St. Joseph's Day

Did you know that St. Patrick's Day preceds another commemorative feast --- that of St. Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus on March 19. This day has been celebrated and revered by Sicilian Italians for centuries. Legend says that during the middle ages, Sicily was plagued by periods of severe famine and drought. Through prayer and petition to St. Joseph, rivers and streams suddenly sprang from the ground and vegetation became abundant on the island. As a gesture of thanksgiving to this great saint, the Sicilians promised to honor St. Joseph every year on the marked day of this miracle.

Generations since continue to honor St. Joseph by creating elaborate altars adorned with Italian breads, fig cookies and meatless pasta dishes (usually distrbuted to the poor). The festive celebration was introduced by Sicilian-Italian immigrants and continues to be an annual tradition in New Orleans and neighboring cities in Louisiana, my native state.

Under the Tuscan Sun

I must confess . . . I never tire of viewing this film, adapted from Frances Mayes' book about her life in Italy. "Under the Tuscan Sun" never fails to restore my spirit and evoke memories of my 2001 journey to Italy and the magical Amalfi coast.


These sunflowers remind me of those in the blue vase on Frances' writing desk in the film. I'll attempt to capture these amazing colors using Prismacolor NuPastels in complements of blue, yellow, gold and green. !

Hearts of Watercolor!

The American Heart Association devotes February as "Heart Health" month. Be sure to take care of your hearts!

The Mourners

2011 marked the end of a challenging year. In late December I visited the Legion of Honor to view "The Mourners," an exhibit of 56 carved marble figures of grieving monks from the Dukes of Burgundy tombs. Pictured are just two of the figures, one seemingly lost in thought or prayer and the other weeping.




Mourning is a collective experience, common to all people and all moments in history. Ironically, the first week of the 2012 new year, I too, became part of the mourning procession as my step mother, who was two weeks away from her 90th birthday, passed on from this earth.

Christmas 2011

One of my favorite supermarkets transformed its gift and kitchenware shop into a dreamy, magical display of ornate Christmas trees. All so beautifully decorated and quite lovely to look at!

Pumpkin Time

It's hard to believe I've have not updated the blog since May. Just way too busy and not a lot to share. My company had an office outing in Half Moon Bay, CA this week -- one of my favorite places on earth! Just double click on the photos!

Spring

Help!! Creativity is on hold. Despite a hectic work schedule, I stop to admire blossoming flowers in a window, a classical reminder of the goddess, Flora who encourages flowers to grow and teaches us to respond to the natural beauty of May.