Retirement is busier than I realized it would be...

Hi Everyone,

Whew, I have been under the mistaken impression that retirement is a liesurely time of one's life. Don't believe it for a minute. 

The good news is that no matter how busy or crazy things get, I wake up to new iris blooms daily - gosh, how I hate this season to end. Here are some shots from yesterday. 

We will be out and about over the coming weeks, but I promise to return as soon as possible; and I haven't forgotten the post to explain the exquisite hand-written letter in that wonderful study that I posted last week.   

Fourth of July

Let freedom ring...

How I wish Dad were here to celebrate with us today...as we enjoy the very freedoms for which he risked his life serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, back in 1942 and '43. How grateful I am for his steadfast belief in our country's values.

Ah, gratitude! Can't have too much of that, either, Today I am celebrating with neighbors and friends, remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us; and my virtual friends, who may be wondering who won my drawing...

The winner is... (I know it's a bit late in the morning, but it's dark as a dungeon here as it's been raining for hours, which is why my hubby slept in)... Michele, at Finch Rest. Congratulations, Michele!     

Michele, Please could you email me at fiberfurnishings@gmail.com to provide your mailing address?

What are you grateful for today?

Can we talk?

Hi everyone,

Yesterday my dear friend Susan (Writing Straight from the Heart) posted a promise involving me. Yes, it's true, if you leave me a comment that you want to win a copy of my memoir, AND if you are a follower, I will enter your name in a drawing (ends at midnight EST). 

I mention this because a few people left comments who are not among my blog followers. I'd really like to make my husband work when he pulls the winning name from his hat tomorrow morning....so please check to make sure you qualify if you'd like a chance to win a copy of Water's Edge: Growing up in the Heart of a New England Village.

Now, here's a photo to give you just a hint of the topic I'll be sharing in the coming days.

Good luck in the drawing! 

Return of Old Friends

"Do you like it?" "How do you like, it?" Michael Conforti's words greeted visitors on the terrace, like those of any quintessential host sampling guests' reactions.  He is the Director of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, a jewel of a museum in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Yesterday, Michael graciously greeted guests arriving in droves to preview the long-awaited new wing and transformed outdoor setting. The museum's permanent collection has not only returned from touring the world while its home was renovated and expanded, it is on display once again! 

Yesterday, Tim and I invited our dear neighbor, Tom, to join us as we enjoyed this exclusive preview.

Here are some photos of the new reflecting pool built in the rear of the building (where a parking lot used to be) along with a sampling of my favorite works of art.

New building at end of reflecting pool

Tim and Tom enjoying the view

Another view of the reflecting pool

Keeping with the summer theme, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from among the Clark's gems.

Woman with a Fan, Pierre-Auguste Renoir

 Neapolitan Children Bathing, John Singer Sargent

Woman with a Picnic Basket, Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta

It did my heart good to reaquaint myself with my former friends; they are surprisingly bright under the new lighting system, so much so that I asked if they'd all been cleaned. "No, it's just the new lighting," Michael replied! "Do you like it?" 

I kept my husband's customary and cheeky answer to this question to myself (I don't like it. I love it.) and simply answerd: "We loved it."

You might enjoy checking out the Clark Art Museum's website here. If you are in the region, their Gala Opening is July 4th!

Also, my dear blogger friend, Susan, posted an interview with me on her blog today; hope you'll check it out and see how to qualify for a chance to win a copy of my memoir, Water's Edge: Growing Up in the Heart of a New England Village. Read her blog post at Writing Straight from the Heart.