Sometimes happiness is a matched set of floral napkins and a chat over a cup of tea

There was the Catholic priest who just wanted four citron print napkins, in blue. And the lady with a leg brace perspiring in the heat, who just wanted a matched set of Provencal potholders. And the lady who confessed that she wanted my colorful tablecloths to entertain friends again, to celebrate her recovery from a hip operation.
I am always touched by the stories behind many of my clients' purchases of new Provencal linens.  Yesterday as I stood in the 107 F. degree heat in Healdsburg, at the town's antiques fair, I was surprised that so many people came to my stand looking for tablecloths that would help rekindle relationships and sustain cherished memories.   And then there were those who bought just to have a dishtowel or potholder or napkins that are emblematic of a different, slower pace of life and of a region where beauty is the landscape.
I am very grateful to my clients for reminding me how precious the simple things of life can be.  A shared moment on the patio on a summer's eve with a nice glass of wine.  And a fine table linen where to set the glasses down, to subtly express how much one cares.