Shot of the Day

On my list of top male actors is Daniel Day-Lewis. He has earned my respect. He is an actor, not a celebrity. British, a cut above, and he played Newland Archer. This image was snapped at luncheon on the set of Spielberg's new Lincoln film. Daniel is playing A. Lincoln. Maira Kalman will have something to say about this. She might start a new embroidery. The iced tea, the tables linens, the black turtleneck.

Online: A Few Friends

Like you, I have a lot of favorite sites bookmarked. I have a list of sewing sites and a list of cooking sites. A list of books, news, and libraries. But there are a few sites I read really often. And they are writing sites. Through a string of consistent clicks, I learn I have an affinity and a connection to these people I've never met. Their writing is moving and they have a distinct voice. Their own.

Marta is a happy person who is a graphic designer. She is married with a small boy. She enjoys life and is a good photographer. Her blog is a mix of design, home decorating, style, family time, and recipes. She is best at introspective writing.

Jenna is a designer too. She is married and lives in NYC with her husband (a baker) and their two young girls. She is an excellent photographer. She is about my age though we don't have much in common on paper. Her voice is contemplative and soulful. In real life, she might be perceived as blasée or quiet. I don't think she smiles much. She is perhaps my favorite online writer.

Alicia is a sewer. Her home design is a picture. And, her photographs are beautiful. She lives with her husband in Oregon. I recently became aware of how connected I was when she told of her preparations to prepare to adopt a baby girl and I cried reading every post. I thought what ideal parents they would be. Today she published the latest. It did not go through. She is a lovely person who cares about beauty.

I Simply Remember My Favorite Things

The Painted Veil is a romantic drama I saw first at the Flower Hill Mall theatre, may it rest in peace. I've since watched it at least three times. It is one of my favorite films. Today I downloaded the soundtrack. You see, I was taken with the music. It featured Erik Satie's Gnossiennes and as such, confirmed my devotion. I became aware of Satie when I served a mission in France. I have photocopies of his sheet music. And hearing it is like hearing something that is already inside you. I do require beauty from films.