Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet Christmas Tree

This may look like a Christmas tree but  it is not. It is Dr. Weil's anti-Inflammatory diet. You can go to his web page Dr.Weil and view his food recommendations. I have used his recommendations to try to cure myself of various ailments and by golly,  Dr. Weil knows his oriental and western medicine. His botany experience is worth blogging about.You will learn that certain foods are inflammatory to the body. I have been a Dr. Weil devotee for years/

Moonrise Kingdom a Great Film

I loved Rushmore. I loved Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. I am partial to his films because they are about small worlds where bigger than life things happen. The cast is fantastic. Stars include: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton, and Frances McDormand. The kids make the film. It takes me back to my childhood summers at Camp in Pennsylvania. Unpack your Davy Crockett hat, compass, and favorite books. The memories will make you smile.

Buck Pottery for Texas Clay

We love Buck Pottery in the Gruene Historical District of New Braunfels, Texas. Dan and I bought some of their Texas Clay dishes and cups 20 years ago. Terry and Dee Buck make the pottery and each firing of the pottery creates a unique natural glazed result. The pottery is oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe, and contains no lead. We recently purchased some cups and glazed bowls. These dishes look great with some bright cloth colored napkins.  Going to Gruene is a wonderful trip. There is something to be said for Texas Clay.

The Art of the Orchid

                      

I have gone back to an old hobby of mine. Growing orchids. When Dan and I lived in Carpinteria, I kept orchids inside our condo. I bought a Pacific Mandarin 'Neon' and I am enjoying the orange and yellow delicate blooms. Aunt Patty gave me some tips on keeping orchids indoors. I do have orchids outside that I have successfully transplanted and not killed. Do Not Over Water the Indooor Orchid. Learn how to cut them back without destroying them. They are fascinating and exotic to observe.

Lorie's Beautiful Writing Paper

                   

            

My dear friend Lorie is an amazing artist. She has always been fond of the art of the written note. She is creating this beautiful zen stationery line that is hand embossed and stamped.  I am partial to the beauty of the paper with the embossing done in nature scenes. I love her color selection of paper and envelopes. The uniball signo glides over her rich black background paper. I am partial to white, silver, and or gold metallic pigment on the dark backgrounds. Her stationery is giving us tools to take back the art of civilized communication.

The Art of the Bike Trellis

                                              

I love the blog from Priscilla Woolworth. I found this photo she posted of a bicycle used  as a trellis for cherry tomatoes. Innovative. My sister Deb loves bicycles and she loves to go out after work and ride away on her property in the Ozarks. Bicycles are amazing and timeless.

An Artistic Photo

This photo was taken by Nick. He is an a good photographer and creates these artistic photos. He takes alot of pics and seems to enjoy the process. I love this photo and I am sure you will. The art of the egg. Looks delish to me.

2 Sprays of Mark Birley Eau De Toilette

Today was the day. For some reason I thought it was a regular Saturday, until Dan does two massive Mark Birley blasts onto his chest at seven in the morning. Wow. I like to slowly make my way into the Saturday night fever mood. This eau de toilette was created by Pierre Bourdon and Frederic Malle in 1996. Hints of lemon, bergamot, mandarin, vetiver, violet, cedar, sandalwood, and musk. Rumor has it there were 180 versions of this scent until Mark Birley for Men became a new fragrance. Dan loves this Birley stuff.

"Little Man" a Giant in his eyes

              


                                                              

Circus is the amazing book of Bruce Davidson's portraits of circus life.  In 1958, Davidson traveled to NJ to photograph the Clyde Beatty Circus in Palisades Park. He met Jimmy "Little Man" Armstrong. Davidson and Jimmy became friends. The photographer began to see Jimmy's world, meeting the troupe of performers and how much they cared for each other like an extended family. Davidson was drawn to the emotion that Jimmy portrayed in his art.The photos in this book are unnerving and thought provoking.

Solvang Outdoor Summer Theatre

                        

My dear friend Lorie gave me a wonderful  birthday gift of a ticket to the outdoor Solvang Theatre play, Little Women. The story is based on a novel by Louisa May Alcott. There is something special about going to the theatre on a Friday evening in Solvang, California. The Solvang Festival Theatre is what I would imagine Denmark to look like. The weather in Solvang is usually warm during the day and the nighttime temperatures go way down for jacket and blanket weather. The whole experience is grand. Little Women was great and the singing is always worth the trip. Thank you Lorie.

The East Texas Tale of "Bernie" the Movie

             
       


Director  Linklater's movie Bernie is based on a true tale from a small East Texas Town. The local mortician, Jack Black strikes up a relationship with a wealthy widow, Shirley MacLanie. He kills her and goes to great lengths to create the illusion that she is still alive. Matthew McConaughly plays the Sheriff Deputy and I think the towns folk make this film a thumbs up. I was laughing until I was crying. A great comedy drama film.

Arlington # 4

                        All good things really do come to an end. Y'all come back.

Arlington # 3

Some of the carnies are on the road most of the year. Others go back to their families, and then gear up for next year's season of the assignments. The Circus, town carnivals, and fairs, remind us that the days of the traveling artists do come to an end. But, there is always next year. Something to look forward to next time.

The Art of a Hobby

Meet Cecilia Arthur -Sainten, LVN, at Arroyo Grande Care Center. She is a respected LVN who wears many nursing hats at our care center. She took a Cake Decorating Class and started whipping out these Cake Boss Numbers. She is quite a perfectionist when it comes to her cake decorating endeavor. I told her these look like cakes for the Royals. And with the London Olympics, I think we can easily get in the mood to slice one of  Cecilia's Royal Cakes.  Did I mention the cakes are yummy?

Happy Fourth

 It is official, summer is HERE.  In Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach, the fireworks crew are waiting to set off the big bangaroos.  The rush is on to go buy your works here at the Beach. This time of year reminds me of hot dogs, hamburgers, and a nice summer cocktail. Shall I have a vodka and OJ or whiskey sour, made fresh, the Contessa Way?

Dido's Day

Happy Birthday Dido. My sister Deb is turning another year younger today. She is vibrant and lively and makes us younger sisters look forward to the journey. Deb is special. She loves fashion, nature, people, and animals. She is intelligent and not afraid of going for those impossible challenges in life. She loves the Beatles and adores John Lennon. She has a heart for Special Education and she will fight like hell for the simple and important causes for children with special needs. Deb is unique and I am proud to have her as one of my sisters. Have a great birthday Deb. You deserve it.