Naufragada

A few years ago, I wasn't happy with my job. I felt like I could be doing so much more...that I could be creative in my work. I wasn't being given that opportunity and I started thinking about all the things I had ever considered doing "when I grew up"...so I started looking at graduate programs. Programs in Architectural History, Art History, Museum Studies, Architecture, Education, Museum Education, Art Education...etc etc etc.

I finally narrowed it down to a few choices, University of Virginia or SCAD for Architectural History...Bank Street College of Education for Museum Education ...or Taliesin / Taliesin West for Architecture.

Last month I was in Scottsdale, AZ visiting with friends. On our last full day in Scottsdale and with half of our group gone...the remaining 3 went to Taliesin West. It was magnificent to get a glimpse into what might have been.

Our guide, a former "apprentice" at Taliesin told us about how first year students live in the desert in a tent. He showed us a picture similar to this one and pointed to these small white tents in the desert. A small slab of concrete...and some wood poles and canvas. He told us how on your first night you start to think like an architect because you immediately tried to figure out ways to make your living space more comfortable. The next day new students start working on improvements to their homes in the desert.

So I thought about it. Mine would have turned my tent into a sailboat. I would have painted the canvas like the sails of a boat, and made the interior feel like we were on a boat near a beach. I appropriately would have called my home, "Naufragada"...after all what else would you call a Latin beach girl living in the middle of the desert?

...here's to you "Naufragada"...my little home in the desert that never was.

RIP Bobby 1925-2008

Oh Robert...Bobby Bobby Bobby...how do I love thee, let me count the ways.

I loved you for "monogram" and the way you made that animal look at me with a tire around it's body.

I loved you for creepy birds who stare at me...I loved you for beds and silk screens of JFK....I loved you for shinny things, torn things and splattered things.

I am so happy I had you in my life. The way you greeted me through a slide projector in a dark room. The way you smiled when I walked into your gallery. Not too many have made me feel so special.

You'll be missed my darling Bobby.

Dearest Jane

Dearest Jane,

I wish I could dawn lovely dresses and gowns like those worn by your heroines.

I wish I could spend my days in the country, leisurely reading, drawing, touring homes, spending time with my friends...waiting for Mr. Darcy or Captain Wentworth to pay me a visit.

Oh dear Jane.

Covet

Covet:
1.
to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others: to covet another's property.
2.
to wish for, esp. eagerly: He won the prize they all coveted.

...i covet these...anyone wanna buy me these Kate Spade's? I've been a really good girl.

Maybe baby someday...

Monticello as most of you may know is the home of President Thomas Jefferson. President Jefferson was a renaissance man with great vision. He also had a sister, and she had kids, and they had kids, and they had kids, and they had kids...and from that batch came my father-in-law. So President Jefferson (or as I like to call him, TJ...Uncle TJ...Great-Grand Daddy) is a direct relative.

This summer while visiting the family summer home, we went to see Monticello. Just a short walk away from the main house is the family cemetary...and maybe baby someday we'll be burried there too! We've already picked our corner.

This picture was taken on our visit. As you can plainly see it was a gloomy foggy day, perfect for graveyard plot picking!

Snap the Whip

I've made art my livelyhood. The study of it, educating others on it, appreciating it, writting about it...and occassionally making my own.

A few years ago a friend of mine showed me a framed picture of her infront of one of her favorite works of art. It is a picture of Louis in all his regal glory. This inspired me to take pictures of myself infront of works I appreciate.

So here I am. At the MET. In May. 2007.

Snap the Whip

Winslow Homer

1872

Prep

When I was 13, my friend Elisabeth use to call me prep. I was...I am...I always will be. Though I do not restrict myself in the way I dress, deep down inside there is a 13 year old girl, wearing loafers with argyle and headbands...oh wait...that's what I am wearing today...with pearls. Long live the prep. Long live madras, argyle, loafers, monogramming and all good things that come with it...like golf, tennis, croquet...martinis, vodka, gin and wine! Long live names like Anastasia Beaverhausen and boys who are III's, IV's and V's. Toodles Bunny!

xoxo, Anastasia Beaverhausen

Paul McCartney c. 1964

When I was about 16 I discovered the music of the Beatles. Sure I had heard it before, but I listened carefully and it spoke to me. Quickly over the next few months, I collected all the their CD's and even started putting together a book of illustrated Beatles lyrics. This Sunday at the Grammy's the Beatles were celebrated with performances from the Cirque de Soleil show, LOVE and the film, Across the Universe.

Last night, I watched the film Across the Universe and it brought back all the memories those songs have for me. I love them...and I love Paul. He's my favorite Beatle...

So, here's an addition to my "list"...Paul McCartney c.1964 I love you. I still love you today...but in 1964 before the true mania of the Beatles began....yeah....LOVE YOU!

Donald Judd c. 1964 Untitled

In 1998 (I think) I took my first American Art, Art History Class. I quickly learned a couple of things about Donald Judd...

1. the majority of his work is untitled

2. if I guessed c. 1964 on my tests...I would be right about 75% of the time

3. He likes boxes

I soon too loved Donald Judd's boxes...and if I could own a ladder like set of Untitled boxes, I would want them to go in a living room with vaulted ceilings.

Captain Wentworth

Like most girls I adore jane Austen. So I was delighted to hear from my good friend Bonita that "Masterpiece" (previously known as Masterpiece Theatre) was airing the entire Jane Austen BBC collection!

The season kicked-off with Persuasion...and that is when after having read it years ago and falling in love with my mental image of him...that I fell in love with the Brit who took on this fantastic role.

So here's to you Rupert Penry-Jones...or as I call you...Captain Wentworth. You're officially on my "list".

Pens

For as long as I can remember I have been facinated with pens. I love to buy them, use them, and occasionally steal them.

I have a small yet fun collection of pens, to which I like to add a few each year.

I have pens from my childhood- pens that belonged to my father- pens that have been beautiful gifts- and pens I gifted myself.

The first time I went to Europe I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty, style and character the pens had in staionary shops. Simple school pens to elegant fountain pends...I love and use them all.

Richard Serra

So...I love art. I love being around it, I love making it, I love experiencing it....

In May I was in NYC for my graduation and had the opportunity to see the Richard Serra out in the MOMA garden. It was beautiful...and a wonderful experience to share with my mom and husband.

My husband took this picture from the second floor at MOMA.

Fantastic!

Favotire Meal

I could eat a burger and fries everyday. I take my burgers medium-rare...I dare say rare... but how I do like them juicy and pink. Pile on lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. I want my burger to have tasty, salty, crispy fries...season salt is wonderful...every now and then a good sweet potato fry is good too. I like to wash down my burger and fries with a beer...or a diet coke sometimes.

I adore burgers.

These are some of the best places to get a burger (in my opinion)...
Houston's
Keg South
Burger Bob's
My house

Sven

I have a friend. His name is Sven. He guards my garden from the grasshoppers. Sven does not do a terribly good job...my vine leaves have bites. It's OK. I still really like Sven.

If I could have a family for Sven. I think this is what I would want them to look like.

Gnomes.

I Love Golf

I never in a million years thought I would enjoy the game of golf. I never in a million years thought that I would want to play golf. 3 months ago I took my first real stroke of the club, and well, sunny days have not been the same since.

I love golf, and though I am only a novice and have much work to do, I really have fun with it. I try to play once a week, I try to go to the driving range once a week too.

This is something I hope to do for the rest of my life, with my good friends. I love golf!

Sunflowers

I have always liked how sunflowers stand tall with their large faces looking at the sun. Their petals almost like a lions mane and big beefy green leaves. They are among my favorites.

I adore this picture because of the way the blue sky looks and fades from a rich to a light shade of this serene color. The yellow sunflower compared to the sky, is a beautiful palette.

When I Grow Up...

When I grow up I wanna be like Kate Spade. I just think she has the most incredible sence of style, it is simple and in simplicity there is elegnce. Today someone told me I have a great sence of style and a style of my own. This...this makes me happy, because I don't nessisarily want to look like everyone.
You often hear people say that fashion is a form of self expression...I couldn't agree more. Even when I wear something classic, I give it my own touch.
When I grow up...I want to be like Kate Spade.

David Gilmore c. 1972

I always joke around that I have a serious crush on David Gilmore...but not just any David Gilmore...not today's David Gilmore...but David Gilmore c. 1972

As you can see in this picture, he was delicious!
Then he opens his mouth and it sounds haunting, and then he plays the guitar and it makes you close your eyes and go to a different place.

I love you David Gilmore c. 1972

farmer's market

Every year the farmer's market comes for 11 weeks infront of our City Hall. It's the best part of my weekend. We wake up, get dressed, put Maggie on her leash, hop in my car and drive over there.

When we get there, we get the most incredible fresh squeezed OJ, a ham & cheese croissant...and if we stay loong enough to get hungry again, I'll get a pastelito.

It's a great way to run into neighbors and friends.

This picture was taken there with Don's new camera. I suggested the shot, and I am glad he took it.

Maggie Anne

It's been a while since I last posted anything on picture bliss. Sadly since the last time I posted...Henri found his way to doggy heaven. I know he is happy there eating a lot of ice cream, laying around and basking in the sun while napping on his back so his full belly could be exposed.

Since then, Maggie Anne is my only dog. I love my sweet girl. We've had her for over 6 years, and she makes us very happy. She smiles at you and has even been known to wink.

Here she is infront of the golof course our house sits on. She's a happy girl on a happy day.