I don't need a big house,... Just a cozy one. A fireplace in the living room, those two little square windows on either side.
Brooke Lea Foster
Summer Darlings
I stopped by this cafe two years ago after doing a Portraits for Paws shoot and was completely taken in by the warm inviting decor and the handmade ceramics that they were selling. The coffee was rich but expensive but I think worth it for those who preferred somewhere quiet and cozy where they can kill a few hours.
A few weeks ago I discovered that Teahouse 23 closed. I checked their Wechat page and indeed they had a closing out sale way back in August. I'm hoping all those handmade ceramic plates, tea cups and bowls are now in good hands.
A few photos from that quick coffee stop, just a few months after China emerged from the first ever COVID lockdown.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goeth
Thereˋs something relaxing about looking at nice photos and nice things in general. They donˋt always need to be expensive or luxurious too-- most of the time I find myself enjoying images of well-composed vignettes of ordinary stuff, mostly pottery and interior design because it is mentally refreshing and therapeutic.
Same.energy is a rabbit hole of really calming images that you can search according to aesthetic style and sometimes I find myself staring at photo after photo of handmade dishes, ceramic spoons and incense holders, all done in the same earthy or neutral tones. All the while sipping coffee.
“Then came the healing time, hearts started to shine,
soul felt so fine, oh what a freeing time it was.”
― Aberjhani, Songs from the Black Skylark
portraits, lifestyle photography
H is a good fiend of mine and often gets caught in front of my camera because we spend a lot of time together. Strong-willed and definitely opinionated on the outside but a huge softy on the inside, she was the first one to sign up for the Spring Portrait for Paws sessions. Not a big surprise since she also loves dogs, although she has a love-hate relationship with our crazy pooch Tomas.
We spent a short afternoon in the beginning of Spring as February was ending, just walking around her neighborhood which reminded me so much of the residential neighborhoods of Suzhou, with their meandering canals and bamboo groves. We ended the shoot with coffee at a newly opened Ble Patisserie which was just around the corner from their neighborhood.
A few photos from that afternoon.