Little House in the Big Woods

...actually, BIG house in the big woods.

addie's new digs in nevada city;

i went to visit yesterday and fell immediately in love.

even though they loved their house in pollock pines, they grew tired of the piles and piles of dirty snow, the cold, shade and darkness and the long commute...so addie and art moved back to art's ever-charming hometown, nevada city, north by an hour or so across gold rush territory.

their new home rivals the woodsy pirate ship house in pure beauty: with its high wood ceiling, giant woodstove, rustic elements, and huge basement (music room) hangout space, and lovely light filled windows...

but far surpasses the old house in location.

this new place in built into a steep and verdant forest hillside just over the bridge and through the woods from downtown nevada city. it has its own paths and trails through the pines, mossy stone walls, a fenced garden, huge deck looking over the river, and down the path, a private little beachshore with huge mossy rocks for dawdling and daydreaming by the water.

not to mention a previous owner who thought up the most ingenious ideas and household contraptions, like a big hook and pulley system to bring up baskets of firewood from below the deck, and this awesome handbuilt liquor cabinet:

plus bedroom windows that look out on the perfect rushing-river view.

it's like sleeping in a treehouse deep in an enchanted wood.

wandering the woods and feeling like a forest princess, i couldn't help but do a late afternoon etsy photo shoot.

...careful not to tread on sleeping friends curled on cool green leaves right in the center of the path:

and it was not long before the river canyon secret elfin walkways lured me away from my modeling endeavors; i made my way down the soft path through the woods to the river.

my spirit completely refreshed.

my barefeet singing.

i think even the dress was happy :)

here's the little beach. if i lived here everyday i would sit upon this stump to read, jump up for a dip and a wander downcreek, a nymph's waterdance, then back for more sunbathing.  

just before twilight, addie and i walked the pretty little road into town. as rural as it feels at her house, the walk into town only takes about 8 minutes! plus you get to ramble past old miner's cabin and fairytale cottages, with blossoms growing rampant, bees and sleepy cats and cute boys on bicycles all along the way.

a footpath over the bridge takes you straight into town right alongside South Pine Cafe and the gorgeous historic Victorian architecture.

it's like living in a dream.

no wonder addie's spirits have lifted. she told me how, right after she moved here a month ago, she walked into town at twilight to meet art after work and grab a drink on the veranda of the national hotel. over the bridge there were glowing houses on the hillside in the distance, with the water flowing steady underneath and wildflowers all abloom beside their humble houses. her heart rose with gratitude and pure joy. it's like the whole town was smiling at her. people have been coming over to visit their new home, having 80s dance parties, meeting up for drinks and coffee, and just welcoming them back with open arms.

this is what home is supposed to feel like.

on me:

calico skirt: thrifted at the annual western wear sale, $3

green blouse: shakespeare club rummage sale, $3

sandals: bass outlet years ago

white shawl: thrifted last year

flowers: c/o addie's forest floor

all other dresses: soon to show up in my shop!