With probably the best collection of French furniture, paintings, and Sevres porcelain outside of the Louvre, the Wallace Collection in London is a treasure to see. Most of the lectures for my master’s degree program through the University of Buckingham were held here. Located on Manchester Square in the former family home of the Marquesses of Hertford, it’s probably also the only house where a Titian used to hang in the owner’s bathroom. It’s the intimate setting that enhances the experience of seeing history, and works of art by masters in their craft. Lessons learned from serving in apprenticeships are lovingly detailed in the Boulle work of a wardrobe, the intricate marquetry and mechanical genius of a secretaire >>
Archives for August 2018
Dragon’s Dreams
“Self Empowerment is the recognition that each individual must take responsibility for one’s life… Empowerment is igniting our inner potential.” ~ David Hulse Facing ourselves is part of having a human experience. When we find someone or something is not to our liking, then it may be time to look within and see why that person or situation is unsettling to us. Dragons have been a part of the human consciousness for centuries. Depending on the cultural setting, dragons can be seen as useful or harmful. Good and evil are old beliefs based on fear and judgment, and are outdated in today’s world. It’s simply a matter of choice and perspective. Dreams are a wonderful opportunity to explore >>
In the Land of Joe Pye Weed
Fireflies and butterflies dance in summer skies, And frolic with the fairies till dawn. Slumbering unnoticed and happy, In the land of Joe Pye Weed. Within the forest the raccoons play And hide from sight in the day, Then enter kitchens unseen at night To snack on cat food stashed away. Constellations from galaxies far, far away Twinkle in the heavens from afar, And bring a much needed wonder To spark our imaginations once more. Crickets and frogs sing their songs On beautiful summer nights like this, And give us hours of free concerts For slumber filled with bliss. Life in the Blue Ridge Mountains Is filled with gifts like these, And countless more >>
Of Perseids and Paw-Paws
August is a month full of adventure and fun here in the mountains. The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to bring peak viewing opportunities on the 11th – 13th of this month. Last year I took a trip to view the Perseids from Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about a 30-minute drive from my home. One of the local professors at Western Carolina University brought a high-powered telescope for all who wanted to take a look at the heavens above, although the Perseids are easily seen with the naked eye. What amazed me was the brilliance of the stars and seeing the full spectrum of the Milky Way, unaided by any technology. The last time >>