Happy Mothers Day!

Growing up, this painting hung above my Grandparents' bed. I loved this painting. It embodied the feelings of beauty, peace and reassurance I felt in my Grandparents' home and my own home. I see it as the iconic depiction of motherhood.

I would like to dedicate this painting to my mother and grandmother, who are wonderful mothers, and to my sister who I know will be an increadible mother someday.

The Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mifflin

I recently received a request that I give a little more information about my paintings of the week (or month, depending on how often I blog!) So from now on I will try to meet this request.

I realized, when I posted this painting it was an unusual choice and that full appreciation required an explaination. I am sorry I did not given one sooner.

I first saw this painting by John Singleton Copley (sorry for the previous misattribution) about a year ago at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I was not initially captured by this painting, but upon closer inspection I was swept away by Copley's highly finished style and stunningly detailed representation of the young couple. When I first looked at the painting all I saw was a handsom man and a cold, rather unattractive looking woman. But Copley's careful depiction of the couple communicated so much more than just their phyical characteristics. As the Philadelphia Museum says "Here, Copley depicts not only the features and costumes of his sitters with his famed skill, but creates an image of marriage as an affectionate, equal partnership-an innovative concept in American portraiture at the time." He translated onto the canvas the deep care, devotion, love and kinship felt by this couple - all of which is communicated through the relationship of their hands.

Sunshine Makes My Heart Sing

Hooray it is spring!!!

Confessions of a Stockaholic!

Last week I received a text message from Courtnie that Confessions of a Shopaholic was being filmed in front of the Soho Pottery Barn store. Lucky for me I had the day off (sort of) and got to witness the filming of my next new favorite guilty pleasure movie!


What I saw as I walked up the street.
As I was trying to take a picture of Isla Fisher this guy walked in front of my camera. Who knew it was going to be such a great picture of a member of the crew?!

Setting up the scene


Ready, Set, Action!

'Tis Better to Give than to Receive

About a month ago my dear friend Courtnie celebrated her BIG Three-Oh. For her birthday we took her on a shopping spree, gave her a makeover and threw a big surprise bash. It was so much fun! It is TRULY better to give than to receive!
First stop....McDonald's for a little Birthday Breakfast!



How does this look?

Of course you never really know how something will look without the perfect accessories. Thankfully Courtnie carries them around in her purse!


Ahrrgh! Stop taking pictures of me!!!


Did I hear 10% discount??


It's MAKEOVER time!!!




Thanks to Courtnie's mom for ordering these AMAZING cupcakes! Yummy!

Changes

About a year ago my mom told me a story about my cousin who had just had a newborn baby and was in medical school. She had a lot on her plate and on her mind. One night, as she was laying in bed stressed, she decided something had to change. She realized that there was nothing she could do about her worries or her problems at that moment so, to release the stress, she got out of bed and cut her hair. (Don't worry it was nothing crazy or psychotic, just a cute little bob.)It was something she could change, something she could control.

I never really understood her actions until now, hence the changes to my blog. There will be more to come in the upcoming weeks (I know some of you will be thrilled to hear that!) but for now, this small change is just a for a little release.

PS. I realize this entry has nothing to do with the topic of this blog. So I am starting a new one. As soon as my first post is up I will put a link on this blog. Hope you enjoy.

I've Been Tagged!

Courtnie has tagged me in an effort - I believe - to get me blogging again. Well here it goes....

Six things you never knew about Sara Lynn Olds (or maybe you did)

1. My name was originally spelled Sarah Lynn Olds but when my parents received a card from my aunt Kathy congratulating them on the birth of their daughter "Sara Lynn" they like the spelling so much more they changed it.

2. I am shy. I don't know why people don't believe me when I tell them but I am. One year my New Year's Resolution was to just say "Hi" to people I knew as I passed them in the halls at school. Crazy, I know.

3. I was practically tone deaf until I was in high school. Okay maybe tone deaf is a bit of an exaggeration, but my ability to stay on pitch was severly lacking. Don't believe me, ask my parents. They had to the endure years of me singing at the top of my lungs cluelessly off key.

4. I love to drink Diet Coke (okay so not so much of a surprise) while sitting in my car blasting the heat - summer or winter. It is the best feeling ever!

5. Warning: This item may gross you out, so be warned before you read - and don't hold it against me.
I used to have a "claw-toe." When I was little my pinky toe nail was so small it grew like a little claw.

6. I'm an Anglophile. I generally believe most things are better in England - especially in comparison to New York (i.e. the Tube, Hyde Park vs. Central Part, the architecture, taxies etc) and if I had the chance I would move there in a heart beat!...okay maybe two or three heart beats because, as you all know, I am about as indecisive as they come!