I am tired. That cozy, happy, worked-my-tail-off, kind of tired that makes you smile as you sink deep into a comfy chair, snuggle up under a blanket and eat popcorn. And sip port. And watch movies until you can’t stay awake one second longer.

I’ve been working so hard this week, trying to get all my important work done so I could have a break, a real break, over the Easter holidays. And I did it!!! All my articles are written and submitted, all the photo shoots done and edited, and I even got a head start on the mountain of fruit and veg I picked up at the market this week.

Today as I wrote feverishly to meet all my deadlines, I sipped sparkling mineral water mixed with homemade concord grape juice I bottled yesterday. It tastes more like an elixir than simple juice, so thick and rich and fragrant you’d swear it was boozy. Mmm.

box of concord grapes

We won’t be going anywhere for the holidays because we have all sorts of plans for fixing up the farm and making an office space for me (insert squeals of excitement here!!!) and gardening and a new paddock for the goats and all those sorts of fun work things.

But it will be a wonderful break nonetheless, a break from writing and editing and computerish stuff, from deadlines and assignments and the juggling of many responsibilities.

For the next two weeks I’m just going to be Krista, or “Poppit” as I’m known over here. I’m going to work on my own small piece of the world, organizing and cleaning and sorting and nesting my little heart out.

I’ve been pouring over pictures of places I have visited and loved, trying to see if I can incorporate their warmth and welcoming natures into this dear place of ours.

Like this farmhouse outside Alba, Italy. I love the rambling vines and the overgrown terrace that is such a lovely spot for sunset-watching with a glass of wine, or an alfresco dinner party with dear friends.

Italian farmhouse near Alba

This Italian farmhouse kitchen. How I love it. The rich, vivid paint colors, the old bricks, wood timbers, soft light. Wonderful. I’d like to do an outdoor version of this some day with a tiled floor and appliances hidden behind old wooden doors.

Italian farmhouse kitchen

And this enchanting reading corner in a beautiful old Italian library. (You can see more of my photos of this exquisite hunting lodge here.)

It is one of the most endearing spaces I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been collecting bits and pieces to create my own version here on the farm.

Italian hunting lodge library

I’m so glad that we get to dream, to linger over beautiful images that capture the things we crave: companionship, health, peace. It is good.

What do some of your dreams look like?

Wishing you a very happy Easter and spring holiday. I will see you again mid-April!

xo