Valentine's Day

Still so much Human Rights work left to do! 

This Valentine's Day, I am encouraging everyone I know to watch the "Take me to Church" video by Hozier. It brought our daughter to tears when, for the first time, we had to explain that some people still hate others for whom they love. In some countries, like the Soviet Union (as depicted in the video) it is illegal to even advocate or discuss LGBT issues. There is still so much human rights work to do, at home and abroad; but, it is encouraging to know that progress is being made.  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVjiKRfKpPI

I was prompted to write about Hozier after watching the Grammy's earlier this week. It was maddening to watch Madonna still playing the vagabond harlot, for nothing more than attention. While moments later, on the same program, young artists like Hozier (Sam Smith, Katy Perry and Annie Lennox, too!) are making powerful statements with their music. Hozier's song brazenly encourages change --  asking us, not subtlety, to assert ourselves through beautiful acts of love. In an interview about the "Take Me to Church" song Hozier states that it is not an inditement against “church” but against institutions that preach hatred as a part of doctrine. I have much respect for Hozier for using his new found fame altruistically, and with purpose.

Human rights challenges still rage on, and while the battle fields may be distant from home (especially here New York), everyday I am thankful for the truly spiritual and enlightened people in my life who do not condemn adults for whom they love...

...just some thoughts as we enjoy Valentine's Day 2015.  Amen.

With Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras falling ostensibly on the same week, I thought this Raimundo De Madrazo painting colorfully and playfully celebrates the season:

Spring is coming, I promise!

Calgon, Take Me Away!

In this "grotesque" weather...I dream of retreating to the warm grottos where these amazing works of art were discovered. 

What a day! Even before shoveling my sidewalk on this wintry snowy/rainy/sleety morning, even before my first cup of coffee, the top of my day began with a formidable leak in my freshly painted kitchen ceiling (the roof above this room was repaired just 4 months ago). This was followed by the discovery of a hole in my daughter's snow boots (pointed out only after we had trekked 3 blocks in the snow, forcing a return home) and upon returning home, encountered an ominous manhole explosion and subsequent fire just outside our house, which resulted in the loss of power (a rare event in NYC).

Once we got to school, late and wet, I overheard another parent, also struggling (seemingly) to make sense of the crummy morning, say to her child "why don't we think about everything for which we are thankful."  At first I thought she was talking to me!  Nonetheless, while not directed toward me, it was sound advice, a quiet reminder to keep everything in perspective. Especially for us parents!

After school drop-off, I took a moment to think of how I would use my time most wisely, given all the items that needed attention. In an uncharacteristic yet true "Calgon" moment (for those of us old enough to know what that means)  what I came up with is completely and utterly impractical -- I decided to spend the morning cyber-oogling!

My go-to cyber-oogle -- checking in to see what my favorite designer, Steven Gambrel, is up to these days...

...lots of tufting on those sofas, nice!

It's just wonderful to see designers who aren't afraid of color. The use of color is a running theme in many of my posts, but what makes Steven Gambrel's hues different is that he successfully melds them into being both modern and traditional, and produces spaces that are homey, yet tactile.  Just the way I like it:

A colorful bed design that I did a few years ago -- hues of burnished metals are always warm and welcoming. Speaking of metals,  I am in awe of this artist -- El Anatsui:

His sculptures appear at first glance like opulent mosaics of Byzantine origin. But, upon further inspection, their repurposed, plastic, and commercial roots (actually comprised of bottle caps, milk tin lids, and wood strips) reveal the artwork's true intentions  -- layered commentary on culture and consumerism. It's stunning and important work. 


Ah, that's better! Looking at beautiful images always makes me feel enriched.  Now I am ready to deal with the water dripping into my kitchen, drenching my stove that crucially needs to be in solid working order for tonight's dinner. 

In case your day is less than chipper, I'll leave you with these wonderfully colorful grotesqueries...