I spent Saturday and Sunday in Santa Rosa visiting my husband's grandmother, Mimi. It is always a great visit, and this time was no different. She is a wonderful and charming woman, with a rich history and impeccable taste.
She grew up in China, (her father was in the military), and has amazing photos of her childhood. Stunning black and whites of her and her family riding horses and camels, having parties and riding in rickshaws. Her house is full of antique furniture from china and mid century goodies.
Her second marriage was to a man who shared her love of mid century furniture. They collected iconic chairs and artwork while living in San Diego. Her treasures have traveled with her for years, and now reside in her quaint condo in northern California.
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| Bertoia Bird chair and ottoman |
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| Eames chairs circa 1950 |
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| Saarinen Womb chair and ottoman circa 1960 |
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| artwork in her bedroom |
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| artwork in her dining room |
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| above the piano |
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| mosaic art handmade by her second husband |
After leisurely hanging around Mimi's house, we went to uncle Jolly's home for dinner. His house is full of Mimi's furniture that does not fit into her house and it is just as amazing. My favorite thing about Uncle Jolly's house is the moongate and pond in his backyard .
Lot's of conversation, laughter and food. We spent our Sunday morning making waffles, playing the piano and doing crosswords and puzzles.
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| Nadine working on a puzzle | | |
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| My hubby mixing up some waffle batter |
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| waffles on Vileroy and Boch Acapulco plates circa 1960 |
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| Eamon and Nadine playing a duet |
I can't wait to visit with Mimi again. Next time, we plan on recording her stories of childhood and all of her family history. I feel so lucky to have been married into my husband's family and that I get to share these visits with my children. A true bohemian tribe with mid century furniture. Sounds perfect.
