Envejecer con gracia

"to age gracefully"

While aging may be inevitable, it's important to do it with grace and style (this goes for buildings too). Two iconic images come to mind in Santa Barbara that stand the test of time, the Santa Barbara Mission and El Paseo Restaurant. Both represent the beauty and style of our culture. 

The Santa Barbara Mission was established on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4, 1786 by the Spanish Franciscans. It is a perfect blend of Indian, Mexican and Spanish cultures to form an amalgam of beauty and serenity. Its century old sophistication and bountiful rose gardens surrounding it make it difficult to pick the prettier view- inside vs. outside. (Hard pick!)

What better way to cleanse your sins than stopping by El Paseo Restaurant after church? The restaurant was built in 1922 as part of an 1826 adobe complex. It's my favorite stop for margaritas and to admire the Spanish Colonial architecture. A little vacation from your vacation. 

These two gems give a little glimpse of my town and ESTILO, giving us an affinity for things that are old and teaching us that old can be more beautiful than new. Cheers to that!

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!

Un amor del pasado

"a love from the past"

I love these pictures for so many reasons. Perhaps I am inspired by the bright colors and Spanish Colonialism architecture or maybe it's just a desire to be part of the elite Cuban society of the 1950's. Although so many lives were abruptly stopped by the political change of the era, the passion of the culture remains. 

Cuba is a cultural treasure of textile and arts. The country's style balances the blend of European and Caribbean influences, reflecting a refined sensibility- old world vintage (my favorite) along with the bright, whimsical colors of the Caribbean (to me, a perfect combination). 

Part of me wishes I could have lived in Cuba (pre-Fidel era), dancing through the streets of Havana or drinking café con leche with Ernest Hemingway... Either way, it inspires me to look to our past to create our future. 

Viva la vida and do it with ESTILO!