Last year I stayed in a gorgeous apartment in Paris while I was working on my book. Owner Maria did an incredible job with the renovation – sourcing light fittings, door knobs, bathroom fixtures and furnishings from brocantes (French flea markets). I will show (+ tell!) you more of this beautiful space this coming year, but for now I just wanted to take you for a little afternoon aperitif at Maria’s stunning bar, situated in the hall of the apartment. Isn’t it gorgeous? This fresque is an original and is a typical Brittany-scape, you can see the women on the cliff in their traditional dresses, and the sailboats below. Maria had it restored and added the bar stools which she had upholstered in a turquoise plush velvet.

with mojito in hand, sitting amongst the palms at sunset. this is a favourite place that I hope to visit again sometime soon.

you might be wondering how on earth I was able to run that far and hop on the swing before my self-timer went off? me too! somehow, I managed – I was always a good sprinter in school so maybe that helped. This was taken with my old Canon AE-1 film camera a few years back in beautiful Berry, NSW Australia, while staying on a friend’s stunning property. I went out for a walk around the paddocks and at sunset I found myself by this tree. It had a beautiful intensity and magic about it, and I just couldn’t say goodbye to this tree without capturing a special moment with it.

…happy new year everyone!! This is one of my old film photographs.