I am definitely one of the luckiest artists in the world. This summer I have been particularly inspired by our trip to Turkey Greece and Jordan and have been painting in my East Hampton studio which looks out at our pool and is a 5 minute drive from the ocean. I love it when friends drop by to chat and look at my fabrics and dresses while I am painting couture pieces or working on canvases. This summer I designed and wore a one shoulder ball gown,to a wedding in Istanbul and have had several orders for similar pieces: I paint the scarves flat and work on the gowns,on a mannequin.

After so much travel, we welcomed a summer of family entertaining at home in East Hampton ,

dining on the porch, at the pool or in my studio. We visited Longhouse Reserve and enjoyed the beach.

We flew from Amman to Athens to attend a wedding which combined parties in fabulous contemporary venues:the New Acropolis Museum and the new Nobu restaurant by the sea with the loveliest of traditional ceremonies and the most gorgeous celebration dance. Towering trees adored the tables, pink was the theme and my sari became a toga.

I felt thirsty just looking out the window at the Jordanian desert as we landed in Amman.We taxied to Wadi Musa through a sandstorm and arrived at the Moevenpick Hotel conveniently located at the entrance to  Petra. Anxious for our own Indiana Jones experience , without the exertion in the 98 degree heat, we took a very bumpy horse cart ride into the 6th century BC ruins, at sunset,  to see the famous Treasury building.

Algeria beat the US, in the World Cup match while we dined at  the Moevenpick rooftop restaurant.I have already replicated the menu at home: mezze of eggplant caviar, tzatziki, hummus, and chopped tomato cucumber mint and  green pepper salad accompanied cumin flavored grilled lamb chops and rice with mincemeat.The dessert following this wonderful tradtional menu was, of all things:the ubiquitous tiramisu!!

Kirstin, and cousins Jarvis Slade and Sir Benjamin Slade

Jarvis and I had been in touch with Ben since reading this New York Times article. Although we are not interested in inheriting, we were delighted to find new relatives: Ben, dressed in a vintage Saville Row double breasted linen suit in pale blue to match his eyes, introduced us to a slew of Slades in his marvelous, welcoming and generous style. Maunsel House is a gem and Ben and Kirstin host about 40 weddings a year.

We skeedaddled back to London on the train just in time for the National Theatre production of “The White Guard.”  At intermission, we sat on a topiary chair with our friends.

Theatre seating

London is full of delightful entertainment.  Please take a look at my Flickr page for more photos.

Email me if you would like to visit in person…