While visiting the Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, I rather accidentally entered into the gallery which houses “The Shaw 54 Regiment Memorial”. Although the countless pieces of artwork in the Afro-Atlantic Histories’ show were beyond profound and beautiful, this adjunct piece was …
Has anyone told you lately that there’s so much good stuff out there? If not, I’m saying it. Summer has its unique way of revealing how much is out there: zucchini for giants, pounds of tomatoes, mint taking over any and every garden if you’re …
We’ve been fortunate to spend a fair amount of time in art spaces. Whether it’s a museum, stunning building, gallery, sculpture garden or studio, we’ll go a mile for art. As we embark on some adventures this summer, here is a look back at some of our favorite places.
Here are a few moments of the art of living:
Erika lived in Greece and took advantage of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas. Greek honey, wild herbs, and the most delicious yogurt one can imagine were her daily delights. Claudette has enjoyed visiting there, taking in all of its splendor, and capturing images like the one above.
Claudette always has time for a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago when she’s up here visiting Erika. Paul Cézanne has been a favorite of Erika’s since she began her art history scholarship.
There are few things that Claudette loves more than exploring the world. As always, she made this trip for our party of seven happen. Erika couldn’t wait to visit the Opera House. The two of them experienced the glory of the opera, Carmen, one of the nights in this city.
Art is everywhere, including in your proverbial backyard. We wiled the day away at the Smart Museum of Art to see the outstanding retrospective on Bob Thompson.
Celebrating Father’s Day and Juneteenth at Home This year’s Father’s Day fell on Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. At our home, we celebrated the holidays simultaneously by having family over, grilling, and enjoying outdoors …
During a recent weekend trip to Chicago we visited the Chicago Botanic Garden. Although we have visited the Windy City countless times over the past 20 years, and I normally make it my business to make my way to these types of outdoor spaces , …
“There, all is order and beauty,
Luxury, peace, and pleasure.” Baudelaire
We entered the weekend leisurely. My parents were visiting to celebrate… major milestones, family, and life. Committed to resting and relaxing for a change, we were resolved to do only what we wanted to do: engage with beauty in all of its forms and each other. We began in my Black Garden with watermelon lemonade “spiked” with nonalcoholic gin. We peppered our conversations with updates on family back home, travel, the economy, my parents’ childhood memories, and more. We sipped cappuccino and enjoyed neighborhood pastries. It was luxurious.
We drank sparkling wine, enjoyed meringue mounds swirled with chocolate and pecans, sweet and salty pie, and my dad’s favorite, pizza. We listened to the melodic voices and stirring percussion of Black Monument Ensemble and then danced to Hip Hop, Stevie, and R&B. So much art.
My mom remarked that it was so nice not to be running from one place to another. So calming to be present, right here, right now. It was luxurious.
We ate our favorites and reminisced about pizza in Naples, Chianti in Florence, whites in Val d’Aosta, shellfish in Sicily, and tiramisu in Venice. It was pleasurable.
As I walked into the sunroom this morning, my thoughts went back to my childhood, to our neighbors who had the most beautiful home. Delicate glassware, figurines, and well-appointed furnishings graced their residence. What I remember most about their home was a light-filled room that …
I come from a long line of people who love to whip up an abundance of food. Why cook or bake for two when you can share some of this and that with a neighbor, friend, or loved one? Just as I associate the word, …
One of my very favorite foods is chicken wings. I like all kinds: Buffalo, lemon pepper, Nashville Hot, BBQ, teriyaki, you name it. It’s all good to me! It’s a perfect meal when sitting around and relaxing with friends.
These chicken wings are “Oven Baked Buffalo Wings”! I tell myself that they are healthier cooked this way, and just as delicious. They are crispy, juicy, tender and oh so good.
Click here for the recipe. Bon appétit!
On a beautiful weekend, we traveled up to the mountains of North Georgia to a city by the name of Dahlonega. This town conjures up in my mind the type of place it has become known: southern, quaint, and historic with rolling hills and mountains. …
