“In spite of everything
I shall rise again:
I will take up my pencil,
which I have forsaken
in my great discouragement,
and I will go on with my drawing.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
Draw With Your Eyes
art
Be a True Believer
“I’m a believer that there’s artistry
in everything from a lawn gnome
to a desk chair to a symphony
to an Andy Warhol painting.
There’s art in absolutely everything.”
~ Darren Criss
Perfectly Exquisite
“It was in the 1920s,
when nobody had time to reflect,
that I saw a still-life painting
with a flower
that was perfectly exquisite,
but so small you really
could not appreciate it.”
~ Georgia O’Keeffe
Dining Outside the Home: Sevens Restaurant and Steakhouse in Clear Lake, Iowa!
Dining Outside the Home: Sevens Restaurant and Steakhouse in Clear Lake, Iowa! In a town that became famous over a tragic event—a plane crash that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson in 1959—everyone pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and dedicated a monument to these great musicians. Still known as the town where “The Day the Music Died”, Main Street has been revitalized and cultivated as a hub for tourism, art, and music transforming it into an appealing and popular vacation destination. Sevens Restaurant and Steakhouse is a full menu eatery that offers one more reason to stop by. A few steps from one of the biggest lakes in northern Iowa, Sevens makes summer-at-the-lake a memorable and delicious experience.
A Rose is a Rose
“If you truly love nature,
you will find beauty
everywhere.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
Emotion is Key
“The artist is a receptacle
for emotions that come
from all over the place;
from the sky,
from a scrap of paper,
from a passing shape,
from a spider’s web.”
~ Pablo Picasso
Rocky Neck Art Colony is Gloucester’s Hidden Gem
Art lovers will appreciate the magnificent view nestled along the harbor in Gloucester, Massachusetts. To stumble upon the existence of Rocky Neck Art Colony while exploring the peninsula is like discovering a treasure trove of history around every bend. While walking in the midst of the cultural community, a feeling of déjà vu is overwhelming. How can it be? To feel convinced of such an illusion that one has previously experienced such an encounter is mind-boggling. Perhaps it reminded me of the south of France, or the iris-laden paths of Monet’s Giverny. Quaint workshops, artist studios, galleries, and restaurants dot the inlet with American Impressionism en plein-air. To every art lover out there, make a note to add this unique art colony to your list of “must sees”.
Dining Outside the Home: Passports in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Dining Outside the Home: Passports Restaurant in Gloucester, Massachusetts! Everything about this quaint little bistro nestled in the heart of historic downtown screams culture. Unique local art is part of the decor. Instead of rolls, a server comes to the table with a basket of freshly baked popovers. Yes, popovers….with real butter. Yum. The sidewalk placard out front announces daily specials to show you the way. It did for me anyway. The Smoked Salmon Sandwich was layered with what seemed like a half pound of thick-cut, salty salmon. There must have been some lemon in the slather of creamed cheese topped with red onion slices. It was all good. If only there was more time to explore this rustic homespun town of Gloucester. It definitely deserves a double-take.
Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana!
Dining Outside the Home: The Library Restaurant and Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana! It’s not every day you can have dinner in a new age French chateau surrounded by impressionist art. Step inside past the elegant Venus’ fountain into a European world others simply dream about. Inhale the exceptional aromas that drift by on open platters for hungry patrons awaiting that first bite. House specialties are worth exploring. The grande finale to a fabulous meal is the Venus Delight! Indulge in this crisp pastry shell filled with vanilla bean ice cream overflowing with cinnamon apples sautéed in a brandy reduction sprinkled with toasted walnuts. What a romantic dessert perfect for sharing. Bon Appétit!
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