Discovering Extraordinary Ambiance on the Side of a Dusty Road.

After experiencing and pondering the value of incorporating nature’s elements into architectural planning in the previous blog, I find myself winding into the countryside from sea level to a mile high into jungles and ultimately pine forests, across vast expanses of rivers and towering bridges spanning grand abysses…and stopping at a modest panaderia (bakery) on the side of the road.

You can’t tell a book by its cover as this simple little rural structure – standing alone – looked curiously intriguing and quaint enough, with an unpaved parking area transitioning to well-tended pea-gravel. Traffic cruised by, on the way across the bridge.

Those that knew, turned in. We pulled off the road and were told that this couple had a wonderful bakery and were promised an exceptional treat! Fresh empanadas that would bring remarkably satisfying mid-morning joy.

Very tidy and thoughtfully eclectic, this little destination bakery is a precious find.

Oh, were we in for a surprise! At the entry, I stopped to shoot the whimsical cup of coffee mosaic set in a field of stone and concrete. I thought – what a fun design element to greet arrivals and set the stage. But I had no idea to what extent I was about to be elated. What unfolded so exceeded my expectations that I wanted to stay all day!!!

Happy stone and tile-work adorned the pathways. From the textures of stone and brick, tile and wood – it was an organic fantasy – an unexpected design experience.

Simple, yet spectacular – simply spectacular!!!!!

 Ceilings of colorful floral blooms – perhaps wisteria – suspended from their vines and other plantings intertwined with the structure.

Spotless and meticulous the eclectic elements were a harmonious creation.
Stone walls, wooden slats, vines and adobe all worked together to define the spaces.

 The wafting aroma of fresh baked goods – it was more than delightful.  From warm savory clouds with mushroom filling and another with chile-laced sausages – and an array of sweet strawberry, cream and pineapple empanadas to corn muffins, banana muffins and more! All nestled beneath colorfully woven cotton tablecloths.

Light and delicious – the best empanadas ever!! With a tiny sprinkles of granulated sugar, for a sweet crunch, before sinking into the fabulous fillings! Muffins challenged any others and savory treats were so satisfyingly delectable. Little buttons of banana slices on top denoted which were the banana muffins!!

Rich Mexican coffee with a touch of freshly ground cinnamon and luscious hot chocolate were served in custom-glazed “barro ware” complimenting the fresh-from-the-oven confections.

The exhibition baking kitchen overlooked the serving line. The buffet of pastries thoughtfully explained by our gracious and welcoming host, Jesus!

Carmen presents fresh strawberry tarts just from the oven!!!
A combination of old and new – tradition and technology meet in this cozy kitchen.

Fragmented spaces open, yet enclosed, offered intimate pockets in which to pause and enjoy.

Color-pops insert themselves effectively around the interior and exterior spaces.
Inviting seating areas semi-concealed offer private repose.
Tucked away – more areas to enjoy…

Clever use of clean blond wood shavings on the floor of the main covered patio created a wall-to-wall carpet of fresh aromatics complimenting the inviting aromas emitted from the ovens.  Rocking chairs and rigid sturdy versions, with a fun little rope swing, all surrounded  by tropical plantings made a cozy area to gather.

Soft underfoot and subtly fragrant – the wood chips make a great shag carpet!!!

As I meandered around exploring all the interesting spaces, textures, colors and plantings, I marveled at the sensitivity with which this had all been crafted and assembled. It was artful interior design with an exterior feel – open air and charming, with a decidedly handcrafted, Mexican sense of place.

Slices of handsome tree trunks make perfect stepping “stones” with graduated heights.

It was an eclectic collage of furniture, structure and organics – living and static – that was welcoming and artful, delightful and so pleasing, that it was a treat for all the senses.

The cool morning air of the mountains mingled, with the comforting fragrances, creating an atmosphere inviting gentle conversations of people gathered around good food and artfully relaxed surroundings.  

Peek in places and through doorways to find worlds of design waiting to be discovered!!!

ART on the Curb

Silly little doodles in unlikely places. In some cases they might be considered undesirable graffiti, but I stepped over this beautiful little statement the other day and was compelled to take a photo as it made me smile.20160924_112705

Brush strokes now weathered and faded, chipped and primitive in their simplicity the colors were so pleasing and the floral motif quite nice.

It’s as though a child with a beginner’s eye took a single brush with bold steaks capturing the essence of a daisy. But then it looked like wind-swept clouds dancing in the suggestion of daisies floating across the sky above the sea.

Upon closer inspection, the aggregate stained blue is grounded by a collage of straw and leaf particles suggesting the beach’s detritus. This little composition has so much detail, so much suggestion, so much to offer if you take the time to look down…look closely…

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We often see things in clouds…they move slowly morphing from the identifiable image into others or nothing. This miniature fantasy freezes the floating image on the texture of the concrete to create the composition of this most amazing piece.

Inspiration comes from many avenues. It is sparked by a suggestion, ignited in a flash by something in passing – a word, a phrase, an image, a cloud…

I now will start a folder of art in unlikely places…little details…a future tapestry of observations. Take a moment to see these little studies as you step through the world.