Harvey Travel Arts

I'm going through a bit of a creative dry spell, but that's okay. I have a few more of these storefront photos to show before I return to my usual topics. I hope you are enjoying the creativity of the marketing department at whatever store in London this was. I certainly look at recycled product large cats and think, "Hey, I want to shop in there!" Actually, what I ws really thinking was that it was a neat idea and I wish my artwork looked like that. Perhaps it will, someday. Rhino coming next.

London for Valentine's...2009 We didn't find anything quite this interesting this year, but I remembered these storefront photos from last year and decided to post them. It's hard to tell from the photos, but these store front displays were constructed out of recycled wood, plastic, metal, all kinds of things. Each display had an animal, manequins in various poses, and provided us with great entertainment. There isn't much to say about the art displayed here, so I'll let them stand on their own. Next post...A cheetah!

They just don't build them like this anymore. That's the first thought that ran through my head when I looked at this recent ceiling photo from Kensington Palace. Those ropelike things (don't you like my technical terminology) lead to chandeliers, one of which you can see in the bottom right corner. This ceiling is like one of many I've seen on our travels; so extravagant I cannot fathom the time, creativity and effort put into it. The amount of sketching and planning, starting and restarting; I just cannot imagine completing such a feat. I wouldn't know where to begin. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the clean lined simplicity that is found in modern architecture, but it sometimes looks as though beautiful creativity is waning in favor of cookie cutter neatness. I spend a lot of time looking at architecture, both in person and in magazines. There isn't much out there today that resembles the palaces of times long gone. Every now and then, I'll co

One of the exhibits at Kensington Palace in February was Debutantes. If you read Jane Austen, or the Bronte sisters, you'll know that a lot of time, money, more time, more money, etc., was spent on these elaborate Seasons of Coming Out into Society . March of 1958 was the last 'official' season in London, although the ghosts of similar traditions still linger in our culture. These dresses were part of the last, or one of the last seasons. I wonder how these women felt, knowing they were "it"? Did their younger sisters mourn the loss of their introduction to society? Were they relieved that they didn't have to live up to such standards? I'm sure it was a little bit of both. I learned that many of the families went into debt, vying to hold some sort of place in society. How sad is that? On one hand, it sounds kind of fun; dressing up, parties, dancing. On the other? You are being measured by your wealth, your ability to show, curtsey, and flirt.

I can't imagine what it would be like for the clothes I wore in life to be on display for all the world to see. Brian and I returned to London for yet another Valentine's tea (see last year's post around Valentine's Day 2009). We were pleased that after several visits, we were finally able to visit Kensington Palace. It had always been closed or otherwise off our itenerary for one reason or another. I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed. I enjoy touring castles, palaces and other historic sites, no matter what state of upkeep or disrepair. But I couldn't help but feel that the exhibit of Princess Diana's dresses was merely another extension of society's obsession with her. The very obsession that I believe contributed to her death. The dresses were beautiful, and there were other (unrelated) exhibits that I found interesting. But I would have liked to have seen more about the person behind the dresses. I would have liked to have learned more about he

This grainy photo wasn't taken with our best camera or lense. Despite this, I can still see the beauty in the mountains, the ripples in the lake, the snow on what I remember was a May or June (!) day years ago. This photo, no matter how unclear, causes a longing in my heart. It sits lost among the "pictures to be sorted," but I felt it needed to be highlighted today. I feel myself wanting to be riding through the mountains, pulling off to take in the amazing view. I find myself wanting to get on a small boat, weaving through the hidden corners of lakes and rivers, listening to the ripples of the water and the rustling of animals in the trees. I want a long, gentle hike through the woods, and to share with Brian a picnic of simple yet flavorful food and drink. I long for a quiet, peaceful moment in which to reflect on life, and listen to my Creator.