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    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 !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 9, 2013 at 2:04 PM

      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

      Delete
  26. aspiritofsimplicityNovember 9, 2013 at 6:26 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. EG CameraGirlNovember 10, 2013 at 12:54 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 10, 2013 at 8:34 AM

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

      Poppy

      Delete
  28. Manuela@A Cultivated NestNovember 10, 2013 at 9:06 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 10, 2013 at 11:03 PM

      Hi Manuela,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  29. eileeninmdNovember 10, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 10, 2013 at 11:07 PM

      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

      Delete
  30. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 11, 2013 at 12:00 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 11, 2013 at 11:27 PM

      Hi Diane,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  31. Beeutiful by DesignNovember 11, 2013 at 12:05 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 11, 2013 at 11:32 PM

      Hi Jennifer,

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

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  32. Doreen@foxdenrdNovember 11, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 11, 2013 at 11:36 PM

      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

      Delete
  33. Jill HarrisonNovember 11, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 11, 2013 at 11:44 PM

      Hi Jill,

      Thanks! On my way to your beautiful blog!

      xo
      Poppy

      Delete
  34. Debby RayNovember 11, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 12, 2013 at 12:13 AM

      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

      Delete
  35. Vores haveNovember 11, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    Great pictures / beautiful collages :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 12, 2013 at 12:23 AM

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

      Poppy

      Delete
  36. MariaNovember 11, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    What amazing views and beautiful pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 12, 2013 at 12:24 AM

      Hi Maria,

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

      Poppy

      Delete
  37. Sunflowers With SmilesNovember 12, 2013 at 12:35 AM

    How beautiful! Lovely setting too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoppyNovember 12, 2013 at 12:50 AM

      Hi Kelly,

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

      Poppy

      Delete
  38. The TablescaperNovember 12, 2013 at 4:46 AM

    Just lovely.

    Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  39. Vores haveNovember 12, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Great pictures / collage you show :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeNovember 12, 2013 at 3:49 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageNovember 12, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  42. KathyNovember 13, 2013 at 11:29 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageNovember 14, 2013 at 12:13 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  44. KathyNovember 17, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete

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

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