twilight

Our second evening in Pennsylvania. We walked, through the fields and into the woods. Me and two of my favorite guys. We talked, I can't even remember what about, but it was good talk. And as the sun slipped slowly behind the inky mountains, we headed back to the house. The men gathering kindling for a fire as I followed behind. Twilight is my favorite hour, the moment when you savor the last bit of a good day, before heading home to a warm fire and a good meal.

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Yesterday Emile honored me with a Stylish Blogger award. Since then I have been thinking about style. Webster's Dictionary defines style as "a distinctive manner or custom of behaving or conducting oneself," or "a particular mode of living." I like to live well, and fully. On my own terms, and with the people I love most. I suppose my blog is a reflection of that, and so to have Emile (who I hold in high regard) pay me the compliment of an award, I am truly flattered.

Thank you.

a weekend away

In the wilds of western Pennsylvania. We drove through snow showers in the mountains, and were greeted upon arrival by temperatures in the teens (it was almost like turning back a season!). But, the rewards were many. Brilliant sunsets, golden fields and indigo hills. Warm fires and good friends, and the sorts of memories you keep in your breast pocket for leaner days.

More tomorrow.

hello spring

Here in Washington the first full day of spring was ushered in by thunderstorms and a few pink blossoms.

Some bits for the history buffs:

* the Printing Office of Edes & Gill opens next month in Boston
* the map that put Manhattan on the grid
* and the conservation of Jefferson's Bible

Happy monday all.

P.S. Our wedding is over here!! (thank you Kate!)

trouvée: two broads and some bread

Just couldn't resist ~ because it's friday, and I thought we could all use some levity. Throw in a 1937 Ford and you have a little bit of fabulousness. This one found somewhere, in some box (I can't remember exactly). {click to view larger}

I have been working hard, and thinking hard this week! I am ready for the weekend and a margarita (!!!).

Two nice things:

* Seton Smith has a new show opening
* and Jane Eyre opens in Washington tonight (and I have a date to see it!)

Have a good one. Enjoy.

feeling quiet

As things go from bad to worse in Japan, I am feeling quiet. My heart aches for everyone involved.

It is hard to know how to help from such a great distance, but there are some small contributions one can make: the American Red Cross is accepting donations for earthquake relief, and Doctors Without Borders has already sent medical teams to the area.

I am sure there are others, so please feel free to add those in the comments section.

silent clouds of stars

Seas are wild tonight . . .
stretching over
Sado Island
silent clouds of stars

~ Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694)

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Thinking of Japan today.

winter blues

Now. . . where were we? It has been a while, I know. Still sorting through photographs from England. These bits of blue and green make me happy ~ from this beautiful place. An idyllic refuge on a chilly winter afternoon.

Life is busy, but never too busy for some history:

* Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Vaccines

* the Hawthornes kept a joint diary (their children scribbled in it!)

* and a 350-year-old witch trial diary goes digital

There is more to come from London. And a house tour is in the works.

Cheers!

in like a lion

Weary of shoveling. . . and very much ready for spring. It was still looking rather wintery up there in Connecticut.

Just stopping by briefly today to say hello and give you a few bits of news ~ what once was lost, now is found:

* Jefferson's last library

* the diary of a royal companion

* and a Bamiyan Buddha may have a second chance

Happy tuesday friends.