Things To See This Summer

Paris Gardens in the Summertime

Eiffel Tower at dusk (Image Credit: franz88 [Flickr])


This past Sunday's New York Times had a wonderful slide show of picturesque gardens in the City of Lights. While I'm sure like many of us this summer's economic situation may keep many of us at home those lucky enough to visit one of my favorite cities should take time to visit one or two of these spots. The Secret Gardens of Paris.

Olafur Eliasson and New York's Waterfalls

Last week in New York City the spigots were turned on and began an art exhibition, whose concept I love. Olafur Eliasson's "Waterfalls." Here is the main site for the exhibition. New York Waterfalls

As a native New Yorker, though now a resident of DC, I'm always envious that our big brother to the north can put on civic art works that DC seems to be incapable of doing. I must say that from my own perspective this puts Christo's "The Gates" to shame. NYC is a water town and this work of art says it all. I will admit that the sound of water falling has always put me in my zen zone.But the particular falls beneath the Brooklyn Bridge is sublime and I don't know why. For more information on the artist's work here, is his recent exhibition at MOMA.

A London Tour of Buckingham Palace

Last summer while on a short few days in London I decided to try out what I thought would be a very touristy expedition and bought tickets to see Buckingham Palace. Now as an Irish-American there were pulls from beyond saying, "Your going where?"

While not a believer in royal status, I do believe in continuity and for the most part I have always admired Queen Elizabeth II. If ever there was a person who understands responsibility, I believe she does. And hey! Its Buckingham Palace.

As a short aside I have a favorite reader of this blog, whom I've known and loved since the day she was born. I'll never forget 1985 and this little blond girl whose dream was about to come true. Prince Charles and more importantly Princess Diana were coming to the White House for a lavish dinner. At the time my other lovely sister was working at the White House and arranged tickets for my mother and baby sister to go to Andrews Air Force Base for the welcoming ceremony. They had weeks of preparation time and seemed to need it. There were countless questions on what to wear and would they get to say hello. All I can remember was that famous sweater with the sheep on it being the instant preppy status accoutrement. At any rate, it was decided that this cute little girl, who was in love with Diana, would carry a small bouquet of blue posies. She even came up with her own idea that she would put a small note in the bouquet, which to this day remains a secret. To conclude this short story my sweet Lisa got to the front of the welcoming crowd and Diana stopped and took her bouquet and made one little girl's year.

Now back to the tour and the point of this post. Should you be in London at the end of July through the end of September do put this on you itinerary. Its so well done. You can buy and schedule your tour all online. The information and things to see are all accessed here at The Royal Collection.

I arrived at the scheduled time ( Don't be late ) and was very impressed at the way the whole show was run. Naturally it was raining and everyone had umbrellas and I was sure this meant you were naturally never going to get it back. Groups are allowed in, in fifteen minute intervals. The tour personnel were all wonderfully clad in blue with red piping outfits and couldn't be more gracious.

Having taken more than my share of guided tour experiences or more truthfully stood at the edge of a lecture trying to glean some free information, I was prepared for a herding atmosphere. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Once your through security an audio phone guide is placed in your hand and your free. I spent the next close to two hours wandering a well cordoned off palace, but was able to see all the important rooms. This summer they are having a special presentation in the Palace's Ballroom which will be set up for a State Banquet. You end the tour out on the back lawn of the Palace, with your umbrella in hand and a wonderful stroll through the grounds gardens. Never once was a rushed through. Finally you have the chance to buy a souvenir in tents placed on the grounds for these two months.

I've been to many places and was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed Buckingham Palace.

Do You See It Too ?

A Hot Summer's Night Observation on The Ladies Who Sing.

Billie Holliday and "Fine and Mellow," 1957

Amy Winehouse London 4666live Nelson Mandela Concert.

One hopes that the outcome isn't the same.

Just a Big Kid

I loved "Finding Nemo," and am a huge Pixar fan. From the reviews this morning and now these numbers, I guess a muggy hot DC Sunday afternoon's plans are made.

WALL-E beats 'Nemo' first day record
Playing at approximately 4000 theaters across the United States and Canada, WALL-E has broken Finding Nemo's opening day record of 20.2 million dollars (set in 2003) by raking in between $23.1 and $23.2 million at the "domestic" box office on Friday, handing Pixar its best opening day ever.

The film is now on its way to challenge Finding Nemo's opening weekend record of $70.4 million, which is, to date, Pixar's best opening weekend success

Another New York Work of Art to End the Day

Bernadette Peters, a Great Artist and "Not A Day Goes By."

Ipod and Iphone Sleeves

These actually look pretty good. Homer tends to like that simple hi-tec look, but for my very important design bloggers, I had to link to these sleeve cases for our favorite Ipods and Iphones. Here is the manufacturer, Fabrix.

Another Fine Watercolor by Joan Brady

As I've written before, Joan Brady is a life long water colorist. I'm lucky enough to receive her newest works and thoughts, and happily share them with you. You can contact me if you'd like more information.

Travel and Writer

I recently came across a new travel website highlighting the town of Ravello in Italy. The Amalfi coast ranks in the top spots on the planet in Homer's humble opinion. I match this with a recent interview by one of its most famous former residents,Gore Vidal.While I swoon over thoughts of glorious days on the Amalfi, I finished reading the interview with this man of letters. Both are worth a look. Take a look at Globorati, its a nice site and here is the interview with Gore Vidal.

Maison Living In Georgetown

Thanks to the great design blogger and fellow Washingtonian,My Notting Hill, who alerted me to the new website for Maison Living. It's an eclectic but fun store here in Georgetown that is well worth a visit. The owner Jean Pierre is a most entertaining character. Here is the link to his new website, Maison Living.

Design Plus

A Ammonite Fossil washbasin. I think this will win many awards. It is simply awesome looking. Here is the link to a piece of functional art.