Tag Archives: beautiful

Stepping Out…

18 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by in Design, Fashion, Photography, Reflections

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© Hong An Doan

 Fashion fades, only style remains the same. – Coco Chanel

My maternal aunt was a fashionista in the best sense – she wore what suited her regardless of the trends. She had a penchant for couture clothes and became a great fan of the I. Magnin & Company label when she lived in San Francisco beginning in the late 1950s. Being an accomplished seamstress, she often copied the store’s designer gowns right down to the smallest details of construction, fastening, and underskirting.

She never received guests or left the house without being perfectly attired, coiffed, and made-up. Consequently, all the photographs of her portray a beautifully turned out woman – even as an octogenarian.

Model: Lauren DiMarco

Ten Beautiful Children’s Picture Books…

15 Sunday May 2011

Posted by in America's Next Top Model, Art, Photography, Reflections, Writing

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© Khrystyana Kazakova

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.  – Emile Buchwald

I love the illustrations in children’s books. Tasha Tudor fans may be interested to know that the Medici Society in London published some of the most beautiful paperback picture books that I have ever seen. They may still be found in used books stores, particularly in Britain and Canada. Many of the authors’ work is still for sale in the form of posters, postcards, and prints.

Here are the books my children liked the best from the series:

1.  An ABC For You And Me by Margaret Tempest.
2.  An Alphabet by Molly Brett
3.  Katy Laura and The Dream Boat by Elizabeth Foster
4.  Poems illustrated by Sandy Nightingale
5.  The Margaret Tempest Picture Book
6.  Tom and the Enchanted Flute by Jean Gilder
7.  The Adventures of Plush and Tatty by Molly Brett
8.  Let’s Meet Some Baby Birds by Ella Bruce
9.  The Racey Helps Picture Book with verses by Celia Barlow
10. Freddy the Teddy by Audrey Tarrant

Model – Khrystyana Kazakova

Pulgas Water Temple…

13 Friday May 2011

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© Joan Currie = Woodside, California at the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct's terminus.

I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people . – Temple inscription from Isaiah 43:20

Architect William Merchant designed this Beaux Arts temple in the 1930s with a classical circle of corinthian columns and an ornate masonry ring. It is located in Woodside, California at the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct’s terminus. A reflecting pool lies beyond the temple.

The setting is reminiscent of those depicted in high romance novels  – the  hero and heroine’s secret meeting place.

Ten Beautiful Things I’ve Learned About Blogging…

09 Monday May 2011

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© Joan Currie

After a nine month gestation period, here is what I have learned about blogging:

1.  The blog is your kingdom. You have complete control over its form and content. Unlike other areas of your life, you rule here in your realm. Long may you reign!
2.  The blogosphere is composed of some of the most generous, kind, and helpful people on the planet. Support, link, and connect with members of your blogging community as often as possible. Appreciate those who subscribe to your blog and comment on your posts.
3. Put forth original content.
4. Be bold, take risks, but above all, be authentic.
5. Publish, publish, publish.
6. Perfection is your enemy. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. You can always go back and correct them.
7. Nurture your blog. In the spirit of kaizen or continuous improvement, keep working to make your blog the best it can be.
8. Blogging is powerful. It can transform lives, save lives – even bring down governments. Use that power wisely for the good of mankind.
9. Resist the temptation to publish images and/or content for the sole purpose of increasing your statistics.
10. Have fun experimenting with this amazing medium. Enjoy and take pride in your creation!

Ten Beautiful Things My Mother Taught Me…

08 Sunday May 2011

Posted by in Art, Dance, Food, Photography, Reflections, Writing

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statuepamse

I never look back – life is too short. – My Mother

1.  The basic ballroom dance steps at a very young age so that I would always feel at home on the dance floor.
2.  Lyrics to practically every big band and show tune.
3.  How to throw a large party and be a great hostess.
4.  A glass half-full attitude that included not dwelling on the past and appreciating the here and now.
5.  How to sketch, draw, and compose photographs.
6.  The correct way to apply lipstick, eyeliner, and false eyelashes.
7.  How to bake, especially pies, bundt cakes, and butter tarts.
8.  A love of the written word – how to type, write copy, read a literary novel, and recite poetry.
9.  How to finesse a trick in bridge and win at gin rummy.
10. How to pack for a trip, including – take your own brand of teabags wherever you go to ensure that you will always have a good cup of tea.

Thanks, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

Ten Beautiful Things to Know about Treasure Island…

03 Tuesday May 2011

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© Lauren DiMarco on Oakland Bay Bridge near the Island

Within the portion of San Francisco Bay lying inside the city limits are the natural islands of Alcatraz and Yerba Buena and man-made Treasure Island, created for a world’s fair in 1939 and later turned into a naval base (1941–93). – Encyclopedia Britannica

1.  Best location to view San Francisco’s nightscape and holiday fireworks!
2.  Spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, especially during Fleet Week in October.
3.  Easy access to the city of San Francisco via the Oakland Bay Bridge (no toll required).
4.  Former military barracks have been converted to affordable rental housing.
5.  Event facilities are available for corporate and private events (such as weddings, concerts).
6.  It is home to a feral cat community.
7.  Sea lions frequent the waters nearby.
8.  Halibut, stripers, rockfish, and shark have been caught from along its western shore.
9.  Clipper Cove is home to the Treasure Island Yacht Club.
10. Great spot to view the construction of the eastern span of the Oakland Bay Bridge.

Joan Currie

Model – Lauren DiMarco

Limericks…

16 Saturday Apr 2011

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© Joan Currie

There once was a white bunny named Feaster
Who ate all the chocolate eggs for Easter
The children were quite sad
And his mom was so mad 
That she spanked him on his fluffy keister. 

and

There once was an odd-looking chick named Sue
Who was at a loss for something to do
She went to the town fair
And had a good time there
But came home still feeling lonely and blue. 

These surreal looking animals and some Godiva chocolate served as prompts for the limericks. Inject some fun into your day – try writing a limerick yourself!

Riches…

15 Friday Apr 2011

Posted by in America's Next Top Model, Fashion, Photography, Reflections

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© Laura Tillinghast

Anne Shirley: You know something, Diana? We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens.
[gestures to the setting sun]
Anne Shirley: Look at that. You couldn’t enjoy its loveliness more if you had ropes of diamonds.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, screenplay by Kevin Sullivan and
Joe Wiesenfeld 

We are temporary stewards to all that surrounds us.

Model: Khrystyana Kazakova