Mermaids, Water Lilies and St Gabriel

There is a beautiful oasis in my charming part of the city, Francis Park.  It has a playground where the grand daughters like to run, swing and climb. Our favorite area these days is an oblong pond where there are water lilies floating on the water.  

 There is also a a statue of a winged creature (dog?)

 and a reclining mermaid reading a book. It's all so intriguing and picturesque.

 Across from the park is St Gabriel Catholic Church, a stunning structure with a tall spire and a clean, crisp facade. A mid century design that is perfectly comfortable in a area of homes built in the 1940s and 50s.
Francis Park is a great place to take a walk, read a book or just relax and enjoy the ambiance of an oasis in the city.

And while you're in the neighborhood there is no better treat than the delicious frozen custard at Ted Drewe's. It really is the best and not to be missed.

The Summer So Far

Summer is great. There is always something happening. It's also wonderful to be outside and do next to nothing. Sitting in my yard reading or writing is one of my favorite summer past times.

 I live near Forest Park which means the zoo is a few minutes away, as well as The Muny and The Jewel Box.  This glorious peacock wanders the grounds of the zoo.

 This summer we visited the sting rays of Caribbean Cove.

 The Missouri Botanical Gardens is another wonderful place to be in the summer. On Wednesday evenings people fill the garden to listen to music at the Whittaker Jazz Festival.

 I took this photo as I was leaving. The glass Chihuly pieces were glowing in the entry pond.

 Summertime is softball time. My oldest granddaughter has become quite a good player. Way better than I ever was.

 Some play ball and others just play.

 The granddaughters and I go to the Muny every year. This year's choice was The Little Mermaid. The reviews are in. It is claimed to be " the best we've seen." It is a joyous production.

 The colonnade and entry at the front of the Muny grounds. Beautiful. The Muny has been producing outdoor theater in St Louis since 1919.

 In my neighborhood on the morning of the 4th of July is the Macklind Mile. A down hill run enjoyed by old and young alike.

 There a groups for various ages and running times. These kids were amazing.

 A few ride the run.

You have to love a runner in a tutu.
It's been a great summer so far and there's more to come.

Independence Day

For the Fourth of July I have a series covers from The New Yorker. The first is from cartoonist George Booth. A dog, the flags, the fourth of July. Perfect.

 2011

From 1956, the cover is by Edna Eickle.  America at home.  A boy and a flag.

 1966' s cover is by Arthur Gets.  Just a flag on a house. Pretty much says it all.

Arthur Getz also did the cover in 1981. Main Street USA. A wonderful view of our Independence Day.

In  1988 Lee Lorenz drew an optimistic, happy Uncle Sam.

For 2007 the ever charismatic Lady Liberty standing strong by Bob Staake. 
Have a great Fourth of July. Enjoy and appreciate our independence.

For Fathers Day

For Fathers Day

My Dad (standing) with his older brother. The date on the back of the photo is August 1945.

Happy Fathers Day

Movie Posters

The original purpose of a movie poster was to help sell the movie. Now when I see these posters it's a trip through time. I can see the movie all over again. They take me back to the look of the movie and how I feel when I see it. The reels start turning.

Seeing the main characters perched on the motor bike sums up the lively feel of the movie. The vibrant pink background adds to their exuberant adventure.

What is amazing about this poster is that it captures the intense chemistry between Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. Their chemistry and verbal sparing is what propels this historical tale.

A movie from the mid 1930's. This was a glamorous distraction from the gloom of the depression. The fonts used on the poster relate to the art deco style and sophistication of the movies sets and the lives of the characters. Carole Lombard and William Powell are a glamorous, hilarious,odd couple.

Set in the 1920's. A romantic Italian villa in the enchanted month of April changes the lives of those visiting. Flowers, friendship and love grow in Enchanted April.  I see it all when I look at the poster. One of my all time favorites.

Mystical, magical or just a bit of larceny. Looking at the poster I can see all the life changes Max Dugan brings with him.

 I'll lift you up while you reach for your star. A tale of unconditional love. A mother and son, a woman and her favorite movie star go through life and its inevitable end together.

A girl who turns her world upside down. The bright, happy design of the poster reminds me of my favorite scenes and songs.
Movie Posters give us a sneak peek into the new and conjure up memories of the past.
It's all about the emotion.

A Great Weekend BG Style

I had a great time last weekend. It was Mother's Day on Sunday. I started the weekend at the ballgame on Friday with my son. It was a win all around. The weather was beautiful, the Cardinals won, a shut out, a perfect game for seven innings and perfect company.

 I love a night at the ballpark.

 Saturday morning I was up and out early. A good friend was receiving her Masters from Webster University.  The ceremony started at 8:30 am. I volunteered to make sure the graduate was in her place on time. Rain threatened but it turned out to be a glorious morning all around. Nothing like a little Pomp and Circumstance on a Saturday morning.

 Saturday afternoon I picked up the granddaughters. We had movie night at home. The movie of the night, Gulliver's Travels. It turns out Jack Black is every ones current favorite. In the morning we were off to the zoo, another favorite.

We started off at Caribbean Cove, where you can visit and pet sting rays. It was very cool. They kind of feel like wet velvet.

 This full grown female lion was a good twenty feet up in a tree.

 And this needs no explanantion.

 Then, well it's always a favorite for the obvious reason. You'd be surprised how many times you can work that into a sentence. Made even funnier through a fit of laughter.

 The ever popular Somali Wild Ass.
When we left the zoo there was a delicious lunch (that included fired pickles) with my daughter, son in law and the lovely granddaughters.  After I headed for home. My son was coming to the house.

For Mother's Day he planted a small vegetable garden for me. I was thrilled. Son and girlfriend stayed for dinner, a delicious ordered in pizza. It was a wonderful day and weekend.

The Jewel Box

The Jewel Box is an art deco styled greenhouse located in Forest Park. I drive by it at least twice a month on my way to a Design Speak meeting. I don't know how many art deco greenhouses there are, but I know this one is amazing.

The cantilevered vertical glass walls are fifity feet high. They admit the greatest amount of light and reduce damage from hail. (Which is good because there has been a lot of hail here.)

A bit history, the Jewel Box opened in 1936. It was a WPA project designed by city engineer William CE Becker.

I find the Jewel Box enchanting. The deco style works beautifully with the great expanse of glass.

Vibrant hydrangeas surround the exterior of the building.

The interior is, of course, filled with plants, flowers and trees. It's always warm inside and it is a great place to visit on a blustery spring day.

I love the concept of a jewel box you can actually walk around in. This lovely box is filled with flowering, green, oxygen producing jewels.

Beautiful Romantic Glistening