Friday Featured Art: In the Rain

Today's piece is a new oil by Joe. It's called In the Rain, and I thought it was especially appropriate because I found it on Tuesday when we were having a really crazy wind and rain storm. This is a really beautiful painting - as are the other new pieces.

Thursday Text: The Charming Quirks of Others

The Charming Quirks of Others is the latest Isabel Dalhousie novel by Alexander McCall Smith. It came out a couple of weeks ago, and I had one shipped in from the nearest library that had an available copy. It was good - very much along the same lines as the others. I can never remember their titles, but I always learn something as I read them. And, of course, I love to read about Edinburgh.

Lotta Jansdotter Doorstop

Another sewing project I completed recently was a doorstop - using a pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. The fabric is Joel Dewberry, and it's full of pinto beans. It was a fun little project.

Ebanista

I discovered Ebanista through Architectural Digest. They have incredible pieces. I would really love to have a fabulous gilt mirror someday. The only problem is that they don't list prices, and I would be very afraid to inquire...

Pottery Barn Aviary

Did you see the new Aviary items in Pottery Barn's latest catalog? I love this boot scraper and the door knocker.

Friday Featured Art: Lorado Taft

Last week, we drove up the Rock River to see this huge statue of Chief Blackhawk. It was sculpted by Lorado Taft. As we learned more about this artist, we realized that he created a couple of sculptures that we like at the Garfield Park Conservatory. He also sculpted the Fountain of the Great Lakes that we saw next to the Art Institute when we were there with my parents (see below).

Thursday Text: John Ruskin

We spent the day in Chicago last Friday, and it was a lot of fun. One of the things that we did was peek in the lobby of the WGN Building. On the floor of the lobby, there is a beautifully lettered quote by John Ruskin that we really liked.

When we build let us think we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work that our descendants will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone upon stone, that a time is to come when these stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, "See! This our fathers did for us."

The Young Victoria

I watched The Young Victoria the other day, and it was lovely. The story really is fascinating, and the acting was superb - not to mention the beautiful locations and costuming. (And check out her crown!)

Cardiac Pillow

My friend (the director of the place where I worked in Missouri) is having heart surgery today. So I made her this pillow to squeeze as she recovers. The embroidery pattern is from a Martha book, and the fabric is grey linen. I'm thinking about her today and wishing for a speedy recovery!

Doctor Who

I was finally able to pull myself away from watching Doctor Who on BBC America. I got caught up watching the episodes with David Tennant as the Doctor. As of this year, there is a new Doctor, so I can have my life back now!