Scotland + Give-away

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I wish I could share my escapades in Scotland to explain my absence, but that would be a fantasy.
I wish I could say I did not break my New Years resolution about regular posting, but I did.
I wish I could say I have been using the winter to catch up on rest, but I haven't

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Instead I have been racing around like a mad woman.......

The good news is that we have gained several new interior design clients, due to our decorating at the Christmas show house, that we are currently working with. I can honestly say they are all dream clients.

A wee bit ago, for a special birthday Mr. 5th said we could go on a trip. "you pick", he said

And the dreams began; Africa, Bali, Norway........  Narrowing it down to Scotland or the Galapagos Islands, I eventually chose the latter. "Heck, I can get to scotland anytime!"... I told myself.

 Well, 7 years on, I have yet to go. But a girl can dream while reading a gem of a book.....

Being well into winter, and still in snuggly mode, I retreat to this luscious tome,' The Scottish Country House', on ten family homes, often still in the original families, spanning from the 17th to 20th centuries. The strength and masculinity of this ancient isle is well represented here, it's architecture, history, decor, heritage and it's gardens.

The rich texture and layers of history of each family adds a personal touch to this countries lore

The romanticism of "seeing" and knowing who went before you, must be, well, it is a feeling I would be unfamiliar with, as do most Americans. In rich detail, we are offered a glimpse of that lifestyle, the influences of the ages and the personalities that made these country houses homes and maintained them for upcoming generations.

A nation of clans, often warring clans, is so evident in the decor of these homes. The bravery fought by the families histories are well displayed.

The richness of nature provided food and sport. So taken into the very fiber of the Scott's being,

  those pursuits are proudly displayed in their decor

An entrance hall, a study in Baroque and the six year odyssey towards completion

Aside from the weaponry and quoined ceilings, this interior would be welcome and appropriately modern today

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Moments of envisioning a Downton Abbey-esque kitchen, bustling with staff and intrigue. Oh the gleam of those highly polished copper pots.

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The 18thc. Murano chandelier gracing the entry of the grand Dumfries House

A grand bed, a la Chippendale style

Of course the gardens, and so forth. Pouring through this book with it's crisp photography and intriguing stories brings alive a distant past timelessly melding into today.

Sadly, my personal obsession is absent; just a minor addition I thought you might enjoy......... 

speaking of enjoy........how about receiving this book in the mail??

All you have to do is comment and one name will be chosen randomly 

But......many say to me personally, "I do not know how"

EASY

At the bottom, center of each post it says "post a comment, or just comments" click on that, follow the prompts and have your say!

(not the email at the top of the page)

I have a CRUSH on those who COMMENT!

Cheers

Debra