In olden days a glimpse of stocking...

...was looked on as something shocking

For once I felt I must be on my toes with blogging, and develop and scan the pictures I took as soon as possible.  Two days: a record!

 Despite my cynical apprehensions, this past weekend I was blown away by the Jazz Age Lawn Picnic on Governor's Island.  Set underneath the trees, an orchestra played old jazz as everyone sauntered around the lawn donning their best Molyneux, Chanel and Poiret. 

 Jenna whispered in my ear, "It's your blog come to life."  The ultimate compliment!

Although one must have started their "glow" at a nearby speakeasy, one must first find the never ending line to the juice joint:

Now have a turn about the lawn and take a gander at everyone's latest fashions:

My new friend Voon, who I believe won my personal award for dappery, and who floated across the dancefloor as so many of the dancers did.

Which leads me to my favorite dance couple.  So wrapped, was I, in not missing anything, that I neglected to get a full shot of them.

A Beverley Nichols and Cecil Beaton share their first foxtrot in New York.

Stole some steps from this dame.

Jaunty Jenna regaling her days with her Swedish lover.

A certain Lady Blair looks on at what gourmet delights Miss Brie has brought with her.  Brie catered my parents 90th anniversary party...fancy meeting her there!

It really was such a dream come true.  And so exciting to find so many like-minded people.  All those years watching silent films alone...for naught!  I say to all my fellow bloggers and lovers of the Age of the Hot Jazz, let us meet here next summer!  I'll be waiting by the dance floor with open arms.

Painting lips and pencil lining your brow...

...for tomorrow's picnic!

Thank you Mr. Spooner for sending this to me.  You're an absolute gem!

The whole world has gone to rack and to ruin!

From NYPL

Another Unexpected Beauty

The next stop on our Places of Unknown (for most) Beauty Tour takes us to Africa.  Somewhere I've even researched visiting...someday.

Where one can sip a perfect espresso...

at an Art Deco cafe...

take in some Italian Art Deco architecture...

and of course ask a local how to get back to the Howard Johnsons.

Where Oh Where, D-H?

Eritrea.

I want a 38-page paper on my desk my tomorrow at 5am...SHARP!

(photo credits from top to bottom: Tarluci, Tarluci, Kemela, and Art Naphro)

Questions Alice can answer

Has anyone read Ask Alice, by D.J. Taylor yet?  Yesterday when I was dropping a few things off at the library I spotted this cover on the new release shelf:

I had to do everything in my countenance not to Charleston across the room and snatch it up!  (I can't help but judge a book by its cover when this is the cover) Then I saw that D.J. Taylor wrote it, who wrote about the Bright Young People which I adored, and nearly went mad! 

I'm sure I'll crush on it like a Flapper's Dapper.

Warm in the Shadows here

Francesca Woodman-"House III, Providence"

Afganistan 1967-1969

After my post about the man who fixed up a house in Cambodia, some of the commenters and I discussed what would happen if you had to live somewhere that appears to be undesirable.  

Since then I have been search for pictures of places with unknown beauty despite a dangerous reputation.  It has certainly reaffirmed my belief in how beauty can be found in the most unexpected places!

First up: Afghanistan

When I was playing the piano, I remember learning a Dave Brubeck piece inspired by his trip to Afghanistan.  At the time I couldn't think of why someone would vacation there, but it really was beautiful once, as Dr. Bill Podlich's photos prove.

Many more to follow!

Candle Candle on my Clock

Vodka tonics work wonders!

Enjoy your week-end.

A gift from Saint Katherine

A little treat from Katie, she's too good to me.  This will be filed under either "Winter Solstice Hibernation Rooms" or "Retirement Plan."

Ride a White Swan

I'm sure once we're in the depths of Winter, I'll look at these Summer photos taken from Lenaya's embarrassing disposable camera with a Statue of Liberty on it, and immediately feel the warm sun on my face.  Maybe.  I really love how they came out though. Enjoy!

Lenaya picked up VotD, to help her understand all the changes going on in her life.

Katie and Micah share a "private" moment in the backyard. 

At the delicious Ama's, a Japanese oyster bar in Providence, indulging in one of my favorite treats.  Neena was an oyster pro.  Also ignoring the clicking of the disposable camera.

Our last Sup' on the deck.

Sigh...Where did all those yesterdays go?

(side note: in every picture I look like I'm in major need of a water pill so for your benefit, pray, imagine me there)

Maailman ihanin tyttö

Although I never found a tree like this, there was a great big pine in the woods near our home growing up that was the most comfortable place to read a book. 

"The loveliest girl in the world" found thanks to .la douleur exquise.

For Marlenka

Please buy this

Лебединое Озеро

Found here

Feed my soul milk and honey

I saw a few leaves today hinting yellow.  I think I will lock myself in something created by Michael Trapp this winter.

Bal Dynamique

I wish I could make it!

Man is Men

If you've been reading a while you may remember me talking (i.e. hither and thither) about a couple I hold near and dear to my heart, Katie and Micah.  When we met at my debutante ball, Micah was lurking by the bar in a black biker coat, snapping his fingers and talking with the lads about this and that.  I walked by in a zebra print shirt and Andy Warhol wig and the rest is history.  We've been baguette buddies ever since and most of the fond memories I talk about on this blog are spent with them. 

Well, my dears, Micah has started a blog (Man is Men) and I can tell it is going to be as brilliant as he is!  Already I've been giggling to myself reading it, and I'm sure you will too.  His daily updates of curious facts and questions of life promise to fulfill. 

One burning question I need answered:

"At what age does a woman start to lust for a man?!"

I will always beat you!

If Mother had her way, I'm sure we four would have grown up in a room like this. "It's practical!"

Being the youngest, I'd probably be the only one who wouldn't complain.

found hither

Sweet and Lowdown

Nothing beats a week-end diversion to the beach.  Most invigorating! One reason I love living here year round.

Nicholas Lawn's portfolio makes me lovesick!  Look at his other stuff HERE

Venice is a Fish

I once read a book, Venezia è un pesce, where each sense was used to describe different aspects of Venice and the Venetians.  The dialect, the sound of shoes on the bridges, the taste of the rare dishes you will only find down the dankest of alleys, etc etc.  Shame I've never been.

Here Fanny Ardant reads on one of the beautiful canals.

Photographer, regrettably, unknown.

Ben Pentreath Ltd.

I love to gaze at for hours and hours at architect Ben Pentreath's Inspiration section of his online store.  It's filled with the most beautiful pictures of his lovely Old Parsonage in Dorset with a garden that could rival Martha's.  

He is Beverley Nichols incarnate. Look at this bountiful harvest:

A few weeks back he posted for a job opening at his shop in Bloomsbury.  I did everything in my power to not sell all my earthly possessions and buy a one way ticket!  What a dream!

In the future I will have a home in the English countryside with a garden I start from scratch.  For the time being I'll live vicariously through Beverley and Ben.  Please join me.