so, that happened.
Jan 31, 2011 If you told me that Palm Springs does not really exist, and it was all a figment of my imagination, there is a faint possibility I might believe you. Was that me, in a djellaba, sipping coffee by the firepit in the morning at the Ace Hotel? Was that me, poolside, in a bathing suit in January?
You see, it’s been more than a decade since I took a genuine hot weather vacation. Mike and I spend all our vacation time and dollars visiting family on the East Coast and Ireland. Which I’m not complaining about, don’t get me wrong. It’s not like Vermont and Virginia and Ireland are such tough places to spend time in.
But warm air and terrific company did wonders for my crowded brain. I realized this when it dawned on me that I had been silently sitting by the pool – reading and then swimming, and then reading and then swimming, until even the sound of my own voice surprised me.
And I haven’t even told you the part about Heather Ross and Lotta Jansdotter.
That’s right, this was all connected to one of Heather’s wildly fun and funny – and gasp! wildly productive – sewing workshops. I mean, what is more funny than a group of 16 productive women sewing in a glass studio space, mere feet from where the see-and-be-seen crowd order cans of Tecate and glisten on their poolside loungers in the midst of the Ace’s utter coolness?
But don’t worry. There was ample time for sunning and swimming. If there is one thing I have come to know and love about Heather, it’s that she has her priorities straight.
I thought I was going down for a little mid-week, in-between-workshops hangout with Heather. Breakfast by the outdoor fire, lemonade at the zany, Jonathan Adler-designed Parker Hotel. Scouting trips to vintage stores. And hours of poolside bliss with trashy magazines.
But then Heather told me that Lotta was giving the Saturday morning workshop and it took only the barest of nudging to convince me to stay for another day. Because Heather knows what is good for you even before you know it.
And she was right. Lotta is as radiant and lovely as you know she will be. Patient, encouraging and cheerful with us all, and inspiring, personally and professionally.
And then, when it’s all over, you leave Palm Springs via an airport so balmy and laid-back that an unexpected flight delay is nothing to get ruffled about. Just another chance to sit outside, (yes outside at an airport!), wondering whether we all collectively imagined this strange and wonderful little oasis in the desert.
If it weren’t for the dates and sewing projects I brought home with me, I might not believe I was ever there.
ace hotel, heather ross, lotta jansdotter, sewing workshop, stenciling in make
Reader Comments (10)
I'm so very jealous! As I watch the snow fall outside my window this morning I can almost imagine how the warm sun would feel....
Kelly - we didn't really get to meet but I love your entry! It was a wonderful weekend and I'm so glad you got to experience Lotta's workshop - so inspiring!
GREAT post Kelly! And I didn't really get to talk with you either but glad you came. Jealous you had extra time in Palm Springs. I am obsessed with mid century architecture and didn't get to do any tours. Next time. Gorgeous photos!!!
Ahhh... I know that exact feeling, sitting OUTSIDE at the PS airport, in a warm haze of relaxation due to a weekend well-spent. Sounds utterly dreamy, and a workshop with Lotta is... well, amazing! Lucky you.
A beautiful post. I had that same feeling, about it seeming like you collectively imagined it all, after our weekend workshop with Heather (I was there the first weekend.) Now I troll the internet looking for info on the second weekend so I can imagine myself there too :)
This sounds like an absolute dream to me! Time with one of my favorite designers in one of my most favorite places? Sigh. I assume you made it to Shield's for a date shake? Salivating.
The last time we flew across the country to PS was for our babymoon almost exactly two years ago. http://besquirrely.com/2010/03/05/remembering-the-babymoon/
Thanks for the little bit of warmth! Chilled in Michigan, Ash
I'm curious.. Aren't you going to show us what you made?
I found a link to your blog on Simply Lovely, and I love this post, especially because I'm heading to the Palm Springs Ace in a month. We live in Victoria, BC, Canada, and we are so ready to get away from the cold, wet weather. Thanks for the teaser (and the date milkshake recipe!).
That sounds so amazing and wonderful! I would LOVE to take that kind of vacation! Right now I'm focusing on our local community sewing studio, and hoping to inspire more people to learn to sew. Someday, I hope to play with you!
HI Melanie, I was there more for the do-nothing parts instead of the productive parts. But I am going to make an apron with one of the Lotta stencils...stay tuned!