SMILES OF ITALY

One of the things I enjoyed doing on our

trip last year to Italy was to take pictures

of the various people we met.

We met so many nice smiling people I wanted

to remember.  When I asked them if I

could take their picture they beamed.

You visit museums, see fabulous landscapes,

eat wonderful food and drink great wine,

but it's the people you meet that make for

a memorable trip.

How could you resist these three sisters

who came to work with their Mother

at the Campo de Fiori market in Rome.

The barrista's who

served my favorite cappuccino

These girls from the Dominican Republic

who are going to college in Rome were

fun to be with.

Window shopping in Rome I was drawn to

this contemporary furniture store and this

nice lady gave me a tour.

My favorite morning stop at the Campo de Fiori

bakery.

In Sicily we were having a glass of wine

 in a little enoteca where we met this

very cute lady.  She had the best laugh I wish

I could have recorded it.  We didn't understand

what she said but we knew it was funny.

You get the feeling people enjoyed what they do

Giving a tour of a winery

Or selling candy

He made our lunch special

We even got smiles from the animals

Everywhere we went

And special friends

It's full of worth and goodness too,

with manly kindness blent,

It's worth a million dollars

and it doesn't cost a cent.

            Let us smile.

DECORATE WITH CARE AND JOY

"I love to create a warm and welcoming environment

for my family and friends."  This is a quote from

Hilde of POM POM INTERIORS , you know

what a true statement this is when you go

into any of her three stores.

The store on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica

has a lived in elegant look that's relaxed

and casual.

From the moment you walk into the front door

you feel as though you have entered someones

cozy beach bungalow.

Hilde is also the owner and creator of

POM POM AT HOME the fine linen

line I represent.  Her goal is to create products

that fill you with delight and bring you that

little touch of luxury that makes life just a

bit more pleasurable. This is very apparent 

throughout the store.

Anna the manager of the store also

has a gift for display. Her attention

to detail always with a passion for beauty.

I really like the covered porch and outdoor

garden area.

Beautiful living is practical living.

                             Hilde Leiaghat

"ARTE POVERA"

While in Italy last year we had the pleasure of

staying at the charming country bed and breakfast

Ca' del Cardo  Here we were introdued to

"arte povera" (poor art) furniture.  This means

those pieces of furniture built single handed

by country craftsmen in the past two or

three centuries. Since  the countrymen were very

poor (so the origin of the name) the furniture

favored functionality and the needs of

the owner.

 Carlo and Donatella our 

hosts are lovers of this style and have

used it thoughout there home.

They custom designed these pieces

to best suit their needs.

This kind of furniture was spread all over

the Italian territory, found in the cellars and

lofts of the Tuscan and Umbrian country

houses and it defined a sheer style of

simple easy shapes.  50 years ago

this furniture was cheap and easy to find,

but the growing interest created a demand.

Now it is not easy to find authentic pieces,

but if found the cost are high.

Now expert craftsman in the northern part of Italy

have reproduced a selection of these classics.

Using reclaimed wood

these pieces are designed with function

and ease in mind just like the originals were.

This is one instance where the past

can be recalled.  If there is an interest

I would appreciate your comments.

scarrocino@aol.com