Monday, June 30, 2014

Farewell, June!


It's the last day of June, and it has been a lovely month.
Thanks to my friend Anne at "My Giant Strawberry", I've been on the
lookout for the most joyful moments of the month 
and have recorded them on my blog.
Thank you for the inspiration, Anne!


For a while now, I've had a plan for the month of July -
my own private Art Retreat!


I have some projects I've been anxious to work on, and I'll be focusing on
them and posting as I go along!!

Farewell, June, 
and here's to an art-filled July!!

 Wishing you a wonderful week!!


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Angus and Rosie

They are always a source of joy for us -
these two youngsters we adopted 4 years ago.

Angus enjoys watching birds on the utility wires outside of our bedroom window…


But when both want a front row seat, I open two windows for viewing convenience.


I call out their names and they give me a moment of recognition,


then, back to business!!


I wonder what's going on in their minds….
Hmmm - I think I know!

Hope you're having a great week!

Monday, June 23, 2014

More Joy in June

We have been having the most beautiful weather lately!
It's been sunny and breezy, with very little humidity - I am relishing it!!

Last week I went with friends to the Wenham Tea House for lunch.
This is a lovely, quaint restaurant…


with beautiful gardens...




and a very pretty dining room.



Did I mention that it has a sweet little gift shop?


It was a beautiful June day with good conversation and a  delicious meal -
more Joy in June!

Hope your week is off to a good start!



Thursday, June 19, 2014

Blooming June

I visited my sister yesterday, as she was anxious for me to see her peonies in bloom.


Between the time we spoke on Sunday and my visit Wednesday,
most of the blooms had passed their prime and were falling apart.
I made my way around her garden and found this one perfect flower -
Beautiful!

Joy in June!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Joyful Visit, Part 2

While in NY City last weekend, my husband, daughter and I
 decided to visit the 9/11 memorial.


The two memorial waterfalls and reflecting pools are set within
the footprints of the twin towers.
We thought the design was beautifully conceived and we spent
some time reading the names of the victims along the edges and 
reflecting on the solemnity of the site.



We also viewed the recently completed Freedom Tower,
now named One World Trade Center, the tallest building in NYC.


On Sunday morning, after brunch, we visited 
the Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU's Tisch School,
where our daughter directs a summer program.


It was Family Day in honor of Father's Day, and there were
several activities prepared for kids and their dads.

At the Nerdy Derby, dads set up tracks while kids
designed and made miniature cars...


It was so much fun watching the little ones set their cars in motion,
hoping that they would stay on the tracks!!


In the woodworking shop, kits were available for 
building dad a toolbox.


Kate and Bill sanded the wood (I helped), then Kate took a family photo,
digitized it, and they used a laser scanner to inscribe the sides of the box!


The finished product!!


Another fun activity was the banana piano!
Fruit was used as a conductive medium, and the bananas,
and even the flowers and asparagus, could be tapped to play music!
You can imagine kids' reactions to this!!


After a busy weekend, we said our goodbyes, and 
Bill and I returned home on the Amtrak Acela Express train.
We chose the "Quiet Car" - no cell phone use allowed!
A lovely trip!


Hope you don't mind the long post - it was a great time.

Hope you are having a joyful week!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

A Joyful Visit With Our Daughter (part 1)

This past weekend, my husband and I went by train to New York City
to visit our daughter. She is working at NYU for the month, and we all
were delighted to be together.

Our little hotel was located right in the flower district,
where the sidewalks were crowded with every sort of plant.



Our room had a great view of the Empire State Building,
rooftop gardens and all the bustle of the city.




We proudly watched our daughter host a discussion with NYU professors,


and oversee a gathering of students at an evening event.


We walked the High Line, a one mile landscaped walkway
above the city, built where elevated trains used to run.



We couldn't resist taking a "selfie" and felt
so fortunate that the weather was perfectly beautiful.


The plantings were lovely, 


and there were even sitting areas with trees.


Also wonderful vantage points for looking out at the city


and the Hudson River beyond



It was a great family opportunity and we all enjoyed it.

Hope you are having a very good week!

More about our trip tomorrow...

Thursday, June 12, 2014

A Wonderful Exhibit

Wednesday night was such a wonderful evening!
Here is some of the work by our Arts Collaborative members.


AnnMarie Gallivan and Laura Hackel



Joy Schilling


me



Andrea Willey


Bev Hinckley


Barbara Malek


Nancy Roll


Kathy Frey


Pam Perras

So happy to be part of this group!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Preparing for a Joyful Event


This morning we set up for our Arts Collaborative Exhibit
which takes place tonight!
So proud to be part of this group!
More photos tomorrow!

Monday, June 9, 2014

Joy in June

This is what has been bringing me joy for the last few days -
preparing for our Arts Collaborative exhibit this Wednesday night!
I've been busy getting work ready and working on the
details of the exhibit.
Can't wait to share photos!!

 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Joy in June


Fragrant lilacs from a friend to brighten a rainy day!!