The Sweetest Things

When I woke this morning I almost forgot it was my birthday until my eyes led me to the kitchen table where there were homemade cards propped up perfectly from my family.  I also got a text from my sister this morning. These sweet simple things are what make birthdays special. Reading those cards brought tears to my eyes- which isn't hard to do these days- but this time it was a feeling that the power of a simple heartfelt phrase or drawn flower can make such a big- no HUGE difference in someone's day- it did mine. Thanks guys- you're the best. I love your artistic endeavors!

Halcyon Days of Summer

When the first day of summer arrives it does so with a calm and untroubled table of contents. It goes something like this: read, go to the beach, read some more, eat fresh salads, take long walks, see some blockbusters, and get in touch with family and friends. Not very ambitious I know but to me that's what summer is all about. Last week and part of this one I was not feeling up for much so I finished Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz. Told in alternating tandem between two characters a story unfolds about the result of one unfortunate night when a young woman disappears. The characters connection is continually strained by memories of a young girl who is unable to piece things together and the aunt who wants to keep it that way.
My latest library finds:

Art in the Park NYC

Yesterday my daughter and I went to NYC and on our way to Soho we stopped at Madison Square Park and discovered an unusual and massive art exhibit by artist Orly Genger inside the park http://www.nytimes.com. My daughter knew about Genger's work and had read about the installation but actually witnessing the display of 1.4 million feet of nautical rope was really amazing to say the least.

As you are about to enter the park, you catch a glimpse of blue rope but can't imagine what's in store.

Reading Balenciaga

 It's true that I have an affinity for fashion or rather beautifully made clothes that I must have picked up being from a retailing background. Working in a retailing store was rewarding for one reason- I learned to tell a good garment from a bad one. Besides that, I never really liked the whole idea of working in fashion and talking about clothes much. I almost felt that it was a bit shallow when there was so much more in the world to be interested in. But now in perspective- I really do appreciate all that I learned from my retail experiences. Although my clothing selection is mostly department store items- and really I wouldn't want it any other way- I still enjoy reading about the designers who changed everything in the world of high fashion.
After reading Balenciaga by Mary Blume it struck me immediately the dichotomy between designers in today's world compared to those in the past. When Christobal Balenciaga designed during the 20, 30s and forward, there was a mysterious quality to his work and to his reticent personality. He was loved by many but only really known by few. To say he kept a low profile is an understatement-and  he seemed to keep all of his energy for keen details in his sought after designs. There are instances when he would be at lunch with a woman for whom he designed a suit and would prompltly ask her to remove her jacket so that he could redo the sleeves until they fit more proplerly. Now that's a bit obsessive but that's the reason Dior and Givenchy and others referred to him as the master of us all.  Blume, through a series of lunches with Balenciaga's right hand assistant, Florette Chalot, is able to construct an interesting story of one of the greatest designers of high fashion. On an end note- I do have a little joke with my kids and it goes something like this...."Mom, someday when we're all out working and making our own money- we'll buy you and dad something really great." My response...I'll take a Balenciaga dress or two!
Next on the reading list- Drowning Ruth Christina Schwarz

Winding Down

It's hard to believe that tomorrow marks a milestone in our family. Yep, four kids later, our youngest will graduate tomorrow evening from high school. We are finished with the "elementary, middle and high school years".  I remember well when our eldest started high school and we had kids in elementary and middle school too. Those years flew by and now we realize that it's just a matter of time when college will be a distant memory (two of the four have already graduated). But until then, we try as best we can to absorb all of those moments together, because we know through first hand experience, that time waits for no one. I'm wondering if we'll get a chance to sit in the Adirondack chairs and ponder all of this before we head off to college? Hope so.

Tomato Crostini with Ricotta

These were a hit at our block party this past weekend. For those of you who wanted the recipe you're in for a treat. Not only is this so easy to make, it gets better throughout the summer with the varieties of tomatoes and fragrant basils that will become available. This recipe is an adaptation from one of my favorite cookbooks by David Tanis, A Platter of Figs http://www.amazon.com/A-Platter-Figs-Other-Recipes/dp/1579653464. His recipe calls for shallot and ciabatta bread, but in this particular version I used diced red onion and a baguette.
6 Roma tomatoes chopped into small pieces The original recipe uses cherry tomatoes.
2 tablespoons red onion minced
2 cloves of garlic minced
mix the above and add 1/2 cup of good olive oil and a dash or two of red wine vinegar (have also substituted balsamic vinegar and it really adds a bit of robust flavor). Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually don't add much pepper because I feel that it takes away from the super fresh taste of the tomato mix.
Slice either ciabatta or in this case a baguette into 1/2 inch pieces and toast under broiler until slightly browned. Rub a piece of garlic across each toast and top with tablespoon of ricotta cheese ( I use Di Bruno Brothers http://www.dibruno.com/ for fresh ricotta) and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Next, add the tomato ensemble and top with lots of fresh chopped basil leaves ( a generous handful or two). I add a splash of olive oil at the end but be careful not to add too much or the bread/toast will become soggy.
We became big fans of this simple side dish while visiting Florence last year and make it frequently during the summer months when tomatoes are plentiful. Cherry tomatoes are even sweeter tasting then the Roma that I used but it was what I had on hand. As you can see, it is easy to substitute ingredients in this recipe with winning results!

Main Line Philadelphia-Rosemont College

The Main Building on Rosemont College's Campus Rosemont, PA

This past Saturday we attended my sister-in law's Alumni Awards Ceremony at Rosemont College. We live only a few miles from campus but have not visited for many years. We were pleasantly surprised that it still remains one of the prettiest places on the Main Line.

Inside the Main Building

The architectural detailing in this room was impressive. Inside the Main Building.

The Awards Luncheon took place under the tent overlooking the lovely campus.

Mayfield Hall is a beautifully renovated residence hall. Tried to show the beautiful field stone here.