That Was Fast
January 12, 2025
Just how many photos can one take in the course of twelve years? Plenty! Almost too many. And, how many simplequietmodern topics can one cover? Well, let’s just say alot. In celebration of the 13th anniversary of simplequietmodern I thought I would simply present here of few of your favorite posts and pics and a few of mine. Starting with the obligatory champagne toast and ending with a celebratory slice of cake, what follows are just a few highlights of the last 12 years. Here’s to another year of living simple, quiet and modern. I thank you for your interest and your friendship.
photo: Portello Iron Doors
Photo: Gardenista
Photo: Leonardo Finotti via Remash Tumblr
Top to bottom
Well you know me well enough by now to know that if there is a celebration there has got to be something sparking.
Any opportunity for fresh tulips and I’m on it. Like any day of the week really. And, Parrot tulips are a particular favorite.
I love a landscape that ties perfectly with the architecture. Might take a little more thought outside the box but it’s worth the exercise.
Seems most of you can’t get enough of Portello iron door and window frames. Hard not to love, right?
My newest partner in crime is all of your favorite, Buster Porkchop. Looking exactly like his brother Jaxon.
A perfect specimen from a quiet walk just spoke to me.
In Winter, this Blonde Ambition grass still has plenty of interest.
We definitely agree, the gardens of Piet Oudolf look as good in Winter as any other time of year.
I can’t help it. I love me some carnations. White is tied with this pale pink as my go-to.
I have never has a post as popular as the one featuring this gift wrap of recycled newsprint, jute twine and a birch stick foraged in the yard.
I have been collecting vintage Christmas ornaments forever it seems. This assortment in pink from the 40’s to the 60’s have come to be everyone’s favorite.
The Basalt glaze on this Heath Ceramics Tall Modern Cup is the perfect neutral. Seems that it’s in service more often as a vase than a coffee mug. Fine with me.
This 40″ inch diameter slice of fallen tree has been the centerpiece in my living space for over 20 years. It thinks it’s a coffee table. I agree.
The simplest Summertime pleasure, a batch of new dills in an heirloom crock.
Funny how many of you have holiday recollections of this cookie favorite baked up by your Mom, Grandma or a neighbor. Perfection.
Crazy right? An abundance of recycled newsprint and too much time being snowed in resulted in this homespun yarn knit up into a rather interesting swatch. Maybe this is the year it becomes something important.
Sometimes Easter needs a rest from all the cliche’ pastel shades and treatments. Sometimes a simple egg displayed simply is in order.
I’m clearly not the only one who spends time daydreaming about a small lovely modern black cabin in the woods.
Yards and yards of doubled black linen yarn salvaged from a project gone wrong and turned into the most luxurious textured blanket. Nap anyone?
No one needs an excuse for cake and this Crazy Chocolate Cake is perfect for this celebration. White frosting on that? Yes, please.
all photos except where noted: gp
Gettin’ Started
December 4, 2023
OK, Shake it off. Stop the daydreaming about Ghost Ranch and get with the program already. It’s full on December and time to get started with the decorations, the gift lists, the baking and the shopping. With the economy in the state that it’s in I plan to ease the frustration and take the simplest route possible, start early…like now, and recycle to the maximum effect. Here’s a few things I’ve found that get things off to a great start
I can’t help my mind from drifting to the hot, dry desert as the Mid-west Winter approaches. Photo: Ghost Rach
I have collected Vintage Christmas ornaments for years, and this was always one of my favorites… European, turn of the 20th century and light and as delicate as they come. I’m surprised it has managed to survive this long. Even if my decorations take a minimalistic bent, this little gem is likely to be found tucked in somewhere. Would not be Christmas without it. photo: gp
I’ve been getting in the habit of gifting consumables as of late. This Cube of solid maple sugar from Tonewood is a perfect gift.
Foraging the yard always keeps me up to my neck in pinecones. Deck out a wreath, fill up same simple baskets and bowls or tie on a gift. As always, the best part is they’re free. Photo:gp
A Christmas Tree from a sheet of plywood, a couple strings of lights and a handful of screws. A half an hour in and you are done and decorated. Doesn’t get more simple, quiet or modern than this.
Recycled newsprint, coir twine and a bit of foraged accent. This is simply my favorite Gift Wrap” go to” for any season, any reason.
If Elf has taught us anything, it’s that this is one of the basic food groups…Candy canes. And, it can’t hurt to start the day with a pocketful to spread a little Christmas cheer or diffuse an approaching Karen. photo: gp
You can’t go wrong with gifting Amaryllis for the holidays. White, red and apple blossom can usually be found everywhere. And, if you work a little harder you might score this beautiful Charteuse variety.
Some days I’m just not in the mood to bake. But, I have been known to knock out a few batches of Candied Orange and Ginger Bark for gifting without a complaint. It’s just that good. Photo: gp
If I do feel like baking I’m all about the Gougere. Using Ina’s recipe and freezing them means you are always prepared to entertain when the corks start popping! photo” gp
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