Unexpected Guests: Analisa Payne.

I am really excited to share with you today my very good friend, Analisa Payne's beautiful Mill Valley, California home. Analisa is a recent first-time home buyer, and shares a beautiful lot with her amazing sister Quinci, and best brother-in-law ever, TJ (we'll be visiting them sometime soon!). The three went in on a duplex together, and Analisa's unit is downstairs and is just an exquisite place surrounded by lush greenery and gardens. Analisa is a longtime advertising industry Art Buying guru, and her great eye for buying photography and illustration has translated into creating a really beautiful and welcoming home. Being there is much like a being away at a woodland lodge, indeed, and often I feel like I'm off on a zen retreat, what with the natural beauty of Analisa' place, the calming interiors and the abundance of delicious healthy food she serves up! Oh, and there's the yummy wine and great laughs we all enjoy there, too! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous new home, Ana!

What is your idea of a perfect day in your city?
There are so many ways to have a perfect day. But the first that comes to mind starts with a bikram yoga class, brunch at Toast in Mill Valley, or Fish in Sausalito, and a hike from Tennessee Valley to Muir Beach for a pint (and maybe a game of darts) at the Pelican Inn. Hang out on the beach, collect some rocks and shells, hike back, head home, have a nice long shower, hang out in my back yard. Then hop on my cruiser bike to downtown Mill Valley and have dinner at Ora, Small Shed Flatbread or Bungalow 44, and then check out who’s playing at the Sweetwater.


What don't you leave home without?
Lip balm.


What's your favorite local shop?
In San Francisco, Timeless Treasures; in Mill Valley: Maison Reve, and Summer House.

What's one thing about you that would surprise people?
In college I didn’t really exercise, and my diet consisted mostly of not mac and cheese, but spaghetti and Velveeta, Pyramid pizza, quarter pounders with cheese, and Sonic tater tots.


Who are your favorite artists and photographers? And why?
Henri Cartier Bresson: He captures honest moments that pull you into a deeper story; Henry Ossawa Tanner: his brush strokes are as rich as his subject matter; Andrew Wyeth: the mystery; and Auguste Rodin: his realistic ability to express movement and character of his subjects.

Where do you find inspiration?
Flea markets, antiques stores, paper/stationary stores, junk shops, nature.

Who do you admire and why?
My mom. She’s the hostess with the mostess. She can whip up a dinner party in an instant. She knows her way around a garden, and can spot a weed a mile away. She volunteers for Youthfriends, and at the library. She’s a dog lover, a voracious reader, and loves to travel. She always has fresh cut flowers and night water by my bed when I come home for a visit. Not to mention she’s incredibly thoughtful, crafty, talented, smart and fun. And, wow she can cook. And, of course, because she married my dad, who's the best sous chef, yard manicurer,
handyman, builder of many fine things, and all around great guy.

What's the last great book you read?
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow.

What's your favorite film?
Secretly? Sixteen Candles, and then there’s Big Fish.

If you could photograph anyone in the world, who might that be?
Queen Elizabeth.

Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
Maya Angelou.


Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Baked goods, pretty much anything with cinnamon.


What is your most treasured belonging?
My grandmother’s Fiestaware.

What's souvenir did you bring back from your last trip?
Maracas and a tapestry.


Greatest indulgence?
Consecutive spa treatments.

What is your idea of living hell?
Having to eat a cantaloupe, raisin, bell pepper and beet salad.


What are some of your favorites websites/blogs to visit?
Sfgirlbybay (of course, and I’m just not saying that, your perspective is classy and sassy and inspiring); beachbungalow8 (not because Megan is one of my oldest friends but because she’s super talented and smart, has a great eye, and is full of wit), and bonjourbruxelles (because I love Karen’s amusing take on life). You girls are always teaching me something new. Thanks for having your eyes wide open.