Morocco: and a tale of a Vogue Magazine adventure

You know, I still find it astonishing, somehow.  Morocco.  No matter how long I live here, I sometimes still find myself taken aback by its otherness.

Like I'm an outsider, looking in.  Dressing the part, fitting in but never fitting in. Still fascinated. 

It's the secret, of course.  Continuing to be surprised by something so familiar.  Like when you catch a glimpse of your long-married husband from across the room, and for a moment, you see him with new eyes. And there is a flutter, a beating of wings, somewhere deep within you.  

Images by Vogue Paris, February 2010

Photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

Marrakesh: and a tale of Moroccan design at Red Thread Souk {oui, Peacock Pavilions}

Did you know that I have a little shop at Peacock Pavilions?  It's only for our own guests {ie staying at Peacock Pavilions in Marrakesh} but there are some pretty treasures in there.

18 inch African pregnant body masks,: $225, sequined cushions, vintage Ethiopian long tribal transluscent horn spoons: $95

Beautiful blankets

My own hooks {featured in House Beautiful magazine} in silver or gold, $165 for 3 and very substantial!
. Vintage Moroccan caftans.

My starry night sequined cushions {$150} in gorgeous recycled market bags {$45}.

Our signature Peacock Pavilions cocktail napkins made with handmade beading {$48 for 6 napkins}

Sublime inlaid boxes with calligraphy {$135} and strand of large bone beads {$95}.

Hand embroidered Egyptian cushion {$125}, hand embroidered bags from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.

PS Email me at moroccanmaryamATyahooDOTcom, if you'd like to make something lovely yours!

Anywhere: and a tale of friendships and vampires

It’s been a tricky few years for friendships.  I recently made a new and very special friend.  She looked at me, a weary look in her eyes, and said, “Be wary of the vampires.  You know, the ones who drink your blood and leave you with nothing.”  

Oh yes, I know.  I know about those. 

Over the last several years, I’ve made the hard decision to cut out a vampire or two {or three} from my life.  It didn’t involve pointed wooden stakes but it was painful.  I liked and in one case loved blood sucking creatures.  But I had to love myself more.  

Friendship is a tricky thing.  But basic rules apply.  Lying, sneaking around, breaking promises, backstabbing – they are not on the list.   

Oh why am I telling you this?  You already know.  Right?  

I want new friends.  But I’m watchful of that telltale white luster just beyond the skin’s surface.  The kind that’s not so beautiful when you get up close....  

PS Would love your thoughts or advice on this subject, if you have a moment.

Peacock Pavilions in Marrakesh: and a tale of inspirations

Feeling inspired by many things at Peacock Pavilions these days.  Here's a few:

Talismanic hands of Fatima from a favorite jeweler. 

Some new bones and Simon Winchester's book on skulls (interesting, perhaps, for only the most ardent skull enthusiasts).

A collection of antique embroidered Moroccan bags from Khalid Art Gallery.

A new chair covered by a Moroccan wedding blanket.

One of the most beautiful design books that I own, The Divine Home by Peter Vitale.

A new but old Moroccan carpet from Red Thread Souk for my dining room.  Can you see that I have also upholstered my chairs in Moroccan rugs, too?

Collections of odds & ends everywhere.  Here some entomology pins from Merchant & Mills, a packet of gold sequins from Figue, a notebook from my friends at Imperial Black, and photography by Alexis de Vilar. I bought the wood arrow in South Africa.

My family peacock, Maurice, at Peacock Pavilions. I'm still in awe of his splendour.  Really.

What's inspiring you these days?  I want to know.