The air is brisk, chili is on the stove, the soundtrack to Something's Gotta Give is playing, a glass of Australian Sauvignon Blanc is close at hand, deep, dark rich chocolate brownies are baking in the oven, six assorted flavours of Haagen Dazs ice cream are in the ice box and the family is in one country....does life get any better than this? Not for this puppy...wishing one and all the very best on this last day of 2009 and best wishes for a wonderful New Year in 2010.
May it bring you joy, good friends, good coffee and a good life!
couldn't resist!
Images 1-3 here and apologies for Colin...I was so mesmerized by the photo I forgot to check!
I decided today that waiting for the weather to improve before embarking on a day of exploration around London could make for a very long wait. So, off we went, rain and all to visit Parliament Square and St. Margaret's Church and Westminster Abbey.
Absolutely fascinating...would have been even better if I had taken the time to stand in line to pick up the audio tour at Westminster Abbey but with three fidgety teenagers trailing behind me I thought it might be asking to much. Within the first three minutes of walking into this majestic building I was taken with the tomb of William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle (1593-1676) and his wife Margaret (1623?-1673).
I found the inscription underneath the effigies intriguing. So much so that I had to write this one down (As written on the tomb).
"Here lyes the Loyall Duke of Newcastle and his Dutches his second wife, by whome hee had noe issue, her name was Margarett Lucas yongest sister to the Lord Lucas of Colchester a noble familie for all the Brothers were Valiant and all the Sisters virtuous. This Dutches was a wise wittie & learned Lady, which her many Bookes do well testifie. She was a most Virtuous & a Loveing & carefull wife & was with her Lord all the time of banishment & miseries & when he came home never parted from him in his solitary retirements."
Margaret was a young bride of 20 when she married 52 year old widower William Cavendish, The Duke of Newcastle. She was a poet, philospoher and the 'only seventeenth century woman writer to publish numerous books on natural philosophy'. It appears she was a force to be reckoned with. A book has been written about her life....
Mad Madge: The Extraordinary Life of Margaret, Duchess of Newcastle,
I have been thinking about this post for some time and trying to decide how to best describe 'The Artist's Way'. It has been around for a while and many may already be aware of Julia Cameron's philosophy to finding the creativity within you. I came across 'The Artist's Way' at a time when I was feeling fustrated and looking for something although I wasn't quite sure what it was. I read a chapter that discussed writing a list of 50 things to do in the next ten years. It had to be done quickly and without a lot of thought. Often times the ideas that are sitting on top are the ones we are most keen to get on with. I wrote it, left it and forgot about it.
What intrigues me is what I read when I came across it five years later. I was surprised to see that I had done quite a few without realising it. Every year, around this time, I write another list and add it to the previous list. It tells an interesting story. I am sure my children will find it interesting when they come across it someday.
This book, 'Morning Pages Journal' is fun if you find yourself with a growing collection of journals. It may explain why!
The following from Penguin best describes the book.
Julia Cameron keeps row after row of journals on the wooden bookcase in her writing room, all containing Morning Pages from more than twelve years of her life. The journals, she says, listen to her. They have been company on travels, and she is indebted to them for consolation, advice, humor, sanity. Now the bestselling author of The Artist's Way offers readers the same companion, in which we may discover ourselves, our fears and aspirations, and our life's daily flow. Readers will find privacy, a portable writing room, where our opinions are for our own eyes. Morning Pages prioritize the day, providing clarity and comfort. With an introduction and instructions on how to use this journal, by Julia Cameron, readers will uncover the history of their spirits as they move their hands across the universe of their lives.
Today, my interpretation of all this is blogging. Although shorter, it is a place where I can go to express myself. The bonus is you. If you are looking for that little something extra in your life....but can't quite put your finger on it, I recommend having a look at these books.
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABETAlphabet Graffiti "Never Die" Style : Letter A-ZPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
I love the notion of a 'Morning Room' and imagine a room filled with morning light overlooking a beautiful garden. A large open desk, big, open, comfortable chairs, my favourite photographs and paintings, flowers...a bit of Jane Austen going on here perhaps? In today's world, my Imac would be positioned just so with a cup of coffee close at hand. A room of one's own...a 'Morning Room' of one's own.....A lovely thought :)
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABETAlphabet Graffiti Bubble Style : Letter A-ZPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYLE GRAFFITI ARTSketch Wildstyle Graffiti Art and Arrow Design on PaperThinking of a Graffiti Graphic Design is best not to make something easy. Much to the note before making a sketch graffiti, such as the selection of style, shape, effect, color and design appropriate when there is a combination of 2 styles. One of the favorite style is a lot of people Wildstyle,
I can't say I have been much of a royal watcher in the past but I have a feeling that is going to change. I was quite smitten with The Queen's choice of colour and hat this year. Her smile brings it all together.
HM The Queen
There is even something a bit cheeky about his one...
Zara Phillips seems to be the talk of the town no matter where she goes..
Miss Zara Philipps
This one is my favourite, I think this suits Princess Beatrice to a 'T'
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABET Alphabet Graffiti Black Books : Letter A-Z "Black-White Classic"Please give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYLE GRAFFITI ARTWildStyle Graffiti Letters Art - Mural Arrow Graphic DesignWildstyle Graffiti is a Graffiti Graphic Design is a favorite and widely used by graffiti artists, and even you will find this type of graffiti in every city where you are. In making graffiti, especially with the type of Wildstyle required a special skill, not only in design but also in
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABETAlphabet Graffiti Books Paper : Letter A-ZPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYLE GRAFFITI ARTMurals Arrow - Blue WildStyle Graffiti ArtViewing environment around us is full of graffiti art (Graffiti Graphic Design) Wildstyle style is fun. Although the government should provide a place for graffiti artists to express themselves through art they create, of course it is the art of graffiti. In addition to the special places, such as the
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABETAlphabet Graffiti : Big Letter A-Z Trowup StylePlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI BUBBLE LETTER STYLEGraffiti Bubble Letter Style - Street WallPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGN3D GRAFFITI SKETCHESNeck 3D Graffiti Sketches Graphic Design Art on PaperGraffiti Sketches. This is one of a collection of sketches Graffiti Graphic Design in many forms of interesting 3D style. Neck 3D look with a stunning design from graffiti artist then, even until now the sketch is still the basis or example to make a graffiti design and to develop a more modern style
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYE GRAFFITI ARTTagging Wildstyle Graffiti Graphic Design Art CollectionWidstyle Graffiti can be made with a lot of ways, one with a digital force using computer digital technology. And these pictures is one collection with these techniques. In this way a graffiti artist will be able to manipulate the design, style or color. Even we can make a lot of Graffiti Graphic
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI ALPHABET - GRAFFITI LETTERSGraffiti Alphabet : Letter R Throwup Digital StylePlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
I woke up this morning thinking of clothes (nice change from previous days) and what I would be packing for our Christmas weekend away. Mr. H has planned a mystery weekend for us all. We were told to pack for black tie on Christmas Eve and smart/casual for the other days. The little mention of black tie has put us ladies in a bit of a tail spin. I was thinking how nice it would be to have one of those wardrobes that is endless where I could casually turn around and say to my daughters 'Now darlings, whatever shall I wear? So many things to choose from, perhaps one of these.....
and perhaps for smart/casual attire I could accessorise with a few of these lovely brooches and pearls...
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGraffiti Harfleri - Graffiti Alfabesi - Graffiti AlphabetThe Best Graffiti Harfleri - Graffiti Alfabesi - Graffiti Alphabet CollectionThese are some Graffiti Graphic Design category of the best of graffiti type "Graffiti Harfleri - Graffiti Alfabesi - Graffiti Alphabet". Type in the form of graffiti alphabet letters from A - Z in a variety of styles available in the world
We arrived safe and sound and all I want to do right now is hug a heater! Yes, I know there are those of you living in the Northern Hemisphere smiling right now. I admit I have been spoiled these last ten years living between New Zealand and Australia where the weather during these Christmas months has been glorious. Here I sit listening to Nat King Cole, the heat cranked to the highest setting, a Christmas tree ready to go in a stand and lots of presents still to be wrapped. I write this with a smile after finishing dinner with my entire family....something I have waited a year to say. At this moment, it does not matter what the weather is like, I am just happy to be....so, with that thought I think of other Christmas thoughts...
freshly baked cookies
a glass of wine by the fire
thinking of snow that may fall overnight
while watching a classic family movie
and thinking of all the wonderful people I know and wishing them peace, joy and love as they prepare for this very special holiday.
Ritengo il 2009 un buon anno per la musica. Mi dispiace per i "padroni della musica" ma in quel che loro definiscono sottosuolo si trovano le realtà musicali più interessanti,dove suonare uno strumento od un campione è ancora fonte di espressione e non una becera operazione commerciale. Ma da dove posso partire per affermare che quest'anno è stato favorevole dal punto di vista musicale.... Bhe,partiamo dalla A ( ed in ordine non alfabetico) così cercherò di tracciare una linea guida dove spero possiate trovare qualche nuovo ascolto che vi aggrada. Se dico A mi viene subito in mente ANTHONY & THE JOHNSONS con il loro THE CRYING LIGHT dove la voce del buon Tony tocca l'anima e le atmosfere eteree vi faranno dimenticare per un attimo questo sporco mondo. Sulla stessa linea d'onda ma in maniera differente menzionerei l'album d'esordio degli THE XX che dimostrano che con pochi elementi si può costruire un tappeto musicale di una bellezza rara. Sul lato più psichedelico anche qui delle buone uscite: THE HORRORS con PRIMARY COLOURS,disturbante e curioso. Gli ANIMAL COLLECTIVE ci pongono mille quesiti con un suono in eterna mutazione dove tutto viene stravolto nel loro MERRYWEATHER POST PAVILLON. Altro discorso per i GRIZZLY BEAR con VECKATIMEST,DIRTY PROJECTORS con BITTE ORCA e SUFJAN STEVENS con B.Q.E. si muovono su nuovi territori del suono trasformando il rock in qualcosa di artistico, creativo dove suoni e voci si intrecciano in maniera perfetta. Nel lato più "cattivello" menzionerei il ritorno del buon JELLO BIAFRA che con i suoi GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ci dimostra con l'album THE AUDACITY OF HIPE come la sua fama di rompicoglioni non si sia spenta e con la sua ironia continua a descrivere la sua visione dell' America. I THE HEX DISPENCER con WINCHESTER MISTERY HOUSE sfornano un album di hit-punk dove l'amore per i Ramones ed i Misfits viene in primo piano. Direttamente da L.A. menzionerei gli HEALT con il loro GET COLOR,mentre se volete un bel calcio sulle palle l' ultimo dei MUNICIPAL WASTE fà al caso vostro. Per gli affezionati dell'hip-hop è appena uscito BLACKROC interessantissimo esperimento blues-rap dove i BLACK KEYS danno il loro contributo musicale alla comunità. Se vi aggrada il rap in italiano vi consiglio SANDRO O.B. di DJ GRUFF e l'ultimo dei CO'SANG gruppo napoletano veramente verace senza peli sulla lingua. Comunque anche il belpaese sfodera le sue carte e ci regala le ultime uscite del TEATRO DEGLI ORRORI,ZEN CIRCUS e FINE BEFORE YOU CAME veramente degni di nota. Nella mia playlist personale album sparsi quà e là negli ultimi anni: SONIC YOUTH-RATHED RIPPER LED ZEPPELIN-PHYSICAL GRAFFITI CASINO'ROYALE-SEMPRE PIU'VICINO SMASHING PUMPKINS-SIAMESE DREAM AFTERHOURS-HAI PAURA DEL BUIO? VAMPIRE WEEKEND-S/T ..e la lista sarebbe lunga...vi lascio con un augurio di buon natale ed un video che vi farà tornare piccini!!!!
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYLE GRAFFITI ARTWildsyle Graffiti Fire - Arrow Design Spray PaintBlue Wildstye Graffiti MuralsWildstyle Graffiti Understand and find a character in the Graffiti Graphic Design by looking at the graffiti art which has created great sidewalk town. That is one to find an idea, imagination as a graffiti artist was confused to form a graffiti style and what character. So
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWLIDSTYLE GRAFFITI SKETCHES ARTSketch Graffiti Graphic Design on PaperSketch Graffiti Graphic Design is the first thing done by graffiti artist before making the actual graffiti. Graffiti Graphic Design is important, because there the first time an ode created, shaped and created. But today was a lot of graffiti artists who use computer technologies to make Graffiti Graphic
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI MERRY CHRISTMAS - SANTA CLAUSGraffiti Santa Claus "Merry Christmas"Santa Claus is a very phenomenal character and loved by children during the celebration of Christmas. So much Graffiti Graphic Design with a Christmas theme that made the playground the children during Christmas. Graffiti such as Merry Christmas, Santa Claus Graffiti, Graffiti Christma Tree and many
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABET ARTTribal Arrow Alphabet Graffiti "Espace Defis Red - Black"Please give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
I am staying focused on this beautiful photo by Lucinda Symons . The containers are packed, the house is empty and I am ready to go. I am going to think cheery holiday thoughts and look forward to a cup of tea at the other end of our travels. It has been a year since our whole family has been together. We are meeting our son in Sydney and flying together. I can't wait!!! When I change my location from New Zealand to the UK you know I will have arrived. Sending best wishes to all !!
One of our favourite family activities in the lead up and during the holidays is to watch our favourite movies on DVD. It can not be any old movie, it has to be something that makes us feel good. My daughters and I like our movie time with 'Bridget Jones Diary I & II, Love Actually, Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, Sleepless in Seattle and the list goes on. This year I am adding one that I recenly watched and loved. A New Zealand film called 'Second-Hand Wedding'. This movie will be a keeper in our family.
Every mother wants the best for their daughter’s wedding. And second-hand doesn’t have to mean second best, does it? Second-Hand Wedding is a heart-warming tale set in a time when TradeMe and e-bay threaten the primeval urge for a first-hand crack at the second-hand. Second-Hand Wedding follows the fortunes of the Rose family, who live on the idyllic Kapiti Coast, where the sunsets are spectacular, parking is still free and bargains abound. Jill and Brian Rose are happily married and looking forward to their daughter, primary school teacher Cheryl, following in their footsteps when long-time boyfriend, mechanic Stew, proposes. Clouds gather, however, when it becomes clear that Cheryl has issues with her mother’s voracious bargain hunting, which she fears will ruin her wedding. Covering up the truth has consequences for everyone involved. Will Cheryl be able to get out of the hole she’s dug for herself?
'Twenty Little Things' that she is looking forward to doing this Christmas. I can relate to many and intend to write my own when time permits. It is a good little reminder list as well to make sure you have everything in order for an extra special Christmas this season.
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNWILDSTYLE GRAFFITI ARTNYC Wildstyle Graffiti Murals Art on New York - USAGraffiti Graphic Design there are many kinds and types, Wildstyle is one style that is often used by graffiti artists as most will make graffiti. But the fact that Wildstyle style divided into 2 categories, namely semi-Wildstyle and Wildstyle.Even today many styles have evolved Wildstyle. Why? it is
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABETGraffiti Alphabet : Letter A B C D E F G HPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
I read this recently and wanted to share with my friends...
A Warm Refuge Best Friends
By the time we reach adulthood, many of us have had the good fortune to have at least one best friend. If we have moved around or changed our life situation repeatedly, we may be lucky enough to have had several. The best friend relationship is often our earliest intimate peer relationship, and it can be a source of great warmth and connection throughout our lives. The details of best friendship change as we grow up and grow older, but the heart of it remains the same. Our best friends are a warm refuge in which we feel free to be fully ourselves, to share our deepest secrets, to rest when we are tired, to celebrate when we are happy—a place in which we feel utterly welcome to give and receive that most precious of all gifts, love. Most intimate relationships hit bumps from time to time, and one of the hallmarks of an enduring best friendship is its ability to ride out the turbulence and remain intact even as it faces changes. Our best friends are those who manage to love us through all of our transitions, as we do the same for them. We find ways to embrace and appreciate the differences that set us apart and offer love and support no matter what. We allow each other to be exactly as we are at a given moment, even as we allow each other to change over time. In this way, best friends sometimes feel like family. We know we will stick together regardless of where our individual paths lead. We may be on the phone with our best friends every day, or we may not have spoken for a year, yet we know that our bond will be strong and immediate when we do connect. This bond ties us together even when we are apart and draws us blissfully back into the warm refuge of each other’s company when our paths bring us together again. from DailyOM
I think this is so true be it old friends, new friends or friends developed thru the blogosphere...always a pleasure to be in touch. It warms the heart, makes me smile and brightens my day. Feel free to pass this on and share the message...it could be just what a friend needs to hear today :)
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI ARTMurals Sea World Graffiti Art Sea World Wildstyle Graffiti Carton is an art that tells about nature, especially the natural beauty of the sea (Sea World), where the sea is so important to humans, including living things contained. Graffiti Graphic Design shows an awareness of graffiti artists who want to tell me how important and valuable marine world, for it
GRAFFITI GRAPHIC DESIGNGRAFFITI LETTER ALPHABET"Black-White" Alphabet Graffiti : Letter A-Z Graphic Design ArtPlease give your comments about this graffiti image, Thanks....
Well, it has finally happened. The photo featured at the top of my blog now looks like the photo below. Boo hoo! As each room is packed away I am left with a few objects to look at until the next day. Funny how we can have so much around us and never really look at it. There is something comforting about what was left behind today....
Well, the only comforting thing about this picture
is the possibility of what the future will bring.
My mother had what she used to call an antique shop. I called it a shop filled with interesting objects. This statue was one of them. Over the years, it has dawned hats, jewelry, scarves but on this occasion it had a prominent location on my desk. It was inspiring. The little painting is from Rockport Massachusetts, a place I hold near and dear to my heart. The white ceramic box was a gift from my Hortulus buddies in Greenwich Connecticut, it is inscribed "Gardeners Know the Best Dirt".
My mother painted the oval scence many years ago to remind me of our home along the sea. My mother-in -law gave me the 'Harrods Guide to London' in anticipation of our move and my father (god bless him) had a sign over his desk 'Believe'. I have the same to remember him. Lastly, I developed a bit of an obsession (ok, I can finally admit it) for Trade Me, the Kiwi version of Ebay. 'Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad' was one of my 'finds'. This was one of those interests that drove my family and friends crazy...sort of like what has happened with this blog.
A birdhouse in the shape of a church from New Hampshire, a lovely girl holding grapes from Missouri, a statue of a girl holding her dress from my Dad ( having a bit of a problem with her knees at the moment, I can relate!), a rocking chair from New Hampshire, a black urn from New Zealand and my lovely fantail bird bath from Australia. All collected in one spot for packing day.
I think this is a TJ Max purchase from years ago bit it still manages to find a place inside and out.
Purchased in Gloucester Massachusetts to remind me of my childhood on Cape Ann.
It has been a lovely addtion to our entrance.
Our kookaburra from Australia...to watch over us wherever we live.
Lastly, freshly picked big bunches of hydrangeas from my garden
Awaiting a new home with a friend.
Tommorow is another day, hope yours is a great one!
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