Door in the Floor

Did you hear about this family who opened a metal door in their yard? Read about it here.

For years I have had dreams that there was a door in the floor of my house, and there was a hidden basement I didn't know I had. I'd be so happy to finally have some extra space, plus angry that so many years had gone by that I didn't know about it. Sadly, it's a solid concrete floor and nothing is below my house. But still I wish...

Evolution of the arts and creativity

I was inspired by these lovely photos on  Art Symphony's  blog post this morning showcasing the lovely portraits of musicians and the emotions and feelings shown in the  photographs which brought to mind hearing people in the 80's say there was no point creating real music anymore because a computer could do it all when synthesizers and computers where coming on 'the scene'. I'm delighted to see that 30 years later, people are still picking up instruments and are still creating music with their own hands, voices and hearts. I see it first hand as my 15 year old step son is inspired by his best friend to play bass guitar, and inspired by his friend's garage band to practice several times a week. I'm so glad those old predictions didn't come true, aren't you?

I suppose this is also true with other art forms too - some felt there was no need for drawing or painting because a computer could create art, but yet man is still inspired to create his own pieces. And once you start thinking about it, it goes past the 80's, all the way back to the industrial revolution doesn't it? We've had machines and equipment doing the work for us not just in music and in art but also for food, clothing etc. Just as people say 'why make bread at home when you can buy it at the store" or "why make your own socks when you can buy a pair for $2"  - many of us still have the burning desire to do it ourselves.

"I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity and they can be shaped by their user" ~ Bill Gates

"We need creativity in order to break free from the temporary structures that have been set up by a particular sequence of experience" ~ Edward de Bono 

Salt Pills

I remember going to school in May and/or June (depending on the weather) with a little white pill wrapped in wax paper inside my lunch box - it sat next to my sandwich, snack and piece of fruit (usually an apple). My mom told us that we needed to take them in the summertime to replenish our salts from sweating.

I don't remember being a particular sweaty kid, nor were my brothers but we did as mother told us to. I never hear about salt pills now and don't even know if you can still buy them. Our food has changed an awful lot (and I mean awful) since I was a kid and now it seems 1/4 of the products being sold are "sodium reduced"  - perhaps that's another reason why these pills slowly faded away.

I've asked around and it seems people of my mom's generation remember them (and some of their kids of course) but not many others - in fact many gave me the strangest looks like I asked them if they'd met an alien or something (which they probably have but just didn't know it).

I think we've also just rebranded this concept - by replenishing salts and electrolytes with drinks like Gatorade and such. Here's on article on salt pills.

Do you remember taking them?

Marie in the Garden

Well I bet you're going to be surprised, but while Marie is in her garden enjoying her flowers so carefully tended to by her staff, she walks the grounds with her trusty chocolate labrador (even though she may have as many French dogs as she likes), he gives her great comfort:

She's enjoying the unexpected sunshine that just popped up as it's given the flowers a chance to not be weighed down by the rain drops - although she secretly likes it as they appear to be bowing to her royalness just like her subjects (in the good days). And the garden reminds her of her favourite spot - Hameau de la Reine which was built for her at the Petit Trianon in the Yvelines (France of course!)

The bright sunshine also hides that she's actually gotten quite a tan, making her look more like a commoner and reminds herself she must powder more often. But today she shall enjoy herself as it is a lovely spring day in May.

She continues to insist that she never said anything about CAKE! (or rather "gateau", whichever you prefer) but would like to know if you'd like a macaron or two - they are so fruity and delicious! Perhaps we shall fetch some?