Another week caught in the whirlwinds of life & when my feet once again grabbed terra firma, clearly I was not in Kansas anymore. My Oz contains the cowardly, the heartless & yup even the brainless That I must skip to lou with daily but alas there's no Wizard in sight to redeem their lack ofs. So instead I sigh & declare this Dorothy dejected, disgusted & to hell with these damn ruby slippers my feet are killing me, not to mention hello I'm not 5: the gingham dress needs to go. Yup its sandals & saris...the farm girl's heading to Bali's Ubud Hanging Gardens. 
This lush haven on former & surrounding rice terraces consists of 38 villas each bejewelled with a infinity pool that overlooks the surrounding tropical mountains & Ayung River. Whisper this gem over & over, mantra of heaven in an enclave of tranquility. My own pool awash in breezes by day & candles by night: serenity.
Yes, yes I ramble but this time in Oz has not been easy, in fact its been a pebble in my shoe trotting along that brick road, but in the Ayung Spa, that's all a memory. I leave their description to tantalize you as it massaged me...
"Clinging to the riverbank, where the rocks make the water sing and consumed by tropical foliage kissed by morning mists, the Ayung Spa rekindles distant memories of Paradise Lost. Awaken your senses with the heady scents of flowers and spices, and abandon your body to the secular secrets of Balinese well-being. In pure Balinese style, the Ayung Spa offers three luxurious pavilions dedicated to relaxation and well-being. Each pavilion comprises two large spaces; one with two massage beds and a Balinese sofa, the other with a dressing area and bathroom with a bath that is surrounded by water and looks out onto the river. The interior and exterior are intimately married to nature, thanks to the use of local materials and the manner in which the pavilions open out onto the majesty of the views whilst retaining their privacy. The pavilions are linked to each other by Japanese steps surrounded by water and climbing plants clinging to the neighbouring wall, promoting a sensation of fertility. Pure luxury in a tropical paradise." 
Hanging Garden Indulgence: earthly delights... I'm on my way...
So off I jet across the waters. I'm lucky its a quick flight. Mind travel always is but when I return in a month a.k.a tomorrow, I'll be refreshed & renewed. Hopefully by then the Wicked Witch of Reality will have moved onto someone else.
Images courtesy of Orient Express & flickr
I hope you're dressed crisply, softly & comfy cozy. My dress is waiting for me. Wrinkles in linen spell relaxed, remember that as you dress, no fretting, understand??? 
My home?? Well it remains only in my head so how can I show it you. I can not, so instead imagine a cottage & a home nestled in a spot of heaven: gentile, gracious, filled in every trace of space with love & laughter. You'll never want to leave.
Iced white tea by the door, my stars, how kind, please help yourself.
I've placed flora blanca everywhere. Whats a ladylike invite without such trappings of decadence? There's even a few bouquets lounging, begging for you to take them home...you will.
How do like my dining room, the view through its French doors???? Intimate is always the way to go. I love laughter, chatter, this & thatter so expect a joyous time.
My silver, the china is vintage mixing & matching, through the only a love for what it is & a whisper in my ear .... "psst, buy me???" Monogrammed linens beg me as well & you'll notice your napkin is your initial.
Nibbles, no quibbles I've made one bite wonders. Could it be a tea without those lovely little sandwiches?? Noooo I've done plenty. Chevre with my fig jam, smoked salmon mousse & cucumbers (I prefer the Persians) & my Waldorf chicken salad. Cheese treats rare & wordly. Now a fun surprise: Prosecco with lemon sorbet a vino treat not too sweet. Ladies & libations always work so well together. 
Dessert: did you think I forgot?? Me never!!! Coconut cupcakes, hummingbird cake, 
Shall we wander the grounds, your welcome to my hammock or another nook to retire or converse.
As the day winds down & reality sets in, I'm sad to see you go, but I know you shall return. Think of this day often as you use your takeaway treat, monogrammed for you, softened by me & always this day will be cool to the touch of your skin, refreshing.
