Archive for August, 2008

A Dinner Table At Night

Friday, August 29th, 2008


A Dinner Table at Night. John Singer Sargent, 1884.

Maybe it’s because of the 105 degree heat outside, but I can’t stop looking at the above painting by John Singer Sargent. I pulled it out of a folder I have on my computer called “Law of Attraction” (yes, I saw The Secret and have found it to be effective, if you remember to use it). The folder contains little tidbits I find on my web travels or sometimes screen captures from films… things that are meant to remind me of what I like and what I want. That sounds strange to admit that I often forget what I like, but you do sometimes. Anyway… I’ve always been drawn to Singer Sargent’s portraits and other paintings. I did a presentation on one of his works in college and for my 30 birthday I went to see a traveling exhibition of his art. I think to say that you’re a fan of JSS is sort of like being a fan of Monet. It’s a bit… obvious, I guess. “Yes, of course everyone loves JSS… what next – you’re going to out yourself as a fan of The Beatles!”

So Sargent paints pretty pictures and I happen to like pretty pictures.

In this painting, for example, I love the free use of blood red and inky black. The shimmering strokes of bright white on the jewelry, glassware and the silver make the whole scene sparkle. Details like the smoke from the man’s cigarette curling through the air, barely noticeable, and the woman’s direct gaze pulling you into the frame. Who wouldn’t want to be at this dinner party?

[ed. note: I just discovered a print of this is available at Target. So I guess I'm not the only one who likes this painting!]

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The Elusiveness of Bravery

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

I am not brave. I work myself into an absolute terror sometimes. The calming self-talk helps a little to keep one foot in front of the other but the sudden lightheadedness and rapid heartbeat are dead giveaways. I’m too afraid to do this and that (too many things to list). But like so many books recommend… I do it anyway. (If it’s important enough and I can’t weasel out of it).

A close family member had major (scheduled) surgery yesterday. He was so calm about it. I would have been shaking and weeping and begging to get the thing rescheduled. The operation went perfectly but I was so afraid to visit him. I’d heard he was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t bear to see that. I slowly opened the door and peeked into the hospital room, I would have done so with one hand over my eyes and peering through my fingers if I thought I could get away with it. The bed was empty and he was sitting in a chair. Oh the relief I felt! He looked practically normal! No writhing in pain on the bed – no unsightly blood containers visible… just the telltale heavy lidded eyes and slack jaw that comes from heavy doses of pain medication.

When I grow up I want to be able to do things like “put on a brave face” or have people say “she’s got so much inner strength, it’s amazing”. I want to be like James Bond and just be able to handle anything that’s thrown my way. Car spinning out of control on an icy freeway with a thousand foot drop on one side? Watch this maneuver. Attacked on the streets of midtown after dark? You should see the other guy. Give a speech in front of a hundred company stockholders? They’re laughing in the aisles. Stitch my own wound? Okay maybe I’ve gone too far with this…

I highly recommend the following two books if you ever need to combat fear and “do nothingness” in your life: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers and The Fear Book by Cheri Huber. Remember that these are just a couple of resources for people who have occasional fear and/or panic. If you have reoccurring panic attacks or bouts of paranoia, please consult with a doctor.

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The Four Seasons Hotel, Florence

Friday, August 15th, 2008


© The Four Seasons Hotel

Okay no I didn’t get to go visit this one… not yet at least.

I was sitting/waiting in a hot car recently (and I mean hot as in Sacramento summer hot) and flipping through Virtuoso Travel magazine when I stopped cold at the ad for the new Four Seasons Hotel, Florence. Those advertising geniuses certainly ticked all of the boxes for me. Set in the gorgeous Italian city of Florence synonymous with cultural and culinary pursuits, the hotel’s restored historic buildings beckon travelers with their friezes and vaulted ceilings, guest rooms overlooking formal gardens and the kind of dignified service that one expects from a Four Seasons property.


© The Four Seasons Hotel

The hotel (which opened this summer) occupies two former palatial estates, the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the Conventino, a 16th century Palazzo (and as the name suggests – a former convent). There is an outdoor pool and a two-story Spa in addition to the usual well-appointed rooms and Johnny-on-the-spot type concierge who provides everything from umbrellas to digital cameras for guests who find themselves without. Although how you can be without a camera in Florence is beyond me.


© The Four Seasons Hotel

I spent the day in Florence a few years ago and I have to admit my reaction was sort of… eh. I know. I was as surprised as you. As a lover of art history, architecture, food, gelato and la dolce vita in general, it didn’t make sense to me why I was listlessly strolling around the Uffizi and Santa Croce. Did I try to cram too much into one day? Was it the previous night’s Chianti in Siena? Perhaps it was the Italian men. All of my girlfriends said they would be tirelessly complimenting me with bella this and bellisima that. Well that didn’t happen. I mean I’m no Christy Turlington but come on… I’m reasonably attractive. Not even a wink? I had more flirty waiters in Paris (and that’s saying something)!

So, yes, you got to me Four Seasons, Florence… with your gorgeous ads and your heavenly descriptions. Shall we meet sometime in the spring?

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L’Occitane Verbena Products and Praise for the Lemon

Friday, August 8th, 2008

One of the wonderful details from our recent stay at the Huntington Hotel was the L’Occitane Verbena toiletries. I have never been tempted by those other hotel toiletries with their strangely flat and tiny soaps and smelly shampoos… but these were different and irresistible. The packaging was nice, the size was right for a one night stay and the best part was the scent. Clean and citrusy without being lemon Pledge-y. After our return from San Francisco, I took the body lotion to work and now I transport myself back to our relaxing stay whenever the stress starts to hit. I don’t even apply the lotion each time… I just uncap the bottle and smell.

I’m a big fan of lemon. Lemon slices make water less boring and diet colas less toxic (seemingly). Lemon frosting on lemon cakes, yes please. Lemon bars. Iced Lemonade cookies from Mothers? Sure. There used to be a cookie called Lemon Coolers that had a real kick to them – they were lemon flavored cookies with powdered sugar on the outside. Unfortunately Nabisco or Sunshine or whomever sold them… has deemed the tasty cookie unworthy of reviving.

Lemon trees are very pretty (don’t get me started with the Peter Paul & Mary song) and a glass bowl full of lemons turns any old kitchen countertop into a designer showcase.

Verbena on the other hand is a mystery. I’d never even heard of Verbena until the movie Practical Magic. Verbena Botanicals was the name of Sally’s (Sandra Bullock’s character) amazing bath and beauty products shop. I’m sure I’ve gushed over the interiors of that film already. I’m not even sure that verbena by itself is anything to get excited about. However people seem to swoon at the mere mention of lemon verbena. Apparently it was Scarlet O’Hara’s mother’s favorite plant!

You can buy L’Occitane verbena products online or at your nearest brick and mortar shop. For us Sacramentans – there’s one in Arden Fair.

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Saturday, August 2nd, 2008

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