Delighted to announce that our History of Jazz Instructor (I've taken his course four times!) and saxophonist extraordinaire, Greg Thompkins, will be playing at the Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore again.  I've heard several area musicians describe Greg as "the best saxophonist I've ever heard." and in May he was inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame. 
This is two hours of sensory bliss - the surroundings are exquisite, the music divine, and there will be food and drink. All this for free! Join us if you can!
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Recently we attend the phenomenal light show at Longwood Gardens. We arrived early and set up our chairs in the front row, very close to the center, so this display is very similar to the one was viewed. i was much too captivated with the experience to record the show so was delighted that this 'sneak peak' was so similar. The background music for the evening we attended was jazz, and if you follow my blog, you'll know I was delighted! This will give you an idea of the spectacular event, and hopefully it will inspire you to check the Longwood Garden site to check their schedule, purchase tickets and attend!

While we were at Longwood Gardens, I heard it referred to as "America's Versailles". I disagree. The variety of plants, artistry of presentation, reverence and dedication to nature and seasonal displays make Longwood far superior. The Versailles gardens were such a disappointment, but isn't it delightful to know we can save the airfare to France and have a much more delightful experience here? For those who are more interested in the history, architecture and furnishings at Versailles, it's worth the trip, but if you are going for the gardens, you may want to reconsider and head to Kennett Square, PA. 

 
We passed this sleepy tree on the way in, already yawning by late afternoon. He probably didn't stay awake for the light show, but he's undoubtedly seen it many times!

We had a leisurely dinner at 1906 while we waited for dusk. Everything there is a step above what is expected. This is their shrimp appetizer - jumbo shrimp served on a square of tomato aspic with sorrel and touch of horseradish. Not only delicious but a work of art!

Although I've been to Longwood Gardens many times over the years and experienced each of the five seasons - spring, summer, fall, holiday and winter - at least once, this was my first after dark experience light display. I'm adding it to my collecting firsts!

As promised, I've updated my manifesto for the eclipse and the months ahead. I'll review it again in about 6 months - either my birthday or the new year. I hope you'll all be inspired to create your own, personal manifesto!​

• Respect my health as a precious gift.  Use exercise and nutrition to be healthy - not to look good. Have a health-based, not-ego based, life style.
• Take the time to stay in tune with my spiritual self through meditation, journaling, yoga, gratitude lists.
• Use my energy level as a barometer to gauge the value of my relationships. Spend time with  those who increase my energy, avoid those who drain it. 
• Enhance the quality of life by using creativity to have more FUN! Schedule fun and adventure!!!
• Continue to spend time in, and learn lessons from nature. 
•  Actively embrace education and learning by taking courses, reading, research, teaching, coaching and training. 
• Use my unique gifts and passion in all aspects of my life's work through paid and volunteer positions.
• Keep clutter to a minimum.  Give away at least one item for every new one that comes into my home. 
• Incorporate systems to simplify housework, business, finances, etc.
• If it isn't good for my soul, I don't think it, watch it, read it, talk to it, buy it, wear it, eat it . . .

From the time I was in grade school I've been making my own clothes and as soon as days get shorter and the fall magazines hit the stands, my mind is on sewing. Recently I've been filling orders for yoga bags. 

My next order is for blues and greens! So many fabulous fabrics - so little time!

My grandmother's rocking chair is home! The photos really don't do it justice. It is an exquisite piece of art, with fabulous detail, front and back. It was made by my great grandfather, or his father. I wish I had asked my grandmother more questions about the artist who created it. It's been in the family for as long as I've been alive. It was my great grandmother's and then my grandmother's. She was a seamstress and spent innumerable hours hand stitching her gorgeous quilts in this chair.
Over the years, the  fabric was worn and the padding was nearly gone, so it needed to be replaced. I took it to Morrow's Upholstery and Furniture in Landisburg, PA and they did a superlative job preparing it for a few more decades. I plan to use it as my grandmother did; as a place to quietly create.
Do you have family pieces in your home that remind you of loved ones and treasured memories? Are there items that you could refinish, polish or simply begin to use again? Honoring the memories of loved ones through their most cherished possessions brings a feeling of continuity and legacy. Today's treasure was once yesterday's, and that makes me even more grateful to have it back in my life. 

This is a close up of the fabric. It's very chameleon and reflected the colors around it. It looks more pink next to my pink velvet couch, but against the wood of the chair and the floor in the pictures about it looks more like earth tones. Photos just don't do it justice!
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