Marrakesh: and a tale of lost beauty

She told me that she remembered when.  When they stopped looking.  

                                                                Men. 

She had always been a beauty.  Her glossy black hair, her strong brows, her slim waist.  She had her clothes tailored to exact precision.  Her evening gowns were of the memorable variety.

My father told me that when he brought her to cocktail parties that no one ever paid attention.  To him, that is. 

She was a woman of substance:  a medical doctor, an achiever.  But she knew the power....  

                                    the power of her beauty.

And then slowly it began to ebb:  the beauty that made them look.  Relentless, uncompromising, insidious.  

It was then that they started saying, She must have been so very beautiful.    

Treasure your beauty.  It's yours.  And then {Oh!} it's gone.

Images taken at a photography exhibit of Lili Roze at the La Mamounia. Exhibit through the end of September, 2011, in Marrakesh.

Morocco: and the last dregs of Summer

My children went back to school today and I realized....

                                that Summer in Morocco was over.  

                                                                                        {I miss it already.}

Oh, the sand beneath my toes.

Fresh fish at the markets.

Casual outdoor projects.

Boats the perfect blue in Essaouira.

Surfing in Mirleft.

Freedom. The kind only Summer brings.

I can't wait, No, I can't wait.....

                                for next Summer.  Please come soon.

Marrakech: and a tale of indigo painting

Here's hoping that is weekend brings out the artist in you, whether your canvas is big.... or small:-)  

And speaking of painting (and blue) , I sent the uber-talented Melanie creative direction on one of the projects for her upcoming painting retreat at Peacock Pavilions in October.  The concept:  indigo. Pop over here to see a few of the images I sent her for inspiration.  They are surprising and, frankly, incredible!  There are still a few slots left on her retreat.  We'd love to have you join us -- you'll not only learn decorative painting techniques to make your own home more beautiful but you'll experience all the wonders of my exotic hometown, Marrakesh! 

Essaouira, Morocco: and a drunken, delicious tale at Val D'Argan

There were six of us who headed out that weekend to Val D'Argan, the lovely winery just 20 minutes from Essaouira, Morocco.  

Oh, the vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see....  a reminder of the bottles and bottles of wine soon to come. (Please don't ask how many -- I'd be too embarassed to tell.)

And just as memorable as the wine, was the food!  It started out with the most charming handmade Moroccan dishes.

The darling girls in the kitchen made all the starters and sides.  Peppers, lentils, beets, tomatoes and everything delicious.  Yum! 

 And the rest of the meal...............oh my, epic.   (Did I mention that there were three smart aleck-y foodie types from the Four Seasons in Marrakech in our motley little band?  They did all the cooking. We provisioned ourselves appropriately in Essaouira right before. )

There were fresh sardines, grilled to perfection. 

And tender shrimp, quickly sauteed.

The hugest lobsters.  Oh!


And truly, the most beautiful fish.

Dessert made by the accomodating Val D'Argan staff:-)

Oh, the food never stopped that weekend.  And, cough, neither did the Val D'Argan wine.....

The perfect setting for naughty stories and raucous laughter:-)

And so I lift my glass and say Bravo to the Val D'Argan! And Bravo again to the moonlighting chefs! (Shh...this one is secretly the Four Seasons Marrakech Hotel Manager.  Ahem, don't tell his boss. )

The Val D"Argan (contact@valdargan.com)

Don't miss it if you're heading towards Essaouira, Morocco.  For lunch, dinner, and spending a night or two.  I'll see you there.