tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28377469700731777192024-03-13T10:58:43.013-07:00Notes from FlandersA sometimes journal about all things beautiful,objects of desire, interiors and things I love.Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-51110985692809174042016-10-25T19:29:00.004-07:002016-10-28T13:31:59.799-07:00Priceless: A Piece of Porch with Peeling Paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>"I was embarrassed to stand in the check out line with what you wanted me to buy, Renee."</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My client was telling me that for her to fork over $65 for a piece of a porch with peeling paint made her feel a little confused. I convinced her, though, that this piece would be the inspiration and driving force for the design of her new bedroom. It would determine the color scheme and lend an authority of something unique, something with character, something with history. It would drive a plethora of philosophical and aesthetic ideas. It would hang over her headboard and she would have sweet dreams. That is quite a bit of value for $65! Happily, my client trusted me, and we embarked on another adventurous design. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Join me now for an autumn excursion to my favorite antiques shops in St. Louis!</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><u>Quintessential Antiques</u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The little gem shown above, which I personally 'touched up' with a glaze to prevent flaking paint, was rescued from the landfill by <b><u><span style="color: #990000;">Quintessential Antiques</span></u></b>. It is open the first 7 days of the month, for 7 days, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><b><i>A Tall Order</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This larder that they found in an old farmhouse was a great find for yours truly. It satisfied the storage needs for my small kitchen and more! The piece is faux wood grained, but you'd never know it wasn't 'real'!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Rockin' n Rollin'</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above is another favorite find for the previously mentioned client. This enigmatic rusty wheel filled with rubble was the perfect piece to put beneath her Hepplewhite console in the entrance hallway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>R. Ege Antiques</u></b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><u> R. Ege Antiques</u> </span></b>never fails to deliver. Rick Ege fills containers from Belgium, France, Germany, and Holland to begin a new life in his charming shop. I tell my clients they can never make a mistake with anything that has caught Rick's eye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>How much is that doggy in the window?</i></span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's not for sale; it's Rick's shop dog keeping watch. But Rick always has a menagerie of dog paintings, sculptures, etc, and other animals in some form or another. Always good for a smile or a treat to take home.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">Fruits in formaldehyde</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rick's creative mind draws buyers from all over the country. Whimsical, wonderful, and wacky, are a few adjectives that come to mind. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Light as a feather</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> You can be assured of good taste, great style, and prices that can't be found in the bigger cities.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>See through seafood</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is an academic hanging that I'm dying to use in some kitchen project for a lucky client.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Suttonwood Antiques</u></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJYWXI6PrwUA6mhA_iPkgjk5Vk6DCSmFywjB6g8TC4XYFohYDXn7iNfNpUutPxDmjT1hv_6NQXzO61G_WnGqgxVLONEHzd344OR1jJuNNTIGoKON3dkmCY8Jt9O2y_R6ufuHapIAs/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJYWXI6PrwUA6mhA_iPkgjk5Vk6DCSmFywjB6g8TC4XYFohYDXn7iNfNpUutPxDmjT1hv_6NQXzO61G_WnGqgxVLONEHzd344OR1jJuNNTIGoKON3dkmCY8Jt9O2y_R6ufuHapIAs/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><i>Raincoat at the ready</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Another favorite shop close to Rick's is found nearby at </span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><u>Suttonwood Antiques</u></span></b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">. Peter Campbell, of Australia, tirelessly travels the far east in search of treasures such as this Chinese rain cape. You are equally as likely to find the ideal commode, console or cabinet at cut-rate costs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Seeing the sea coral is an open and shut case</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A carload of recent pickings from<b> <span style="color: #783f04;"><u>Suttonwood</u></span></b> that will grace a magnificent mansion.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Warson Woods Antique Gallery</u></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lIlM_b3szuP_dmJwQ6g5vWdM5n3NzS5K-eKFb3pY-u83J0lEJWPvDpKZfMtdgq_F414m0lB0_FeZrmxcHO-OddWYs6tRU2DlLACM0X3M17ILiN8sgL7pqbXNKt6Hi4ElBlE8v8Rq/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lIlM_b3szuP_dmJwQ6g5vWdM5n3NzS5K-eKFb3pY-u83J0lEJWPvDpKZfMtdgq_F414m0lB0_FeZrmxcHO-OddWYs6tRU2DlLACM0X3M17ILiN8sgL7pqbXNKt6Hi4ElBlE8v8Rq/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though I love the smaller shops and each individual proprietor, there are treasures to be found at a antiques malls, too. It's a bit overwhelming, like being in a department store, to stomp by booth after booth in search of your favorite collector, but it's frequently worth the effort. Here we visit one of my favorites, <b><span style="color: #999999;"><u>Warson Woods Antique Gallery</u></span>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Rows of rusty nails for your rathskeller</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And what do we find right off the bat, but a couple of distillery doors that simply demand to be adopted by the most distinguishing connoisseur!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Treasure Aisles Antiques Mall</u></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha461bMQDgrC53bvKU8grGO7jDA41j3qSpzrNdoU8mLC4OKs0Gn-hNzKe8NWDiDbjjq_8Ism3JAa1uf4cFKpT8TdcgmXBAoST2DbS92HqJvX74AQNM5YvMiZKYfJrZ511jvldbnzXR/s1600/IMG_3790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha461bMQDgrC53bvKU8grGO7jDA41j3qSpzrNdoU8mLC4OKs0Gn-hNzKe8NWDiDbjjq_8Ism3JAa1uf4cFKpT8TdcgmXBAoST2DbS92HqJvX74AQNM5YvMiZKYfJrZ511jvldbnzXR/s400/IMG_3790.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i>The word is mum</i></b></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">Another favorite trove to troll is at </span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><u><b>Treasure Aisles</b></u></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;">. You do have to sift through a lot of trash, but then you may be struck dumb with amazement, and will find, as Howard Carter found when he peered into King Tut's tomb and was asked by Lord Carnovon, 'Can you see anything?' Carter responded,</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">'Yes, wonderful things!' </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And that is what you will find when you venture forth into these neighborhood stores! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><b>For those of you who don't have good antiquing options in your area, check out Invaluable, an online auction house that has tons of <a href="http://www.invaluable.com/collectibles/pc-BQWOG3FLWY/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">antiques and collectibles</a>. They even put together a <a href="http://www.invaluable.com/blog/roadmap-for-summer-antiquing-in-america/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">blog post</a> about antiquing!</b></span><b><br /></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"> Happy autumn antiquing!</span></i></b></div>
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<span id="goog_593329709"></span><span id="goog_593329710"></span>Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-27210908277069235272016-09-17T17:37:00.002-07:002016-09-17T17:52:36.400-07:00What I Did Last Summer<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This summer I took upon myself the climbing of a metaphorical mountain. Climbing real mountains doesn't appeal to me so much as tackling artistic monuments, even if, as an amateur, it is only to breathe its rarefied air for a moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My goal was to reach the summit of Chopin's Nocturne Opus 48 No. 1, demanding stamina and technique that would be enormously challenging. Well, all I wanted to do was at least <i>try</i> to get a glimpse at its majesty. It is described by some as the greatest and noblest of the nocturnes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC6gmXTz0hfKKqxQ8lfgRlzboZ0zoH-gY8ICJG5JY-6hWi_PlX5H-H0P8q1BCCTsoLdrs5ik8NnnEYMxAAuhvjSogBfJ8hvLMKSLBukYWMUGZmUJ6VgQSwqRJeXh3iHt6Mh826jWH/s1600/base+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC6gmXTz0hfKKqxQ8lfgRlzboZ0zoH-gY8ICJG5JY-6hWi_PlX5H-H0P8q1BCCTsoLdrs5ik8NnnEYMxAAuhvjSogBfJ8hvLMKSLBukYWMUGZmUJ6VgQSwqRJeXh3iHt6Mh826jWH/s400/base+camp.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spent a long time here getting my bearings and gathering prayer flags of those who had gone before me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7-i6no2XQJYkK-eocbvYfrpMy81xaPwdecwCORoLCedw8SBOI4vHK_x2BsMwOcTNSS-y7iE_o2vVoH2SGsJN4vL8seuP_-qSfCslNXmPkC3ofIoh4ZfIe4U25On-qokUD0TtTzEH/s1600/mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7-i6no2XQJYkK-eocbvYfrpMy81xaPwdecwCORoLCedw8SBOI4vHK_x2BsMwOcTNSS-y7iE_o2vVoH2SGsJN4vL8seuP_-qSfCslNXmPkC3ofIoh4ZfIe4U25On-qokUD0TtTzEH/s400/mountain.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a musical mountain of crashing chords and sublime sonority, of textural treasures that traverse from high to low in an instant.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO2WMmrTmvE55d76xY3sD-zEzyEQabxlrrVcxGxRjdSkMktDpefTf5pfIsQ0IeYNZHQ2dKwtKZGBu4ZL_Zt_utUmeyDG-3hdgy27swNYfcpPxuNgAsoq4wP3xaXfylaly7RdzX5Ha/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO2WMmrTmvE55d76xY3sD-zEzyEQabxlrrVcxGxRjdSkMktDpefTf5pfIsQ0IeYNZHQ2dKwtKZGBu4ZL_Zt_utUmeyDG-3hdgy27swNYfcpPxuNgAsoq4wP3xaXfylaly7RdzX5Ha/s400/IMG_0136.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Necessary equipment for getting to the summit: a clock... a metronome....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUpW7AP1lcOrV71LYMEfQffbwy3u-lSax6EPU_jBehjf_318hj8MtI_czrsQNd_0AO3IiQVtmmuwgECu8w1J2gF2GStYdloXG2ZlbcUenKSHbvGpujXxzns7IDx_8KBYx6h4fhuwA/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUpW7AP1lcOrV71LYMEfQffbwy3u-lSax6EPU_jBehjf_318hj8MtI_czrsQNd_0AO3IiQVtmmuwgECu8w1J2gF2GStYdloXG2ZlbcUenKSHbvGpujXxzns7IDx_8KBYx6h4fhuwA/s400/IMG_0135.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">.... a keepsake photo showing my first attempts at scaling the heights.....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKCr7RtTCv-qlbR5pC-uQd8IcNQFqY1I54WwFZvz6LY5wPn6H4HTz0JwkkpqlikWpXwFyoLD9Fcxuk_atgREJLavbTn0st4xBLh7sJ0BGI_UcC-ywStBbAaoSiXHsgeCp3XNVTZd0/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKCr7RtTCv-qlbR5pC-uQd8IcNQFqY1I54WwFZvz6LY5wPn6H4HTz0JwkkpqlikWpXwFyoLD9Fcxuk_atgREJLavbTn0st4xBLh7sJ0BGI_UcC-ywStBbAaoSiXHsgeCp3XNVTZd0/s400/IMG_0138.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My pack-horse? A leather padded and adjustable bench built for comfort and endurance that carried my weight through the arduous climb.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZOouruQ7jtTlpweGdclgCECFCsUMfG0hAgeWmAHoUsgAme79fjLGfaWAJcNNyYcf2O5XiA_oyFSJWcJaVCRqBw2VyTY78wwdi319teWc49KMWKv8yIM0Fw7DPEB0jyz7ZnusZheP/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZOouruQ7jtTlpweGdclgCECFCsUMfG0hAgeWmAHoUsgAme79fjLGfaWAJcNNyYcf2O5XiA_oyFSJWcJaVCRqBw2VyTY78wwdi319teWc49KMWKv8yIM0Fw7DPEB0jyz7ZnusZheP/s400/IMG_0130.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crampons for footholds? The brass pedals helped with shaping nuances as only Chopin could imagine.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUBNjDxPHTqo6Xio2hvHO39BB3bZd5_kLFOycRlmpdJtieGUJB0ZlM9gJqvWwQqcKqXU3niDH2jYhwRcFLPMfpbDnwQD1wEAAMP_BKRitZsSqFvoalCBIIkeV01hl6lCjkpv6jWYQ/s1600/IMG_0971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUBNjDxPHTqo6Xio2hvHO39BB3bZd5_kLFOycRlmpdJtieGUJB0ZlM9gJqvWwQqcKqXU3niDH2jYhwRcFLPMfpbDnwQD1wEAAMP_BKRitZsSqFvoalCBIIkeV01hl6lCjkpv6jWYQ/s400/IMG_0971.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My sherpa? None other than longtime expert guide Kathi Kurtzman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Listen to how a great artist such as Valentina Lititsa interprets the piece. Perhaps in another incarnation, I can play like her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pere Lachaise Cemetery</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chopin died too young at the age of 39. Here, at his grave, daily visitors from all over the world bear witness to his ability to plumb our deepest emotions through his heavenly music. Lucky for me to share his birthday and for him to be born again every time I play his music! Happily, there are many more musical masterpieces of his to muster!</span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-88720247417624477402016-07-16T12:30:00.001-07:002016-07-16T12:30:56.636-07:00How to Serve Palmetto<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bu_Pa9OL-AA" width="459"></iframe>Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-76965064941977154812016-04-02T11:16:00.001-07:002016-04-02T11:16:04.847-07:00Notes from Flanders: Voice Lessons<a href="http://notesfromflanders.blogspot.com/2016/04/voice-lessons.html?spref=bl">Notes from Flanders: Voice Lessons</a>: So the song I'm singing now is a song of spring. Like a bird, I can attempt to slide up and down the scale, or chirp the same note ...Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-42695925353636476232016-04-02T10:42:00.001-07:002016-04-02T14:31:41.960-07:00Voice Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MjlcAY1estduNkwfJAS53CMAJsigPGQOgAz47iQ7VJ7OVPsZPpz8E1_O8jNt2M_huqdR6sTi-k0XzrvlpcyQwKWe6oxi0ECwFLx1FEwhLQAgKn2Hs026_wTgFyTFRysAMiX5cd3O/s1600/birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MjlcAY1estduNkwfJAS53CMAJsigPGQOgAz47iQ7VJ7OVPsZPpz8E1_O8jNt2M_huqdR6sTi-k0XzrvlpcyQwKWe6oxi0ECwFLx1FEwhLQAgKn2Hs026_wTgFyTFRysAMiX5cd3O/s320/birds.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So the song I'm singing now is a song of spring. Like a bird, I can attempt to slide up and down the scale, or chirp the same note on consecutive phrases. What tune might this be, you would ask? None other than "Mi chiamano Mimi" from La Boheme by Puccini. Specifically, the lyrics midway are:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">guardo sui tetti e in cielo;</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ma quando vien lo sgelo il primo sole e mio</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">il primo bacio dell'aprile e mio!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">il primo sole e mio!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I look over the roofs and into the sky,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">but when comes the thaw the first sun is mine</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the first kiss of April is mine!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the first sun is mine!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sounds a little like me, me, and mine, but I guess that's why they call her Mimi. Still, I like the poetic concept. The birds now are greeting the dawn an hour in advance with their songs, and I've spotted many a one singing their little hearts out perched on the highest branch of a tree. Their repertoires are complex and gloriously uplifting, and like a opera, generally about love and boundaries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not content to be a passive listener to these arias, a few years ago I thought I would give it a go of trying it out myself. The idea of finding my authentic voice was appealing, as it was with my first cry when born. Unfortunately, this primordial pleasure is frequently corrupted by self-consciousness and shame as one leaves childhood behind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Taking time to twitter is as vital to one's soul as any art. The ultimate in luxury is a private voice lesson, when your very own teacher focuses exclusively on your vocal folds as if under a microscope. With a piano accompaniment, a beautiful melody, and personal participation, where is there more bliss?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Listen in to a talented soprano being coached "Mi chiamano Mimi" by Maria Callas:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Great singers make it seem effortless, and my operatic career will have to wait for another reincarnation. Still, I fantasize about groups of friends sharing song together as was common years ago for entertainment, simply for the fun of it. As a true amateur (translates as lover), I do it for love rather than for money.</span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-64496410033735455082015-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:002015-07-06T11:35:30.761-07:00Petition For Postmen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After a nice respite from the rain Fourth of July weekend, we are now experiencing one more hurricane caliber storm. The poor postman requires a new wardrobe in addition to the summer shorts and pith helmet already in circulation. I am proposing the following attire in response to the extremely wet conditions that they have had to endure for the past few weeks:</div>
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Blue swimming trunks with requisite black stripe.</div>
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Adult size blue floaties.</div>
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Blue flippers.</div>
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Flip flops optional. Goggle issues are in the works and will be available shortly.</div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-29595185364706566382015-07-03T13:25:00.000-07:002015-07-04T00:37:18.668-07:00More Showers Expected Today<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After the wettest June on record in our small geographical area of the world, it seems redundant to step into the small glass box in my home and turn on the shower in order to get wet. Would it not make more sense, in terms of saving water, to simply step outside with my soap and shampoo?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The latest storm was a real drencher with sheets of side-way shower jets hard enough to take the skin off your back. If you wanted a real pelting, you could stay out for the cold sequence of hail to pummel the knots of your neck. And another bonus of those marble-sized pellets would be to simply hold out a glass to collect for a post-immersion cocktail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This tedious weather reminds me of a slogan from years ago during a drought that encouraged the population to save water. The government slogan "Shower With a Friend" was one suggestion. More recently, "Pee In the Shower" (instead of the toilet) was popular and highly promoted in Brazil, but that's for another story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The smart thing to do would be to develop and invest in residential rooftop reservoirs. Seems crazy to drain water from the Mississippi, treat it in facilities, and charge for it! Certainly no need for irrigation sprinklers right now. If anything, my garden is drenched by my overflowing pond, in addition to the overhead daily downpours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Takes me back to a fun and fond memory many years ago of bobbing around the British Virgin Islands; bare boating with some friends while crisscrossing from island to island. As anyone knows, fresh water on board ship is a valuable commodity, and not to be wasted on long and luxurious showers. One must rinse off the salt water residue quickly and not linger or languor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One particular alcohol-fueled night on deck was most unforgettable. After dinner and while enjoying cocktails, a huge head of dark clouds developed on the horizon. Watching a storm from a distance is like watching an action thriller, but watch out, it's on you before you know it! We all retired to the cabin to continue our partying, when one particularly astute mate, Susan, had a eureka moment and yelled "Shampoo!" Not a one of us hesitated to comprehend the brilliance of this exhortation, and all hands were immediately on deck. Clothing was shed as shampoo was administered lavishly, and it was overboard for a thorough rinse, and then on board again for a final rinse with rain. I have to admit, all inhibitions were literally cast aside due to the deprivations we had become so used to over two weeks time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The deluge subsided, and we retired, once again below deck to pick up our party where we had left off. And then...once again, the gentle drops above turned to a full wash cycle. Susan didn't miss her cue in hollering "Cream Rinse!". Crew and captain mustered once more to the deck so as to complete a very satisfying outdoor salon session.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So what I would like to suggest, is to make the most of this misery, and take the plunge so to speak. It could be a fun neighborhood experience; one could also throw in washing the car, the dog, or even the laundry while we're at it! And the streets and sewers will be squeaky clean and fresh smelling to boot. Ahoy, mateys, it's a brave new world!</span><br />
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-82874015912773992952015-03-23T20:55:00.000-07:002015-03-23T20:55:05.620-07:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Today was a fulfilling day of filling bookshelves starved for attention. Here were built-in bookcases put in by the client, but sorely underutilized for their purpose in life! My homework for the clients was to corral all things of interest. There was no dearth of great hardbound books, what with both clients being teachers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I asked the client if she happened to have any rocks, to my amazement, she showed me several nice specimens from her grandmother - a real treasure trove! There were also some fabulous ashtrays from the 50's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Leather bound books were rescued from the basement, and curious objects that hadn't seen the light of day in years were dusted and washed. There wasn't a single thing purchased to make these shelves come to life!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JMKtVwjxOQ1Ubi9gCD4RkshnLSJ3Z02FVAKiHuAhsKBVAQr1_gEGvmi-aozeylLXjEivH8o0n0qgrTOsaDOd6OEC_MV2uwMZPBciGKPbibX5kjsKa0PxI8CE5sGqslgZiN3X2fL/s1600/IMG_3350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JMKtVwjxOQ1Ubi9gCD4RkshnLSJ3Z02FVAKiHuAhsKBVAQr1_gEGvmi-aozeylLXjEivH8o0n0qgrTOsaDOd6OEC_MV2uwMZPBciGKPbibX5kjsKa0PxI8CE5sGqslgZiN3X2fL/s1600/IMG_3350.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are no rules really in regards to bookshelves; each instance may present varying factors to consider. Here, I chose to intersperse the books with the clients' personal possessions, instead of wall to wall books. As I was taught by a librarian, the books are brought flush with the front of the shelves. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNzRMb5tpbkbm8DE2jiQRAHdS-ebJ0dDPgEl_Zsx_R5viu-bQzIDctIoQtjgcn60WLjIWlMtCIPZxtSETB34lKwXuAcvS8e0cGeOJpfgupSB6ZtVxZQiptm0ONTd8-N920chDf-cx/s1600/IMG_3351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNzRMb5tpbkbm8DE2jiQRAHdS-ebJ0dDPgEl_Zsx_R5viu-bQzIDctIoQtjgcn60WLjIWlMtCIPZxtSETB34lKwXuAcvS8e0cGeOJpfgupSB6ZtVxZQiptm0ONTd8-N920chDf-cx/s1600/IMG_3351.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The now smiling shelves are ready to welcome the new furnishings yet to arrive. A fresh spring look for dear old friends!</span></div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-5833165678233619032015-03-14T13:23:00.000-07:002015-03-14T13:23:15.265-07:00An Auspicious Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here we all are, sharing a day that comes once in a century!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Completely irrational, it never ends and never repeats itself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCuk6Lxzf1GNhyW0mEumvU4CgykidBE8iuy468arfjHeJ7lAYFSP-goPsjvXUQvzA7qgG_e9puffIMI5czR5V0PV9Q_kc1VwmcMvNckcESwEKaGfrAcZUOR06AGnAI4PrQtz6z3UE/s1600/pi+symbol.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCuk6Lxzf1GNhyW0mEumvU4CgykidBE8iuy468arfjHeJ7lAYFSP-goPsjvXUQvzA7qgG_e9puffIMI5czR5V0PV9Q_kc1VwmcMvNckcESwEKaGfrAcZUOR06AGnAI4PrQtz6z3UE/s1600/pi+symbol.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Math is usually all Greek to me; much as I love geometry and use it endlessly in my interiors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In case you forgot, Pi is the circumference of any circle, divided by its diameter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I do believe that everything and everyone is connected, and there is no beginning or end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What I love about interior design are the special relationships that evolve in the process. Just consider the many people and resources that get involved in the production of putting an interior together! It is a richly layered tapestry that is completely unique.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sometimes, in the creative process, I do feel that I am going in circles with no end in sight. There seems no end of irrationality!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5MfzMwnUQXFtIkXSqtjDdmpc0r-m4IPJg5QdyKqOsnPsOIrUpllBr5LqOLmXMMeyrHcuDEbhW-MVSdHQ-LlYn6KNBdoaikVumrMfexaPyrPqd5C4hYa3U4GGZon8WfCaELgqH-PV/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5MfzMwnUQXFtIkXSqtjDdmpc0r-m4IPJg5QdyKqOsnPsOIrUpllBr5LqOLmXMMeyrHcuDEbhW-MVSdHQ-LlYn6KNBdoaikVumrMfexaPyrPqd5C4hYa3U4GGZon8WfCaELgqH-PV/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I like that I have the area code 314 for telephonic communications; isn't it time that you got around to calling me?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwShe-ImkP0noO8OO6B4IjQhonuQE6mS2oq-o36Pdl4XSp_Q4SzRJSjy9XJLXTI4pRf4Je9RjO_7l9DmpDx-xQ5x5TEFy3yFmNmFD4bz_Z9df3xu362UsFKAqkMbNFADXvXhSc9vWl/s1600/Pie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwShe-ImkP0noO8OO6B4IjQhonuQE6mS2oq-o36Pdl4XSp_Q4SzRJSjy9XJLXTI4pRf4Je9RjO_7l9DmpDx-xQ5x5TEFy3yFmNmFD4bz_Z9df3xu362UsFKAqkMbNFADXvXhSc9vWl/s1600/Pie2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Enough with the math,let's all enjoy some other kind of pie!</span></div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-74516660061461743492015-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:002015-01-02T09:32:55.443-08:00Wall Whisperer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a new year, and the possibilities are endless. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">How shall we edit? What should we add or subtract? It's the same with interior design. When it it right to leave well enough alone? </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7uWCtc3twUsKZehlkDTXvnHM0u9LiW16yB_jKgjaKuMFxF3wO-pL1PLVcc0nzJg4tJHWIAydDZNb6aa_6eUh0lub-MlalJVe3yndfZGC3e5cwPos0pNjPNCw8dd8xr8cWCRQLx2l/s1600/Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7uWCtc3twUsKZehlkDTXvnHM0u9LiW16yB_jKgjaKuMFxF3wO-pL1PLVcc0nzJg4tJHWIAydDZNb6aa_6eUh0lub-MlalJVe3yndfZGC3e5cwPos0pNjPNCw8dd8xr8cWCRQLx2l/s1600/Room.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There is great beauty in beginnings, when rooms are empty and quiet. In the art of design, I find the challenge is to preserve the soul of the past with profound respect while truthfully living in the present. The future will take care of itself.</span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-50858055245491143092014-02-16T21:57:00.000-08:002014-02-16T21:57:10.118-08:00Architect & Designer Awards 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a great honor to be picked as a finalist in three categories for the <strong><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">2014 At Home Architect & Designer Awards</span></strong>. Universally renowned judges were <strong>Barbara Barry</strong> (<em>Barbara Barry Design-Los Angeles</em>), <strong>Jeffrey Bilhuber</strong> (<em>Bilhuber & Associates-New York</em>), <strong>Marlon Blackwell</strong> (<em>Marlon Blackwell Architect and University of Arkansas-School of Architecture</em>), <strong>Michael Boodro</strong> (<em>Editor-in-Chief, Elle Decor</em>), and <strong>Peter Pennoyer</strong> (<em>Peter Pennoyer Architects-New York</em>). On February 10th, <em>At Home</em> celebrated the awards ceremony with a special gala event at the Missouri History Museum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcmz581rcG_rEmZBFk-rYD_sbXtKEu8uzXJrpMBvHyM9UIxxoFu6ZJTpPyuv0OSuteBB-psLXKR5zwad_6k3vo0kXUjiUOzIC2h_1pHmOc9J-uIPdOFRXuDgd_f1qxdGxH2uLwjN0/s1600/Winner+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcmz581rcG_rEmZBFk-rYD_sbXtKEu8uzXJrpMBvHyM9UIxxoFu6ZJTpPyuv0OSuteBB-psLXKR5zwad_6k3vo0kXUjiUOzIC2h_1pHmOc9J-uIPdOFRXuDgd_f1qxdGxH2uLwjN0/s1600/Winner+Logo.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's always great to see friends and colleagues in the industry being acknowledged for their talents. It was a night to remember, and I was proud to be a partner of this illustrious community!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcXHVyMsV3C3cyJRvzJ8w6tBNWb_0AA1Mvye3e38PQgSDDI7WimGsjTqbc_hLiEmgscKbGtl8ZIvOclqhMnvZKNSWTNNESxlZGwSIu53uUka49IP280u7zRIenGcOJFgxicFHIQct/s1600/ada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcXHVyMsV3C3cyJRvzJ8w6tBNWb_0AA1Mvye3e38PQgSDDI7WimGsjTqbc_hLiEmgscKbGtl8ZIvOclqhMnvZKNSWTNNESxlZGwSIu53uUka49IP280u7zRIenGcOJFgxicFHIQct/s1600/ada.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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Amidst impressive competition, I was awarded First Place in the category of Kitchen (less than 300 square feet), Second Place for Contemporary Interior Design (for a home less than 3,000 square feet), and Third Place for Living Room. Thank you, esteemed judges, and thank you especially to Editor-in-Chief Christy Marshall of <em>St. Louis At Home</em> for inaugurating the Awards and so passionately promoting architecture and design excellence in St. Louis!</div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-28007896134436202012014-01-31T17:10:00.000-08:002014-02-03T21:17:58.683-08:00Pondering the Porter<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the wintry wind is whipping around outside, wouldn't you wish for a chair to keep you warm and protected? Centuries ago, if you were on call in a cold castle awaiting and admitting guests, you might fantasize about how you might be most comfortable. Happily, some clever soul came up with the idea of enclosing a wing chair. Central heating and double-paned windows were far in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqis8ZomK_IzXZzinn4SLZrBgnG8NRV1Bm2NLD2nZ2wFTAPfe_SxqaP4BcyKMfopqGrDCbfjMY-QYTuERyfmVQrLPVpZ7jRpdpNbuqFSGOwqxavsR-bJ-Ll_-Zkf4XPbaQkx5vLD8M/s1600/old.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqis8ZomK_IzXZzinn4SLZrBgnG8NRV1Bm2NLD2nZ2wFTAPfe_SxqaP4BcyKMfopqGrDCbfjMY-QYTuERyfmVQrLPVpZ7jRpdpNbuqFSGOwqxavsR-bJ-Ll_-Zkf4XPbaQkx5vLD8M/s1600/old.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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Ah, the romance of a piece of furniture! At about the age of fifteen, I remember seeing a porter's chair for the first time. Situated near the front door of an elegant furniture showroom, I recall being enthralled, and having delusions of grandeur, desired to possess the thing. I mused that if I could only afford the $500 or so that it cost, it would make me happy. Suffice it to say that I couldn't afford it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaj-wFBdEDTDoWvzh2O4J98gFT5zu-MVJQSrjiyP391Jl0yH1lWYbTs-FI8PyZtEuG5yWBO0ObXGu9CklG7wtrWqaBxRisnGl4LG0-FZNDBWs6YV-hvFk-zkikoVmmCD_9UrmGmkL/s1600/prod1679277_S13%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaj-wFBdEDTDoWvzh2O4J98gFT5zu-MVJQSrjiyP391Jl0yH1lWYbTs-FI8PyZtEuG5yWBO0ObXGu9CklG7wtrWqaBxRisnGl4LG0-FZNDBWs6YV-hvFk-zkikoVmmCD_9UrmGmkL/s320/prod1679277_S13%5B1%5D.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
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The chair was believed to have originated in England, where it then jumped the Channel to great estates and palaces in France. These chairs look fit for a king, but for Louis XV, I doubt he didn't so much want to make his servants more comfortable as ensure that his guests were suitably impressed and intimidated by his excellent taste and style!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbBjGI38MZWH_-oTMC0-wtUKSoHVUm3hs1PTTsoVJfMuvQWE5RsYsvrwqNS8E_vaZS-btKtN1bhjfab6ty3ltjhjDzy58OcvSFnjEQT9xXX7FyhAEO60WSxhEfr_uYzPoc_peEhDS/s1600/king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbBjGI38MZWH_-oTMC0-wtUKSoHVUm3hs1PTTsoVJfMuvQWE5RsYsvrwqNS8E_vaZS-btKtN1bhjfab6ty3ltjhjDzy58OcvSFnjEQT9xXX7FyhAEO60WSxhEfr_uYzPoc_peEhDS/s1600/king.jpg" height="320" width="253" /></a></div>
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The porter's chair signified your station in life as a servant. Today, it does not discriminate, and in fact, you will find it in the thick of anything regarding high style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9ARSlVpU9IPKfIg8nAmyfv6oULd3EhFWtHTLkn65cGNPOFvSXSKKwHnOH7z_8auSRiGk2sDxNOjiv4J-uNjDpSl4yRLAAmE0HDAmO1P5g6y66wEugaZCxfs9KKXD-ehvZi22d5Nl/s1600/chesterfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9ARSlVpU9IPKfIg8nAmyfv6oULd3EhFWtHTLkn65cGNPOFvSXSKKwHnOH7z_8auSRiGk2sDxNOjiv4J-uNjDpSl4yRLAAmE0HDAmO1P5g6y66wEugaZCxfs9KKXD-ehvZi22d5Nl/s1600/chesterfield.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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When the trade of upholders became upholsterers, all manner of comfort and cushioning was unleashed. Just imagine how much this chair must have helped the poor porter feel cozy and content! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdptpWEP2IVn2gNUckf_4kT19L3y2tzGDSERGs2hncKdi_-ynzEAKNgxNpY47idBhr4aTJ_ZWVCh4GWDW9xhXJYGV6akatoEXz0hwrSISFUGEeldHGUA1-NFGHsJXQbsM6VeG6auZ0/s1600/rattan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdptpWEP2IVn2gNUckf_4kT19L3y2tzGDSERGs2hncKdi_-ynzEAKNgxNpY47idBhr4aTJ_ZWVCh4GWDW9xhXJYGV6akatoEXz0hwrSISFUGEeldHGUA1-NFGHsJXQbsM6VeG6auZ0/s1600/rattan.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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With the passing of time, the porter's chair (along with the porter) joined the unemployment rolls. In the Victorian era, it was reinvented and reinterpreted as a beach chair. Here you see an entire herd of them doing hard labor sheltering the well-to-do from the sun and wind. Quite a far cry from the cold castle!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2syiNSP3JJMYEcK3Sw8F-NkXQTYi3BuSQa9pU89pZ3ERGrDX5_-OEqCKrWYZxI-5fYVFmezlRG3nFYCIyWJHSC4G0LFhntmn20du8SauqVa1auGYY9u129HGW-moRwETk62EeJYOg/s1600/duo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2syiNSP3JJMYEcK3Sw8F-NkXQTYi3BuSQa9pU89pZ3ERGrDX5_-OEqCKrWYZxI-5fYVFmezlRG3nFYCIyWJHSC4G0LFhntmn20du8SauqVa1auGYY9u129HGW-moRwETk62EeJYOg/s1600/duo.png" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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And why not double your fun and double your pleasure?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zsj5DkXzfdbOZTrlfl2TZ1c6wKp7160szLRE9OtsuSbB0sTuHzPHvt4r8YGf6Gdgwwmj3U9dU8MNqT15FrolnZ3wKRI3ZCzjDdj5zXV3QXZxO4hr_lql7JbqTvOUesG2iL2fLyH/s1600/dau.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7zsj5DkXzfdbOZTrlfl2TZ1c6wKp7160szLRE9OtsuSbB0sTuHzPHvt4r8YGf6Gdgwwmj3U9dU8MNqT15FrolnZ3wKRI3ZCzjDdj5zXV3QXZxO4hr_lql7JbqTvOUesG2iL2fLyH/s1600/dau.png" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"> Atelier Lounge offered by Dauphin</span></div>
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In a leap of imagination, the porter's chair has leapt from residential to commercial use, evolving as new needs are required. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeZOEpBIK_M3EEiH0HTPua4E6PkvfB6n8pJQrYM6lMDn4YtKGP_MIvKoBkrxqOfWKMs7IP-gaHPJg5mBz4Tu6rOVXzkelXs7qMl4saREnhIGHhyphenhyphendfkT2V1gm_RpC8QVoYtAusT3bo/s1600/rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeZOEpBIK_M3EEiH0HTPua4E6PkvfB6n8pJQrYM6lMDn4YtKGP_MIvKoBkrxqOfWKMs7IP-gaHPJg5mBz4Tu6rOVXzkelXs7qMl4saREnhIGHhyphenhyphendfkT2V1gm_RpC8QVoYtAusT3bo/s1600/rest.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Another army of porters at work in present day times. This design makes excellent use of the chair's acoustical benefits. It also lends intimacy in a large restaurant with diners shoulder to shoulder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk-yA0peyyrO8mvTLNLUTo5AHyc4vISw1UV9sbHTWC1T_MPpRZvkvwZE3GvKpkBiu-G136mO9ghwulOctfVIQuuFXYieeklHPuNRZpEZ0VGOSnNf-37uAPQV3uKsV3l9CeyYeB5VX/s1600/tulip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk-yA0peyyrO8mvTLNLUTo5AHyc4vISw1UV9sbHTWC1T_MPpRZvkvwZE3GvKpkBiu-G136mO9ghwulOctfVIQuuFXYieeklHPuNRZpEZ0VGOSnNf-37uAPQV3uKsV3l9CeyYeB5VX/s1600/tulip.png" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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Here is an amazing interpretation of the chair disguised as a tulip by the wonderful Marcel Wanders. It is a revolution in design as it revolves on its stem.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;">ID Trim Cap by Antonio Citterio, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;">Vitra</span></div>
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Another full evolution for the porter's chair. At work in the office, this ergonomic task chair provides all the basic accoutrements such as helping the poor worker concentrate better in an open office space.</div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">Massaud Work Lounge with Canopy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">Jean-Marie Massaud for Coalesse</span></div>
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Now we're really cookin'! This pod offers a table, built-in lighting, optimized acoustics, and is totally wired for integration of your techy devices. You can have total privacy or take a conference call in a completely public space. Added pluses are that you can take a snooze and nobody is the wiser.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;">Haworth Windowseat Chair</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-small;">Mike and Maaike Studio</span> </div>
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I read a silly book in my youth about a woman who became possessed with the notion of owning a Dior gown. It ended as a sad story, with nowhere for the dress to be worn, and was left hanging in her closet. Happy to say, the porter's chair is definitely back and enjoying a new lease on life. So why not sit in one and put up our feet?</div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-30726324123982160242013-11-28T16:22:00.000-08:002013-11-28T16:22:11.646-08:00Thoughts of Thanks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thanksgiving day is my favorite holiday for its very simplicity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am thankful for pumpkins available in a variety of wonderful shapes and colors. Or the better to bake in a pie?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am thankful for the water and wind that shapes fallen trees into fantastic shapes. As beautiful as they are to behold; better to bivouac your bottom?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am thankful for a wreath made of coconut husks from far away, framing a bundle of Indian corn. How better to warmly welcome my friends to the holiday season? A happy thanksgiving to all!</span></div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-10935036380290461052013-11-01T16:30:00.000-07:002013-11-29T19:40:57.985-08:00Hallowe'en in New Orle'an<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Where better to spend Halloween than New Orleans? The mansions along St. Charles rise to the occasion, as for any occasion, with impressive and spectacular decorations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zO4-MIxwLpVYAPzqdq3SzIJaruJ8ovH_mr4C3Db_PCD7u7V2Myk5B1mbO5JaO5FiYwlMIB3-3AQMw-Jm5vE3KOFcNSKm2fjnn7N3FUt8RzsDyCSHT9K6T23wGwI9_uzVh1QVSh57/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-29+at+8.31.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zO4-MIxwLpVYAPzqdq3SzIJaruJ8ovH_mr4C3Db_PCD7u7V2Myk5B1mbO5JaO5FiYwlMIB3-3AQMw-Jm5vE3KOFcNSKm2fjnn7N3FUt8RzsDyCSHT9K6T23wGwI9_uzVh1QVSh57/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-11-29+at+8.31.52+PM.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Beads are a basic to the city, and here we have the pearly gates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This St. Charles manse must have had a hundred skeleton puns across the property. There is no skimping on the sacrifices that New Orleanians will make for a holiday, festival, parade or party. It's my kind of town!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On the hallowed night, many hundreds of well-costumed children and their equally well-costumed parents queued up for treats. The hosts couldn't possibly be more gracious to one and all, as they sipped their Sazaracs. I was chastened not to begrudge the comparatively few goblins that crowd my front porch in St. Louis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is one of my favorite houses, having always been a fan of Neo-classical Beaux Arts style architecture. Can you estimate how many yards of cobwebs had to be ordered for the wrought iron fence? And let's see, I'll take a dozen 6' spiders...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The semi-circular driveway accommodated droves of little devils, sort of like a drive-in treatery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Where do the New Orleans folk store all their holiday decorations? This creepy gypsy caravan is no small thing to park in your garage! And what with elaborate Christmas, Mardi-Gras, and St. Patrick's decorations, I don't know how they manage, being as they don't even have basements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are no qualms or hesitation about what might be too scary for the little tricksters. The scarier the better! Halloween is serious business here and no cutesiness about it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just a sweet little old couple resides here. I saw them dancing the night away later in the eve on Frenchman Street, groovin' to the jazz. Hope to see them next year, if they're still kickin'!</span></div>
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<br />Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-72295959985449588862013-06-18T20:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T10:56:00.657-07:00Sweet and Simple Sample of Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing puts you in the here and now as a dog walk. Whether with a young dog pulling you in front, or an old dog lagging behind, the human at the end of the leash is gifted with the canine experience of life. It is called living in the present for all that it is worth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7A5ZzxgeAsj2paOSdfHTQLOw6SF6OMjiR0pKkgxehvjvFXs6phI5yITZVQVId8fsYf94benStUWOzHLTuQCOi8nd4f_VzpWMzdflPNeWYlUPsUGXhGt7h_mcOh6_i_aqaQFrUFy-/s1600/IMG_1518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7A5ZzxgeAsj2paOSdfHTQLOw6SF6OMjiR0pKkgxehvjvFXs6phI5yITZVQVId8fsYf94benStUWOzHLTuQCOi8nd4f_VzpWMzdflPNeWYlUPsUGXhGt7h_mcOh6_i_aqaQFrUFy-/s640/IMG_1518.jpg" width="476" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Walking the dog gets you out in all seasons. You share in the changes in temperature and precipitation. You are able to focus on the sounds, smells, and physical sensations of your surrounding at a pace that has no time. Well, why not just throw yourself on the carpet of lawn and get a good back scratching? The grass and ground are cool, and you are one with the earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B5CXoov-8PgvG7ZMZ1ohsFIW3iykGdiEzxxZUp4ZyZtJxG2Hk3jT7w-FaGk36LrRjEETfuQ4B1hS7CgHfatRsZWDxoiPE19VJ1JvYeophfeWwOrepDyPn8-ydn4cLPfoQhtlt4Gl/s1600/IMG_3749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B5CXoov-8PgvG7ZMZ1ohsFIW3iykGdiEzxxZUp4ZyZtJxG2Hk3jT7w-FaGk36LrRjEETfuQ4B1hS7CgHfatRsZWDxoiPE19VJ1JvYeophfeWwOrepDyPn8-ydn4cLPfoQhtlt4Gl/s640/IMG_3749.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These lovely wildflowers sway in the gentle breeze. I am reminded of my youth, of summers long ago when the last day of school signaled a time that stretched into eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-itkAUir4WPqhm1uoiu4eqAUV2rQhrfxIQjXaCC7IGPA2T57pwPciNuOjQ2KmioXkSU3Ouxdst4IOQDOhq_hKpv8GSF16PjmhFOOH9vtvJc1P-GxorPtwZs1KzUGyloXCXak5LTO6/s1600/IMG_3746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-itkAUir4WPqhm1uoiu4eqAUV2rQhrfxIQjXaCC7IGPA2T57pwPciNuOjQ2KmioXkSU3Ouxdst4IOQDOhq_hKpv8GSF16PjmhFOOH9vtvJc1P-GxorPtwZs1KzUGyloXCXak5LTO6/s640/IMG_3746.jpg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recall lying in the clover, inhaling its perfume. I would make daisy chain crowns and necklaces with my friends. We would spend hours looking for 4 leaf clovers, believing that it would bring good luck. Buttercups would be tasted, because the name sounded like they should be tasty. Slender blades would be placed just so in sideway thumbs and blown like a reed, so as to create the call of a bird.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqCHyEE_K0AhEzDKWmfOk6ir_ZDPiY3Aoplne4OkQKQSMQY-z9FzVrO5KVN_mTJHLEhtOPPSxvDI3-utgX8gI0PAIVNBjMrbqqWgdRdtw54T0RuhbR-xivqUWJRtyjTAAyiwKekJx/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqCHyEE_K0AhEzDKWmfOk6ir_ZDPiY3Aoplne4OkQKQSMQY-z9FzVrO5KVN_mTJHLEhtOPPSxvDI3-utgX8gI0PAIVNBjMrbqqWgdRdtw54T0RuhbR-xivqUWJRtyjTAAyiwKekJx/s640/IMG_3748.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The back yard of my childhood was surrounded by large mulberry trees in which I would climb and gorge myself on the berries. Sometimes I would tie a blanket in a tree like a hammock, whiling away the hours reading a book, snacking as desired. The sounds of the birds twittering, a passing car, children at play...all was a soundtrack of vibrant life in the present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27tOc1UgPWfgT7QYNvDW7X7BzjUQYQ-lOuOlumzPV3j6WlcsE3X4W0B5hJsq0VhWrEnuU2P3SIW3XDTr2512NaUOi82PAiijKo6a2jt4_HfOjBcJVAIWXMYooJh8Y_8kAW7kzQV8O/s1600/IMG_3751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27tOc1UgPWfgT7QYNvDW7X7BzjUQYQ-lOuOlumzPV3j6WlcsE3X4W0B5hJsq0VhWrEnuU2P3SIW3XDTr2512NaUOi82PAiijKo6a2jt4_HfOjBcJVAIWXMYooJh8Y_8kAW7kzQV8O/s640/IMG_3751.jpg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you share my delight in the taste of mulberries? It is a simple flavor, but rich in memories for me. It hearkens the first days of summer and when the sun shines hot, the branches are heavy with berries bursting with juice. Birds are in ecstasy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPscdygUXuiGX8iJA5AZzncZgfGH74pXoZFFa0VeKS0ri2D635AR3xyKVQqhiVqgBazJXc7K1Oc6XRzjyJSrUIndGa-JsTJ4S4BktFMiHt_DlFDGWsvHtm-qR8FyZXn4P2_bqqhDtF/s1600/IMG_3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPscdygUXuiGX8iJA5AZzncZgfGH74pXoZFFa0VeKS0ri2D635AR3xyKVQqhiVqgBazJXc7K1Oc6XRzjyJSrUIndGa-JsTJ4S4BktFMiHt_DlFDGWsvHtm-qR8FyZXn4P2_bqqhDtF/s400/IMG_3752.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is free for the taking and I happily partake of this sweet pleasure as Chewy munches on lower level tender green leaves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeYDVK1u5qhlbjLEltMA9BawWgJhy5Z6TtZkTPFmG4mU5xXKlWhbuSOIDT6aHWOT88IzL0sBwii7IL1TgC6rDPBjMpZDWfgxAcO8R6Gv1fFaGgEuVZepRxnNM_TH3c-W1jF6na5mP/s1600/IMG_3745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeYDVK1u5qhlbjLEltMA9BawWgJhy5Z6TtZkTPFmG4mU5xXKlWhbuSOIDT6aHWOT88IzL0sBwii7IL1TgC6rDPBjMpZDWfgxAcO8R6Gv1fFaGgEuVZepRxnNM_TH3c-W1jF6na5mP/s400/IMG_3745.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful red purple stain is a tell-tale of my indulgence. As we head home, I step in puddles to wash my shoes soles so as not to bring the mashed berries indoors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa-jxVOgH80viKDgl32fkB1PxdTmpjce4NqvGn4xe9-kHzIHZXCgVpSPyv2w-6Frrznz8i8UFXZTs2TwztWh1fQ7mlT7EAlkujwOcpPuhYO8hdOiF3dNhOaxuyZHYpT2lJbKJPuxg/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa-jxVOgH80viKDgl32fkB1PxdTmpjce4NqvGn4xe9-kHzIHZXCgVpSPyv2w-6Frrznz8i8UFXZTs2TwztWh1fQ7mlT7EAlkujwOcpPuhYO8hdOiF3dNhOaxuyZHYpT2lJbKJPuxg/s400/IMG_3755.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Numerous examples of riotous florals pleasure my eyes and in some cases, offer a lovely scent. Meanwhile, Chewy is sniffing other kinds of aromas, lagging behind or pulling ahead. I thank him for letting me share his walk and reminding me that there is no past or future, only the present, so live it! </span></div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-55097838558110188482013-05-31T19:02:00.000-07:002013-08-28T07:52:59.417-07:00Rocks in My Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The word 'right' connotes all sorts of things...do you lean right or left politically? Are you right-brained or left-brained? Do you have strong opinions? How do you feel about rocks? Do you love 'em or leave 'em? Sometimes an innocuous assignment as finding the right rocks becomes a time consuming labor of staggering proportions. I won't bore you with the heaps of rocks that I have examined and rejected for a current project. This new delivery looked promising. Was it an auspicious signal that my toil today was inaugurated by a loud crack of lightening? The skies were threatening and monster storms and tornadoes were imminent. Adrenalin kicks in!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRaJLnLUNsLdZ5GTo0KKhjhwB50M3Z1X5VcnqP_zrMOVUsZ1lUKQa_QCk13xGelAlDGq_EOPCsv-eRIVFEi0CTESfMUe53b6-b-1Oy3QxhxmHzrxIEvcF9L6InwhO5hQ4gtLELMib/s1600/IMG_3548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRaJLnLUNsLdZ5GTo0KKhjhwB50M3Z1X5VcnqP_zrMOVUsZ1lUKQa_QCk13xGelAlDGq_EOPCsv-eRIVFEi0CTESfMUe53b6-b-1Oy3QxhxmHzrxIEvcF9L6InwhO5hQ4gtLELMib/s400/IMG_3548.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Rockin' n Rollin'</div>
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The things I do for my clients!!! I've been on the prowl for the 'right rocks' after proposing some rock pulls for an exciting project located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. I needed 3 pairs for some closet doors. A prior vendor had proved disappointing, so custom (RCF) was the way to go. Little did I anticipate that these would become million dollar pulls for all the time I put into finding just the right rocks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnY50_g3HC_iLFeS5cfASGPgqICe49Xq0frJ7r6_7a0vgXiQt1rxqVyB5xAL2B5PEYqKZtYz5ZMOZpeb5A5T_v0jyKltC4sC8B_1u2Ht8xC_yboGu3tLoJCsbUJXnhbBloxmhDN3j/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnY50_g3HC_iLFeS5cfASGPgqICe49Xq0frJ7r6_7a0vgXiQt1rxqVyB5xAL2B5PEYqKZtYz5ZMOZpeb5A5T_v0jyKltC4sC8B_1u2Ht8xC_yboGu3tLoJCsbUJXnhbBloxmhDN3j/s400/IMG_3551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fruits of my labor</div>
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Line-up for the final selection. Gotta be just the right color, size and shape! Sorry to discriminate, but everyone will get a turn, depending on future project requirements. Let's just say it's the school of hard rocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHilGPfWxrSh2HdKaOOwD1UydkTUtk17frceiuHtGQaju5bjVpgUJSJJQ7FPfkGcHLsxRuPwWRjQXtTxeyP0bfpQIP6E2PhjAb9Lsvm6qJTmkfStf_wf69-lEURx6u5DoniwgMNz-h/s1600/IMG_3552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHilGPfWxrSh2HdKaOOwD1UydkTUtk17frceiuHtGQaju5bjVpgUJSJJQ7FPfkGcHLsxRuPwWRjQXtTxeyP0bfpQIP6E2PhjAb9Lsvm6qJTmkfStf_wf69-lEURx6u5DoniwgMNz-h/s400/IMG_3552.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Bring on the barrow</div>
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I told the cashier: This is a big order. Priced by the pound, the grand total was some $3.58. In my opinion, priceless for something billions of years old! What stories could they tell? This is the stuff that I like to have around me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMT1OOuV9DXtKVQ90ONhT1ADZj3NN1G8XlnlQj6DoqjEB7tXL_TNzf1mfmupzupSlp51XjPmcQNGcaQDv9MkUkjzwpQR8JWYf0J_MngXRh9NbDh9nySXwzIJoEYcOf3sCJD6OPlXR/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMT1OOuV9DXtKVQ90ONhT1ADZj3NN1G8XlnlQj6DoqjEB7tXL_TNzf1mfmupzupSlp51XjPmcQNGcaQDv9MkUkjzwpQR8JWYf0J_MngXRh9NbDh9nySXwzIJoEYcOf3sCJD6OPlXR/s400/IMG_3553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dramatic backdrop of a day in the life of an interior designer</div>
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I finished my rock transaction as the first drop of rain began to fall. Now I will send these rocks off to Skipping Stones Studio in Idaho to be drilled, finished, and epoxied to the mounting posts. Though commonplace and inexpensive, they are as integral to the design solution as the most valuable work of art. Definitely puts a smile on my face! Tell me, are you in love with rocks and like to live with them, too?</div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-61921671382889809912013-03-01T15:52:00.000-08:002013-12-05T19:31:37.326-08:00Not Time To Say Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On this past New Year's Day, Chewy and I went out for our usual morning walk. It was a beautiful winter day; the sky was cerulean blue and the temperature crisp but not too cold. We enjoyed the twittering of the birds and the surreal quiet that only occurs on New Year's Day due to most people having the day off and staying at home. I optimistically made lists galore of all the resolutions that I might inaugurate. My day was off to a good start! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-vCH0miwoK77pIqBt1HpiLfqWShw7Vlqdao_Z8p-GRbvzGpDOP0ThtdlN3a3zOTWMs1YPl0WNWdEw1j8_97XrppZDfR3ECH-RZ4xRN4_5qXA7VPeCVzloO_AaPfCr5rJGmDuH1lX/s1600/Chewy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-vCH0miwoK77pIqBt1HpiLfqWShw7Vlqdao_Z8p-GRbvzGpDOP0ThtdlN3a3zOTWMs1YPl0WNWdEw1j8_97XrppZDfR3ECH-RZ4xRN4_5qXA7VPeCVzloO_AaPfCr5rJGmDuH1lX/s400/Chewy.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-small;"><b>My mascot, Chewbacca</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I left for a brunch and then returned home to find that Chewy could not use his back legs. My happiness dissolved into despair and depression at what I imagined would be a dreadful decision to be made</span>. It was tortuous to wait out the long day and night to see his doctor in the morning. At our neighborhood Kingsbury Animal Hospital, Dr. Shaw advised that Chewy was suffering from geriatric disc displacement. He suggested a special harness, patience, and even acupuncture. <span style="text-align: justify;">I made an appointment at St. Louis Hills Veterinary for their earliest acupuncture opening.</span>To my utter surprise and relief, Chewy began to get a little bit better day by day.</div>
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After a few days of rest, <span style="text-align: justify;">Chewy needed exercise to prevent muscle atrophy, but he was still dragging his feet a little and they needed to be protected. I bought him some leather boots from Petsmart and with the fancy harness from Help 'Em Up (which enabled him to picked up like a suitcase), he was soon handsomely outfitted like a French mountain climber. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">At Chewy's first treatment, needles were inserted in his head, back, and hind legs. Some of these were connected to a gizmo that looked like something you might tinker with in your basements back in the 50's to run a toy train.</span>
In addition to the acupuncture treatments, he was administered the ancient herbs of myrrh (for improving his circulation) and aconite (for pain relief).</div>
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There were also concerns about his right eye, which required a visit to a dog eye specialist. Turns out it was another 'old age' issue of corneal degeneration that happily was quickly arrested. A broken molar was discovered as well, that would have to be dealt with at a later time.
<span style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately, he had no current skin allergy problems. This is a million dollar dog, if there ever was one!</span><br />
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Still a puppy at heart, Chewy took these traumas in stride and was soon back to treating himself to a good back scratch on a zosia lawn. Never mind the boots and harness; what was important was doing the things that dogs love most: walking, sniffing, and scent marking at every opportunity.</div>
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Here he is on his baronial bed for Briards having an afternoon nap. He sleeps on an orthopedic foam mattress surrounded by damask pillows and fur throws. The white sheets are washed weekly because he has been prone to skin allergies. It's been a tough 2 months, but he is well on the road to recovery and his old self. I've had Chewy for a long 15 years, and treasure each and every day. What a relief to have this reprieve and not have to say goodbye just yet!</div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-87150449780292794822013-02-16T20:33:00.000-08:002013-02-20T13:21:36.308-08:00Popcorn at the Opera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's Rigoletto on the menu again; you know that tubular pasta with a red sauce? After a hearty plateful this afternoon, I am on an opera high. It goes like this: for months now I have been anticipating the Metropolitan Opera live broadcast of Rigoletto at a neighborhood movie theatre. A cultural pinnacle as this is a mere 6 minute car drive away; 2.45 miles and costs only $22. I can wear sweat clothes, no makeup, and slouch in the seats. I can binge on a big bag of buttery popcorn while taking in a world class production. Definitely puts the pop in the opera!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmosmIpXwIslLH-2UzlzefdJFqIsQ-bOab3NMhe1BwZYpKjjpDCY7hpxhVH6EASCoxJaQlWWlxlYzvvCimNlljQm_K7KBglFWPJmCfTGtyV0jw6Kc2MAxkmd764T1JQi1vGkMHxTz/s1600/rigolette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmosmIpXwIslLH-2UzlzefdJFqIsQ-bOab3NMhe1BwZYpKjjpDCY7hpxhVH6EASCoxJaQlWWlxlYzvvCimNlljQm_K7KBglFWPJmCfTGtyV0jw6Kc2MAxkmd764T1JQi1vGkMHxTz/s400/rigolette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b>The Duke (Piotr Beczala) doing his opening lounge act</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Set Designer - Christine Jones</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Choreographer - Steven Hoggett</i></b></span></div>
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I<span style="text-align: justify;"> settle in to watch a Rigoletto first shown in 1851 Venice, time-warped to 60's Las Vegas and I am swept away and on for the ride. Director Michael Mayer believably brings the past to present with the Duke presiding over a casino and living in a palatial penthouse. He is the head of a rat pack and surrounded by show girls and an entourage. Rigoletto is his funnyman. Yikes!</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Rigoletto (Zeljko Lucic) crooning in a fashionable sweater of the times</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-small;">Costume Designer - Susan Hilferty</span></b></i><br />
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As is often the case at these operas, I see absolutely no one that I know and although no spring chicken myself, everyone seems REALLY old. Where are the young singers? At the first intermission, Styrofoam containers of hot dogs and such disgusting foodstuffs appear, along with big gulps, providing vivid contrast to the televised Met intermission of well-dressed attendees sipping from stemware. However, the Esquire has a nice and informal ambiance and it is lunchtime, after all!</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Intermission at the Metropolitan Opera House</span></b></i></div>
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I take the opportunity to move to a better seat and make a new friend with a seat-mate who is ingesting a double decker portabella sandwich with onions and pickles...His bravas, bravos, and bellissimas make the experience all the more fun and he applauds the screen. Although not a singer, he offers me a recitation of Shakespeare's Sonnet #116. I'm overdosing with high culture! There are all sorts of opportunities and good things that can happen if you go to events alone and strike up conversations with strangers.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">Act III - Gilda (Diana Damrau) and Rigoletto in the neon rain</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">Lighting design by Kevin Adams</span></i></b></div>
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One of my favorite parts in this Sin City rendition is Act III. Neon lights arc above the stage, simulating the lightening and impending storm, and are synchronized with the music. Alas, it's over too soon, at 3 hours and 31 minutes, two intermissions.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-small;">Esquire Theatre - seating for an intimate 221 - not a bad seat in the house</span></i></b></div>
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The music is changed to some pop pap as ushers pick up the trash...As always, I was the last to arrive and the last to leave.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">The Met seats 3,800</span></i></b><br />
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Meanwhile, at the Met, the crew waxes the slanted stage floor...Farewell, till when I return in 2 weeks for Parsifal; find me in orchestra seating, row 10 center. I'll share my popcorn with you!</div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-46004911855869722762013-02-12T20:11:00.000-08:002013-12-05T19:16:12.533-08:00A Dog of Flanders Wins in Westminster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5yhZZj4yMy3fc7S4L1Kkc44C7wRPKzR6WDFYUTVB1bJpf-GkFtPplW5A2dR-OPAFG58Pu4yX5rwiq47BdkRrDrZslh1acPB2nAeeEIQOHdruMRRhLlLQs7zBmrlShyUTAIFAnZHG/s1600/Howard7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5yhZZj4yMy3fc7S4L1Kkc44C7wRPKzR6WDFYUTVB1bJpf-GkFtPplW5A2dR-OPAFG58Pu4yX5rwiq47BdkRrDrZslh1acPB2nAeeEIQOHdruMRRhLlLQs7zBmrlShyUTAIFAnZHG/s320/Howard7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Westminster Kennel Club has proclaimed that Chewbacca, a briard, is the best dog in the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoRwHtGUIO_NwccUpYuEbzY8EiZ0hznOV1pFmLIAKqMdtcm8sVGAJ3rB8Qj5wltHMtSumGS9NzQunCSiGQnm8j_kkjIPSdXi4V5fNg9eHfgUmVJ3eG3C1ajFGg2NogntQeld4xVs2/s1600/Chewy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoRwHtGUIO_NwccUpYuEbzY8EiZ0hznOV1pFmLIAKqMdtcm8sVGAJ3rB8Qj5wltHMtSumGS9NzQunCSiGQnm8j_kkjIPSdXi4V5fNg9eHfgUmVJ3eG3C1ajFGg2NogntQeld4xVs2/s400/Chewy.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Every public outing of his life has never failed to elicit comments such as, "What a face!", or questions such as, "What kind of dog is that?", or even, "What kind of animal is that?"</div>
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Chewbacca is a devoted and faithful companion. He is an excellent tail-wagger, knows when it is time for his walks, and can vocalize to the point of nearly talking. He is a classical music lover, particularly of piano and voice. He works part-time as both a dishwasher and a dust mop. At 15 years of age, he still manages to be irresistibly cute and as playful as a puppy. Judges were unanimous in designating him as top dog of Westminster Kennel Club, as I am sure you would agree!</div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-67145306895947737852013-01-07T11:09:00.000-08:002013-01-14T13:07:20.578-08:00Rescue Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If you are down in the doldrums and want to be rescued, my suggestion is to medicate yourself with a good dose of art and music. I recently had the perfect sort of day...a morning visit to see an art exhibit of Federico Barocci bookended with an evening musical tribute to Fontella Bass...who could want for anything more?</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Entombment of Christ, 1579-82</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Federico Barocci</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Oil on canvas 116 1/8" x 78 5/8"</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Chiesa della Croce, Senigallia</b></i></span></div>
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And who is Federico Barocci and Fontella Bass, you may ask? Federico was a Renaissance artist<span style="text-align: justify;"> famous in his own time, but rather forgotten otherwise. Fontella was a soul and gospel singer who had one big hit with the song "Rescue Me", in 1965. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVBc0APuhalBzsnxuX0Jc3Bpo4jLIj4OFyNsaLBXPCJs3vmdL60xvGte4HG-_TA2Ib_t5LebzznU0THoE_zLRCJ90yit90Zy1LmISpaDRmgDfzAbVvSNxTXTYcr044b4giOKd_FIl/s1600/FB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVBc0APuhalBzsnxuX0Jc3Bpo4jLIj4OFyNsaLBXPCJs3vmdL60xvGte4HG-_TA2Ib_t5LebzznU0THoE_zLRCJ90yit90Zy1LmISpaDRmgDfzAbVvSNxTXTYcr044b4giOKd_FIl/s400/FB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Fontella Bass</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>July 3, 1940 - December 26, 2012</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>R.I.P., Divine Diva</i></b></span></div>
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The St. Louis Art Museum is essentially in my own back yard and less than 5 minutes away. But to get to the church where Fontella's memorial was to take place required Mapquest. And interestingly enough, Mapquest chose a 30 minute route through the most gangster-ridden, dangerous neighborhoods you can imagine. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea", I thought, as I barreled past boarded up buildings in the bleak, battle-zone blocks of North St. Louis. Funny how Mapquest doesn't take the particular property of personal peril into account. Well, perhaps the route was all part of a pilgrimage experience, so as to get a deeper understanding of the roots of black music. You gotta show some respect to the dearly departed, so I took my chances. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1necvLrhY3dIz8S9T-Gze0w_QeSpzlfjsxliFUKHvMmwv4WvFFYV_-A1108r1gXWD2djSASLHLQbHYezD9fQ5IxD0DLRr-YM-nTHNgTMi8zMq07-27yvhiMSP6Xir_XFoEz2oZyiv/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1necvLrhY3dIz8S9T-Gze0w_QeSpzlfjsxliFUKHvMmwv4WvFFYV_-A1108r1gXWD2djSASLHLQbHYezD9fQ5IxD0DLRr-YM-nTHNgTMi8zMq07-27yvhiMSP6Xir_XFoEz2oZyiv/s400/map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Amazing grace! The adventurous ramble ended up at a large Christian church in an outlying suburban locale. I quickly observed that I was definitely one of a minority complexion, but was received with sincere warmth and welcome by the assembled family and friends. What then commenced were prayers, poems and musical selections of gospel, blues, and soul that righteously rocked the roof off. An after-set followed in The Duck Room at Blueberry Hill, which is practically in my own front yard. It was indeed a fitting send-off to Fontella.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7zEzZMbRGaRrMbE6KkdifkAjh4HxtJNU3dgH0S55DW-ehxQxG7mhEx-2bn42aHiYK3V50WD9Kqmw5UN-V298kv9mhaL4UlH0Vf1fZ136eZPtBCwb4lXyYVLaBmRDH0ttkncGO4-u/s1600/bar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7zEzZMbRGaRrMbE6KkdifkAjh4HxtJNU3dgH0S55DW-ehxQxG7mhEx-2bn42aHiYK3V50WD9Kqmw5UN-V298kv9mhaL4UlH0Vf1fZ136eZPtBCwb4lXyYVLaBmRDH0ttkncGO4-u/s400/bar1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Studies for the Virgin's hands</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Federico Barocci</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Charcoal with red and pink pastel heightened with white on blue paper</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>10 13/16" x 15 1/2"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Kupferstichkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin</i></b></span></div>
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My message today is to get off the couch and go see some good art and listen to some good music - it is out there and likely in your own front or back yard! And if you haven't yet seen the current exhibit of Barocci at the St. Louis Art Museum, you'd better run, because it runs only through January 20th. You will be awed by the intimacy of sketches and drawings that build up to the finished paintings. You will be able to observe the creative process of a great artist. The show is composed of 134 pieces, assembled from all corners of the world, so this will save you a lot of money and time in travel expenses. Better get going and you'll feel like you're in heaven!</div>
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If you still need rescuing, listen to Fontella:<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CEgQtwIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DndO80eh9YwI&ei=uHL0UKyGBY-uqwHls4CwAw&usg=AFQjCNFjmTMDkjo_NdT8hM1hHYzUkN9IOQ&bvm=bv.1357700187,d.aWM" style="color: #1122cc; cursor: pointer;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Fontella Bass</em> - Rescue Me (1965) - <em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">YouTube</em></a></h3>
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<cite style="color: #009933; display: inline-block; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 1px;">www.<b>youtube</b>.com/watch?v=ndO80eh9YwI</cite><a class="pplsrsla" data-ci="srslc_3" data-slg="webres" data-sli="srsl_3" data-url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndO80eh9YwI" data-ved="0CEoQ5hkwAw" data-vli="srslcl_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2837746970073177719" id="srsl_3" jsaction="srl.s" role="button" style="color: #666666; cursor: pointer; margin-left: 5px; text-decoration: inherit;" tabindex="0"><span class="pplsrsl" style="color: #aaaaaa; visibility: visible;">Share</span></a></div>
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Mar 6, 2009 - Uploaded by John1948Five</div>
<span class="st" style="line-height: 1.24;">The 1965 classic "Rescue Me" is widely regarded as the greatest record Aretha Franklin never made. The song <b>...</b></span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-26599345301554672172013-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:002013-12-07T10:03:13.451-08:00Toilet Story<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The week before Christmas, I was called to advise on an emergency toilet specification...not a good thing to rush into at <em>any</em> time of the year! This resulted in a long conversation about the pluses and minuses of what is available in the market. On Christmas Day I watched, and very much enjoyed the movie <em><strong>Toy Story 2</strong></em>. Then, at a New Year's Day brunch, I found myself being privy to a toilet story and I swear I didn't bring up the subject! This guest recounted the exciting experience of selecting and buying a dual-flush, low-flow fixture. And so, <em><strong>Toy Story 2 </strong></em> was buttressed by a toilet story on each side, pun intended! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDQv1-X_3Gs5P177wKBr3UT2kChljh7zcWxSHTbLNUwXNLg6Ra2eaOD_d07F7ywWUOstP-gwumLF9bJPGVRadM8Qd7t7bsGHAjpZq65RaKVCvad_1Sr5Ve3qlUau5rUZjoKDvb3sy/s1600/bth4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDQv1-X_3Gs5P177wKBr3UT2kChljh7zcWxSHTbLNUwXNLg6Ra2eaOD_d07F7ywWUOstP-gwumLF9bJPGVRadM8Qd7t7bsGHAjpZq65RaKVCvad_1Sr5Ve3qlUau5rUZjoKDvb3sy/s400/bth4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>Basic bathroom</strong></em></div>
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I grew up in a family of seven children and two parents, and we shared a single bathroom in our century old farm house. There was a toilet, a wall mounted sink, and a free standing tub. Believe it or not, one bathroom per household was commonplace. Frankly, I don't recall it being a big deal. The problem that I perceived had to do with its appearance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXeQY-r0r6azi8SdQQjkcHdEtUN7Gyq2DZ15jbv-yW_EqVttwov7dl7OytApSlP-CChx2BXt48jK5EY4XHKwS17ei-DaF8TFF9Hf7Vm8WrdTi6c3hP7eqWFFB4aX87ywMzJCWMuiG/s1600/bth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXeQY-r0r6azi8SdQQjkcHdEtUN7Gyq2DZ15jbv-yW_EqVttwov7dl7OytApSlP-CChx2BXt48jK5EY4XHKwS17ei-DaF8TFF9Hf7Vm8WrdTi6c3hP7eqWFFB4aX87ywMzJCWMuiG/s400/bth1.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<em><strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Another old bathroom with a tub like the one I had as a child.</span></strong></em></div>
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It may have been my first home decorating project, and I'm guessing I was 10. The room was about 6 x 8 feet, with an 8 foot ceiling height. There was a dado running around the room. My idea was to paint the wall and ceiling above the dado a glossy fire engine red. The trim would be white, and below the dado, I would apply a realistic black and white brick pattern vinyl wallcovering. Washable red carpeting anchored the floor. My parents willingly paid for materials, and I provided the labor. The red, white, and black scheme looked quite fashionable, and my parents were always proud to show it off to friends. Hey! It was the fifties! </div>
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<em><span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>Basic bathroom with dado</strong></span></em></div>
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I wish that I had a photograph of the before and after - perhaps the catalyst to launching my career in interior design many years later! The toilet in my childhood home was as basic as you can get, and amazingly, it seemed to hold up to all the use that it received. Today, however, if I had my druthers, I'd have a Toto toilet, for the ultimate toilet story of luxury. If you have never had the experience of trying one, I recommend it highly; you will be baptized, so to speak, and born again!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7eBM9KZKAaPliaKs9SBLsW7RATYeZwTef2s7rBg7u8XHDbitomwUKNHe8Tt0aElMPAxv6CexA6yDX40W_yivCC7Th-U4r5nhyxUwK4ESM-iO8nVoxovRQRV_6lf82yiQf9zA-2M5/s1600/toto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7eBM9KZKAaPliaKs9SBLsW7RATYeZwTef2s7rBg7u8XHDbitomwUKNHe8Tt0aElMPAxv6CexA6yDX40W_yivCC7Th-U4r5nhyxUwK4ESM-iO8nVoxovRQRV_6lf82yiQf9zA-2M5/s400/toto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>Toto Neorest </strong></em></div>
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<br />Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-8207626806966408442012-12-25T19:44:00.000-08:002013-01-09T19:57:30.997-08:00A New Orleans Kind of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For years now, the holidays have had a little extra special component to add to the excitement. My daughter Emily's birthday is on Christmas Eve, and I couldn't imagine a better way to start the season! </div>
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New Orleans knows how to celebrate any kind of holiday; it's just one superlative after another. You wonder where they store all of the decorations, given that they don't have any basements! In Emily's neighborhood, you'll find charming shot-guns a block away from jaw-dropping mansions; each and every showcasing the same passion for decoration and delight.</div>
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There is the gaudy display of kitsch... </div>
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but the scale of the Santa and the sense of humor rings the bell!</div>
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In New Orleans, elegance and enchantment celebrate the season minus the snow and the cold. Not to say that we didn't have the air conditioning running one day and the heat on the next! But I am so grateful that Emily chose Tulane so that I could come to know this great city as my home away from home. Right now, with a little Sazerac, I'm in that "New Orleans state of mind", so...</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Happy Holidaze to one and all!</span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-57309446623422917492012-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:002013-01-08T17:04:11.929-08:00The Dreary Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The idea, of spending the holiday season in New Orleans was a new one indeed. I had never spent it away from St. Louis. But Emily couldn't come to St. Louis, so the decision was clear: pack up the car and the dog and head on down to warmer climes, with a stop-off mid-way at a dog-friendly motel.</div>
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The landscape from St. Louis to New Orleans changed from hilly to flat. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chewy</span></i></div>
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A dog's life - who wouldn't like to be conveyed in this style?</div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;">The dramatic six story lobby</span></i></div>
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Ah, the drama of an off-highway ramp hotel! It was a middle-America adventure to behold, and one that promised not only to pamper your pets, but promised free breakfast and dinner for the patrons. The mention of three free alcoholic drinks had a certain appeal as well...But true to form, I was late on arrival and the restaurant and bar were closed. A salad from Appleby's had to suffice. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #bf9000;">Toilet on an angle</span></i></div>
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I must admit I was a bit taken aback by the luxurious details such as marble and granite baths, and here, a toilet ON AN ANGLE! I really liked that touch. It was Chewy's first stop for a drink. There was a flat screen TV and a kitchenette; all the accoutrements of home! Though the tub drain required fixing before I could take a bath, the bed was delightfully comfortable, and I was soon drowsy and in dreamland. </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>Dreadful food</i></span></div>
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Only to wake up to a nightmare...Amidst the frills of an indoor pool, jacuzzi, work-out room, fireplace, computer center, friendly and caring staff and so forth...How could the these high standards suddenly plummet when it came to food? What I thought might be served in a prison was laughable when served in fancy buffet receptacles. Unfortunately, the hungry patron had to wrestle with toy plastic forks and knives on styrofoam plates. Like a barbarian, I was reduced to tearing my rubber waffle apart by hand. The buffet presented one dish after another of tasteless starch, fat, and mystery meat. White and orange were the dominant colors. These were scraps that I wouldn't throw to Chewy!<br />
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Well, if you ask me...there needs to be a certain consistency when "luxury" is thrown around. You can't serve slop on granite countertops. And don't tell me people don't want it or need it. This is the time for standing up and doing what's right - otherwise, you can say it's all gone to the dogs. And I'm sure dogs don't care if their toilet water is served in a granite and marble bathroom!</div>
Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-48763129770169347552012-06-25T21:48:00.003-07:002012-12-04T10:54:41.439-08:00Howard's Whisker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp9k5N2ME7DfqkNqA2EwbugWK9-yNqkmpvcQm9g-YoZXw1eUvI8XpxlnCKBZehEFFYZ-If7MLn0a5SI3yOiUWye4dHI14NwlUzJITeZPrKHZ483pCLge1EAGBVZt4vJtBUyD4jW67/s1600/howard26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihp9k5N2ME7DfqkNqA2EwbugWK9-yNqkmpvcQm9g-YoZXw1eUvI8XpxlnCKBZehEFFYZ-If7MLn0a5SI3yOiUWye4dHI14NwlUzJITeZPrKHZ483pCLge1EAGBVZt4vJtBUyD4jW67/s400/howard26.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">A
few years ago, when my cat Howard’s vet proclaimed that Howard’s whiskers were
the longest that she had ever seen, I felt as proud as a parent. For me, this was just one more example of how extraordinary and exceptional a cat that he was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">From that day
forward, if I found a whisker that Howard had shed, I taped it to a door as a testament to his talent. It was a wonderful curiosity that always made me smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Howard came into our
lives eleven years ago. While looking to adopt another dog, I got it into my head that it might be nice to
have a couple of kittens, too. In order to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">coordinate with my interior design color scheme, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> I wanted a gray cat and a black cat to complement </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">the two gold colored dogs. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Emily and her best friend Carolyn were given the honor of name selection. They decided that the black one would be named Howard, and the gray one would be Simon. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcRf3Mbc1m_xuAM1kJrfTu5grBw-QsGcgNXJHZBJ4TRXvvQv9iAr6SFhuoKMZsq7pl5mQsdLbs2x_ysKfQHr1WrKt5NeOzc7axTgcjap0XZSTSVVOzkUBGF4CQjnBu0LyYITo5OF1/s1600/Howard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcRf3Mbc1m_xuAM1kJrfTu5grBw-QsGcgNXJHZBJ4TRXvvQv9iAr6SFhuoKMZsq7pl5mQsdLbs2x_ysKfQHr1WrKt5NeOzc7axTgcjap0XZSTSVVOzkUBGF4CQjnBu0LyYITo5OF1/s400/Howard3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">My mother called Howard “Dennis the Menace”. He was
always getting into mischief of one sort or another.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-nDTqWzgjcwlknT3SVPsvsd3eg95y6FODHQfxjPbC47vYDxnrG-5GUF-UXW0Mudz99ty_2uQ6V2eR2n7QYd8LDtLj_A9kYnSF0zAfJuQ0i0pd636Tt-htrq50x0ExOEVSnrElYi7/s1600/Howard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-nDTqWzgjcwlknT3SVPsvsd3eg95y6FODHQfxjPbC47vYDxnrG-5GUF-UXW0Mudz99ty_2uQ6V2eR2n7QYd8LDtLj_A9kYnSF0zAfJuQ0i0pd636Tt-htrq50x0ExOEVSnrElYi7/s400/Howard4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The years flew by and
Emily went off to college at Tulane University in New Orleans. That was an interesting choice, because her
father and I had met when I had an apartment on Tulane Avenue.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFvfvDQdtvuziMzlaT2owlP1TzMMT_ePGAWZuC8vYWG8wboCBLeN88efhBLgKTY76JiAdfTFjsBjYIqd-kUXxEciDiHVuQVFDbhOcr0z6QIE4KU9x7CRxe1bywE3x-L3sT9eyUtsu/s1600/Howard5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFvfvDQdtvuziMzlaT2owlP1TzMMT_ePGAWZuC8vYWG8wboCBLeN88efhBLgKTY76JiAdfTFjsBjYIqd-kUXxEciDiHVuQVFDbhOcr0z6QIE4KU9x7CRxe1bywE3x-L3sT9eyUtsu/s400/Howard5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Emily missed the animals and telephone conversations with her were frequently about Howard’s
latest antics. When she was home,
Howard could always be found in her bed, day or night, and frequently both.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMow26tolBRF_QBojn6TufLnr3ZViVox3HdfpAjQ4UOyUydNjMapvScZClt5BvXDpmeDRutT0zt2vVJ_6zBpwX7w2CYJkF49-xzTfOvdmlKvTPUiNBZsZM95pLJm0ExGyZLX9B7U/s1600/Howard6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMow26tolBRF_QBojn6TufLnr3ZViVox3HdfpAjQ4UOyUydNjMapvScZClt5BvXDpmeDRutT0zt2vVJ_6zBpwX7w2CYJkF49-xzTfOvdmlKvTPUiNBZsZM95pLJm0ExGyZLX9B7U/s400/Howard6.jpg" width="362" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">During her junior
year at Tulane, Emily chose to study abroad for a semester at University
College London.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGetvjqsdV5x7zSjWgu15M0HjIIc5dYE-Rwq6eFxkkvZ1GcyQ3IRIQdxKo52enZPjNSBV1LWJ3PDGwaZk-1TxMNRpTKx4UJGpX3z8I3k3YED2a3yEkaAeJhO9lYvg7aU0_QExLLdA/s1600/Howard7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGetvjqsdV5x7zSjWgu15M0HjIIc5dYE-Rwq6eFxkkvZ1GcyQ3IRIQdxKo52enZPjNSBV1LWJ3PDGwaZk-1TxMNRpTKx4UJGpX3z8I3k3YED2a3yEkaAeJhO9lYvg7aU0_QExLLdA/s400/Howard7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">This was another
interesting choice because our home was on Westminster Place in St. Louis. Who could have foreseen that she would live in the environs of Westminster Abbey one day? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KoqOSF-TJkF4jiIzIefpYun8gvFIiRkrYD0O0A38VgYMFB3E-A0f19X9O-9bKqiFG-HfxS3uSAB0dpWmMx4aQCmdA2lUeu8g37TmIY0o8uS5jz0aPfG7cQC09YFlNw0xL-zzTIbT/s1600/Howard8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KoqOSF-TJkF4jiIzIefpYun8gvFIiRkrYD0O0A38VgYMFB3E-A0f19X9O-9bKqiFG-HfxS3uSAB0dpWmMx4aQCmdA2lUeu8g37TmIY0o8uS5jz0aPfG7cQC09YFlNw0xL-zzTIbT/s400/Howard8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Emily had been in her London dorm room for only a few days when she found what was clearly one of
Howard’s whiskers. It was smack-dab in the middle of her bed, on a new white sheet. Her
immediate response was to laugh, and then she taped it to the wall. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyi_fMbHYrDlSab18tuvp7SmbRjGFlovEf2TQyRHKhzpk4AFqR74Y-wEd6AepuDMN-qKdLeRjnzAZam9GPbRUi5CSUBU_lLRV4kVYtdetRH_AQOoQbi513LlaRMFE67duLau23Z-b/s1600/Howard9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyi_fMbHYrDlSab18tuvp7SmbRjGFlovEf2TQyRHKhzpk4AFqR74Y-wEd6AepuDMN-qKdLeRjnzAZam9GPbRUi5CSUBU_lLRV4kVYtdetRH_AQOoQbi513LlaRMFE67duLau23Z-b/s400/Howard9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When she told me this
story, I marveled at the miracle. She hadn't packed sheets because English bed sizes were different.
Perhaps Howard had slept in her suitcase the night before she left, just
as he had slept in her guitar case on occasion. How had the whisker made the transatlantic journey and not been lost? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_mdWhl8ud8rlqUnJrMzSlXqKzV2s8N2MrNeaY-kPBtKXqJWiqU7_Ey80mMRkqadUxCkUW57ojyHKH6xfYneB7ebvGAaTkg38R4jDmO4CPcpN6lsaGP1jfseREOG7Jl43ixTIKMuA/s1600/Howard19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_mdWhl8ud8rlqUnJrMzSlXqKzV2s8N2MrNeaY-kPBtKXqJWiqU7_Ey80mMRkqadUxCkUW57ojyHKH6xfYneB7ebvGAaTkg38R4jDmO4CPcpN6lsaGP1jfseREOG7Jl43ixTIKMuA/s400/Howard19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here’s my theory:
Howard had never traveled anywhere but to the vet’s office and occasional walks
around the neighborhood. Of course, he </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">couldn't</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> accompany Emily on her voyage
to London. As the armchair traveler that he probably was in his never-ending naps,
he sent one of his whiskers instead.
Cats are known to have a particular sensitivity to the earth’s magnetic
field and so are masters of direction. Was Howard trying to help Emily
navigate the globe?</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1JTId9TPfeNdkXlsQW7-3CukLYmaWmPiKvjWacfxASStGQ_e3xgFL_QhYBKwZCfguF7LcViWIVMKwwBQSn-7_46kQegUwdwyIJlqQUC4PyAL6qVHByL10rQHsiYvpqN2yaBfafeE/s1600/Howard10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1JTId9TPfeNdkXlsQW7-3CukLYmaWmPiKvjWacfxASStGQ_e3xgFL_QhYBKwZCfguF7LcViWIVMKwwBQSn-7_46kQegUwdwyIJlqQUC4PyAL6qVHByL10rQHsiYvpqN2yaBfafeE/s400/Howard10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Whiskers also help
cats determine if their body will fit into tight spaces. It’s as if Howard sent
Emily the whisker to help her squeeze into a coach fare seat, </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sSgQsEpL1C4XSHM7LE-XSdkqQxD10thGcM0PoJqQmGO5tdV5KifKLQjkfkDG4uBDQDHgKO3wwDVJCf8XeMOK8LknX-aStA1D4Dk1g1XX1v-2jkgBjTbl7YbxpYX3z90P88wMtYjN/s1600/Howard11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sSgQsEpL1C4XSHM7LE-XSdkqQxD10thGcM0PoJqQmGO5tdV5KifKLQjkfkDG4uBDQDHgKO3wwDVJCf8XeMOK8LknX-aStA1D4Dk1g1XX1v-2jkgBjTbl7YbxpYX3z90P88wMtYjN/s400/Howard11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">the small confines of
a college dorm room,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCHmZH2JX2zkgJXtWBbuIdwExmMxlTcx_Y4ge4pKxrfi1kcMoa8M_-yCXezeuOGYqreBXHVpHR0p1pJomqmaY1Sgl6i0JxLVZEZv0VaNK3_F4-NZFu3d9OeG9RGmlAjAQrsZ2r__v/s1600/Howard12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCHmZH2JX2zkgJXtWBbuIdwExmMxlTcx_Y4ge4pKxrfi1kcMoa8M_-yCXezeuOGYqreBXHVpHR0p1pJomqmaY1Sgl6i0JxLVZEZv0VaNK3_F4-NZFu3d9OeG9RGmlAjAQrsZ2r__v/s400/Howard12.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">a tight subway,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNH2y-E3sRO9E3SZ9HDKf53MCG_Ot4VhcAAnK2DTpLsGckPtEAoVdrl3G8pZQY_PEe3EJ7FA2KJL0IaIHXMmZggujKJMM9MuaSm-kokJjtamxjyQVEEKMCqVOGwnF-3SSQ__zFbDN/s1600/Howard13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNH2y-E3sRO9E3SZ9HDKf53MCG_Ot4VhcAAnK2DTpLsGckPtEAoVdrl3G8pZQY_PEe3EJ7FA2KJL0IaIHXMmZggujKJMM9MuaSm-kokJjtamxjyQVEEKMCqVOGwnF-3SSQ__zFbDN/s400/Howard13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">or crowded street. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamYeRCku0gXu7fgCsP1sIaYAja-DIbC7vARZNvcu_ahqI_5vM8wPJk4f1kixBBBAP1aEhG3NX-ha0IsitJL_y9XHZn6nlZ6bbVXLp0DiTb8jasbqaFajxBjKGzdioKWS40ZlPzeCw/s1600/Howard14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamYeRCku0gXu7fgCsP1sIaYAja-DIbC7vARZNvcu_ahqI_5vM8wPJk4f1kixBBBAP1aEhG3NX-ha0IsitJL_y9XHZn6nlZ6bbVXLp0DiTb8jasbqaFajxBjKGzdioKWS40ZlPzeCw/s400/Howard14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Though Emily had
Howard’s whisker, and not Howard himself, I may be stretching things to suggest
that she enjoyed the benefits of having an actual cat. But could the whisker represent an old friend and provide companionship? And as cats are known
to do, could the whisker help to dispel feelings of loneliness that Emily might experience </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">in her new
situation, far from home? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Emily’s semester
abroad was coming to a close. Her father
visited in March, and I visited her in May, when she was done with her
coursework and preparing to leave for two weeks in South Africa. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Just as her father had brought her ski
equipment to ski in the Alps, I brought her hiking boots to climb mountains and
a wetsuit to surf off the tip of the continent</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Howard’s whisker was
not done yet with its duties. It needed to help Emily to navigate to another hemisphere, and then home again. It did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Another
inscrutable connection occurred a few days after Emily had returned home.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">She took a bowl from the kitchen
cabinet and exclaimed that it had the logo of University College London! It was a mismatched and random bowl that we’d had for years. Nobody knew where it came from.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Most of the time it had been used to feed Howard
his dinner – until I decided he needed an official cat bowl. Then the bowl made
its way back into the cabinet.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Had the bowl
predicted Emily’s study-abroad experience years in advance? How had it traveled from a University College
London dining hall to our St. Louis kitchen cabinet? How had Howard’s whisker
traveled to a University College London dormitory? The whisker and the UCL
bowl! Are these curious coincidences or
magical mysteries only Howard the cat can explain? Perhaps we’ll never know
because Howard is always asleep! But
then again, that cannot be – because Howard is Howard and he’s only being
himself – always making mischief!</span></div>
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Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837746970073177719.post-38182208097243083442012-05-26T16:24:00.000-07:002012-05-26T21:32:35.899-07:00Call Me Color Blind<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In defense of defenseless colors worldwide, I am now going to rant about the rampant racism I regularly witness. Who will stand up for these poor colors that have no voice of their own? How would you feel if you were unfairly maligned simply for the color of your skin? Do you hold prejudice against certain colors, innocent by their very nature and incapable of malice or scorn in return? In a taupified world such that Restoration Hardware espouses, do you ever speak out for the underdog when you witness discrimination? This past spring I have been stupefied by the splendid flowers, by the brave little buds that proclaim, for example, "Look at me, I'm magenta!" They put out their chests, hold their heads high, and show off their colors with pride.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> Please don't hate me because I'm beautiful!</b></span><b style="color: #6aa84f;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When a client makes a grand pronouncement of hating one color or another, I am somewhat stymied. Hate is such a strong word! And how has green come to be a popular color to despise and deride? It usually has to do with some wretched hospital experience or being forced to eat canned peas as a child. Well, I say, look around you, the world is largely green, and even then, the green is fast disappearing. How can you dislike the color of trees and plants? How can you loathe the color of growth and rejuvenation? Former English majors sweat out a living coming up with names such as 'Glamorous Green' and 'In The Meadow'. No need to spray 'Round-Up' everywhere!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Color Profiling</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once, at the request of the client, I did an alcove with purple upholstery. All was well, until at the time of installation, the upholsterer made a stupid comment about it "Looking like Barney". Then the client hated it and wanted it redone. Such emotional reactions tend to inhibit design solutions. I remember my daughter, Emily, going through a period when pink and purple were her favorite colors. One day, with a very serious and concerned look on her face, she asked me, "Do you like brown?" I've had clients dismiss worthy colors with criticisms such as "Looks like baby poop", when the romanticized name might be 'Cut The Mustard'. Perhaps some of my clients could have another career coming up with paint color names such as 'Victorious Vomit', 'Bileous Bile', or 'One Too Many'. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>Red Man</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love the story of designer William W. Stubbs, who had the assignment to decorate a client's home while the client was out of town. I'm not sure that Mr. Stubbs mistook his carte blanche for carte rouge, but when the client returned home he found a scheme based on red. The client called Mr. Stubbs and said, "I hate red! You're fired!" This story had a happy ending, as the client got to like the red rooms, and Mr. Stubbs was rehired.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Ready, Aim, Fire!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">People aren't born hating certain colors. I believe they were taught to be color racist by their parents and other early childhood influences. Come on now, it's not all black or white in the box and everyone has to get along!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Peach Flesh</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did you know that crayon names could be politically incorrect? I never questioned the color 'Flesh' growing up in white suburban America, but in 1962, the color was renamed 'Peach' in response to the Civil Rights Movement. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <b>Orange Man</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You might need to select the orange crayon for coloring George. And be sure to stay in the lines that the plastic surgeon so carefully crafted! When starting an interior design project, sometimes a good clue as to what colors the client would be most happy living with are contained in their clothes closet. A quick perusal tells the truth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Blue Man Group</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My favorite color in the Binney & Smith box of 64 crayons was 'Cornflower'. Speaking of which...</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there are those who "hate blue". See the sky above you, and the oceans and lakes? Saying you hate a primary color such as blue is equivalent to wiping out the entire string section of the orchestra. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Out of an infinite number of colors, we can likely see only 10,000,000. So many choices! We can expect that certain hues will go in and out of style. I would like to suggest that though we may have our favorites and overall preferences, that we watch our word choice and no color's feelings will be hurt. I</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">nclusiveness</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and tolerance will make for perfect harmony!</span></div>Notes From Flandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10896811595551103611noreply@blogger.com1