The reward of play

(Our car out back at 9:30 Saturday morning of the 23rd)

Outside lately there's been a snowy arctic blast that is beautiful yet frightful. Thankfully indoors safe in our row-home it is warm, embracing and delightful. On Friday evening January 22nd a nor'easter monster snow storm from Virginia up through New England effected 85+ million families leaving stories to tell behind. In our neighborhood of Philadelphia we received blizzard whiteout conditions and a total of 30 inches of snow fell between Friday evening till Saturday night 10:30 PM. Glad we did not experience a power outage but 200,000 homes did. The photo is out back of our home of our car covered by snow at 9:30 AM on Saturday. With 11 more hours left until the storm moved out of our area dumping an additional 8 inches more of snow.

Laying in bed under our antique French petite chandelier we tried to drift off to sleep. As the winds of the blizzard howled and snowfall accumulated a couple inches an hour. I enjoyed the quiet of the silenced city. No sounds of a typical Friday evening at all, just the storm itself.

With the snow drifting and completely covering our skylights upstairs and blocking windows our home looked like a cave. This photo although dark is of our Dining room window and an idea of just how much snow fell.

(Source Philadelphia magazine)

But this post isn't about the monstrous nor'easter we experienced - instead it is about the joy of playing as an adult.

"It is a happy talent to know how to play."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

In the Art Museum area of Philadelphia both young and old can't wait to sled down the steps of the Art Museum. The same steps made famous by Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa in the movie "Rocky".

(Source nprfreshair)

The museum was closed but 100's showed up. Even this adorable fur kid.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."

~George Bernard Shaw~

Lately I've been playing with White clay, experimenting with many different types. I molded and carved a life size mouse out of White Sculpey 111 Polymer clay over an aluminum armature I made. Afterwards I baked it for 40 minutes in a 275 degrees oven.

Meet Alfred as in Alfred E. Neuman (Mad magazine).

Many years ago John built two elevated stacked fieldstone walled planter beds. Inside we planted FiFi (a 3 ball boxwood topiary) and the Pips (single ball Boxwoods). And to answer your question, yes I name everything! One sunny day this past October while I was trimming my boxwood in preparation of winter I encountered a most amusing experience.

Through the corner of my eye I noticed a little Grey mouse running in and out from under our Green Emerald Arborvitae trees. Watched him as he scurried down our walkway and climbed up onto the stone wall and just laid down like a puppy sunning looking up at me. Still trimming I started talking to him in a softened tone and asked if his name might be Alfred E. Newman because he had large round ears. Eye contact made he was as curious about me as I was towards him.

As I talked Alfred listened intently, cutely cupping his ears as he lowered them down towards his forehead. Enjoying a little bond up until the mailman approached our house to deliver mail and cute Alfred quickly scurried away. Since then I've not seen him, although I look out the window for him and wonder if he's safe and warm. I decided to create a little Alfred for our home and that's the story of my "of Mice and Woman" moment. 

"Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and love of play."

~Henri Matisse~

I leave you with my poetry titled Play. I will admit, I've entered into my own childhood part 2.

xx,

Vera

"My Childhood may be over, but that does't mean playtime is."

~Ron Olson~

Through the innocent unencumbered imaginations of children that are filled with wonderment and awe each and everyday.

They seek knowledge and guidance from adults who share their own learned experiences to teach and convey.

Lately I've been observing the enthusiasm and exuberance evident while children are unaware of watchful eyes during play

Realizing the importance of recapturing the essence of joy derived from play and having creative empowerment stay.

To partake in an activity that's not for any practical purpose purely only for enjoyment and fun ...

play excites as it helps to invigorate creative thinking and to look for an excuse not to engage, I can find none.

Be it oftentimes just a diversion away from work or tasks play is a welcome distraction from the mundane.

Play becomes a mentally uplifting experience that expands your imagination so please do not abstain.

© Vera

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When was the last time?

The New Year holds great possibilities and a chance for renewal, a rebirth of ideals, commitments and promises. In 2016 I am optimist and busy with a new endeavor in creative play. My post title will become understood throughout this post as I will share my newest creative ambition. As tantalizing as the title is and may make your thoughts stray, it's not about that! 

I do not make New Year's resolutions, instead I make a commitment, a personal pledge to a Country and another to a charity or cause. I never break my commitments and in the process I fulfill an innate personal need for learning. For the second year my country choice is America. I feel she is in need and I support trade and purchase products she manufacturers and grows. I travel, learn and discover her majestic beauty and cook from locally sourced foods and try out recipes from different states.

My cause/charity this year is supporting shelters for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

I believe my charity choice was greatly influenced by the loss of our Max in December. We started off the New Year by making a donation to Morris Animal refuge in Philadelphia. Max and Simon were adopted from there and brought to their forever home. As well as previous cats Holly, Natasha and Sneakers  (my son named him because he loved Kilban's artwork with cats wearing Red sneakers). So instead of resolutions this is what I choose to do and find inner pride in my choice. 

I love foods served in a bowl, especially during our Northeast's cold Winters. It's soup time in Philadelphia and Winter means a home cooked different soup each week.

This is my own recipe. I named it Cowboy 18 bean soup, made with smoked Turkey wings and thighs and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Interested in the recipe, just ask and I'll send you it, it's Tex-Mex with a warm kick of heat. Hearty, filling and a comfort food soup.

Over the years I've gathered an interesting bowl collection that I coordinate with foods served in them. For my Cowboy 18 bean soup I used our vintage cowboy bowls. John and I purchased them around 25 years ago, they were already vintage, a set of 4 found at the Berlin, NJ flea market. They were pricey but in pristine condition, the dealer showed the marking on the bottom of the pottery bowls and it read Frankoma. Frankoma Pottery is American made in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and highly collectible. Any recipe I make that is Tex-Mex and fits in a bowl gets served in these fun bowls. 

My title, When was the last time? I ask you ... When was the last time you awoke from a dream with goosebumps excited to try something new?

It last occurred on New Years Eve three years ago going to bed and praying for another artistic expression. That morning I awoke with a poem in my head and since that day have been writing poetry, an expression that stirs my emotions and feeds my soul. Seriously my muse doesn't quit with interrupting my thoughts and demands I craft the words into poetry, other wises words and rhymes linger in my mind and writing releases them.

After my Holiday presentation of a play and a wedding on December 21st, 2015 post I once again asked/prayed for another creative expression. Making clear in prayer I meant in addition to not In place of my poetry. Well the goosebumps arrived with the possibly of creating each and every character from clay in my French theatre and Vampire castle's presentations for next year. Ambitious sure... Tick, tick, Ha!

In my early 20's I was a Potter and threw Arizona Red Clay (my favorite) down onto a potters wheel and formed a whole lot of pitchers and bowls. The wheel is all about throwing down clay and with the grace and guidance of your hands giving structure and shape to a form spinning around. Now if it wasn't for living in the city and Philadelphia's fire code's insurance restrictions voiding out a policy having a kiln in a residential home I'd still be a "Potter". To be connected to earth's clay is a soulful self rewarding art.

I've started working in White clay building up slowly to then sculpt into my "cast of characters" for my presentations. Different for me because it's not forming from within the structure. It is about building up to remove, carving clay with tools. With many "newbie" questions I approached/pestered friend Penny White from Angelsdoor blog for her help, her answers were both encouraging and extremely helpful.

Since working on this piece I have switched from air dry White clay to baking White clay in the oven at 275 for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch of thickness. Baking produces less hairline cracking to repair and a much more hardened piece. I prefer it, hey live and learn.

Building up clay layer by layer over an aluminum foil armature I made to then carve the clay with tools.  This was my first piece as I was working on him. A mouse who's a chubby happy silly fellow who will be paint washed with mousie color tones of Grey's and Brown's. Perhaps sporting a vest made of vintage Sapphire blue silk velvet, we'll see. He stands only 3.5 inches tall.

My clay carving/sculpting tools. 11 tools, 21 double sided different tools. In following posts I will share a couple of completed pieces.

When was the last time you awoke from a dream with goosebumps excited to try something new? 

An adrenaline rush felt with a sudden burst of energy when a new perspective of an idea comes into view.

Often sparks of inspiration occur too few and far between and sometimes the idea seems to arrive a tad askew.

Relax your mind through meditation or breathing exercises before bed to deliver creative concepts you feel are past due.

Images and dreams reoccurring nightly offer a clue towards aspirations that repose within you.

I've discovered all it takes for me is asking in prayer for new adventures or endeavors, I promise it's true.

So when was the last time you awoke from a dream with goosebumps excited to try something new?

I wish you dream tonight of exciting new ideas and when you awake your memories excite and bond like glue.

© Vera

I entered into my third year of blogging on December 11th and I look forward to sharing in 2016 with thought provoking posts to ponder my writings and poetry. My blogging choice, my style.

Blog Land is a unique community of people connected in a powerhouse of ideas, creativity and of personal sharing. Friendships form and through time mindsets are broadened and hearts warmed. Below is a shout out and a thank you to a fellow blogger who has become a friend. Tina from The blog What We Keep.  Tinacarlson.com 

On November 19th, 2015 I wrote the poem Peace on Earth and posted it.  It was a way for me to process my feelings over the terrorism in Paris. It became our handmade Christmas card and included in each one was my poem printed on translucent vellum. 

I had long admired Tina's sense of humor and posting style along with her artistic style. I adore her 3 fur kids, dogs Jack, Bruce and Sophie. Personally I think Tina creates the prettiest embroidery I've ever seen. Delicate yet extremely durable with an appearance of it being hand stitched embroidery.

I asked Tina to embroider 4 hand towels with Peace on Earth on them for the holiday season. The photo is what Tina had emailed me with her embroidery for my approval. Gorgeous, they arrived pre-washed and were instantly hung, loved and are still being used.

Inside the box Tina included a few gifts that surprised and delighted me. Tina took the first stanza which also was the last sentence of my poem and embroidered it on a silk cream fabric backed in Grey silk and accented by an organza wired terra cotta colored ribbon with a beautiful bird pin, the sachet is filled with organic Lavender. But Tina's kind and generous heart tucked more in the box...

Inside a sweet note with 4 fresh laurel (bay) leaves were enclosed (I used them in cooking the following day). Also this ceramic peace dove that has a glittered effect that perches on top of our dining room armoire. I have not packed the dove away with Christmas nor the hand towels. Still praying for that illusive peace on earth and working on my own inner peace. Final gift was one of Tina's cream velvet acorns she creates. From the bottom of my heart thank you my friend. 

I leave you with a photo to bring a smile, the source is unknown. See you soon.

xx,

Vera

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In 2016

2016 is just hours away and I am enjoying the peaceful quiet of our home while I've lately been in a reflective mood. John and I have always preferred to ring in the New Year relaxing at home. Tonight we will enjoy a bottle of Veuve Clicquot French champagne and King Crab legs as we watch the final hours of 2015 ease into 2016 with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin (we get a kick out of their antics) waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square, NYC.

I realize my hope for Peace on Earth is only a wishful dream because of terrorism, strife, religious conflict and war continuing in hot spots scattered throughout the globe. But I do have a sincere New Years wish for you, in 2016 I wish you genuine inner peace.

For it is only when inner peace is created within ourselves, within our families, in our communities and it develops and grows throughout society it can ultimately bring the World Peace on Earth.

Our Christmas decorations were keep simple this year, opting for rustic live small trees throughout our row-home. Choosing European Cypress and Norfolk Island Pine unadorned and appreciated for the beauty in their rustic charm. 

One recent purchase turned into a new winter fascination. Needing a few ingredients for some recipes John and I stopped into a local supermarket. Top on my list was - pick up Tulips in memory of Max. Our Max >^..^< loved Tulips, my second favorite flower, first being Roses. For whatever reason in his sweet cat brain he loved tulips so much he would chomp on them, but he also loved munching on fresh basil on the window sill.

So there they were - glorious Red Christmas tulips, in a clear glass vase with rooted bulbs and only one bulb opened with flower. Modern and minimalist, a revival to my gardening spirit ... I fell instantly in love.

An extravagance of vitality during the winters months, seriously how could I resist? Watching a profusion of color emerge in a smooth progressive waltz towards the sun. Mother Nature is a choreographed perfectionist. 

There I sat with excitement over the idea, clicking away on eBay and Amazon purchasing pre-chilled Dutch Bulbs from Holland. Purple Triumphs (Max's favorite) symbolizing royalty for he truly was our feline Prince. Pink triumphs for happiness and confidence for me.  I was hooked!

Sure if I had the wisdom of sight beforehand I would of in August purchased bulbs and refrigerated them for a cold sleep of 12-15 weeks in our basement refrigerator. Tip, do not store apples in the refrigerator because the gases will permeate and cause the bulbs to not produce flowers. But live and learn and plan ahead for Winter during late Summer 2016. 

I love the plethora of entangled roots, providing nutrients to the bulbs to flower. I've gathered all our tall glass vases to place polished beach glass into the bottom to cool in spring water in a dimly lit place (a designated spot of our basement). Left for a month to root the bulbs and then place in sunlight and rejoice in their flowering color a welcome sight during the months of Winter's frozen ground.

Magnificent Springtime tulips were originally from Persia and brought to the Netherlands in the 17th century. Throughout my winter posts I will include photos of my sweet pinks and purple tulips. I will for Easter force giant moody blue's crocus bulbs.

And as our homes dwindling light turns into nightfall and fades into the past - precious fleeting moments of 2015 will become lingering memories that hopefully forever last.

xx,

Vera

There are times when New Year's Eve arrives without your consciousness or imagination requiring any further explorative look...

To record your years discoveries and dedicate time in writing the next chapter in your innovative future's legacy book.

But for me the ending days of 2015 were not meant to pass by without deep reflection of my own creative and spiritual need,

To become more adventurous and aware to freely share of myself and explore my talents and in the process enrich myself to soulfully feed. 

I invite you to embark on a journey during 2016 to reach inside unexplored possibilities dwelling within each one of us.

To wander and realize the amazing potential inside our heart as we go forth to hopefully ponder and candidly discuss.

© Vera

I love reading each of your comments, please leave one behind.

A play in France and a wedding in Romania

Welcome to my Holiday presentation of a play and a wedding in two different countries, France and Romania. This is my third winter production and for this year I found my inspiration from Tim Burton. He has made some of my very favorite movies. Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Dark Shadows, Alice in Wonderland and The Nightmare before Christmas to mention just a few. I greatly admire Tim Burton's ability of imagining magical stories that can captivate and totally engage you in utter make believe.

Iggy Pop the rock legend in an interview I recently watched and really enjoyed mentioned and I quote "stuff you did on instinct not intelligence". It truly defines my whimsical escapade in this presentation. At the end of this post please click onto my friends Doré and Lin's links, who are also producing holiday presentations, our gift to you. So in my attempt of storytelling to entertain you with a whimsical fantasy holiday production please sit back and believe...

Violet is a mouse who lives in this abandoned centuries old opera house. She produces magical Ballets for each holiday. Last Christmas she produced the Gypsy Ballet. But this year for Christmas, sweet Violet is leaving with Rémi, her finance soon to be wed in Romania. Rémi is a very theatrical thespian and attends each of Violets performances. He instantly fell head over heels in love with her and on Valentine's Day proposed to Violet on bended mouse knee right up on the stage during Violets révérence. The audience went wild applauding as Rémi jumped up on the stage during Violets final bow. 

Today is December 23rd and their nuptials are tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Three of Violets friends Eugène, Frédéric and Henri offered to produce a play based on the old English fairytale rhyme of 3 Blind Mice. Violet ever being the perfectionist spent much time with them and choreographed their song and dance numbers.

Needing to board their plane to Romania Violet dropped by unexpectedly the morning of their dress rehearsal. In anxious bridezilla craziness she actually suggested to keep the play authentic they should cut off their tails with a carving knife! Since the nursery rhyme goes "They all ran after the farmer's wife, who cut off their tails with a carving knife, did you ever see such a thing in your life, as three blind mice".  Henri firmly told Violet - A we are not blind, B we are only actors and C you are speaking crazy so just go away! Whew, with a plane to catch Rémi literally pulled Violet off the stage and thankfully the tail chopping incident did not occur. 

The plane awaits to fly our couple into Transylvania, Romania known as "The Land beyond the forest." It is in the medieval town of Brasov in a castle nestled in a fairytale village in the Carpathian Mountains they will wed. 

Why get married in Transylvania, Romania and not Paris, France? Simply because Rémi a hopeless romantic and Violet ever the prima ballerina looking for a fairytale wedding were captivated by stories told by Rémi's young ingenue cousin Alina. A Romanian ice skater with Olympic Gold ambition. Alina's enchanting stories and folk lore all about local villagers and the legend of Dracula convinced the couple nuptials there would be enchanting. In a world that often is overwhelming and scary Violet and Rémi are adventurous and courageous, undaunted by fear.

Cousin Alina can not afford an Olympic coach and was befriended by Gus a Vampire Kangaroo rat that lives at the castle where Alina loves to skate everyday. Gus coaches and encourages his new friend. Fairytale fascination certainly runs rampant in Rémi's family with Alina's Olympic Gold medal dreams.

Gus dwells in Count Dracula's 14th century castle and explained a wedding could be arranged since the count sleeps during the day and Christmas Eve day would be perfect.

Meanwhile back in Paris ...

Opening matinee begins and there is magic in the air. Tails intact the audience enthralled the play commences flawlessly. 

Singing, dancing and energy filled the air as the sound of applause resonated throughout the theatre.

The cast:

On the left Eugène, middle Frédéric and on the right Henri. 

Bravo, bravo, bravo as large Red Roses were placed on the theatre stage, as the trio joyfully performed.

Rémi and Violet touched down in Romania many hours later and the extremely cold night air embraced them with anticipation and much excitement for their wedding day.

Violet and Rémi made all their plans during phone conversations with Alina and Gus weeks ago as they headed over to the castle to check everything out. Violet had her heart set on a large White Christmas tree with Silver balls and hoped it was just as she had envisioned. Both Gothic romance novel lovers spending late evenings up reading to each other this Gothic 14th century castle was everything they had ever dreamed about and much more.

A perfect medieval castle with turrets and Gargoyles the couple was thrilled.

Violet has always loved the Gargoyles that sit on top the rooftop cathédrale at Notre-Dame in Paris. Once Violet wanting a closer look climbed up to the roof and perched her petite self up on the head of a gargoyle. It turned out to be a impulsive idea since she was nearly blown off by the high winds that day.

Violet adored her Christmas tree and Rémi loves the Gothic coffin of Count Dracula. Secretly hoping he would make an appearance, although aware he would not. 

Alina and Gus escorted the Orthodox Priest and best friends Veronica (matron of honor) and best man Mike into the castle.

At Rémi's request the Priest wore a Vampire cape, that had been custom made just for the day. Rémi believed it would add authentic charm to their wedding.

The adorable Mr. and Mrs. as they leave the castle for photos. Hand in hand to live happily ever after, a theatrical life in Paris. Their sweet innocent hearts filled with wonderment and hopeful dreams.

Alina, Gus the vampire kangaroo rat and the Priest. In the fairytale village nestled in the Carpathian Mountains there is a deep bond and respect with the local villagers to honor the legend of Dracula. 

Snowballs were playfully tossed around and Rémi took one on his nose as the final photo was snapped on a perfectly enchanting fairytale wedding day. 

                                 ~  The end ~

xx,

Vera

See you in the New Year as I enter my third year of blogging. Have a joyful Holiday and I wish you much love, health, happiness filled with many fun adventures in 2016.

Doré's presentation - Burlapluxe.blogspot.com

Lin's presentation - atinycottageinthewoods.blogspot.com

Sources: 

Dracula's castle made by John and gifted to me years ago on my Birthday

French theatre and ladder purchased from Burlap Luxe on etsy

Violet, Veronica, Mike and Gus needle felted by Penny at - Angelsdoor.blogspot.com

Alina, Priest, Eugène, Frédéric and Henri - CozyMilArt etsy

Rémi was a gift from John 

Paper vintage book trees in French theatre and cutout metal urn - VILLABARNES.com

Mini chandelier in French theatre handmade by Méa out of an antique chandelier and part of my Christmas gift this year from John - Measvintage.blogspot.com

Everything else made, choreographed and written, photographed and dreamed up by me - Vera