A Few of Your Favorite Things

Just a quick post to say thank you to my darling friend Kim and my wonderful mother-in-law for indulging in my request for the painting or other art work that first touched you. 

And just so I don't forget which paintings they are, I'm naturally posting them here. Of the three I think my favorite is the View of Toledo by El Greco. There is something mesmerizing and enthralling to me about the flow of the painting. And once I learned a bit more about the painting's history I find it fascinating that he chose this view to paint. 

I very much enjoyed reading about each of the artists though, (and this will come as no surprise) I  didn't know anything about El Greco or John Constable. My knowledge of Botticelli is superficial at best. And that is really the point of renewing this blog. I can't begin to learn everything about every artist that touches me but how wonderful to learn just a bit more. I have found the world of art, literature and religion is more interconnected that I ever could have imagined. 

View of Toledo, El Greco, thought to be painted around 1597
Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

I learned the most about El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), probably because I knew nothing about him in the first place. He had a fascinating life filled with travel, inspiration, artistic growth, education and it appears be quite a few unpopular opinions. I know all artists grow and change as they continue to paint but considering that he was trained as an icon painter he seems to have traveled quite a distance both literally and artistically from where he began.

I mentioned earlier that the most striking aspect of View of Toledo to me is the curve of the landscape and the buildings. They weave my eye over and through the painting, lingering at each curve. The second thing I notice is the pop of the foreground. The plants feel as if I could touch them and hear them shifting in the breeze. To have such realism in the foreground and seamlessly blend into the more imagined background is simply, inspiring. 

The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, 1482-1485
Uffizi, Florence, Italy

Where do I start on such an iconic and world famous painting as The Birth of Venus. I'm surely not going to share anything that isn't already widely known so I'll just stick with what I am most drawn to in the painting. With out a doubt it is the color and shading. The blue hues of the angels robes as well as the pink robe held on the right side seem to pop out of the picture. Every color in the painting conveys femininity, innocence and ethereal beauty. Honestly I was drawn to the beauty of Venus' hair before I noticed her nudity. To me that is secondary, though it goes with out saying, she is exquisite. 

From an historical perspective I find it fascinating how much of art is inspired by literature and vice versa. This painting is a perfect example of that as well as who it was painted for. In this case, for a member of the Medici family as a herald of the "reign of love" finally coming to Florence. 

I wonder what books or poems inspire me in a visual way? Obviously much of the bible is ingrained in my mind through art. But so are some pieces of literature. Dante's Inferno comes to mind. And fast forwarding about 600 years, perhaps Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird? Or Ralph Waldo Emerson's, Nature. 

The Hay Wain, John Constable, 1821
The National Gallery, London, UK

There is much I like about this painting but what stands out most to me is not necessarily the beauty of the landscape, its the familiarity the artist had with the scene. Artist, John Constable was born and lived in the area of Suffolk which was the basis for this painting. In fact, according to the National Gallery's web site the cottage and river path featured in this painting look the same today as it did in 1821 when Constable sketched the scene.  

I like to think about what I would paint from my home. Perhaps the beauty of Mount Bonnell where my mother and I used to picnic. Or perhaps the hills west of Austin where she and I would join others in road rallies where we flew down the open highway in my father's red convertible, top down of course.  Because of Constable's connection to the land and the people living there I wonder if it meant more to him? I know it would to me. 

If you could paint a place from your childhood, what would it be?

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I meant to get this out yesterday but that darn family kept asking for things... the nerve, right?

We had a fantastic weekend filled with train rides, carousel rides, picnics with fried chicken (yes, made by me!) a bar-b-que with friends, fun in the water and Mr. O even smoked a pork shoulder for dinner on Monday. All it all it was a perfect family weekend. 

Of course the most important aspect of the weekend was remembering and honoring the men and women who fought and continue to fight to protect our country and our freedom. We attended a memorial ceremony honoring Alexandrian's who fought in Vietnam. It was a beautiful service and I was particularly moved by so many former military men and women who attended, many with their families and young children.  

Here are a few paintings that come to mind when I'm feeling patriotic. I hope you enjoy! 

On the Hudson at Newburgh, Gifford Beal, 1918

Avenue in the Rain, Childe Hassam, 1917

Soldier and Girl at Station, Alex Colville, 1953

Servicemen receiving care packages from Adopt-a-Platoon

Lastly, and most importantly I'm including a link to Adopt-A-Platoon. Its very simple. You contact the group and they assign you a specific platoon and give you a list of things most troops appreciate or miss from home. Then like any care package you fill up a box with goodies and ship it to your assigned platoon contact, usually the platoon chaplain.

I have only done this once, but it was one of the most rewarding things I've done. I don't know if this always happens but I received a beautiful thank you note from the platoon chaplain, which included photos. To think he took the time to thank li'l ol me was a gift in itself. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Happy Mother's Day

Mary Cassatt, Mother and Child

My wish is that every mother finds happiness and love today!  However you choose to celebrate I hope you remember how important you are.

Today was my perfect. I spent the whole day with my darling husband and our two precious boys. Now that I have my own children I understand completely my own mother's need to unabashedly stare and smile at me. As a teen it drove me nuts but now as a mother I find I do it at least once a day. It is in those quiet moments that I am overwhelmed by my love and awe of motherhood. 

I want to wish my own mother a very special Mother's Day! Thank you will never suffice how grateful I am for your life long support, comfort, encouragement, love and friendship.  And I have to say, that goes double for my teen years. Bless MY heart, I was an utter sh*t at times. Thankfully we both survived and now that I am I mother I realize everything you said was in fact true. And in some cosmic fate I've also realized my children will not believe me either. 

In your honor, my top five favorite Mamere-isms!

5.  Hats and gloves never go out of style.

4.  Nothing good happens after midnight. 

3. Don't do anything you aren't ok with the whole town knowing about it. 

2. Never be a squeezed lemon. Always be a fresh fruit.

1. I may not be happy with some decisions you make but I will always, always love you. 

SO untrue in my case but it is all kinds of funny!

I am also blessed to have several other wonderful maternal role-models in my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today with out the love and support of my godmother and my two god-sisters both of whom are incredible mothers. And if that wasn't enough I was further blessed when I married Mr. O to gain a mother in law that others could only dream of. I regularly hear from my friends about how lucky I am to have her in my life, and every time I smile and nod and say, "I know, I am blessed." 

Mary Cassatt, Breakfast in Bed

Cheers, 

Ouiser

Life in Pleasantville ~ Del Ray's Art on the Avenue

I know I often bore you with stories about my idyllic neighborhood so if you hate those posts you'll want to out click and move along with your day. However, if you love the charm of Main Street I hope you'll enjoy this post.

This weekend was the 15th annual Del Ray Arts on the Avenue. It seems to get bigger and bigger every year (though doesn't every festival?). It is about 6 or 8 blocks of artwork, crafts, food, music and kiddie activities. Basically my perfect afternoon plan for entertaining the littles.

I chuckled at my sweet and slightly sarcastic neighbor (we call him the mayor of our street) told me that the first couple of years no one would dare come to "this part of town" for any reason and now you have to stake out parking by 8am! Apparently Del Ray was once a bit less idyllic. But like most towns established nearly 120 years ago it's probably seen good and bad times.

We spent a good two hours walking up and down the avenue looking at great art work, I have my eye on one artist in particular, Don Ripper. I love his work and one day I'll buy a piece. Take a look at his gallery if you have the time, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Don Ripper Gallery

Here's a good example of his work. He does landscapes and portraits.

I've digressed. As you might imagine with a two and a half year old and ten month old we didn't exactly browse. We targeted our efforts on food, balloons, singing and romping. Enjoy the pics I took and maybe next October you can join us!

people, kids and LOTS of strollers

If this is the ride you get as sheriff I'm SO in! 

Singing a good ole country fav! 

We LOVE Steve the butcher and Jill at Cheesetique

New mural along the community center

Whats a festival with out balloons, lemonade and funnel cake? 

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Show & Tell ~ What I Did This Summer

*tap tap taps microphone* Helloooo? Is this thing on? Is anybody out there? Its me.... You remember, you're good pal Ouisey! (bonus points if you recognize the movie line)

Any who, Mr. O and I had a very busy summer with the littles (see more below) who incidentally are not so little anymore! Baby Duex is nearly 11 months old and 21 lbs. That's right TWENTY-ONE pounds! What happened to my teeny tiny newborn? And Little Mister is speaking in complete sentences... "Mommy up" and "I want snacks" or my personal favorite "Mommy, poo poo pee pee."



With so much going on this summer, the blog suffered. However, with the arrival of fall things seem more scheduled and so I'm going to attempt to return to the world of mommy blogging. I don't know how frequently I'll visit but you can assure I'll be tackling the big issues of the day.... Mad Men, moisturizers and mommy-hood. Yep, I'm still just a erudite as you remember.

Now, on to show and tell. I hope you find this pictorial montage more interesting that dinner at your neighbor's house while being forced to watch reel after reel of their summer family road trip to Wally World.

Birthday parties

Beach time with the COOLEST cousin

Inspecting Mamere's Canterbury Cafe

Flirting with the "townies"

Bonding with Daddy

Summertime Napping

Chasing girls in the park

Making best friends

What did you and yours do this summer? I'd love to hear!

Cheers, 
Ouiser

Recipe of the Week ~ Baked Cheese Grits

** Nervously looks around **


Shhhhh, this week's recipe is top secret! It's from Mamere's kitchen and I don't think she'd be thrilled if I gave it away. However, call it childish rebellion but since she has chosen to toddle off to Italy (Rome and Ovieto) for the next three weeks with out me I figure she'll never know! So, if you know me and Mamere in real life just don't go bragging to her about it anytime soon. That's just plain tacky. 


*Note: Dearest MIL, this doesn't pertain to you since she willingly offered you the recipe!


Mamere has been making these grits for as long as I can remember in this beautiful old blue glass covered baking dish. And just like the old green bowl I used to make Ms. Linda's Thanksgiving rolls, I can't picture these grits without that blue dish. 


My main memory about them (other than the fact that they are delish!) is that they take forever to cool after baking. So, being the petulant child I was I would always wait till my mother left the kitchen and then I'd run my finger around the edge of the grits while they were still cooling. Now they were super hot and I would inevitably burn my finger and my tongue BUT it was worth it! And because they hadn't set yet the grits would re-settle and Mamere was never the wiser. Or so I'm guessing. The older I get I'm learning that she was more aware of my mischievous behavior than I was aware of at the time. And I'm not just talking grits. I guess mother's always know!


I hope that you make these sometime for your family and that you enjoy them as much as I did and do!


Baked Cheese Grits
Serves 10 as a side dish
Bake for 45 mins in a 350 degree oven

5 C Boiling Water
1 tsp Salt
2/3 C uncooked quick cooking white grits
1 15 1/2 oz Can yellow hominy
1/2 C Butter or margarine
2 C Shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese

Stir grits into boiling water and add salt. Return to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 4-5 mins stirring occasionally.

Stir in hominy, butter and cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased baking dish (13x9x2). Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 45 mins or until set. It will need to cool for at least 15-30 mins before serving.




Happy Baking!


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Twilight Reaches Door County

I'm not gonna lie, I wasn't holding my breathe that the ONE movie theater in a 100 mile radius of the tiny little vacation hamlet of Door County, Wisconsin was going to show Eclipse BUT I was wrong and I have my DBIL to thank!


I believe I've mentioned that Mr. O (also known as DH) and I are packing up Little Mister and Baby Deux and heading to the midwest for a week in Door County with his parents, his three siblings and their spouses and everyone's kids for a total of SEVENTEEN people! Did I mention I'm an only child? yeah, I am. 


Oh AND we'll be there during the release of Eclipse. Luckily, my adorable niece is also a twi-hard ~ cause it's appropriate at her age ~ so I won't have to go alone!


But I'm getting ahead of myself. While I've signed up for Fandago's "twilight movie updates" they haven't sent me a gosh darn thing! Not one little email to say, we're still working on your request, don't give up hope, we'll find a theater near you that is showing Eclipse.

Well never fear Super BIL is here! He saved the day by emailing the theater directly. (Just so you know, he's like super smart!) And shockingly enough they responded. Not only are they planning to show Eclipse they are even offering a midnight showing! Squuuueeeee. 


Now, what to wear?! Only another 37 days to figure it out. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser

Happy Mother's Day

Van Gogh's First Family

Just wanted to pop online to say Happy Mother's Day!!! 


Whether you are a mother yourself and are being pampered (as I am) by your family or if you are the one doing the pampering for your own mother this is a special day to say thank you and I love you!


Its times like these I wish I was closer to Mamere and my own Darling Mother-in-Law but I'm looking forward to talking to them both today and maybe even skyping.


As for my day, it isn't even 9:30 in the morning and I've already had a luxurious bath and am now sipping coffee while both kiddos are napping and DH is slaving away in the kitchen making a Mexican breakfast feast. I wish you could smell the delicious aromas wafting into the living room right now. 


Then later today I've been told to spend the afternoon on a clothing and shoe shopping spree. Squuuuueeeeee!!! 


Hugs and Kisses to you all my dear readers!


Cheers, 
Ouiser

PS. The Van Gogh painting is one of my all time favorites. I used to have a framed poster hung in our old house. Perhaps one day I'll get it hung in this one! 

Texas Oh Texas

I *think* I've mentioned that I'm packing up DH, Little Mister and Baby Deux and heading to the promised land (aka Texas) for the foreseeable future ~ which, by the way means 6 days. 


The reason for this adventure (our first time flying with BOTH boys) is for the wedding of a great family friend. The wedding itself is being held in a cute little country town but we'll be making several stops along the way, as we always do when visiting Texas. 


Whenever we go "home" I like to jam pack every moment with things I love to do, see and eat! We're starting in Houston at my Darling In-laws' home and because they are cocktailing in Cabo this week we'll have the whole house and pool to our selves for our own playtime and cocktailing. Then off to College Station to see Mamere's new country home as we make our way to the wedding. 

Oh did I mention we are leaving the babies?! Yep. We'll be spending two days in the country with out the kids. I'm equal parts irrationally excited and freakishly terrified. I mean I know that we need a weekend away but ummm, I also really don't want to leave the kids. sigh.. mommy guilt never goes away.


And since we'll be with in an hour or two of Austin DH has suggested on numerous occasions that we might consider making a stop for brunch at our all time favorite Tex- Mex restaurant. Nothing is for sure but it would be nice to sneak in for a morning margarita and the best enchiladas in the world. 


So in honor of this trip I thought I'd share my list of "Places to Go."


**Super Important Disclaimer: This is by no means a list of "Best of Texas" places. Although that's a great idea for a post for another day. This is just my list of favs for this trip!!! (IF Mr. G is reading this he's surely shaking his head. He always said I had a hard time with declarative statements.)**


Houston~ Avalon Stationary
I've been ordering my personal stationary from here for as long as I can remember. They couldn't be cuter or sweeter! And they have a fabulous stock of stationary and homewares. I'll also be picking up a baby book for Baby Deux. We purchased Little Mister's baby book here and I just love it!

Luby's
To be fair there are hundreds of Luby's around the state but since we'll have the most time while in Houston this is on the top of my list. If you grew up in Texas you know and love this cafeteria chain. Hellooo buttery rolls, fried fish and green beens swimming in butter oh how I've missed you. 


Houston Zoo
This is new to me but I'm seriously excited to visit! We're meeting one of my best friends and her daughter for some animal fun and apparently the best sliders in town. Yummy!


Austin ~ The big Maybe

IF we get the chance to head over to Austin (yes, my home town) there are soooo many things I want to do. However, we'll likely only be able to stop at Maudie's. This is with out a doubt the Best Ever Tex-Mex restaurant. I'm begging you to try it if you ever find yourself in Austin. Hands Down~ Best Margaritas, Best chips & queso & Best enchiladas.


And although the Austin leg of our trip is iffy at best there is a minute possibility we'll stay over night. If that happens I have to throw out two of my other favorites!

Mansion at Judges Hill
This is my favorite hotel to stay at when we visit for so many reasons. First it's adorable, quaint, historic and the staff is so friendly! Secondly the location (at MLK & Guadalupe) can not be beat! I'm all twitchy waiting to hear if I should call to make the reservation. Oh and their room rate is VERY reasonable, which is an added bonus.


The Menagerie

You've heard me wax poetical about this most fabulous shop too many times to count. But I do try to pop in and say hello to owner Vickie whenever I can. And if I just happen to find something (or 20 somethings) that I can't live with out well that's okay too. 

And, although we're a little late for the peak of bluebonnet season, I'm hoping to see a few of these iconic State flowers along the way. 


So there you have it ~ my week's plan! As you can see the Ouiser brood and I will be busy for the next week so I'm not sure when/if I'll have time to update. But I'll have my laptop and camera with me so perhaps I'll do a followup post complete with pics next week. 


Cheers, 
Ouiser


PS Today, I'm making risotto balls for this month's Girls Supper. If they turn out perhaps I'll share the recipe tommorrow. 

Happy Anniversary Mr. Ouiser!

Today is the sixth anniversary of Mr. Ouiser and my wedding. Ahhh, young love. And hey you single ladies here's a tip to help the mister remember your anniversary. Get married on NFL Draft weekend! tee hee hee

Of course I had no idea that it was the same weekend, as you well know I'm a college football kinda gal.  And to DH's credit he didn't mention it but apparently this was the second most popular discussion amongst the boys at our wedding.

What was the first you ask? No it wasn't my beautiful gown or the bridesmaid's (you-can-totes-wear-it-again) dresses. It was the view from the men's urinals. Stop laughing, I'm serious!

Now I can't say for certain as I've never been in a boy's bathroom but the club our reception was held at is on the top floor of a building and "apparently" there is a long narrow window at eye level and runs along the wall behind the urinals which overlooks downtown Austin. Snicker snicker, clearly a man designed this building but what a sense of humor!!

Here we are six years later, a dozen or more trips across the country and the world, three moves, two children and countless bottles of wine later I'm more in love with Mr. Ouiser than I was when I said "I will".

Thanks for taking me on the best journey of my life.

All My Love,
Mrs. Ouiser

P.S. The above painting is Renoir's Dance in the City. I wanted to add a pic from our wedding but a combination of technical failure and a web-shy DH has thwarted my efforts.