MrMartha went to a Hundredth Birthday Party the other week....but it wasn't what you might think.
Two of MrMartha's dearest friends since 7th grade are twins -- and they both just turned Fifty!
They had requested no gifts at their party, but MrMartha had to do something cute and unexpected to commemorate the event....so the thinking cap went on....and the answer was PAPER DOLLS!
Not just any paper dolls, mind you, but a snapshot in time of the twins. Circa 1971-72 when MrMartha first met them. Both of the dolls are wearing McMurray Jr High PE uniforms, and their extra outfits, while not specific replicas of the twins clothing of the time (MrMartha's memory is not THAT exact), captured the spirit of the era. MrMartha was actually channeling Jan and Marsha's Brady Bunch outfits.
Lesa and Heidi have been wonderful friends for nearly 38 years, and it was really fun to figure out a little project that would remind them of our shared history, as well as allow others at their party who may not have known them for as long -- or may not really know them together as sisters -- to learn a bit more about them and their history.
MrMartha framed one copy of the paper dolls to have on display at the party, put personalized copies for the birthday girls into commemorative folios, and then printed enough extra copies so that other party guests could take one as a souvenir of the occasion.
This is a super idea that is easily replicated, and could be a marvelous and unexpected gift for just about anyone celebrating a milestone birthday, graduation, wedding shower, etc....by taking a specific point in their life and history and turning it into a fun vignette.
The essence of paper dolls is their charm. Simplified shapes, and cute caricatures are much more fun than exact portraits or excessive detail.
There are lots of resources online for templates and ideas.....One that MrMartha investigated before starting this project is a wonderful archive of vintage Betsy McCall paper dolls which have that same fun 'snapshot of a moment in time' aspect that MrMartha was trying to capture. (really worth a look even if you aren't contemplating this project)
Read More to find out how (relatively) simple it is to create your own version of this idea.
The simplest way to achieve a great result, if you are not an awesome freehand artist (and MrMartha is certainly not!) is a combination of scanning and tracing (and rescanning and retracing), combined with a simple graphics program like Microsoft Paint. Find some templates or ideas you like online, or scan some vintage photos of your subject, and print them out. Then, trace the outlines and simplify, while you adjust and add aspects specific to the one you are aiming to evoke. This process takes a little time, and probably a few trys, but you will soon come up with something you like. Use tracing paper, a light board, or just tape the paper layers to a window. Scan your initial design, print it out, and then continue to adjust and retrace as needed until you are happy with it.
The completed original doll and costumes can be colored with markers, watercolors, etc, before your final scan, or you can rescan it in black and white and then use your graphics program to add color. Use the graphics program as well to add headlines and additional text. A short paragraph about the honoree describing some history, or bit of triva that may not generally be known, is a nice addition.
Keep in mind, the doll isn't meant to be a perfect portrait of the one it commemorates, but it should capture a sense of them, and have some whimsey. Do an image search for "vintage paper dolls" and also for "Betty and Veronica" or other comic book type drawings, and look at how those artists simplify facial features. Try to capture the general shape of the persons face, and things like upturned or long nose, etc -- but the overall love put into the project is a lot more important than an exact likeness!
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Celebrating a Centennial Birthday...with Paper Dolls
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fifty Lashes with a homemade, hand rolled, perfectly al dente cooked, Fettuccini Noodle
MrMartha was addicted to Dear Abby as a child -- back in the (shudder) sixties.
Dear, Dear Abby, such a profound influence at the time when every home got the evening newspaper, had three television channels, and simple practical advice still had some weight.
Abby used to have a phrase she used a lot -- anytime someone was willfully, or passively, neglectful of another. "Fifty Lashes With a Wet Noodle", she would say....
Well, MrMartha has been somewhat sadly neglectful of this blog the past few weeks, so MrMartha hereby submits to fifty lashes with a homemade, hand rolled, perfectly al dente cooked, Fettuccini Noodle, and hereby promises to do better.
It has been a real whirlwind the past couple months settling into the new home (aka CASA MIDCENTURIA), after a decisive (meaning quick, oh so very quick) decision to depart a previous residence of sixteen years.....but MrMartha has been carefully documenting the process and progress, as well as canning projects, and amassing lots of other great stuff, design solutions, and downright super ideas.....now it is time to get it all put together, and share it with those brave souls who follow MrMartha's journey....
Now that MrMartha is back, don't be a stranger.
Ominous fact for the day: The holidays are just around the corner ......(wait, who said that?)
Let MrMartha help you through them.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
One of MrMartha's New Kitchen's
It's certainly a case of Back To The Future for MrMartha.
Here are a few BEFORE photos of one of the two kitchens in MrMartha's new MidCentury digs....
Basically good bones, appliances run a bit of the gamut, some have been updated fairly recently, some not so recently. The 'Space Age' (circa 1967) push button cooktop is going to require a rather interesting learning curve, no question there....but MrMartha reserves judgment for the time being. 
Funny thing, the wall oven is exactly the same one in MrMartha's Mother's kitchen...so that is certainly familiar.
There is also an in-counter Nutone Kitchen system from the 50's which is presently not working....if any readers have any information about repairing or replacing this bit of formerly futuristic time capsule, MrMartha would love to hear about it.
Like any new kitchen, there will be adjustments, and readjustments....especially after cooking in the same kitchen for sixteen years and knowing the way around it blindfolded! But, hey, life is about change -- right? and it's not just a kitchen, it's an adventure.
MrMartha is anxious to get some new paint on the walls, cupboards, and trim; to change the cabinet pulls, and a few other minor things that will give the space a fresh and totally new look!
The next week is going to continue to be crazy with the relocation, but MrMartha will keep updating progress on the blog as time allows.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thoroughly (Mid Century) Modern MrMartha
MrMartha apologizes in advance that his postings will be a bit erratic over the next couple weeks --
MrMartha is relocating to a FABULOUS Mid Century Modern 1950s home, and that will limit ability to keep up the daily posting that MrMartha tries to maintain.
MrMartha has loved his current home, but is running out of new projects -- both with interiors and in the garden. So, difficult as it will be to say goodbye, the exciting new challenges of:
Decorating the fresh spaces,
Rehabilitating wonderful period details in the home,
Planning and realizing a revitalized garden (from a somewhat currently neglected and tired yard),
will soon be filling MrMartha's project book to capacity.
It will be wonderful to share all of that with the readers of MrMartha's blog... along with the Great Food, Style, and other content and tips you have come to expect from MrMartha...
please bear with MrMartha during this short transition period, and the future will be amazing.
MrMartha will be back to full speed quickly, with tons of new posts -
packed with ideas and suggestions.
Plus, of course, awesome recipes and entertaining ideas -- brought to you from MrMartha's TWO new KITCHENS -- yes, the new house has two kitchens, so MrMartha will have one for everyday cooking, and a second dedicated to entertaining and producing blog posts......how exciting is that? MrMartha is THRILLED!
PLEASE KEEP CHECKING BACK, you never know just what you will find on MrMartha.com --but it will always be interesting, useful, fun, and with MrMartha's definite point of view!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Worlds Best All Purpose Glue
MrMartha LOVES Weldbond, The "Universal Space Age Adhesive", perhaps the best all purpose glue available.
MrMartha has used this product to successfully reattach loose slate patio tiles to a cement base, to glue objects onto glass surfaces, for wood bonding, fabrics, general crafts, and many, many other things.
The product will seal all porous surfaces, and according to the label, will also glue foam, plaster, laminates, cork, concrete, china, ceramics, porcelain, marble, corian, gypsum board, leather, and metal.
A favorite with mosaic crafters, the product can be found in larger home improvement and hardware stores, specialty craft stores, and online. MrMartha generally purchases via eBay, and a list of eBay sellers featuring the product can be found HERE.
The large container can be a bit unwieldy for more delicate applications and small craft projects, so for those, MrMartha decants some of the product into a smaller applicator bottle.
Get some now, and you will have it on hand when that next difficult glue dilemma presents itself, or when you are moved to jump into a spur of the moment craft project!
Note that when MrMartha recommends a product, it is only because that product is used by MrMartha, and because the product is judged to be the best option in the marketplace today.
Friday, May 29, 2009
My, that Caerphilly is geusioleptic.....
Geusioleptic: Having or characterized by a pleasant taste or flavor.
MrMartha watched the 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee last night....and those kids are just amazing.
MrMartha has a huge love of language and words, but has always been challenged when it comes to spelling. In fact, it is hard to recall what life was like in those dark years before SpellCheck!
The amazingly obscure words in the final round would be a challenge anyone working on a post graduate degree in linguistics, so the fact that they are rattled off by twelve year olds is all the more impressive! Always interesting to MrMartha are the food related words that come up in the competition, including the aforementioned geusioleptic (who knew!).
Kavya Shivashankar, last nights champion at the age of thirteen, is herself a young foodie (there's a word you WON'T find in the Bee) — stating in her biography: "I think the word that best describes me would be lickerish — which means fond of good food."
Some of the other food related terms used in the final round of competition:
Simnel: "a rich fruitcake sometimes coated with almond paste and baked for mid-Lent, Easter, and Christmas."
Palatschinken: (the plural of Palatschinke) "Thin egg batter pancakes stuffed with jam."
The contestant who got this word was eliminated in round 11 for spelling it "pallachinkin."
Blancmange: "a dessert made from gelatinous or starchy substances and milk, usually sweetened, flavored, and shaped in a mold." (Also subject of a very funny Monty Python skit)
Deipnosophist: "a person who is an adept conversationalist at table."
Neufchâtel: "A small, soft nonripened cheese made from whole or skim milk, with or without cream, and often with condiments added"
Caerphilly: "A mild, white cheese of Welsh origin that is easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder." And, it's just plain geusioleptic!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Some Notes on Wedd-iquette
The traditional bridal season is fast approaching... June Brides and Grooms are likely in a frenzy of activity to ensure their nuptial days are unique, meaningful, and hopefully without serious gaffe or error.
Wedding guests have a certain responsibility too, in helping make the day both memorable and effortless. Being on time for the ceremony and not over imbibing at the reception are two of the most important. Family members also have a strong duty to put aside any petty (or significant) differences and disagreements, acting in a civil and gracious manner for at least the few hours of the ceremony and reception.
MrMartha has been to a lot of weddings over the years. Some were breathtaking and elaborate, with every last detail thought out, and every contingency planned for. Others were more spur of the moment, or intentionally simple and casual, but equally as magical as the big fairy tale productions. The wonderful weddings seem to meld together in MrMartha's brain, into a lovely tulle trimmed haze of sweet memories.
Some details do stand out over time. What is recalled somewhat depends on how well one knows the couple, but usually guests take away a more general sense of the day -- so brides, and mother's-of-the-brides, need to remember that if the printed organdy tablecloth overlays don't get made, or the wedding cake is not iced in exactly the right shade.... there is no cause for meltdown. Nobody will really know but you, and certainly no guest will recall something like that after the fact, so let it go, it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
While the wonderful weddings may blend together to some extent, the dismaying weddings, where something awful or unfortunate happened, tend to stay crisply etched in ones memory. MrMartha will spare readers the more lurid details of the worst from his own personal recollections, though a few avoidable moments from otherwise lovely events will be noted as examples.
The bride who's mother stepped in and covered the bridal gown bodice with a large and not particularly new bath towel just before the traditional feeding of the cake -- stating loudly to the reception crowd "The groom is a slob, the cake is chocolate, I won't let this dress be ruined by crumbs and smears!!"
A wedding in LA, where a pale out of town bridesmaid thought she would get a little sun the day before the ceremony, and had to walk down the aisle with her skin sunburned to the exact same bright cerise red tone as her bridesmaid gown....it was painful just to watch her walk. The bride was likely lovely, but MrMartha has no recollection beyond the dayglo bridesmaid.
One final, and strongly personal pet peeve of MrMartha's -- obtrusive photographers and videographers. Yes, every bride wants gorgeous photos of her special day, but it is not a reality television show, or a documentary for PBS. Paparzzi style audacity and cheek can really mess up a beautiful event. There are some weddings MrMartha would love to recall the details of, but all that comes to mind are memories of meddlesome and impertinent cameras. The photographer should not be stalking the ceremony like a guerilla in a war zone, and should not be dressed in a garish or inappropriate way. Make sure this is clearly understood with those documenting the ceremony, before it is too late to head it off!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
If I Could Turn Back Time......Happy Birthday Cher
Just in case you need a bit of random trivia today, or if you find yourself in conversation with any Gypsies, Tramps, or Thieves.....
MrMartha would like to note that CHER is turning 62. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946. She became a 60's pop sensation at age seventeen, a 70's television fixture, and into the 80s and beyond -- an Academy Award winning Actress, official Diva, and all around Icon.
In addition to the Oscar, Cher has also won a Grammy, an Emmy, several Golden Globes, and, lest we forget, a Peoples Choice Award. Not to mention being incarnated in doll form by Mego (1976) and Mattel (2000 to present) both with Bob Mackie designed wardrobes.
Cher is also the only solo female recording artist to have records chart in the Billboard Top 100 in each of the past four decades.
Topics for conversation:
How many total sequins has Cher worn over her career?
How old would she be in Bob Mackie years?
~Discuss.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Right To Bare Arms
If, like MrMartha, you have been wowed by both the style and substance of our new First Lady...
MrMartha would like to make a suggestion.
Check out the great site Mrs-O.org. They do an amazing job chronicling both the wardrobe and the good works of our incredible First Lady.
If you catch Mrs. Obama on the news or in an online photo -- and are wondering more about what she is wearing, or the cause she is promoting -- they are the place to check for up to the minute info.
MrMartha enjoys Mrs-O greatly.....and so will you!
Conception Classique de Mode de la Semaine
MrMartha loves fifties era fashion, and has amassed a great collection of midcentury fashion design sketches .
The 1950's were a restrictive time in many ways, and fashion reflected that as well. While the designs and the lines of the clothing are amazing, MrMartha can't imagine they were much fun to wear, given the medieval corsetry and quantity of foundation garments required to make the looks work.
Still, they are amazing as a concept and fun to look back upon. MrMartha hopes you will enjoy viewing some of the designs from his archive.
Today's style shows two variations that capture some of the main essences of 50's fashion -- the narrow 'dressmaker' suit, and the large full skirted dress that had been popular since Dior's New Look of the 1940's. Both are topped off with self jacket details, and that other 50's essential, interest at the bustline....despite the prudishness of the 50's, there was certainly no lack of interest in the bust!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A Million Dollar Bathroom
Well, maybe not a million -- but a couple gallons of paint and a weekend of your time, and it will feel like it is.
Any bathroom benefits from a new coat of paint, especially if it's been more than a few years since the space last had some attention. It will be fresher, seem newer, and put you in a better mood when you start the day.
If it's a powder room or guest bath, have some fun with it....think of it the way you would a fashion accessory, like a slightly outrageous hat....you can be more dramatic, because you aren't in there all the time. If it is your main bath, you may want to take a more restful or spa-like approach, but still make sure to add a strong dose of personal style. So, just do it....you know you want to!
Go get a bunch of paint chips, even in hues that you might not immediately consider. Spend some time thinking about the color and considering the options, and also think about accessories...updating pictures and replacing towels. Do you want a new theme in there or just a fresher look? If you are unsure about making a dramatic change, most paint stores will now mix small containers of their colors so you can paint a large test square -- but remember the existing color will influence any new color you test, so take that into account.
Spend one day doing prep work: a thorough cleaning, repair any grout damage, reseal the sink, prep the walls by filling holes and doing any sanding. Keep an eye out for any old paint drips, they can suddenly be very visible with new paint. Carefully mask off tile and fixtures. If there are several old coats of paint, or you are making a dramatic color change, you may want to put a coat of primer on the walls and ceiling.
The second day, roll on that glorious new color. Take care painting details and small areas with a good quality brush, and enjoy the transformation. Then, live with it a few days before adding accessories or purchasing new towels.
In our example, a bathroom with great bones, but a tired, dated, 'Southwest themed' yellow paint was ready to be refreshed....a new icy robin's egg teal color works to make the wonderful tile pop and modernize the whole space.
A collection of Chinese Export porcelain in the Canton Rose pattern, picks up and accents the main and trim tile colors, as well as the new wall color. The porcelain pieces used as wall decorations create a wonderful mood, and give a subtle theme that doesn't hit you over the head. One final note, all the porcelain was purchased as lots on eBay with a budget limit of $5.00 per piece!
For a comparatively small investment in work and time, you'll realize a huge difference -- in a space that you can be a bit indulgent with!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Salvador Dali
Spanish artist Slavador Dali would turn 105 today. He was one of the most unique figures in twentieth century art. Almost single handedly bringing forth the surrealist movement. Many compelling images in modern art were realized at his hand from his amazing imagination.
Dali apparently had a vivid dream life, and was able to have strong recall of the images that appeared in his dreams. He translated many of these haunting and sometimes disturbing images to his paintings.
Perhaps Dali's most famous painting is entitled "The Persistence of Memory." Featuring the iconic melting clocks that became so indelibly etched in our collective consciousness, even those who have little interest or knowledge of art in general.
MrMartha recalls vividly his first trip to MOMA in New York, viewing the galleries, and coming upon this tiny framed painting....and realizing that it was, in fact, the original Dali work. It's an amazingly small painting, measuring barely 9" X 13", but the detail is exquisite, with impact far in excess of physical size. MrMartha had always thought the painting must be wall size, if not billboard size, because of the ubiquity of the imagery!
Painted in 1931, the work was influenced apparently by Dali watching Camembert Cheese melting after luncheon on a very warm summer afternoon. That night, Dali had a dream about clocks melting in the same way the cheese did, and the next day, began adding the clock images to a half completed landscape he had already been working on. The painting was sold in Paris to a New York Gallery owner for $250.00. It was donated to the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1934 where it has remained since.
The painting has been used in, or as a takeoff point for, many advertising campaigns over the years, which has it so ingrained in popular culture. The melting clock theme will be featured in a new PS3 ad, and Volkswagen has recently created a version of the painting featuring a melting fuel gauge to signal the economy of its vehicles
.
An incredibly prolific artist, Dali produced a huge quantity of work over the course of his career. Late in his life, his images produced as "limited edition" lithographs were touted as 'guaranteed to appreciate' by unscrupulous "gallery mills" and allowed by his corrupt guardians and advisors, resulting in huge production runs which were sold as 'investments' to unsavvy collectors.
The huge glut of Dali was expected to stabilize after his death, but even today most of those Lithographs retain perhaps only 50% to as low as 10% of their original retail value on the secondary market. Learn more about this HERE.
Not good if you got snookered into buying these works back in the 80s at inflated prices....however, if you love Dali's work, and are buying -- not for appreciation of investment, but to have a wonderful and compelling work of art to display and enjoy -- you cant go wrong at the current market prices. Do your homework, and buy carefully. There are many fakes, and many with false signatures added later, so it is very much Buyer Beware.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!
MrMartha wishes all the Moms and Grandmas who read this blog a wonderful Mothers Day,
MrMartha hopes you have been reminded how much you are loved and appreciated by those closest to you!
MrMartha especially wants to thank his own Mother and Grandmothers, for instilling such a strong sense of the importance of home, family, friends, sharing -- and imparting the knowledge that living a quality life does not automatically mean extravagance.
Frugality is never a bad thing, especially in these times. To live with flair and attention to detail. To have a true love for all that life has to offer. To share that carefully cultivated knowledge with friends, in a manner that is welcoming, inclusive, and with personal style, is a way of living well worth striving for.
MrMartha is grateful and indebted for the wisdom and practicality shared by his Mom and Gramma, and thanks them for providing such great markers on the path to a wonderful life.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
"Then the Stewardess said......"
Permit MrMartha a bit of an indulgent memory.
If you are of a certain age, as MrMartha is, and were lucky enough to travel by air in the 'golden era' - before about 1973, you often rue the current state of flying.
MrMartha can recall perfectly the first flight he ever embarked upon. 1968, Baltimore (Friendship Intl Airport) to San Francisco. United Mainliner service, nonstop, on a Douglas Stretch DC8 Fanjet. Seeing the craft though the gate window, it had the incongruous appearance of a streamlined Albatross -- think Banana sitting on a boomerang.
It was an expensive privilege to take to the air then, and much preparation preceded the journey -- new outfits, the right hat for MrMartha's mother, which tie to wear....and how it would feel to be 30,000 feet in the air.
The best part were the Stewardesses (when that was the appropriate term, and it was still considered a 'glamour job'). With five in the family flying, we had the rear lounge -- three seats facing two seats with a stationary card size table in the middle. Located just across from the galley, it was fascinating for the very attentive 8 year old that MrMartha was, to not just be on the plane, but see how the crew actually worked.
MrMartha has always been a bit of a sucker for a uniform....and United had just introduced a new Stewardess Uniform. Bright, Mod A-Line dresses. The Stewardess' wings were worn at the front of an impossibly silly little cap. The whole effect, just too amazing. Designed by Hollywood costumer JeanLouis, who at the same time was also famously dressing Eva Gabor on Green Acres, and Mrs Howell on Gilligan's Island.
Even more astounding, after we were in the air, each Stewardess would disappear into the lavatory and reappear in a completely different uniform dress to be worn inflight, and then change back again before landing. And MrMartha has to say, it seems like there must have been a dozen Stews on the flight, though it was probably more like 5 or 6.
The inflight outfit was a shift with vertical panels in red white and blue, and as one flight attendent dreamily related on a United flight many years later "That zipped up the front, we loved those uniforms. Everyone was mortified when they switched to the 'Wonderbread' uniforms" (awful polkadots on shiny polyester that looked just like the bread wrapper!)
So, next time you are frustrated and stuck on a delayed flight, or standing at the back of 300 others in a security line....disconnect for just a minute and think about the salad days....when you WANTED to fly!
If you are of a certain age, as MrMartha is, and were lucky enough to travel by air in the 'golden era' - before about 1973, you often rue the current state of flying.
MrMartha can recall perfectly the first flight he ever embarked upon. 1968, Baltimore (Friendship Intl Airport) to San Francisco. United Mainliner service, nonstop, on a Douglas Stretch DC8 Fanjet. Seeing the craft though the gate window, it had the incongruous appearance of a streamlined Albatross -- think Banana sitting on a boomerang.
It was an expensive privilege to take to the air then, and much preparation preceded the journey -- new outfits, the right hat for MrMartha's mother, which tie to wear....and how it would feel to be 30,000 feet in the air.
The best part were the Stewardesses (when that was the appropriate term, and it was still considered a 'glamour job'). With five in the family flying, we had the rear lounge -- three seats facing two seats with a stationary card size table in the middle. Located just across from the galley, it was fascinating for the very attentive 8 year old that MrMartha was, to not just be on the plane, but see how the crew actually worked.
MrMartha has always been a bit of a sucker for a uniform....and United had just introduced a new Stewardess Uniform. Bright, Mod A-Line dresses. The Stewardess' wings were worn at the front of an impossibly silly little cap. The whole effect, just too amazing. Designed by Hollywood costumer JeanLouis, who at the same time was also famously dressing Eva Gabor on Green Acres, and Mrs Howell on Gilligan's Island.
Even more astounding, after we were in the air, each Stewardess would disappear into the lavatory and reappear in a completely different uniform dress to be worn inflight, and then change back again before landing. And MrMartha has to say, it seems like there must have been a dozen Stews on the flight, though it was probably more like 5 or 6.
The inflight outfit was a shift with vertical panels in red white and blue, and as one flight attendent dreamily related on a United flight many years later "That zipped up the front, we loved those uniforms. Everyone was mortified when they switched to the 'Wonderbread' uniforms" (awful polkadots on shiny polyester that looked just like the bread wrapper!)
So, next time you are frustrated and stuck on a delayed flight, or standing at the back of 300 others in a security line....disconnect for just a minute and think about the salad days....when you WANTED to fly!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
100 DAYS
MrMartha has called former occupants of the Oval Office by a string of different terms of endearment.
RayGun.
The broccoli hater.
Bubba (in the good sense).
And most recently,
That Stupid Bleeping Moron
What a pleasure to have someone holding the office again, who, thus far, we can truly feel good about calling Mr. President.
MrMartha congratulates The President and Mrs. Obama on the first 100 days of the administration. Whether or not one agrees 100% with all of his decisions and policy goals, it is just so nice to see a leader with a civil tone, a measured response, a clear intelligence, and a respect for his fellow citizens.
Despite the economic uncertainty, the poisonous tone of the minority party, and the tough road ahead, most cannot help but be inspired by a man that MrMartha is proud to call Mr. President.
photo credit: Charles Dharapak AP
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Happy Belated Birthday Ma'am !
MrMartha is a bit red faced at failing to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll of England, a week ago. So is taking a moment and do so now. Born 21st of April 1926, HM has just turned 83 years old.
If observing the Sovereign's
'Official' Birthday, celebrated by the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday the 13th of June -- MrMartha is not late at all. One has to love the British...choosing a ceremonial birth date for their Monarch that coincides with much nicer weather for a parade.
Queen Elizabeth has now been on the throne for almost 57 years, and based on the longevity of her beloved "Queen Mum" she will continue to reign for many more years, if not decades. (Sorry Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall)
MrMartha actually saw the Monarch in person, during a summer 1974 visit to London. As a student traveling with a school group, many scoffed at the opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard and chose not to go. MrMartha, however, got the last laugh on that...
The day of MrMartha's visit happened to coincide with the one day each year that all of the ceremonial royal carriages are taken out from the Royal Mews at the rear of the palace, and given a bit of a road test, driven around the Victoria Monument roundabout in front of the palace. Fully staffed with teams of horses, grooms, and footmen, though unoccupied, the procession went by like something out of a documentary film, actually it seemed a bit surreal....The Coronation Coach with its magnificent carved and gilded decorations. The so called Glass Coach, which would later famously carry Princess Diana and her umpteen feet of wedding dress train to Westminster Abbey. The Irish State Coach in which the Queen rides to the State Opening of Parliament (on that particular occasion, the crown rides in it's own separate coach!). Several of the open carriages known as the State Landaus, which carry the royals at assorted events like Ascot. It was truly amazing to see.
This unexpected treat was then followed by the traditional changing of the guard, which for all of its cliche, is still a pretty magnificent thing to see....with the bands playing and the soldiers marching smartly in formation, it was an afternoon well spent, and we had a wonderful vantage point just across from the magnificent Victoria Memorial that sits opposite the main gate.
Just as the pomp and circumstance of the guards were finishing up, we could hear a cheer rising from further down the Mall, and echoing closer to us....Stepping out into the street to see what was happening, MrMartha could glimpse several black Rolls Royces (or were they Bentleys?) headed up the red colored road. As the vehicles came closer, it became apparent that the first car in the procession had flags at the front fenders, an emblem at the grille, and GOOD HEAVENS a crown on top. 
MrMartha was amazed as Queen Elizabeth was driven past, showcasing the patented "Royal wave" just as you see on TV, and not six feet away! The cars drove around and entered the side gate at the palace front, and just at that moment the Royal Standard, the personal flag of Queen Elizabeth, was raised above the palace, snapping smartly in the breeze, and signaling that the Sovereign was once again in residence there.
Upon returning to the rest of the group, a disdainful tone queried "Did you see the pageant?"
..."Yes, and the royal coaches, oh, and the Queen"......It was an afternoon that has been clearly etched in MrMartha's memory ever since.
Friday, April 24, 2009
MrMartha is pleased to have been included on the "Friends of Martha Blog Network".
A wonderful site that aggregates several quality blogs with topics on a range of interests related to the "Martha Arts" of home, food, gardens, projects, and tips for living a quality life.
A big welcome those new readers that are discovering this blog through the network, MrMartha hopes to become one of your favorite resources for great ideas and inspiration.
MrMartha wishes you all a great weekend ahead!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Leonardo
The man who put the REN-in-Renaissance would turn 557 years old today. An amazing genius, he has been called perhaps the most intelligent human who ever lived.
A study a few years ago by whomever does such studies, estimated that if all of da Vinci's ideas, concepts, and drawings in his many notebooks or Codex's had been fully known and understood at the time, it could have accelerated the pace of industrial and technological advancement by close to 200 years.
While MrMartha is not sure whether to believe that, the concept of Ferrari's driving around Italy in 1765 is a very amusing thought.
There was quite an amazing ruckus in the art world during the early 1990's as a new theory on the true identity of the Mona Lisa was published. According to that premise, the portrait is actually of Leonardo himself ...IN DRAG... perhaps that is why she has such a mysterious smile.
MrMartha was thrilled as a precocious fourteen year old to be able to take a school sponsored trip to Europe in the summer of 1974, which would include several days in Paris. Perhaps most exciting would be a visit to the Louvre Museum, and a chance to see the Mona Lisa in person. MrMartha was quite crushed upon reading in Time Magazine a few months before the journey, that for the first time in decades the painting was to be lent out for exhibition. While MrMartha was in Paris, Mona would be in Japan.
The Japanese exhibition was a huge event, drawing more than 1.5 million viewers in a few short months, and inciting the sort of urgent mania that they do so well in Japan. The painting has never again been allowed out of the Louvre since its safe return.
MrMartha stubbornly insisted while at the Louvre, in addition to seeing such icons as the Venus de Milo (and imagining what her arms would have looked like) and the amazing painting of Napoleon's coronation by David (nearly two stories tall and with figures just slightly smaller than life size -- appropriate for Napoleon) -- that a pilgrimage be made to where the Mona Lisa SHOULD HAVE been displayed.
In the spot where the revered painting was normally hung, stood an easel holding an elaborate guilt frame. Inside the frame, in small and simple type, was the message: "La peinture de Leonardo Da Vinci de Mona Lisa est sur le prêt et indisponible pour le visionnement." -- The Leonardo Da Vinci painting of Mona Lisa is on loan and unavailable for viewing.
Gotta love that French flair for understatement.
MrMartha's other favorite Mona Lisa related memory was in college, during Intro to Art History 203, with the formidable Professor Kingsbury. The Professor was very Boston/Back Bay/Harvard and had that Kennedy-esque accent that made listening to her lectures a real joy. She also presented a quite prim and subdued presence -- until, in her introductory lecture, she put up a slide of Marcel Duchamp's 1919 Dadaist work, consisting of a reproduction of the Mona Lisa with a crude moustache and goatee drawn on. At the base of the work are large handwritten letters: LHOOQ. Professor Kingsbury breathily related " loosely translated from the slang, it means she has a hot ass." There was quite stunned silence in the lecture hall, with the exception of one student laughing loudly -- MrMartha couldn't help himself.
MrMartha has never been able to look at the Mona Lisa the same way since.
There was quite an amazing ruckus in the art world during the early 1990's as a new theory on the true identity of the Mona Lisa was published. According to that premise, the portrait is actually of Leonardo himself ...IN DRAG... perhaps that is why she has such a mysterious smile.
MrMartha was thrilled as a precocious fourteen year old to be able to take a school sponsored trip to Europe in the summer of 1974, which would include several days in Paris. Perhaps most exciting would be a visit to the Louvre Museum, and a chance to see the Mona Lisa in person. MrMartha was quite crushed upon reading in Time Magazine a few months before the journey, that for the first time in decades the painting was to be lent out for exhibition. While MrMartha was in Paris, Mona would be in Japan.
The Japanese exhibition was a huge event, drawing more than 1.5 million viewers in a few short months, and inciting the sort of urgent mania that they do so well in Japan. The painting has never again been allowed out of the Louvre since its safe return.
MrMartha stubbornly insisted while at the Louvre, in addition to seeing such icons as the Venus de Milo (and imagining what her arms would have looked like) and the amazing painting of Napoleon's coronation by David (nearly two stories tall and with figures just slightly smaller than life size -- appropriate for Napoleon) -- that a pilgrimage be made to where the Mona Lisa SHOULD HAVE been displayed.
In the spot where the revered painting was normally hung, stood an easel holding an elaborate guilt frame. Inside the frame, in small and simple type, was the message: "La peinture de Leonardo Da Vinci de Mona Lisa est sur le prêt et indisponible pour le visionnement." -- The Leonardo Da Vinci painting of Mona Lisa is on loan and unavailable for viewing.
Gotta love that French flair for understatement.
MrMartha's other favorite Mona Lisa related memory was in college, during Intro to Art History 203, with the formidable Professor Kingsbury. The Professor was very Boston/Back Bay/Harvard and had that Kennedy-esque accent that made listening to her lectures a real joy. She also presented a quite prim and subdued presence -- until, in her introductory lecture, she put up a slide of Marcel Duchamp's 1919 Dadaist work, consisting of a reproduction of the Mona Lisa with a crude moustache and goatee drawn on. At the base of the work are large handwritten letters: LHOOQ. Professor Kingsbury breathily related " loosely translated from the slang, it means she has a hot ass." There was quite stunned silence in the lecture hall, with the exception of one student laughing loudly -- MrMartha couldn't help himself.
MrMartha has never been able to look at the Mona Lisa the same way since.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Short History of Cocktail Dresses
Or...A History of Short Cocktail Dresses
MrMartha loves the concept of the Cocktail Dress, but is the wrong gender (and doesn't have the calves) to indulge them as a fashion statement.....
MrMartha loves the concept of the Cocktail Dress, but is the wrong gender (and doesn't have the calves) to indulge them as a fashion statement.....
thus, enjoys them as a spectator of the delightful bits of wearable froth that they are.
So many classic movie moments involve the Cocktail Dress....Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' is perhaps the most iconic image. MrMartha missed the apex of the genre, being a bit too young in the late 50s and early 1960s to have been in the thick of it, but has been delighted by many contemporary versions over the years.
Perhaps the only thing better than the Cocktail Dress itself, is that archaic bit of wonderment, the Cocktail Hat. All fluff and spangles, perched at a dangerous angle on the coiffure and seeming to defy gravity. As was so famously and perfectly stated in The Women, that 1939 cinematic gem of bitchiness, "Never underestimate what a cunning hat can do".
A wonderful new photo book has come out all about the Cocktail Dress, and TheDailyBeast website has a cute article and wonderful gallery of images from the book.
If you love the concept -- of having specific clothing intended only to look fabulous while quaffing beverages at smart cocktail parties -- as much as MrMartha, you will enjoy a look at The Gallery of stills from the book.
So many classic movie moments involve the Cocktail Dress....Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' is perhaps the most iconic image. MrMartha missed the apex of the genre, being a bit too young in the late 50s and early 1960s to have been in the thick of it, but has been delighted by many contemporary versions over the years.
Perhaps the only thing better than the Cocktail Dress itself, is that archaic bit of wonderment, the Cocktail Hat. All fluff and spangles, perched at a dangerous angle on the coiffure and seeming to defy gravity. As was so famously and perfectly stated in The Women, that 1939 cinematic gem of bitchiness, "Never underestimate what a cunning hat can do".
A wonderful new photo book has come out all about the Cocktail Dress, and TheDailyBeast website has a cute article and wonderful gallery of images from the book.
If you love the concept -- of having specific clothing intended only to look fabulous while quaffing beverages at smart cocktail parties -- as much as MrMartha, you will enjoy a look at The Gallery of stills from the book.
Monday, April 6, 2009
"Through a sea of giant Easter hats...."
1966 was a very interesting year. It was the end of the era that introduced Jackie Kennedy, and doted on the Laura Petrie ideal -- but just before the societal earthquake that elevated Twiggy and Gloria Steinem.
That is the year of MrMartha's most treasured Easter memory.
The image of MrMartha and siblings posed on the front porch of the brick colonial home in Baltimore, remains sharp and clear in MrMartha's mind, even as the black and white Polaroid photo that documented it has slowly faded to shapeless gray tones.
Easter was still a big fashion event in the mid 1960s. Everyone got new Easter outfits. MrMartha recalls being very excited about a new Madras plaid blazer, with navy slacks and white buck oxfords. His sister was right out of the Sears catalog, wearing a "Winnie-the-Pooh" A-line pale yellow coat, and a matching 'helmet' style hat of the same fabric, complete with chin strap. The younger brother was in a navy blue sailor coat, and short pants with knee socks.
It was going to be an extra special day at Epiphany Church, as all the older children were invited to attend the main service, rather than the usual Sunday school. Most exciting of all was the 'Cross of flowers' that would be constructed at the altar as part of the eucharist. Each child had been instructed to bring a single flower bloom, trimmed to a 3" length. There was a bare chicken wire cross form, filled with floral foam, on a low table at the front of the altar.
It was thrilling to stand in line with a group of youngsters dressed to the nines, each clutching the prized blossom, waiting for a turn to go up the steps ON TO the altar and place the flower -- as the organist played and the choir sang. The cross form initially looked rather sad and small, not at all as the vivid imagination of a young MrMartha had pictured it. But, as more flowers were placed..... all different sorts of daffodils and narcissus, camellias, peonies, roses, lilies, and big florist carnations -- it filled out and transformed as a magnificent tribute to the commemoration of the day.
Even more amazing than that, however, were the hats. Baltimore was still a fairly formal place at that time. Especially at church, ladies always had gloves, and dressed up. But for Easter, all the stops were pulled out when it came to the hats. Wide brimmed and covered with big fabric flowers. Pillboxes with lace and netting. Small confections of whimsical feathers and bows, perched at an improbable angle on a very elaborate hairdo.
MrMartha's mother had made a very fashion forward choice from Hutzler Bros Dept Store in Towson. A tall 'upside down flowerpot' shape, of dark blue elaborately woven raffia, with a wide navy grosgrain ribbon band and flat bow at the front. Very Doris Day, very understated, and subject to many complements at the coffee hour after the service. 
Recalling sitting in that church, it still seems like yesterday -- looking over that sea of amazing and elaborate hats, towards the beautiful stained glass behind the Officiant, and the incredible floral cross carefully assembled by silent, awed children. Those days may be far in the past now, but it is amazing the clarity with which they can be recalled. MrMartha hopes you hold some very special Easter memories of your own.
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