no matter what

fuchsiadrops

i know love. i've seen her- we are friends. i believe in her and even though we fight sometimes, in the end she always pulls through for me when i need her and for that, i'm grateful.

right now, we are not on the best of terms. i feel like i have a bone to pick with love. i am watching one of the most difficult things i have ever had to watch. i am watching the person who taught me about love, the person who introduced us, i'm watching her fall apart.

it sucks. because, having finally learned to believe in something, i have to watch it be tested in this way, and i don't know whats going to happen, or how, or why its happening. why would love, our sweet, gentle, loyal friend, desert one of her own? how could she? how could she stand by and let this happen to someone with so much faith in her?

it is unfair. it tears me up and it makes me wonder- have we all misplaced our trust, our hope, faith and belief? it makes me wonder why we're all out to befriend such a fickle, fickle bitch. if she could just chose to take a rain-check on us like this, when times get hard.

i think, we can be very hard on love. we expect so much. we want to salvage our relationship so badly, that we refuse to let her off the hook even when its not entirely her fault. we look at love, and ask her why.

we need to not blame ourselves, we need to not point fingers. we need to understand the nature of love, we need to understand how she works and why. because otherwise, we are bound to be let down. we need to understand that she is around simply, to entertain us. to make her presence felt. perhaps comfort us, and reassure us. in the end, we wallow in the belief that she will not, cannot, hold you together when you need her most. that is because we are blind.

we are a dependent society and i find it sad. i love love. i love my boyfriend, i love my family, and i love my friends. hell, i love my fuzzy gray beanie that will probably never be returned to its rightful owner... i love love. but i have a healthy fear, an acknowledgment to the fact that she is liable to drop out from beneath my feet at any moment. the future is not promised us.

we need to stop running, blindfolded by love. we need to accept that things change, and accept love from wherever we can get it, even if its not where you want it to come from. we need to let our friends love us. let our parents, pets, and hobbies, love us.
because when you lose one source of love, you're going to wish you had another.

love, where are you when we need you? the truth is, she's right there. we are just to absorbed to see her, because she takes a form that we may not necessarily be in the mood for. but she is there. she is always there. and she may not love you. but you need to love her.

no matter what, you need to love her.

-lindsay

A Pretty Boat House

Look at this pretty Boat House....so lovely and inviting. What a perfect spot for a Summer Holiday.


Image 1 & 2 - Mike Newling

Ryan and Dakota

Here are images of Ryan Scheckler and Dakota Fanning.

Vacation Fun

Victoria Justice with her sister on vacation.

Go Georgie

Georgie Henley (of the Narnia films) was wonder woman for halloween.

you only think...

her0in_chic on Xanga

some of you have asked if i have a twitter...
i do! it's run through my fashion blog le fashion.
so, it is a mix of personal tweets + fashion tweets.
if you're interested, feel free to check it out HERE
♥

can still be friends

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Dear Best Friend,

15 years ago. I was dating your friend. My high school sweetheart. You were a good friend. Your friend and I, we got married. We had babies. We moved away. You too. Heard your wife drove your family crazy.

11 years later, I'm divorcing. I'm moving back "home". You're dating your first girlfriend. Everything ends. My divorce is final. We're both free.

We sit on my porch. We smoke. We laugh. We brood. We're lonely.

You're my companion. We fit so easily together. I start looking forward to Chinese food on the weekends; highlight of my week.

1 year goes by. Bad idea to date friends.
But we've known each other for so long.
But don't want to loose my friend.
But we could still be friends after... Right?

Finally, it happens! A kiss!
A wonderful, perfect kiss.
Our friends aren't surprised. "It's about time."
Birds are singing. The sky, never bluer.

6 months. What if we ended up together? What if this is it? Who's going to do the dishes?

7 months. Who are you and what have you done with my friend? Please put him back where you found him. Thank you.

8 months. I'm writing this. Maybe friends shouldn't date? Maybe this is down. Maybe I should wait for up.

I'm wondering if we can still be friends afterward.

for james

today i found out that my childhood friend passed away.
this came as a huge surprise.
i never realized how important he was to me until today.
i'll always remember you james.
i will remember all of our adventures throughout gradeschool.
i will miss you.
♥

to me, fair friend, you never can be old
for as you were when first your eye I eyed,
such seems your beauty still.
- william shakespeare

Kathryn Ireland Book Signing at Black & Spiro

I am so thrilled to announce that U.S. Interior Designer Kathryn Ireland will be doing a book signing for the launch of her beautiful new book, Kathryn M. Ireland Creating a Home, at Black & Spiro on Monday 8th February, 2010 at 12 noon.

I am extending an invitation to all my blog readers, clients and friends to attend this very exciting event here at Black & Spiro.

Please email me for further details if required. anna@blackandspiro.com.au

We look forward to seeing you. Everyone is welcome.

Black and Spiro

768 Brunswick Street

New Farm Qld 4005

Australia

Ph - 07 3254 3000

Image 1 & 2 via cote de texas, Image 3 via Kathryn Ireland

he sees me

weheartit

He sees me. He sees who am i. He sees what others are to busy or to blind to see. He sees me.

When I see problems, he sees the possibilities in them. Solutions where I can only see trouble. And I am thankful for that. A shoulder to lean on. A hand to hold. A person to love. That's him. And I absolutely adore him. Especially his morning smile. And they way he looks at the lifelines in my hands. How he follows them with the tips of his fingers. How it usually tickles. How he says: "your lifelines say that we are forever." And I believe him. No matter what he says. I will believe him. And that is power. That is making yourself so vulnerable that it scares you but you still take the risk. The chance of letting yourself love - and be loved in return.

My butterflies become suicide bombers and throw themselves at the walls of my stomach when I see or hear your name. Which is a good feeling since it is the feeling that I have always associate with love. And that I can still feel it after 1 and a half year makes me believe in us, believe in that we are forever.

We are forever.

- E

falling in love...

fffffound

Big & Bold in 2010

Sonia Arriola's report on this years Maison et Objet in Paris reveals that a trend for large scale prints, bold colour pairings, denim blue, and neutrals that shimmer will be all the rage in 2010. I loved this image she shared on her flickr of some curtains hanging in the Dedar showroom in Paris...the fabric was apparently created to represent a digital print. To me they even look a bit ikatish!

Image - Katherine Kostreva

vodka

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My only love is for you, vodka.

Before it became a crush,

we were family friends.

You slipped in and out of my parent's parties.

I saw you only in passing.

We were never introduced...

...formally, that is.

The first time I saw you out of my house

was that night.

The night we first spoke.

You comforted me and

cradled me in your arms.

I was with all my best friends,

but you and I seemed to fit so perfectly.

Some say we took those first steps too quickly.

It wasn't love right away, but I was

intrigued by you and your

sense of warmth.

After nights similar to the first,

I began to think of you a lot.

If a weekend would pass without you in it,

in me,

it was incomplete.

I yearned for your touch

and the way you made my skin prickle.

My lips tingle in the thought of you now.

At the beginning, it was simply fun with you.

Innocent fun with no repercussions.

That is when I learned to love you.

I loved how you didn't have a plan or sense of direction.

You were spontaneous.

I was insecure and fragile, looking for someone,

something,

just like you.

At first, you brought out the best in me,

showed me that when we were together,

I meant something,

and I will always thank you for that.

There were times when I questioned your worth.

Some nights you would engulf me,

take everything of me,

chew me up

and spit me back out.

You never threatened me, or hurt me.

I just loved you so much that I would do anything you said.

Maybe I was angry with you in the morning,

but I always forgave you the next time we were together.

Run up to you and hug you, and you would kiss me twice on each cheek.

Like you always had.

As if nothing had happened.

Somehow promising that tonight would be better.

From that first night to now,

our love affair has been consistent.

I always want you

and your smooth touch.

And even after every time you put me down.

You're always the one to pull me back up.

I've shared so many memories with you,

dark and messy nights,

poetic and spiritual ones too.

Every time I hear your name or

know that you are near,

my eyes widen.

I bite my lip and smile.

I get shaky and anticipate your arrival.

Some people love you superficially.

They are the ones who don't easily forgive.

But you know that I will always love you.

Some will try to tear us apart,

saying that you don't love me back.

That you can't.

They've tried and lost.

Even if I don't directly receive love in return,

the way you make me feel, and act, and cry,

lets me know that you do love me.

You are the only one who can hurt me

as much as you have,

and know that I will always run back into your arms.

-sally

Happy Australia Day!

To me today is all about being with family and friends {near somewhere to swim!!} and being so grateful for this wonderful place we live in.

Oh, and every single time I hear THIS SONG and THIS SONG I get goose bumps all over...

image 1 - Francois Hallard, Image 2 - Christine Rudolph

A Lovely Bathroom

I've been looking through my saved bathroom images for some inspiration for an upcoming project and this one which was featured in a recent edition of Living Etc. which Kelly posted late last year keeps jumping out at me. I adore the frilling detail on the black and white stripe curtain and of course the all-white colour palette is divine!

break up cake

my friend rick recently started BITTERSWEET (sugar + sarcasm).
it's a quirky blog about baking with great recipes + hilarious commentary.
his header explains it all:
"Bringing sugar, happiness and delights to one person at a time.
And probably spreading diabetes too."
he recently shared a recipe i found perfect for le love:

Red Velvet Microwave Mug Broken Heart Cure Cake
We've all been there. After spending weeks stalking your loved one on facebook and planning on naming your kids after 60's era Disney movies, only to find out that he/she does not care about your near death experience trying to get him/her flowers being guarded by a coyote. Laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, you think: "why am I so unlovable?"

Heartbreak is never easy to take.

This cake is the perfect self-remedy. It takes about five minutes to complete from start to finish, there is minimal effort (you don't even have to measure out the exact tablespoons), it is toasty, chewy, moist, and is enjoyed only by you. After enjoying this, listen to a little 10cc, you'll be unbroken in no time.

click HERE for the delicious recipe + to visit BITTERSWEET!!

Sundance

Dakota Fanning arrives at Sundance. Jan 22 looking tired but cheery.

every kind of kiss

chriscraymer + tumblr

Friday Flowers

I certainly can't take the credit for these beautiful floral arrangement however, I had to share them with you. They are by the very talented Simone Gooch from Fjura Florist in Sydney.

Happy Weekend. See you next week.

the cold

ffffound

I thought I'd be used to the cold by now.
It's been so long.
He probably feels the same way. That's why he is the way he is...
but I only feel empty

Happiness, once within me...dies.

Now, the empty space only allows the cold in.
Deeper, deeper, sharper. No way out.
Almost as if temperature does not exist.

The cold rises.

I sleep, to dream of when he "loved me"
but i freeze.

eyes wide open. I'm still here.

I realize. again.
those memories are gone...
and as i'm frozen in time, i can't move on.

Time.
It plays its tricks. But i no longer fall for them.

I would let go.
fade.
freeze..like everything else.

The only thing that is stopping me is my heart.
It won't give in to the cold.

Restless.

It still loves.

Because our promises were to never stop loving each other.
And while I kept mine...

...he never kept his.

-KC

Loving Catherine's Aqua Kitchen

Wow, I totally love this aqua kitchen which my friend Catherine Shields designed for the Seafarers Beach Cottages she recently renovated. I believe you can rent these gorgeous beach houses for a holiday. Check out Catherine's blog, In My House for further details...

dear you

Dear you.

I have known you for almost 5 years now. And for 3 of them I have been in love with you. I love how you always can make me smile, or cheer me up when I’m sad or down, or how you can make a joke only I will understand. I love how you’ll tell me secrets that no one is supposed to know, or how you can tell a story from your day and somewhat make me feel like I was there.

I wish I could tell you how you make me feel. That every time someone says your name, even if they talk about another person, there is a thump in my stomach. Or that when you call me, or we talk on the phone, and you beg me not to hang up, my heart speeds up and I smile. Or that when you hold my hand in the dark, drunk as you were, I never wanted to let go. Or that when you tell me, drunk again, how happy you are that you have me, and how kind I always am, I want to tell you how I feel. I really wish I could tell you.

I want you to know that I often look for you at school. You might not notice, but sometimes I do. I try to talk to you when I see you, or at least show you that I’m there and want your attention. I really just want to talk to you more, like we used to. A few years ago I think you might have been my best friend. I still want that. I want to be able to watch movies like we did. Scary ones, so I could sit closer to you, or sometimes even hold your hand. And you were holding mine.

I wish I could tell you all this, and that you would feel the same, but I think I’ll never be able to. I’m too scared to loose you, to lose the friendship we have. But maybe some day I’ll be able to risk it. Just to have a chance of being with you. Maybe one day I finally will. Or you will.

I wish I could be only yours,

-M

you

weheartit

More Stuart Membery Photos

I love the lattice wall he has created above which he has then layered with some of his beautiful furniture pieces.

I absolutley loved this idea for a dog's bowl above. Stuart has used a beautiful clam shell which is secured onto his deck next to a tap to fill it up...so gorgeous...obviously his 2 beautiful Golden Retrievers think so too!



It was so hot the day we were there {even though his property gets the most wonderful breezes}...all I wanted to do was jump into his divine pool clothes and all...it looked so enticing!

Here are some more photos of Stuart Membery's home which we had the pleasure of visiting just before Christmas. I will be sure to share some more photos with you tomorrow!

All images - Anna Spiro

I'm Back!!

Hello!! I am thrilled to be back after what seems like a very long hiatus! Whilst away from the blog, I have had a wonderful Summer holiday with my family and I have also been busily working on all the wonderful things we have in store for Black & Spiro in 2010.

One very exciting bit of news which I will share with you is that just a few days before Christmas I visited Stuart Membery in Indonesia. We went to his beautiful home and viewed his amazing furniture which we are bringing a container load of into Australia...due to arrive here in a few months time.

It was an absolute delight meeting Stuart and being able to visit his home was a very exciting experience.

Not only will we be receiving lots of Stuart's wonderful pieces, we have sourced some beautiful, unique accessory pieces including lots of lovely woven trays, baskets etc. which will be coming on the container as well so do stay tuned!!

I will share a few photos of Stuart's home this week here on the blog. You may spot some of the furniture pieces in the photos which we are going to be stocking here at Black & Spiro so if anyone is interested in any piece they see, just let me know. anna@blackandspiro.com.au

It's great to be back and I can't wait to share with you everything we have in store for this very exciting year ahead!!

xo

Anna

Image - Anna Spiro - Stuart Membery's pool area

apology

I think I may have lost that one person.That you want to hate but you can't because despite all the pain you love them so much. Hate is not an option. I still love you I fear I always will. I know it is mostly my fault for resisting you and putting up a barrier. Something I created out of knowing that you could break my heart in a moment. I think I may have lost you. And I just want you to know I am sorry.I just wish you could see how much I love you. And I hate myself for not showing it to you more. And now I have learned too late that barriers don't protect me they just hurt you. And that breaks my heart more then anything. I loved you right away because you saw through me and did not care how hard I made it. You were kind and generous. I love you with all my heart and I hope you can somehow forgive me for pushing you away. You made me delicate and I wake up crying thinking of how far you are. I am sorry for playing hard to get after the games were over. I love you with all my heart.

259

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i don’t want to be your best version.

eugene suo-me

You give me the kind of feeling people write novels about. I mean that in the worst way possible. I mean the kind of novels that make you cry when you’re writing them and when you’re reading them.

I don’t know how we got here. I have no idea what tricks of fate and destiny lead us to be where we are now. What I do know is that this feeling is familiar and I hate that this is an endless cycle of you constantly letting me down. So here’s what I’m doing. This one is for me. I think you’re old enough to make your own mind up. And I think it’s time you did.

For so long I have waited, hoped, wished and based everything I’ve done on you and maximising my chances of seeing you or talking to you. But this is it. The end of the line. From now on I will not stare at the phone waiting for a message, a call, a voice of hope. From now on I will walk forward when I see you and I will move forward. I will not search for you in crowds or hope to get surprise visits at work. From now on, things will be for me, for my benefit and you won’t be a deciding factor.

They were never surprise visits anyway. They were all after thoughts of a planned event that so happened to be near my work. You never went out of your way to see me. I was the after thought. I always was. To you, I was plan B. And though you would never admit it to me, I always knew I was. I don’t think you were ever really honest with me, I don’t think you knew how to. When I asked you a question there was always a pause before your answer, like you were trying to see ahead to my reaction before you jumped in. It isn’t fair. You were never fair.

Starting as the ‘other woman’ was the end of who I was. I thought I was happy with who I was, who you made me to be. After cogitating who I was and my personal perspective of myself, I came to a conclusion. I hated who I was, who you made me to be. There was no way that you brought out the best in me. And I don’t know that you ever could.

I was the secret in your relationship with her. And I don’t know that I was the only one. You’re shady. You aren’t always honest. You aren’t clear. And sometimes, I don’t think I know you.

You never told me how you really felt. There were snippets. Titbits. But the truth was never told. I haven’t heard the full story. And I don’t think you’ll ever tell me. At least, not until you’ve realised no other woman is going to even consider accepting you and your shady antics. And as much as I don’t want to, I can’t think about anything other than you. And I hate it.

But between fights you, you found out how I felt. I tried so hard to hide it, to bury it inside, but that night, I erupted and the lava of my emotions flowed out and hit you square in the face. And you did the worse thing possible. I will never forget what you did. And I don’t think you will either. You ran. And even though you didn’t want a relationship, you denied it all, you backed off and you ran. But there is no denying this, we were never just friends.

You could never accept that there was definitely something strong between us. You hide behind your ego. But when the shadows faded and the real you emerged, another barrier rose. You’d tell me you didn’t want to get hurt again. Well, to be honest, you telling me that hurt me. For you to think that I would do anything like what she did to you proved to me that you didn’t know me. You don’t know me. And I don’t think you want to. Not until you realise that I’m it. But I’m not always going to be here. Like you said, I have a lot to experience in life and I’m not going to waste it waiting for you to decide.

So here’s what I want. I want you. I want to you to want me. I want you to want me first. I want there to be no one else. I want it to be me.

So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to stop dwelling. I’m going to stop watching the phone. I’m going to stop looking for you. I’m going to move on. I’m going to meet people. I’m going to live.

I’m going to forget all the nights I spent wishing you were here.

I’m going to forget the times that it was just us.

I’m going to forget the things that shouldn’t have happened.

I’m going to forget all the times I opened myself up to let you in, to only get hurt in return.

I’m going to forget how I felt about you.

Instead, I’m going to subconsciously wait. If you really want me, if you miss me, if you can’t breathe without me, you’ll know. You’ll ring. You’ll text. You’ll visit. And if you drift, if you don’t call, if there’s no texts, if there’s no visits. I’ll know. I’ll know it was never meant to be. And I will continue moving on. And I’m going to walk tall.

But in between everything I will forget, I won’t forget the lesson I’ve learnt. I won’t forget the feeling of loving someone. I won’t forget the feeling of thinking I’m loved. And I will certainly not forget the hell I was put through to learn all this, to become a better person.

I remember you telling me that ‘you’re never the same person twice’. Good. I never want to be this person again. And I am going to do whatever I can to make sure I am the best me I can be. I don’t want to be your best version. This time, it’s for me.

Kamara

Runaways Still

New image of Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning in the upcoming flick.