None too shabby.

I have recently begun following the blog of Rachel Ashwell, founder of the by now familiar Shabby Chic line of home furnishings and author of several marvelous books.

I hadn't realized that Shabby Chic as an enterprise has suffered a serious decline. It is sad to learn. Her obvious love and dedication of her craft, her work, have inspired so, so many people. Including me. From the first time I encountered her books to the time I actually bought some genuine Simply Shabby Chic linens at Target, I have felt her to be a kind of kindred soul, and something of a validation of my lifelong fascination with the weathered, the used, the unapologetically old fashioned. A creative, kind, actively beauty-loving soul. A woman of healthy ambitions, willing and able to create a good life for her children. Perhaps most of all, someone able to stand in the moment and see, truly SEE what is happening around her (would that I had more of that ability!)

'I suppose it comes down to this: admire her, and I like what I know of her. Which is why I am thrilled to see that from her new home base in London, she has started a blog. It is gentle and not showy and honest. I like that very much

There is a good future ahead for her. I'd like to think that. I've no doubt that she will pour forth more beautiful things to share with the rest of us, in years to come.