Venerdi in Venice: Arch Rivals

7.8.09


Here we have the architectural equivalent of hedging one's bets, expressed in a typical arched window in Venice, grounded by geraniums running delightfully amok from the window box. I say 'typical', but the underside is a rounded {Roman} arch and the top is a pointed {Gothic} arch. And I've just spent a long and thoroughly pleasing time browsing Venice photos and failing to find a similar example. Hmmmm. Not so typical, I guess. Invigorated by an odd fit of latent curiosity about the whole thing, I just read that in early examples of Gothic architecture, semi-circular and pointed arches were often used in the same buildings - typically, pointed arches {technically a derivation of pointy-topped doo-dads} were used for larger openings and curved arches were reserved for smaller openings and windows. I guess they couldn't decide when they came to build this one and with a nice Friday afternoon Chianti beckoning, figured two styles were better than one. Who can blame them.

Happy Venerdi in Venice to you ...
Read post
14 comments
Labels:

Bicycles and Bellinis at Le Meurice

4.8.09

When I saw Eric's Le Meurice photo at Paris Daily Photo, the inspiration for my illustration, my first thought was 'oooh, a hot air balloon'! Mais non, closer inspection revealed it to be a chic bicycle basket, elegantly clad in its very own monogrammed linen cape to signify its five star heritage, that of a luxurious hotel frequented over the centuries by royalty and celebrities. This fetching bicycle tempted me {in my mind} to take my long-untested cycling legs for a short spin, at least to Van Cleef & Arpels in the nearby Place Vendôme.

On my return to Le Meurice in the 1st arrondissement at the heart of Paris, I could retire to my room to freshen up and emerge at least partially like this glamorous young lady from the hotel's own website {I do have some long black gloves}, ready to swan downstairs to Le Bar 228 for one of William Oliveri's legendary Bellinis. Did I say 'one'. Perhaps I meant 'two'...
Read post
13 comments
Labels:

Friday Fleurish: Tickled Pink

31.7.09

It's Friday Fleurish, so here's a rustic basket potted with pink hyacinth bulbs and packed down with a little moss. They'll intoxicate you with their fragrance all weekend. {No blood alchohol levels will be affected, I promise!} I was tossing up a few different paintings for you today, but when I received this award from Finie Ramos, it tickled me pink, then decided me. I couldn't help but colour co-ordinate.



Thank you for the award, Finie! Finie has a sweet blog. She calls her comments Love Notes`~ a big clue about her right there.

Now I understand how tough it is to pass these awards on. So I put the names of my favourites on pieces of paper and had our kitty decide, based on the first three she tried to play with. But I'm passing the award on with no strings attached. It's yours to do with as you please. Just bask in the glory if you wish...
  1. Alexa at The Road is Mine, daily snaps, usually of New York, from a bright, good sort
  2. Margaret at Finnegan Begin Again, witty and sage writings on ancient goddesses, wise women and the occasionally piglet
  3. PopCultureNerd, intelligent inside scoops and reviews on movies, books, TV and other popcorn-fuelled pursuits
Thanks for your lovely blogs ~ celebratory hyacinths for everyone!
Read post
18 comments
Labels:

Bombay Botanicals

28.7.09

I'm not living a lush life. I enjoy a quiet glass of wine or bubbly, but in moderation. And in summer, I'm partial to a Gin and Tonic with a slice of lime at 5:00pm on the occasional steamy afternoon. Bombay Sapphire's my choice. It's based on a recipe dating back to 1761, infused with ten botanicals - exotic treats like lemon peel and almonds from Spain, juniper berries and orris from Italy, angelica from Saxony... and I like the blue glass bottle!

Imagine how chuffed I was when a grateful client gave me a large blue irridescent egg yesterday, encircled with a decorative paper band printed with Bombay Sapphire livery. As well as the gin {which shall last me several summers}, the gift box - err, egg {actually a limited edition ice bucket}, included a shot glass and one of those natty dispensers they put on spirit bottles in pubs to make sure the bartenders are punished with repetitive-stress-injury if they are too generous with their favourite customers. Virtual martinis and G&Ts are on me!

Seriously though, please drink responsibly.
Read post
14 comments
Labels:

Venerdi in Venice: Grey Area

24.7.09

When someone says, "That's a grey area," {or "gray" area depending one's relationship to Her Majesty}, perhaps they are talking about this little spot in Venice, where one would love to walk up those stairs and be plied with home-made mushroom ravioli bathed in sage butter, accompanied by a rough loaf of crusty bread and earthy olive oil. But since the door and shutters are firmly closed and one doesn't even know the inhabitants, the warmth of the welcome could be a grey area. In my imagination, though, it's definitely a friendly one, laden with smiles, gesticulations and gregarious Italian calories. Happy Venerdi in Venice to you!
Read post
21 comments
Labels:

A Féery For Your Perfume Garden

21.7.09

If there was a prize for the prettiest perfume bottle, Van Cleef & Arpels's Féerie Eau de Parfum would surely have to be in contention. Fairies and dragonflies are a recurring theme for this French luxury house, and this bottle and fragrance were inspired by its Midsummer Night's Dream jewellery collection. The fragrance notes include violets, blackcurrant, Bulgarian Rose, Egyptian Jasmine, and Iris Butter. {Infinitely more exotic than Peanut Butter, if not as tasty.}




And if you want to trade Parisian calories for colour, cut, carat and clarities, just stroll to the historic Van Cleef & Arpels boutique at 22, Place Vendôme where the company was established in 1906. {Thanks and Bisous to Cali for the photo inspiration!}
Read post
9 comments
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
© Shell Sherree • Theme by Maira G.