tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58531729087933545212011-10-13T12:00:12.280-04:00Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-47705022609670126272011-01-27T21:52:00.014-05:002011-01-27T22:52:37.508-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUI2vXuFZGI/AAAAAAAABa0/l_h75CTr2gw/s320/Tiles-10_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567072276832412770" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUI2vN2idcI/AAAAAAAABas/jRlr0BXhw7k/s320/Tiles-07_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567072274183517634" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUI2vDYmzwI/AAAAAAAABak/eJt-3EBFP8Q/s320/Tiles-04_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567072271373618946" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUI1RRvNT5I/AAAAAAAABac/Ix4ypQTbq2Q/s320/Portuguese_decorative_repetitive_pattern_colored_tiles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567070660318810002" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIzQrR9IVI/AAAAAAAABaU/hmKRxVA2uN4/s320/tiles%2Bbuilding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567068450972311890" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIzQRLk5ZI/AAAAAAAABaM/0FZxM-JVzig/s320/tiles%2Bbuilding%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567068443966236050" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.sintraantiquetiles.com/our_galleries.html">Sintra Antique Tiles</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has some beautiful reproductions, handmade in Portugal and available here in the US. Tiles ranging from $10 to $15 per tile. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUI8wn7OEVI/AAAAAAAABa8/m8QzzSXhAmY/s320/tile%2B6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567078895432110418" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRaHcNzI/AAAAAAAABZ0/GIBVGJ4EM7I/s320/tile%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567066264521422642" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRwJGUdI/AAAAAAAABaE/hl5UugFBk-Q/s1600/tile%2Bsign%2B5.jpg"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Their address signs are beautiful. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRwJGUdI/AAAAAAAABaE/hl5UugFBk-Q/s1600/tile%2Bsign%2B5.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRwJGUdI/AAAAAAAABaE/hl5UugFBk-Q/s320/tile%2Bsign%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567066270433956306" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div> And they have me thinking...and wanting...and spending money in my head. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRjyAiBI/AAAAAAAABZ8/RatnYajIxn0/s1600/tile%2Bsign%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TUIxRjyAiBI/AAAAAAAABZ8/RatnYajIxn0/s320/tile%2Bsign%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567066267115882514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Images: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1-3 <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/tilevault/ancient-castles-to-modern-streets-tile-inspiration-from-portugal-tile-vault-130935">Apartment Therapy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4 Alibaba</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5 not sure...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6 Flickr </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42097913@N00/54583131"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Image</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4770502260967012627?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-9600657046059978282010-10-29T15:06:00.016-04:002010-10-29T17:05:16.533-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two weeks ago I was standing in line at Walmart flipping through Star Magazine trying to tune out the Sunday afternoon shopping chaos when I had one of those "are you S</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ERIOUS?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" moments.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMscPHQPekI/AAAAAAAABYc/5fA0Sq0nknM/s320/eggnog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533547613125573186" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eggnog. In the drink case. On October 16th. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I know</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> everyone </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">always complains about how early they put out the (insert holiday) stuff. So I won't bore you with the usual.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Instead, I think that we should all take a moment to give it up for the day we all say thanks. The day that all of the stores forgot. One of the best holiday's of the year... Thanksgiving! Move over Halloween, I've already got my eyes set on to Turkey Day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) Speaking of turkeys, they are very beautiful birds...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsloWwF5ZI/AAAAAAAABZM/WkT77DwAIC8/s320/Turkey+Feather.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533557942387074450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Feather 49 Turkey Feather</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Jody VanB </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58434385/feather-49-turkey-feather-original?ref=sr_gallery_7&amp;ga_search_query=turkey&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) They are also very delicious.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsnNdRF82I/AAAAAAAABZU/cJjHN_qUWUA/s320/Turkey+Cookbook+Page.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533559679302890338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Turkey Cookbook Page</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Rendering by Samantha Beverly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59723902/turkey-cookbook-page-butcher-cut-series?ref=pr_shop"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Kalofos Studios</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There is actually a lot more to the above work by Samantha Beverly than meets the eye. Samantha describes herself as a "bibliophile." She finds the illustrations in cookbooks beautiful but doesn't have the heart to destroy the books by tearing out the pages. So, she draws copies like this turkey from the 1897 White House Cookbook. She explains it on her </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/KalofosStudios?ref=ls_profile"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Etsy profile</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and writes more on </span><a href="http://artbysambev.blogspot.com/2010/10/art-and-life-howd-they-get-all-wrapped.html#comments"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">her blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. She's a girl after my own heart. Go read her blog... after you finish reading this post, of course. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) The strange urge to buy things like this are the reason I need to live in a giant lodge somewhere:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMskuZsDo0I/AAAAAAAABZE/a9Hiqsw4tWc/s320/Glass+Turkey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533556946743042882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Glass Awakening</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/25366083/stained-glass-turkey?ref=sr_gallery_12&amp;ga_search_query=turkeys&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) Poor Dog Farm's </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/poordogfarm?section_id=6705415"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Creatures in Hats</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> watercolor series will make your day. Here's his turkey:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsi7nw84bI/AAAAAAAABY8/YRyupNtfj0o/s320/Dapper+Turkey+with+Hat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533554974836711858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>A Dapper Turkey</i> by Poor Dog Farm</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36008757/aceo-signed-print-a-dapper-turkey-with?ref=sr_gallery_26&amp;ga_search_query=turkey&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4) Gorgeous Indian Corn:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsfej6ssdI/AAAAAAAABYk/d03jKALLlHY/s320/Corn+Kevan+Moran+Aponte.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533551177052762578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Autumn</i> by Kevan Aponte</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57214952/autumn-fine-art-print-of-an-original?ref=sr_gallery_25&amp;ga_search_query=thanksgiving&amp;ga_search_type=category&amp;category=art&amp;ga_page=4&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5) This bowl is stunning. It would be a crime to put anything in it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsgm4Sk3rI/AAAAAAAABYs/isw2FGTkA64/s320/OneClayBead.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533552419472203442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Asheville, NC based</span> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/OneClayBead?ref=ls_profile"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">OneClayBead </span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); ">PS. $26.00. I know! She isn't charging enough.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">6) I'm not Martha enough to use one of these. But they are a really crafty way to recycle an old serving piece so I thought I'd share:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TMsiOExRi6I/AAAAAAAABY0/jypx1PWTDAo/s320/Chalk+Board.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533554192348711842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">AZCreativeStudio</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60262113/elegant-oval-silver-magnetic-and-chalk?ref=v1_other_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">here</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Are you hungry yet? </span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-960065704605997828?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-43471514306902289492010-09-28T17:53:00.007-04:002010-09-28T19:01:58.297-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJvQoeCv0I/AAAAAAAABYU/ix8p2hTnrEo/s320/Hall+way.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522098424641666882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Retablos in the Nonomaque Home </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">from the <i>Dallas Morning News </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo by Rex C. Curry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Folk art has so many facets it is really hard for me to pick just one type to love. But, I think that if you made me pick, it would be Latin American folk art. More specifically, Mexican Catholic folk art.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUI2ggoI/AAAAAAAABXk/mAw65vz-Zso/s320/Holy+Family.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522092987315683970" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Holy Family</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The University of New Mexico Collection</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While it often doesn't depict the lightest of subjects, I'd have to say that devotional art is the type most dear to me. I am drawn to it both as a Catholic and an art lover. But, I don't think you have to be a Catholic to appreciate the layers of tradition and emotion that go into crafting devotional art pieces. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUYDpxYI/AAAAAAAABX0/MKyQlN5HIeo/s320/Our+Lady+of+Guadalupe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522092991397348738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 287px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Our Lady of Guadalupe</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The University of New Mexico Collection</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am particularly fond of retablos, which are devotional works painted on a thin sheet of tin. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqU7hOu_I/AAAAAAAABYE/NBhEERuLDMg/s320/Saint+Wilgefortis,+Virgin+and+Martyr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522093000916646898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 274px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Saint Wilgefortis, Virgin and Martyr</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The University of New Mexico Collection</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Retablos were meant to be used for devotion, much like the way we use holy cards today. They were created to be touched, kissed and held so naturally, they didn't fair too well with age. They were often framed in ornate tin frames and hung on a wall or used in an altar piece. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUahWf3I/AAAAAAAABXs/LvGc8Gnu028/s320/Jospeh+and+Jesus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522092992058785650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Saint Joseph and the Christ Child</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The University of New Mexico Collection</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The University of New Mexico has the largest collection of retablos in the US, with over 1,700 works dating back to the 1800's. Their entire collection has been carefully restored in an effort to preserve them for future generations of worshipers and art lovers alike.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUhqfpMI/AAAAAAAABX8/OEX2OyAVSRk/s320/Our+Lady+of+Refuge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522092993976181954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 269px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Our Lady of Refuge</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The University of New Mexico Collection</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you would like more information on their vast collection, please visit their </span><a href="http://artdepartment.nmsu.edu/faculty/zarursite/retablo/collection.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you are interested in purchasing a retablo of you own, you don't have to go to Latin America to find one. </span><a href="http://colonialarts.com/retablos.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are some fantastic pieces for sale online, and while I cannot vouch for their authenticity, they would certainly make a beautiful addition to your home. </span><a href="http://colonialarts.com/product.php?id=5270"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> representation of<i> Our Lady of the Sacred Cave</i> (which was recently sold) has to be is one of my favorites.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJtm5Gwq4I/AAAAAAAABYM/pnKyEvvkX4s/s320/Colonia+Arts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522096608041282434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUI2ggoI/AAAAAAAABXk/mAw65vz-Zso/s1600/Holy+Family.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUI2ggoI/AAAAAAAABXk/mAw65vz-Zso/s1600/Holy+Family.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKJqUI2ggoI/AAAAAAAABXk/mAw65vz-Zso/s1600/Holy+Family.jpg"></a></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4347151430690228949?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-26604825308470067712010-09-27T21:33:00.008-04:002010-09-27T22:16:31.530-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fall always puts me in the mood for folk art. There is just something about American folk painting that just warms me up from the inside out. Call it nostalgia. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKFKyM-2aZI/AAAAAAAABXM/0fyZ_1bEHLk/s320/Davis+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521776844471691666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;">Luna Park</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"> circa 1964</span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fall also puts me in the mood for a trip to the Big Apple.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKFKx1Ra8oI/AAAAAAAABXE/Y5BuZ7m5PuE/s320/Davis+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521776838107132546" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Wall Street</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> circa 1964</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vestie Davis was an American folk artist with a fondness New York and New Yorkers.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKFKyh-FJII/AAAAAAAABXc/bFKjdMELnMY/s1600/Davis+1.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKFKyh-FJII/AAAAAAAABXc/bFKjdMELnMY/s320/Davis+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521776850105607298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 277px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Outdoor Art Show </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mr. Davis was born in Maryland in 1903 and didn't pick up painting until he was well into his 40's. His bright and busy paintings of his adopted home town quickly gained attention.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TKFKyUj4qfI/AAAAAAAABXU/feZExdIftIA/s320/Davis+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521776846506076658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Bethesda Fountain</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> circa 1964</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They graced the pages of the <i>New Yorker</i> and <i>Newsweek </i>and many of his originals now reside in the permanent collection at the American Folk Art Museum.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Don't you just want to be a part of it? ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PS. Sorry for the absence. My life has looked a lot like a Vestie Davis painting lately, busy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-2660482530847006771?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-82737001623545463332010-08-30T16:53:00.015-04:002010-08-30T17:40:04.055-04:00<div>Palm trees.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THweqavvUUI/AAAAAAAABVE/7oqwYoJWMT4/s1600/palm.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THweqavvUUI/AAAAAAAABVE/7oqwYoJWMT4/s320/palm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511313758077538626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Hurricane Palm Tree</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> from </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Dictyosperma Album, Tropical Collection</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p12282985-sc-i1662927/palm-images-dictyosperma-album-hurricane-palm-tree-tropical-collection-palms-landscape-miami-florida.htm?sorig=cat&amp;sorigid=0&amp;dimvals=0&amp;ui=18863fd7b5904a7b95da370702b2552d&amp;searchstring=miami+"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Art.com</span></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Stucco.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwgUae8D9I/AAAAAAAABVc/UG-Hb6y2tZ4/s1600/screen-capture-5.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwgUae8D9I/AAAAAAAABVc/UG-Hb6y2tZ4/s320/screen-capture-5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511315579073204178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Parisian, Miam</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">i by Tosh</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p14494367-sa-i3053508/tosh-parisian-miami.htm?sorig=cat&amp;sorigid=0&amp;dimvals=5084174&amp;ui=18863fd7b5904a7b95da370702b2552d"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Art.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Neon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwft8o7_2I/AAAAAAAABVU/4p6Wg8w3Mw4/s1600/screen-capture-4.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwft8o7_2I/AAAAAAAABVU/4p6Wg8w3Mw4/s320/screen-capture-4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511314918227050338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">South Beach Miami, Florida</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Lantern Press</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p15569729-sa-i3782446/lantern-press-south-beach-miami-florida-c2008.htm?sorig=cat&amp;sorigid=0&amp;dimvals=0&amp;ui=18863fd7b5904a7b95da370702b2552d&amp;searchstring=miami+"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Art.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></u></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwdwlUSLSI/AAAAAAAABU8/KMVsb9soqsE/s1600/screen-capture-1.png"></a><div><div style="text-align: left;">Chrome.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwdDS0SgwI/AAAAAAAABU0/wsolRnXA6YY/s1600/screen-capture.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwdDS0SgwI/AAAAAAAABU0/wsolRnXA6YY/s320/screen-capture.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511311986422612738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Around Twelve Noon in South Beach</i> by Maureen Hunt Piccirillo</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Prints available from </span><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/around-twelve-noon-in-south-beach-maureen-hunt-piccirillo.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Fine Art America</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And long, beautiful lines. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwdwlUSLSI/AAAAAAAABU8/KMVsb9soqsE/s1600/screen-capture-1.png"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THwdwlUSLSI/AAAAAAAABU8/KMVsb9soqsE/s320/screen-capture-1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511312764482759970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Miami Taxi</i> by Michael Nelson</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Original Acrylic available at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/miami-taxi-michael-nelson.html">Fine Art America</a></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My brain packed up and went to Miami today. Too bad it left the rest of me here!</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8273700162354546333?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-33877450703265988452010-08-26T18:27:00.003-04:002010-08-26T18:42:44.113-04:00Found some gems while cleaning out my camera... after 3 months...<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtBXcXHnI/AAAAAAAABUs/1XFKeu92I-c/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtBXcXHnI/AAAAAAAABUs/1XFKeu92I-c/s320/IMG_4299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509851801863003762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtA4p36TI/AAAAAAAABUk/vYyPO-Jc5jU/s1600/P1010260.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtA4p36TI/AAAAAAAABUk/vYyPO-Jc5jU/s1600/P1010260.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtA4p36TI/AAAAAAAABUk/vYyPO-Jc5jU/s320/P1010260.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509851793598179634" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtAI3EqqI/AAAAAAAABUU/uZaQ-CepmkA/s320/IMG_0256.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509851780768639650" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtAnSrc5I/AAAAAAAABUc/zG__c2FxkHY/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtAnSrc5I/AAAAAAAABUc/zG__c2FxkHY/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THbtAnSrc5I/AAAAAAAABUc/zG__c2FxkHY/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509851788937491346" /></a><br /></div><div>It was a good summer. But enough with the oppressive heat already! Hurry up fall!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-3387745070326598845?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-90912246221263940302010-08-24T17:52:00.020-04:002010-08-24T19:25:03.217-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many, many Decembers ago, a few days before Christmas, an animal fell down the chimney at our house. Not knowing what to do or if the critter was hurt, or worse, rabid, my parents called animal control.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the animal control o</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">fficer arrived at the house she suggested we open the fireplace and direct whatever was in there out through the living room and to the side door. Well, as my dad and the officer opened the doors... </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a completely terrified squirrel leapt out of the fireplace, onto the couch then catapulted itself on to the fully decorated Chris</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tmas tree across the room!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yes, just like the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/">movie.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRN2A32VII/AAAAAAAABUA/-lClKTj5Nv4/s320/christmas_vacation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509113834523481218" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It ran up and down the trunk for atleast an hour until it finally got tired and ran out the side door.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My dad (who we sometimes affectionately refer to as Clark Griswold for lots of reasons) wrote a hilarious poem inspired by "The Night Before Christmas" about our own little Christmas Squirrel and illustrated it using totally awesome early 90's Corel Clipart. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THREWcHTEQI/AAAAAAAABS4/yTQpob8_YAA/s320/Christmas+Vacation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509103396475572482" border="0" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He sent a copy to the animal control officer which she later framed and hung at the Mecklenburg County Animal Control Office. For years, people who went to get dogs from the pound would ask us, "hey, did you have a squirrel on your Christmas Tree once?"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's a great story and it probably one of my favorite childhood memories.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since then, I have always loved a good piece of squirrel artwork. In fact, we all do. It has kind of become a running family joke. And for some reason, Etsy is full of great squirrel art today!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here are some of my favorites:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THQ_UYiBgFI/AAAAAAAABSw/x1I4yCArtj8/s320/Dionysus+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509097863596048466" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Dionysus</i> by Amber Alexander</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/amberalexander?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">amberalexander's</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRJSK_5g6I/AAAAAAAABTQ/7m3TQAU7eqI/s320/French+Squirrel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509108820719797154" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1930's French Alphabet Print</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ellie at </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54613004/1930s-french-alphabet-print-e-ecureuil?ref=sr_gallery_19&amp;ga_search_query=squirrel&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Straightly180</span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRIGhMWPZI/AAAAAAAABTA/0qu_5jiErDA/s320/Dimbi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509107521007533458" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Squirrel</i> by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dimdi?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dimbi</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRLUXBIRuI/AAAAAAAABTw/fcShy6reODk/s320/Ragtime+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509111057329178338" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Ragtime</i> by Susie Ghahremani</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/boygirlparty?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">boygirlparty</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRIolxMMtI/AAAAAAAABTI/sg2ASxeQbP8/s320/Fuzzywork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509108106351358674" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Nuts </i>by Fuzzywork</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Haybox?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Haybox</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRKUC-bRtI/AAAAAAAABTg/b7cKvhvFcwg/s320/Yummy+Acorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509109952437503698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Detail from </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yummy Acorn</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> by Tracy Lizotte</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/tmlCREATIONS?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tmlCREATIONS</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRKopeT26I/AAAAAAAABTo/OETs0lBBVZE/s320/Grey+Squirrel+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509110306369166242" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Grey Squirrel at the Wine Bar</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ceramic tile by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37171038/grey-squirrel-at-the-wine-bar-art-tile?ref=sr_gallery_15&amp;ga_search_query=squirrel&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=2&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">lulunjay</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THRM5yPbY9I/AAAAAAAABT4/Eco6xZ1IhME/s320/Wire+Squirrel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509112799803696082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37171038/grey-squirrel-at-the-wine-bar-art-tile?ref=sr_gallery_15&amp;ga_search_query=squirrel&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=2&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"></a><i>Squirrel with Nuts</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41449941/squirrel-with-nuts?ref=sr_gallery_28&amp;ga_search_query=squirrel&amp;ga_search_type=&amp;ga_page=2&amp;order=&amp;includes%5B0%5D=tags&amp;includes%5B1%5D=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WireDreams</span></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-9091224622126394030?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-3078117274562987142010-08-23T14:37:00.007-04:002010-08-23T14:44:49.945-04:00<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THLAYmRWrsI/AAAAAAAABSY/xaCnWsGVKaA/s1600/Napolean.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/THLAYmRWrsI/AAAAAAAABSY/xaCnWsGVKaA/s320/Napolean.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508676823050268354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>Napoleon I on the Imperial Throne </i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">By Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Circa 1806, Musée de l'Armée, Paris</span></span></span></b></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-307811727456298714?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-67324291561341884672010-08-21T09:47:00.009-04:002010-08-21T10:46:10.666-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">Victoria and Albert would totally lay a huge art smack down on me for saying that. Fashion is a decorative art. Thus, some of it is allowed on this blog... Je regrette V&amp;A, heart y'all. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jenny and I are really hearting Marisa Lynch of the blog <a href="http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/">New Dress A Day</a>. She has given up shopping for an <i>entire</i><i> year</i> (how!?!?!) and is making all of her clothes from stuff she finds at yard sales and thrift shops. And the coolest part is that she is doing it for only a $1.oo a day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>She isn't just taking something that is pretty wearable, adding a few buttons and bringing up the hem. She is buying totally unwearable things (think 10 sizes too big) and turning them into something completely fabulous. She keeps a hint of the original's style though, which we like alot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marisa's Super 80's Glam Before:</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG_ayL4QTBI/AAAAAAAABR8/4x_hbO3B1Yc/s320/Marisa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507861425014459410" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 'I would totally buy that' after:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG_axlhdTyI/AAAAAAAABR0/zsv6npbNX-0/s320/Marisa+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507861414718295842" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Me thinks she is pretty close to a book deal or a stint on Project Runway. Go check out <a href="http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/">New Dress A Day.</a> You'll heart it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-6732429156134188467?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-29955052396322126972010-08-20T07:00:00.001-04:002010-08-20T07:00:07.346-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">and it has been a long week.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3MmoOatGI/AAAAAAAABRc/-4aS8T4MVbU/s320/toulouse+lautrec+7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507282883348968546" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Seated Dancer</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1890</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Pick yourself up off the floor. Come on, you can do it. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:georgia;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">You</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> should probably shower...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3NAZCOuhI/AAAAAAAABRk/I8TS98S0Hrc/s320/toulouse+lautrec+8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507283325947918866" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Study for </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Woman Putting on Her Stocking</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Laurec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1894</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi, France</span></span></span></span></div></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Times;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Times;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">And put on some make-up, it will make you feel better. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3MEDFK3vI/AAAAAAAABRU/gcVYDJpFMbs/s1600/toulouse+lautrec+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3MEDFK3vI/AAAAAAAABRU/gcVYDJpFMbs/s320/toulouse+lautrec+6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507282289262518002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Madame Poupoule at Her Dressing Table</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Laurec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1900</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi, France</span></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Tonight, you should go to a show!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3LUcPO3UI/AAAAAAAABRE/CgHnG8sUlaI/s1600/toulouse+lautrec+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3LUcPO3UI/AAAAAAAABRE/CgHnG8sUlaI/s320/toulouse+lautrec+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507281471381888322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Large Theater Box</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1896</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Or maybe even dancing! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3KL8d_0GI/AAAAAAAABQ8/TyZ3KvS9r1k/s1600/toulouse+lautrec+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3KL8d_0GI/AAAAAAAABQ8/TyZ3KvS9r1k/s320/toulouse+lautrec+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507280225903300706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ballet de Papa Chrysanthème</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Laurec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1892</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi, France</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">So grab that little black dress. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3JQ5lflUI/AAAAAAAABQ0/SkEi5LbdyKo/s1600/toulouse+lautrec+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3JQ5lflUI/AAAAAAAABQ0/SkEi5LbdyKo/s320/toulouse+lautrec+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507279211517154626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">La Goulue Entering the Moulin Rouge</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1892</span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">MOMA, New York</span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">And a date.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Check Spelling" border="0" class="gl_spell" /></span></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3IDvQTt-I/AAAAAAAABQs/UCj0rhgVE5A/s320/toulouse+lautrec.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507277885894014946" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Training of the New Girls by Valentin the Boneless</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1890</span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Philadelpha Muesum of Art</span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">And hit the town!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG3PNoreUCI/AAAAAAAABRs/ngHAJllMhfk/s320/toulouse+lautrec+9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507285752508993570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Marcelle Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilperic"</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, </span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1895</span></span></span></span></i></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">I have a sneaking suspicion that Friday was Toulouse-Lautrec's favorite day. I hope you have a happy one! ;)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-2995505239632212697?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-384199134594926362010-08-19T10:12:00.014-04:002010-08-19T20:07:05.486-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG1Ah73IpPI/AAAAAAAABQU/NkZciNMhwA8/s1600/screen-capture-1.png"></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG0-t7SKdjI/AAAAAAAABQM/MsQx-o5PrCA/s320/screen-capture.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126878072895026" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div>I just met <a href="http://en.dawanda.com/">DaWanda</a> and am intrigued.</div><div><br /></div><div>DaWanda is a lot like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. She isn't as pretty and she doesn't have as much to offer at the moment, but she has some potential. Take this for example:</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG08lrnaGvI/AAAAAAAABQE/9Yi7jdAbzRY/s320/Old+Prauge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507124537404824306" /><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Old Prague 2</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Maria Kitano</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.dawanda.com/shop/mariasart"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Tw</span></a><a href="http://en.dawanda.com/shop/mariasart"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">eetArt</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Really nice. So are these:</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 144px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG1CrpW1jTI/AAAAAAAABQk/7CU4YOc-51w/s320/screen-capture-5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507131236947430706" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.dawanda.com/shop/appleleafdesign"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Apple Leaf Design</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Like Etsy, it has the usual collection of handmade soaps, scarves and pillows. However, DaWanda's art offerings are not nearly as sophisticated. DaWanda seems to have a much higher population of <a href="http://en.dawanda.com/product/5029178-Fairytales-Earth-Fairy-Art-Print-A3">weird sexy fairy art</a> and I found myself digging a little bit more for the good stuff. And the fact that all of the prices are in British pounds is not a plus. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But one thing DaWanda does have that Etsy doesn't is Surrealerotik. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG1Ah73IpPI/AAAAAAAABQU/NkZciNMhwA8/s320/screen-capture-1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507128871092790514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 199px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">He is German and he sculpts shocking life-like "erotic fruit." </div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><br /></i></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TG1BGGzl2TI/AAAAAAAABQc/PhZoTJRa7cY/s320/screen-capture-2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507129492506007858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 320px; " /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Surrealerotik knows he way around a bell pepper, that's for sure. </span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">So, I think am going to bookmark </span><a href="http://en.dawanda.com/">DaWanda</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">and peruse occasionally. I don't think she'll ever outshine Etsy but I am willing to give her a chance.</span></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">PS. </span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">If you want more Surrealerotik and you aren't at work...here's</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "> <a href="http://en.dawanda.com/shop/surrealerotik">his link</a>.</span></span></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-38419913459492636?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-15700540844239799852010-08-17T09:56:00.011-04:002010-08-17T10:29:23.987-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGqbBa-PXvI/AAAAAAAABP0/MAubBMxrmq4/s1600/coke+is+it"></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGqZ19H09MI/AAAAAAAABPk/n1e03M1VT-w/s320/Carolina+Blonde" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506382646633362626" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Carolina Blonde</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Watercolor</span></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Neither has Pez.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGqagzBGDcI/AAAAAAAABPs/pEtIk6QPY-0/s320/pez" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506383382655143362" /><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Pez and Banch Candy</span></i></span></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Watercolor</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coke, on the other hand, always looks good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGqbBa-PXvI/AAAAAAAABP0/MAubBMxrmq4/s320/coke+is+it" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506383943136403186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Coke is It</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Watercolor</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yummy watercolors by New Jersey based artist Dorrie Rifkin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dfrdesign">Etsy Shop</a> is great. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her <a href="http://www.dorrierifkin.com/">website</a> is even better. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1570054084423979985?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-84411141235161690372010-08-10T09:38:00.013-04:002010-08-10T12:34:59.553-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Well, that didn't last long!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I'm back, feeling a little less bored and a little more inspired. So, let's kick things off with a reader question. Lauren found me via my friend Jennifer of </span><a href="http://newlyweddiaries.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">The Newlywed Diaries</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> and she emailed with a question about this pretty, weathered print of what looks like a toucan:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGFYJqgzrbI/AAAAAAAABO0/AXLtzuxDwNQ/s320/burns+nursery.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503777142677417394" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">image via Southern Living</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">S</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">he cannot find it anywhere and sadly, neither can I. But, I can tell you that this appears to be an older print, possibly used once in a classroom. I don't think it is a true antique, since the real thing would be displayed more carefully (I hope!)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">While I couldn't find an exact match for Lauren, here are a few close options for her to consider.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGFc2WMOnzI/AAAAAAAABO8/QNdX2UUWmVA/s320/Toucan+Vaillant+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503782308363018034" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">A Toucan</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> by Fransois Le Vaillant</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">circa 1806</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">South American explorer Fransois Le Vaillant found this long billed toucan while walking in the forests of Guiana and documented it in his book, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Histoire Naturelle Des Paradis Et Des Pollie</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">r. You can see several beautiful plates from this book at the </span><a href="http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchresult.cfm?num=40&amp;word=Birds&amp;s=3&amp;notword=&amp;d=&amp;c=&amp;f=2&amp;k=0&amp;lWord=&amp;lField=&amp;sScope=&amp;sLevel=&amp;sLabel=&amp;imgs=20&amp;pNum="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">N</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchresult.cfm?num=40&amp;word=Birds&amp;s=3&amp;notword=&amp;d=&amp;c=&amp;f=2&amp;k=0&amp;lWord=&amp;lField=&amp;sScope=&amp;sLevel=&amp;sLabel=&amp;imgs=20&amp;pNum="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">ew York Public Library's Digital Galler</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchresult.cfm?num=40&amp;word=Birds&amp;s=3&amp;notword=&amp;d=&amp;c=&amp;f=2&amp;k=0&amp;lWord=&amp;lField=&amp;sScope=&amp;sLevel=&amp;sLabel=&amp;imgs=20&amp;pNum="><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">y</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I found </span></span><a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Le-Tocan-Posters_i1364242_.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">a print</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> for sale at my favorite art gallery, AllPosters.com.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Okay, so AllPosters.com it isn't </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">exactly</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> my favorite gallery, but they do have a massive collection of historic prints and their prices are hard to beat. And since I'm an art lover on a serious budget, I highly recommend them. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&amp;APNum=4048602&amp;CID=49311e9024fd4d7e9ba3b16d59f73fbc&amp;PPID=1&amp;Search=toucan&amp;f=t&amp;FindID=0&amp;P=1&amp;PP=1&amp;sortby=PD&amp;c=c&amp;page=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">This one</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">, also by Le Vaillant is another great option.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGFfz2SgmoI/AAAAAAAABPE/eJd6B-8loRA/s320/screen-capture.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503785563974572674" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Date unknown</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">If Lauren felt like deviating slightly from the original print of a single toucan, I think </span></span><a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Short-Billed-Toucan-Posters_i1514807_.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">this</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> colorful couple by English ornithologist John Gould is gorgeous option:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TGFh262EJ1I/AAAAAAAABPM/siGZROkHSJQ/s320/screen-capture-1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503787815760308050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Short Billed Toucan</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">John Gould, 1804- 1881</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Date unknown</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">All of these prints can be ordered without a border, like the one in Lauren's picture. To get the complete look of the mystery inspiration piece, Lauren will need to hang it using a rail system</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Rail frames were often used to display those old school maps we used to have in class before overheads and smart boards took over. (Don't you feel old...)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I suggest buying a cheap hanging frame like </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.allposterframes.com/all-poster-frame.asp?ID=5531"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">this one</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">spray painting it matte black. Since the rails are fairly light, she can replace the chains with a heavy duty fishing line or a perhaps a elegant cord for a more traditional gallery look. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Lauren, let me know if you find the perfect toucan! </span></span></div></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8441114123516169037?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-73900195573271722712010-07-13T17:53:00.010-04:002010-07-13T18:38:24.722-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You may have been wondering where I have been. I've been around, mostly here. Out of town some. Doing a little of this and that.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As you can probably tell from both the lack of posts and lack of interesting topics, I'm a little bored. You have probably also noticed that my posting partner has become more of a silent partner... She is around too, but mostly there rather than here. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">So I am going say peace out y'all. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">I may be back. Jenny may be back. We'll play it by ear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But before I leave, there are just a few more things to say...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">1) This is my favorite painting. It doesn't match my personality or taste at all. But I have always loved it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TDzi2JU2nBI/AAAAAAAABOs/mhEQ9cqpBNY/s320/Number+5+in+gold.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493515065329359890" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Figure 5 in Gold</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Charles Demuth circa 1928</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) This is by Iain Faulkner:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TDzigjqtL5I/AAAAAAAABOc/2MDXam5RW90/s320/Iain+Faulkner+At-the-Bar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493514694443216786" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Self portrait, I believe...)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He is a brilliantly talented painter from Scotland. I stumbled upon his work one day while googling. He is a modern day Edward Hopper. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just felt like you should know who he is.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) Art should make you smile. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TDzig8MihXI/AAAAAAAABOk/iXoCvO1Nytc/s320/Golden+Retriever.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493514701027575154" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ron Krajewski</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dogartstudio?ref=seller_info"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Dog Art Studio</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Thank you so much for reading (really). Thank you. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"></span>Until next time... :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-7390019557327172271?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-58495829480335675902010-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:002010-06-29T09:30:18.900-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgxPuiqSI/AAAAAAAABOU/SFZ23JbV4Uo/s1600/Woman+with+Pitcher+and+collie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgxPuiqSI/AAAAAAAABOU/SFZ23JbV4Uo/s320/Woman+with+Pitcher+and+collie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488024020079257890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Young Woman and Bearded Collie with a Water Pitcher</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgw96QwyI/AAAAAAAABOM/-_i2ZgmeY3U/s1600/Whistler%27s+Mother+Maltese.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgw96QwyI/AAAAAAAABOM/-_i2ZgmeY3U/s320/Whistler%27s+Mother+Maltese.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488024015296578338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Whistler's Mother and her Maltese</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgwkEDmMI/AAAAAAAABOE/arLPBGB95lw/s1600/The+Kiss+Dachshunds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgwkEDmMI/AAAAAAAABOE/arLPBGB95lw/s320/The+Kiss+Dachshunds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488024008358336706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The Kiss</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghvVjTII/AAAAAAAABN8/oSBd74f00l4/s320/Mona+Lisa+Boston+Terrier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488023753686469762" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Mona's Boston</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghvVjTII/AAAAAAAABN8/oSBd74f00l4/s1600/Mona+Lisa+Boston+Terrier.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghSoVZSI/AAAAAAAABN0/pd_alwiyYqQ/s1600/Creation+of+Adam,+Chihuahua.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghSoVZSI/AAAAAAAABN0/pd_alwiyYqQ/s320/Creation+of+Adam,+Chihuahua.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488023745980622114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Creation of Adam with Strategically Placed Chihuahua </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghOxEZRI/AAAAAAAABNs/88ZM2OsFVQs/s1600/Basset+Van+Gogh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClghOxEZRI/AAAAAAAABNs/88ZM2OsFVQs/s320/Basset+Van+Gogh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488023744943514898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Basset Van Gogh</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgg7d-YjI/AAAAAAAABNk/L_i6ZT_STP4/s1600/Basset+Farmer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClgg7d-YjI/AAAAAAAABNk/L_i6ZT_STP4/s320/Basset+Farmer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488023739763155506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Father, Daughter, Basset</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClggpTmp5I/AAAAAAAABNc/PcXTsosy3kk/s1600/accolade+with+weimaraner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TClggpTmp5I/AAAAAAAABNc/PcXTsosy3kk/s320/accolade+with+weimaraner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488023734887819154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>The Accolade with Weimaraners</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Want More...? Check out the whole <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/masterpiecedogs">Masterpiece Dogs</a> series by Jean Batzell Fitzgerald.</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5849582948033567590?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-82475877327781683862010-06-24T07:00:00.004-04:002010-06-24T10:30:42.596-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have a pretty big weakness when it comes to small, sweet watercolors. I could fill my whole house with them. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I also have a pretty big (okay, gigantic) weakness for all kinds of animals. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So naturally, I am easy prey for shops like </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/eastwitching"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eastwitching</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Get ready to say "awww."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa4L8aEfI/AAAAAAAABNM/4s95Qf-R3nY/s320/eastwitching+dogs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047217416016370" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Awww! How wonderful is that?! They are practically bouncing off the paper. I love the movement that the watermarks create. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">And those shadows are beautifully done, effortless really. They take the painting to the next level. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And these. Y'all know how much I <a href="http://weheartmostart.blogspot.com/2010/04/found-on-etsy.html">love</a> paintings of cows</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">:</span></i></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa9OAQX0I/AAAAAAAABNU/DZBrUCL7MJI/s1600/Eastwitching+Flamingo.jpg"></a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa3vGeqDI/AAAAAAAABNE/KOQLhZng3Vg/s320/eastwitching+cows.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047209673631794" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Awww (or should I say moo?).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And how handsome is he:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa9OAQX0I/AAAAAAAABNU/DZBrUCL7MJI/s1600/Eastwitching+Flamingo.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa9OAQX0I/AAAAAAAABNU/DZBrUCL7MJI/s320/Eastwitching+Flamingo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047303868374850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Awww. What a fabulous but regal bird, decked out head to toe in hot pink. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And even these lizards are cute!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa3QEL4sI/AAAAAAAABM8/KoatbJ68n68/s1600/eastwitching+changeable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa3QEL4sI/AAAAAAAABM8/KoatbJ68n68/s320/eastwitching+changeable.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047201342513858" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And what's this, a rabbit in a tennis skirt? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa2wn5TdI/AAAAAAAABM0/Row2sjE13-g/s1600/Eastwitching+Bunny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa2wn5TdI/AAAAAAAABM0/Row2sjE13-g/s320/Eastwitching+Bunny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047192902356434" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Of course! And again with those beautiful shadows. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But here is the best part, the reason why Wales-based </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/eastwitching"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eastwitching</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has me so spellbound:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa2gkVrtI/AAAAAAAABMs/--oj3o2ypYU/s1600/Eastwitch+Custom+Dog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCJa2gkVrtI/AAAAAAAABMs/--oj3o2ypYU/s320/Eastwitch+Custom+Dog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486047188592471762" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She will paint a 8 x 10 watercolor portrait of your dog (or cat, or bunny) for $49.00! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I KNOW! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Huckleberry the Basset, who turns six-years-old this July 12, is primping for his close up as we speak. He has requested that his handsome French mug be surrounded by a lots of those lovely little watermarks. Of course, I am more than happy to oblige and check into that for him.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8247587732778168386?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-16381971311001898342010-06-23T07:00:00.014-04:002010-06-23T13:47:35.646-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just for kicks, I headed over to the arts and craft section of my local craigslist last night. (I know, exciting evening.)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Well... one thing let to another... and 10 minutes became an hour...and...well, let me just say that Craiglist never disappoints. Here are a few of my favs:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135); font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Laser Engraved Harry Houdini Wall Hanging - $250 (Advance)</span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCFGtEYjSUI/AAAAAAAABMk/1KfIEFSPVEY/s320/Craigslist+art+houdini.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485743561198750018" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"I have a Laser engraved wall hanging of Harry Houdini for sale. I made this for a customer that never paid for it . I am asking $250 OBO . If with in 50 miles i can deliver." </span><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:nonecolor:#FFC11D;"><a href="http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/art/1805084073.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">listing</span></a></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honestly, why would anyone other than David Blaine commission this?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family:georgia;"><i></i></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 19pt; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Can't decide between Neesie, Jaws or Godzilla for Halloween this year? Problem solved.</span></span></span></p></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sea monster costume RAD- $100 (Red Hood)</span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p></i><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCE5VBcdV6I/AAAAAAAABMM/0V2-MG2FCMw/s320/Craigslist+NYC+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485728854441809826" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"hand made paper mache sea monster/shark/godzilla costume....used for the Mermaid Parade and now want topass on this magicalness for a Halloween costume sure to scare little children. Asking $100 for the time and materials it took to make, but given its been used make an offer! Can deliver for an addition $10 otherwise pick up in Red Hook. (the "hair" in the back lays flat, it was just windy)"</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/art/1805657274.html"><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:nonecolor:#FFC11D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">listing</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:19.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i></i></span></p><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 19pt; display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, this next one is weird. Not only is it weird because it is a 9 x 12 pencil drawing of "Chucky's Bride" but it appears to have been posted from inside of a prison</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></b></span></p></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:19.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><!--StartFragment--></b></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:19.0pt;text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Inmate Art for Bachelor Pad 35 for all or 20 each - $35 (Dallas)</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </b></span><p></p></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCFAXWK3ppI/AAAAAAAABMU/q-73hb1LWkQ/s320/Atlanta+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485736590946313874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Will meet within reasonable distance. Will mail for 3.00. If you have a picture and would like the artist to draw it, that can be arranged as well. Will be great for a bachelor pad. "</span></i></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#FFC11D;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:none;font-style:normalcolor:#FFC11D;"><a href="http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/art/1804071402.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">listing</span></a></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></p><i><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p></i><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">His </span></span><a href="http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/art/1804061506.html"><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:nonecolor:#FFC11D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Snoop Dog portraits</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> aren't bad, actually. He also has pole dancer portraits available too, just in case you are in the market.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And this last one has to be my favorite, even though I have no idea who or what a "Brak" is. I wouldn't want it in my house but, you know, artistically speaking... it is pretty good. Plus the listing is hilarious.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:19.0pt;text-align:center;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Handpainted Cardboard Life-sized BRAK! - $55 (Acworth/Kennesaw)</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCFDBGa2hqI/AAAAAAAABMc/3PaCvXwvMIU/s320/atlanta+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485739507296143010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#999999;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#878787;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Super awesome life-sized rendering of Brak, from Cartoon Planet and the Brak show. Approximately 65" tall, including sousaphone? Tuba? Instrument of glory? Ex-boyfriend HAND-PAINTED this guy for my birthday, and he just needs a good, loving home. This thing is one of a kind (i know, i just googled it). I'm pretty sure you can't buy a Brak this big anywhere else. Don't miss out!" </span><a href="http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/art/1799666965.html"><span style="text-decoration:none;text-underline:none;font-style:normalcolor:#FFC11D;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">listing</span></span></a></i></span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </i></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1638197131100189834?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-92103754140203649372010-06-22T10:42:00.012-04:002010-06-22T11:25:29.119-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">1) </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Son_of_Man_(Magritte)"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC33;">Margritte's</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> Son of Man. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCDNIUTMgAI/AAAAAAAABLs/3XWNk_91xSI/s320/Son+of+Man.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485609888909131778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">2) An ode to the Apple nano:</span></div></span></div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TCDSQVKBjCI/AAAAAAAABME/whCEYKi6MCQ/s320/buckner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485615524136193058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Nano Chromatic</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> via </span><a href="http://cultofmac.com/?s=kyle+buckner"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;">Cult of Mac</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Virginia based industrial designer and sculptor Kyle Buckner did this while he was in design school. You can now pick one up for yourself on his </span><a href="http://www.kylebucknerdesigns.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC33;">website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC33;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">for $4800.00.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-9210375414020364937?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-18590107882335223482010-06-17T11:00:00.005-04:002010-06-17T12:48:52.624-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Kiki de Montparnasse was Man Ray's model and lover. She was certaintly something. Take a look at this film, shot by Man Ray in the 1920's. You'll see what I mean. (Warning, there is are a few seconds of artistic nudity.) <center></center></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m6UijAIzByE&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">She was a beautiful, talented mess. A woman not unlike other famous messes of the time. Like Zelda Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, she was on a collision course with life and naturally, she found herself an artist to document it all. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBoyuqKzEMI/AAAAAAAABLM/OVkH72Vdw2A/s320/kiki+m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483751273451950274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo by Man Ray</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Circa 1920</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">While she is portrayed in art as a beautiful and carefree creature (thanks largely to shameless self-promotion), her life was in reality very different. Abandoned by her mother and raised by relatives, Kiki (born Alice Prin) made her own way in the world from a very young age. She worked odd jobs as a girl and became a nude model at age 14 in Paris. There she met the artist known as Man Ray. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Man Ray was born in Pennsylvania. The son of Russian-Jews, his name was changed from Emmanuel Radnitzky to Ray by his family when he was 22. He began his career in the US, married, divorced and moved to Paris after WWI. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When Kiki met Man Ray he had already made the transition towards a new form of expression, created by his friend Duchamp. As a champion of <a href="http://weheartmostart.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-inner-battle-with-found-object-art.html">Da Da</a>, Man Ray rejected traditional art. He turned his focus to found objects, photography and shock for shock's sake. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Kiki worked with and loved Man Ray for over half a decade, only to have her heart broken by the artist when he left her for another woman. She went on to become both a dancer and a painter but her career fizzled as war reignited in Europe. Her life turned dark and she died at age 52, broke and addicted.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Man Ray's most famous work, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Le Violon d'Ingres</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> features Kiki with her back towards the viewer. Man Ray (who really invented what we now call"photoshopping") superimposed two f-holes on her back, making her curves look like the body of a violin.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBo3GcpKMnI/AAAAAAAABLU/Wry1xXoLXJ4/s320/Violin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483756080184570482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Le Violon d'Ingres by Man Ray</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa 1924</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Getty Center, Los Angeles</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">This work is very telling. It sums up her relationship with Man Ray and sadly, her life. Kiki literally becomes an instrument to be played by men.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 10px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There is now a very expensive chain of lingerie boutiques named after Kiki de Montparnasse. And while I'm sure the store's owners found it clever, I think their choice in name is rather sad. Sadder is that the store's website says nothing about where they got their name. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The woman, who died young after a life of dr</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ugs, burlesque shows and exploitation by bohemian artists is used as an instument again, this time to sell underwear. </span></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1859010788233522348?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-89477279010002325682010-06-14T13:39:00.012-04:002010-06-14T15:18:53.610-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This post is not about art, it is about home decorating. Of course, home decorating can definitely be art, depending who's doing it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Take </span><a href="http://www.dorothydraper.com/History.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dorothy Draper</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for example. The woman was without a doubt a brilliant artist. Her use of pattern, color and sculptural furniture will make you stop, stare, gasp, scratch your chin and shake your head in disbelief all at the same time. I'll confess that my reaction to seeing Draper's work in person was </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">kind of </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">similar</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to the reaction I had when I first saw Sistine Chapel. Amazement.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBZ0qer-4RI/AAAAAAAABKs/S3x65Pd2-Iw/s320/Greenbrier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482697869511024914" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Greenbrier</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">White Sulfer Springs, West Virginia</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo via </span><a href="http://www.victoriamag.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Victoria Magazine</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Yes, I just compared Draper to Michelangelo and the Greenbrier to the Vatican. Shall I grab you a paper bag to breathe into?) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, let's get something straight before I get to the heart of this post. I am no Draper. My house is not art. Got that? Good. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, m</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">y friend Catherine </span><a href="http://weddedwhittaker.blogspot.com/2010/05/sew-important.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">recently posted</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> about making a skirted table for her office:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBZ5VGJ-moI/AAAAAAAABK8/jUsvhNiphUQ/s320/Office.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482702999706835586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Catherine's Office</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Isn't that the prettiest shade of green? It would be dangerous for me to work in this room. I would want guacamole all of time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She was inspired by this lovely table she saw over at </span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Green Notebook</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBZ6GBESlJI/AAAAAAAABLE/3KYsGXGmc9o/s320/console.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482703840154391698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Jenny's perfectly balanced console table</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She asked me to share a few pictures of my own no-sew skirted table project, which was thrown together in about an hour with some canvas, fabric glue and a good deal of inspiration from my friend </span><a href="http://newlyweddiaries.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-765-no-sew-skirted-table.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jennifer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. It is not nearly as pretty as Jenny's or Jennifer's, but it gets the job done, hiding baskets of dish towels, candles and cocktail napkins. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is it is the day I made it, the silver mirror was temporary:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBZvbf6nflI/AAAAAAAABKk/qjlpcCmfAcs/s320/IMG_1011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482692114584665682" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And here it is today. The faux bamboo mirror is much better and the peonies are from my yard: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBZva9e-udI/AAAAAAAABKc/38CMbOKDE9Q/s320/IMG_0139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482692105341942226" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">See, I told you! It all depends on who's doing the designing. My apologies to my shelter blogging friends. I promise, I'll stick to what I know from now on. :)</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8947727901000232568?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-52253438274107167532010-06-12T17:08:00.010-04:002010-06-12T17:37:21.008-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I try my best not to feature artists who have already been written about on </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?ref=fp_name"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Etsy's blog</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. However, I couldn't resist showing you these wonderfully whimsical string instruments by Asheville, NC based artist Paul Celentano.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBP4L1FwuPI/AAAAAAAABJc/5UeIgI95dsg/s320/Apple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481998053553518834" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Apple Ukulele</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBP4M6JF1OI/AAAAAAAABJs/KR19PyU64F0/s320/Wine+Bottle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481998072089531618" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Wine Bottle Guitar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBP4MU9SE6I/AAAAAAAABJk/Mn-7myQZ00M/s1600/Avacado.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TBP4MU9SE6I/AAAAAAAABJk/Mn-7myQZ00M/s320/Avacado.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481998062107890594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Avocado Guitar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I wouldn't know the first thing about strumming one of these beauties if I had one. But... </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I wonder where I could put an avocado guitar? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For more, visit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/celentanowoodworks">Celentano Woodworks</a>.</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5225343827410716753?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-40080577277888663712010-06-09T17:40:00.008-04:002010-06-09T18:02:42.432-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Unless you've seen it in person (which can't compare), see the Sistine Chapel like you've never seen it before in photographs </span><a href="http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, I've always had a bone to pick with whoever chose to have the serpent (devil) in the Chapel ceiling depicted as a woman and not as an androgyne...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/TBANwlujfSI/AAAAAAAAAG4/NUMM2_kh5zA/s400/serpent-woman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480895874922151202" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Serpent (detail)</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">c. 1500s, by Michelangelo</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Italy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The man who commissioned the Sistine Chapel was Pope Julius II:</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/TBAMBM7p5DI/AAAAAAAAAGw/7Ir40alVK2Y/s400/juliusII.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480893961300730930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Julius II</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">c. 1500s by Raphael</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">National Gallery, London</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did he mandate for the devil to be seen as a woman, or did Michelangelo?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm going to research and find out who chose for this and why...stay tuned for an answer!</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4008057727788866371?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02739071698728330522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-4141628265512718922010-06-08T18:30:00.011-04:002010-06-08T22:23:35.096-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This past week (pre-flu) I got creative for my friend Kelly's wedding festivities. She is getting married soon so we threw a little shower for her this past weekend at </span><a href="http://www.frippislandresort.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fripp Island</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (former pirate hideout, shooting location for Forest Gump's Vietnam scenes and so-southern-pretty-it-will-make-you-sick island in Low Country SC.) My friend, and Kelly's sister-in-law, </span><a href="http://weddedwhittaker.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Catherine</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has a family house down there that I could just move right into and never leave.</span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyways, here is a little of my creativity at work. I used my favorite artistic medium... the cookie.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7JOUo4RHI/AAAAAAAABIU/q3JRllaBsA0/s320/P1010151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480539044451992690" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Aren't they cute? They tasted good too. Very butt-ery. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Sorry, I couldn't help it.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I also made menu cards. We had fun naming all of the food for the "classy bootylicious" theme. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (Yes, I know those two words very rarely go together.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7JPIw2_HI/AAAAAAAABIc/wIHB7ZJ-UQg/s320/P1010148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480539058444106866" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Katie's "Baby Got Blue Crab Dip"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7JP0PD6iI/AAAAAAAABIk/tOi_fS5IGTA/s320/P1010147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480539070113507874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My "Booty Shaking Chicken Salad"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7O6gjLCQI/AAAAAAAABJE/uMN-bE06zwE/s320/P1010149.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480545301121665282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7O5p_qpoI/AAAAAAAABI8/gfejuqK2iOY/s1600/P1010152.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7O5p_qpoI/AAAAAAAABI8/gfejuqK2iOY/s1600/P1010152.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7O5p_qpoI/AAAAAAAABI8/gfejuqK2iOY/s1600/P1010152.JPG"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Johanna's "Strawbooty &amp; Brief Salad"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7O5GSMGoI/AAAAAAAABI0/p9ilfbV6wm4/s320/P1010155.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480545276891241090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Annie's "Fruity Patootie Booty Fruit Salad"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> p</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><em style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ièce de</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> résistance had to be Mary Beth's "Red Velvet Badonkadonk." </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7R4GfmeyI/AAAAAAAABJM/NBlU5RbbRXM/s1600/P1010152.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7R4GfmeyI/AAAAAAAABJM/NBlU5RbbRXM/s320/P1010152.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480548558302509858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Talk about creativity. Girlfriend used a real thong. (It was new so no worries. All of you germaphobes can stop gagging now)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And I think Kell liked her giant name tag featuring crushed velvet, a crystal fleur de lis and calligraphy tramp stamp of her fiance's name. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA7ZUM2AodI/AAAAAAAABJU/jLxvBLqwJAE/s320/P1010176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480556737624842706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Don't put this on Facebook"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Speaking of bootylicious. Here's a throw back to 2001 for ya. Make that booty touch the ground art hearters.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div> <center><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px;font-size:small;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RcczSIe_Y08&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RcczSIe_Y08&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></center></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-414162826551271892?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-74511558014648628542010-06-07T13:46:00.016-04:002010-06-07T17:08:48.614-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have been on vacation. I'm back.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I also have the flu. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Both things happened simultaneously, which was not cool.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Also not cool is the fact that I'm on my lunch break now, waiting for the critter control man to come deal with the small snake problem in our basement. You see, I recently I killed a foot long snake with a floor squeegee while my husband was at work. It took a few 'make sure you cut off its head' texts but I got the stupid thing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA0yJO8uADI/AAAAAAAABHc/e2_5ymg5nCg/s320/Squeegee.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480091455792742450" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyways, since I have the flu this post is going to be a bit stream of consciousness. Okay?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just heard </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yQ9a-hJVy0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this song</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> on the radio. I love this song because it is about men not being metro. I do not go for </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Gyllenhaal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">metro-sexual</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Straight men should not wear sandals, get facials, drink $6.00 iced coffees or attend wedding showers. Brad Paisely and I clearly are in agreement. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I also like this song because the first time I heard it in the car with my husband (who, on a side note, looks a lot like Brad Paisely, especially when he wears a cowboy hat) he laughed and said "I know that painting!" when he heard the line at 0:51. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hate to break it to ya honey, but if I had a nickel for every drunk naked girl featured in a priceless French painting we could hire a professional to sit in our basement 24 hours a day to kill snakes for the rest of the year. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But, I do I think I know the painting that Brad and his look-a-like have in mind. Say hello to</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA0-JqF56rI/AAAAAAAABH0/ck8StavycLQ/s320/Manet+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480104657218562738" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Edourad Manet</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circia 1863</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (who was portrayed by model <a href="http://weheartmostart.blogspot.com/2010/04/one-of-manets-muses.html">Victorine Meuren</a>t)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:helvetica, arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is perhaps the most famous French prostitute ever. (That's saying a lot, France has produced many famous prostitutes!) When Edourad Manet painted this in 1863 he knew he was going to ruffle some fussy Parisian feathers. The French, who were no strangers to nudity and loose women, were caught off guard by this very direct work. In fact, when </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> was first shown at a Parisian Salon in 1865, it was flanked by 2 policemen! (1) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Apparently, the French did not like being confronted with reality. (I know, shocking.) </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is clearly a part of the world's oldest profession. She is staring straight at the viewer saying "Hey there viewer, I have sex for money." This made the upper-crust salon going French very uncomfortable. While they loved to have sex for money, they did not love to talk about it so bluntly. (2) They didn't want to get into the nitty gritty details of the transaction if you know what I mean. For example, the fact that </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olympia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is receiving flowers as a gift from her next appointment would have sent the French salon ladies into a brie and wine glass throwing fit. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">'How dare he paint that! Our men do not send flowers to hookers!' </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As controversial as this work was, Manet safe guarded himself against censorship by quoting another famous work by Venetian master, Titian. Olympia's classical pose mimics that of Titian's <i>Venus of Urbino</i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/TA0_Wq9nPbI/AAAAAAAABIM/WFtFAntvQ4c/s320/titian+venus+of+urbino.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480105980302146994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Venus of Urbin</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">o by Tiziano Vecellio aka Titian</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa 1538 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Venus is alittle more relaxed and her glance, while at the viewer, is more coquettish. She may be naked but she is definitely not a hooker. Nope, she's just finished her bath. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Her nudity was perfectly acceptable, while Olympia's was scandalous. All because of profession. Sometimes the devil is in the details.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) The Shock of the Nude: Manet's Olympia, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock/beyond/manet.html">PBS</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">2) ibid </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-7451155801464862854?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-70579734629789585552010-05-27T11:39:00.008-04:002010-05-27T12:14:49.165-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_6X4ziYoLI/AAAAAAAABHE/J8OoLruwEAA/s1600/Childe+Hassam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_6X4ziYoLI/AAAAAAAABHE/J8OoLruwEAA/s320/Childe+Hassam.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475981199091998898" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Childe Hassam's</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Fourt</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">h of July, 1916</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 153, 153); line-height: 20px; font-size:13px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Metropolitan Museum of Art</span></div><span style=" ;font-size:10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(on loan from a private collector)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I know I am a little early. But, I came across this wonderful program and want to shout it from the roof tops. The network of </span><a href="http://www.arts.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index.php?st=VA#list"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Star Museums</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is offering free admission to active duty military families this summer, beginning this Monday and ending on Labor Day (Sept 6th.) </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are lots of great museums participating. </span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Including:</span></b></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">MOMA</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Met</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Whitney</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The New Mexico Museum Art</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Museum of the Confederacy</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The National D-Day Memorial</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Norman Rockwell Museum</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Palm Springs Art Museum</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Colonial Williamsburg</span></li></ul></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And here in good ole' North Carolina:</span></b></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The Mint Museum of Charlotte</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is a great way to thank the families of those sacrificing so much to protect this nation and bring precious liberty to the world. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thank a soldier, a sailor or a marine this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-7057973462978958555?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-69263723873482640312010-05-25T07:00:00.009-04:002010-05-25T07:00:09.937-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Q: What do you get with you cross Maurice Sendak, Yogi Bear and a handsome Mexican Wrestler?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A: A dinner plate! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrm7HwodI/AAAAAAAABG0/JBfFh5oM9T8/s1600/Bear+Plate+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrm7HwodI/AAAAAAAABG0/JBfFh5oM9T8/s320/Bear+Plate+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947350960054738" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These humorous plates are by London based illustrator James Ward.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrmi20pHI/AAAAAAAABGs/6U99CUIpFyQ/s1600/Bear+Plate+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrmi20pHI/AAAAAAAABGs/6U99CUIpFyQ/s320/Bear+Plate+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947344446563442" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mr. Ward hand draws these campsite loving creatures directly onto 9 inch dishwasher safe plates.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrmMirvUI/AAAAAAAABGk/RR7qk9-KCcc/s1600/Bear+Plate+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrmMirvUI/AAAAAAAABGk/RR7qk9-KCcc/s320/Bear+Plate+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947338456513858" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The result is kinda quirky. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrlpmZIBI/AAAAAAAABGc/pS1Z-c3NOa8/s1600/Bear+Plate+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrlpmZIBI/AAAAAAAABGc/pS1Z-c3NOa8/s320/Bear+Plate+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947329076830226" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay really quirky.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrlRTMQBI/AAAAAAAABGU/GlPOw-0qJYo/s1600/Bear+Plate+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_rrlRTMQBI/AAAAAAAABGU/GlPOw-0qJYo/s320/Bear+Plate+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474947322553843730" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />But I love 'em. And the bears look right at home, don't you think? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">So go ahead, feed the bears! For 25 bucks a piece you can get the whole series for your pick-a-nic basket. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Visit James' shop at </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jimbobart"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">jimbobart</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-6926372387348264031?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-90226343386482695602010-05-24T13:30:00.004-04:002010-05-24T14:32:31.730-04:00Not you! The blog.<div><br /></div><div>I am guest blogging over on my friend Katie's great design blog, <a href="http://daffoldilshope.blogspot.com/">Daffodil's</a>, today. She was so sweet and invited me to blog about my recent bedroom redesign. So, check it out!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-9022634338648269560?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-83979997790666743012010-05-17T15:45:00.011-04:002010-05-17T16:26:11.705-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love, love, love this.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_GdJKu1aCI/AAAAAAAABFc/fqVnic88dXk/s320/09_animals_in_folk_art.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472327803057039394" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">September 2007 issue of </span><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/features/2010/06/animals_in_folk_art_slideshow#slide=9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Architectural Digest</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's an antique shooting gallery target. They come in all shapes and sizes. Here's a more primitive one from the early 1900's:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_Gd8tXyC8I/AAAAAAAABFk/ZqdmqV84Cug/s320/Target+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472328688528919490" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.folkartisans.com/pages/targets.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Artisans</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> of Mentone, Alabama</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It would make a wonderful paper weight on a fancy, never-used designer desk that looks nothing like mine. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And this one from Coney Island (I know, so cool) would be an amazing conversation starter: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_Ge2r_cDTI/AAAAAAAABFs/anfryNRrxzQ/s320/Coney+Island.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472329684590791986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 80px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vandm.com/East-Market-Street-Antiques-Sandra-Mackintosh/1_222_dealer=14752_page=1.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">East Market Street Antiques</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These squirrels from </span><a href="http://www.sniktaw.com/FA-ShootingGalleries.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sniktaw Antiques</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> are hilarious:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_GgthYyG8I/AAAAAAAABF0/KjCEMvGL-qc/s320/Hunters+and+Squirrels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472331726148737986" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 225px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Squirrels and Hunters</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And these colorful antique archery targets from a French carnival are lovely too:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_GiwWgIPDI/AAAAAAAABGE/O4BSGFsEJGw/s320/Archery+Targets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472333973789621298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> Sniktaw Antiques</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While I like the whimsical targets more, this archery target with detailed carving is a must for a man room.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S_GiwseyFHI/AAAAAAAABGM/uo3Pg31BjBQ/s320/target+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472333979689555058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 248px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://antiquehelper.com/item/311511"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">via</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8397999779066674301?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-26197847181122522412010-05-12T14:19:00.005-04:002010-05-12T14:45:14.655-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, I kind of didn't realize it until </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">after</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I posted yesterday but "I'm Famous in China (Part 1)" was our 100th post!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cheers!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(clink)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-r0HO91byI/AAAAAAAABFU/Zz_7NwXZoH0/s320/L%27+instant+Taittinger+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470453102508601122" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Grace Kelly's famed Taittinger Advertisement</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">circa 1988</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading and stay tuned!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more images of vintage champagne and liquor ads, visit the Ohio State's Treasury of Fine Art </span><a href="https://treasuryoffineart.osu.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=collections.seeCollection&amp;CollectionID=a649d363-ac6e-4c8d-8710-674a345b3404&amp;ItemOrderBy=-1&amp;ItemDirection=asc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tobacco &amp; Spirits Advertising Collection</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> online. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-2619784718112252241?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-85799327182698766922010-05-11T07:00:00.002-04:002010-05-11T12:36:01.063-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last summer, my husband and I went to Hong Kong and China for a business trip/vacation. It was really pretty awesome. The political climate is bad but the people are very, very gracious and climbing the Great Wall was a once in a lifetime experience we will never forget.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-jDgexPlMI/AAAAAAAABE0/QMid_xWCS_U/s320/China,+Laura.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469836710224303298" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We kicked off our Asian Adventure with a 5 hour plane ride from NC, followed by a 14 hour flight from CA to Hong Kong. (Have I ever mentioned that I hate planes so much I have to be medicated to get on one? Well, I do!) After a quick business meeting in Hong Kong (totally worth the flight), we settled into southern mainland China where we did the bulk of our work. We were blown away by the massive size and exotic history of Shanghai, which is full of fabulous art deco architecture. More on that later.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From there we ventured north on a flight that included 1) a military style take off and landing a la Top Gun 2) the plane being boarded by MPs scanning people for H1N1 with big laser pointers and 3) confused yelling by Chinese passengers being hauled off the plane to a mysterious quarantine location. One Xanax later, we exited the plane in Beijing where we did most of our sightseeing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, that leads me to the art part of today's post.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-mDDdAGo_I/AAAAAAAABE8/NsdvRkQ8yNs/s320/China,+Old+Town.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470047317766087666" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Shanghai's not exactly old "Old Town"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In China, building and art preservation efforts have only geared up recently and much of what the Chinese call "historic" isn't really historic at all. In reality, many of the nation's tourist sites are reproductions, standing within the vicinity of where the original once stood. I'm sure there are many reasons, both political and cultural, why this is a common practice in China. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">However, there are several original (but clearly </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">heavily </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">restored) sacred spaces in China open to tourists. And in the northern part of the country, these sites all feature spectacular hand carved ceilings, doorways, eaves and columns. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i6R9ieg7I/AAAAAAAABEk/4vObRkYVYq4/s320/China,+Temple+of+Heaven.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826565181178802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Temple of Heaven</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Beijing, China</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Temple of Heaven is an excellent example of Chinese "caisson" and "dougong" architecture. The top center of the temple ceiling features a carved relief set into a layered dome (caisson) and the carved, interlocking wooden beams form the dougong style support system. The result is almost dizzying. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i59GexEwI/AAAAAAAABEc/ZU7z6DXZ7z4/s1600/China,+Temple+of+Heaven+Inside.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i59GexEwI/AAAAAAAABEc/ZU7z6DXZ7z4/s320/China,+Temple+of+Heaven+Inside.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826206804284162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Temple of Heaven, Interior</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(I had to reach over an energetic crowd of Chinese tourists at the entrance to take </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">this picture. The building was not open to the public, which is too bad.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Caisson ceilings and dougong beams featuring intricately carved reliefs also thoroughly coat the 800 buildings of the massive Imperial Palace Complex in Beijing. The relief carving is shallow and the grooves are filled with gold leaf, making the ever repeated dragon theme pop against vibrant background colors. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i57nIjcNI/AAAAAAAABD8/rMpk6wlMidY/s320/China,+Forbidden+City+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826181209747666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Imperial Palace (aka The Forbidden City), Detail</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While dragons and other mythical creatures dominate the relief work, fanciful paintings of fruit and plants are also included in ceiling art.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i58w6R0DI/AAAAAAAABEU/c6nhlwZrUUE/s320/China,+Forbidden+City+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826201014095922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Peaches (or possibly Lichee Nuts, a Chinese delicacy) in the Imperial Palace</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Chinese Emperor had strict rules when it came to pretty much everything and many activities, articles of clothing and colors were reserved only for his personal use. The yellow-gold color seen here on the roof tiles of the Imperial Palace is called "Imperial Yellow." It could only be used or worn by the Emperor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i58aMim-I/AAAAAAAABEM/Xi-TPxf06Oo/s320/China,+Forbidden+City+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826194916678626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Imperial Yellow</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This next ceiling has to be my favorite. I remember wanting to reach up and run my hands over relief work. It reminds me a lot of the </span><a href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_355/1232325439Z6Fyk5.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">US Capital Building's dome</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i58Ab_txI/AAAAAAAABEE/QF5k7P1gp2c/s320/China,+Forbidden+City+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826188002178834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Imperial Palace</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is a similar but less ornate ceiling in the Ming Tombs, located in the countryside outside of Beijing. The plain beams and columns make the ceiling appear more primitive but its craftsmanship is equally fine. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-i6SEVv28I/AAAAAAAABEs/yrOZJB6LfVw/s320/China,+Tomb+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469826567006837698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So tell me, what do you think of these two Chinese architecture styles? </span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8579932718269876692?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-40339701650618874692010-05-06T10:05:00.014-04:002010-05-06T11:59:16.260-04:00<br> <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LOSFMgrII/AAAAAAAABDs/ebmgjZtO2ME/s320/Copy+Charleston+Houses.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468159707608820866" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">My Favorite House in Charleston, SC</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yesterday, I was cleaning out a purse that I haven't used since at least June of last year. I know this because in the purse (which is the size of a diaper bag and no, I don't have kids) I found a cheaply done brochure from the totally un-cheap Charles II Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina. I haven't been in Charleston since our wedding anniversary last June. (I tried to find the link to the gallery for you but their website no longer exists. I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means...)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyways, it was more than brochure. It was an artist profile. On this guy:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LO79aIygI/AAAAAAAABD0/jVYuPwBfHOc/s1600/Fred.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LO79aIygI/AAAAAAAABD0/jVYuPwBfHOc/s320/Fred.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468160427072997890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Fred Jamar, Self Portrait</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fred Jamar is a talented Belgian-born artist who lives in Charleston. He also happens to look a lot like Jerry Garcia. According to the folded up paper I dug out of my giant purse, Fred used to work on Wall Street managing JP Morgan's global risk unit. Apparently, he got tired of that so he moved to one of the South's most charming and colorful port cities to paint. Basically, Fred lives my dream life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">I couldn't really come up with anything in artsy fartsy gallery-speak that would describe Fred's work. Honestly, I only have one word for it. Awesome.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Heads are rolling at my alma mater's art history department right now.) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But look:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM_rcG4rI/AAAAAAAABDk/psGXe2L6jxs/s1600/Fred+Unnamed.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM_rcG4rI/AAAAAAAABDk/psGXe2L6jxs/s320/Fred+Unnamed.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158291945644722" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">unnamed</span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How can you look at those palm tree shadows and not call that awesome? How about this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM_Zg7IPI/AAAAAAAABDc/CRne1kfOF6U/s1600/Fred+Rainbow+Row.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM_Zg7IPI/AAAAAAAABDc/CRne1kfOF6U/s320/Fred+Rainbow+Row.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158287134007538" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Rainbow Row</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">His makes the most over-painted scene in the south look totally fresh. And while I am not a huge fan of "bubble trees," I love Fred's.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM-ZFTe0I/AAAAAAAABDE/524kvJNnMXc/s320/Fred+1st+Scott+Church+on+Meeting+Street.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158269838293826" /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">1st Scott Church on Meeting Street </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 109px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM-sON06I/AAAAAAAABDM/ScjIz-wgKik/s320/Fred+Broad+Street.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158274975945634" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Broad Street</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While Fred's work captures the beauty and elegance of the Civil War's most famous coastal city, it captures its grit too. And Lord knows I'm a sucker for colorful southern grit. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-LM_GVdfUI/AAAAAAAABDU/VYMd6ubWZmg/s320/Fred+Lana+Cafe.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158281985654082" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Lana Cafe</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The power lines, the trash cans, the buildings shifting off their foundations... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Awesome. </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PS. Did you notice that my favorite house spoke to Fred too? </span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4033970165061887469?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-35920304261211611012010-05-04T21:23:00.007-04:002010-05-04T21:31:49.582-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">Meet Huckleberry:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S-DIvWyr4GI/AAAAAAAABC8/8Ej2RcI0uWU/s320/Huck+in+timeout.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467590663525359714" /><div><br /></div><div>The Basset who puts himself in timeout.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, for the real purpose of this post: I have been noticing lots of Chinese spammer comments on the blog. I am not sure how to get rid of them. Suggestions, anyone? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-3592030426121161101?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-50580869848285301542010-04-30T14:45:00.013-04:002010-04-30T15:26:26.872-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A few things:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) I love cows. I will commission a giant oil painting of a cow for my living room one day.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm serious.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqiL8sD_I/AAAAAAAABC0/phJre7tcrk4/s1600/screen-capture.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqiL8sD_I/AAAAAAAABC0/phJre7tcrk4/s320/screen-capture.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466009339555483634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cow in Tall Grass by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacockgarden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peacock Garden</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqh3ySZHI/AAAAAAAABCs/BntpXsi6hNE/s1600/mama+cow+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqh3ySZHI/AAAAAAAABCs/BntpXsi6hNE/s320/mama+cow+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466009334143149170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mama Cow 2 by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacockgarden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peacock Garden</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqInw0CUI/AAAAAAAABCU/bzLLY43yXyg/s1600/Max+and+Ruby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sqInw0CUI/AAAAAAAABCU/bzLLY43yXyg/s320/Max+and+Ruby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466008900345268546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Max and Ruby by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacockgarden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peacock Garden</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sm-oR0QeI/AAAAAAAABBM/ocL1ZMi2RHo/s320/Early+Cows.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466005430150119906" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Early Risers by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacockgarden"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peacock Garden</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) Meet Gordon:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sns9J_uZI/AAAAAAAABB0/ObMOvNTcivE/s1600/gordon+the+dog.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sns9J_uZI/AAAAAAAABB0/ObMOvNTcivE/s320/gordon+the+dog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466006226028444050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gordon the Dog by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/snarkledark"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Karen Fincannon</span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gordon is begging to come live with me. Begging. I pointed out to Gordon that he is $80.00 and that is kind of alot for a ceramic dog. He said you can't put a price on cuteness and that he would make a great birthday present. I really can't argue with that. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) Meet Gordon's friend Rachel:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S9sofY_d5GI/AAAAAAAABCE/xT6h0qmKtc0/s320/Rachel+the+cow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466007092493935714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rachel the Cow </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rachel must </span><a href="http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/happycows"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">come from California.</span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5058086984828530154?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-454303812106941442010-04-21T20:39:00.004-04:002010-04-21T20:58:34.811-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Am I lame because I think this commercial for the new season of The Hills is seriously cool? </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HYwUfJhtS8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't even watch The Hills. The only thing I watch on MTV is 16 and Pregnant (don't judge me.)</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The song is called 'New in Town' by Little Boots. Oh yeah, I downloaded it.</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-45430381210694144?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-84200049959850743072010-04-20T13:38:00.013-04:002010-05-04T21:32:16.167-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm back! After spending hour upon hour sitting in the airport waiting for the volcanic ash to clear I am finally back stateside.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You have probably been wondering where I've been! Well...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83nMAioRRI/AAAAAAAAA_s/McDd3LVRg3Y/s320/289345_POOL_01_J.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276116559971602" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I spent the last week </span><a href="http://www.ritzparis.com/home_ritz/home.asp?show_all=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Swimming in ridiculously nice hotel pools.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83nL60dPtI/AAAAAAAAA_k/JTTYxpYdpEM/s320/450px-Paris_Cafe_Dusk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276115024133842" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Buying crepes from street vendors and drinking lots of wine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83nLljrIeI/AAAAAAAAA_c/OQlTrSpd9iI/s320/dusk-before-dawn-paris-france.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276109316596194" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Soaking in views of the Seine, taking pictures, navigating the metro and putting those nine painful years of French classes to work.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83nLV1tTFI/AAAAAAAAA_U/ZGvWr5jeL08/s320/The+Sacred-Heart+Basilica+in+the+Distance_+Montmartre_+Paris_+France.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276105097268306" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I went to Mass at Sacre-Coeur and spent a whole day in the Louvre. I even did some art shopping in Montmartre too. It was heavenly. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83riSRVEDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/tcqNqJao2Ns/s320/Mary+Lou+Mack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462280897322881074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83ritATe7I/AAAAAAAAA_8/1znzdcmEu9A/s1600/Chestnut+Tree.jpg"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Cafe at Montmarte </i>by Mary Lou Mack</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83ritATe7I/AAAAAAAAA_8/1znzdcmEu9A/s1600/Chestnut+Tree.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83ritATe7I/AAAAAAAAA_8/1znzdcmEu9A/s320/Chestnut+Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462280904499231666" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Chestnut Tree </i>by Cellia Saubry </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83riSRVEDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/tcqNqJao2Ns/s1600/Mary+Lou+Mack.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83riSRVEDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/tcqNqJao2Ns/s1600/Mary+Lou+Mack.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83riSRVEDI/AAAAAAAAA_0/tcqNqJao2Ns/s1600/Mary+Lou+Mack.jpg"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83s5QzaRcI/AAAAAAAABAE/1IYLDuZzlhM/s320/Hommage_Toulouse_Lautrec_les_jardins_de_la_Butte_par_Jean_Prevos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462282391577576898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Hommage a Toulouse Lautrec les jardins de la Butte</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Jean Prevos</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kidding! The only French thing in my life is asleep on the couch right now. Snoring, farting and occasionally wagging his tail. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S83yHUvxuAI/AAAAAAAABAM/06BfT641o6I/s320/DSC00274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462288130712385538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It sure was a nice thought though. That swimming pool looks pretty good, doesn't it? Maybe when I win the lotto one day...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Non, non. I have been here in the good ol' US of A. Here, but really busy and feeling a bit uninspired. So, please pardon the lack of posts. I'll be back. I promise.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the meantime...perhaps <i>ma petite soeur</i> will make a few more regular appearances.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hint hint. :)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Images:</span></div><div>Pool courtesy of the Ritz Carlton, Paris</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Café by Shawn Lipowsk</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Art by Cellia Saubry and Jean Prevos via </span></span><a href="http://www.artistsandart.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this lovely blog</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Other images unknown?!</span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8420004995985074307?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-48360826386176910122010-04-13T10:39:00.008-04:002010-04-13T11:19:39.642-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">Édouard Manet's pretty redheaded model appears in many of his paintings. The woman was Victorine Meurent, and while she was a painter in her own right, she is best known for her work as a model for artists such as Manet, Edgar Degas, and even Henri Toulouse-Lautrec!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGDLboYjI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/PQ2t9BpUXLc/s400/victorine5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459636037446296114" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Portrait of Victorine Meurent</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Édouard Manet, 1862</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Museum of Fine Arts, Boston</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">She even exhibited in the 1876 Paris Salon-yet her role as the controversial figure in many of Manet's famous paintings is what she has been best remembered by.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGDV9TbtI/AAAAAAAAAGY/0mv3ZSXvlns/s400/victorine+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459636040271883986" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Woman with Parrot</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Édouard Manet, 1866</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Manet first saw Victorine walking down a Parisian street with a guitar in her hand. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGClVlIiI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HVERRQNv9dw/s1600/victorine3.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGClVlIiI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HVERRQNv9dw/s400/victorine3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459636027220369954" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Luncheon on the Grass</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Édouard Manet, 1863</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Musée d'Orsay, Paris</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGCPAfEuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/qvp5-PxO5kw/s1600/victorine2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGCPAfEuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/qvp5-PxO5kw/s400/victorine2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459636021226312418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Victorine in the Costume of a Matador</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Édouard Manet, 1862</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her most famous (and scandalous!) work as a model...</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGBeYpE5I/AAAAAAAAAF4/DxlkBaL8pmQ/s1600/victorine1.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SGBeYpE5I/AAAAAAAAAF4/DxlkBaL8pmQ/s400/victorine1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459636008174293906" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Olympia</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Édouard Manet, 1863</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Musée d'Orsay, Paris</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This painting was actually inspired by a painting by the great Renaissance painter Titian: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S8SJ5k_NkeI/AAAAAAAAAGo/KILMJGUc_kA/s400/venus.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459640270554239458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Venus of Urbino</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Titian, 1538</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Uffizi Gallery, Italy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4836082638617691012?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02739071698728330522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-58367124275208698372010-04-12T16:46:00.004-04:002010-04-12T16:57:27.063-04:00<div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MEi5guXE0ek&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MEi5guXE0ek&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5836712427520869837?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-13488920049575551902010-04-12T15:04:00.015-04:002010-04-12T16:34:25.811-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Very good reader Wes. Even my resident historian didn't get it at first glance (I know, I was shocked too.) So, enjoy the next 24 seconds with my congratulations:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-FucbvoFFy0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-FucbvoFFy0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since Wes didn't give it away totally I'll let the rest of you stew over my hint (and his comment) for one more day. Translation: that post isn't quite ready, sorry it was a busy, busy weekend.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now, on a completely different topic. Don't you think this would be a great church dress?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8NwynD_SHI/AAAAAAAAA-M/p_1DRd09Few/s1600/Color+Guard+Dress.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8NwynD_SHI/AAAAAAAAA-M/p_1DRd09Few/s320/Color+Guard+Dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459331188084656242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Color Guard Dress by </span><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Color+Guard+Dress"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">ModCloth</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I do. I think you would really blend in if you wore it to Mass at Paris' Sainte Chappell:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8N3YlODEjI/AAAAAAAAA_M/GqWP7S0xZzY/s320/sainte-chapelle-paris.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459338437494772274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Sainte Chappell</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Building circa 1248</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image Courtesy of visitDC.com</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm not kidding, you would practically melt away into the walls. The 13th century floor to ceiling stained glass windows cast colorful shadows in every direction. Walking through the front door of this high-gothic jewel box is like stepping into a gigantic kaleidoscope. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8NyDQ0WKBI/AAAAAAAAA-c/NP9emKD2Dw4/s1600/First+Christian+Church,+Smithfield+NC.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8NyydmB6yI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Ag8eFcathEs/s320/Sainte+Chapellejpg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459333384566336290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Sainte Chappell </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Windows circa the 13th to the 15th centuries</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Image courtesy of gothereguide.com</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You may not be quite as camouflaged by these modern beauties, created by the talented artists of </span><a href="http://www.lawsstainedglass.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Laws Stained Glass Studios</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in Statesville, NC. But, you would definitely coordinate!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8NyDMTXzEI/AAAAAAAAA-U/T-jWQCYQaGY/s320/New+Corinth+Baptist+Church,+Rutledge+TN.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459332572470824002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">New Corinth Baptist Church </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Rutledge, TN</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S8N01NXUnqI/AAAAAAAAA-0/598On501Gb4/s320/First+Christian+Church,+Smithfield+NC.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459335630772543138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">First Christian Church</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Smithfield, NC</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1348892004957555190?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-46350641380658399702010-04-09T16:27:00.005-04:002010-04-09T16:36:07.559-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">If you can tell me who was born here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 247px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7-OVSch7XI/AAAAAAAAA-E/WaEG9PkTrBI/s320/Stratford+Hall,+1730.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458237769776229746" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Well, you know <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FucbvoFFy0">the drill</a>. No cheating. See ya Monday!</div><div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4635064138065839970?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-56039908266082978972010-04-08T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-08T07:00:03.696-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zsxd6l1lI/AAAAAAAAA98/3WLfK7sMGTg/s1600/Bellagio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zsxd6l1lI/AAAAAAAAA98/3WLfK7sMGTg/s320/Bellagio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457497183054321234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Fiori Di Com</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">o</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> by Dale Chihuly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">c. 1998</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dale Chihuly</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is overrated. Why museums and universities (like </span><a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/07/1361780/panorama-dale-chihuly-chandelier.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">this one</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) fall all over themselves for something that is made by apprentices and looks just like something that every other museum and university already has is beyond me.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5603990826608297897?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-42494699913119250932010-04-07T14:56:00.010-04:002010-05-04T21:32:39.812-04:00<span style="font-size:100%;">What Easter Weekend looks like in the Carolinas:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkcG4YFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/sqRmuc5xaRc/s1600/Cherry+Trees.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkcG4YFI/AAAAAAAAA9c/sqRmuc5xaRc/s320/Cherry+Trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457471670463258706" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The best part of spring<br /></span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkEXh7WI/AAAAAAAAA9U/fiXU8IXoSdg/s1600/tulips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkEXh7WI/AAAAAAAAA9U/fiXU8IXoSdg/s320/tulips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457471664090639714" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Tulips in the front yard<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Love these adorable Easter crosses in front of St. Patrick's Elementary School in Charlotte. I've filed this away for next Easter / when I get a jig saw:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkq1YBzI/AAAAAAAAA9k/gTr_nVNmgv4/s1600/Crosses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkq1YBzI/AAAAAAAAA9k/gTr_nVNmgv4/s320/Crosses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457471674416367410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy Easter!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Huckleberry the Basset Hound spent his weekend lounging:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkuyOECI/AAAAAAAAA9s/2RgsdH20cUw/s1600/Huck+Lounging.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVkuyOECI/AAAAAAAAA9s/2RgsdH20cUw/s320/Huck+Lounging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457471675476873250" border="0" /></a></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Allergies won't stop this dog!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;">and getting some love:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVlJHMEaI/AAAAAAAAA90/cp2iSK8zQ04/s1600/Huck+and+Aunt+Jenny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7zVlJHMEaI/AAAAAAAAA90/cp2iSK8zQ04/s320/Huck+and+Aunt+Jenny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457471682544144802" border="0" /></a></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Huck &amp; Aunt Jenny</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">*His ears are yellow because he was dragging them through pollen. This is not the best time of year for dogs who are allergic to both trees and grass!<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4249469991311925093?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-83116679444293340162010-04-05T11:00:00.006-04:002010-04-05T20:34:09.192-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Two summers ago, we packed all of our frattiest clothes and headed off to Cape Cod and Nantucket for our honeymoon (we also went to Boston and Maine, it was an awesome trip full of lots of nerdy historical stuff.) When we rolled up to Cape Cod we were expecting something like this:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTU2He2BIc0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTU2He2BIc0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So naturally, we were really surprised to find that pretty much everyone looked (and acted) like this:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oi4LJodEI/AAAAAAAAA7U/xlN8BLwI5RU/s320/alg_jersey_shore_mtv.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456712246973985858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Cast of MTV's Jersey Shore</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It was NOT fratty. As we sat at dinner one night, clearly out-fratting everyone in the restaurant, we decided that the true home of frattiness is not the exclusive beach towns of Cape Cod, it is the South. (I really don't know why we ever even questioned that fact.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here in the South, we strictly adhere to these rules, no matter how hot it may be outside:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> No white bottoms after labor day. Unless it is made of wool or it is a wedding dress, it is not allowed.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> No seersucker, eyelet, madras or linen after labor day. This applies to both sexes.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> No pastel colors on men until the temperature is 65 degrees or until Easter arrives, whichever comes first.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> I don't really like white shoes, but if I did, there would be no wearing them after labor day.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> No straw purses or natural fiber on shoes until Easter. That means espadrilles are out (I know, this is a tough one.)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> You may wear a bathing suit at any point during the year however, your suit and/or cover up cannot be made out of any of the above fabrics mentioned in the first bullet point.</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It has been a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">long</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> winter of rule following and so I am please to announce that today is a day of celebration! The rules are officially off for the next 5 months. I am currently outfitted in both white and linen. Hubby is in pastel. Huckleberry, being a hound, is naturally fratty. We are a hard fratting family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, in honor of today, the day after Easter and the Frattiest Day of the Year, I would like to introduce you to <b><i>A</i></b><b><i>rt History's Top Ten Most Fratty</i></b><i>:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10) The Gibson Girl</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oklaR8WcI/AAAAAAAAA7c/25ItzN1ENsA/s320/GibsonGirl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456714123641117122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Illustrator Charles Dana Gibson invented female frat when he introduced the quintessential American girl-next-door to the world. <i>Gibson Girls </i>were the female ideal at the turn of century, dominating magazines and the advertising world from the 1890's to the 1910's. They were beautiful and well-mannered while being competitive, athletic and sassy all at the same time. The wore all of the latest fashions and had men wrapped around their fingers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9) Hamilton's Coca-Cola Girls</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7okmVkLLlI/AAAAAAAAA70/sxzc5-7gfvc/s320/coke+ad,+hamilton+king+1912.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456714139555278418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Much like Gibson's<i> </i>Girls, Hamilton King's advertisements for the Georgia-born soft drink are as classic as the refreshing drink they advertise. This King ad was circulated in 1912. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8) George Seurat's</span></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte</span></b></i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, 1886</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oknE1cgJI/AAAAAAAAA78/phNYHd2tNVQ/s320/seurat,+Sunday+Afternoon+on+the+Island+of+La+Grande+Jatte+1886.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456714152244183186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hanging out on the Island of La Grande Jatte was the 19th century Parisian equivalent to tailgating. Dress up, get there early, sit, drink and repeat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">7) Anything by Guy Harvey</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7okl6XJbyI/AAAAAAAAA7s/XcoUeyKtRLo/s1600/rainbow+country+Guy+Harvey.Medium.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7okl6XJbyI/AAAAAAAAA7s/XcoUeyKtRLo/s320/rainbow+country+Guy+Harvey.Medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456714132252880674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 310px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Rainbow Country</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Guy Harvey</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guy Harvey artwork is best displayed on the back of a men's </span><a href="http://www.guyharveyshirts.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t-shirt</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, worn with slightly too short khaki shorts and </span><a href="http://www.costadelmar.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Costa Del Mar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> glasses. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">6) Dogs</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oqxOBy3OI/AAAAAAAAA8E/DzUDX2RfpMY/s320/that+my+boy+is+a+duck+by+Ross+B+Young.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456720923580357858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">That, my boy, is a duck </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by </span><a href="http://www.rossyoung.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ross B. Young</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A portrait of your hunting dog makes excellent office/ man room art. (Why yes, we do have a oil painting of a Basset Hound in our house.) Some of my favorite depictions of hunting dogs are by English romantic painter George Stubbs (1724-1806.) Stubbs really set off the trend of sporting dog art, but he is just now gaining recognition as a masterful dog and equine painter, 200+ years after his death.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7pAqXX29CI/AAAAAAAAA9M/khHBZwC38Ag/s1600/thm_acoupleoffoxhounds.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7pAqXX29CI/AAAAAAAAA9M/khHBZwC38Ag/s320/thm_acoupleoffoxhounds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456744995085546530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 236px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">A Couple of Foxhounds </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by George Stubbs</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5) Marine Art</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7ozOjX7dfI/AAAAAAAAA8c/27yC_PjK1L4/s1600/sailing-regatta-catalina-decaire.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7ozOjX7dfI/AAAAAAAAA8c/27yC_PjK1L4/s320/sailing-regatta-catalina-decaire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456730223619569138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Sailing Regatta</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by </span><a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sailing-regatta-catalina-decaire.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Catalina Decaire</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Where would fratty people be today without the sailboat? Afterall, the sailboat gave birth the frattiest shoe known to man, the </span><a href="http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/?kwid=G_sperry_topsiders&amp;gclid=CI_YkoWh8KACFUKF7QodElrm2w"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sperry Top-sider</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marine art has actually been around a long time, making it the most historically fratty on this list. For as long as people have been building ships, artists have been painting them. The Dutch, who were the world's best shipbuilders during the 17th and 18th century, were particularly keen on marine painting. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4) </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Luncheon of the</span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Boating Party</span></i></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> by Pierre- Auguste Renoir, 1881</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oqxZzqSTI/AAAAAAAAA8M/cR0HuWmJJFk/s1600/renoir-luncheon-of-the-boating-party1.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7oqxZzqSTI/AAAAAAAAA8M/cR0HuWmJJFk/s320/renoir-luncheon-of-the-boating-party1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456720926742300978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The French and the American South share many cultural similarities (I'm sure my husband could explain all of the historical reasons behind this, the French connection to the American Civil War yada yada but I'm not going to get into that today.) Being able to slow down and relax like the Boating Party is very fratty. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) The Official Kentucky Derby Commemorative Poster</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7ov6lhdPRI/AAAAAAAAA8U/e8aSZXiBBZY/s320/2010+Derby+Poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456726582064135442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Each year an artist is picked to commemorate the second frattiest day of the year, Kentucky Derby Day. This year, French artist Linda Le Kinff's colorful, Henri Matisse inspired painting was selected as the </span><a href="http://www.derbyartgifts.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Official Art of the Kentucky Derby</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) Bacchus by Caravaggio, 1597</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7o2aai8dTI/AAAAAAAAA8k/Vkd3oQIrUh0/s320/bacchus+caravaggio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456733725943166258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The frat flip! The toga! The beverage offer! As far as fratty art history figures go, Caravaggio's Bacchus is as fratty as they get.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) SEC Football Stadium Panoramas </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7o697uxClI/AAAAAAAAA9E/H_kBwdGRkFY/s320/irondefenseresize+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456738734193052242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 106px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jordan-Hare Stadium</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Auburn University</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Can you honestly get any frattier than a framed panorama of 87,451 of the frattiest people in America all fratting together? Of course you can't. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honorable Mention</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Lynch Bench Series</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> by Johnny Lynch</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7o69wyugAI/AAAAAAAAA88/KMfP8ZtaVvQ/s320/Ruff+and+Ready.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456738731256872962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Just look at it. I couldn't leave this off the list.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8311667944429334016?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-80526922059937839272010-04-01T09:00:00.003-04:002010-04-01T19:37:24.069-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">Art is funny. Sometimes it jumps out and grabs you and sometimes, it doesn't. Right now, nothing is grabbing me. Nothing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, here are my top five favorite pieces by John Singer Sargent. Maybe if I stare at them long enough it will get the art juices flowing again. I can't rank them, that would be way too hard. So here they are in random order. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7SyIV_H2PI/AAAAAAAAA6c/P6F-6spWo88/s320/Capri,+John+Singer+Sargent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455180905063110898" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">Capri</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> circa 1878, Oil</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;">The Warner Collection of Gulf States Paper Corporation</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"> Tuscaloosa, Alabama </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because I would love to be the woman perched on the ledge--feet up, clapping and letting the southern Italian wind blow through my hair. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7SyI8Zit0I/AAAAAAAAA6k/iP96bNPyZ10/s320/Cashmere,+John+Singer+Sargent.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455180915374470978" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Cashmere</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa 1908, Oil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Bill Gates Collection</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because their faces and robes are gorgeous. And when I say their I really mean "her." It's the same young woman (his niece) in 7 different poses. I know, (sigh), he was so talented. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7SyJfXY9qI/AAAAAAAAA68/einoKKnXoEo/s320/Sargent+Villa+di+Marlia-+A+Fountain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455180924760684194" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Villa di Marlia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> (A Fountain, Lucca Italy)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa 1910, Watercolor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Museum of Fine Arts, Boston</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love the patina on terracota pots and I love the lemons too. I tried to copy this last year in my own garden. The lemon tree didn't make it but the pot is getting there. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7SyJVgFrsI/AAAAAAAAA60/VCFsE0E0Tlg/s320/Sargent,+Carnation+Lily,+Lily+rose.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455180922112814786" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Carnation, Lily, Lily Rose</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">c. 1885, Oil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Tate Gallery, London</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The way the lanterns glow makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I like how the little girl in the front is focusing on carefully lighting her's too. It's cute.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7S16825QHI/AAAAAAAAA7E/n8nUex9nwJk/s320/Sargent+Bedouins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455185073025925234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Bedouins</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa 1905, Watercolor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Brooklyn Museum, New York</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Because Sargent blue beats </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://files.list.co.uk/images/2008/11/27/news-main-titian-lores.jpg">Titian blue</a> any day of the week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (Yes, I know that some people may think that is crazy talk.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So, I'll be back when something grabs me, or hits me, or speaks to me or whatever you want to call it. Jenny calls it "lack of inspiration." Maybe I've got a little case of that. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">PS. Today is my wonderful husband's birthday. Here is his favorite piece of art:</span></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S7S6l4Nm5QI/AAAAAAAAA7M/o-oZkh9NMXs/s320/dogs-playing-poker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455190208559899906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><i>Dogs Playing Poker</i> by </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> Cassius Coolidge</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">circa the early 1900's (yes, it really is that old!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>April Fools! He actually has really wonderful taste in art and he is a huge history nerd. Just two of the many reasons why I married him :) Happy Birthday A!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8052692205993783927?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-11932789494840843792010-03-29T21:51:00.002-04:002010-03-29T21:56:51.453-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've got to do a lot of this this week...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S7FZGn3PyHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/iuu9vbjxmTc/s1600/cassatt2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S7FZGn3PyHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/iuu9vbjxmTc/s400/cassatt2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454238594037172338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Woman Reading</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">by Mary Cassatt c. 1870s</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't you wish we could all look this ethereal when doing simple things like sitting down to read? Mary Cassatt was a master at making oil paintings look sweet and cozy.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S7FZGQbPTYI/AAAAAAAAAFo/qSZGudjHs10/s1600/cassatt1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S7FZGQbPTYI/AAAAAAAAAFo/qSZGudjHs10/s400/cassatt1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454238587745684866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Young Woman Reading</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mary Cassatt c. 1870s</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1193278949484084379?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02739071698728330522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-25371203043212897602010-03-26T14:09:00.010-04:002010-03-26T15:04:47.201-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I love Etsy. Every time I click the link I feel like I'm stepping into some little undiscovered city park art festival. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S60BKIKl6mI/AAAAAAAAA6U/Zb6rbYUS-Yo/s1600/Raspberry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S60BKIKl6mI/AAAAAAAAA6U/Zb6rbYUS-Yo/s320/Raspberry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453015997317769826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Raspberry</i> by Amber Alexander</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">8.5" x 11" Watercolor (Print)</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40103844"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Amber Alexander Shop</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z_vZR6K0I/AAAAAAAAA6M/buWyvuwJJCI/s1600/Keyholes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z_vZR6K0I/AAAAAAAAA6M/buWyvuwJJCI/s320/Keyholes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453014438543764290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Keyholes</i> by Holly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">11" x 8.5" Watercolor (Original)</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27284466"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">GollyBard</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z7eApeLiI/AAAAAAAAA6E/5cuYBJsBiFA/s1600/Colorful+Cactuses+and+Birds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z7eApeLiI/AAAAAAAAA6E/5cuYBJsBiFA/s320/Colorful+Cactuses+and+Birds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453009741827419682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Colorful Cactuses and Birds</i> by JooJoo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">8.5" x 11" Watercolor (print)</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42902846"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">JooJoo Shop</span></a></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z4eqqkTNI/AAAAAAAAA50/fjOcSNwOUnk/s320/How+I+see+it.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453006454571420882" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>How I See It</i> by Christine Lindstrom</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">5" x 5" Watercolor (original)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39522197"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">MiaAutum</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6z6kbIRUMI/AAAAAAAAA58/USXkvsHUoyg/s320/Autumn+Bamboo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453008752503509186" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Autumn Bamboo</i> by Marionette</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">7" x 8" Watercolor (original)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34995691"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Kauai Artist</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so maybe it doesn't feel <i>exactly</i> like that. But on this rainy Friday afternoon, it's as close as I'm going to get!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-2537120304321289760?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-86903469248621142442010-03-23T10:43:00.019-04:002010-03-24T22:28:14.788-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This weekend I went to the farmers market alone. This is a little dangerous considering this little weakness that I have... You see, I like things made out of found objects and one of the best places to find these sorts of things is at a farmers market.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Just in case you are scratching your head wondering what a found object has to do with art, here is a brief history. Found objects found their way into the mainstream art world around 1920 as a part of a greater artistic movement called Dadaism. Found object art work, also known as assemblage, is made out of random stuff you might find on the street, around your house or in a junk yard. Some of it will blow you away and some of it you may want to just throw away. And some of it really is, literally, trash. It's a strange genre. That's why I heart (most) of it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6lnLJnOv9I/AAAAAAAAA5c/V_Lgz6-QLyg/s320/Bird.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452002265165381586" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Mechanical Bir</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">d</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Jim Mullan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leftbankgallery.com/sculpture/mullan/mullan.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Left Bank Gallery</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, Orleans, MA</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(made from an old hunting decoy and other found objects)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The first "official" found object artist was French father of Dada, Marcel Duchamp. Duchamp's famous 1917 work, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fountain,</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is arguably one of the most influential and most controversial art pieces of the post-modern art world. Why? Well...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6k7uwGe6fI/AAAAAAAAA5E/Ov0BqNq3W68/s320/Duchamp%27s+Fountain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451954498280810994" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Reproduction of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Fountain</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> (original lost) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photographed by Alfred Stieglitz</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">...its a urinal. He found it, signed it with his alias and submitted to an art show. Most art historians will tell you that Duchamp's intention was for </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fountain</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> to be part commentary, part joke. Whatever his intention, Dechamp's found object jumpstarted a huge movement that reshaped the definition of art and led to millions of people uttering the phrase "that is </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">not </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">art!" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now back to my inner battle. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I think this pug, made out of belt buckles, kitchen utensils and air-conditioning unit parts, is awesome. And, if I had no self-control, less judgmental friends (just kidding!) and loads of money, I would buy it. Today.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6lpMB7VWvI/AAAAAAAAA5k/Ub79xwZrhPM/s320/pug+by+leo+sewell.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452004479305341682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Pug</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Leo Sewell </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since I do not want to weird out my friends and family by filling my house with life-size dogs covered in discarded wrenches and coke machine hoses, I fight the urge to bring such found object art home. My husband, who makes no secret of the fact that he hates found object art (especially the yard variety), reminds me every so often that I am not buy anything that even remotely resembles this:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jdtPh66eI/AAAAAAAAA4s/aX_j4ITY1uI/s320/Moe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451851118264642018" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Armadillo? via etsy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Or this:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jc5SoeIBI/AAAAAAAAA4k/zLNjUKCnHSU/s320/Bumble+bee.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451850225744224274" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Butterfly may out of toilet bowl buoy, via etsy</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But let me tell you, this weekend's trip to the farmer market trip was a full on war. I almost came home with a few new pets:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jUAT777LI/AAAAAAAAA4c/gS70nDGXlGs/s1600-h/Pig.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jUAT777LI/AAAAAAAAA4c/gS70nDGXlGs/s320/Pig.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451840450748738738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jT7a3fcHI/AAAAAAAAA4U/riWcde6OjuM/s1600-h/Goat.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jT7a3fcHI/AAAAAAAAA4U/riWcde6OjuM/s320/Goat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451840366709796978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jT66aW_1I/AAAAAAAAA4M/vMJ0jJ7wIj8/s1600-h/Chickens.jpg" style="text-decoration: none; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jT66aW_1I/AAAAAAAAA4M/vMJ0jJ7wIj8/s320/Chickens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451840357997674322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px; " /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">I love pigs but the goat is my favorite. I think it would </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">be funny sitting next to the trash can in my kitchen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm not into all types of found object art though. Bugs, robots and life-sized people made out of shovels and recycled car parts don't do anything for me. However, I find religious figurines, farm animals and things made out of license plates nearly irresistible. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I did give in to the temptation once on the side of the road in New Mexico when I was 19. I bought a small, rusted industrial can top covered in purple glitter with a holy card and some fake flowers and plastic gems hot glued to it. I just had to have it. (I believe Jenny has something similar, her's is teal.) My little New Mexican assemblage has been proudly displayed in a dorm room, an apartment and a condo kitchen. It now it lives on the book shelf in my home office. Every time I see it, I smile. That's probably weird. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6lkjBMLSiI/AAAAAAAAA5U/ysPvsXMEu2Y/s320/found+art.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451999376686402082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have desperately wanted one of these since first spotting it in a store window display in California many years ago. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6jlpfygrJI/AAAAAAAAA40/TzlNvbAIcEo/s320/license+plate+art.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451859850002738322" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">via Apartment Therapy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They are all over the place now, so it is really only a matter of time...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And I can promise you that if I ever come face to face with a pig made out of license plates, my husband is out of luck. I'm a goner. That porker is going on the kitchen island. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6lrWKThtoI/AAAAAAAAA5s/C3Y3HwnHH5E/s320/screen-capture-1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452006852376245890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px; " /></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Pig</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> by Leo Sewell</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ndigallery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">NDI Gallery</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, London</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8690346924862114244?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-53556071138528530532010-03-22T15:16:00.007-04:002010-03-22T15:37:33.248-04:00<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6fDmZzWypI/AAAAAAAAA3s/yMjanNlBnK8/s1600-h/Peter+Paul+Rubens+Allegory+of+war+1628.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6fDmZzWypI/AAAAAAAAA3s/yMjanNlBnK8/s320/Peter+Paul+Rubens+Allegory+of+war+1628.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451540938484009618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Peter Paul Rubens'</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Allegory of War</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">c. 1628</span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Liechtenstein Museum</span></span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5355607113852853053?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-50348812100001305202010-03-19T13:25:00.013-04:002010-03-19T14:13:46.066-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nobody does spring quite like the French and nobody does springtime in France quite like Claude Monet. Nobody!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O44wwRaQI/AAAAAAAAA3U/jEFdJ5ja7xg/s320/claude+monet+spring+in+giverny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450403259347986690" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Spring in Giverny</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O59b9yMBI/AAAAAAAAA3c/gmoDXtQuJek/s320/monet+Springtime+on+La+Grade+Jatte.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450404439178489874" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Springtime on La Grande Jatte</span></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O3FAoWq5I/AAAAAAAAA3E/OqMcnTmRDEU/s320/claude+monet+le+printemps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450401270744918930" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Le Printemps</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O3FWzgjgI/AAAAAAAAA3M/r4U8Vs96GYA/s1600-h/Claude+Monet+Fields+In+Spring.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O3FWzgjgI/AAAAAAAAA3M/r4U8Vs96GYA/s320/Claude+Monet+Fields+In+Spring.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450401276697284098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Fields in Sprin</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">g</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O3EoV-JnI/AAAAAAAAA28/VsRUrADfMYo/s1600-h/monet+the+stroll.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6O3EoV-JnI/AAAAAAAAA28/VsRUrADfMYo/s320/monet+the+stroll.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450401264225363570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">T</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">he Stroll</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spring has finally arrived here in the south and I hope it has come to your neck of the woods too. (If it hasn't, I'm sorry for rubbing it in.) Either way, have a beautiful weekend!</span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5034881210000130520?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-41274109157944643012010-03-18T08:36:00.003-04:002010-03-18T08:59:07.493-04:00I am alarmed at the number 13 year olds reenacting the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs">TiK ToK</a> video on youtube. Where are their parents and do they have any idea what their 7th grade daughters are uploading to the internet!?! <div><br /><div>Okay, I'm done.</div><div><br /></div><div>This one is funny:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d7n8GqewJ2M&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d7n8GqewJ2M&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-4127410915794464301?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-56551556589858810822010-03-17T06:00:00.004-04:002010-03-17T15:26:07.983-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Those words, taken from my favorite Irish Catholic blessing, seem to be captured perfectly by American artist Barrie Maguire. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6A1iti7x-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/LKI6NvGLJ8E/s320/celtic+biker.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449414419576244194" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Celtic Biker</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Barrie fell hard for Ireland while vacationing there with his wife, Karen.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6A1aeb_BAI/AAAAAAAAA2g/APL0IYlPCoE/s1600-h/rainyday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6A1aeb_BAI/AAAAAAAAA2g/APL0IYlPCoE/s320/rainyday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449414278081610754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Rainy Day in Clare</span></i></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He has been painting it ever since. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6A1aNtKT6I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/nXc6a5znJv4/s1600-h/morningnap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S6A1aNtKT6I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/nXc6a5znJv4/s320/morningnap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449414273590251426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Morning Nap</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I have never been to Ireland, but I can imagine why Mr. Maguire was so enchanted. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">His blog, </span><a href="http://paintingireland.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&amp;updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&amp;max-results=50"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hijacked by Ireland</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, is full of paintings and other beautiful images of Ireland from his new day to day </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ireland-2010-Day-Day-Calendar/dp/0740783181/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1251054143&amp;sr=8-9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">calendar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, which I will be picking up for my fridge asap!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you and may God hold you in the palm of his hand!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down,Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in the</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me”</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-The Breastplate of Saint Patrick</span></i></span></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-5655155658985881082?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-31904297367791237042010-03-15T08:55:00.011-04:002010-03-15T10:10:45.720-04:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I just discovered </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Polyvore</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and I am totally addicted. It is a free website that allows you to choose from tens of thousands of high resolution image files of everything from the latest fashions, fun fonts and backgrounds to create your own digital collages. You can move them, resize them and layer them to your hearts content. And the best part is, you can use it with absolutely no knowledge of complex graphic design programs!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is one I made yesterday:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S54z2sBAXlI/AAAAAAAAA14/Gm4LHOxM3MM/s320/Outfit.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448849613786209874" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Obviously, I had clothes on the brain. But, you can do so much more than just make you own fashion mood boards. While it is ultimately a brilliant marketing tool for designers and retailers, Polyvore is also a really cool and unexpected art portal. These caught my eye:</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S542QfmbumI/AAAAAAAAA2A/7SBWXkwomsY/s320/Art.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448852256153385570" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Art by </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/art/set?id=16640180"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Angie</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S54u2X2hz5I/AAAAAAAAA1o/g-p8ThMmzzQ/s1600-h/Spring+in+Venise.png"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S54u2X2hz5I/AAAAAAAAA1o/g-p8ThMmzzQ/s1600-h/Spring+in+Venise.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S54u2X2hz5I/AAAAAAAAA1o/g-p8ThMmzzQ/s320/Spring+in+Venise.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448844110815416210" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Spring in Venise by </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_in_venise/set?id=5275292"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Tanya777 </span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(Yes, she spelled Venice that way...)</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-3190429736779123704?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-1990274858720941832010-03-13T02:12:00.007-05:002010-03-13T10:32:17.720-05:00<div style="text-align: left;">Rather than discuss my upcoming Spring Break trip (tomorrow morning, to be exact) to Florida, let's just pretend I'm off to Sainte-Adresse, France, for the week...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ar8XOsI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LqDJOfCGGKQ/s400/793px-Claude_Monet_-_Jardin_%C3%A0_Sainte-Adresse_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448015702916545218" border="0" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9a8stevI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PJnxmRAVGG0/s1600-h/793px-Claude_Monet_-_Jardin_%C3%A0_Sainte-Adresse.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:78%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Terrasse à Sainte-Adresse</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">by Claude Monet, 1866-67</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oh yes! I see me!<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Looks like I'm not too interested in getting a tan this spring break...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 142px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9a8stevI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PJnxmRAVGG0/s400/793px-Claude_Monet_-_Jardin_%C3%A0_Sainte-Adresse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448015707414297330" border="0" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ZycloxI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/oSyGSH6pDZc/s400/Monet_regates_a_St_adresse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448015687482450706" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Régates à Sainte-Adress</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span">e</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">by Claude Monet, 1866-67</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:78%;">Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here I am again! Still shunning the vitamin D...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ZovOHzI/AAAAAAAAAFI/4RfGK7FJQZE/s1600-h/Monet_regates_a_St_adresse_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 118px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ZovOHzI/AAAAAAAAAFI/4RfGK7FJQZE/s400/Monet_regates_a_St_adresse_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448015684876246834" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Ha-ha, I wish. I guess this will have to do :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ZfSo1II/AAAAAAAAAFA/JcdKFTdqE50/s1600-h/n1402230406_30266827_4918.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5s9ZfSo1II/AAAAAAAAAFA/JcdKFTdqE50/s400/n1402230406_30266827_4918.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448015682340443266" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">The poster I have of this in my dorm room doesn't exactly do<br />it justice now that I think about it...</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'm really thinking I should go buy a white parasol. Have a great week!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-199027485872094183?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02739071698728330522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-18141028758826750872010-03-12T14:50:00.005-05:002010-03-12T16:44:37.168-05:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I was little my mom taught me how to cross stitch. I was really into if for a few months but then I stopped for like, 15 years. Now I'm thinking about starting it up again. Cross stitch is one of those things you never forget how to do. Plus, it's totally mindless so you can do it in front of the TV or at the pool or in line at the DMV or where ever.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So what do you think? Should I take up this traditional folk craft again or is it too...what's the phrase...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5kXSGyHOdI/AAAAAAAAAzw/J2ns0_7G8mo/s320/Golden+Girls+Cross+Stitch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447410824107211218" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Golden Girls Cross Stitch Pattern </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42399660&amp;ref=cat2_gallery_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Cinnamon Woods Crafts</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Speaking of old, cross stitch has been around for centuries. It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty in China (618-906 AD) and has been a popular women's craft in virturally every culture since the middle age</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s. (1)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We saw some gorgeous examples of Chinese cross stitch and embroidery on a recent trip to China but unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures! (When a communist government says no pictures, they mean </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">no pictures</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.) Chinese street markets and shops are filled all kinds of hand stitching, from exquisitely ornate to hideously tacky. I did alot of browsing, but in the end I didn't bring any home. The prices for works of noticeably good quality were steep and I wasn't willing to take any chances on buying something that was a fake. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here are two beautiful examples of Chinese needlework from Ruby Lane:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5kdxgrmJ_I/AAAAAAAAA0A/6riop8M0hgo/s320/China,+Ruby+Lane.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447417960704911346" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Quiq Framed Embroidery, c. 18th century</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rubylane.com/shops/nicole-la-bay/item/1496EMB"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Nicole La Bay</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> via Ruby Lane</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5kfYdptWQI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/rG141QRfUsg/s320/Bird,+Ruby+Lane.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447419729418213634" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Suzhlou Silk Birds, c. 1950's</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rubylane.com/shops/bittersweet-antiques/item/embroidery-3x20panel"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Bittersweet Antiques</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> via Ruby Lane</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">By the 1600's the popularity of the Sampler was on the rise. (1) The first known sampler was made by a British woman named Jane Bostocke in 1598 and it is currently </span><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/textiles/features/embroidery/objects/object.php?id=8&amp;id2=0&amp;action=&amp;hits=&amp;page=&amp;pages=&amp;object"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">on display</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Samplers grew to play a major role in the education of young girls and traditionally included the alphabet and numbers. More detailed works included bible verses and primitive depictions of animals and flowers. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As the role of women in society and the work place changed and technology evolved, samplers become simply an amusing pastime. By the WWII, the cross stitch sampler's popularity had waned almost completely. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5kbYvkEgEI/AAAAAAAAAz4/CktC_wwxFLU/s320/antique+sampler.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447415336179892290" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Antique Sampler </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Ken's Antiques and Auctions of </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Kingston, Georgia, Photo via </span><a href="http://www.luxist.com/tag/antiques/page/2/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Luxist Blog</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lately, cross stitch has seen a bit of a revival, which I believe is thanks to the wide variety of clever free patterns available online. As both a nerd and a child of the late 80's, this one by Johloh cracks me up:</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5kVV1R4UkI/AAAAAAAAAzo/VPR983QszVU/s320/duck_hunt_cross_stitch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447408689104835138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Duck Hunt Cross Stitch</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">from </span><a href="http://www.spritestitch.com/?cat=49"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Spite Stitch</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(PS: Johloh runs a website called </span><a href="http://www.spritestitch.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sprite Stitch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, which is dedicated to "Video Game Crafts." I kid you not.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span>While I do believe that the basset hound would look really good in a Duck Hunt bandana, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I think I'm going to start out with one of these cute printable patterns by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andwabisabi"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Andwabisabi Cross Stitch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">:</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5qYTKT5VSI/AAAAAAAAA0g/uZzR70ShQaU/s320/Andwabisabi+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447834154210776354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5qYS3vW2iI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2dshfybnUIM/s320/andwabisabi+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447834149225683490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5qYTRBlb3I/AAAAAAAAA0o/lmnjJ0bd09o/s320/anwabisabi+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447834156013023090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">1) </span><a href="http://www.thecrossstitchguild.co.uk/study1.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Cross Stitch Guild</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">, Threads of History by Jo Verso</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-1814102875882675087?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-27196793202021679962010-03-10T16:10:00.010-05:002010-03-11T10:20:28.258-05:00<div style="text-align: left;">What a gloomy day! All this rain makes me feel like I'm part of an Ashcan School painting.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5gPhJn7YYI/AAAAAAAAAEo/DrccF3X7-90/s400/ashcanJohnSloan" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447120811498103170" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Wet Night on the Bowery</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by John Sloan, 1911</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Delaware Art Museum</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The "Ashcan School" was a group of eight American painters in the early 20th century that sought to portray life in an emotionally realistic way- with a gritty urban setting. American realist John Henri was their leader.</div><div><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5gQKVlPQnI/AAAAAAAAAEw/hmjS4-AABbc/s400/ashcanRH1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447121519082685042" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Snow in New York</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by Robert Henri, 1902</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Typical subject matter included gritty scenes of poverty or bleak urban areas. Their work has also been referred to as "New York Realism."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think this one is exquisite:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4bhqLUA7Xag/S5gRuA3Yh0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/C05Xt3HV0mM/s400/sloan6winter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447123231508563778" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Six O'Clock, Winter</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">by John Sloan, 1912</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.</span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-2719679320202167996?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02739071698728330522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-83150677633445572272010-03-10T13:57:00.007-05:002010-03-10T14:07:22.508-05:00So I know I am going to get alot of hate mail from my friends and probably several shelter bloggers I love but...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5fr-XuRMfI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rlJVtvytaX8/s1600-h/Keep+Calm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0y_HeWpjb4/S5fr-XuRMfI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rlJVtvytaX8/s320/Keep+Calm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447081731080401394" border="0" /></a>These are overdone. Find a new poster.<br /></div><br />(Oh stop it. You know you have been secretly thinking it too.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5853172908793354521-8315067763344557227?l=weheartmostart.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400434133518193423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5853172908793354521.post-7406083092117259432010-03-08T14:31:00.009-05:002010-03-08T16:06:32.550-05:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I'm back. We art hearters have been busy with work, visitors, weekend trips and life in general