Love Notes

Nov 23, 2023 • #holiday

The Children's Table 11/20/23

Who remembers sitting at the kids table?

My late ex-Aunt-in-law put on an annual Thanksgiving dinner which epitomized Virginia hospitality - although it wasn't the ham biscuits, oyster dressing, wild turkey and venison that created the magic. It was the way she managed to make every guest feel special. With a sign on the porch that read "Martha Stewart doesn't live here", she welcomed a crowd which peaked at 72 guests for Thanksgiving dinner, often while carrying a grandchild on her hip. READ MORE

Nov 23, 2023 • #cocktail #thanksgiving

Olive R Twist 11/13/23

Time for a little cocktail fun. Follow along with Manhattanite bright young things, "Martini Weenies", as they relentlessly search the city's hot spots (and beyond) in search of the elusive perfect 'tini. Today's note also includes a few gift ideas for the cocktail-ophile on your list, and of course a little bauble fun for that well deserving gift giver or receiver. Almost all of our Holiday collection is now up online - come have a gander here. READ MORE

Nov 23, 2023 • #thanksgiving

Pearls of Wisdom 11/6/23

The Buddhist thinker Rumi wrote:

"Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates-
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?"

What might happen if we all walked into this week, Rumi style? What do you suppose he means about the “necessary” part? Maybe it’s like pointing out a run in your friend's stocking - if there's nothing she can do about it, there's no reason to point it out? And whoever pointed out that we were all insane to be wearing stockings in the first place was a genius and has my ultimate gratitude. READ MORE

Nov 05, 2023 • #blue

Lady Sings the Blues 10/30/23

Today's theme is all about blues, although I'm feeling anything but blue ...

"Fish in the sea, you know how I feel,
River running free, you know how I feel ...
It's a new dawn, it's a new day ...
And I'm feeling guuh-ooooood"
as sung by Nina Simone

Nov 05, 2023 • #fall #soup

Put Another Log on the Fire 10/23/23

There is a story about a hiker making his way up a spectacular trail in the Shenandoah National Forest. About midway, he remarks on the large number of downed trees across the path. He grumbles something about horrible trail maintenance, and is annoyed enough to start counting the number of obstacles blocking his path. Upon reaching the summit in all its Blue Ridge autumnal splendor, the hiker has what my late father would call an "attitude adjustment meeting with himself". On the way down, he instead counts the number of cut out logs, making an inventory of where someone before him has cleared the way for others yet to come. READ MORE