Just because it's pretty

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615694628864599826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDMI2YXqNEX7h3gRCyp9ESWNgohrVsMS1jjCIbCwZo5rRaGyiDja_cULeBKs0cw3Gim8YucIGQJ0QLNPUBQhrKt1-eHXy9MTN9x2RIC8NqnMeJWHmOlAAuv7ybqMyVb_PyLWjLY4ikU/s400/portrait.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Do we bloggers always need a reason to post pretty pictures? I for one don't think so. Sometimes we (or at least I) go to a museum simply to see something pretty and not neccesarily to learn anything. Is that too honest? <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615694623661415154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bNQVrr15lOvb-H_YGiFvHGyps4vUZCpOYDKquR3vnv_nUX0-wKvT0QhJLFXzUIYoBkyzK-T0UjpkhVNV7NYHfa5tK3zJi0kJocjEmgx2BYjetP7eLKJz4p7gIxB1h3_DzBrZKEi6GLY/s400/mantelpiece.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div><br /><div>If you need another reason, it's my birthday; A little pretty is required. Shown here are some period rooms and furnishings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615695436591658914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2LCxtwF0kad8x6op2vo4VQl5WApSmEOxfYKjNSSS1XzJHF_SEv7hRfoGjjvYgZC0S3L-ohP7oV8yTONTY7fZd4D77IVcI6qPjyrPFCZSCPreaLgvX-O6sPi_IzYX0SQa6lAfKh3TFAA/s400/Louis+XV.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />A bust of Louis XV at the age of 47 by Lemoyne and presented to his mistress, Madame de Pompadour (beat that portrait to your mistress, Congressman Weiner)<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNcxSKlx59upmOtwwGDPpxCw6hHssfdXWgXXWG-WBwC-3jbBFEifqcFKvfS_rKyQszCYsfKs_LthXIbmZcL5ro52n4dGP2nH4-iUgxizap8gmRHQVB-eur3kFKMZlJ6isj92E6DZEPkw/s1600/chandelier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615694610976322418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNcxSKlx59upmOtwwGDPpxCw6hHssfdXWgXXWG-WBwC-3jbBFEifqcFKvfS_rKyQszCYsfKs_LthXIbmZcL5ro52n4dGP2nH4-iUgxizap8gmRHQVB-eur3kFKMZlJ6isj92E6DZEPkw/s400/chandelier.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I show a lot of pictures of chandeliers on my blog I'm starting to realize. Would you believe I don't even own one myself?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJmaEl0IHpRxZRTwnnIoaa1mKxF5zB6f0ZHpanjPNC8MAfpF4qJSF7Gg7ylO4_Uc3KVVM4mjQyv7DhgijTlLRu84-Eqw5waV4Vu8LQapvMmg75BhChJ_7bhi3jp6Lmp2xmGHqoYEcB1I/s1600/a+la+polonaise.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615694598983636258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJmaEl0IHpRxZRTwnnIoaa1mKxF5zB6f0ZHpanjPNC8MAfpF4qJSF7Gg7ylO4_Uc3KVVM4mjQyv7DhgijTlLRu84-Eqw5waV4Vu8LQapvMmg75BhChJ_7bhi3jp6Lmp2xmGHqoYEcB1I/s400/a+la+polonaise.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Gilded <em>lit a la duchesse</em> (or flying tester bed) by Georges Jacob. Enjoy!</div></div></div></div></div>

Just because it's pretty

Do we bloggers always need a reason to post pretty pictures? I for one don't think so. Sometimes we (or at least I) go to a museum simpl...

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Shadows

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIKh42qtWO5Ukmhqis_b8V7KrZJXfslrE1d-a1SvwgFk2KqAJltl_4AVxgo4GSnrLYJJRLJVj3rEsrU_8dITZg27Fct6b1wHDbAULuIl3casMrXvDXPiG00_LWQbUI-FjbSMQDlhRGhg/s1600/Malachite+urn.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615316190418372018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIKh42qtWO5Ukmhqis_b8V7KrZJXfslrE1d-a1SvwgFk2KqAJltl_4AVxgo4GSnrLYJJRLJVj3rEsrU_8dITZg27Fct6b1wHDbAULuIl3casMrXvDXPiG00_LWQbUI-FjbSMQDlhRGhg/s400/Malachite+urn.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I apologize for the lack of posts lately; I've had some technical difficulties and a rather full work life keeping me otherwise occupied. Before I was entirely forgotten, I wanted to just post a few photos of this marvelous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachite">malachite</a> urn at the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Io6hmKjx1GbAx4dxAAWJsNaF-vDfvjLnsibuvdQzwKLfltTeflpd2F0qurxg8GPudnYdWMqpVqHbPjTnh_Tqa5DMvM2dfXsqdmCr9BUs38zOkWJoHjNm9fmRhwmTCNsVrUOzt5Njlmo/s1600/shadow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615316178270541762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Io6hmKjx1GbAx4dxAAWJsNaF-vDfvjLnsibuvdQzwKLfltTeflpd2F0qurxg8GPudnYdWMqpVqHbPjTnh_Tqa5DMvM2dfXsqdmCr9BUs38zOkWJoHjNm9fmRhwmTCNsVrUOzt5Njlmo/s400/shadow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Probaly the most fascinating thing about it, other than that emerald green color, are the shadows created from the lighting. Two points to be made here: sometimes the affect of an object is more important than its existence and if you look past the obvious, sometimes you find something even more interesting. I'll be back soon!</div>

Shadows

I apologize for the lack of posts lately; I've had some technical difficulties and a rather full work life keeping me otherwise occupie...

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Chinoiserie automaton

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQQ7ZlL1bfsK1DTBIo4WqrwR-Hkv-vDP9QKFhu2Y2w5yLnpWS8uN2jigUcj1GA6EWfgicw_z_BLfPmqkNA5qdIq6ME3IHwrybT5vRHMADShsz8Bxta_ZFjn1T9hWyzH2icwjToSnYaDE/s1600/Automaton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610453182831987794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQQ7ZlL1bfsK1DTBIo4WqrwR-Hkv-vDP9QKFhu2Y2w5yLnpWS8uN2jigUcj1GA6EWfgicw_z_BLfPmqkNA5qdIq6ME3IHwrybT5vRHMADShsz8Bxta_ZFjn1T9hWyzH2icwjToSnYaDE/s400/Automaton.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While working on a more in-depth post of a fantastic building I visited recently, I wanted to leave you with something just to let you know I'm still around! Located at the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art </a>is a collection of ingenius bejeweled objects known as <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&biw=1004&bih=612&q=automaton&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=-1XcTdXVNY-WsgPtg7SmDg&ved=0CBoQkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=92c87bb478bf1374">automatons</a>. These machines, popular in the mid 18th century (as so many of my favorite things were!), were mechanical moving devices; a sort of early day robot! Often they were more than a mere toy and incorporated something useful, such as the clock seen here. Made by James Cox in London, 1766, this device still would fascinate and amaze the most ardent anti-antiquarian!

Chinoiserie automaton

While working on a more in-depth post of a fantastic building I visited recently, I wanted to leave you with something just to let you know...

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Superstitions

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypTjegKZ-S_N17bcgrzNmFMqZ5mcSQOiXxZwkdU9ef3LWymv2RgVjJIzRSz5bKnbpNbsGkIpqUvXjaN9w4cEC_C_Fa2lugK26JQZa_63loQ04gywFuFJymTpz5R7RixsmpQZlrrKiH0o/s1600/Wrightsman+Fund.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607882085670140226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypTjegKZ-S_N17bcgrzNmFMqZ5mcSQOiXxZwkdU9ef3LWymv2RgVjJIzRSz5bKnbpNbsGkIpqUvXjaN9w4cEC_C_Fa2lugK26JQZa_63loQ04gywFuFJymTpz5R7RixsmpQZlrrKiH0o/s400/Wrightsman+Fund.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Do you hold any superstitions? I don't mean picking up pennies and avoiding black cats, this is a design blog after all! While going through some photos I took in the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> earlier this year, I noticed that these wall lights had the candle wicks left unburnt. I've always been taught that tapers should be charred before being left in a candlestick; not sure why, but I've always followed this rule. I know it comes from some unknown superstition but I can't seem to find what would happen if I didn't burn them! Do you follow this practice?<br /><em>These rococo wall lights are manufactored by the Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin in the 1760s.</em>

Superstitions

Do you hold any superstitions? I don't mean picking up pennies and avoiding black cats, this is a design blog after all! While going th...

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Under the sea

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaDjOFsUPGu0fH8cmQTQLbefZ6fWt3q9o1eIPH643DvoAb4dlmVCSiuQW2DRxfMsJ492xXMmFuzkfBrTg_PTH0cAWs5FRbPUup2f2Cf4OBoNCFOiThwXkZYxiYnVKmzaigkC1-sI2aa8/s1600/colorful+shells.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590623994216136018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaDjOFsUPGu0fH8cmQTQLbefZ6fWt3q9o1eIPH643DvoAb4dlmVCSiuQW2DRxfMsJ492xXMmFuzkfBrTg_PTH0cAWs5FRbPUup2f2Cf4OBoNCFOiThwXkZYxiYnVKmzaigkC1-sI2aa8/s400/colorful+shells.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. These gorgeous shells, on display at the Smithsonian Castle, are similar to intricate jewelry. They are part of the exhibit <em><a href="http://www.si.edu/Exhibitions/Details/The-Smithsonian-Institution-America">The Smithsonian Institution, America's Treasure Chest</a></em>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590623861069938050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO9j5GkRCd647h_Ph9c4uS9bJV9vdzTkD5w1s4SXtCYhVsW8kJ8lF7tOqOmV3Vste6hvFsRcLujquyk4oZ7pkUjUjjcHStlsdyiGn8NvdzfqkJZ1Z3hT1-67PZ8lOOCssi8jpsl3q0tk/s400/undersea+life.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I urge you all to visit the historic <a href="http://www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building">Smithsonian castle</a> and check out the treasures of the institution! And just to accompany these gorgeous shells, a gorgeous voice singing about the fishes in the sea....Nina Simone, <em>Feeling Good</em> <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3FqMWKttZVk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Under the sea

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. These gorgeous shells, on display at the Smithsonian Castle, are similar to intricate jewelry. Th...

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Canaletto at NGA

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2TgSnfJtRnCmJCaKUwwEyVghh5ezq_lNDgSSLpEjRKNgVvpk2x3W2Q98i4TFiEvRMNY33yE0AIluS59zMkB_jp9b3Jppe_XW6fvIw-3YLaLE_T7JSOy0d1lynJBSNWUuAXQ6p7oEpW0/s1600/gondola.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615706750536322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2TgSnfJtRnCmJCaKUwwEyVghh5ezq_lNDgSSLpEjRKNgVvpk2x3W2Q98i4TFiEvRMNY33yE0AIluS59zMkB_jp9b3Jppe_XW6fvIw-3YLaLE_T7JSOy0d1lynJBSNWUuAXQ6p7oEpW0/s400/gondola.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Have weekend plans here in DC? Why not stop by the National Gallery of Art to see the current show entitled <a href="http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/veniceinfo.shtm"><em>Venice: Canaletto and his rivals.</em></a> Canaletto seems to be in the air here in DC, with numerous galleries and antique shops throughout Georgetown showcasing paintings in similar style. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615701160854290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-wIl5GEcv4aRUsdq_IoQ0cVt4Sp9DSR8gDurRK_6tHjnq49cDKx9AXJVOQmjwxSFnKuuj0JGablUXfC9Rb6oBQ7rO-rKxIlMJOl0YH-Gw2sSWSLPmJZdK5TI1u3oXMGYnZIM0Vm47oQ/s400/canaletto.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />At the entrance to the exhibit is an original 19th century gondola that was purchased by the artist Thomas Moran and brought to his house on Long Island.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615699149347074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wzzGmyHEoiqkQSox9YU56qOAKo8JQKuG8s5qj3iOptyxsjOcKM-mSJq-e-fV02E2Ml1oWefaAIjgxILtW7yNGHr4Ewor488xvC20yQjpaCyOSv4Y5oq3IBm_7UAnzPjVOfMwCyi8GTc/s400/venice.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The timing seems ideal as I'm currently obsessed with the Venetian fantasy that is Vizcaya. You'll find me at <a href="http://www.nga.gov/">NGA</a> on Saturday! <br /><div><em>Photos taken with my camera phone a few weeks prior to help me to remember to visit the exhibit!</em></div>

Canaletto at NGA

Have weekend plans here in DC? Why not stop by the National Gallery of Art to see the current show entitled Venice: Canaletto and his rival...

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New York, New York

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378290136900466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR6mFiHDGBNtBrvCaLADhyUN55vs5Yos3cmjZRqTArcE6zRhFswHIUQ9CW3Wyb48FG469l4O6VYg30jk8CgTeaI0DUfmFSbq3uFIRr4fPt92cH4V4_BYFjzCYoBjBdl3OiuNQBQDhR_g/s400/Venetian+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />I'm back from a fun filled weekend spent in New York with the highlight being a visit to my favorite museum, <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaTnA4z6fsyLGSISvEUwJ8maQoyovk_wyj_V42ABLm7CfSe7ah92FKmcVsXDjmHeMfhXI3-h6sy9rFhHgtPlFXllFwtJ8TmWDmVZ8f4Eh9OuJRVWUcIxXQYeqeNQZSH5uje5QAerVT_g/s1600/Venetian+bed.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378286913694082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaTnA4z6fsyLGSISvEUwJ8maQoyovk_wyj_V42ABLm7CfSe7ah92FKmcVsXDjmHeMfhXI3-h6sy9rFhHgtPlFXllFwtJ8TmWDmVZ8f4Eh9OuJRVWUcIxXQYeqeNQZSH5uje5QAerVT_g/s400/Venetian+bed.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Admittedly, I'm not there for the art. I adore the period rooms and have seen them literally hundereds of times (but can never get enough).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378277635443746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rhj8PvgRUVqsvaeAvGAGzA7D1sh9PWxTniXjV59q6b92W5gmn1eIqMyZb20UTh6FPQ_JvxWHjsb7Mcd_v1XHgbH1CTdMTLGsAZNW9ElT75qPcv-vMpxqdARcwOJPL9cHjwnRXahpJv8/s400/state+bed.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />My favorite has always been the moody Venetian bedroom, seen in the top 2 photos.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMe-rttvyPzbDegD43Nbj6adz43XcOG-bGI6o8o4FiBwr2jXSBKirFtiuBnSPoyXa9rHoNkLeAfrvCkhZce7pOH1NMhCrHfc9UNoLnrjyCQqWtYiU6E6k1HYLe50NJjduDCm436QVFXBw/s1600/sunlight.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378281631857298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMe-rttvyPzbDegD43Nbj6adz43XcOG-bGI6o8o4FiBwr2jXSBKirFtiuBnSPoyXa9rHoNkLeAfrvCkhZce7pOH1NMhCrHfc9UNoLnrjyCQqWtYiU6E6k1HYLe50NJjduDCm436QVFXBw/s400/sunlight.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The beauty is that there is something for everyone!<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378089313116770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c6MVLPNHqzif9hv2g5Ld7_Dn6Wyp0TRRLsy3bmrXWU5DAtz3SFjrokX30km6wMNDy3SJ46XuteVAZPtGkHFoz2QVWhLzGYPqnfGRSJ8u_dHKdtbzx4QRcI4C0VkfkWj6O4Z66uuJHo8/s400/mantelpiece.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The details of these rooms are just amazing, no matter which period.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378079973475554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP3GC-aN4uwbGaLvSFxZgjt5pa84KHfo7UTcoCWBmELb0dRCrg5SORTN04Wm4V7KxMubkGx5SMvMqEBPoDwAzxOxT3a8mNfPfxBaHoAporLGLMbW3LosNlKickNKvNuV_y_iqhyphenhyphenRV0FM/s400/card+game.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The lighting is spectacular; Different details are highlighted, moods created and scenes come to life in dappled sunlight.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378090126106802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxWsAYgNhLXAqvYROJJk9M_afKcEn_3vtvxYRtzmu8kAjhKNQfRCegOR7kvoNRVKm3CoGAlrLO4OGK36odQTy8msR-gwLSSrJPZFmWF5bICIQSRPZd542QZDXYetMAR3aEVuT8Q3Mex8/s400/plaster+detailing.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />You can get up close and personal with items from history, who can ask for more?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378092731747714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8DWfvw3h5WAfFZSxxFfh8HfF5_FviQP6K5OB0I5VcXp2ZoiMQVAmo9H_DDK584U-w4G5aNpqZhGnj7bhWNMCpP7KxrMVhPiZ_y6Na-HMrtoC45Iyas-sCIoiUM-8e6YHdmNhg9vWsqA/s400/silver+detail.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />Room after room -it's an entire day spent admiring the architecture and design of the past.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378085666052178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYHHPdSFoGKQaaO_kGpvlmTG1HsLrc5xnZuvD89_bJOwqeq-IjukIp9ORqBZH-Yr9k0zs-8tWceTfcOorPOT8yUltz2wrtx3PqxzNqfFj0yLPr7pA2GEFEbxMpAbvyIqzavDWk-V0e7c/s400/carved+oak+handrail.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />After being indoors all day a quick trip through Central Park, seen below, and lunch in my favorite nearby restaurant, <a href="http://www.elizabar.com/">EAT cafe</a>, completes the adventure!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQUDDhvqFwmKx5HS-5rPmXUdWIxN0s39x0Pf-SJwY6d1eUMD77qCcxx7l7QOMTOwOxOWpsAXXZ_Tx-_FT0Eafpcf9KN9cmWFlm50AIAYlqQnyopf5kCwrffyUTqysDPi5G4nJAnSZdcA/s1600/stone+castle.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576378282468838226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQUDDhvqFwmKx5HS-5rPmXUdWIxN0s39x0Pf-SJwY6d1eUMD77qCcxx7l7QOMTOwOxOWpsAXXZ_Tx-_FT0Eafpcf9KN9cmWFlm50AIAYlqQnyopf5kCwrffyUTqysDPi5G4nJAnSZdcA/s400/stone+castle.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div><div>The perfect Saturday in the city in my book!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

New York, New York

I'm back from a fun filled weekend spent in New York with the highlight being a visit to my favorite museum, The Metropolitan Museum of ...

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Textile Museum

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwPt1snKHsaN98qoVb3QQ6BkumhuUsrXDSvaacSSwkGVEeXNDu1j0Yh6llPOtVc99xqOTqd-wO4r3BuBENM0zyMiKz1Pk4b7e2elLSKMZclBNpIAjPUd4BxumHT9FmJYSgWIECGveUe0/s1600/victorian+dress.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552622193560967810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwPt1snKHsaN98qoVb3QQ6BkumhuUsrXDSvaacSSwkGVEeXNDu1j0Yh6llPOtVc99xqOTqd-wO4r3BuBENM0zyMiKz1Pk4b7e2elLSKMZclBNpIAjPUd4BxumHT9FmJYSgWIECGveUe0/s400/victorian+dress.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Located above the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/decorative-screen.html">Museu de Arts Decoratives </a>in the Palau Reial de Padralbes is the Barcelona Textile Museum.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgog7sd5Olkc_wNudyZIVbP1ilD5mw4H3oO9KIp0XV0Sv8mBY7SIz3frafTsiH8W6Li4FJhMGVqNlzH5a80US-83ythmt1N0cqRJwLozVAA1WFB-C66U0JBEA9KnpeyIoQ5o1atn4f-cmk/s1600/Picture+390.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552622193170713458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgog7sd5Olkc_wNudyZIVbP1ilD5mw4H3oO9KIp0XV0Sv8mBY7SIz3frafTsiH8W6Li4FJhMGVqNlzH5a80US-83ythmt1N0cqRJwLozVAA1WFB-C66U0JBEA9KnpeyIoQ5o1atn4f-cmk/s400/Picture+390.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Not where you would probably expect me to be spending time, but honestly, we had some time to kill! What a pleasant surprise I had in store.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4Uzf6VySUhRKwt9z60rmJfgR_9BVg33bYzQv_O-XdSPZ3BrpaVdr3swq4SZPFogqqOMwQX_BTDqfHzrp-2ToJwiAEsmKTDOTMO_n9dQr1dVVBSYqzkZJbXatZvVXvVnj1kQr9pEBcI4/s1600/new+look+bust.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552622191385291090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4Uzf6VySUhRKwt9z60rmJfgR_9BVg33bYzQv_O-XdSPZ3BrpaVdr3swq4SZPFogqqOMwQX_BTDqfHzrp-2ToJwiAEsmKTDOTMO_n9dQr1dVVBSYqzkZJbXatZvVXvVnj1kQr9pEBcI4/s400/new+look+bust.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The amazing collection traces the evolution of fashion: providing interesting 'how tos' such as how the 'new look' bust was created, seen above, and contrasting elements of different styles.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFshC0FkTRNzjSoOPWylQ0hDFmW90Eu8yEgPRec7E5VtxPVWIiZE6yUckZk17P5z0fGPMVm2EgnBHfE0ne5SYAuaQeN34uXQ1yeyijCLvBb3KSrluXmu71HPFJotfE_qd-0DTNoqUZ4Y/s1600/mermaid+dress.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552622184524180162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFshC0FkTRNzjSoOPWylQ0hDFmW90Eu8yEgPRec7E5VtxPVWIiZE6yUckZk17P5z0fGPMVm2EgnBHfE0ne5SYAuaQeN34uXQ1yeyijCLvBb3KSrluXmu71HPFJotfE_qd-0DTNoqUZ4Y/s400/mermaid+dress.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The patterns of these victorian skirts below were contrasted to a much later 20th century version.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621806873009730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-kEk-mmpWtgClNoByswK4sulY325R2L1yE4jZIEHm-E08KXUMjeWgKgyk7k7p1dK2nulJdWNZMDblj9gy2HU1AhN4HIrMH10yk-0whAzQphwxdzWVjt0N0kx35gjfk8-Yq31XWafM-U/s400/hoop+skirt.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 337px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />And just how are those hoop skirts held high? Well, here's how!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Qrp-2vg5YPiBJ-rsjwzVlQVlPefjxvDo2EO1GwtvkytRaOQ4gordwocYJ1KBZCtckH-xGUlXya4BIRTuv4pzi4Bm5nmpIc3I-5ZQiibqXtMTdzHtL9cbJyvaXdKDIQ9bg7QjbJHBf4/s1600/hoop+skirt+structure.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621811859058178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Qrp-2vg5YPiBJ-rsjwzVlQVlPefjxvDo2EO1GwtvkytRaOQ4gordwocYJ1KBZCtckH-xGUlXya4BIRTuv4pzi4Bm5nmpIc3I-5ZQiibqXtMTdzHtL9cbJyvaXdKDIQ9bg7QjbJHBf4/s400/hoop+skirt+structure.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Seeing the clothing in person and relatively close up was much better than reading about them in a book or magazine.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621435263343074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE95eY7utGt047MMH_bEisIxOshPShUnjcYjVKRzD-ueeMWfwYuBkV-9yhhcTT9aPSIMo38tWyPnS9xJYcO4wDSkVVLV5-WJ53Yck58y6ZN56FxQNsfrkmCCp_-kFPtzRjsGiSjFcH3Vs/s400/flapper+dress.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The workmanship and details on some of the pieces were amazing, especially loved this flapper look. Notice the white suit in the background, so Gatsby'esque!<br /><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621433292128210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyOy9GiMIdNel72Afq8vvutpAxTyp33_jkDgH2A94VFwD36bwswHHRZTAg0Sd3X0LL1mKI40EY7IwxwuEGy6KMbqpkKL7wSaccgUO2g7mpah-nBdlKCyIR5aFs-Ubz3JcGu455D_8qKY/s400/flapper+beading+detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Examples such as these mid 19th century Empire styled dresses were in such immaculate condition with such vivid colors you would have thought they were just sewn yesterday.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621428841867170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcnDLKI52FM5VORgaL0waDt5xhKyYGvbHuFVqXayXFtS-OFzgHVIQppM20B3Lsm9wv4iKzkozReRCCu__xfLR_gzrgQ1F0W2VvtorwQqY8ZRSRU957QtKdF7FWfCE3xBkYWRHw_aG8zk/s400/empire+waist.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Seeing this fairly recent dress compared with an Edwardian train was another example of a great pairing.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621149047280034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LfBbYDUJW6UGFQWCfZZroJVoHGLqNiFa1i0wpNcqWFv4O5fSm_u-rmtHaJ_pMOdD-XS9BxUgXJYe5jl02JF_mOIndmYlAl-hPNo57x1CxlU7MwPO6RTXhiG6OCz8NvvY1cSH2rxuVCQ/s400/dresses.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />And just how are those bustles kept up (throughout different periods)?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621145771921762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaBBN_bYX4tIOv_aljNQwvKUFwlyyR0BX6GNnRKLOicGiQB6KV1LiaRwbVzo3DoDcAvzKo8nArnAMP7DkLWgU-4ffz7bzLG8SO-1jFI2JjhMUw1FjolGSDPHDpo0o2tNlwOwYmq9zqh8/s400/bustle+behind.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The layout of this exhibit really is impeccable. I always say the right presentation can make the most mundane exhibit interesting (I recently saw a fascinating exhibit on parking garages at the <a href="http://www.nbm.org/">NBM</a>. Come on, I mean...they made parking structures interesting!).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621141656267154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pluR_-KaWaOSIOpjdJuJKV7vJWvTj86nsJ_dsRjMqX3RbKj0Rz2wZAhgk5uqPodjzGjetu6PS3iN6AAZI4_00nhgURt333a3H9tpzQy8MaDWwt32MtkvoUy4DLdEzF5wGbVfwSKyTk4/s400/bustle.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />These bodices were in such beautiful colors.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552620315636272290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oRShv1Fo3xWqagIlpEdUE9etKHIKQkVLR1RBLvUUSUpjdXz1TvhAWvS7gC32KgIrP5iGxMzAG1eIF-jVCXxF-Z50TwS5L3A4kmd0xDS4tK8NJU9BRdcmMlkCm3iui5SWkaOzR9EGebE/s400/bodice.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />More amazing beading work.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552620312258402226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwBxm5uRG9vyXG0CdxJ1TLEPL63PBqV-WoNIlIl1biARz3gRxwVEMg2RMpedRYNiK13H6zxaVVAjVeBpOSDAi4E2ExYDfcedJUv37yrU2XPGB3gYaX_4BsuutA4lxnhiMsY84Vbklszs/s400/beading+detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This is a whole lot of look, but in the right situation, pretty fabulous!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552620309899195634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWpLD6WhGtm_vHzim9kXEGSmXTfE-ja5xfrB_HFcrxgdHc9XfqSbNQs5O-MCZru-5VjcTKF36yJwuxgZroLRcjkxEluLK67EeCM6K1NJWP_V-jUJFz7Lh72gl6X6L0rwzR3r0JvEVWpw/s400/ballgown.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Spain's own Balenciaga is of course represented. I loved all of his clothing they showed. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552619518843344466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokm2mGKxPoiBOrbTUe7jwUyC-tBh1mZRxOZWTmckCIBmNQuEe8xpANo7lOX1SaqMpCLDS0LlmdHVegmJo6CjLOXZTd5NROh8NjU6uEfHhvZNStQzEsi1pBxEBV9e6tXq6pxhZm10DKVI/s400/Balenciaga.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Some more bizarre pairings showing yet again how things never change; they just come in and out of fashion, nothing is ever 'new'. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552619516481840722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixifWIKHuU3uHhzdn2mZCCU-XtUJnTF7GNi-yAl-RvR8CUDbRw0ChJrCBKgN9SI69R7zwa2q0x3h4aQ6GWv8PMZ4g9eSHADGIhvuk-OTIzWCy5oGTANG7hj4U1B12osZhGOBVXvJ-r0Oo/s400/assortment.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />These body conscious dresses below come from all different styles and time periods.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552619512229121970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIi1Id9CeGlxEa2KnHAFXKqhWiISlzGiZ4EG0CFTFc_E9uqDCG0Qesgl39onFdlw7XRO4lJhSWZ5fNqUsFjWgqO7__Ocw_68VTNwJ7J8SjmeDARuoI4iMwvPnINaW0XO821EJ8yILYi0/s400/20th+century+dresses.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Not everything is so beautiful, will these ever be back in style? That red men's polyester number really made my skin itch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg3l-xjZ8V0vo8AlDpHKtBfgIHewO_73mvlJm37igSF47EVMDOZs_ULB5mNRYuJfLS5SVbITcf3LIWlKwQMerY_PMqkopDTEPz7s4IN5pWnlDlgKlIvv2waAPFG5ZeFWUKC8ydlTB0vs/s1600/hippy+fashion.jpg">!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552621806714057746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjg3l-xjZ8V0vo8AlDpHKtBfgIHewO_73mvlJm37igSF47EVMDOZs_ULB5mNRYuJfLS5SVbITcf3LIWlKwQMerY_PMqkopDTEPz7s4IN5pWnlDlgKlIvv2waAPFG5ZeFWUKC8ydlTB0vs/s400/hippy+fashion.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Make sure to stop by this amazing museum, right on the metro line. You can't beat 3 museums in 1: Textile, Ceramics and decorative arts.</div></div></div></div></div></div>

Textile Museum

Located above the Museu de Arts Decoratives in the Palau Reial de Padralbes is the Barcelona Textile Museum. Not where you would probably ...

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Katherine Hepburn

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551414510249258834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit8ahN6XsJtwlNqcz9qTkpodtqWD__hkmipyjxiZ62xKUQw1XokiiYu6thaqFold41WOQqWxBuDHo2U6DWwP_rPMSALo4Jdsch3phstZdOSK36EIGpQ6cTs8DyRHsIkKAthq-J7lGbEA/s400/Katherine+Hepburn+oscars.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 366px; CURSOR: hand" />While going through some pictures I took, I came across this photo of Katherine Hepburn's portrait at the <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/exhibit/hepburn/latecareer.html">National Portrait gallery </a>along with 4 of her oscars. I love that you can see how the Oscar has changed over the years since its' beginnings in 1927; larger as time has passed (much like our nation's cars and waist bands!). <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551414958139236514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFhnWu1ao-tTghlDITNuS_P7DY-jkjf2rXYzsAAxWnkAOx_yTIAfu1EH1p11piGNF6oqaCGpsyq1RoDZNLLRclfknZIGvNl2jAl5nAPctuPsFkZkJrbsjgHYHLjJoFwWzU4HG7CY4_YQ/s400/katherine+hepburn+stamp.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Stamps with Hepburn's image are currently available at the USPS <a href="https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10006834&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000003&top_category=10000003&categoryId=10000029&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10006834">HERE</a>. I used them on my Christmas cards this year and have already had a lot of comments about them! I may have to stock up again.

Katherine Hepburn

While going through some pictures I took, I came across this photo of Katherine Hepburn's portrait at the National Portrait gallery alon...

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Did you remember?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOloYvDjxkRqoK15Nq7zt_RcG4p-b_33ucktE7EKoB6FsrVQkKySRDHpoqVih595N7KaEHP3lVb9pIDZNk-CfmFPLKb88w9KqenifiARpdjsykFgakLXLMBF0MZ7Qoa67utxriXmSqik/s1600/food+poster.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551412507142560370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOloYvDjxkRqoK15Nq7zt_RcG4p-b_33ucktE7EKoB6FsrVQkKySRDHpoqVih595N7KaEHP3lVb9pIDZNk-CfmFPLKb88w9KqenifiARpdjsykFgakLXLMBF0MZ7Qoa67utxriXmSqik/s400/food+poster.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>I love this poster from the <a href="http://americanhistory.si.edu/">National Museum of American History</a>, a branch of the Smithsonians.<br /><div>Produced during war time in the 1940s, home gardens have seen a resurgence in recent years, even at the White House! I can think of nothing better than opening up a can of pears in syrup right now in this snow but sadly, no garden here. Do you save your summer crops?</div>

Did you remember?

I love this poster from the National Museum of American History , a branch of the Smithsonians. Produced during war time in the 1940s, home ...

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Stunning shells

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv80PEGFtl9InWXSTThrQ_32uecyzMzhAlQ69CtBosNqgulWh0ZK7PUDV4R2bic8tZzaEylidFQ_S0L4JOVpB_pJf78cMZDxlnUEPnrP0szT5askAR2NMsIL0E-cQq17BMsHv1i2vBGUY/s1600/shells.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540736118162450002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv80PEGFtl9InWXSTThrQ_32uecyzMzhAlQ69CtBosNqgulWh0ZK7PUDV4R2bic8tZzaEylidFQ_S0L4JOVpB_pJf78cMZDxlnUEPnrP0szT5askAR2NMsIL0E-cQq17BMsHv1i2vBGUY/s400/shells.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Another fascinating pair of objects from the decorative arts museum were these Victorian era (what is the spanish era equivalent?) shell bouquets. While these are relatively common, I had never seen any so colorful or intricate before!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTA-X73er_pGoMeKx_huszXXeTHzPZhCbufP_GS11uAl0Por8aXZctOwzVfbDIlvNYv-kt_BBm76R6usVFFsR9cgGqzn_6KGdr2NzMl_Yf91Ug5ajmO34BF97awrqYX8u2aWw__i1Wo4/s1600/shell+tree.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540736106537472786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTA-X73er_pGoMeKx_huszXXeTHzPZhCbufP_GS11uAl0Por8aXZctOwzVfbDIlvNYv-kt_BBm76R6usVFFsR9cgGqzn_6KGdr2NzMl_Yf91Ug5ajmO34BF97awrqYX8u2aWw__i1Wo4/s400/shell+tree.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This one in particular was stunning - an entire garden with maiden under a canopy of shell flowers under a glass dome! Sadly the lighting in the museum needs an upgrade and the picture isn't as clear as I had hoped for. Maybe some summer craft ideas for at the beach?</div>

Stunning shells

Another fascinating pair of objects from the decorative arts museum were these Victorian era (what is the spanish era equivalent?) shell bou...

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A decorative screen

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540314254123937474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6Cj1BR5HNCkLsPdSrUqIfUjRM19XDLpOyeX1qQVKhrdS_gN9xu8ZbwT2qqjGuh-XjMJ0EI7Fm0kN742zFPBDYnkPxvvsE2tDSac0arCKC62oQVJAqdLVe4DopMMf8xMM8fljByLozpw/s400/painted+screen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Located just outside of the city center, the Museu de Arts Decoratives in the Palau Reial de Padralbes (seen below) is definitely worth the quick subway ride. The museum focuses on the decorative arts and interior design from Barcelona throughout history. The palace also contains a ceramic and a clothing museum, but I'll bring those to you at another date.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540314257690567314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1EYrZJaNTdYPEpgJkkfwk2Dchiu49U8COrSal9_YCRCYG790yeT4n6q1hyHnn5JajWvKEqIAyqMLmKXK6x_qKF-zwFQv0k5_9xjGtrI6wdYofntIc2TUV_8ITiamoxj63HIvy3OluOk/s400/decorative+arts+wing.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Probably my favorite object in the museum was this dramatic decorative screen by Francesc d'Assis Gali. Gali was an artist and educator who practiced in an art school he founded in 1906 until his death in 1965 which produced such pupils as Juan Miro and Josep Artigas.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540314266236009922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9xjnw5bWwNFxJvsuV_1TwtgUoJTk3SAgjjTLwyelpi-iFcs8S-iPF5lIonSgzm1UPGUcfqCntYnx_q8UU6yu92sFy0YZ7_SuaMHhVEBgv2FH3I66aXc3Nax_w8VA8KP_RjhPZES0-Fo/s400/decorative+screen.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The screen dates to 1929, a very important year as it turns out (especially for Gali) as it is the year of the Barcelona Universal Exhibition (think <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2008/03/barcelona-pavilion.html">Barcelona Pavilion</a>) of which he was the Artistic Advisor.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_9yYDtt-mjM228C6zb6jk9MPoZJwqto80QXkLI1Ro5FPGGc_GAC65MEHJXq5-hViFp37TFZ5Yi6hEoPdWqVdBsWjG7y86qlO0s0h8_co7GK9Gke62uxH6N6Oa3fxQY3GEsDdwL_azwo/s1600/Gali.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540314278674412018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_9yYDtt-mjM228C6zb6jk9MPoZJwqto80QXkLI1Ro5FPGGc_GAC65MEHJXq5-hViFp37TFZ5Yi6hEoPdWqVdBsWjG7y86qlO0s0h8_co7GK9Gke62uxH6N6Oa3fxQY3GEsDdwL_azwo/s400/Gali.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The fair not only put Gali on the map internationally, but also Barcelona which has such a rich history of design. I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite items in this museum over the next few weeks -would love to hear what you think of them!

A decorative screen

Located just outside of the city center, the Museu de Arts Decoratives in the Palau Reial de Padralbes (seen below) is definitely worth the ...

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