Observing

[Screengrab from Monty Don's tour of Ninfa.] 

Name a topic, any topic, and ever-observant Miguel Flores-Vianna will have something genuinely interesting to share (I think he might be the real Most Interesting Man Alive). Mention Italy in a blog post and he'll send you a link about Ninfa, the world's most romantic garden. I think you will enjoy the tour as much as I did. The clip offers a dreamy eight minute escape.

[Design by Samperton; loft images via Samperton.] 

During my weekly visit to Schuyler Samperton's site, I noticed a new addition to her portfolio: a Venice loft (in California, not Italy). As always with her work, the textiles merit second and third glances. Paisley pillows and sky-high book shelves? Yes please.

[Click to enlarge.]

Young Josh has a keen eye, too.

[Observatory, 2011, by Josh age 9. Archival Pigment Print, 8.5"x11" unframed $50.
Pablove Shutterbugs.] 

I've been intrigued by his photograph for a while now. He captured this view of the observatory as a participant in Pablove Shutterbugs, a program I've highlighted before -- it matches pediatric cancer patients with skilled photography mentors and offers the kids a chance to express themselves creatively. New work from recent graduates has been added to the non-profit Pablove site. And, by the way, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month; if you know a great mentor candidate, learn more about the volunteer project here.