Saturday 5 May 2012

A Not So Comprehensive List

My grandfather's generation were Quakers. I have inherited a lot of their values for which I am immensely grateful. One being not to draw attention to oneself, fortunately my darling great aunts were very sympathetic towards the little butterfly turning up in their family tree, so I think they will understand.

Panel from the Quaker Tapestry http://www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk 




I am married to a biophysicist/astronomer. He embodies the stereotype of the absent minded professor. Unfortunately he does not share my need for order and simplicity. This accounts for my meltdowns over the decluttering and packing. He would be hurt if I omitted to tell you he took a week off work to help in the process and did a excellent job. Also sitting under the stars with nothing but nature around you is very romantic.

This is not him


Thanks to my friend P. C., with whom I have shared many adventures, I know the location of almost all the public washrooms in Calgary. The book "Best Places to Pee"  will be out soon.

This could be me

I am a passionate follower of the Arts and Crafts movement and American Bungalow style, from William Morris to Frank Lloyd Wright. I am about to visit the Gamble House in California, a bucket list item for all fans.

John Henry Dearle wallpaper for William Morris

I  like to wear floral dresses at every opportunity.

I would wear this dress

I have two fabulous children, the young executive and the child magnet. One grandchild, an ant killer and garden hose "expert."  Embarrassing them is part of my job description.






14 comments:

  1. Hi Susan,
    Nice post! I just went by the Meyer May House last weekend in Grand Rapids; it's right down the street from my stepdaughter's new apartment. Sadly I didn't get to tour, but maybe, hopefully, soon. Hope you enjoy the Gamble House!

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    1. Another house for my bucket list. I'm enjoying your architecture posts too.

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  2. It's great to know more about you! I really love Quaker philosophy as much as I love embarrassing my kids. The book about bathrooms in Calgary probably wouldn't do me much good since I don't live in Canada, but I once got locked in a bathroom stall at the Library of Congress, which is one of my happy places in nearby DC. I thought that perhaps it was an intelligence test to see if you were smart enough to get a researchers card. If you couldn't get out of the stall, you weren't smart enough for the card. I finally figured out the lock and got my card. :o) But I now choose my stalls carefully!!

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  3. Interesting theory. Sometimes I can't figure out how to lock them. Then it is the foot up against the door method.

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  4. HAHA! SHould I ever visit Calgary & need to pee I;ll know who to contact...always useful to know! As for embarrassing your children...you're work here is done!! Congratulations xx

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    1. My poor children, they have put up with a lot from me.
      Let's say I was helping them become resilient.

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  5. The Gamble House is just amazing, you will love it. We would love to have one of the "sleeping porches" on the home--such a wise response to the hot summers but cool nights of Pasadena. I also love the game room on the top floor that is open on both sides to breezes, thus pulling hot air out of the home in summer. It's not only a beautiful monument to the arts & crafts style, but wisely designed as well. (Big Gamble House fan here)

    Your blog is lovely.

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    1. I am very excited to be visiting the Gamble House. The Arts and Crafts philosophy is all about livable homes isn't it? To own even a small AC house would be a dream come true.

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  6. Hi Susan, re: your Pasadena visit, the Huntington Library is a must, (the Desert Garden is world-class, even if you are not into desert plants it is astounding and like no where on earth) and also very close by is Descanso Gardens, to get a feel for what the area was like before Europeans arrived--oak forests. Walking through the area is also great, there are neighborhoods of Craftsman bungalows, mostly restored and gorgeous. check bungalowheaven.org for a good neighborhood to walk around...

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  7. Hi Susan, For half a second there I thought you were married to Albert Einstein! My husband is a great pack rat and so I too also have plenty of meltdowns over the mess! I LOVE floral fabric prints. Also love your closing line! Too funny!

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    1. The hairstyle is pretty much the same.

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  8. I chuckled over some of the images you included in your post.

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  9. I had to laugh about your "book". I think my sister and I could write one about this area :)
    Good luck with your move! Can't wait to hear more about your new place and the change in gardening zone. I bet that will be fun!

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    1. I'm desperate to have the process over and be wandering around my new domain, mug of tea in hand.

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