I am so touched. Terry's Sleepy Hollow scarecrow was featured on a blog.
Mimi wanted us to kick up the scary quotient on the house.
I prefer to salute the harvest and all of the beauty of the season, so Daddy put his talents to work and found the compromise.
I am including this clip from "Emma" starring Gwyneth Paltrow. The movie is breathtaking to look at. At about the 6 and 46 second mark in the clip is my ultimate inspiration for Autumn decor.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
We're Going to Be Friends
Mimi has made two new friends in her ballet class. They are both seven year old girls from China. The mothers and I visit for the hour that they are in class, and it is amazing how much these young ladies have in common.
The other week, Mimi and I joined her friend Luna and Luna's mom to make masks at the historic Pewabic Pottery.
This landmark is in the heart of the city and was founded in 1903. They are renowned for their amazing tilework , that is used in many of Detroit's finest architecture.
The girls were equally enthralled and ironically, equally self critical, so the 2 hours was spent tooling, and retooling.
Luna's mother's education is in fine art so her mask was an amazing homage to Autumn.
Mine was a re interpretation of something I have seen in a tiki bar.
After class, Luna's mom and I went to ogle the beautiful artwork in the retail space. We suddenly realized that our little artisans had disappeared. We ran outside to the parking lot and a benevolent doorman was making sure that they didn't run out onto Jefferson Ave. They were having a grand time skipping around , and using parking lot curbs as balance beams.
It was a wonderful afternoon.
The other week, Mimi and I joined her friend Luna and Luna's mom to make masks at the historic Pewabic Pottery.
This landmark is in the heart of the city and was founded in 1903. They are renowned for their amazing tilework , that is used in many of Detroit's finest architecture.
The girls were equally enthralled and ironically, equally self critical, so the 2 hours was spent tooling, and retooling.
Luna's mother's education is in fine art so her mask was an amazing homage to Autumn.
Mine was a re interpretation of something I have seen in a tiki bar.
After class, Luna's mom and I went to ogle the beautiful artwork in the retail space. We suddenly realized that our little artisans had disappeared. We ran outside to the parking lot and a benevolent doorman was making sure that they didn't run out onto Jefferson Ave. They were having a grand time skipping around , and using parking lot curbs as balance beams.
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| We were so lucky to have a studio and instructor all to ourselves |
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| Mimi's interpretation of Baby Zelda |
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time To Kill
In an effort to keep Mimi from the typical Halloween schlock, I went to you tube and found an old childhood favorite of Abbott and Costello"The Time of Their Lives".
We watch it every night and she is endlessly entertained at Lou Costello's antics.The general story is an historical one . Lou Costello's pants fall down and a ghost lady loses her dress.
Today, Mimi brought home little tiny pieces of paper that were going into the recycling at school. They had several images of George Washington, and the Declaration of Independence.
Terry thought it was brilliant that she seek out these historic pages from the recycling. It is a brilliant thing, but let us chalk it up to Lou Costello and his teaching of US history.
We watch it every night and she is endlessly entertained at Lou Costello's antics.The general story is an historical one . Lou Costello's pants fall down and a ghost lady loses her dress.
Today, Mimi brought home little tiny pieces of paper that were going into the recycling at school. They had several images of George Washington, and the Declaration of Independence.
Terry thought it was brilliant that she seek out these historic pages from the recycling. It is a brilliant thing, but let us chalk it up to Lou Costello and his teaching of US history.
The Ghost Who Walks
This is the first year in four that I had Jiejie home for the Halloween at Greenfield Village.
We feasted on Shepherds pie, some apple cider and local ale.
We then took our yearly journey to a pumpkin lit Greenfield Village, for an historical night of haunting and (to Mimi's dismay)learning.
Where else do you not only get treats that are good for you, locally grown Michigan apples, and tiny helicopters , but you are frightened by the likes of ghosts of Henry Ford, and the Wright Brothers.
When Mimi was small, we would take her and she would simply embrace the lights and the costume.
Mim and Jiej both were all about the headless horseman.
Jiej studied the Washington Irving in college and Mimi watches the Bing Crosby version. They both crossed a covered bridge scared out of their pants.
We sat amongst hay and corn, and watched a man tell the tale of" The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" .
Scary
We feasted on Shepherds pie, some apple cider and local ale.
We then took our yearly journey to a pumpkin lit Greenfield Village, for an historical night of haunting and (to Mimi's dismay)learning.
Where else do you not only get treats that are good for you, locally grown Michigan apples, and tiny helicopters , but you are frightened by the likes of ghosts of Henry Ford, and the Wright Brothers.
When Mimi was small, we would take her and she would simply embrace the lights and the costume.
Mim and Jiej both were all about the headless horseman.
Jiej studied the Washington Irving in college and Mimi watches the Bing Crosby version. They both crossed a covered bridge scared out of their pants.
We sat amongst hay and corn, and watched a man tell the tale of" The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" .
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| Hunting for scariness |
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| Bill, being brave |
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| Bill frightened by Mrs Havisham |
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| Jiejie |
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| A gentleman, dressed in historical garb recited the story of "Ichabod Crane" |
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Born To Run
Jiej and I have decided to try and get together for a dinner one night a week.
I supply the ingredients, she supplies the knife skills and criticism.
As she sliced and diced, I asked if she would like musical accompaniment,she was receptive to the idea.
I put on the vinyl version of "Born To Run".
Bruce began to belt out all of the lyrics of "Rosalita" and Jiej and Bill were slightly perplexed.It really wasn't their gig and they were somewhat surprised that it had been mine.
An entire story passionately told, one track after the other. I turned it the record over and the story continued.
I forgot about those days. When every track of the album contributed to the other. I love Bruce, and the band, Clarence, Little Steven , they were amazing.
By the way, JieJie's risotto was amazing.
I supply the ingredients, she supplies the knife skills and criticism.
As she sliced and diced, I asked if she would like musical accompaniment,she was receptive to the idea.
I put on the vinyl version of "Born To Run".
Bruce began to belt out all of the lyrics of "Rosalita" and Jiej and Bill were slightly perplexed.It really wasn't their gig and they were somewhat surprised that it had been mine.
An entire story passionately told, one track after the other. I turned it the record over and the story continued.
I forgot about those days. When every track of the album contributed to the other. I love Bruce, and the band, Clarence, Little Steven , they were amazing.
By the way, JieJie's risotto was amazing.
Monday, October 10, 2011
The leaves are falling
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| This vanity I am hoping to snag for Mimi's new bedroom |
I know that I sat this every Autumn but it is my absolute favorite time of year. I am in heaven at present.The colors in Michigan, right now, are breathtaking.
These pictures are from one of my favorite places. It is an old barn filled with antiques called the Lamb's Tail and we have been going there since JieJie was small.
I of course start to listen to certain music and watch certain films.
I acquired this album last year and the music calls out Autumn to me.
Jiej and I watch "You've Got Mail" for the seven thousandth time, and Mimi watches Ichabod Crane .
I begin braising and stewing and making endless pots of soup... Oh Joy.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
This morning, darling Jiejie came over to check in with me. She began to talk to me about Steve Jobs with tears welling. She said she was up last night crying and thinking of all the tremendous contributions that he had made to her life.
I think this speech is amazing and really speaks about Jiejie at this time in her life (or anyone for that matter). Thanks Steve ,
I found the speech on Dinner A Love Story
I think this speech is amazing and really speaks about Jiejie at this time in her life (or anyone for that matter). Thanks Steve ,
I found the speech on Dinner A Love Story
Unforgettable
Last weekend my baby sister got married.
We all gathered at the beautiful Alger House in Grosse Pointe , right on the Lake.
As any hugely planned family event, the day was crazy. Mimi was a flower girl along with the Matron of honor's daughter, Amelia.
The two embraced their roles quite seriously, and for months before the ceremony we thought Mimi might back out.
Mimi and Amelia had been schooled on their duties during the rehearsal a few nights earlier and they were like old pros.
The two slowly walked down the aisle with perfect timing and posture, not to mention a solemn tone that was down right regal.
The ceremony was perfect, the bride was her usual fantastically gorgeous self and the groom was very dignified, and handsome but you could also feel his awe of the moment to the back of the room.
I was in the back of the room because I wanted to make sure Mimi didn't make a break for it at the last minute. I had nothing to fear, she stood at the altar with complete focus and completely still through the ceremony.
As the couple began their vows, I glanced behind me at the view of the lake. Autumn is here and the water was turbulent but really beautiful. I knew my dad was there, so proud of his baby. He used to take us to watch the barges and large ships passing by, it was one of his favorite things.
We all then enjoyed a lovely reception and then onto one of my dads favorite haunts when he was young.
The bride and groom invited the bridal party to feather bowl and have a few beers before they departed on their honeymoon.
It was a perfect beginning to a life together.
We all gathered at the beautiful Alger House in Grosse Pointe , right on the Lake.
As any hugely planned family event, the day was crazy. Mimi was a flower girl along with the Matron of honor's daughter, Amelia.
The two embraced their roles quite seriously, and for months before the ceremony we thought Mimi might back out.
Mimi and Amelia had been schooled on their duties during the rehearsal a few nights earlier and they were like old pros.
The two slowly walked down the aisle with perfect timing and posture, not to mention a solemn tone that was down right regal.
The ceremony was perfect, the bride was her usual fantastically gorgeous self and the groom was very dignified, and handsome but you could also feel his awe of the moment to the back of the room.
I was in the back of the room because I wanted to make sure Mimi didn't make a break for it at the last minute. I had nothing to fear, she stood at the altar with complete focus and completely still through the ceremony.
As the couple began their vows, I glanced behind me at the view of the lake. Autumn is here and the water was turbulent but really beautiful. I knew my dad was there, so proud of his baby. He used to take us to watch the barges and large ships passing by, it was one of his favorite things.
We all then enjoyed a lovely reception and then onto one of my dads favorite haunts when he was young.
The bride and groom invited the bridal party to feather bowl and have a few beers before they departed on their honeymoon.
It was a perfect beginning to a life together.
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Monday, October 3, 2011
TCM October 2011 Promo
I am a huge TCM dork and I think their promos are the best around. I love this time of the Autumn and Halloween . The brilliant people at TCM have culminated a crazy collection of films for the month. Aunt Zanne will be happy to see that they have managed to integrate James Dean with "Frankenstein" , Buster Keaton and "Night of The Living Dead"
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