Thursday, April 26, 2007

Down to the Valley


This picture was taken from the patio of my Grandparent's place in Arizona. It was such a treat to be with them and enjoy this peaceful retirement community in "the valley." I love the desert landscape with it's prickly pears in bloom and somber saguaro set against the dry, purple evening sky. What a great contrast from the Northeast. Thank you Bud & Harriet....and 'the mexican" always there to greet us.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Art in Bloom

This was one of my favorite arrangements from the Boston Art in Bloom. Yesterday evening the MFA opened it's doors to the public to wander it's collection in search of floral gems nestled beside some of it's most remarkable master pieces. The trees at long last are coming alive with blooms all around Boston and it was the perfect event to welcome Spring and its flora and fauna after a dreary winter. I took a few pictures of some of my favorites to share the flavor of the event but the colors and lighting are dull because of the museum's no flash policy. I liked this arrangement because it boasted the same classical nature as it's inspiration. Simple and elegant.

There were pink flower chandeliers lining the grand stairways and hanging in the center of the rotunda.




This one stood out to me because the colors and textures were so well coordinated. The shape of the arrangement even resembles the cloud in the painting. They both remind me of cotton candy.

The arrangement below was a favorite because before I saw it I could smell it. It's fragrant peach peonies were a hit. This arrangement was fitting because it could be in the family portrait. It looks like it belongs.



The true color and texture are not at all captured by this picture but the painting and arrangement were much more vivid in person. When I see this painting I think of the dancer whirling back to show the audience her painted face, her kimono following her movement. The flowers somehow captured that for me too.
This was in the Egyptian gallery. I loved it. The florals looked like they were summoned up from the fertile banks of the Nile by Ra, the Sun God, himself. I could see this sitting next to pharaoh on his elaborate throne.

An interesting take on this famous little ballerina. I don't think it is nearly as delicate or innocent as Degas would have it.



I'm kind of surprised by how much I liked this one. The size, texture, color, and over all feel really imitated the painting. The use of hydrangeas next to tropicals, like calla lilies, echoed Gaugin's european roots but love for his Tahitian subject matter.

Last but not least I loved this funny (sort of stuffy) arrangement. They suit each other. From the fronds mimicking her hat right down to the leaves folded just as her arms are. It is a perfect match. Bravo to the designer of this little number. Art in Bloom is open here in Boston just another day or two (so sad these works of art won't last longer). Check your city to find out if they host an Art in Bloom at your Museum of Fine Arts and go! It's an event you won't want to miss.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Artic Egg Hunt



I was so happy when I woke up Friday morning to see blue skies and a beautiful sunny day. We had planned our Egg Hunt for all the "Crimson Kids" for 10am and after a week of rain and snow (yes snow in April!!!) we were getting a little worried about our outdoor location. With our cart full of baskets and colorful easter eggs we ventured out to hide the eggs for the hunt. As soon as walked out we were met with artic temps and a chilly wind. Blue skies can be so deceiving. We decided to carry on and go forth with the hunt. You have never seen 300 candy & toy laden easter eggs go so fast! All the children were troopers and had a great time despite the cold weather. Here are some pics of the kids in full winter gear on the hunt- egg hunt that is!


Thursday, April 5, 2007

Viva Brasil!

This tee reminded me of my beloved Brazil (Brasil if you fala). It is going on 7 years since I have been to Brazil and I miss it's friendly people, tropical fruit, beans & rice, guarana, and passion fruit (okay, so I already mentioned tropical fruit). I crave fresh passion fruit juice like mad. Brazilians have a talent for making tasty juice out of pretty much any fruit. When offered juice in a someone's home, a fresh glass was always whipped up in the blender- yum! Once on a beach in northern Brazil we ordered "coco verde," a coconut milk concoction, and then saw a skinny Brazilian boy shimmy up the closest coconut palm to pluck our coconut and run it back to the bar for mixing. Although bottled fruit concentrates are available from grocers who pedal brazilian products, they're a sorry second to the real deal. Its down right difficult here in the US of A to get your hands on a decent passion fruit (big and yellow please, not small & purple) but here is a tasty recipe for some blender magic that is a little sip of my beloved Brasil. Whip this up and imagine you self on a lovely Brazilian beach. Enjoy!

Brazilian Limeade:

2 limes
3 T. condensed milk
water
ice

Wash limes and cut off rough ends then quarter. Add to blender and fill about ½ of blender with water. Blend about 10 seconds. Strain and return to blender. Add 2- handfuls of ice and the condensed milk. Blend until well mixed and frothy. Add more condensed milk to reach desired sweetness if necessary. Enjoy in a festive glass with an umbrella- Oba!


Sunday, April 1, 2007

Funny Face





Age 9 months and loving it!