Rainbow Moments

Los Angeles Rainbow

SCOTUS and Rainbows

It's been quite a ride these past weeks with decisions that the Supreme Court has handed down.

The Affordable Care Act has been secured.

 Gay Marriage is now the law of the land.

The proverbial Pot-of-Gold at the end of the rainbow 

has been realized 

for those who have been health care deprived 

and 

the LGBT community.

Wonders never cease.

Independence Day is fast approaching.

Perfect timing to reflect. 

We don't always get it right

but 

when we do 

be reminded  to

never stop looking for that 

rainbow  at the end of the storm.

Counting Our Blessings

Counting Our Blessings - Susan Branch



What blessings can you count this Thanksgiving?

The obvious ones are with us each year;
Family, friends, good fortune of health.

I will add to that the benefit of having grown up
knowing what the holiday of
Thanksgiving is really about.

'Black Friday' had no meaning
and 'Cyber Monday' would have sounded
like a sci fi story.

The panic was not to get the 'deal of the season'
but rather
to have everyone's favorite dish
on the Thanksgiving table.

Trying to find a store open on Thanksgiving was unthinkable.
If you were traveling the gas tank needed to be full
because  few stations would be open.

All that was open were the mouths of hungry guests
 waiting to dig in to the bounty on the table.

No one was camping out for days in front of stores.
The only early rush was to not miss
the Macy's Parade on T.V.,
 or in person if you were lucky enough.

The 'good old days' were not always so good,
 only a fool would venture to think so.

For this particular holiday, however, it truly seems to apply.

Thanksgiving now gets little-to-no respect
even though
it's a holiday without prejudice to race, color or creed.

Let's focus on those thoughts.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
Count your blessings!

My Special Veteran

Veterans' Day 2014


This is a "thank you" to my special veteran.

My husband, Walter served three years in the army during the Cold War era.
He was stationed in Germany, his birthplace, and served at a Ground-to-Air Missile base.

He spoke little of those years.
 Memories were made, friends were lost and life moved on.

Now he is retired and we are living the 'good life' in sunny Southern California, far from our home state of New Jersey and further yet from his family in Europe.

Walter is now a veterans' volunteer.
He is an exceptional one at that.
He spends forty hours or more every week at the
Greater Los Angeles Veterans' Hospital
assisting hospital staff and needy veterans alike.

When asked why he gives so much of his time when
he could be doing so many other things, his reply is always the same;
"I do it for the Veterans."
A simple answer and what more needs to be said?

So today I thank my husband for being a Veteran and for his selflessness in taking care of other Veterans who are not as fortunate as is he.

Blessings to all who serve; past, present and future.

Well, hello again!

Photo Courtesy of Susan Branch

Well, hello again!

It's been many moons since I have posted. 

Shame on me. 

Airing out the laundry, I suppose. 

It's time to get back to the keyboard

and 

share my musings, meanderings and memories. 

For now I'll just say that it's good to be posting again and can't wait to pick up where I left off.

Best to all.

The Prince of Chintz

Mario Buatta
Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

Mario Buatta, the "Prince of Chintz," has a newly 

released tome of his fifty years of work; as depicted above. The greater body of his creations has been in the English country manner, but the book shows that he has accomplished many forms of design.

Room by Mario Buatta
Illustrated by Jeremiah Goodman

The room above shows Buatta's talent for the

 monochrome room, always punched with 

a surprise of color and whimsy.

Room by Mario Buatta

The bedroom above marries chintz, his signature fabric, with checks and solids. The result is a "room of her own." 

The book is a great gift for anyone who enjoys the 'eye candy' that his designs never cease to provide.

For more examples of chintz, see my 'Hints of Chintz' board on Pinterest.

Happy Chintz to all!

Labor Day - The American Workers' Day of Recognition

Labor Day Poster by Ricardo Levins Morales



Labor Day 2013

Today we give recognition to the many American workers whose hard work, determination and might
 built this country from the ground up.

Ricardo Levins Morales depicts in his poster with great detail the accomplishments of the
American Labor Movement.
The individuals and the multiples of
the American work force
and their respective achievements
are often overlooked
but can never be denied.

I give a special call out to my father,
a Union Leader who fought each and every day for workers' rights and recognition. His efforts improved the living standards of many who knew him and benefited many more who never had the good fortune to meet him.

Happy Labor Day!

Linens on the Line

"La Biancheria" - John Singer Sargent  Watercolor 1910


Laundry Day!

Loving all things vintage,
I especially have fond memories of
 taking the laundry down from the clothes line.

The chore itself had no great attraction
but there was something magical
about the scent of the items
after they were dried by wind and sun.

Ready to be folded and returned to their stations
 in drawers, closets and armoires,
the clothes retained that lingering outdoor scent
 that only Mother Nature can provide.

This watercolor by John Singer Sargent
 is currently part of a Sargent watercolor exhibit
 at the Brooklyn Museum.
The artist is famously known for his portraits
 of the affluent Edwardian ladies and gents of his time.

His talent went far beyond those iconic renderings.
Sometimes it is in the most simple of life's daily actions
 that creative talent may depict the greatest beauty.

There is a movement to return to the days of old,
reduce our carbon footprint and
hang the laundry once again.

Not for everyone, for certain.
But inhaling those crisp and clean scents
 are still a wonderful ending to such a perpetual chore.

Where the Turf Meets the Surf

Del Mar Race Track



Opening day at Del Mar!

It's a rite of passage for San Diegans 
and all residents of Southern California.

The racetrack was the creation of Bing Crosby.
Track plans were developed at the offices
of Warner Bros. Studio.
He left no stone unturned in its development
and his efforts are clearly visible today.

Bing even sang a song about the track:

Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.

There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.

And They're Off!

The facilities are magnificent.
They are a beach pebble's throw from the ocean's surf.
The thoroughbreds are spectacular
and on opening day
everyone gussies up
in his and her best finery.

Yes, casual Southern Californians do know how to
'dress the part'.

Take a look:

Del Mar - Then and Now

Allons enfants de la Patrie!

Happy Bastille Day!

Today French citizens celebrate 

the anniversary of the

'Storming of the Bastille.'

America and France

 fought for and won their respective 

freedoms from 

 18th century monarchs. 

July is the month where both countries 

celebrate their 

historic victories

from oppression.

Democracy

 then and now

is never won 

without heartbreak and 

endless determination.

Le jour de gloire est arrive !

Garden Seating

Repurposed Curbside Chair Becomes Garden Seat

Garden Seating

My sister found this abandoned chair frame by the curbside as she was driving to do some shopping.

Knowing that I could give it a new

raison d'etre

she pulled over and popped it in the back of her SUV.

Her gift arrived that same weekend

 and within hours

 it had its place in the garden.

A throw away became a one-of-a-kind container 

 for the vibrant marigolds. 

Yes, it was truly on it's 'last legs,'

but it soon had a new home

with all imperfections notwithstanding.

The folksy watermelon wreath 

and seed packet stake complete the venue.

Everything old can be new again!

Fourth of July Lessons Lived and Learned

 July 4th Welcome


Happy Birthday, America!

May everyone have a safe and blessed holiday celebration.
May we remember today and always that this country is
one-of-a-kind.

Many years back I was with a group of Parisians enjoying a lovely dinner in a wonderful restaurant in Paris.
The topic turned to the 'Etats-Unis'
(U.S.) and the negative remarks of my French dinner guests seemed endless. I did my best to 'represent' my country, but was feeling isolated in my attempts.

My dinner partner, a charming cousin of my host, leaned over and said to me,
"Don't fret about our comments.
Secretly, we would all give an eye to carry an American passport."

A lesson lived and learned.

Sum Sum Summertime

Vintage Watermelon Tabletop Collection

Sum Sum Summertime

It's the first of July and Summertime is well under way.

Mother Nature has turned the heat up throughout the country, even here in Southern California.

This is the time of year when a cool drink quenches one's thirst and makes the weather take a temporary back seat.

Here's a great Summer Cooler to try. It even tastes better when served in vintage ware such as the photo above. 

The dishes are transferware from the 1930's.

The ceramic pitcher and mugs are from the 1920's. 

Just looking at them makes you think

S U M M E R !

WATERMELON COOLER RECIPE

Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chilled cubed & seeded watermelon
• 1/2 cup mint simple syrup (see below) to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 4 cups cold club soda
• Mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

Blend the watermelon in a blender until desired texture, but be sure not to liquify.

Add the lime juice and mint simple syrup.

Blend another minute.

Pour into pitcher and add club soda and lime zest.

Stir.

Let chill for 15 minutes, garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!

Mint Simple Syrup:

Add 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup mint leaves to 1 1/2 cups water and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove the mint leaves. Use what you need and refrigerate the rest.

Chez Laurice Shoppe

What's in the Cupboard?

Have you ever been antiquing and then be fortunate enough to come upon an old cupboard?
If they could speak stories of lives lived long ago would be revealed, layer upon layer. 

Cupboards had primarily utilitarian purposes generations past.
They stored dry goods, surplus needs, dishes, quilts, linens and so much more.

Those of us who possess one (or more) of these bearers-of-many- uses well know the never-leaving scents that they hold within their confines.

My treasured nineteenth century cupboard in the photo above comes from an old world convent. It was used to store hand embroidered linens.

I placed a mixed assortment of vintage ceramics, glassware, china and such on the shelves for shoppers to select.

The doors are mostly hidden in the photo, but they spread out like open arms, welcoming the requisite antique quilt or Old Glory for adornment.

Dainty doilies, hankies and a doll-sized picket fence accessorize my cupboard to give it character and sass.
I placed a hand carved wooden mantel on top as a crown.

Next time you are antiquing take a second look at the charming cupboards.
Painted or not, they can make that special one-of-a-kind addition to your home.

Oh, and those lingering scents . . . they will always remind you of the untold tales that are shelved within.

January 1, 2013

Character

 is the ability 

to carry out a 

Good Resolution

 long after 

the excitement of the moment

 has passed.

                                            Cavett Robert

Happy New Year to one and all!

Jersey Shore Christmastime

This holiday week is full of celebrations.

Family and friends come together to
reminisce the past,
 share in joys of the present
 and anticipate the future.

I am especially thinking of  time spent
'down the (Jersey) shore'
at holiday time.

Although we now live on a different coast and the sand and surf are available most days of the year, I am ever drawn to being
 'down the shore' rather than 'at the beach'.

Thinking of everyone at this time who have been affected in recent weeks and months by forces of nature and beyond.
May all who have suffered find
 comfort, peace and blessings.

12 12 12

Carpe Diem 

Today is a very important day. 

Not only is it the last day of this century for repeating numbers for day-month-year,

 but it also is the day on which the

Robin Relief Fund 

is raising funds for the victims of

 Super Storm Sandy

with a concert at MSG.

Please remember those in need as they continue to rebuild their lives after this devastating storm.

Carpe Diem!

Tis the Season!

Remember the Reason!

Coastal Christmas

Themed Christmas trees may be either chic or shocking. 

I have two quotes to consider regarding this decorating conundrum. 

They are both from the one and only Coco Chanel.

 Her first quote is 
  "Less is always more."

The second quote is
 "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory."

So, regarding the trimmed Christmas tree, should one keep it less rather than more?

Should one remove several tree 'accessories' before the big 'reveal?'

I decorated the above tree in an obvious coastal theme.
 Starfish, shells, pearl garland and faux coral adorn the tree. Raffia was draped as pseudo seaweed and sparkling lights  illuminated the underwater replication.

To complete the effect, I strategically placed the tree in front of a seaside poster.

I like the result; especially since it was decorated in my niece's condo  'down the (Jersey) shore' several years ago.

Do you think that Coco would have taken off one of the pearl strands . . .  um, I mean garland?

It doesn't really matter what Coco would think. My coastal Christmas tree delivers the message of the Seaside Season.

At this difficult time for so many still suffering from Super Storm Sandy 
I hope that my attempt at a Coastal Christmas respite may bring a smile for  those in need of a little Christmas spirit.

Let's all remember to not forget those who still need our help.

The Feast of Saint Nicholas

Tonight, December 5, is 

St. Nicholas Eve 

as tomorrow is

 the Feast of St. Nicholas!

My husband grew up in the Rhineland, Germany. For him this was the night that he and his brother, together with all German children, put their shoes at their bedroom door, in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with treats and goodies during the night while they slept.

 If they were not well behaved, then they would find coal in their respective shoes in the morning.

Does this story sound familiar?

Well, it is, of course, because our Santa and Germany's St. Nicholas are one and the same. . . with American modifications, of course!

When our sons were young, we continued the German tradition. They placed their shoes at their bedroom door on this very night. I might add that they selected the biggest shoes that they owned.

Occasionally, they would find licorice in their shoes (our version of coal.)  But there were always goodies also, so that no eyes would be brimming with tears in the morning.

We kept the treats simple. Seasonal fruits, German holiday candies and a small toy.  Our sons called this celebration 'Little Christmas' and they said that it was their warmup for the arrival of you-know-who later this month.

Now our boys are young adults and we have no small shoes to fill with goodies tonight. The memories will have to do.

I am very grateful, however, that I have had the wonderful opportunity to share with our children the holiday customs of their Dad's homeland.

Seems fitting to wish everyone a 

'Frohliche Weihnachten!'

Christmas

 at the 

Jersey Shore

I have spent only one Christmas at the Jersey Shore.

 We had just sold our home in Northern Jersey and were preparing to start our new life in California. Wanting one last holiday season in New Jersey before we would embark on our next chapter, the perfect present came our way.

My niece offered for us to spend our final New Jersey Christmas at her beach front condo. It took only seconds to think it over and 'down the shore' we headed. 

Sweet memories of that special Christmas are with me always. And now I have been given a new memory regarding the beautiful Jersey Shore. This one is bittersweet, but one that I wish to share in the Spirit of the Season.

I was making calls to raise funds for a non-profit animal rescue organization yesterday.

Super Storm Sandy's devastation has ravaged New Jersey and New York. Thousands of people and also their pets are still trying to put their lives back together.

My calls are computerized randomly; I never know with whom I will be speaking or where they will be from until the call comes through.

Yesterday afternoon I spoke with a man who lived at the Jersey Shore. As soon as I saw the address appear on my screen, I hesitated to speak as I knew that this community had been so terribly hit by the super storm.

My donor was very gracious. He was a true lover of animals and shared with me his own work to aid local cats.

 I asked him how badly he was affected by the horrific storm and he replied,

"The ocean took my home".

The ocean took his home. 

How do you respectfully reply to that revelation?  Dare anyone ask for help for the animals from someone who no longer has a home to go along with an address?

I profusely offered my sympathy for his loss and he  then exceeded all expectations.

"Okay, let's get this done. Let me give you a monthly contribution for the animals. They really need it".

And so, for me, I have received an early Christmas present. I once again have been reminded what makes  people from New Jersey the individuals that they are. Some may say that it's the Spirit of the Season, but I venture to say that it is the Spirit of New Jersey.

I will no longer have Christmas at the Jersey Shore to celebrate and perhaps neither will my very giving donor.

But the Spirit of the Season and the Spirit of the Jerseyan will not be lost upon either one of us anytime soon.