Dear Lord, I ask one thing of thee, the gift of true simplicity. A cheery fire, a rocking chair, enough to eat, enough to wear. A little cottage built upon a spot that I can call my own. A garden and a shady tree, a dog to keep me company.
A pot that's big enough to hold, enough to fill another bowl. A welcome mat that's out to all, whenever neighbors come to call. A bed, a lamp, a book or two, an old friend and perhaps a new. And since all things are mine in thee, then this is quite enough for me."
Author: Grace E. Easley

Thanks and Giving

Remember to give thanks and give...

Illustration by Norman Rockwell (one of my favorite American Artists)

A bounty full of Art

When I was a Junior in high school, I worked part time in a local supermarket. I was the happy Produce girl, with the long white coat. The scale for pricing fruits and vegetables was in the actual department, at the white scale. The year was 1975, weighing produce at the cash registers (computers) had not been installed yet, although it was on the horizon. I loved taking care of the produce, and talking to all the people. My job from 5:00pm -9:00pm was to make sure each bin was full. I did my job dutifully, taking out the bad, rotating the old to new, etc.

I looked at the produce more than just food, it was a form of art. The apples were shiny, the Anjou pears had a patch of green. The peppers were gorgeous with their reds, yellow and oranges shining proudly. Looking at the produce, I could see why many many Artists rendered beautiful works of art based on such succulent foods.

I love still lifes of fruits and vegetables. Julian Merrow-Smith is a fabulous Artist who seems to capture nature in all its beautiful glory. I hope you enjoy this Artists' artistic bountiful beauty.
All artwork shown below is the work of Julian Merrow-Smith.


Two Peppers


Three lemons on a French cloth


Clemantine


Two Apples

Hmmm, a quote

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
- Abraham Lincoln

Have a great November weekend!

An Enchanting Palace

Enchanting, sweeping beauty, and eye popping are just a few of the descriptions I use to describe the Elizabeth Stuart Gardner Art Museum, in Boston. The pink facade, which draws in visitors by the droves, is not your ordinary museum entrance. This is the interior courtyard:



It's magnificent! You are instantly drawn into an enclosed Venetian courtyard. Real plants thrive, and marble is everywhere. The visitor then combs the beautiful artwork collected by the esteemed Elizabeth Stuart Gardner and her husband, Jack. She and her husband in the early 20th century fell in love with Venice, and decided to recreate a Venetian palace in Boston. Their collection is on three floors with paintings that are three high, and cover the rooms, decorated by red walls and ornate wallpaper. It is a sight to behold.There are approxiately 2500 objects such as glazed pottery, books, sculpture, furniture, and lace from all over Medieval Europe, Asia and the Islamic world. Nineteenth Century France and America is also represented. The Gardners were real explorers. They travelled the globe from Asia throughout Africa, and then Europe. The entire museum is a work of art in itself.

The ever gracious Elizabeth Stuart Gardner, painted by John S. Sargent 1888


Red wallpaper: The Raphael Room



Lace Panel - French 1675-1700



Rembrandt (Dutch) - self portrait. Age 23 1629 (One of my personal favorites!)


Tapestry- Flemish (Brussels) Strolling and Seated Lovers ca.1585-1600


Chrysanthemums 1888 Artist: Dennis Miller Bunker, American 1861-1890


It was a wonderful visit for me to experience. Most of the information above is from my brochure that I kept as a souvenir! I hope you enjoyed a peek of this wonderful and most unusual museum, and keep it in mind should you visit Boston. It is a walk back in time.

Mod

Isn't this bag mod? I love it! I found it at the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) Gift shop. I think it would be a great bag for holding art supplies, or maybe even as a pocketbook/purse. My friend Ali (a nineteen year old) sweetie would enjoy this mod look to hold her sketch book and pencils. I want so badly to give it to someone, that I know I found the right person to enjoy it. I think it's sweet to receive, but it's a great feeling to give!

Are the stars out tonight?

I wish you a special weekend as we begin to close in on the holiday season. As we bustle about, do we ever stop to look up at the heavens above? The stars are there for us to make a wish. I hope you do!

Make Someone's Day

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Author - Leo F. Buscaglia



Very profound words came from a wonderful, loving and insightful man. I love all that he has written. May he rest in peace.

Last Sunday, Allen and I went grocery shopping together. As I was walking around, I made a concerted effort to smile at people. I wanted to see their reactions. Some people didn't know what to do, so they did nothing. Some people did not smile because they were dealing with the business of shopping, and maybe pre-occupied with young children. However, one man smiled back, and that made the whole experience worth it.

The smallest act of caring is a powerful tool. When I saw that man smile back, I could feel myself light up inside. Someone else was saying "yes"

On Veteran's Day and everyday - Thank you.

Photograph by Margret Maria Cordts

Oh, so charming!

Last August, my Hubby Allen gave me a very pretty charm bracelet. He knew of the one that was lost many many years ago. So, August 17th rolls around, and there's a box with a beautiful silver bracelet in it. The photo does not depict its feminine-like chain.

Allen wanted me to select two charms. So, off we went to our favorite Jeweler/Artisian Gallery to see the collection of goodies Rob had. I selected a sun, which I love, and since I was born in the summer, it made perfect sense. I also chose a small watering can. This is symbolic of my summertime gardening.

My Mother told me she wanted give me a charm from her, so I selected a heart shape charm. As if she's not charming enough, the engraving reads "With Love, Mom" - how fortunate am I to receive this heartfelt gift. I know I am, and I don't take one day for granted.

A sweet Friend

By Brian Basset

Have a nice weekend, and don't forget an old friend.

A big shout-out thank you to Cindy at http://figslavendercheese.blogspot.com/ for throwing down the gauntlet last October, and encouraging me to start my own blog. At first I didn't know what to do, but I soon reclaimed my composure, and voila, there it was: my little blog standing up straight in the big blog world.

I started the blog in October 2008. I learned alot over the past year. I've met many people, whom I consider my friends. This blog has been my salvation in times of happiness, and in grief. And you were all there, always willing to give a smile, a funny comment and encouragement, when you may or may not have known what exactly was in the pot of soup.

I thank you my friends: each and every one of you. I look forward to turning on the computer and seeing what you are doing and saying in your world. There's a connection that happens when writing. The only other way I can compare is sharing some time together over a cup of favorite beverages. Actually that would be much better! The blog world brings us together. I am grateful to Cindy who gave a gentle push. And thanks to all of you, my blogger friends. My appreciation is unending.
~Kathleen

Goody Goodies!

There are baked goods, and then there are baked goodies! I recently won a contest in the blog world from Jeannie, who owns a bakery called "Icing Bake Shop" and is one delicious Baker. My Mother,Hubby and I shared the goods with smiles on our faces. She also graciously sent me an apron with the words "Icing" on it, which I plan to wear when I'm baking over the holiday season.
Please stop by her blog here to see all her beautiful and bountiful desserts.

Thanks again Jeannine! :)

The Morning After...