The above definition may mock shopping, but I believe that we can all benefit from some retail therapy! I have been a shopper since I was a teenager! Some of you will know that I have spent a fair amount of time on both sides of the cash register. I started working in retail when… Continue reading Retail Therapy…
The most wonderful time of the year…
I'm sure you've seen the "Staples" commercial, (The Most Wonderful Time of the Year) that plays on TV during the back to school season. Parents gleefully wheeling their carts down the aisles, loading up on school supplies, barely concealing their enthusiasm about the kids going back to school! I, too, was always happy to see… Continue reading The most wonderful time of the year…
Summer…
Summer, the favourite season of many, is here along with lazy days, long, warm evenings, and family vacations. "Summertime", composed in 1935, (music by George Gershwin, lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin) was an aria performed in the opera, Porgy and Bess. The song soon became a popular jazz standard (Billy Holiday) and is considered… Continue reading Summer…
Espalier…
The technique of espaliering trees or plants against a flat surface originated in ancient Rome. In the northern hemisphere, a south-facing wall is best for espalier and vice versa for the southern hemisphere. South or west-facing walls (northern hemisphere) reflect sunlight and also retain heat which extends the growing season. Taking advantage of… Continue reading Espalier…
I Adore (J’Dore) Dior…
In 2017, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs of Paris, hosted a 6-month exhibition to celebrate 70 years of Dior. Since that time many cities around the world have held similar exhibits honouring "Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams". I was fortunate to see the exhibit at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary with my daughter.… Continue reading I Adore (J’Dore) Dior…
Family…
One thing that is certain in life is that we are all "part of a family". We have parents, grandparents, and possibly siblings, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Over the years, the appearance of a typical family unit has changed. Rarely are families as large as they were in our parent's generation, most people… Continue reading Family…
The Beat Goes On…
This past weekend friends treated us to a lovely dinner and to join them to see the Cher concert. I'll admit to not being a huge Cher fan (with the exception of the early Sonny and Cher music), but I do have enormous admiration for her. If you expected to see a rock concert you may… Continue reading The Beat Goes On…
The Wind in the Willows…
"The Wind in the Willows" is a much-loved children's book by Kenneth Grahame about four animal friends. This photo of a Weeping Willow almost mirrors the scene of the first meeting of Mole and Rat (characters from the book) at the river. Rat then takes Mole for a boat ride. Weeping Willow trees… Continue reading The Wind in the Willows…
A Kitchen Garden…
The interiors of the movies written and directed by Nancy Meyers... "Something's Gotta Give", "The Holiday", "The Intern", and many more... are the envy of most of us, but it's the kitchen garden in "It's Complicated" that I have coveted. That garden had the formal "bones" consistent with the French style potager. I… Continue reading A Kitchen Garden…
For Moms…
Mothering, and childhood has changed considerably throughout the generations. Years ago large families and poverty often went hand in hand with daily survival being the main objective. Pampering children wasn't an option. Modern times have given mothers and their children more opportunity to build that precious bond with the help of extended families ("it takes a… Continue reading For Moms…
