Rookery Staircase

"Less is a bore."

                                               --Robert Venturi

Laughter Ahead

Sometimes funny stuff is right under my nose and it's great therapy for my often too-serious soul.  Recently, while at a delightful boutique in a popular Iowa vacation destination, I came across a display that contained numerous plastic table tents (available for purchase, of course) with various statements that almost instantly had me laughing.  

First, who doesn't want to have it out with our dear friend AUTOCORRECT?  Much too often my text messages, due to Autocorrect's unsolicited help, make me look like a knucklehead...Ugh. 

Next is the whole topic of why one would ever decide to be a teacher -- definitely not for the salary nor notoriety.  Since I'm a high-school teacher, about to begin year 22 in the classroom, it should make perfect sense as to why I am STILL laughing.

Spellbound

"If you are not too long, 

I will wait here for you all my life."

                                                                                      --Oscar Wilde

This is my photo of the sculpture, Bourgeois Bust -- Jeff and Ilona, by Jeff Koons, that is currently housed in an exhibit in the Art Institute of Chicago.  

Spread Sunshine

"The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers,but for the wide world's joy."

                                                         --Henry Ward Beecher

Wearing Art

Art is everywhere but sometimes easily overlooked.  These two images show a couple examples of how we artfully adorn our bodies, including with ink and tatoos as well as with how we dress.  Clothing, accessories and hair styles reveal a lot about one's interests, background, personal experiences and personalities.  Next take a look at yourself and think about why you like what you like regarding how you dress and so on.  What does it reveal about you? 

The Eyes of a Child

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.  

There are seven million."

                   --Walt Streightiff

Curb Appeal

This home is in close proximity to the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park.  Some things are simply stunning and beautiful -- this is one of them.  From the blue summer sky to the delightful colors and architectural features, this charming residence caught my eye.  Let yourself imagine you were a child growing up in this home and think of all your favorite hiding places.  Just look at all the possibilities.

"Some people look for a beautiful place.  

Others make a place beautiful."

                                   --Hazrat Inayat Khan

4th of July Surprise

On July 3rd, upon opening my email, I noticed that Silos & Smokestacks had sent its annual 4th of July greeting and corresponding photo but did not think that my image was going to be their choice.  Wow!  Immediately I recognized the picture and said aloud "Hey, that's mine."  Sure enough as the photo credit is in the upper left corner.  Regarding the picture, I took it a few years ago during the annual Strawberry Days parade in Strawberry Point, Iowa, and the man driving the tractor is a longtime area farmer and John Deere aficionado. 

Butterfly

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly,

but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

                                                     --Maya Angelou