by Carol on November 9, 2012
Several months ago I started re-upholstering a chair for my daughter. The chair had been in the family of our friends and was given to our daughter when they were moving. Their cats had made the chair their own — and not in a good way.
French Chair "Before"
Well, it took many hours to strip the chair of it’s old clothes and many more hours to re-dress it but, I think you’ll agree that it was well worth it. This lovely “new” chair graces her living room these days. It’s a real looker.
French Chair "After"
by Carol on November 7, 2012
No summer is complete without at least one trip to nearby Berkshire county, where I was born and raised. It’s an easy day trip for us but once this past summer we tapped into Air BnB and made it a weekend affair. It was our anniversary and David Byrne was at Mass MoCA so we had to go! Thanks to Facebook I scored tickets, as they sold out in a hurry. Byrne was there with his new musical, Here Lies Love, which he co-wrote with Fat Boy Slim, and which tells the story of Imelda Marcos. The show was incredible and was staged such that the audience was placed directly in the midst of the performance, between sections of 4′ high wheeled platforms that were moved around and between the crowd as the performers danced and sang. Byrne discretely wandered among the viewers in his orange jumpsuit, taking notes on the staging, sound, lighting and overall performance as this was the initial, full staging of the musical. It is impossible to describe this interactive, dynamic performance. Here Lies Love needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated so, if the show is staged in NYC or elsewhere, I strongly suggest you grab tickets as soon as they go on sale and prepare for a unique evening of theater.
The Monument at Mt Greylock in the Berkshires, Massachusetts
The next day we enjoyed a relaxing drive to the top of Mt Greylock, around the Berkshires and dinner at Mazzeo’s, the restaurant now in the building where we had our wedding reception “some number” of years ago, before hitting the Mass Pike eastward to home.
by Carol on November 5, 2012
Ever since it was opened to the public a few years back, I’ve wanted to visit the Glass House.In a pastoral setting, amidst rolling hills and large shade tress, the Glass House is truly stunning. I was inspired by the beautiful simplicity of the interior and the way the house and nature are one. When I stood in the living room of the Glass House, I felt as if I was sitting outdoors, surrounded by green. The property has many other buildings that we toured as well, but none surpassed the Glass House.
Glass House Living Room
Phillip Johnson's Glass
by Carol on November 3, 2012
Summer 2012: At the bidding of our daughter, Jess, and son-in-law, Ben we decided this summer’s travel would include Portland, Oregon. Jess was on her 15,000 mile, cross country, Jumpstart Creativity Tour so we visited Portland while she was there. The 4th of July found us enjoying gorgeous fireworks and a full moon on the riverside. Given the art scene, Powell’s Books, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, food trucks, shops and many bustling neighborhoods, we are sure to visit Portland again. These 2 pictures of the Japanese Garden are just a glimpse of the inspiration I found there. If you haven’t been here — add Portland to your must see list!
Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon
