Another Green Christmas

Last year we had no snow at Christmas with cool temperatures.  This year, again no snow and temperatures in the 70s (that is 20 centigrades!).  Last year we certainly got the snow we were missing at the right time.  What will this winter bring us? 

Somebody in our neighborhood found a solution and just got some imitation of snowy winter landscape and additional snowman.  

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Accents-Holiday-6-ft-H-Inflatable-Photorealistic-Snow-Globe-with-Santa-and-Reindeer-36692/205919576

Happy Holidays!

Poinsettias are offered in all sizes and are the most popular Christmas plant. With them we can create an immediate festive decoration of any space.  They are available in every flower store and sometimes hard to choose because they come not only in the classic red and white but pink, striated or in elegantly faded red.  And now for customers celebrating Chanukah, there are even blue ones with silver glitter attached.  Psst - they are white poinsettias with blue 'make-up'.

The Winter Solstice in Boston will be on December 21 at 11:49 pm and then we have a reason to celebrate the return of longer days. Light and warmth is coming back and let us all have Happy Holidays!

Semi-Arctic Country

There is no way around the stop-over in Iceland when flying with Icelandair from Europe to the US.

This is a reason for some travelers to avoid this airline, others prefer the pause and the opportunity to walk up and down the long corridor in Keflavik airport. Sometimes the nostalgic thoughts come back from the adventure of the first trip to New York from Luxembourg ... when flying to the US was still a big adventure.  http://savvytraveler.publicradio.org/show/features/1999/19990206/postcard.shtml

Every time I see the empty landscape before landing the thought of a longer stop pops up.

Icelandair offers an up to 7 days free stop over which is tempting.  Perhaps next summer when the  snow is gone and the green moss is visible. 

Peaceful Park

The unusual mild December day invited to take a walk in the Versailles park. With the short days now all entrances will be closed at 5 pm.  We made it in time and then looked back through the large gate which is now always closed for cars to enter.  "Due to the enforcement of antiterrorist security plan,

this access is closed to vehicles." is the explanation on a big sign next to it.

And we just walked along this peaceful field where sheep were grazing and the chateaux in hiding  behind the tree line at the horizon.

Museum Island in Berlin

                              

With five large museums all owning important collections, the sculptures on the ground around them may not get the attention they deserve.  A recently installed 'monument' gives a thoughtful contrast to the other glorious 'king on horse' sculptures.     http://www.smb.museum/en/museums-and-institutions/museumsinsel-berlin/museum-buildings-collections/kolonnadenhof/skulpturen.html

And the graffiti next to the Bode-museum is something Jules de Goncourt has said?

Translation: "Nobody in the world listens to so many stupid things as the paintings in a 

museum have to do"

One Museum of 180

The weather is cloudy, cold and the wind mixed with rain.  Therefore it is better to just wander in the galleries of the Kunstgewerbemuseum to admire the Brandenburger Tor on a Biedermeier plate. 

http://www.smb.museum/en/museums-and-institutions/kunstgewerbemuseum/about-the-collection.html

Instead of twisting your tongue on Kunstgewerbemuseum just try 'museum of decorative arts' which can be found close to the Philharmony.

The Kulturforum in which this museum is part of has an uninviting court yard - do not get fooled,

Vive La France!

Good to be in Paris to see the stoic reaction of the people living and working here.  Live goes on and I feel that small good deeds made makes everybody feel good.  President Hollande asked everybody to 

show flags and demonstrate patriotism.  Glad to report that very few followed his advice. Some showed the tricolor in a personal way.

Of course the National buildings - like the Palais Royale - went for it and the full moon timidly went into hiding.

More Site-specific Art

There is a lot of space in the West wing in the MFA. In the east side looking up from the ground floor one discovers this bulging ceiling installation by Tara Donovan. What is this surprising biomorphic form?  A giant wasp nest?  The title "Untitled (2003)" is not informative.

Looking closer we realize that with styrofoam cups and hot glue and ingenious creativity, the artist created a sculpture which surprises and delights.

http://channel.louisiana.dk/video/tara-donovan-sculpting-everyday-materials

Site Specific Art

Often we are not aware that the paintings and sculptures on view in museums were not created with a museum in mind.  Castles, churches, living rooms or town halls were among the intended places.  In the West Wing of the MFA are now several 'site specific' installations by contemporary artists which can be seen for some months before they are removed.

Anne Lindberg http://www.archdaily.com/220724/anne-lindberg-transforming-space-with-thread
created this dreamy "pivot green blue"with threads and staplers. The changing sunlight is meant to play in these threads. The form changes depending on the angle of the moving spectator's view.

These photos can not show the magic charm. Only the visitor who walks by and looks up can appreciate this installation's allure.  Situated in the second floor of the Linde Wing! 

Large Melons

The Greek word for large melon is "pepon" which the French pronounced "pompon".  The English then said "pumpion" and the American colonists called them pumpkins. That's what they are still called in the US.

October is the month they are ripe and ready to be used in limitless ways.  Just look at the offers in one of our local grocery stores (Trader Joe's) http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer.

When I saw this pumpkin patch in front of a Wellesley church I could not resist to pick one for us.

Did I choose the right one?  If the squirrels do not nibble on it, I may transform it in a pie.....

Go Eagles! Go Seagulls!

BC Athletics has many different sport teams even if the Football team gets most of attention and TV cover.  Today the swimming-pool area was off limits for casual recreational swimming.  

There were shouts of happiness at the pool side and tears in the locker room.

Every morning the BC "Seagulls" practice from 7.30 for two hours and we hope they did well today.

It was very warm on the full spectators balcony and I did not stay. Tomorrow is a game by the BC Women's Ice hockey team.   http://www.bceagles.com/schedule.aspx?path=whockey

With a seat cushion, a blanket and earplugs I will stay longer.  What did you say?  Sissy? Moi?

Start Of The Football Season

Chestnut Hill -  So empty was the Alumni Stadium during last week when I had a chance to see the team dressed in their maroon and golden outfits 'playing' on a field nearby. It was probably some demonstration because they were filmed from the top of a crane.  Part of gearing up for their first game today as a new team.

http://www.bceagles.com/sports/m-footbl/bc-m-footbl-body.html

See the girl between the players?  Her job was to fill and distribute water bottles to the boys!

Moving And Be Moved

The Fall Semester 2015 starts next week and theses days all Boston and Cambridge seems to be moving.  Thousands of students will find their new rooms.  With the help of parents and friends, boxes and packages for creature comfort is unloaded and lugged in.

Every year these loads are getting bigger and trolleys are available for the lucky ones.

Caring parents help their students and supply them with everything necessary until Thanksgiving break. Dealing with all practical things to arrange, the emotions can be smothered.

But then comes a moment to stop and breathe and recognize the change for both parents and 'children'.  Welcome class of 2019 and welcome back class of 2018, 2017 and 2016!

http://www.bc.edu/about/bc-facts.html

'The' First Mother Church

Boston - Back in hot and humid weather I had some errands downtown and tried to keep in the shade of trees.  Always I am surprised of the enormous size of the Christian Science church but not inclined to enter. It has no inviting entrance!
There is a shady walk behind and then a reflecting pool and fountain which is far more appealing.  In 1960 that area was designed by I.M.Pei & Partners.  Same architect who is responsible for the idea and execution of the pyramid in front of the Louvre.

A temptation to run through the cold water and some children took the challenge.  

I heard that this church has the world largest pipe organ which makes me curious - next time. 

With 3000 seats in the church it should be possible to get a seat one day.

http://christianscience.com/church-of-christ-scientist/the-mother-church-in-boston-ma-usa/explore-the-christian-science-plaza

 

The Canopy of the Forum des Halles

Paris -  The reconstruction of the area in the heart of Paris which was once the 'stomach of Paris' will be finished 2018 - two years more then planned.

When the historic Les Halles building was demolished 1971 the market was moved to Rungis, 7 km outside of Paris. Then the 'Forum des Halles', a large shopping mall area, was erected on its place. It was first very popular but eventually became run down and disagreeable. In 2010 City Hall therefore decided to renovate the entire quartier.  Now the prominent canopy was installed and the outlines of a curved huge glass roof is visible and heightens expectations.

During the immense construction the Metro and RER underground is still accessible and the different complicated accesses are endured by patient travelers.  http://www.vinci-construction.com/en/project/20240/the-les-halles-redevelopment-project-in-paris

Next to the building site, the prominent church of Saint Eustache, built between 1532 and 1632. Perhaps a reminder for us that good results need time?

Sea and Sky and Sculptures

Stockholm - The sky and the sea were two important sources of inspiration for the Swedish sculptor Carl Milles (1875-1955).  A life-long amateur astronomer, Milles often placed his sculptures on high columns so that they were silhouetted against the sky.  From this view high on the terrace of his home (which he donated to the Swedish people during his life time) we enjoy looking up in the blue sky to see both the sculptures and the skyline of Stockholm on the horizon.
 http://www.millesgarden.se/the-lower-terrace.aspx

 
The Angel Musician with the flute makes me long to go back to flute practicing and playing in the Fall semester in Newton.

Sunny Days Are Here Again....

Many cloudy days with temperatures in the Fifties and Sixties were 'endured' by Swedes who longed for warmth and sun shine during many months of winter.  Now at last, the sky was blue and the sun heated the air, the water and the hearts.

Instinctively  the characteristic 'Sunflower' position is taken and skin exposed to catch Vitamin D.

Off to the lake, even if the water is on the cool side and happiness is expressed in a competition of handstands.  Three more weeks and school is starting again.

Last Day of July!

Stockholm -  After the heatwave in France we feel happy to be in cool Sweden.  The days go fast filled with excursions or relaxing inside when the sky is grey and rain is coming on and off.

Rain or shine,  July 26 was celebrated because it is 'Bellmans dagen' in honor of Carl Michael Bellman (1740-1795) a much loved and admired Swedish poet, composer and songwriter. Already during his life time he was well known in Stockholm with numerous friends who admired him.

On July 26, 1829 a memorial bust was erected in his honor in Djurgarden which is the large park close to Stockholm.  His widow and the King was then present and since then, July 26 - when nature is at its best and the large oak trees offer shade against the sun...... when shining..... this day is still "Bellman's day".

July 2015 was so cold and rainy that the wreath of flowers will keep fresh for a long time.

                                                                
                                         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Michael_Bellman

The Other Centre Pompidou

2010 a 'branch' of the Centre Pompidou Paris opened in Metz.  They have changing  exhibition of modern art with works on loan from Paris.  Now after five years we at last made the trip. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit  'Leiris & Co.' http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/leiris-co-picasso-masson-mir-giacometti-lam-bacon  This show introduced us with nearly 350 works of art - somewhat overwhelming - to this French intellectual and his illustrious circle of friends.

In the spacious foyer of the museum was the installation by artist/composer Celeste Boursier-Mougenot called 'Clinamen'. In a round blue pool different sized porcelain bowls floated on the surface. Put in constant motion by a small jet they produced a visual and audible enjoyment to young and old visitors.

You may have seen his installation 'From here to ear' in the Peabody Essex in the Spring of 2014,

and his name, somewhat difficult, is worth to remember:  Celeste Boursier-Mougenot.

Morning Escape

The record high temperatures in France are hard to manage.  This country is not ready to meet the heat with massive air conditioners in stores and restaurants like in the US.  The last days we have become masters in the technique of cross ventilation.  Paris churches have become popular, cinema theaters are visited without regard to what film is showing and every park is filled with people looking for shade.

Today I escaped to Versailles and drove early at 7 am when the gates opened at the St. Anthony entrance. What bliss to enjoy the cool morning breeze walking under trees in a still deserted park.
I did not mind the group of runners passing, they disappeared quickly.  Walking slow and enjoying the smell of the Linden trees, after a while I met the runners again.  Are they firemen keeping fit or cadetts from the military school in St. Cyr nearby?  Next time I will dare to stop them and ask.

http://bienvenue.chateauversailles.fr/en/park/walks

Contemporary Art, Size XXL

Sir Anish Kapoor, superstar artist, was asked by the president of the Palace of Versailles to install six sculptures in the park.  Since yesterday (and until November 1, 2015) the public can enjoy the huge installations or be aghast and upset.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/rooksanahossenally/2015/06/10/interview-anish-kapoor-talks-about-his-new-controversial-show-at-the-chateau-de-versailles-france/

Kapoor achieved his desired result. The public viewing his work are mystified and close to the "C-Curve" mirror sculpture are disoriented when everything they see is suddenly inverted and upside down.  The classic harmony of straight lines in both architecture and garden design is suddenly put in question.

Four Contemporary Art Galleries gave their financial assistance to this Herculean task of installations and the supply of extra security guards.  At the "Descension" which is a huge whirlpool eight meters deep and six meters wide, the guards need to pay extra attention. The loud rumbling sound and the vibration of the ground have a visceral impact which heightens the visual 'drawn in' effect in a disorienting way.  

Earthly Paradise

Tuscany - already the sound of it evokes the smell of jasmin and roses, lavender and thyme. Escaping the heat and hectic of Florence the calm and fresh breeze is as enjoyable as it was for the Florentines escaping the city in the 14th century from the dangers of the plague.

The constructed landscape with rows of tall and slender cypresses, silver-grey rows of olive trees,

orderly patterns of fields and orchards we know from the background in the Renaissance paintings.

Numerous bird's twitter in the early morning and then a nightinggale's song at night helps to achieve complete relaxation and peace.  Every day here becomes a memorable day.

Surprises In Florenz

   Escaping the heat in Florenz we ducked in to Santa Felicita church, just to the left after crossing the Ponte Vecchio.  And there it was to the right,

Jacobo da Pontormo's Deposition as we remembered from previous visits.  The colors still clear and vibrant and the poses of the grief stricken intriguing intertwined human figures. A masterpiece in the manneristic style which Pontormo (1494-1556) became known for.  A "Deposition" without any wooden cross, ladders or landscape but just giving the message of grief of a cruel death.....

Further down in the church behind the altar there was some disturbing noise pulling us out of any sentimental thoughts.

The reality of cleaning off the dust and dirt, always close here in this over 600 years town filled with masterpieces..