The state of our current affairs makes me worry about this little person. I pray she will understand, learn, respect, and appreciate others no matter their color, religion, culture, or gender. I hope she will grow up with trust in her leaders, in a world without pandemics, with confidence and a caring heart. I am a positive person. I remain hopeful that we can overcome this current situation as Americans and that we can be better. It is very difficult to know what to write about in this current climate. I would love to hear from you.
,
I ordered All the Colors of the Earth (Thanks Janie) from Amazon for Summer.
Vicki Archer, Beth Djalali, Sandra Sallin, and I were going to post the second installment in our going gray series yesterday, but in light of the current events we decided to wait until Monday. We will talk about how our makeup has or has not changed with the graying of our hair. The post we did on gray hair here was very well received, so we are taking it another step forward.
The landscape roses (apple blossom) in my front yard are going crazy right now.
I plopped a bunch on my coffee table and posted this on Instagram a couple of days ago.
I felt kind of funny posting my bar cart post on Monday but I went ahead. If I were suddenly to turn my blog into a pulpit for change, I just don’t think it would work. I am not a wordsmith, I am in the business of sharing beauty. One of my readers, Nan, posted the recipe for this cocktail and gave me permission to post it. Have you tried the”The Last Word” image via Saveur. Nan this sounds like a cocktail I can get behind!
One most memorable summer meal at the venerable McCrady’s Restaurant in Charleston, SC included an introduction to a Prohibition era cocktail, “The Last Word”. In lieu of wine- our server recommended it as the perfect pairing with the rosemary grilled lamb chops I ordered. Now it is my signature summer cocktail to serve. Perfect for savoring a summer sunset from the porch or patio while ensconced at home.
The Last Word:
1 part Gin
1 part Green Chartreuse Liqueur
1 part Luxardo Liqueur
1 part Lime Juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over crushed ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Garnish with either: a lime slice, maraschino cherry, or sprigs of fresh basil or rosemary leaves.
Note: Green Chartreuse Liqueur is made by French monks from 130+ Alpine herbs and Luxardo is an Italian maraschino cherry liqueur. These are quite pricy alcoholic liqueurs bought at liquor stores, but they are integral to the magical concoction!
Cin Cin!
Our son and daughter in law got this Ooni pizza oven (Katie from Preppy Empty Nester also recommended a similar one) for my husband for his birthday. It cooks pizzas in 90 seconds. We buy the frozen dough from TJ’s but you can also make your own. You will also need two of these paddles found on Amazon. If you are eating most of your meals at home these days (who isn’t?), and you love pizza. I highly recommend.
You can find the recipe for this pizza and more here Summer Poolside Entertaining
Do you read Camilla Styles? I loved this feature on photographer Riley Banks of Austin Texas. She is on a “mission to give women everywhere a gentle push towards knowing themselves, loving themselves, and being themselves”.
I want to share a direct message I received from a reader a couple of days ago. I didn’t post the black square on Instagram on Tuesday. Instead, I posted a picture of poet Langston Hughes by artist Winold Reiss a German-born American. I remember being inspired by the work of Langston Hughes growing up and found it interesting that the artist Reiss was also fascinated by Native Americans, also a big part of his work. At any rate, I awoke to a direct message from someone I did not know. I thought I would share it with you.
“I want to say thank you for not posting the black square or apologizing for being white. As a person of color, I will tell you that it diminishes the achievements of so many of us who did work hard to get where we are. To hear someone apologizing for any kind of privilege is condescending because there is an underlying theme of superiority of one over another. I would love to see everyone just think of themselves as American and human beings and the fight for George Floyd as one of justice not simply because he was black, but because he was a human being. Once again, thank you.” I have read this over and over….
I also received a text message from a retired teacher friend from high school. She too remembered the work of Langston Hughes. She sent me the two poems below. Here we are at our last reunion #???
Evil
Looks like what drives me crazy
Don’t have no effects on you-
But I’m gonna keep on at it
Till it drives you crazy, too.
Dreams
Hold Fast to Dreams
For if Dreams Die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That Cannot Fly
Hold Fast to Dreams
For When Dreams go
Life is a Barren Field
Frozen With Snow
Thank you Janie!!
Interesting perspective on the riots here on the Week
Do you follow garden photographer Clive Nichols on Instagram. His photos are stunning.
When I featured the Target dress here that was so popular, I had been searching for a casual t shirt dress that could be worn as a cover-up or as a cool throw on dress to go grocery shopping or for a quick trip wherever. I found this dress in the Sundance Catalogue and I think it would be a good alternative to the Target dress. It also has a friendly price point. Although not as reasonable as the Target dress. This one would be cute with sneakers as well.
Does anyone else love Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley? She is very close to my age and also a native of Indiana. She is such a refreshing break once a week from all this craziness.
Thank you for reading Thursday Miscellany, and most importantly this blog in general. I can’t tell you how important your comments and suggestions are. Your thoughts are what make this interesting for all of us, don’t be afraid to comment. This blog is about sharing beautiful interiors, encouraging women over 50 to be the best they can, beautiful gardens, entertaining and cooking. We all very sensitive to all that is going on in our country, but for now, I am going to continue to post on those things that brought you here in the first place.
I too love Langston Hughes. I taught English and got to enjoy his poetry. My favorite is “A Dream Deferred”. In trying to be racially humble and an ally to my black friends, I am reading White Fragility. I hope it teaches me a fresh perspective and opens conversations that will help us heal. Thanks for always having your hand on the pulse.
I love this truth your reader wrote so well: “To hear someone apologizing for any kind of privilege is condescending because there is an underlying theme of superiority of one over another. I would love to see everyone just think of themselves as American and human beings…”.
Your garden is beautiful. Please keep posting what you do. We still need beauty in this world. And thanks before the poems. They are thought provoking and perfect.
Hi Lorna
thank you so much for your kind thoughts. i appreciate them so much.
Thank you, Cindy, for your wise words and light touch. I appreciate that you included the message from your reader – it really resonates. The beauty you regularly post about is always appreciated. Thank you for all you share.
Hi Jeanine
I wish I had the answers. We need to listen and learn. I agree we need beauty in our lives as well.
Thank you, Cindy, for your Blog. The content, tone and subject matter are all just perfect.
Hi Sylvia
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and reading. I really appreciate it.
Cindy,
This was perfect. You said the right things without standing on the pulpit preaching to us. I am no wordsmith either and yet my heart aches for all the hurt that is going on in our country right now. Like you, I am an optimist and I believe Americans team together and can turn things around, get us on the right path.
Meanwhile, I think it’s nice to see the beauty of everyday life during these trying times and you provide that to your readers.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
I sure hope so Karen. We have seen a lot through the years. I didn’t think we would witness this at this time in our lives.
Cindy, your front yard is a dream! I am a white haired gardener in Virginia and I am so glad I found your blog. I am working on starting my own, so you are such inspiration to me. I think you handled the situation very well. I agree with the comments in your direct message. In a world where EVERYTHING is political, and there is little tolerance for differing viewpoints, we must find respite wherever we can. Take care!
Hey Fellow White Haired Gardener!
Well spoken words and good luck with your blog! Let me know if you have any questions. I have been blogging for awhile!
Cindy, are you from Indiana? I currently live in Indiana, raised our girls here, etc. I love Jane Pauley as well. Thank you for your blog. I really enjoy it!
Hi Cindy,
I appreciate the beauty I’m always guaranteed to find here on your blog! This has been an overwhelmingly emotional week, exhausting in so many ways. And I’m one of the privileged ones, I can’t imagine what it would be like to have lived my whole life under scrutiny and harassment, fearful because I’m judged and hated due only to the color of my skin.
I wasn’t sure what to do about my Instagram account either. I was planning a big sale to support my dream come true residency in France next year. But it felt wrong, so instead I’m selling some of my paintings with a portion of the proceeds going to charities and foundations I believe in and that support our community during all this awfulness. I’m not very eloquent but I feel art can help heal, and I want to do something!
Anyway, thank you for the thoughtful post today, and for the poetry and your followers comments, which helped me understand things differently.
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi
I replied to your comment over the weekend but was having internet issues at our lake house. First of all congratulations on your “dream come true” residency. Please send us the link to your art. I believe art and education can heal. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I am going to DM you on an upcoming event.
My heart breaks because of what has been happening for far too long in our country. But there are many people who can express the reactions to this tragedy, and issue calls for change, far more eloquently than I can. I appreciate your decision to continue to provide a beautiful post, filled with a bit of diversion. It gives me a little bit of joy in this otherwise dark time, and does not diminish the seriousness of our current state of affairs. Thank you for bringing a little light into our lives.
Yes, to it all. Well said Cindy. I loved this post. How creative of you to use the painting of Langston Hughes, and include his poetry. Says so much more than a black square to me. I also was blown away by those roses in your yard. Do they also smell wonderful? I found this post to be so interesting because you went into many interesting directions. Loved it all.
Hi Pal
On to makeup right? Still working on mine. Those roses have absolutely not a lick of smell but they make up for it in bloom! Thanks for the kind comment, that is what I thought. Those black squares will all disappear when everyone is tidying up their squares I am afraid.
OK, first I am laughing at myself as I read your post today, Cindy… my University of Kansas English/Communications Major and Public Relations career certainly shows in my remarks about “The Last Word”! The irony is I have Green Chartreuse and Luxardo in my pantry, but NO GIN! Still obeying our local Stay at Home COVID-19 order for those over 65, so who knows if I will be savoring this cocktail anytime soon.
As a woman born in the 1950’s and raised in Kansas, I now live in Tennessee and feel heart-broken these murders by the hands of those deemed to serve and protect ARE STILL HAPPENING! The protests are understandable and should be allowed to proceed peacefully. Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” posted a video this week that is compelling and recommended viewing. We must each do our part for humanity’s sake. Your followers are gracious souls; you needn’t worry about discussing this.
Your roses are stunning!
Hi Nan
Thank you so much for sharing that recipe and for the much needed humor. My husband’s brother lives in Knoxville and just loves it. We were hoping to visit this Spring but as we all know that did not happen.
xoxo
Really looking forward to your post about grey hair/skin/makeup next week! My Pandemic Project: Embracing the Grey- after the last chemical coloring in February and turning 67, I simply chopped off the fading layers every 2 weeks into a chic pixie cut myself and the transformation will be complete this month. I LOVE the grey! It brightens my now paler skin tone and green eyes, though I was a natural dark brunette. The only positive about 3 month isolation: going grey in private during the ugly growing out period when it looked like a calico cat plopped atop my head.
Just checked Beth Djalali’s blog- isn’t she gorgeous?! She also posted The Last Word recipe recently. GMTA!
I really enjoyed this post and all the comments. I come to your blog for fashion, entertaining, grey hair advise (I stopped dying 1 year ago and I’m now a white haired lady) and your beautiful gardens. I also follow political Instagram accounts. I don’t expect fashion, home decor and decorating from those accounts. Of course we are going through a very difficult time right now and racism is horrible. I think there are so many opinions, post the black square, don’t post it, now is not the time to be silent, speak up. Saying I don’t see color isn’t enough but there truly are people who don’t see color. I am married to a Japanese man and I’m white. My adult children do not have a prejudiced bone in their bodies. Although occasionally we have all heard racial slurs directed at us. We can all do our part but it does not have to be done publicly if that is not what we are comfortable with.
Hi Tricia
Thank you saying what I was trying to say only better. We have some very good friends that do very good things. They do not want to be patted on the back for what they do and they don’t want to be publicly acknowledged. They do many things to make this world a better place in their own way quietly. Some of us feel the need to protest while others do things on the sidelines. Neither is more important than the other.
Langston Hughes spent the first 13 years of his life living with his grandmother here in Lawrence, Kansas. For Summer:
Youth
by Langston Hughes
We have tomorrow
Bright before us
Like a flame.
Yesterday
A night-gone thing,
A sun-down name.
And dawn-today
Broad arch above the road we came.
I think the only wrong thing to say at this turning point in American history is to say nothing. Racism is an insidious, undeniable part of our country. I think that Trump’s visceral hatred (jealousy) of President Obama is what made him want to be President. He has unleashed the hatred for people of color in our country. He has given his followers the voice to commit violence for their vision of a white America. Trump
corrupts every thing he touches. It is time to fight back as if our future depends on it. Because it does. And don’t apologize for being a blog to celebrate beauty in all of its forms. I think the search for beauty is a very human trait that we all share.
Hi Patricia
Your bar area looks fabulous! I have been meaning to get back to you, but we babsat yesterday and didn’t get home until late. Now I can’t find your email…alzheimer’s moment…Thank you for always providing food for thought. Honestly I have the most interesting and interested readers. You all inspire me with every post!
Hi Cindy, Thank you for writing this, it has brought a ray of hope and love to me. I Write from New Zealand and I have close family in the States including 2 little grandchildren. We are so concerned about them and the atmosphere they are growing up in.
We are seeing terrible scenes daily on TV and we just want our family home and safe. The perception we have now of the USA is not a pleasant one. Your post helps to balance that and give me hope that there are still good people and good will prevail.
Peace and love to you all.
Hi Tricia
I can only imagine how distraught the news has made you with your family so far away. We are a nation divided right now and it is going to take real leadership to change that. Since this pandemic, some who have taken leadership roles are quite unexpected. That is why we all need to keep an open mind and hope for the future (and possibly term limits!!)
Hi Heidi
Please post the link to your art so that others can help support the causes you are supporting. I absolutely believe that art can heal as well. I am not very eloquent either Heidi I just post pretty pictures. Congratulations on your residency in France! I am going to email you about Elizabeth’s b-day!
Great post, Cindy. It’s really hard to know what to say right now so I just spoke from my heavy heart yesterday on my blog.
Your roses are SIMPLY AMAZING!!! How do they smell?
Have fun with Summer!
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann
I responded to this on my phone and it didn’t go through. They have absolutely no fragrance, but they make up for it in bloom! Loved your post…so thoughtful!
Dear Cindy,
Thank you for being so considerate of the views of your readers. Those of us who love beautiful things in this world share a deep respect for all of humanity as well. Let’s do our very best to wipe out brutality an hatred.
Connie
Hi Connie
You are on point. Perhaps because we find beauty in so many things, we have hope that times will get better.
BEAUTIFUL POST!
APPLE BLOSSOM is a CARPET ROSE…………TRUE or FALSE?
YOUR PIZZA LOOKS DELICIOUS and that T-shirt DRESS is YOU!
It’s been hard to FUNCTION over the past week!
HAS ANYONE THANKED THOSE GIRLS WHO VIDEO TAPED THE WHOLE THING with GEORGE?
I am reading ANDRE LEON TALLEY’s book he worked for VOQUE and WWD for years…………
He is Black and keeps saying you have to work A THOUSAND times harder than a WHITE MAN!
HIS STORY IS WORTH READING AND THE DISH ON ANNA W head honcho of VOQUE IS ALL TRUE!
REALLY REALLY SAD…………….
OKAY, I NEED TO REMIND YOU since you do not get my emails I HAVE A GARDEN POST UP YOU MAY ENJOY!!
XX
Hi Elizabeth
Ahhh a garden post sounds fabulous and I bet my readers would love it too. I have been so lax in reading anything other than the news lately. I need to get with it. Yes it is a “flower carpet rose ” I think they all fit in the category of landscape roses but who knows I can’t remember anything anymore!
Dear Cindy,
I appreciate your post for it’s transparent authenticity. And, I agree that another post on “going gray” this week feels a bit incongruent. I will be ready by next week.
The poetry and images of beauty feed our souls in deep ways. Thank you for drawing us out of our heads and into our hearts.
Sharing hope,
Diney on Camano Island
Hi Diney
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I think we all have to do what is comfortable for us and for me it is posting about the things you (hopefully) all enjoy. Wise words, sharing hope…
Ciao cara Ciny
Bellissimo articolo molto profondo e giusto. Ti prego continua a scrivere come fai questo non è essere superficiali siamo tutti colpiti da avvenimenti terribili
Ma proprio per questo dobbiamo alleggerire ogni tanto con un po’ di serenità e distrazione che non vuole dire di non essere consapevoli della gravità che ci circonda. É bello leggere di fiori dei tuoi pensieri e timori riguardo Summer e delle tue splendide colleghe. Siamo tutti umani e noi donne particolarmente abbiamo un immenso carico nei momenti duri. Abbiamo diritto ogni tanto di qualche momento futile. Grazie.
I am translating Dora’s comment so everyone can read. Please note I do not speak Italian but rely on google for the translation.
Hi dear Ciny
Beautiful article very deep and fair. Please continue to write how you do this is not being superficial we are all affected by terrible events
But precisely for this reason we must lighten every now and then with a little serenity and distraction that does not mean that we are not aware of the gravity that surrounds us. It’s nice to read about your thoughts and fears about Summer and your wonderful colleagues. We are all human and we women especially have an immense load in hard times. We are entitled every now and then to a few futile moments. Thanks.
Ciao Dora
Mi piacciono così tanto i tuoi commenti che mi fai sempre pensare alla mia saggia zia che è stata molto strumentale nella mia educazione. Non ha mai giudicato, ma ha sempre offerto un gentile supporto. Sono così felice che tu commenti qui che mi illumini sempre la giornata. Spero non ti dispiaccia che io (google) abbia tradotto il tuo commento.
Buongiorno Cindy
Grazie della tua gentile risposta, sono molto gratificato di avere tenuto in considerazione il mio sincero commento. Ti reputo una donna molto obbiettiva nei tuoi articoli ribadisco Continua così. Buona giornata.
Cindy, thank you for acknowledging Mr. Floyd. Yes, our lives go on but something in us should have changed, should be changing. Racism is an insidious thing, creeps in through old sayings and thinking, and we must be conscious of it. Is it uncomfortable? It should be! I have young daughters in their 20s and 30s and they teach me so much. My S-I-L us a brown-skinned man, a Muslim, and I had never encountered racism in my life until we stopped in a small restaurant in S.C. As a Canadian, I know we also have a lot of workto do here.
I will give the bloggers I follow a few more days to see if they will address this issue, if not, I will unfollow. Life is not always pretty. Stay safe, you and your family.
Hi Lea
I grew up in a teeny town in Indiana with absolutely no prejudice what so ever. What happened to Mr. Floyd, Mr. Aubrey and the professor that was bird watching just blows my mind. I know we all can do better. As Sharon says it all begins with education.
Lea,
Please re-consider unfollowing bloggers who do not address current events. I have heard others express the same sentiment and it makes me sad. I don’t think you can presume that those who don’t speak out don’t care. What’s happening now may be very overwhelming and the right words may not come easily. One lesson that resonates with me now more than ever is that of increased tolerance. We need to work harder to tolerate and accept people who look different than we do, express different opinions than we do and who respond differently than we do. My journey is ongoing. Peace.
Hi Catherine
Some people do things quietyly because that is their way. It doesn’t mean they aren’t doing good things. Thank you for reminding us of that.
Catherine, yes I have given it some thought because I’m finding more and more have taken the time to think to find the words yo write, time to think of where to donate, time to find links to post. I keep checking in to see the two that I’ve unfollowed to see if they address the issue, in whatever way they see fit. I will be giving people time, as I need it myself. My awareness of many situations would be much less if it weren’t for my daughters, which gives me great hope for the future. May it be peaceful. Thank you for your kind words. Stay well and stay safe. We are all in this together.
Hi Cindy,
I recently joined your blog and I love it! Thank you for providing me with such beauty and intelligent conversation at a time like this! Love your posts and it is such a joy to look at something life fulfilling.
I had a teachable week as a mother recently:my 26 year old daughter and her flatmate are down in Los Angeles and are now actively protesting during the week after a very fraught weekend last weekend, when the flatmate was hit by a canister during a protest that had turned violent and now has a huge bruise on her leg. Last weekend they lived in a area surrounded by chaos and sirens and helicopters and a mob of looters ,and they stayed put, even though I asked them both to get out and “come to my place”. Then this week family from out of town are coming to me (ofcourse my husband is out of town) and I had fears regarding Covid 19 and whether my daughter should join us (I have no choice with the family members) and she said she had to keep peacefully protesting, that this was more important and she would not visit for fear of geting everyone sick. Of course I am terrified and can’t sleep and I am totally unsure whether I am being a good parent. But also I am very proud of her, the writer, and her flatmate, the teacher,trying to make a difference agaisnt police violence and racism in our country. Frightning times. I wish everyone well and to keep safe.
Francesca
This post brought tears to my eyes. We are all just trying to do what is right the best way we know how. It isn’t about how we are doing it, how quiet or how loud we are. I am 65 years old and I have lived through a lot. Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you have a wonderful daughter and that she has an exceptional mother. Thank you so much for commenting.
Fondly, Cindy,
Your daughter and her friends sound wonderful Francesca. You must be so proud. Of course you worry but she is doing what she has to do. I’m 78 and still have my “pussy” tucque from the Women’s March. I would be concerned about family visiting during a pandemic. Sorry for butting in Cindy. I do love your blog. It’s good to remember and appreciate that we are still surrounded by beauty.
Hi Pierette
But in any time! We are all here to share our thoughts and learn from them!!
Thank you Pierrette and Cindy for your very kind responses. Makes me feel better! The family is bringing my husband back at last! But that’s an idea for another conversation, what to do when you and yours are not in agreement with politics,protests,police matters,media reports? I have been with mine for 32 years old and he is a keeper so that is not going to change 🙂
Best Wishes,
Thank you for including your reader’s comment….I can’t agree more with her thoughts about racial apologies etc. Our world would be so much better if we just treated all people the same and my suggestion is that we demand that schools be the same regarding excellence no matter where the neighborhood is. Education is the first step in providing opportunity for all.
Hi Friend
Sharon you are absolutely right it is all about Education, Education, Education. That is exactly where it begins and ends. Powerful words.
Thanks Cindy,
I appreciate the sensitive tone of this post. I can just feel how carefully you thought this thru. To say nothing is questionable, but how much to say? I have seen other blogger “friends” shredded because of what they did, or did not say. I have so much empathy for all during these trying times- I feel we are just trying to do the best we can to keep ourselves afloat. Compassion is critical.
Lots of love from Umbria, Robin
Hi Robin
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. You always bring so much to the table. I feel so fortunate to have readers like you that I can learn from.
I appreciated the insight from your IG reader. It resonates with me so much. The last few days it seems as though everything in my email box, whether it is from InStyle or Rachel Zoe is heavily weighted to feature more black people than white people, something they’ve never done before. It feels disingenuous to me. As far as what do you post? Exactly what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to post about makeup and going grey, beauty in the home or personal beauty and cocktail recipes. You are right on target Cindy! xoxo, Brenda
Thanks Pal
I so appreciate your support. My readers comment really resonated to me. Be true to yourself and express yourself in a way that you feel is genuine.
Lands End has t shirt dresses, too.
Thanks Mary I will check them out. I thought I checked before. Their t-shirts are really good quality.