The English author Horace Walpole coined the word serendipity. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call 'Serendipity,' a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, "Serendip." He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called 'The Three Princes of Serendip': as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...."
During our cousin weekend, on a lovely afternoon, we visited Wing Haven. It is just what it is called––a haven for birds in a beautiful three acre garden, with paths begging to be wandered. But we didn't know about the big bucks party being readied for that evening. Donors, patrons, the board ... some important people were going to have a smashing gala when twilight settled in. With pure delight we gazed upon elegant table settings under a green tinted tent. We "admired 'til we were tired" ... and took some neat images. It was, without a doubt, a "serendipity." (you can click on the images to see them larger.)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Pool Jeans
Four of us girl cousins journeyed from afar and spent a wonderful weekend together here in my town. Since we had previously done a lot of talking about our childhood and family roots, this visit we enjoyed "hanging out" and getting to know each other better as adult women. My mother joined in and added life from her octagenarian point of view. It was a memory-making time. It's always interesting to see visible demonstrations of the gene pool we share. Not only in the way we do things,
the way we think, our looks, but also demonstrated in the purses
most of us chose to carry--at least for this weekend!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
A View of History
Most of the things sitting around my house have meaning. I love that. I can walk from room to room and be reminded of our family, dear friends, events or trips .... These things that decorate my house are not just "purchased possessions" ... to me they are like jewels illustrating our family history. For example, left to right: 1976: Williamsburg; 1942: parents and grandparents at the Jersey Shore; 2005: my father's funeral; 1942: spouse's parents' wedding; circa 1920: my father and brothers. Forefront: circa 1910: my grandmother and girlfriends; 2006: birthday pottery. All sitting on crocheted handwork brought from Romania. Oh yes, and the pewter pitcher? Spouse's thoughtful purchase at Good Will (knowing my love of pitchers). (By the way, thanks for the idea of using this image, Cann!)
Saturday, May 05, 2007
In the Suitcase
Spouse is back from across the ocean and look what a dear friend sent me in his suitcase!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Roses for December
Thirty-nine years ago today, yes that's 39, "Chief," the tall, lanky captain of the basketball team, asked me to attend a student government debate with him, followed by an ice-cream sandwich at the college snack shop. As we squeezed up to the crowded counter and placed our order I felt every eye on us. A small college and a new dating couple ... that was something to be noticed. And 37 years ago today, the same young man, now a college senior, hid a shiny diamond in his volkswagon glove compartment, took me up a mountain top overlooking the Hudson River, and asked me to marry him. I said "yes."
While Spouse is far across the ocean today, I found a good way to note this significant day in my life was to honor good friend Boniface on her birthday. We had a lunch and what was special to me was that this gracious birthday girl allowed me my dream of not sitting, but serving her and her friends gathered around the table. (Casablanca said, "I've been somewhere today!") Boniface always blesses us with short or long quotes in her notes or emails, so we decided to make this a "Quote birthday" celebration. Throughout our lunch, we unrolled small scrolls of quotes she knew and loved and then blessed her with our own favorites. It was a pleasant time and made a memory, as, in one scroll was written: "God has given us our memories that we might have roses in December." (J.M. Bauie). Here's to roses and more, Boniface!
While Spouse is far across the ocean today, I found a good way to note this significant day in my life was to honor good friend Boniface on her birthday. We had a lunch and what was special to me was that this gracious birthday girl allowed me my dream of not sitting, but serving her and her friends gathered around the table. (Casablanca said, "I've been somewhere today!") Boniface always blesses us with short or long quotes in her notes or emails, so we decided to make this a "Quote birthday" celebration. Throughout our lunch, we unrolled small scrolls of quotes she knew and loved and then blessed her with our own favorites. It was a pleasant time and made a memory, as, in one scroll was written: "God has given us our memories that we might have roses in December." (J.M. Bauie). Here's to roses and more, Boniface!
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