It's not just another book

Don't you just love the phone call to say that the book that you ordered last week is inshore for you to collect, earlier than you expected? I love it! Espaecially when you an take your time on your day off to 'plan' the trip..it seems to take on a more special outing, when not collected in haste. it was a book by Shannon Fricke, ' How to decorate'.After viewing some of the amazing interiors in this book, it came as no surprise that she has opened her studio doors in Byron Bay to run courses on the said subject.Whilst driving along a 'back road' in Byron, I knew that around the bend was her home, perched on this lovely hillside.(I only knew this was her home from photos in books and magazines), I was in awe of where she was perched! We had resided in Byron, after we moved from the UK, after a small stint on the Sunshine Coast. It was one of the most wonderful times in our life, but also challenging.We hadn't sold our home on the coast, so we returned, but with many regrets.Our two youngest daughters were enrolled in Steiner schools in Byron,(one in Byron and one in Mullumbimby),as a family we felt our lives were fulfilled living in this area.Our dog 'Molly' came from a farm in Mullumbimby, she is no longer with us,but we have Coco, her puppy( although 11 years old now!) as a daily reminder of that wonderful region.I often think'what if?...I still love to visit, and love Bangalow, a little town with some of my favorite shops, Wax Jambu..I cannot visit this store without wanting to purchase something! It oozes style,an eclectic taste of items, from clothing to homewares,and many other fabulous items.O ncein the area, 'Island lux'is just down the road..and you can guarantee that you won't walk out of there empty handed either! So whilst we are on the subject of shops..(were we?)take time to view in Bryon another store that will tempt,'Strangetrader' a shop that has a little bit from all around the world...fabulous fabrics, cushions,perfume,Turkish basins and more.maybe my favorite!. So getting back to my book....it is filled with wonderful photos and 'how to decorate' tips, I would love to try to do one of these workshops, maybe a holiday treat! ..hmm and tax deductible too.