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.

Eohippus

This charming tiny horse lived about 75 million years ago during the Eocene period.

Palace Door

I love photographs and paintings of doors. Today I'm taking pictures of my new "royal queen" necklaces, and I wanted to "pose them" with a palace or a throne. These are just a few of my favorites. In my search, I came across a palace in Myanmar. It looks like Shangri-La. Never heard of it. Have you?

Coulis

I am quite familiar with clafloutti, but know almost nothing about coulis. Coulis is a thin puree of vegetables or fruit, usually served as a sauce surrounding a dish. I know all of you gourmands, chefs and chefettes are shaking your head and rolling your eyes, but it's a start. I will be investigating this further.

Please post your favorite coulis recipe.