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?