COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS

Somewhere south of  Georgian Bay, near the Blue Mountains, there's a large acreage of rolling hills and hay fields straight out of The Shire.  The building at it's heart is a fascinating combination of Scandinavian cottage, a handcrafted aesthetic and contemporary design.  The land, including an old barn, was purchased cooperatively by 10 people in 1970.  A house was constructed soon after with input and labour from the whole group.  Now the second generation are adding their mark to this magnificent feat of shared ownership.  Our friend and host for the weekend recently worked on a huge renovation including his fine cabinetry, creatively integrated into the existing stonework.  The property also includes a sprawling forest, farmed fields, vegetable garden, chicken coup, solar panels, wood shop, basketball court, and playground. A ceramic studio and cabin are currently in the works with dreams of a pizza oven and sauna to come.  Gardens and trees create privacy so that you can well imagine finding a sequestered spot when the place is bustling on summer weekends.

SEPTEMBER MOSS

RUBBER TOYS

I once had a nightmare about such a toy as these.  What was happening in the late 50's and early 60's to make these strangely sculpted rubber animals so popular?  Who was the woman to form a collection of over 50, and what compelled our friend to buy the lot?  Is it the strangely human eyes in the animal face that make them so disturbing?  Or the squeeky noises that paint a picture of a dogs gnawing and drooling defacement?  Somehow these play things are still extremely compelling, immediately taking your mind to what childhood from that era might have been like.  Look for a full display, coming soon to Aunties and Uncles.

SHEEPSKIN VEST

As breezy summer turns to crisp autumn, sweaters and jackets turn up like old friends.  What could be better than a vest for such a time of transition.  This early 80's Shearling piece by Leather Attic has a simple and understated cut that makes it timeless.  With a hint of Clint Eastwood and a dash of Joni Mitchell, we think that it would look great on Jennifer Lawrence paired with sharply pressed slacks in a jewel tone.