North of 25A

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2011-06-14T22:24:00.000-04:00

Time flies when you are having fun, so they say. It is a little surprising to me that I have not posted in almost a month (not that all four of you noticed). I am sure you are as busy as I am; but I am also taking a math class ~~from hell~~ and it is no day at the beach. Insert sympathy & prayers here.

The sad truth is that I never finished college.

Shocking!

I went at night and weekends on what has turned out to be the thirty-ish year plan. I also successfully avoided taking the required math class; until now. Now I have about a semester's worth of credits left and it would be ~~pathetic~~

most unfortunate to continue to let some left brain work

get in my way of education.

Miss G (left) and friends

In the meantime, Miss G "Moved Up" to high school from the 8th Grade. The temperature was a warm and sunny 98 degrees which was quite the experience in an un-air conditioned Quaker Meeting House.

The year has also ended at my school and summer hours are a beautiful thing. The Parent's Association hosted an amazing lobster bake for the faculty and staff.

Can you believe this cake?

La Bonne Boulangerie always does an amazing job;

I did not have a piece, however.

Almost 40 lbs. down... only a few more to go.

Smart Phones

2011-05-18T21:04:00.005-04:00

How cute are these phone covers?
But, they don't make them for Blackberry!

Sheesh.

If you have an iPhone you can find them here.

I would definitely go with Harper Lee.

I wonder what would Melville think?

Water for Elephants

2011-05-11T20:21:00.000-04:00

I have a long list of books that I would like to read and movies that I want to see;

when I can remember the titles.

Water for Elephants

was on that list.

Told in flashback by 90 year old Jacob Jankowski
(or is he 93?), the novel recounts his wild time with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a traveling circus he joined during the Great Depression.
Unique and odd, I loved this story.

The author, Sara Gruen writes with the timing of an expert showman, saving a terrific revelation for the end, transforming a glimpse of dark Americana into a fairy tale.

Now of course, I can't wait to see the movie, although I am not convinced about the chemistry between Reese and our young vampire, Mr. Pattinson. We'll see.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:50:00.001-04:00

I wish I could say that I loved Mother's Day.

I really, truly do; but, I don't.

I have three amazing children

that I carried under my heart

and that should be enough.

More than enough.

I know this, so today I will act as if I had

what I try to give to those three amazing human beings

and give thanks for my Mother

and all the women who have mothered me.

Happy Mother's Day!

Photo credit: Glen Head Florist

House of Fifty

2011-05-05T21:43:00.000-04:00

Love the new online magazine

House of Fifty!

Be sure to read the letter from the founding editor,

Janell Beals = inspiration.

Win Win

2011-04-27T05:32:00.002-04:00

I am not a big fan of Paul Giamatti, but his performances are solid. We saw Win Win this past weekend with some pals, a very funny movie. Don't let the R rating fool you,

any 14 year old could see this film,

assuming they have heard the F bomb before.

The story is set in NJ, but it was filmed right here in LV, which would explain why I was seeing these annoying signs all over town last summer long before I ever heard of the movie. I won't give the plot away, but the cast does a fine job of selling a complex story with honest emotions and lots LOL humor.

I especially liked Amy Ryan, who played the wife, and Bobby Carnavale, as the best friend from high school who stole more than one scene in the movie.

Win Win is a good film that gives you more than cheap laughs and a thin story. Moral questions are explored and the answers are just as complicated as the questions.

Somebody should really design something better for wrestlers to wear than those singlets...

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T21:14:00.000-04:00

Norman Rockwell

Easter Morning 1959

Never mind that as a Catholic child in the 1960s I thought that The Robe was a spiritual documentary on the Resurrection; Easter was a serious fashion event.

The Easter outfit was everything.

All new; the dress, coat, matching hat, purse, white gloves and all important shoes (which ideally clicked when you walked) were as important as any Christmas present, for sure.

I am glad that we don't worship that way anymore,

but I do miss the fashion show.

Happy Easter!

Photo credit: Google images

I would have been the one in the yellow suit...

In a Minute

2011-04-20T21:59:00.000-04:00

It is not rocket science that a good food plan should have balance. Weight Watchers has been working for me since December not just because it is a sensible approach to portion control, but because I can eat what I want - occasionally - and still loose weight.

I simply need to be accountable.

This is the post that I had begun over a week ago. Since then, I have been thinking a lot about how life can change in a instant; about how we know this is true, but when it happens it still leaves you gasping for air. This is what happened to me a week ago Monday while I was preparing to tell you about my new favorite point friendly snack Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cracker Chips. You can have 27 of these little suckers and it is still only 4 WW points (make sure you don't take the broken ones). As far as I am concerned, if I can have 27 of anything - besides peas - I am a happy girl.

- 29 pounds!

Then I got the message that a senior at my daughter's school had died of his injuries related to a car accident. Brian Hom

was a talented young man with the whole world on his doorstep when he and three other seniors went out to get lunch on a what could have been any Tuesday. All of the boys were injured, Brian the most seriously.

For days it seemed like the connections to this tragedy were endless and unrelenting. Brian's sister, Katherine is in the 8th grade and a friend of Gloria's. Faculty and administration were on the front lines day after day keeping the kids together while honoring the devasating loss.

Grief is hard work.

The funeral was a full week later and during that time our entire community was emotionally crippled.

Brian has now been laid to rest and the school is beginning to return to a redefined normal.
Life can change in an instant,

but it does not change back easily or sometimes ever.

May the Perpetual Light shine upon him...

Photos of Brian Hom: Facebook

Mixed Media

2011-04-06T22:07:00.001-04:00

When it seems to get harder and harder to remember that every generation before our own faced changing times and ideas;

all I have to do is look at some vintage ads

and it explains alot.

Geraldine Ferraro

2011-03-31T22:15:00.000-04:00

I was truly sorry to learn that Geraldine Ferraro lost her long battle with cancer on Saturday at age 75;

not only because the former Democratic

vice-presidential candidate and congresswoman from

Queens was a maverick who,

as Hillary Clinton said today at her funeral:

“...is seen correctly as paving the way for my political career and those of many other women.

We owe her so much.

She inspired us women and girls.

All of us thought new thoughts and imagined

new possibilities because of Gerry.”

but because she was a girl from Queens* who never forgot where she came from. Geraldine Ferraro attended Marymount Manhattan College in NYC where I also went for many years at night and on the weekends.

Sometime around 1990 I took a course called

Women, Society and Culture that changed the way I thought...about myself.

It turned out I was a feminist; who knew?

Assigned a paper that required an interview, I wrote Mrs. Ferraro and asked if she would speak with me and she graciously invited me to her office where she generously shared her thoughts and insights. She spoke lovingly about her mother explaining the sacrifices she had made on her behalf and how her mother's life experiences had shaped her own family and professional life.

We talked about motherhood, favorite books and her time at Marymount as well as what it was like to attend Fordham Law School at night while working as a teacher. She was funny and thoughtful and kind; I felt a great sense of privilege that she had offered me her valuable time.

You might wonder how far women have really come in politics when you consider that we did not have another female vice-presidental candidate until 2008.

I prefer to think of it this way:

there were two women in the Senate when Mrs. Ferraro became the vice-presidential candidate 27 years ago in 1984;

there are 17 now,

along with 77 in the House,

6 governors and 1,700 state legislators.

Not bad for a girl from Queens.

May she rest in peace.

*Born in Newburg, NY

Photos: Google/Bing images

Out Like a Lion

2011-03-29T22:06:00.000-04:00

When we left for Florida one long week ago, it was snowing. True, it was only flurries, but I was concerned that our flight would be delayed ~~or crash~~. Thankfully, we made it poolside at The Westin by noon.

I had forgotten how important it is to get away and rest.

The weather in Florida was perfect; warm and sunny.

Two nights/three full days and I felt renewed despite

getting a bit too much sun.

It is a shame that something so bad for your skin

deceives you with a healthy glow.

We didn't do much of anything.

I thought alot about the palm trees,

speculating whether or not I could become attached to something so tropical.

I am sure you will be relieved to know that I can.

We did make a couple of trips to

Wal-Mart because I forgot my workout clothes;

I knew that SF was feeling relaxed when he said

I could get whatever I wanted.

Really.

On our way to the airport we stopped to have an early dinner at a restuarant on the water that the concierge recommended and found ourselves in the middle of a hopping happy hour. The wierd thing was they were all seniors;

as in age seventy and above.

Scary.

The forecast for tomorrow night is snow showers.

Worth Repeating

2011-03-28T06:59:00.000-04:00

Back from the sunshine state just in time for

the end of season sale at

Worth Repeating - Locust Valley.

Tuesday, March 29th

Doors open at 3 pm and stay open until 10 pm.

Most items $5.

Seriously.

And besides, Betsy is a sweetheart!

Sunshine Please!

2011-03-22T22:56:00.000-04:00

I am in desperate need of some sunshine.

Despite the fact that the forecast predicts

snow in the morning,

this is where I will be... I hope.

See you soon.

xoxoxo

For Japan With Love

2011-03-19T21:46:00.000-04:00

Days Gone By

2011-03-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Photo credit: John Dunn

It is not always easy to grow old.

This once grand dame of a house watches over Long Island Sound from the tip of Sands Point, its days numbered. With spectacular water views from all sides, the mansion is said to have been F. Scott Fitzgerald's inspiration for Daisy Buchanan's home in The Great Gatsby.

Land's End was, and will be until the end of the month, a 24,000 sq. ft. Colonial Revival mansion. Built in 1902 with 25 rooms, in its day it employed a staff of twenty.

The site of legendary and lavish parties,

the roof of the rounded cabana by the waterfront pool doubled as a dance floor.

In addition to a three-room master suite with his and her baths, there are six family-sized bedrooms and ten fireplaces. The home has two elevators, wide plank flooring and a catering kitchen. Palladian windows, marble, parquet and wide wood-planked floors have all been stripped for salvage. The hand painted wall paper is long gone and the front door is off its hinges. The two-story Doric columns are unsteady.

It is also expensive to grow old.

It is reported that taxes, insurance and maintenance on the house and 13-acre grounds total as much as $4,500 a day. Purchased for $17.5 million in 2004 from Virginia Kraft Payson, the late wife of former Mets owner Charles Shipman Payson, the house has been on the market almost ever since. The current owner is seeking to demolish the deteriorating estate and divide the property into five parcels for custom homes valued at $10 million each. Despite resistance from locals and historic preservationists, Sands Point officials approved the sub-division.

Do the math and it is no wonder that

Lands End is the latest Gold Coast estate to fall.

But, with each demolition, the North Shore loses more of its gilded past in an attempt to create another subdivision of expensive homes. Historians say hundreds of homes have been lost in the past 50 years as owners faced increasing taxes and high maintenance costs.

It is estimated that from the late 1890s until 1950

business titans, politicians and old-money families built as many as 1,400 opulent homes on the North Shore.

What is it that is said about history?

Something about doomed to repeat?

Carnival

2011-03-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

I have never been to New Orleans and would love to go someday soon. I really don't know much about Mardi Gras. We did Ash Wednesday - and no Fat Tuesday. Sacrifice for Lent; that I know about. So, it should be no surprize then that I had never heard of or had King Cake. It also seems there is alot more to Mardi Gras traditions than girls gone wild; which truth be told is what I thought.

Turns out that during Mardi Gras New Orleans is decked out in purple, green, and gold.

What do I know? I'm from Queens!

Now that I think of it,

those beads are usually purple, green and gold.

Thanks to Fetch, the online magazine at TAIGAN.com

this is what I now know courtesy of Fetch:

King Cakes are typically iced in the Mardi Colors of purple, green, and gold—which, respectively, stand for justice, faith, and power. Before the days of liability lawsuits, a tiny plastic baby was baked inside, and whoever got it was blessed with good luck throughout the year and also had to give the next season’s King Cake party. These days the baby comes in the packaging, but the tradition is no less fun. This version is from Sucré. The cake features the classic buttery dough sweetened with cinnamon and sugar, but it also has a luscious cream cheese filling.

As often happens with awareness, I was offered a piece of this very same King Cake on Friday. Tempted as I was, I did not indulge. My WW weigh in is on Satuday morning and King Cake or no King Cake I was not going to spend the points.

A good thing too; I am down 20 +.

Fashion 4 the Cure

2011-03-03T22:11:00.003-05:00

Pancreatic cancer is a terrifying killer.

These teenage girls are turning heartbreak into healing by helping to raise critical dollars to support the Lustgarten Foundation's efforts to find earlier detection methods,

better treatments and a cure.

Additional info is available here.

And say a prayer, please.

Birthday Party for Mike

2011-03-02T23:00:00.001-05:00

When my kids were little I always liked to have some kind of entertainment at their birthday parties. Naturally, it made made me a better mother. Marcia the Musical Moose, circa 1985, was the first in a long line of unemployed actors working the kiddie party circuit. Superman, Pee Wee Herman (before he was arrested for public indecency), Magic Barbie, Magic Al, a pony (just one), hula dance lessons and rock climbing all helped me celebrate the days that I gave birth.

Jaithan Kochar, me and Eddie Ross

When I learned that the adorable Eddie Ross would be leading a flea market shopping trip on Sunday, the 27th of February, which also happened to be Baby Boy's birthday, I knew I had a plan. Off we went to 25th Street in NYC to spend some time learning tips and tricks from the master stylist. Who, by the way, along with Jaithan, could not have been nicer.

The Birthday Boy, Jaithan Kochar, Middle Child, Eddie Ross & Miss G.

Eddie's enthusiasm for beautiful, timeless design that everyone can afford is inspirational. The trip was one big a treasure hunt! Helping us identify unique gifts and collectibles, he gave us enough ideas in the first ten minutes to have made the trip worthwhile. He shared seemingly endless ideas about how to re-purpose items, correctly identify finds and make the most of what you already have.

Photo: Lauren Rubinstein

Eddie will be writing a column for Southern Living about his flea market finds throughout the South and sharing some of things that we learned; like don't be afraid to combine pieces from different sets of silver flatware for a modern,

collected setting.

After we left the city SF met us for a birthday dinner at a favorite Japanese sushi restaurant Kiraku in Glen Head.

It was a very nice day,

even if I still cannot believe that I have a 27 year old son.

The Blues

2011-02-25T06:06:00.001-05:00

DKNY Vintage Large Leather Satchel

Bloomingdale's thoughtfully e-mailed to remind me that a blue bag is a must for spring.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bianca Dreams Of Monte Carlo Hayley Tote

Since I enjoy a good blue anything I appreciated the reminder, but don't think I will actually commit to any of these. I did buy a Cole Haan shopper last spring that is similar to this Marc Jacobs tote.

Longchamp Le Pliage Small Tote

This is an optimistic blue, don't you think?

I am so ready for spring I don't even care that it will be raining cats and dogs all day; at least it is not snow! And besides, it is Friday - hope you have a great weekend.

Baby Boy will be turning 27 on Sunday.

27? Really?

We are going to the NYC flea Market at Chelsea Piers with Eddie Ross to celebrate.

Can't wait!

All images Bloomingdales.com

Upon Reflection

2011-02-22T21:50:00.000-05:00

A mirror image is a reflected duplication that appears identical, but in reverse.

Hummm.

Or, anything giving a true representation of a reflection.

Really?

I think it depends on what you see when you look;

if you look.

And I do think it is important to take a look.

How else could you know what your reflection looks like?

All images available at Wisteria.com

Down 15

2011-02-17T22:42:00.002-05:00

Have you seen Jennifer Hudson lately?

Amazing!

She is down 80 lbs. on Weight Watchers.

Impressive.

I have been a fan since I saw art imitate life with her Oscar winning performance in

Dreamgirls.

How she manages to deal with the murders of her mother, brother and nephew, I cannot imagine. She has said it was with faith; really what else could it be?

Inspirational.

Before Christmas I was treading water in yet another bottom of weight gain, but determined not to be another New Year's resolution cliche. So, before the holidays off I went with a friend from work to WW.

Again.

Then I proceeded to munch my way through brickle aka Christmas crack and miscellaneous other yule tide treats.

Once Santa was safely back at the North Pole I got serious and have been following the sensible WW plan carefully.

I need structure and a plan.

So far I have lost 15 lbs.

I do not have a magic number that I want to lose and I don't have a scale. Of course it is about the weight, but it also about feeling better and taking care of my health. I have been at this place before, but menopause is a whole new drama. It makes losing weight and your body after a baby look like child's play.

Once my rib is healed the next hurdle is regular exercise.

Me and the Pabs and some yoga.

One day at a time.

Margaret McKnight

2011-02-15T22:04:00.002-05:00

I am at an age where I go to alot of funerals, unfortunately. Although my own parents have been dead for a number of years, many of my friends are facing the realities of caring for elderly or ill parents. In fact, my mother-in-law is 87 and my father-in-law is 91. It is often not a pretty picture. It has been with admiration and great respect that I have watched my dear friend, Marguerite care for her mother, at home, until she was 91 years old when she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Margaret McKnight, age 19

I have decided that I do not like wakes at all, but that I appreciate a good funeral. Funerals should be a reverent celebration of a life. I have made it clear to SF and my two older children that they better not put me an open casket. I shudder to think about how bad a dead hair day could be.

But, I digress.

The wake for Margaret McKnight was an Irish wake; lots of laughter and sharing of memories. Margaret was a devout Catholic and had a long relationship with the Parish where her funeral was held. The openly gay Catholic priest, who shared his hilarious memories of their friendship was telling of how true faith can transcend the illusion of barriers.

The last thing I remember before stepping down to leave the funeral home was thinking:

Is that ice?

I have never fallen so hard in my life; completely breathless and I was more than lucky not to have broken my neck. One cracked rib later I am on the mend and working hard at not sneezing - maybe ever again.

May she rest in peace.

Heartfelt

2011-02-14T20:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Turns out that blogging is a little like exercise for me. The less I do it the easier it is not to do it. It has been a hectic couple of weeks, but I know that when I let my priorities slip for too long and I replace my "To Do" list with should thoughts not much gets done, except inside my head and that can be a scary place.

One day at a time.

I hope you have a lovely St. Valentine's Day.

SF came by my office at lunch time to surprise me with the most beautiful card and much needed grande latte.

Perfect.

For the next two nights I will watch one of my favorite annual events the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Notice the Pug, but they seem to have missed the Boxer.

Priority Mail

2011-01-25T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hand-written calligraphy with a modern twist is made into a graphic from Paperfinger.com where you can choose

from six script styles.

Love this!

Resilience

2011-01-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

1960

I can assure you that my parents were not concerned about raising resilient children in 1960, but we recognize that these are different times. SF and I are interested in parenting for resilience, which is no small task here on the gilded North Shore at the center of the Universe.

John Scardina, a psychologist and parent educator recently led a discussion at my daughter's school suggesting qualities to nurture so that kids have the ability to bounce back from adversity with positive outcomes and optimism. The group had parents from elementary to high school age kids, but I was struck by how relevant these suggestions are for adults

- for me.

John suggested that it was important to:

build positive relationships
have an inner compass
be independent
have a love of learning
remain flexable
be self-motivated
nuture competence
be creative
perservere
foster spirituality

You can read more about what John suggests you can do to nurture resilience in your kids - or yourself - in the December issue of Good Housekeeping here.

Pug in a Pea

2011-01-17T20:53:00.000-05:00

This is not the Pabs, but he is a handsome fellow,

don't you think?

PVE was so taken with him and The Rover Classics Collection that she was inspired to do this adorable illustration.

He then became a much loved Christmas gift for Middle Child framed and hung in her bedroom.

JFK Library

2011-01-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

To help mark the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, unveiled the nation’s largest online digitized presidential archive, providing unprecedented global access to the most important papers, records, photographs and recordings of President John F. Kennedy’s thousand days in office.*

www.jfklibrary.org

The $10-million project to digitize photographs and recordings will now allow you with the help of your computer, to sort through drafts of Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you" speech, listen to his personal phone calls, and read his daily calendar and correspondence.

There are hundreds of seldom seen family photographs and lots of pictures of Jackie, of course! Can you imagine that she became the First Lady at age 31?

The project took four years to complete, but I doubt that it is a coincidence that the History Channel has scrapped their airing of the already completed eight part mini-series The Kennedys, due to reported pressure from the family;

not that I blame them.

The JFK Library also houses the world's largest collection of Ernest Hemingway archival materials. Who knew?

*Text from Press Release

Snow Day

2011-01-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

Plenty of snow here on the North Shore today along with a much appreciated day off from work and school. This is the picture that I opened my eyes to this morning already knowing that I did not have to leave the house. Nice!

Buona Fortuna

Not nearly as bad as the last storm, I still had to shovel a path for the Pabs before he could go out.

He loves the snow and it is quite a work out for him.

SF went to work, after he cleared the driveway; the City is in much better shape this time.

Our box woods do not like the heavy snow, day off or not.

Spring will be here before we know it!

Color Drama

2011-01-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

Miss G. loves the color green.

Me too.

Our last house was basically various shades of green.

My Grandmother liked to paint everything gold and I had a bit of a fear that I was going to be the Nanny Gibson of my generation so I sprinkled complimentary colors and patterns throughout to fool everyone.

It didn't help that SF is also a fan of green so he uncharacteristically did not give me any color grief.

Fast forward to our current house that has two bathrooms crying out for makeovers. With one belonging to Miss G. (so to speak) I thought it would be a walk in a painters park since we all agreed that green was the way to go. Since the bathroom has a separate water closet and also a separate tub/shower room I suggested we go with different shades; one deep tone, the other lighter. We are still on an austerity budget, but with a new window treatment and shower curtain plus some great artwork we would be good to go. Two weeks into 2011 and we are checking projects off the list!

Unfortunately, these were not the colors that I had in mind. Looks like the bathroom is going to remain builders beige

for a little while longer.

Nook

2011-01-06T21:35:00.001-05:00

I love a nook and this one, although designed for a little girl and showcased in Traditional Home sometime in 2010,

has all the elements that I would love in my own cozy spot.

We have a wide bay window in our sitting room that we are thinking of flanking with built in bookcases. Instead of a bed, I am planing a window seat. Cecil, the amazing Jamaican carpenter who can build anything, tells me it won't be done before spring, so I'll keep you posted.

Black Swan

2011-01-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

I saw Natalie Portman's stunning performance in Black Swan on New Year's Day after getting shut out on New Year's Eve afternoon. Even though I am a fan of the Hepburnesque Portman, I was not sure that I wanted to see this dark psychological thriller, but an invitation from my visiting niece who said she wanted to see it because she had such fond memories of me making her to the NYC Ballet convinced me. I am sure she has different ideas about the ballet now...

Black Swan costume sketch by Kate Mulleavy

I thought the movie was erotically charged unnecessarily, but in addition to having Natalie Portman - she will surely be nominated, if not get the Oscar - the movie is beautifully edited and the ballerina ubran chic costumes were worth the price of the ticket. The genius of two designers turned costumers, Kate & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte made ballet crazy seem normal.

There is white chiffon gown that Portman wears when it is announced that she will have the lead in Swan Lake that is beyond stunning; unfortunately I have not been able to locate a movie still of it anywhere, but a copy of the original Mulleavy sketch is above.

Another favorite of mine was this pink coat

that Nina wears throughout the movie.

Black Swan was a creepy,

tense movie with a backdrop of beautiful costumes.

Did you see Black Swan?

2011

2011-01-01T22:45:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve Ball, 1978.

Photo credit: The New York Times

A friend sent me these wise words for the New Year and I wish the same for all of you:

Another year has begun so hold your loved ones close,

extend a hand to those in need,

forgive,

look ahead and dream;

believe,

and be the best you can be.

2011 Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball

Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing you all the best for a happy,

healthy and prosperous 2011.

Christmas Cards

2010-12-23T21:43:00.001-05:00

Baby Boy and Middle Child, Christmas 1995

You may remember that my Mother, may she rest in peace, thought that a chintzy Christmas card was a measure of your worth as a person. So, it should be no surprise to know that I ~~obsess~~ choose my cards carefully.

Christmas 1996

I know that I am not alone, because let's face it,
my Mother was right.

Baby Boy, Miss G. and Middle Child, Christmas 1998

When Baby Boy and Middle Child were babies I never sent out photo Christmas cards. Some time before Miss G. was born I did get the Christmas photo bug and have had it ever since;

always William Arthur and always with a bow.

Did I not see that there was a dog house in that photo?

Christmas 2003

For some reason these family photo sessions never ended without me threatening my children.

Don't they at least look perfect?

Last year I did not send out cards because we went to Tanzania and the price of every stamp went into that trip; the only other year that I skipped sending cards was 2001.

You cannot go wrong with an Archangel...

I love getting photo cards. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into these staged holiday memories. I don't ever throw them away ~~unless I don't like the children, of course.~~

As I was over thinking my no photo card for this year and regretting right up to this minute that I did not do a tartan bowed photo card, I wondered when do you stop sending photo cards of your children? I would like to think never, that you would just keep adding spouses and grandchildren.

Christmas 2004

I received the most beautiful Christmas card from a friend who has five sons, one having been married this summer. The photo was of all the handsome young brothers with the bride and groom on their wedding day. It was fabulous.

2008

Original by the amazing PVE

There was some talk about Señor Pablo Gomez representing the family this year, but Frank the cat was not having any of it.

I ended up choosing the above Dempsey and Carroll, which I have to say was a tiny bit of a disappointment. Not to mention that even getting them through OKL and skimping on the extras like a liner and the return address - what was I thinking? - still cost a pretty penny.

In fact, the above Paula Skene that I found at TJ Maxx for $5.99 a box have, I think, much finer embossing with richer color.

I know!

Remember what is most important this Christmas;

faith, family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Recipe for Reindeer Food

2010-12-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

I clearly remember thinking that I saw Rudolph outside my window one Christmas Eve while I was waiting for Santa and the fact that it was almost a half century ago makes it no less magical.

When Miss G. was in nursery school we "cooked" up a batch of reindeer food and delivered it to her classmates right before the big night.

Take equal parts oatmeal and confetti

and put it in a clear plastic bag of your choosing with a note that says something like this:

and you are good to go.

Believe!

Letters to Santa

2010-12-19T21:51:00.001-05:00

Brilliant!

Free Shipping Friday

2010-12-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

Much as I love online shopping, I do not like paying shipping charges unless I really have to. Tomorrow is Free Shipping Day; over 1,500 merchants are expected to participate in the third annual Free Shipping Day,

with delivery by Christmas Eve.

Third annual, really? Who knew?

The majority of the retailers are offering free shipping without a minimum purchase, but be sure to read the fine print.

Park Avenue Armory

2010-12-14T17:23:00.002-05:00

I am giddy with the idea that after Friday I have two weeks of vacation; working in a school is awesome. During my time off we are planning to go into the city several times and this interactive experience at the
Park Avenue Armory of
Leonardo’s Last Supper: A Vision by Peter Greenaway
is definitely on my to do list.

From the Armory website:

...the artist creates a dialogue between 8,000 years of art and 112 years of cinema.

Visionary artist and filmmaker Peter Greenaway brings new insight into one of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces in his multimedia reverie of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Set within a full-scale replica of the dome of Refectory of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, the home of the original painting, a meticulously detailed facsimile of The Last Supper is brought to life through Greenaway’s ingenious manipulation of light, sound, and theatrical illusion. Visitors navigate a series of vivid audio-visual environments that provoke new ways of seeing this iconic work.

I think this will be amazing; different from anything that has been done before. Despite two trips to Italy I have not been to Milan and I have not seen this masterpiece in person.

Have you?

It Will Be A Very Good Year

2010-12-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid people always asked me if I minded having a birthday so close to Christmas.

Nope.

In fact, the 10th of December is a good two weeks away from
Oh Holy Night but close enough to share the decorations.

My birthday started as it always does with SF bringing me a large Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Yes, he goes out to get it for me (on his way to Starbucks for a quad-espresso). You have to love a guy that tells you it makes him happy to bring you coffee in the morning. As I was having my coffee, Miss G. gave me her birthday gift. Tickets to see The Nate Berkus Show! She knows I love Nate and what was especially thoughtful about her gift is that she cannot join us since she is only 13 years old.

Next it was off to lunch at Wall's Wharf with some gal pals.

Dinner was a family affair at Hunan Taste for my fav Chinese.

For dessert we went to Hicks Nurseries - where they also have live reindeer - to get our tree. I can't remember when it was up and decorated so early; last year we didn't even put a tree up since we were in Tanzania for Christmas.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Ina & Nora

2010-12-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

The only cookbook recipes I can follow - really - belong to the

Barefoot Contessa.

I make those ridiculously simple roasted potatoes

of hers and I am a hero.

People have started to tell me that I "look just like her" and it is not because we are both bobbed brunettes either.

For the December issue of T&C William Norwich, Ina Garten, and Nora Ephron got together in the barn at Garten's East Hampton house, which is also the set for the Barefoot Contessa's popular Food Network TV show, and the two women talked about their holiday traditions, tips, and plans.

Ladies Who Lunch: Ina & Nora Talk Turkey

is the article that Norwich wrote about the afternoon for the December 2010 issue of the magazine.

I would also like to read Ephron's latest book

I Remember Nothing,

but since I still have

I Feel Bad About My Neck

on my list so it may be awhile before I get to it.

Elizabeth Edwards

2010-12-08T22:13:00.000-05:00

I have to say that sometimes it strikes me as more than a little odd that I can feel so badly about the death of someone who I have never met, but she was quite a woman.

Elizabeth Edwards

1947-2010

Rest in Peace

"Goodnight Moon"

2010-12-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

Goodnight Moon was written in 1947 by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd.

It has sold close to 5 million copies to date.

The book jacket once contained a picture of the illustrator smoking a cigarette. Not surprisingly, Harper Collins digitally altered the picture in 2005 to get rid of the cigarette.

Brown wrote approximately 100 other children's books and stories including Runaway Bunny.

April 1939 - Locust Valley

All this is to tell you the more interesting ~~wacky~~ story of how in the 1930's author Margaret Wise Brown joined a Locust Valley group called the Buckram Beagles that "ran to hounds" crying Tally Ho! as they raced on foot across Old Westbury and Brookville with a pack of beagles in hot pursuit of a rabbit.* Sadly, Brown died in 1952 at age 42 of an embolism while engaged to Stillman Rockefeller, Jr.

Now that must have been a group of swells.

*From It Happened on Long Island by Cynthia Blair

Newsday

Festival of Lights

2010-12-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

World's largest Hanukkah menorah at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street

Two thousand years ago for Jews living in what is modern day Israel, the center of their worship was the great Temple in the city of Jerusalem. In the Temple, was a great menorah. The light from the menorah, which burned day and night, was a brilliant symbol of holiness.

A king named Antiochus tried to force the Jews to worship his god instead of their own. When the Jews refused, the king sent his soldiers into the Temple destroying holy books and desecrating objects including the precious menorah.

Ester Shahaf Menorah

This did not stop the Jews from worshipping God. In fact, with great faith and courage a man named Judah Macabee led a small band of Jews who began to battle against the king's army. After three years of struggle the king's army gave up the fight - a miraculous victory.

Utopia Man/Woman Menorah Jonathan Adler

Hanukkah, is the celebration of this triumph. The Jews rededicated the Temple to God with a new menorah; the word "Hanukkah" means dedication.

The Hanukkah menorah also commemorates the miracle of the oil, when, during the rededication of the Temple, one day's worth of consecrated oil lasted eight days.

Photograph by Sam Kittner; Washington, DC, 2007

Tonight is the sixth night of Hanukkah.

I love the idea of lighting candles to

commemorate important events, don't you?

And I didn't even mention the potato latkes, the dreidels or the eight nights of gifts!

Photo credit: Google images

Dear Santa

2010-12-02T22:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa:

Which pair do you think

my kiddies should get me for Christmas?

I think I am partial to the shiny black ones.

Just like yours!

Keep up the good work.

xoxox

PS - I try to be good!

Advent

2010-12-01T22:17:00.003-05:00

Target Online (out of stock)

Black Friday was not always the beginning

of the holiday season.

Shocking, I know.

Advent, from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" is supposed to be a time of expectant waiting, reflection and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity at Christmas.

Photo credit: Bing images

Advent calendars have come a long way since I waited patiently for the 4 Sundays before Christmas to quickly pass. Each week at Mass the priest would ceremonially light a candle on the Advent wreath marking the time before the big birthday party where we got all the presents. I loved that the candles were purple and not red.

Garnet Hill

Lollipop Tree Advent Calendar

The first printed calendar was produced in the 1800s in Germany and was made of miniature colored pictures that were then attached to a piece of cardboard for each day in December. I am pretty sure that they were sold at the religious articles store at St. Joan of Arc too.

Garnet Hill

Tiny Packages Advent Calendar

Our Advent calendar/house has been sitting proudly on the counter waiting to be filled with treats that are usually too large or generous to fit in the little doors. I often leave little notes inside that say things like look in the drawer.

Now to remember to fill the darn thing...

Tis' the Season

2010-11-30T22:11:00.000-05:00

One minute it is all about the cornucopia of fall colors

talking turkey all the time;

and the next we are dressing Señor Pablo in his

first Santa suit.

Where does the time go?

Every year a dear former boss of mine sends us a beautiful wreath in lieu of a Christmas card and even that arrived

early this year. I hope you noticed that the wreath is in fact hanging on the door. All this, along with Harry Potter and bronchitis too, was our holiday weekend. Lots to be grateful for, including antibiotics, despite my almost 88 year old mother-in-law telling my sister-in-law in Atlanta that Thanksgiving was "pretty boring" at our house. Next year I must remember to add a slot machine to my shopping list.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T22:40:00.000-05:00

New York: The Novel

2010-11-21T23:11:00.001-05:00

If you enjoy historical fiction as much as I do, I think you will like New York by Edward Rutherfurd.

Rutherfurd traces three centuries of New Yorkers beginning with the Native Americans and the practical Dutch. Historical figures and fictional characters bring the momentous events that shaped New York and America to life. From the Revolutionary War, to the emergence of the city as a great trading and financial center, to the excesses of the Gilded Age - right here on the North shore - and the explosion of immigration, all remind us of just how often history repeats itself.

Thinking of Liza

2010-11-18T17:13:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about Liza all day today. You may remember reading about her in this post. As I write this, Liza is midway through approximately nine hours of a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy - also known as the removal of both of her breasts and reconstruction in order to try and avoid breast cancer.

Think you are having a tough day? Think again.

I got more than one e-mail today with the above video. Coincidence? I think not. It is an easy fundraiser to participate in; watch, click and say a prayer for Liza and her family as she begins a tough recovery.

The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, teaming up with over 130 NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders and UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania, invite the world to help "Team Ra-Ras Kick Breast Cancer." To encourage viewers to share the video with others and increase breast cancer awareness, UnitedHealthcare will donate ten cents ($.10) per view to The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure up to a maximum donation of $100,000.

Red, Yellow & Blue

2010-11-17T20:55:00.001-05:00

We are nearing the end of the fall foliage North of 25A.

The blazing red maples are the last to go; when the sun is shining they can look like they are are fire.

Stunning.

A few windy days and a good rainstorm

and the rest of the leaves will be down.

Red has always been a favorite color of mine,

I am a brunette after all,

and the fall foliage has reminded me

how wonderful red looks against blue.

My last home was all greens and golds.

Loved it.

Now I have a very blue and yellow living room.

Toile and plaid make me happy,

but the room is very large and it still needs something.

I am thinking red.

Yes, I said red.

Now that everything is all matchey matchey I think I need to add some pizazz!

I have a ways to go...

Tricia Foley

2010-11-16T13:58:00.002-05:00

Tricia Foley is known for her simple, classic style;

creating fresh and uncluttered spaces.

She favors the use of neutrals,

particularly whites and creams.

I would love to curl up in this space

with a good book and a cozy throw.

I cannot handle too much white, however,

and would have to clutter it up just a bit

with some books and treasures.

I would also use my blue and white plates

in the shelves above and then maybe

add some deep blue toile pillows.

How about you; are you a color person?

2010-11-12T22:36:00.000-05:00

This app cracks me up.

Have a great weekend all!

xoxox

Photo credit: Meredith Doyle

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Last night I saw this touching documentary about a remarkable woman, Madame Simone Renaud. Madame Renaud witnessed first hand the liberation of France from the Nazis on that fateful day of June 6, 1944 when American soldiers began storming the beaches of Normandy. Madame Renaud's small home town of Saint Mere-Eglise was the first village to be liberated and became the burial place for thousands American soldiers, including Oyster Bay's own Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

Photo: Ralph Morse

Time & Life Pictures, July 1, 1944

The son of the former President died of a heart attack six days after he arrived in Normandy, but this photograph taken by Ralph Morse for Life Magazine showing Madame Renaud, who was also the Mayor's wife, lovingly tending to his grave touched the hearts of Americans everywhere.

For veteran families of the war dead Simone Renaud was their only connection to a son, brother, father or uncle, whose final resting place was in France among their brothers. To them Mme. Renaud was the mother’s heartfelt comfort against the bloody reality of military sacrifice. To her, these families were a reflection the heroes that saved France after four years of Nazi occupation. Madame Renaud spent the rest of her life writing countless letters and giving comfort to the families of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

The film also tells the story of how in 1947 the citizens of Locust Valley formed Operation Democracy to support the efforts to restore European communities recovering from WW II. By adopting the sister town of Ste. Mere Eglise, Operation Democracy's founders sought to provide not only aid but friendship, and generated the idea of Operation Democracy nationally. The relationship continues today between the two small towns and brought Maurice Renaud, Madame Renaud's youngest son to Locust Valley for the premier last night.

The words of a poem excerpted here that Madame Renaud wrote in 1948 to the residents of Locust Valley breaks my heart:

Never can we forget your kindly aid

Our children raise their hands for you in prayer

The more because our sons with you are laid

In Norman earth together sleeping there.

May they rest in peace Veteran's day and every day.

Blackberry Baby

2010-11-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Last week was a hectic week.

I was kind of cranky.

My cell phone died.

I hate getting a new phone.

Then, I could not find the darn phone;

which I didn't really mind all that much.

Our Blackberry obsessed culture gets on my nerves sometimes; like when I am having a conversation with someone and they are checking their messages - at dinner.

But, I digress.

The adorable little dinosaur above is Logan,

my great-nephew.

His amazing mother is my niece and God-daughter, Tara.

Who, by the way is 27 today.

Happy Birthday, Tara!

So, I was at a tag sale recently and found a wonderful

Cookies with Santa plate.

It was silver plate in a perfect green velvet lined box

and I thought it would be fun to send to Logan

who lives several hours away.

I also found this blue and white basket which I needed.

Here is Logan again. Isn't he cute?

When Tara left me a message about the plate she also mentioned that "the phone was adorable"

Such lovely manners.

Phone?

Did I actually forget that I also sent the little guy a phone?

Quite possible.

Can't remember anything these days anyway;

I promptly forgot all about it.

I bet you know where this is going.

Over the weekend Middle Child came in to tell

me she found my phone.

Really?

Where?

On Facebook with Logan.

Locust Valley Chemists & Nancy Drew

2010-11-08T18:21:00.000-05:00

Locust Valley Chemists

is much more than a drug store.

Robert will fill your prescriptions with care while you wait.

Your prescription will be filled before you are ever finished

looking at all the other wonderful things

that they have on shelf after shelf.

Where else could you ever find a beautifully made

Nancy Drew wallet?

They do not have a website,

so you will just have to visit to see what I mean.

They carry the finest soaps, creams

& toiletries from around the world.

You can find a gift on the fly for just about anyone;

young or old.

They also keep a good supply of Spanx on hand.

Need I say more?

How cute is that pink & green coin purse on the right?

Locust Valley Chemists

60 Forest Avenue

516-656-9090

Liza Talusan Vega

2010-11-03T16:00:00.002-04:00

Tom Fox / DMN Photo Staff

Let's not forget that pink is the new orange in October just because it is November. I loved the idea of professional sports teams wearing pink. Even the shameless self-promotion by manufacturers jumping on the pink band wagon did not diminish the good will that I saw as awareness and money were raised on behalf of breast cancer research.

I bet everyone I know has been touched in some way by this terrible disease. Still, there are those that have had more than their share of bad luck. We know and can identify with genetic testing that some women have a genetic marker making them vulnerable. I also know that it is these women who share their strength selflessly, without complaint or self-pity. If there is a common thread that runs through these painful stories of illness and pain it is amazingly gratitude.

Family Circle, October 2009

I can think of few people who live their lives with more courage facing down cancer than Liza Talusan Vega. A 35 year old married mother of three young children, Liza first battled cancer when her then two year old daughter was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. Joli, a beautiful baby girl at the time, lost her eye and endured grueling rounds of chemotherapy. This beautiful young lady, who is now six years old, speaks to groups, including college students, about her experience and shares what it is like to have a prosthetic eye.

In 2006 Liza's sister, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer, just months after giving birth at age 36. Given her age, doctors suspected and eventually confirmed a genetic mutation, BRCA1. After further testing it was confirmed that both Liza and another sister, Grace tested positive for the BRCA1; a genetic predisposition to cancer. Can you imagine?

Liza has an inspiring blog called Marathon B4 Mastectomy where she chronicles her journey with grace and humor as a woman with a genetic predisposition to cancer - and who is going to undergo a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer - in two weeks.

Please pray for this young warrior as she and her family face this dreadful enemy and don't forget the pink all year.

Happy Birthday, Pablo

2010-11-01T22:50:00.001-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday Señor Pablo Gomez!

Having never had a small dog before,

I love how portable he is.

Middle child is most definitely his pack leader,

but he is also happy to spend time with anyone that

will give him a cookie.

Señor Pablo has no fear of larger dogs; much larger dogs.

Napoleon complex?

Jonah aka "Love Bug" & Pablo

When our neighbor visited to introduce his Newfoundland rescue Jonah (unexpectedly, hence the messy room) Pablo was not in the least impressed by his 175 lb. size.

Pablo is also quite the watch dog.

He will bark ferociously at anyone who comes to the door and anything that concerns him.

For instance, a role of electrical tape.

When he discovered this hidden drain he desperately

tried to alert the authorities.

Killer flowers are always a concern.

It is true that in today's world a suitcase

can be cause for concern.

Thank goodness he knows that you have to watch out

for polka dot rain boots!

For Crossword Lovers

2010-10-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

Much as I love words I am not all that great with a cross word puzzle.

They say you have to practice.

I think Will Shortz, who edits The New York Times crossword

and is also the puzzle master for NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday

on-air challenge must have a brain that calculates letters like a computer.

These dishes, with a touch of retro inspired by the Times puzzles,

were designed by the iconic New York brand Fishs Eddy

for the Times store and are available here.

The tray above is the best deal at $14.95 and would make a great gift

for a crossword lover. Not to mention a certain English teacher that I know.

Champions for Charity

2010-10-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

Crazy, but true.

Time to think about holiday shopping.

You can now register for

Champions for Charity

at the Americana Manhasset.

Fall Fair

2010-10-25T22:39:00.000-04:00

It was an absolutely beautiful weekend here on LI.

The weather was perfect.

It was also homecoming at G.'s school.

The weekend began Friday evening with a bonfire and a cookout.

The full moon was awesome.

Completely controlled by the local fire department,

once they got the bonfire going it was quite something.

Saturday was spent working at and visiting all the wonderful booths that

parents work so hard to put together for the benefit of the school.

Miss G. spent the day riding the rides and having fun with friends.

It was exhausting, but we had a great weekend.

In other news, Frank is doing better. He has a wicked, but common kitty UTI which is being treated with antibiotics and a complete change of diet. He is enjoying his prescription cat food and resting comfortably in his tiled condo otherwise known as the laundry room. Thank you, everyone for all the get well wishes!

Glee Gone Wild

2010-10-21T22:39:00.002-04:00

I love the show Glee.
Unfortunately, right now
Long Island is in the middle
of war between Fox,
who carries the show locally,
and Cablevision who carries Fox.
It seems they can't come to terms
over a few billion in fees,
so no Glee last night.

I think the writing is crisp and incredibly witty.

We do often watch as a family.

True, the issues they tackle are often provocative.

For us, teachable moments.

Satirizing the myths of high school popularity,

not to mention all kinds of other quirky socialization rituals

is worth the price of admission and that is before you add the amazing voices that these talented "kids" have.

Naturally, with all the hype about the GQ pictures I had to see what the big deal was about - I am a Gleek after all.

I understand the girly magazine thing.

I know that media in our culture

sensationalizes everything for a buck.

I know these actors are not teenagers in a

high school glee club.

I certainly do not favor of censorship of any kind.

I am not that easily shocked or offended by most images, even those that I do not understand or like.

And most importantly,

I do not hold society responsible

for teaching my children values.

But, these pictures really bothered me.

I was disappointed. Silly, I know.

There are so many things wrong with these

pictures that I don't even know where to begin.

Let's start with Lea Michele. Rachel.

There are a couple of pictures that I did not add to

this post I thought they were in such poor taste.

Not to the guys that subscribe to GQ I am sure,

but to Mothers of teenage girls who love to sing and dance, most definitely.

Also, she has tattoos. More than one.

Moving right along to Dianna Agron. Quinn.

Did she have to strut that Catholic school girl fantasy because she played teen aged mother last season?

What the hell?

Just for the record,

no one at St. Joan of Arc

ever looked like that in a uniform.

Last but not least, let's talk about Cory Monteith.

The slightly dim witted, but sweet Finn.

Why is it, do you think, that he has his clothes on?

No jockey shorts or even boxers for Finn.

In fact, you will note that he is not only clothed,

he is prepped out.

Finn gets the girls in their underwear

as his fashion accessories.

I am just glad they didn't use the wheelchair.

All photos by Terry Richardson

GQ Magazine

Shop It To Me

2010-10-19T14:08:00.004-04:00

Shop It To Me

sends me daily sales alerts about my favorite brands.

So thoughtful!

Checking close to 200 retailers each day for sales,

they will scour the web for what is important to you:

specific brands, categories of clothing, accessories;

with your sizes.

They basically work as your personal shopper,

looking to find the best prices on the items you love.

Of course, since we ~~are trying to~~ have adopted an austerity budget I delete the e-mails without opening them.

Really.

Did I mention that SF reads my blog every day?

He is so supportive!

You can register for your own personalized sales alerts here.

Frank

2010-10-18T16:55:00.001-04:00

Frank is a good cat.

So, we knew something was not quite

right when I found him

attempting to pee on my bath mat.

It is monogrammed for goodness sakes.

Cat pee is a deal breaker for me.

I am sorry, but it just is.

He was also drinking lots of water;

which by the way he prefers with crushed ice.

I kid you not.

When he hears the ice maker, he comes running.

Off to the vet Frank went.

$300 and numerous tests later we do not

have a diagnosis or any idea

what the heck is going on.

He is only three years old;

he can't be senile yet.

can he?

Today he went back for some more blood work and

we are still waiting on the results of some "other" samples,

but keep a good thought folks, please.

We all love Frank,

but he is the official family pet of Miss G.

who is very attached...

In the meantime,

he is vacationing in the tiled condo of a bathroom

or in the laundry room,

napping quite comfortably on a dog's bed.

Army of Women

2010-10-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation was founded in 1983 to eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women’s health through innovative research, education, and advocacy. Since 2005, the Foundation has received more than four million dollars to pursue its own prevention research.

Pepsi is giving away $1,300,000 in October to fund great ideas, and the Army of Women is again in the running to win $250,000. Your vote is valuable! We all ~~should~~ know that October is breast cancer awareness month, so go and vote here.

Recycle & Reuse

2010-10-13T22:01:00.002-04:00

I am rather particular about what I have on my dresser.

Or do you say bureau?

We always said dresser.

In fact, my Mother would have referred to this

piece of furniture as the triple dresser.

The tray is Minton Haddon Hall that I purchased

at a charity auction in a large lot of china years ago.

I love this pattern, designed in 1948 by John Wadsworth.

Haddon Hall was inspired by the needlework

tapestries hanging at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire.

This also happens to be the most popular

Minton pattern of all time.

This little treasure box, which I use to hold earrings,

was a gift when we visited from the Spanish family that my daughter lived with during a semester abroad in Madrid.

The top of the box is a tribute to a beloved Spanish painting

called Las Meninas by Diego Velasquez.

The statue of Mary is a Hummel

from the 1960's that belonged to my Mother.

Yes, Hummel.

Antique silver,

also purchased at auction with my sister in Chicago.

I have not been to one in quite a long time,

but I love auctions of all kinds.

Pewter vegetable dish from the same auction.

The bangles are from our trip to Tanzania.

This cross was a piece that we bought in Greece

when we were there for our 10th anniversary.

What a great trip that was!

Greece is spectacular.

Despite evidence to the contrary,

I am not religious (anymore).

Instead, I like to think of myself

as a spiritual person...but, I digress.

A dear friend was redecorating recently

and asked if I could use these great lamps.

Yes, please!

They are really well made; the patina is terrific.

The shades glow with a soft, warm light.

There.

Don't they look great with all my other treasures?

OWG Holiday Designer Showcase

2010-10-10T23:14:00.002-04:00

This fall Old Westbury Gardens will host

Home for the Holidays

a Designer Showhouse at Orchard Hill

the former home of Peggie Phipps Boegner.

Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman

and Mary Phipps is the Honorary Preview Party Chairman.

20 top interior designers and decorative artists will create different holiday motifs from Swedish Christmas to Hanukkah to the Nutcracker.

If you can't make the benefit preview party, The Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse will open to the public on October 30th and will run through December 12th.

Do you want to go?

Steps that Count

2010-10-06T20:24:00.000-04:00

How is it possible that I have not posted since Friday? The days seem a little fuzzy. A sick puppy, a trip to the dentist (which might as well be code for torture light, as far as I am concerned) plus work and endless loads of laundry were some of the highlights. Sunday, I know I spent most of the day on closet reorganization after food shopping, more laundry and home made chicken soup. But, I digress.

Saturday was a spectacularly beautiful day for the Steps that Count American Kidney Fund walk in Hoboken. My second trip to Hoboken took us to Frank Sinatra Park, right on the water where the walk was held.

The skyline was stunning; it seemed as if you could just reach out and touch the Empire State building.

Señor Pablo joined us for the day and was a very good boy (except for the shedding in the car which was unbelievable).

Middle Child has been working part-time for the American Kidney Fund and did an amazing job planning the walk - such pride!

Here we are: SF is in the middle and Liam is on the right.

The walk had special significance for us because one of my oldest pals, Liam is on the transplant list for a kidney. The wait is expected to be about five years unless a match can be found from a donor. In the meantime, he needs nine hours of dialysis a day. There are a number of us who are going to be tested to see if we can give him a kidney, but it is unusual to find a match outside of your family (and none of his family members are candidates). Say a little prayer from Liam, he is a very good guy.

All photo credits: Dana Harris Photography

FYI: Dana is a terrific photographer - he has a holiday card special available and is scheduling appointments, so if you are planning on a holiday picture give him a call; you will not be disappointed!

Crazy Love

2010-10-01T23:05:00.000-04:00

I first saw this 1988 cult classic by Spain's cinematic bad boy Pedro Almodovar in the early 1990s. Oddly, a friend told me about the film thinking that I might find the story interesting.

Watching it again recently with Middle Child (who spent a semester in Madrid) the farce about a group of high strung women and the duplicitous men in their lives held up quite well. A musical version will open at the Lincoln Center Theater (at the Belasco) tomorrow with Patti LuPone. Gazpacho, anyone?

Genevieve

2010-09-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

Estate sales tend to make me feel a little sad, but they often have the most interesting treasures.

I love portraits.

I especially love portraits of children.

I came across this beauty over the summer and knew that SF would not be happy if I brought her home, so I left her hanging where she had probably been for decades.

In an amazing coincidence I passed the house with SF the next day and we decided to go and see what might be left.

There she was; Genevieve.

A much larger portrait of Genevieve with her sister was leaving the house just as we pulled up.

The price of the portrait had been reduced;

it seemed that the dealers were not as interested in the unsigned portrait of the younger sister.

We ran into a friend who is also a dealer with a terrific eye and he convinced SF that Genevieve was indeed

the treasure that I thought she was.

We bargained.

I begged.

Finally, she came home with us.

Now she sits at the top of our stairs on the landing and everytime I look at her I am happy.

Best Five Books

2010-09-27T15:58:00.000-04:00

No time for a PhD?

Not to worry!

The Best Five Books on Everything can help.

Every day an eminent writer, thinker, commentator,

politician, or academic chooses five books

on their specialist subject.

There is also an awesome interview archive that covers

every imaginable topic.

I think it helps to know what you are talking about;

don't you?