Whew. And you wonder why I haven’t posted more. (Or maybe not.) And I wonder why I still haven’t finished my book. Here’s the answer. It starts with a rodeo. August 4: Yup, when I landed back here in Californee we went straight to the rodeo in Santa Barbara. I love me a rodeo for five… Continue reading What a Month! Part 1: CityKids Storm the Ranch!
Art & About
New Art Perks Up an Old Hamptons House – Artist Cole Sternberg and the “Arted House”
Let’s get the weird title out of the way. It’s “arted” (because it’s full of art) instead of “haunted” (because it’s full of ghosts), although owner Bryan Graybill thinks there might be a few arful spirits lurking about the charming Sagaponack cottage…
Beautifully Handmade Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles, and What They Can Do for You
Here’s a fun summer activity that can be done in groups or alone, all ages, requires no athletic prowess or (mercifully) the wearing of a bathing suit, has no calories, does not need Wi-Fi, and… is soooooo good for you.
Portraits in Fabric and Lace, by Maria Torroba… And a London Shopping Tip
If you like your shopping streets to have charming home decor shops, stylish one-off boutiques, a few antiques, and a good lunch or drinks spot, Walton Street in London is one of the best. Nina Campbell’s shop always seems to have exactly the thing you didn’t know you were dying to have, and Stephanie Hoppen’s… Continue reading Portraits in Fabric and Lace, by Maria Torroba… And a London Shopping Tip
Letter From the Loire – Part 2
Ever wonder why the Mona Lisa ended up in France instead of Italy? One of the benefits of travel is you wonder about things like this instead of why you missed the first season of Game of Thrones.
Letter From the Loire – Part 2 Coming Up. Meanwhile… a Highlight
Visiting this marvelously whimsical folly (is that redundant?)–the Pagode de Chanteloupe– was a highlight of a recent, sometimes rainy, romp through the Loire Valley of France. Feast your weary eyes. Your not-weary eyes, too, of course.
Letter From the Loire – Part 1
It was a dark and stormy castle… Ominously begins the sequel to “Wine, Women and Watercolors.” Week 2 of summer sojourn begins with the Principessa (aka Carolyne Roehm) and me flying from our painting workshop in porto Ercole to Paris to meet our menfolk and friends, and then to cycle around the Loire Valley…
Wine, Women, and Watercolors (and Roberto!) – Painting in Italy – Part 2
There is lots to show and tell–starting here with the finishing of Wine, Women and Watercolor (and Roberto!), and with the possibility of a sequel next year…
Wine, Women, and Watercolors – Painting in Italy – Part 1
Ciao Bella! If you follow my friend la Principessa Carolyne Roehm , you may know that we and a gaggle of gals have spent the last week in Porto Ercole watercoloring… Between the eating, drinking, and cackling, we did manage a watercolor or two, and it was molto fun-o… Who says I can’t speak Italian.
A Cute Belt-less Option for Going Through Airport Security
Airport security is such a pain. Here’s one little thing to make it easier. If your pants have belt loops and you don’t want to bother on-and-off-ing your belt, try tying a ribbon or small scarf on one of the front loops for a hassle-free polished look. I used one of those narrow silk ties… Continue reading A Cute Belt-less Option for Going Through Airport Security
Ride ’em Cowboy! Yee-Haw Photos by Holger Eckstein
When my friend photographer Holger Eckstein sent me this picture, I gasped. Surely I am not the only one who does not like where that hind hoof is headed. But that is not why I gasped.
Sargent Watercolors at Brooklyn Museum. Sublime.
Two adventurous friends and I made the trek on Sunday morning to see the John Singer Sargent watercolors exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum. You can get to Montana quicker than you can get to Brooklyn from Manhattan, unless of course you take the subway which we didn’t. However you get there, it’s worth it. Here’s why…