Gimme Shelter

For some of the world, summer is a time of relaxation, laughter, long lasting friendships, making memories, sunshine and too much rosé. For me, it’s all those things and so much more… like a whole lot more. I have been spending summers on Shelter Island full-time for 6 years now. I wanted to give my kiddos a summer outside of the city (back when we lived in Brooklyn), a summer of late nights, sailing during the day and endless ice cream. I consider myself a very lucky gal to be able to do this. From my instagram feed, it looks like it’s all rosé and beach days. Boy or boy are you in for a shock… Of course it’s all of those wonderful things, but it’s also running our summer shop, going the extra mile for customers and staying late to get the project done, it’s the managing and designing for our licensing partners, it’s the getting the dinner on the table for our family, it’s trying to squeeze in a workout and not feel guilty. I may be tired from the summer days, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. I love this little island and I hope I never stop summering here.

A Perfect Work Day On Shelter Island

Our morning starts with chocolate chip pancakes for the kiddos that my hubby makes in bulk for the week before he sets off for the city. I drop the kiddos at sailing lessons at The Yacht Club and head straight to Maria’s for a smoothie… I am hooked on the Mango-Coconut right now. Once or twice a week I pop over to Bridgehampton to do a class at SoulCycle, my favorite instructor right now is Mireya, she’s amazing. After a quick shower and a pitstop at my favorite local farm Serene Green, I head right into the shop to my little office in the back with a view of Chase Creek. I log in some decent design time before I sneak out to grab a quick bite and head to one of my favorite beaches to clear my head before returning to my desk to work on more designs. At 5, we close up shop and I’m out the door to grab my kiddos and take them to the beach for dinner with friends. We watch the sunset and drink rosé, savoring every single bit of this magical island.

My Favorite Spots On And Off Island

Artwork custom designed for us by by Julia Gash

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Dabney Lee

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  • Congrats on the new site and the new blog. You do make it look so easy but I know it’s a lot of work. Cheers to you!

  • Dabney, glad to know you are still out there and doing well. I picked up your line the first time you came to market! I loved your bright, fun and happy patterns.
    I was never one of your big retailers but always tried to sell your line to the crazy people in athens, Georgia.
    We just sold our house and moved in January. As I was going through old boxes I found a few of your notecards and thought of you wondering what had happened to you. Now I know after finding your interview with Jenna.
    Enjoy your three babies! Time passes very quickly and there is no getting it back. Live intentionally and love them and your husband well! My children are grown and gone. I don’t really have regrets but I do miss the time when I could snuggle up with them to read a good book or to take walks with them.
    Congratulations on your success both as an artist and a mother! Even on the days you feel guilty or you are a terrible mom, you are not! You are their mama and they know you love them. That is more than many could say