Todd Hido

I have a favorite restaurant. When I go there, if I am lucky, I am seated acoss from a series of photographs that always amaze me. This particular series, by photographer Todd Hido, is a series of houses at night. No doubt, more accomplished writers have described how the light in his photographs is beyond beautiful. It stops you in your tracks. Much like an Alice Hoffman moment, the ordinary is captured, sublime and magical.

Ylang Ylang Flower

Known as the "flower of flowers", this Asian blossom flowers in yellow, pink and mauve.

Used in perfumes with a romantic theme, in Asia, the flowers are spread on the bed of newly weds.

Marionettes of Prague

 

A friend of mine told me about her trip to Prague, a place I have always wanted to visit. She told me about seeing the famous marionettes of Prague in a performance of "Don Giovanni". I have always loved the magic of puppetry and marionettes. Going back to the 18th century, Czech marionettes are hand carved from wood or plaster. These beautiful puppets depict kings, queens, princesses, witches and wizards. I especially love the costumes and feathered hats.