tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311119312024-03-14T01:20:39.949-07:00AUREALooking for sparks of gold in daily life
(Dance, Arts, Fashion, Books...)Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.comBlogger463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-2076554994361263262010-12-10T20:07:00.000-08:002010-12-10T20:17:57.842-08:00Getting Ready For Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TQL6A66A08I/AAAAAAAADrg/uyiqk7YEqt4/s1600/P1020393.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TQL6A66A08I/AAAAAAAADrg/uyiqk7YEqt4/s400/P1020393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549272584593396674" border="0" /></a><br />I love Christmas! This year I'm giving either books or hand made treasures found on Etsy. Still haven't started your shopping? Find some ideas on <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-presents.html">my 2009 gift guide</a>.<br />I also received a few presents and cards already, all of which a piled up on my red chest - also adored with fresh flowers and scented with two of my favorite candles, English Ivy and Hinoki Temple. Now what's missing is a gingerbread house...Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-90938629072128044932010-12-02T17:44:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:10:29.267-08:00Korean Funerary Figures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNaUcXmuI/AAAAAAAADrY/4u6xjlWtNYQ/s1600/P1020370.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNaUcXmuI/AAAAAAAADrY/4u6xjlWtNYQ/s320/P1020370.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546268055666399970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNZ_zVx6I/AAAAAAAADrI/5YLE7vdYFhY/s1600/P1020374.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNZ_zVx6I/AAAAAAAADrI/5YLE7vdYFhY/s320/P1020374.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546268050125604770" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNaBvTJ_I/AAAAAAAADrQ/WElnSlr7JJY/s1600/P1020372.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNaBvTJ_I/AAAAAAAADrQ/WElnSlr7JJY/s320/P1020372.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546268050645526514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNFMHetiI/AAAAAAAADrA/iqqcWm2l2so/s1600/P1020373.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPhNFMHetiI/AAAAAAAADrA/iqqcWm2l2so/s320/P1020373.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546267692654048802" /></a>A collection of small Korean funerary figures, or <span style="font-style:italic;">Kkoktu</span>, were on display at the UCLA's magical <a href="http://www.fowler.ucla.edu">Fowler museum</a>, where I went to meet them. Here is how the catalog describes them: <span style="font-style:italic;">Koreans have a tradition of creating charming and festively painted wooden dolls. But rather than being placed in a toy box, these joyful figurines of clowns, tigers and acrobats adorn coffins. Their costumes and poses reflect the realities of rural Korean village life. Though the kkoktus’ gaiety seems incongruous with mourning, they express a culture’s deep desire that the dead enter the next world surrounded by joy — and its appreciation of the fleeting nature of all experience.</span><br /><br />Korea is very present here in Los Angeles, and though I must admit I am no fan of kimchi, I want to absorb more of this culture - for instance with a visit to the local Korean spas, famous for their Akasuri scrubs and exotic baths. <br />Suggestions, anyone?Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-62421615966330331392010-11-28T11:41:00.000-08:002010-11-29T12:52:16.058-08:00A Whale And Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPKxU0Odc4I/AAAAAAAADqw/ty3KGgU5vvs/s1600/P1020358.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPKxU0Odc4I/AAAAAAAADqw/ty3KGgU5vvs/s320/P1020358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544689062421296002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPKxfxwVbyI/AAAAAAAADq4/SqJHdo3D2xs/s1600/P1020360.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TPKxfxwVbyI/AAAAAAAADq4/SqJHdo3D2xs/s320/P1020360.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544689250736631586" border="0" /></a>Meet my new little friend, a cheerful whale. The best part: it's handmade in the USA by an amazing craftsman who sells toys through his Etsy boutique, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/uswoodtoys">US Wood Toys</a>. And it's ridiculously cheap ($12). I am dying to buy his <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60648313/homeless-purple-hippo">hippo</a>, too. If you want to treat some little ones for X-mas, you know where to go.<br />Another adornment at home this week - these happy yellow flowers, brightening up wintery days; we're experiencing record breaking cold in the Los Angeles area. Brrrrr...Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-46032569657099609222010-11-20T10:45:00.001-08:002010-11-29T12:52:40.874-08:00Around My Neighborhood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXtoj5GbI/AAAAAAAADqo/bM6AkYAPeKU/s1600/P1020330.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXtoj5GbI/AAAAAAAADqo/bM6AkYAPeKU/s320/P1020330.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541705414228908466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">TIGER, tiger, burning bright <br />In the forests of the night, <br />What immortal hand or eye <br />Could frame thy fearful symmetry?</span><br />(William Blake, "The Tiger")<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXsy3-VgI/AAAAAAAADqg/n3eX8AoGl78/s1600/P1020346.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXsy3-VgI/AAAAAAAADqg/n3eX8AoGl78/s320/P1020346.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541705399817623042" border="0" /></a>A shop window on Main Street - I wonder what is wrong with Mr Pumpkin's eyes? Near sighted, do you think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXsqQ9mlI/AAAAAAAADqY/HSZNFm0vhDU/s1600/P1020355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXsqQ9mlI/AAAAAAAADqY/HSZNFm0vhDU/s320/P1020355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541705397506513490" border="0" /></a>This 1952 convertible MG is for sale for $4,400. I walk past it on Rose street and sigh with desire.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXseQo1yI/AAAAAAAADqQ/-2Az3AeUqt8/s1600/P1020326.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TOgXseQo1yI/AAAAAAAADqQ/-2Az3AeUqt8/s320/P1020326.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541705394283927330" border="0" /></a>California sunset over anorexic palm trees - this is paradise.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-28540380493891966652010-11-17T14:54:00.000-08:002010-11-17T15:00:27.436-08:00He's On His Way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdmMHreWI/AAAAAAAADqI/ZnG6JkNna3s/s1600/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdmMHreWI/AAAAAAAADqI/ZnG6JkNna3s/s320/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540656352242399586" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdljsTr1I/AAAAAAAADqA/5aVj_FFkAI4/s1600/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdljsTr1I/AAAAAAAADqA/5aVj_FFkAI4/s320/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540656341390176082" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdlRJglpI/AAAAAAAADp4/x3FoFXo0Dwk/s1600/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TORdlRJglpI/AAAAAAAADp4/x3FoFXo0Dwk/s320/benjy%2Bfer%2Bforge%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540656336412382866" /></a>Aren't I rakishly handsome, on a wrought-iron bed with my almond eyes and my basket ball? These pics of me were snapped in Paris a few days ago. But by the time this post goes live, I will be flying to Los Angeles! As usual, pet-friendly Air France is my carrier of choice. I am eager to hop off at LAX under the California sunshine. Stay tuned for more! Woof!Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-83081271870032399012010-11-12T11:16:00.001-08:002010-11-12T11:33:17.576-08:00Mud Pies For Dolls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S5vWXrXI/AAAAAAAADpw/8jEn0_QPRvI/s1600/P1020350.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S5vWXrXI/AAAAAAAADpw/8jEn0_QPRvI/s320/P1020350.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538744637396069746" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S5LkIWnI/AAAAAAAADpo/vvTIAaMlfI0/s1600/P1020351.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S5LkIWnI/AAAAAAAADpo/vvTIAaMlfI0/s320/P1020351.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538744627790109298" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S4-9GQCI/AAAAAAAADpg/z0Q5G62HmJo/s1600/P1020353.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TN2S4-9GQCI/AAAAAAAADpg/z0Q5G62HmJo/s320/P1020353.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538744624405168162" /></a>Marjorie Winslow's 1961 <span style="font-style:italic;">Mud Pies And Other Recipes</span>, exquisitely illustrated by Erik Blegvad, is a treasure of a quirky cookbook - a cookbook for dolls! <br />Some recipes are exquisitely simple; for instance, here is how to make <span style="font-style:italic;">Dollypops: Pick a dandelion from the lawn carefully, so as not to disturb the fluff. Hand it to your doll and tell her to lick.</span> But what is most remarkable is the attention to details, including in terms of presentation of the dishes, and the impression, conveyed throughout the book, that cooking is a fun experience, not a chore. I also love the idea that children can <span style="font-style:italic;">make</span> their own playthings with what they find around the house and the garden, instead of buying more plastic junk. Winslow, for instance, explains how to make a doll cake pan with the bottom of a milk carton.<br />Gravel en Casserole, anyone?Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-9979486311735008302010-11-06T19:12:00.000-07:002010-11-06T19:36:44.762-07:00Recent Purchases<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYLxZCeg5I/AAAAAAAADpQ/OJH3vyEdP2M/s1600/P1020341.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYLxZCeg5I/AAAAAAAADpQ/OJH3vyEdP2M/s320/P1020341.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536625735061373842" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYL5SzKRjI/AAAAAAAADpY/uFFOYSd3S_A/s1600/P1020343.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYL5SzKRjI/AAAAAAAADpY/uFFOYSd3S_A/s320/P1020343.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536625870825473586" /></a>To store my expanding collection of vintage hats (some going back to the 1930's), I really need to find some hat boxes. I found the one above at the Santa Monica flea market (Pine st. and Lincoln bv.). Only $4, too!<br /><br />Isn't this an exquisite passport cover? It's handmade (in England!) and I got it from the <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy</a> store <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadewithjoy">Handmade With Joy</a>. I find that one of the joys of Etsy is receiving packages in the mail from foreign lands...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYLxSVa9-I/AAAAAAAADpI/GpYLv35s9Ow/s1600/P1020340.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNYLxSVa9-I/AAAAAAAADpI/GpYLv35s9Ow/s320/P1020340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536625733261785058" /></a>And now, a few books. My exploration of Scandinavian literature (remember my post about <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/10/out-stealing-horses-and-scone.html">Per Petterson</a>?) has led me to Tove Jansson, a Swedish language Finn more famous for her children's series, The Moomins. The cover of her haunting <span style="font-style:italic;">The True Deceiver</span> is as magical as her universe. <br />Right now I'm enjoying David Grossman's <span style="font-style:italic;">ZigZag Kid</span> (book on the left); not since Mark Twain's Huck Finn and J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield has a written so successfully channeled a youthful voice. So quirky.<br />Next on my list is a new translation of poems by the Syrian-born, Lebanese author Adonis. In the Arab and Persian world, poetry is <span style="font-style:italic;">the</span> literary form <span style="font-style:italic;">par excellence</span>, and Adonis's works are certainly worthy of the extraordinary tradition that he sprung from and challenged. In my opinion, he is the greatest poet alive.<br />(For a good intro to his work and that of the just-as-great Mahmoud Darwish, check out the slim anthology <span style="font-style:italic;">Victims Of A Map</span>).Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-35751981936986681522010-11-03T12:21:00.001-07:002010-11-03T12:23:43.314-07:00Before & After The Farmers' Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNG2oREfjKI/AAAAAAAADpA/gFoNMfyRKIc/s1600/P1020336.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNG2oREfjKI/AAAAAAAADpA/gFoNMfyRKIc/s320/P1020336.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535406219908320418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNG2oI1hIYI/AAAAAAAADo4/hMhpTLKH7Co/s1600/P1020337.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TNG2oI1hIYI/AAAAAAAADo4/hMhpTLKH7Co/s320/P1020337.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535406217698025858" /></a>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-6580544116092027492010-10-30T12:11:00.000-07:002010-10-30T13:36:25.048-07:00Fashioning Fashion at LACMA - Favorites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxurIa0ScI/AAAAAAAADow/uPEGu7FiA9E/s1600/P1020289.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxurIa0ScI/AAAAAAAADow/uPEGu7FiA9E/s320/P1020289.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533919729404889538" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuq-8Da1I/AAAAAAAADoo/C3kwKtG-A5w/s1600/P1020282.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuq-8Da1I/AAAAAAAADoo/C3kwKtG-A5w/s320/P1020282.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533919726859938642" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuqX_4SAI/AAAAAAAADog/fgJumOM8_Eg/s1600/P1020280.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuqX_4SAI/AAAAAAAADog/fgJumOM8_Eg/s320/P1020280.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533919716407003138" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuqWQ-ThI/AAAAAAAADoY/nwlfec8UhbY/s1600/P1020281.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxuqWQ-ThI/AAAAAAAADoY/nwlfec8UhbY/s320/P1020281.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533919715941830162" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxupr2bxhI/AAAAAAAADoQ/5PUExa-d7MU/s1600/P1020261.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMxupr2bxhI/AAAAAAAADoQ/5PUExa-d7MU/s320/P1020261.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533919704556226066" /></a>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-43139250442785708322010-10-26T16:13:00.000-07:002010-10-26T22:30:31.306-07:00Follow Me To Work - LA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdin-Ol28I/AAAAAAAADnw/94DDGph9WPI/s1600/P1020169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdin-Ol28I/AAAAAAAADnw/94DDGph9WPI/s320/P1020169.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532499106106563522" /></a>Last August, while I was in New York, <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/08/lets-take-bus-to-work.html">this post</a> invited you to discover my itinerary to work. I'm in Los Angeles now and last week, I worked in Hollywood. Of course, in LA it's all about driving. Follow me!<br />When I get off the freeway, I love glimpsing at Dorca's - this tailor used the outside walls of her shop as an advertising billboard, with figures in a compellingly naive style. The other wall is all in Spanish, and prominently offers <span style="font-style:italic;">quiceañera</span> gowns, to be worn to girls' lavish 15th birthday parties. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdh2nygWDI/AAAAAAAADno/FyXLxww523Q/s1600/P1020153.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdh2nygWDI/AAAAAAAADno/FyXLxww523Q/s320/P1020153.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532498258269591602" /></a>Los Angeles is a super multicultural city. After passing by the Latino tailor place, I stop at Sunset and La Brea for a Middle Eastern treat - Mashti Malone's ice creams in flavors such as rose water, saffron and (my favorite) orange blossom with pistachios, are irresistible. <br /><br />A few blocks down, when I drive past the crazy Chinese theater, I know I almost reached my destination. While the tailor place and the ice-cream parlor are the real thing, the Chinese theater is gloriously fake, a crazy take on an imaginary Oriental style.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdjJ853iPI/AAAAAAAADoA/M3xh8NZjshY/s1600/P1020172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdjJ853iPI/AAAAAAAADoA/M3xh8NZjshY/s320/P1020172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532499689866758386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdlyrF2FXI/AAAAAAAADoI/i5Aj-9grcpc/s1600/P1020173.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdlyrF2FXI/AAAAAAAADoI/i5Aj-9grcpc/s320/P1020173.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532502588483048818" /></a>And for a good laugh on the way, there's always the "Let,s Relax" sign put up by someone who is obviously very confused about spelling and punctuation - who doesn't love a great typo?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdjJWN98aI/AAAAAAAADn4/Zu2bzQIbrHA/s1600/P1020240.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMdjJWN98aI/AAAAAAAADn4/Zu2bzQIbrHA/s320/P1020240.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532499679482081698" /></a>At my desk - out of my Sesame Street tote come stumbling out a notepad I adorned with Ingres's superb portrait of Madame d'Haussonville, sharp pencils and, of course, an apple.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-42497402688955065682010-10-21T21:12:00.001-07:002010-10-21T21:40:46.906-07:00Fashion Structures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERzArHwqI/AAAAAAAADnY/JwnrGvbyIgk/s1600/P1020277.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERzArHwqI/AAAAAAAADnY/JwnrGvbyIgk/s320/P1020277.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530721385439543970" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERwzRUh5I/AAAAAAAADnQ/kS8oMqD7R1Y/s1600/P1020268.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERwzRUh5I/AAAAAAAADnQ/kS8oMqD7R1Y/s320/P1020268.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530721347481929618" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERwk3lNeI/AAAAAAAADnI/KJYyyDvCzbI/s1600/P1020259.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERwk3lNeI/AAAAAAAADnI/KJYyyDvCzbI/s320/P1020259.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530721343615874530" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERY-4fcTI/AAAAAAAADnA/F3gjnVd8MOk/s1600/P1020264.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMERY-4fcTI/AAAAAAAADnA/F3gjnVd8MOk/s320/P1020264.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530720938282152242" /></a>To inaugurate the new Resnick pavilion, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art brings us Fashioning Fashion, an exploration of fabrics, cuts, trims etc. from the late 18th century to the 1910's. The exhibition is very poorly staged, compared to the recent fashion show about American women, at the Met, which featured settings and characters seemingly interacting. Here, each piece is displayed in a box, archive-style. What a lost opportunity!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMEUu1XsGII/AAAAAAAADng/i-TPM4aNGLY/s1600/P1020267.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMEUu1XsGII/AAAAAAAADng/i-TPM4aNGLY/s320/P1020267.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530724612220655746" /></a>Next week I will show you my favorite pieces, but in the meantime here are some dramatic fashion structures - various kinds of corsets and other "figure enhancing" devices that are tremendously architectural. By the way, the show also features padded jackets to make men's chests seem bulkier and "waist binders," also for men.<br />One fascinating phenomenon is how developments in technology allow fashion to be transformed - case in point, this metal <span style="font-style:italic;">panier</span> that could be created thanks to breakthroughs in the use of steel. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMEQ5Voyc6I/AAAAAAAADm4/5IgUatMpEho/s1600/P1020275.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TMEQ5Voyc6I/AAAAAAAADm4/5IgUatMpEho/s320/P1020275.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530720394634490786" /></a>Contrasting with all those metal structures, supreme designer Paul Poiret's exquisite 1915 <span style="font-style:italic;">brassière</span> (below) offers another type of support altogether...Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-67887587120077942522010-10-18T17:02:00.000-07:002010-10-18T17:02:00.623-07:00At Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRhPeaSI/AAAAAAAADmw/XWIxTqIh3cI/s1600/P1020234.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRhPeaSI/AAAAAAAADmw/XWIxTqIh3cI/s320/P1020234.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529170498671241506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRbx1xII/AAAAAAAADmo/fitblGb3Mso/s1600/P1020237.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRbx1xII/AAAAAAAADmo/fitblGb3Mso/s320/P1020237.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529170497204765826" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRBPvavI/AAAAAAAADmg/nrEtx8Lh4YE/s1600/P1020232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLuPRBPvavI/AAAAAAAADmg/nrEtx8Lh4YE/s320/P1020232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529170490082421490" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">From top:</span><br />Fresh plums from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market...<br />A wonderfully warm 100% wool throw woven in Argentina, from luxurious brand <a href="http://www.altapampa.com/">Alta Pampa</a>. So expensive but so worth it - as I may be moving very soon to a freezing cold place, I really need this...<br />Bill's Bees is a tiny local Los Angeles company that offers, in addition to honey, a few all-natural natural skincare products such as this magical almond-scented balm.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-46745607501621375812010-10-15T15:42:00.001-07:002010-10-16T13:40:27.027-07:00Cat On A Ladder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjbywaAxjI/AAAAAAAADmY/DE_KvdiNyQA/s1600/P1020209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjbywaAxjI/AAAAAAAADmY/DE_KvdiNyQA/s320/P1020209.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528410207631230514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjby5coc8I/AAAAAAAADmQ/GTH18Ed1uyk/s1600/P1020206.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjby5coc8I/AAAAAAAADmQ/GTH18Ed1uyk/s320/P1020206.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528410210058138562" /></a>Earlier this month, on the occasion of St Francis of Assisi's day, <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/10/lets-celebrate-dogs.html">AUREA celebrated dogs</a>; no sooner had I clicked <span style="font-style:italic;">Publish</span> that guilt started gnawing at me - what about my feline friends? I envisioned a forest of revengeful claws looming in the distance. To make up for my oversight, here is a post devoted to Cats.<br />Above is a witty bowl (yes, a bowl can be witty) created from the wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KoideStudio">Koide Studio</a> (an <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Esty</a> boutique). Kitty, kitty on the ladder, what are you looking at with such rapturous attention? Oh, I see, it's delicious goldfish...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjbyoq1HjI/AAAAAAAADmI/efCWeBusBGQ/s1600/petimoo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLjbyoq1HjI/AAAAAAAADmI/efCWeBusBGQ/s320/petimoo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528410205554286130" /></a>And since we are on the subject of cats, I cannot not mention my sister's Petimoo, who lives the life of an Oriental princess at my sister's home in Dubai.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Photo credit: Joren Scharn)</span>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-63842205170969552792010-10-12T14:27:00.000-07:002010-10-12T22:13:52.896-07:00Art In LA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZMBQIO6I/AAAAAAAADlw/jOWsbTp1WO8/s1600/P1020185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZMBQIO6I/AAAAAAAADlw/jOWsbTp1WO8/s320/P1020185.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527281443208182690" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZSiTWWrI/AAAAAAAADl4/lGDw9pMf05I/s1600/P1020183.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZSiTWWrI/AAAAAAAADl4/lGDw9pMf05I/s320/P1020183.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527281555159276210" /></a>It's unfortunate that the image most people get of Los Angeles springs from shows such as <span style="font-style:italic;">Baywatch</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">90210</span>... Really, LA is a city that is rife with exciting exhibitions when it comes to art. Here are some shows I don't want to miss. UCLA's exotic Fowler Museum currently shows <a href="http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/korean-funerary-figures">Korean funerary figures</a>, wooden "dolls" that traditionally accompany the dead into their tombs and towards there hereafter. And the show is free! Also at UCLA (top picture), an upcoming dance performance by the Helios Theater.<br />Meanwhile at LACMA (LA County Museum of Art), the brand new red and white <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/ResnickPavilion.aspx">Resnick Pavilion</a>, designed by Renzo Piano, offers <a href="http://www.lacma.org/art/ExhibFashioningFashion.aspx">Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915</a>; I'm very eager to see those treasures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLU_4EVdnKI/AAAAAAAADmA/f5NIl-oULKA/s1600/P1020184_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLU_4EVdnKI/AAAAAAAADmA/f5NIl-oULKA/s320/P1020184_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527394350136138914" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZK-zGh-I/AAAAAAAADlg/jlOhN5QuPVM/s1600/P1020182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TLTZK-zGh-I/AAAAAAAADlg/jlOhN5QuPVM/s320/P1020182.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527281425369696226" /></a>Above are 2 irresistible ads for museums: with plenty of wit, the <a href="http://www.getty.edu">Getty Center</a> parodies nutrition information boxes, while the Natural History Museum presents a toothy Angeleno.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-13518570266594824032010-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:002010-10-13T13:53:45.199-07:00Out Stealing Horses And A Scone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK_Sfvuop5I/AAAAAAAADlY/7u9OGSthJpA/s1600/P1020174.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK_Sfvuop5I/AAAAAAAADlY/7u9OGSthJpA/s400/P1020174.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525866710636734354" /></a>This seems to have become a recurrent type of posts on AUREA - snapshots of a book I'm reading and a scone or other delicious snack. Above, a macchiato and a corn-blueberry scone (at Groundwork, on Rose in Venice) await me together with Per Petterson's <span style="font-style:italic;">Out Stealing Horses</span>. In this novel, an elderly man, who lives with his dog Lyra in a remote cabin in the Norwegian wilderness, remembers his youth. The forests and the fjords are ever present, and if the weather is sometimes described in exquisite details, it is probably because in those parts of the world the climactic conditions mean life or death. Sometimes a couple of sentences stand out like Japanese haikus, terse and expressive - for instance, page 121:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">A swan comes in to land. Soon there will be ice on the lake.</span><br />But mostly, it is a poignant coming of age story with echoes of Turgenev's splendid <span style="font-style:italic;">First Love</span> - I can't say more without giving it away...<br /><br />And speaking of harrowing literature, have you heard that a poem about Sylvia Plath's suicide, by Ted Hughes, was just found in his papers? It's extraordinary. <a href="http://www.channel4.com/news/newly-discovered-ted-hughes-poem">Hear</a> Jonathan Pryce read a passage from it.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-1768100445382247892010-10-08T12:16:00.000-07:002010-10-08T12:57:43.250-07:00Hot Chocolate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK9yZXzjg7I/AAAAAAAADlQ/ffvphonY8wA/s1600/P1020179.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK9yZXzjg7I/AAAAAAAADlQ/ffvphonY8wA/s400/P1020179.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525761048019436466" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK9ySdElEaI/AAAAAAAADlI/VuIBbp9MKKg/s1600/P1020176.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TK9ySdElEaI/AAAAAAAADlI/VuIBbp9MKKg/s400/P1020176.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525760929173934498" /></a>I usually don't love hot food, the kind that makes you weep and yearn for a fire hydrant while your lips triple in volume under the blaze. But lately I have become addicted to "hot" chocolate - the kind that includes chilis, in keeping with the ancient Mexican tradition.<br />The easiest one to find is <a href="http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=3176204&prrfnbr=3277611&pcgrfnbr=3262752">Dagoba's Xocolatl</a>, which leaves a teasing rasp in my throat and my tongue atingling. But my favorites are by <a href="http://www.tazachocolate.com/">Taza</a> (with Guajillo chilis) and <a href="http://www.chocovivo.com/">ChocoVivo</a>. Both of these are made with stone-ground beans, a process that has been used in Mexico for over 2 millennia (read more about the process <a href="http://www.chocovivo.com/the-process/bean-to-bar/">here</a>). This makes for a rather grainy texture that takes some getting used to but once you're hooked, you really don't long anymore for the creamy texture of chocolates loaded with added cocoa butter.<br />Another bar from ChocoVivo that often buy at the Venice Farmers' Market, where these bars are sold, is the one with almonds and sea salt.<br />And because all these bars are so hot and spicy, I don't even feel like eating pound after pound to satisfy my cravings. A little chili goes a long way.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-27355162012159742522010-10-04T22:47:00.001-07:002010-10-04T23:04:03.234-07:00Let's Celebrate Dogs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq9iH_GM1I/AAAAAAAADlA/Svmw5E34qKU/s1600/P1020136.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq9iH_GM1I/AAAAAAAADlA/Svmw5E34qKU/s320/P1020136.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524436286880232274" /></a>October 4, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, is the ideal day to celebrate animals. Last Sunday in LA and around the world, many churches organized pet blessings and I found this poster, spotted in hip Silverlake, absolutely irresistible. <br />Of course, some pets don't wait for this special occasion to step into a shrine. I remember with delight the arguments that Colette recreates in one of her masterpieces, <span style="font-style:italic;">La Maison de Claudine</span>, as her very own mother, who adored animals, and the local priest quarrel about whether or not her faithful dog should be allowed to attend mass with her. As the mother has trained the pet to get up and sit down together with the congregation, she cannot see what the grumpy priest could possibly object to. Like most of Colette's writings, it is exquisitely written and amusing while still conveying a fearless sense of love.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8PENSlbI/AAAAAAAADko/EuUXz2a7bH8/s1600/P1020101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8PENSlbI/AAAAAAAADko/EuUXz2a7bH8/s320/P1020101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524434859936880050" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8Pkb5znI/AAAAAAAADk4/kGLJImAKqy0/s1600/P1010329.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8Pkb5znI/AAAAAAAADk4/kGLJImAKqy0/s320/P1010329.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524434868588105330" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8PtvfoaI/AAAAAAAADkw/wm88jH824Wg/s1600/P1010457.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKq8PtvfoaI/AAAAAAAADkw/wm88jH824Wg/s320/P1010457.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524434871086195106" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Above</span>: a baby dachshund I met in Santa Monica, an animal rescue USPS stamp, a Japanese book from the magical Kinokuniya Bookstore in Little Tokyo (crochet dachshunds? kawaii!)<br />But how can we celebrate dogs without Benjy, ask you. You have a point. Rejoice, as Benjy will soon be back on AUREA in his Oracle capacity, to answer a question from a fan... Woof!Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-39779723973307711302010-09-28T14:59:00.000-07:002010-09-28T15:07:04.610-07:00Happy Colors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl2URzTFI/AAAAAAAADkg/gh33A9Tu-ZI/s1600/P1010454.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl2URzTFI/AAAAAAAADkg/gh33A9Tu-ZI/s200/P1010454.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522088076940364882" border="0" /></a>At my mechanic's, a giant Winnie The Pooh tests drives a red car.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl2MXOAQI/AAAAAAAADkY/jIc0M8dt6Q4/s1600/P1020098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl2MXOAQI/AAAAAAAADkY/jIc0M8dt6Q4/s200/P1020098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522088074815602946" border="0" /></a>I've had the same iPod mini for almost 5 years - I just can't let it go because 1) it works fine and 2) it was a present from someone precious. But when I see those new candy-like Nanos...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl1t0u1MI/AAAAAAAADkQ/eiCWWFEj6dY/s1600/P1020146.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 172px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl1t0u1MI/AAAAAAAADkQ/eiCWWFEj6dY/s200/P1020146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522088066617889986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl0-dIDzI/AAAAAAAADkI/pSqRUz54BTo/s1600/P1020147.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl0-dIDzI/AAAAAAAADkI/pSqRUz54BTo/s200/P1020147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522088053902413618" border="0" /></a>Pretty cards that landed in my mailbox; even better when they come in an envelope adorned with cool stamps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl0Q_hsxI/AAAAAAAADkA/YfTppT1yHNg/s1600/P1010177.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TKJl0Q_hsxI/AAAAAAAADkA/YfTppT1yHNg/s200/P1010177.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522088041698669330" border="0" /></a>On Main Street in Santa Monica, a gate and a building get a fresh coat of paint.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-56260478492460943052010-09-23T14:55:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:30:53.626-07:00The 30's With A "Provincial Lady"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvPD8NQMsI/AAAAAAAADj4/1rPj7UtXvCQ/s1600/P1020140.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvPD8NQMsI/AAAAAAAADj4/1rPj7UtXvCQ/s320/P1020140.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520233434880946882" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvPDm5g9BI/AAAAAAAADjw/XbA9IYRCU2A/s1600/P1020141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvPDm5g9BI/AAAAAAAADjw/XbA9IYRCU2A/s320/P1020141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520233429161014290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvO7vjWLPI/AAAAAAAADjo/8gI3aGeF9UA/s1600/P1020139.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJvO7vjWLPI/AAAAAAAADjo/8gI3aGeF9UA/s320/P1020139.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520233294044998898" /></a>If you've been following AUREA, you know about my passion for the 1920's and 1930's - not for nothing did I recently gulp up Juliet Gardiner's massive <span style="font-style:italic;">The Thirties</span>, an 800-page exploration of that decade in the UK. So I was delighted when I stumbled upon E.M. Delafield's 1933 <span style="font-style:italic;">Diary Of A Provincial Lady</span>, a best-seller in its time, in a 1982 edition that includes the novel's original illustrations - wasn't it wonderful back in the days when novels were illustrated?Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-9072267898684812912010-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:002010-09-20T13:31:00.754-07:00Weekend Gourmand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJecg382ttI/AAAAAAAADjQ/unmvkBDleAQ/s1600/P1020127.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJecg382ttI/AAAAAAAADjQ/unmvkBDleAQ/s320/P1020127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519051956954773202" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJechM4_GnI/AAAAAAAADjY/_NqurjSIrz8/s1600/P1020122.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJechM4_GnI/AAAAAAAADjY/_NqurjSIrz8/s320/P1020122.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519051962575690354" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJechdJo_EI/AAAAAAAADjg/djwUjh51oEk/s1600/P1020125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJechdJo_EI/AAAAAAAADjg/djwUjh51oEk/s320/P1020125.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519051966940511298" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">From top:</span> pure pomegranate juice, snap peas and cherry tomatoes (all from the Venice Farmers' Market), Syrah wine.<br />What does the word <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmand</span> (see title of my post) mean? It's very difficult, if not impossible to translate into English. Basically, it's used to refer to someone who enjoys eating. But a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmand</span> is not necessarily a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmet</span> - a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmand</span> is not always picky about the quality and complexity of the food. It is more of a simple hedonistic quality; a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmand</span> always wants more, but there are no negative connotations (a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmand</span> is not a <span style="font-style:italic;">glouton</span>!). <br />For instance, yesterday at Stella's in Silverlake when I poured gallons of maple syrup on my lemon ricotta pancakes, I was really being a <span style="font-style:italic;">gourmande</span>...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A couple of fun links:</span><br /><a href="http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/09/17/models_reading_a_gallery_of_beautiful_people_holding_books.php">Models reading books backstage</a> during Fashion Week<br />and<br />Gustavo Arellano asks: <a href="http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/09/16/pm-mexicans-were-the-original-frugalistas/">Frugalistas - what took you so long to become Mexicans?</a>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-68203332880665460382010-09-16T23:31:00.000-07:002010-09-17T17:54:30.102-07:00Earth Tones<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBhdUZTBI/AAAAAAAADjA/3JL97y35Qag/s1600/P1020102.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBhdUZTBI/AAAAAAAADjA/3JL97y35Qag/s320/P1020102.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517614905288117266" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ippuku?ref=top_trail">Tsuchikara Pottery</a>, is one of my favorite Etsy shops. The pottery offered by Ippuku is both rustic and delicate, and it always comes in such pretty paper that I don't want to unwrap it for a while... I just bought this little pitcher; with its graceful lines, it is a genuine adornment for my kitchen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBhKLf1BI/AAAAAAAADi4/zy0ePlhHPEs/s1600/P1020113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBhKLf1BI/AAAAAAAADi4/zy0ePlhHPEs/s320/P1020113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517614900150522898" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBtx8vjlI/AAAAAAAADjI/xjZkaC4j_oQ/s1600/P1020109.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TJKBtx8vjlI/AAAAAAAADjI/xjZkaC4j_oQ/s200/P1020109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517615116984487506" /></a>As you know, I love vintage hats. I got this original 1930's skullcap at the Green Flea market in New York last month. 100% wool. I find it youthful and sassy.<br />Isn't it adorable?Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-54685056242409384752010-09-13T13:09:00.000-07:002010-09-13T14:51:48.594-07:00Welcome, Lily<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YWevLG8I/AAAAAAAADiY/fycQT6UWOCk/s1600/P1020105.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YWevLG8I/AAAAAAAADiY/fycQT6UWOCk/s320/P1020105.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516514105550904258" /></a>My friend Mariame is not only the most intelligent, best read and most articulate person I know, she also has a rare sensitivity, a true gift of empathy that have endeared her to me for over 10 years. A couple of years ago, I blogged about <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2008/09/loire-valley-wedding.html">her wedding</a>. And now she is a mother!<br />On August 26, she gave birth to a little girl, Lily. The uncanny thing is, just a few days ago I was reading a children's book about John Singer Sargent's masterpiece "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" and thinking what an enchanting name Lily was - without know that Mariame and her husband had chosen that very name for their baby! More uncannily yet, the very day Lily was born, I <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/08/breakfast-with-madame-x.html">posted</a> a picture of this painting on my blog.<br />As soon as Lily is old enough, I will buy her Hugh Brewster's magical book about this painting (above)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YwPjIlMI/AAAAAAAADiw/AcjcRgZW904/s1600/P1020106.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YwPjIlMI/AAAAAAAADiw/AcjcRgZW904/s320/P1020106.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516514548150473922" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6Yv3kMtZI/AAAAAAAADio/p-1aB9o-5AM/s1600/P1020103.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6Yv3kMtZI/AAAAAAAADio/p-1aB9o-5AM/s320/P1020103.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516514541712487826" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YvZWrOnI/AAAAAAAADig/zq8hF9Xa2UQ/s1600/P1020104.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6YvZWrOnI/AAAAAAAADig/zq8hF9Xa2UQ/s320/P1020104.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516514533602703986" /></a>Maybe one day Lily will have brother and sisters, echoing other Sargent paintings I adore - I just read Erica Hirshler's fascinating <span style="font-style:italic;">Biography Of Sargent's Daughters</span>, which tells the story of "The Daughters of Edward Boit" (Sargent never had children of his own, bar his works).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6T5Awth3I/AAAAAAAADiQ/20cJwdjpNj4/s1600/mousehat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 173px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TI6T5Awth3I/AAAAAAAADiQ/20cJwdjpNj4/s200/mousehat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516509201241573234" /></a>In the meantime, I got her the same <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/01/last-paris-snapshots.html">mouse hat</a> I had chosen for another tiny friend, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElleGanT">ElleGanT</a>'s Etsy shop; I hope it keeps her warm in the Parisian winter.<br /><br />Welcome to life, Lily! In my heart, you are already a treasure, a beloved trasure.Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-65715540400107634162010-09-10T20:15:00.000-07:002010-09-11T01:03:04.071-07:00A Postcard From Benjy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIcANr5tshI/AAAAAAAADiA/gzEJB3RIWIg/s1600/benjy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIcANr5tshI/AAAAAAAADiA/gzEJB3RIWIg/s400/benjy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514376503861555730" border="0" /></a>Readers! Fans! Bipeds and Quadrupeds (including Feline Ones)!<br />Over the course of the summer, many of you have inquired about my whereabouts and spirits - thank you for keeping The dachshund in your hearts. I gave my amanuensis/assistant/nanny/owner some time off these past two months and went on adventures of my own. <br />From my home in California, I flew to Paris in early July; there I was feted as I should be. I then took the train to Normandy, where my warm hostess was one Dame Elizabeth. I roamed gardens and paths in the vicinity of the D-Day beaches, and also worked out an agreement with my hostess's husband: as his appetite waned, I kindly helped him polish off the steaks on his plate and for a while, no one was the wiser. Yum. A few weeks later I headed for <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/search/label/Lafitte">Lafitte</a>, the manor in South-Western France where I always spend parts of my summer, ruling over the park while my assistant's mother made apricot preserves in the kitchen. <br />Finally, I hopped once again into my silver Mercedes, dozing off on my personal backseat checkered blanket as we drove to Belgium for dear <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2010/09/celine-joren-in-belgium.html">Celinoo's wedding</a>; during the cocktail, many prominent, international guests came by the Mercedes to curtsy or bow before me, and during the ceremony, as Mary-Laure walked up to the mike to read her limerick, a song composed and performed by the bride in my honor played in the background ("Benjy Pipi", hopefully soon available on iTunes).<br />And now? <br />My assistant is shuttling between Los Angeles and New York for work, so to avoid all those flights that disrupt my activities (meditation, soccer, digestion), I have stayed in Paris. But I will join her again soon, either in our LA home or, if all goes well, in our new home, in a city whose name I will shush for the time being...<br />Love, BenjyMary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-15886865635477845862010-09-07T23:09:00.000-07:002010-09-07T23:09:00.658-07:00Flower Market In Nivelles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBP1Omo_I/AAAAAAAADh4/0pE-uLcXWGU/s1600/P1010908.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBP1Omo_I/AAAAAAAADh4/0pE-uLcXWGU/s320/P1010908.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513462846562149362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBPrI7oTI/AAAAAAAADhw/S39wc0VZR2s/s1600/P1010917.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBPrI7oTI/AAAAAAAADhw/S39wc0VZR2s/s320/P1010917.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513462843854004530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBPFfbRjI/AAAAAAAADho/vRwAi1l_KNs/s1600/P1010921.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBPFfbRjI/AAAAAAAADho/vRwAi1l_KNs/s320/P1010921.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513462833747805746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBO4PbVJI/AAAAAAAADhg/OY9cw8IdaG8/s1600/P1010919.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIPBO4PbVJI/AAAAAAAADhg/OY9cw8IdaG8/s320/P1010919.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513462830191039634" /></a>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31111931.post-20054317836306687182010-09-05T08:34:00.000-07:002010-09-10T15:57:28.892-07:00Céline & Joren In Belgium<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6-B0EDYI/AAAAAAAADgw/Fdwpqvb9zz0/s1600/P1010938.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6-B0EDYI/AAAAAAAADgw/Fdwpqvb9zz0/s320/P1010938.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513455943633079682" border="0" /></a>Remember, last December, my sister <a href="http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2009/12/celines-wedding.html">married</a> Joren in Paris? It was a strictly intimate celebration, and this weekend, they tied the knot again in Belgium in front of many friends and relatives - some had flown in from as far as the US, Uruguay (my grandma!) and Kuwait. Céline and Joren met in Amsterdam and now live in Dubai, so traveling was the theme of the party; guests sat at tables with the names of places that are meaningful to the couple and everyone received a boarding pass guiding them through the event.<br />The bride wore turquoise and gold, a reflection of her sparkling and creative personality - I wore a black chiffon dress from the 1920's.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO69jkFiCI/AAAAAAAADgo/NuXLVEEBtDQ/s1600/P1020058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO69jkFiCI/AAAAAAAADgo/NuXLVEEBtDQ/s320/P1020058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513455935513004066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO7Q28RFqI/AAAAAAAADg4/VzqbIJOThSQ/s1600/P1020008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO7Q28RFqI/AAAAAAAADg4/VzqbIJOThSQ/s320/P1020008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513456267132212898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6VyNZ2NI/AAAAAAAADgQ/kp69loIen10/s1600/P1020045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6VyNZ2NI/AAAAAAAADgQ/kp69loIen10/s320/P1020045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513455252249630930" border="0" /></a>Belgium seemed like a good place, between France (our father's country) and the Netherlands (Joren's homeland). The <a href="http://www.chateaudefeluy.be/">castle of Feluy</a>, dating back to the 14th c., was the chosen venue, with its medieval tower and beautiful garden, where the ceremony took place - after Céline and Joren pronounced their vows, we blew bubbles in an airy and iridescent demonstration of joy that the children particularly enjoyed. During the cocktail, guests chatted by the pond, and then everyone moved on to a wood-paneled room for dinner.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6k5AhtdI/AAAAAAAADgY/-NW9_nQbcsc/s1600/P1010896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO6k5AhtdI/AAAAAAAADgY/-NW9_nQbcsc/s320/P1010896.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513455511772706258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9MmIUyZI/AAAAAAAADhQ/aLhUKwgMYJM/s1600/P1020020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9MmIUyZI/AAAAAAAADhQ/aLhUKwgMYJM/s320/P1020020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513458392923163026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9L9ACpLI/AAAAAAAADhI/fUf2DxQ3w-g/s1600/P1020016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9L9ACpLI/AAAAAAAADhI/fUf2DxQ3w-g/s320/P1020016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513458381882565810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9Li7cbHI/AAAAAAAADhA/Uq2LKkZMhy8/s1600/P1020034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO9Li7cbHI/AAAAAAAADhA/Uq2LKkZMhy8/s320/P1020034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513458374883961970" border="0" /></a>Here is the limerick I wrote to read during the ceremony:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO-dQrmT1I/AAAAAAAADhY/v7iUjpG4PS4/s1600/P1020076.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_stj3NEMSbf4/TIO-dQrmT1I/AAAAAAAADhY/v7iUjpG4PS4/s320/P1020076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513459778734935890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">september 4, september 4<br />'tis a special day<br />in belgium we are gathered<br />'tween the french and dutch midway<br /><br />my celinoo, my sis, my pal<br />to joren she said OUI<br />oh dear oh dear oh dear<br />what doth this mean for me?<br /><br />her jokes her sparks<br />her secrets and gaffes<br />no longer will she share?<br /><br />los angeles chauffeur<br />midnight confidante<br />shall i no longer be?<br /><br />wistfully do i sigh<br />yet blissful is my grin<br /><br />for i know tis a good man<br />who loves my dear celine.</span>Mary-Laurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05014386827410465480noreply@blogger.com38