writing & blogging – Page 2

Favoris de Paris

La Ville des Lumières

The Eiffel Tower is the “Erector Set” of the 1880’s. As children my oldest brother had this brand of metal toy that he played with and would construct a myriad of versatile objects. Gustave Eiffel built this wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars for the 1889 World’s Fair, and as Parisian’s like to indicate on a regular basis…… it was not meant to be a permanent structure.

We spent seven hours in the Louvre on Saturday after it reopened and my absolute must see upon each visit is the Nike of Samothrace. This 2nd century Hellenistic sculpture has been a favorite of mine since college and has been prominently displayed at the Louvre since 1884.

It has been years since I frequented a tearoom and these tasty desserts are from the Café Richelieu-Angelina in the Louvre. The combination of elegance, charm and refinement are part of a breathtaking setting that over looks the main courtyard with the Pyramid [designed by I. M. Pei]. Angelina’s is famous for l’Africain an insanely rich hot chocolate that is served in a white ceramic pitcher with unsweetened whipped cream and powdered chocolate sprinkled everywhere …. and even you aren’t a chocoholic … this drink will blow your away!!! Next to the l’Africain is the pear and apple tart that if I can ever reproduce at home would be my crowning glory!

Still more to come,
Kathleen

January 23, 2020January 23, 2020

Kathleen4 Comments

Thanksgiving Playlist

Recently, I surveyed friends to find most of them still enjoy the holidays, as it gives reason to abandon routine, create new traditions and to celebrate with family and friends. There is a simple beauty that comes from harvesting our garden then bringing the produce to the table.

I’ve been scurrying the last week shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning, in order to have Heath comfortably inviting for the holidays, and while the work load appears to have increased so, has my playlist of music to make light of such daunting tasks.

And though it’s cold in the mid-Atlantic there’s nothing more enjoyable than walking in the crisp evening air after a day of intense work, watching the first stars appear, and listening to fab tunes…. enjoy!!!!

- - Flirt [Russell Malone]
  - To Bud Powell [Chucho Valdes]
  - Perfection [Murray & Allen & Carrington Power Trio
  - First Time I Met the Blues [Buddy Guy]
  - I Love You Baby [HTHAZE Feat. Cody T]
  - Little Feet [Jane Bunett and Maqueque]
  - Autumn Leaves [Orrin Evans]
  - I Wish You Love- Part 1 & 2 [Joe Bataan
  - Temptation [Tito Puente]
  - Te Vas [Pete Escovedo]
  - Certain Shades of Limelight [Swing Out Sister]
  - Dreamy [Henry Mancini]

Braving the cold while enjoying the sculpture fountains at Lake Anne Center in Reston!!!

Happy Monday,
K

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

Kathleen4 Comments

Yayoi Kusama Exhibit

What does one say when they’ve had the distinct opportunity of seeing two Yayoi Kusama exhibits? A few years ago, several of us were in DC at the Hirschhorn to see Infinity Mirrors. Kusama created artwork about repetition and the concept of infinity by breaking from traditional materials used by the average painters and sculptors to create the illusion of infinite space with broken shards of glass/mirrors.

The Broad in LA has two permanent pieces on display. The first is Infinity Mirrored Room- The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away {2013}, the compartment may be physically entered and when the door is closed one is completely immersed in infinite light and color. The second is Longing for Eternity {2017}, which is a LED light filled hexagonal chamber with porthole like windows for peering into dazzling light with extreme repetition due to the mirrors.