Hello All!
We traveled up the California coast for a Valentine weekend extravaganza! On Friday we met our friend's Mike and Sandy. They live in Carmel, and we met them for lunch at a place called The Cottage. (It's where the locals go)
My nephew Joey was making his Confirmation on Saturday, which was also Valentine's Day. Joey is the oldest son of my brother Tony. Tony and his wife Debi have 3 boys. All smart, cute, talented, and funny. We laughed the entire time.
It was a great time for our family. My mom, and aunt also traveled up as did my daughter Amanda, and her husband Joe. The Confirmation was lovely, followed by a family party.
On Sunday,after we had a birthday brunch for my aunt, my husband and I took off for a drive to Port Costa California, home of the beautiful, and famous artist Wendy Addison. I emailed Wendy a month ahead to find out if she would be there to open her amazing shop. Well, much to my happiness she was going to be there. From my brother's house it was a 40 minute drive. Up a winding two lane road to what looked like the middle of nowhere. As we finally approached the end of the road before the town of Port Costa, my eyes widened. The town looks like a place time forgot. It was like stepping back into Victorian times. It felt a little like a movie set,only real. Port Costa was a grain shipping area back in the late 1800's.
As you can see from the photos, the big yellow building was and is still a hotel.
The big faded green doors to Wendy's shop, the Theatre of Dreams. The garden area between her shop, and her workspace where she keeps her letterpress. It is where she is working on her wonderful new book, that I was lucky enough to purchase. It is a one of a kind first edition, all done by hand. Written, and illustrated by Wendy herself. My husband purchased one for me as my Valentine gift.
As we peeked in the window of the shop, there she was looking out at us. I said to my husband, I think that is her. I didn't recognize her new shorter haircut. She was so sweet, and adorable. She welcomed us in, took the time to show us around, and let me spend as much time looking as I wanted. Of course I had to do a little bit of shopping. She showed us the fairy theatre she made out of antique pieces, as well as the larger fairy theatre you see in the photo. I am telling you, it was so magical, it made you feel as though you just stepped into a fairytale. Even my husband was fascinated. The history of the town and the ambiance was just a wonderful experience.
I met 2 of Wendy's 4 cats. Very sweet! She took the time to take me next door to her workshop. It is where she creates her fabulous art. I couldn't believe I was standing in Wendy's workspace. See the stunned look on my face.
If you ever get the chance to go to Northern California, try to visit the Theatre of Dreams, you will love it. Wendy's shop is open by appointment or by chance.
Thank you Wendy!
Love,
Rosemary
PS, I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked. I think I was having too much fun, and kind of forgot. I also forgot to mention it was cold, and rainy the whole weekend, but who cares?
