I wish I had written that . . .

Every once in awhile you run across a song or a poem or a story or a piece of art that just grabs hold of your attention. It's different for everyone. Something that I find absolutely amazing is probably boring or cliche to someone else. I say that but, personally, I'm never bored learning new things about other people. We're all so different and yet so much alike. Indisputable proof, in my opinion, that there is a God.

Back in 1998 the movie Practical Magic came out - great movie, better book - and there was this song on the soundtrack that totally captivated me. To this day I can hear that song and feel so . . . in tune. I can't explain it. There's something universal and true in it that speaks to me. Anyway, here is Nowhere and Everywhere by Michelle Lewis. I wish I had written that.

*The image to the left is a leather mask designed for carnival in Venice. I wish I had saved the artist's name, but it definitely ranks as one of those "wish I had made that" treasures.

Fabulous Friday: Portrait Safari II

I've decided to go with a Ladies in Blue theme today. All three of these portraits were painted by the artist de Laszlo. I wasn't able to find much biographical information about them though.

Countess Dénes Széchényi (nee Émilie de Riquet, comtesse de Caraman-Chimay)

Mrs. Elinor Glyn, the original romance novelist. Now we know who to thank/blame.

Lady Alistiar Graham, who reminds me of Shakepeare's Ophelia in this painting.

Reading my sister's blog this morning gave me quite a laugh. She reminisces about our eccentric family and one of my more creative but less practical artistic experiments - the painted sofa.

I hope you all have lovely weekends. I'm off to see the Sex and The City movie this evening.

A Mad Tea Party

`Take some more tea,' the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
`I've had nothing yet,' Alice replied in an offended tone, `so I can't take more.'
`You mean you can't take LESS,' said the Hatter: `it's very easy to take MORE than nothing.'

Mother's Pride has tagged me to show my tea cups.

The first is my day-to-day stoneware mug that is a good size for any warm, soothing drink. Functional but not very interesting.

This is my rose tea cup and I do actually use it. Perhaps I shouldn't but it seems silly to just look at it. It is perfect for a nice cup of Twining's Lady Grey in the morning.

I also drink a lot of Japanese green tea (matcha) and have an assortment of tea cups. The lack of handles means you have to wait patiently for your tea to cool before you can drink it. The cast iron tea pot was made in the Year of the Dog and has a little Shiba, like my Wasabi, on it.

And so I tag Liz, Jennie, Kathi and Jennifer.

"Clean cup! Clean Cup! Move down! Move down!"

Sardonic Manor

I'm pretty sure the fact that I find this
funny makes me a HUGE geek.

Literary Patrol

"Sir, that's the second time you've used a double negative without satirical or ironic intent. I'm going to have to ask you to put your hands behind your back. You have the right to a grammarian. If you do not have a grammarian, one will be appointed for you by the court. You have the right to remain silent and you are strongly encouraged to do so if you are unsure of noun/verb agreement . . ."

Saturday, Officer B invited me to join him on patrol which both surprised and delighted me. His patrol car strikes me as being his office and I worried about getting in the way, but he quickly put me at ease and we were flying through town with lights and sirens blaring. Quite an exciting change from my usual Saturday evening.

There were mad people behaving madly, and drunks drinking (and consequently driving through fences and into trees). My overall impression was that law enforcement would be far less busy if people wouldn't drink to excess . . . and take drugs. Less alcohol and drugs would be advisable.

Oh, and it is very hard to find time to eat. That radio never shuts up!

And police officers are very funny, albeit a bit gross.

And the police doggies look very sweet but can't be cuddled or spoiled on duty.

So, remember don't leave your modifiers dangling and pay your library fines - you never know when the Literary Patrol will be on the streets!

*I honestly don't remember where I found the picture, but it makes me laugh every time.

Fabulous Friday: Portrait Safari

I went on one of my hunts for new portraits this week and hit the jackpot, so instead of just one painting I thought I'd give you a sampling of my finds.

Countess Ada Lovelace, the "first computer programmer". I had no clue that she was Lord Byron's daughter.

The lady in the photograph below was listed as the Duchess of Manchester. I couldn't find out any biographical information but I thought including her was appropriate given Manchester United's win this week.

I found a new portrait of one of my all-time favorites,Princess Zinaida Yusupova

And then there was this gorgeous photograph of Consuelo Vanderbilt.

Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend and a pleasant Memorial Day.

Man. Utd. 6: Chelsea 5!

Manchester United: Kings of Europe