Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Scenes of Stone & Stucco


While waiting for the new sofa, which is suddenly out of stock(!), I thought we'd take a sneak peek at my aunt's beautiful stone house, back home, in the village. I was saving these photos for a new fireplace reveal, but things are slow and snowy here in Toronto and the only thing that keeps tweaking is the weather! 


But back on the island, my husband is working on installing my aunt's new fireplace in the living room. It will be finished in stucco and topped with local marble, destined to be the coziest  corner of this already warm and inviting space.


The original house, built around 1920, was uninhabited, with no interior bathroom or staircase, when purchased, around ten years ago.


After extensive renovations, which included stonework, a new kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, new wooden beams and floors, wainscoting, plastering, interior and exterior stairs and balconies, it is now a precious gem, nestled in a valley of vineyards and olive groves.
 

A gorgeous garden in the back provides delicious harvests of winter oranges and clementines, while the neighbour's plump pomegranates droop heavily over the patio, like glittery Christmas ornaments bending tips of fragrant firs.


And sometimes, somewhere between the beige-y tones of creamy stones and stucco, a cat in camouflage mode strikes a portrait pose for this camera crazed blogger!

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy


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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Snowy Town Square Up in the Air!


www.facebook.com/lovecrete

This post was written last January, during the holidays,
while I was visiting my family in Toronto, Canada. 


 Hello Everyone,


Hard to believe, but there is actually more snow on this Mediterranean island presently, than here in Toronto! Above, is the village square in Anogeia, which can be found at an altitude of 700 metres in the mountains of central Crete. Its name literally means, 'high place' and it is known for its hospitality, as well as its historical relevance for resisting its Turkish and German conquerors. 









Today, it has been invaded by heavy, dense snow, something the Cretans are not accustomed to. Thus, they remain indoors, weary of treading through the thickly packed precipitation of cold, colliding crystals. Just the thought of it makes the locals freeze with fear! That's not to say that they don't marvel at the frosty mass. In fact, some actually brave the chilly temps and take to the hills for a day of skiing and snow angels!



When my daughter was a child, my husband, Cretan born and bred, would drive us through the narrowest of risky roads, clinging to cliffs that dropped hundreds of metres down to rocky ground. And all of this, in the hope of making contact with this precious powder! 




The promise of snowflakes from the heavens, floating onto expecting tongues, or entangling themselves into a fence of luscious little lashes, only to disappear within seconds of their otherwise, smooth landing, was certainly a sight to see!


But when left untouched, a wonderland of white puffy cakes, 'baked' on the premises, sit still on tiers of chilled iron, in this icy bistro, in a snowy square, high up, in the air. 


Thanks for visiting
and Happy New Year!

xo
Poppy

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Thursday, January 3, 2013

Pathway to Paris: A New Year's Resolution


Despite the rain,
 and regardless of the wind, 
Paris, city of lights,
seems the perfect place
to begin the journey forward,
 promising kaleidoscope days
 and enchanting nights;
 a mist of French flair in the air.

Echoes of, 'Je ne sais quoi',
amid the awestruck,
eager to merge with the flow, 
pick up the Parisian pace and
blend with the trend.

 Bewitching and bold,
it seizes your being,
and captures your soul,
until you find your way
to its magic,
and never let it go.

Wishing you all a bright
 and beautiful New Year!
 
 xo
Poppy

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Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Candlelight: A Reflection


Have you ever seen such a beautiful couple? One that has managed to stay together through thick (skin!) and thin (ice!), remaining close after all these years, complementing each other's personalities like apple pie and ice-cream?


I'd like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you who have graced this little blog with your thoughtful presence, visiting and taking the time to leave such lovely comments, even when your days are a busy and bustling whirlwind of work, family and chores!


You can't possibly know how much I truly appreciate hearing from you! Your kind and caring words have been such a bouquet of inspiration, from the very first day, back in May, when Poppyview debuted in this big, bold blogosphere!


As the new kid on the block, I simply hoped that someone... anyone (!), would drop by, even for a bit, if only to say, "Hey there, nice to meet you!".  To my delight, you popped over, and luckily for me, have stayed a while and I couldn't be happier! 


In turn, you have graciously opened up your 'doors' and invited me in for a chat and details about your newest project or latest trip. Other times, perhaps even more importantly, we have been there for each other- support, from a now familiar voice, albeit, sometimes far away in miles, but nearby in our thoughts and prayers. Ultimately, isn't that what friends are for?  Ditto for blogger buddies, I'm sure.


    And so, on this cozy, candlelit eve,
 I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 
May joy and peace be felt in your hearts,
 and those of our fellow man, around the world.

xo
~Poppy~

Saturday, December 15, 2012

I'll Be Home For Christmas


This post was written last December, while visiting my family
in Toronto, Canada. I've been particularly homesick this year,
 as I won't be spending Christmas in my beloved hometown, 
where my daughter, Liberty, is now living.
 Hope you enjoy my sweet holiday memories 
 of Christmases Past!

Source

Home. 
For anyone who shares their time, albeit, 
unequally, between two beloved countries,
 cities, even villages, home is sometimes
 a difficult place to locate.

Crete

For friends who have visited before, you know that for the past 24 years or so, Crete, my husband's place of birth, has been our permanent residence. We live in a tiny village in 
the countryside, having moved from the city last January.  
It's breathtakingly beautiful, where lush rolling hills are
lined with vineyards and dotted with orange and lemon groves, 
only to be surrounded by snowy mountains 
in the winter months.


Today, I am writing to you from my hometown, 
Toronto, Canada. It's been a while since I've posted, 
as we arrived just over two weeks ago
 and it has been non-stop: 
visiting with family and friends, 
shopping for seasonal items, 
and adjusting to the cold Canadian winter 
(which I long for when I'm in Crete!).



  But mostly, we're here so that my daughter
 can find work, as Greece's unemployment
 rate is at an all time high,  especially 
for young people under 25, of whom more 
than half are without work.


Toogood Pond, Unionville, Ontario, Canada

And so, here we are, 'across the pond'! 
My sister and her family live in Unionville,
 a charming little hamlet just outside Toronto,
 which boasts a pond all its own, 
home to various wildlife like the 
famous Canada Geese, ducks and fish. 


It is in this quaint and cozy suburban village,
 where we have the pleasure of taking
 long, leisurely walks around 
neighbourhoods nestled 
in forest-like landscapes,
 the foliage still glowing with
 memories of fall in the afternoon sun. 


The other day, on a stroll amid waterfalls 
and marshlands, I stood on a  bridge, 
gazing into the still flowing, 
not yet frozen water below, 
wondering what the future may 
hold, and thankful for good health,
and loved ones, near and far, in the present.
 Longing, and belonging, are perhaps 
one and the same, when you know and love
 two countries that can be found on a map,
 and people closest to you,
 deep in your heart.


Thanks for visiting!

xo
Poppy

All images: Poppy View,
except 2nd from top
 

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Sunday, November 25, 2012

TEA TERRITORY

I love teapots. Have a thing for teacups, too. Tea, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I like the stuff, just don't love it. To tell you the truth, I find it a tad bland. And so, in order to brave a brew, I add a touch of milk to tolerate its ilk. Sans sugar. Strange, I know.
I guess what I crave most about teatime is all the crockery that comes with the territory! Who can resist the infinite number of patterns, some playful, others posh. Selecting a particular style is another fashionable feat in itself. Would you give trendy a try, or remain a true traditional?
My favourite teapot, a gift from my sister
Personally, I tend to favour a country/cottage blend, steeping with heritage hues and sweet scenes of  the simple life. A spoonful of whimsy and a pretty woolen cozy and tea is served. Steaming hot, with a splash of lemon or a spot of milk, slightly sour or somewhat sweet, teatime with all its little trinkets is a treasure in itself.
Thanks for visiting!

Poppy


Sunday, November 18, 2012

My Sunbathed Bathroom


Welcome to my washroom. Or rather, bathroom.
 Excuse me - restroom. Or is it water closet? 


Supposedly, a washroom or restroom is found in public places,
 while a bathroom refers to the residential kind...Generally speaking.


Then again, it all depends on where you grew up, 
until you relocate to another country, and that's 
when things can get a little confusing. Or very amusing. Or not.


When we were designing our home, 
bathrooms were gaining ground,
 slowly stealing the spotlight from another starlet
 of watery scenes - the kitchen! 


It seemed that people wanted a more specialized room, where they could escape from the hustle and bustle of their day to relax and unwind in a space that provided a little luxury,


some peace and quiet and a whole lot of atmosphere.  For some, this translates into 'spa', while for others it simply means 'spartan'. 
It's a very personal feeling and attitude.


Actually, I'm somewhere in the middle. 
I wanted a space that was calming, 
thus, the earthy tones in tiles 
and granite and soft white furnishings.


But I also wanted to feel revitalized and that's where
 the pastels and bright wildflowers come in, 
playfully accessorizing the neutral foundation. 
Two different philosophies, one understanding.

Click on image to enlarge

My washroom is separated into two rooms: 
the 'powder room', which contains a double vanity,
 display cabinet, and washing machine, and the
 'bathroom', where the bathtub and toilet can be found. 



Each space has its own window and this allows sunlight to pour in practically all day, creating a soothing little sanctuary
 for the stressed and the weary, a place where rest 
has the power to rejuvenate and refresh! 




In the end, isn't that what this room is all about? 
And so, perhaps it is most fitting to say that a washroom
 boasts a bathroom, in which there is room to rest.
 There! No more wishy-washy wording and everybody wins!



Thanks for visiting!


xo
Poppy