When all else fails, looking at something beautiful can put things right again. Or if not to put right, to remind. To remind us that there is beauty in abundance in this sometimes-ugly world, and that it is often created by people who are talented, disciplined, and devoted to using and celebrating their God-given gifts.… Continue reading How Hunt Slonem Celebrates
News & Notes
One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation
This is the cutest thing. Why not turn an ordinary supper with a girlfriend into an occasion? Doesn’t have to be the Moulin Rouge–just one little thing that’s special. That is all you need to create a sense of occasion in everyday life. If not now, when?! So here’s what my friend Nina Griscom did… Continue reading One Little Thing: an Inspired Invitation
Eden is that old-fashioned House
A poem by Emily Dickinson with a lovely thought of home found its way to me recently: Eden is that old-fashioned House We dwell in every day Without suspecting our abode Until we drive away I daresay there are many unsuspected “Edens” in our lives. Our children, the little devils. Our husbands, the rascals. Our… Continue reading Eden is that old-fashioned House
Happy Birthday Mama
I’ve spent most of this day trying not to write about my mama, but it didn’t work. Today was her birthday, would have been her 83rd. I’m not sure she would have liked being 83 unless she could still look and act like she was, say 63.
Just Back From Lost Angeles
Have to admit it is exciting to be in Los Angeles for Oscar weekend and friend Alex Hitz’s super fun party which ended at around 2 with the diehards gathered around the kitchen island singing at the tops of their lungs to every song, using whisks as microphones. Umhmm. I’m not saying I was one… Continue reading Just Back From Lost Angeles
Bee-lightful!
Happy Friday all! Is Bee-lightful the worst pun you’ve ever heard? Yes. It’s nerves I think. My computer’s in the shop and I’m having to write this on an iPad, which I don’t really know how to do yet. It may be next week by the time this posts… Anyway I did want to share… Continue reading Bee-lightful!
Touched
So many of you have responded to the Sunday Painter post, thank you; and some of you are artists yourselves. Just this morning Jill Steenhuis added a comment to Sunday Painter, and I’d like to comment back by treating you to her work and website, here. Jill is an Atlanta native who has lived and… Continue reading Touched
Sunday Painter
I’ve been doing this bi-coastal commute for about two and a half years now. Aspects of it are a pain in the bo-hiney, and I joke about being 4,000 miles from the nearest Bergdorf’s (okay 2,462; and yes they do have stores in Santa Barbara), but being on this ranch and being able to sit… Continue reading Sunday Painter
One Little Thing: A Positive Attitude
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. –Herm Albright (1876-1944)
Come, and Be My Baby
Today’s post is dedicated to my readers, YOU. Thank you; you are a Valentine to me every day. We are having a small dinner tonight for friends old and new, and every one has been asked to bring a poem to read. I was torn between “There once was a man from Nantucket…” and something… Continue reading Come, and Be My Baby
Doing Up for Valentine’s Day
Life at Rancho La Zaca was so hectic around the holidays that I never got around to posting about our New Year’s Eve party,* but when I was doing up the table–with friend Nina Griscom and sister Duvall’s help–I kept thinking it would be pretty that way for Valentine’s Day, too. We’re not having quite… Continue reading Doing Up for Valentine’s Day
One Little Thing: Look 10 Pounds Thinner Right Now
No, your eyes do not deceive you, nor do I, your devoted servant and blogger. Go stand in front of a full length mirror, sideways. Now stand up straight; engage your abs–aka hold your tummy in–but please continue to breathe… just sayin.’ Hold your shoulders back with your head centered squarely over your spine. See… Continue reading One Little Thing: Look 10 Pounds Thinner Right Now