tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25073323903547851092024-03-13T04:21:51.187-07:00The Traveling Chronicles of A Wanderer(Not all who wander are lost...)R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-14432827422094132792013-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:002013-01-02T17:22:58.302-08:00To New Beginnings & Cherished Friends...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-1286353006724246082012-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:002012-09-30T13:14:32.613-07:00Celebrating National Museum Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Celebrate National Museum Day today by visiting your local museum! For more info on free tickets, check out this link from <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/?onsite_source=homepage&onsite_medium=internallink&onsite_campaign=SmithMag&onsite_content=MuseumDay" target="_blank">Smithsonian magazine</a>.R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-59031231611760430622012-09-23T16:49:00.000-07:002012-09-30T13:13:58.780-07:00Travelling with your smartphoneWe have all been there... you pull out your phone to take a photo of the Mona Lisa, to find directions to Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam, to check yourself in at the Tower of London, or post on FB that the rain in Spain really does stay mainly on the plains.... only to realize that you are not sure how much it is going to cost you. Well worry no more, travelers! This Sunday's edition of <a href="http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/" target="_blank">The New York Times' Frugal Traveler</a> has an
informative article about traveling abroad with your smart phone for
everyone from the blissfully disconnected to the addicts. Check out: <a href="http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/how-to-avoid-a-smartphones-bite/" target="_blank">How to Avoid a Smartphone's Bite.</a> My best advice for AT&T or Verizon customers is to invest in the competitive international plans. It's the easiest and cheaper of the options.<br />
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R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-62803066378068259312012-08-26T17:04:00.000-07:002012-09-28T17:12:28.114-07:00Fresh From The Studio - A New Blog! I am excited to announce my new blog for <a href="http://www.leopoldinaphotos.com/" target="_blank">Leopoldina Photography</a> called "<a href="http://leopoldinaphotos.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Fresh From The Studio</a>." It will include the newest creations from my photography and printmaking studio, as well as snippets of songs, poems and people that inspire me. It is an opportunity for you to see the inner workings of my photography. Check it out and let me know what you think!<br />
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<br />R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-26602838154737270882012-06-16T19:35:00.000-07:002012-06-16T20:01:59.736-07:00A Summer Makeover!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Leopoldina Photography is kicking off the summer with a new brand and a new website! Please check it out at <a href="http://www.leopoldinaphoto.com/" target="_blank">leopoldinaphoto.com</a>! And sign up for our <a href="https://tinyletter.com/Leopoldina" target="_blank">newsletter</a> for more information on gallery shows and other great new changes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We are hoping to create a new photo blog and etsy store for Leopoldina Photography by the Fall of 2012. So please keep in touch!</span></div>
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<br />R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0Cambridge, MA, USA42.3736158 -71.109733542.3266938 -71.1886975 42.420537800000005 -71.0307695tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-17846381338591170342011-07-25T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:00:07.139-07:00Chihuly: Through The Looking Glass<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJlfDNS-aRM/TizUGAPqYtI/AAAAAAAAAkk/b5z-eKx_zDQ/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJlfDNS-aRM/TizUGAPqYtI/AAAAAAAAAkk/b5z-eKx_zDQ/s400/photo%25287%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633110433543643858" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I escaped the summer heat by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and taking a stroll through the (crowded) exhibit of <a href="http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/chihuly"><span style="font-style: italic;">Chihuly: Through The Looking Glass.</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>I missed the exhibit when it toured the De Young Museum of San Francisco, so was excited to get a look of the installations this summer (especially after the Howard Wright family of Seattle announced earlier this spring of a controversial 44,550-square-foot </span><span style="font-size:85%;">new Chihuly Museum to be opened next to the Space Needle).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/">Dale Chihuly</a> is an American glass artist that has been capturing the imagination of collectors around the world since his first works in the 1970s. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SseO4kg99qs/TizVLE-WKLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Jz7DxM7LoWo/s1600/photo%25288%2529.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 277px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SseO4kg99qs/TizVLE-WKLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Jz7DxM7LoWo/s400/photo%25288%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633111620224166066" border="0" /></a>Chihuly revolutionized the art of blown glass by creating his large scale sculptures and installations. The exhibit at the MFA is a collection of both new and archival works spanning the four decades of Chihuly's career. (Photo of <em>Chiostro di Sant'Apollonia Chandelier, 2011</em>) Walking into the exhibit halls was like walking into a world of wonderland. I could spend hours looking at the details of my two favorite pieces, the Venetian Ikebana Boat (2011) and the Persian Ceiling. </span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-86296338725117879892011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-22T08:07:31.585-07:00Some Like It Hot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/12/b70-6489"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 308px;" src="http://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/12/b70-6489" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I woke up at 6am ET this morning with the thermometer in my apartment reading at 92F degrees. Boston officials are predicting record breaking heat this afternoon and advising locals to find air-conditioned refuge. As a new transplant from the West Coast, I am thinking the 110F+ temps is a good excuse to grab a movie & ice cream at the<a href="http://www.somervilletheatreonline.com/somerville-theatre/"> Somerville Theater</a>, check out some of the local museums and go shopping for an AC Unit this weekend.<br /><br />A reporter at the Boston Herald, armed with an infrared gun recorded these temperatures for locations around the city earlier this week (<a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1353426">Check out the full article here</a>):<br /><br />128 degrees — On the metal plate of a construction site on State Street. </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">122 degrees — On the red-hot bricks at City Hall Plaza.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><div id="AdMiddle"> </div><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">101 degrees — Outside Fenway Park</span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#888888;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;">, near the sausage vendors.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">100 degrees — On the steps of the State House.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">91 degrees — In the spray at the Frog Pond.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">88 degrees —Underground at the Park Street MBTA station.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">87 degrees — On Boston Common, in the only shade in downtown.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">71.8 degrees — In the stacks at the Boston Public Library.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">68 degrees — On the Green Line, heading to Fenway.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">67.8 degrees — At AMC Loews Boston Common, sneaking a peek at the flick “Zookeeper.”</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">55.9 degrees — At Shaw’s in the Back Bay, chilling among the eggs and breakfast food.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">22 degrees — At Brookline Ice & Coal warehouse.</span><br /></p>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-27481417805795471002011-07-17T10:00:00.000-07:002011-07-21T13:04:07.001-07:00An Art Walk in Santa Fe, New Mexico<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGgSANN1nko/Tih2HndobhI/AAAAAAAAAjE/97ju-jpymFM/s1600/DSC_0122b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGgSANN1nko/Tih2HndobhI/AAAAAAAAAjE/97ju-jpymFM/s320/DSC_0122b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631881207251234322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">There are many reasons to visit Santa Fe with its museums and art galleries, amazing festivals, and fascinating history and landscape. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">It is easy to spend a day roaming the plaza and downtown area window shopping and taking in exhibits at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Institute of Americ</span><span style="font-size:85%;">an Indian Arts Muse</span><span style="font-size:85%;">um, Museum of New Mexico, and the New Mexico History Museum. I could spend an entire after</span><span style="font-size:85%;">noon just looking at the Native American art/wares on sale in front of the Palace of the Governors and speaking with the different tribes and artists about their artwork and culture.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">During my quick visit earlier this month, many of the local galleries and artist were prepping for the <a title="Santa Fe International Folk Art Market" href="http://www.folkartmarket.org/" target="_blank">Santa Fe International Folk Art Market</a> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"> (July 8-10) where one-hundred fifty artisans from 49 countries, chosen by a panel of U.S. folk art curators, gather at booths at <a title="Museum Hill" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=museum+hill+milner+plaza&hl=en&ll=35.667199,-105.925541&spn=0.077819,0.131321&sll=35.666641,-105.967941&sspn=0.074333,0.131321&z=13&iwloc=B" target="_blank">Museum Hill</a> to </span><span style="font-size:85%;">display and sell their creations. Although I was sad to be missing out on what <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-blog/carry-on/2011/7/7/global-folk-art-festival">Maria Mercado</a>, the art editor of Travel + Lei</span><span style="font-size:85%;">sure magazine, calls "the best reason to visit Santa Fe this summer" - I did pickup a few names of artists that intrigued me on my stay. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- <a href="http://www.shoppackards.com/Weavings/Contemporary/Helen-Begay-Burnham-weaving-Cruising-the-Rez-in-my-Ford-in-size-44-by-30">Helen Begay</a> (Contemporary Navajo Weaving)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TPLuU-WE4o/TiiCkLUefqI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Lo5S7exNwYs/s1600/begay.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TPLuU-WE4o/TiiCkLUefqI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Lo5S7exNwYs/s200/begay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631894892052381346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- <a href="http://www.fairchildjewelers.com/products.php?cat=8">Fairchild & Co.</a> (Fine Jewelry)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ7CzTo5Fw4/Tih8Al7okfI/AAAAAAAAAjM/XBbiTOHNkW8/s1600/IMG_3967.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ7CzTo5Fw4/Tih8Al7okfI/AAAAAAAAAjM/XBbiTOHNkW8/s200/IMG_3967.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631887683650884082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- <a href="http://www.wadlegalleries.com/artistpages/carolynlindsey.html">Carolyn Lindsey</a> (Painter)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fp7U86do4lw/TidOMNR0czI/AAAAAAAAAi0/KbrQdVxnpl4/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fp7U86do4lw/TidOMNR0czI/AAAAAAAAAi0/KbrQdVxnpl4/s200/IMG_4012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631555830679892786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- <a href="http://www.sticks.com/">Sticks</a> (Furniture)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjcV_DFFpSI/TidAvGyaSWI/AAAAAAAAAis/_6xeFIoBRLs/s1600/IMG_4010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjcV_DFFpSI/TidAvGyaSWI/AAAAAAAAAis/_6xeFIoBRLs/s200/IMG_4010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631541037070174562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- <a href="http://www.lyric-arts.com/kathleen.html">Kathleen Vanderbrook</a> (Fiber Art)<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr424ZTug64/TiiFANzJOdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/AIevnBi8LdA/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr424ZTug64/TiiFANzJOdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/AIevnBi8LdA/s200/photo%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631897572777474514" border="0" /></a>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-57639691851363322512011-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:05:19.668-07:00Joyeux Quatorze Juillet, San Francisco!<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Bonne Fête! In honor of Bastille Day, I thought I would celebrate two of my favorite things, French Culture and San Francisco, by posting my "Best of San Francisco/Bay Area" <span class="st">à</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > la mode <span class="st">à Paris</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mylittle.fr/mylittleparis/en/jour-de-fete-boat.html"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9slPnYAPhaU/TiZRHbKmplI/AAAAAAAAAic/V7bPlKhj_uU/s400/arton3448.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631277572066551378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Best </span><span class="st" style="font-size:85%;"><em>Café au lait</em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> and </span><span class="st" style="font-size:85%;"><em>Beignets:</em></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.cafefanny.com/">Cafe Fanny's</a> (1603 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley)<br /><br />Best <span class="st"><em>Pâtisserie</em></span>:<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.patisseriephilippe.com/">Patisserie Philippe</a> (655 Townsend Street, SF)<br /><br />Best Cozy French Brunch:<br /><a href="http://www.lanoterestaurant.com/">La Note</a> (2377 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*NOTE: You must try the lavender honey. It is divine!</span><br /><br />Best Ham & Cheese Croissant:<br /><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/pan-de-mie-san-francisco">Pan de Mie</a> (335 Kearny Street, SF)<br /><br />Best French Home Accessories & Decor:<br /><a href="http://frenchnesthome.com/">French Nest</a> (500 San Anselmo, San Anselmo)<br /><br />Best Michelin Star French Restaurant:<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.fleurdelyssf.com/">Fleur de Lys</a> (777 Sutter Street, SF)<br />*NOTE: Don't forget to leave room for the soufflé. Its perfection.<br /><br />My Favorite</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> French Restaurant:<br /><a href="http://www.chezpanisse.com/">Chez Panisse</a> (1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley)<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*NOTE: Ask for a tour of the kitchen to fully gain an </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">appreciation for the local food movement and Alice Waters' vision. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="z-index: 10500;" id="caption">Best "VIP" Bastille Day Celebration in SF:<br /><a href="http://www.frenchtuesdays.com/">French Tuesdays</a><br /><br />My Favorite French Travel Blog:<br /><a href="http://www.mylittle.fr/mylittleparis/en/">My Little Paris</a>: </span><span class="st">What's new and happening in Paris</span></span><span class="st"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/files/imagecache/exhibition_preview_large/elephant.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 301px;" src="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/files/imagecache/exhibition_preview_large/elephant.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Best French Art Exhibit of the Past Year:<a href="http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/legion/exhibitions/impressionist-paris-city-light">"Impressionist Paris: City of Lights"</a> @ The Legion of Honor - <span style="font-style: italic;">Visitors to the exhibition were transported to Impressionist Paris as represented in over 180 prints, drawings, photographs and paintings from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and several distinguished private collections. This exhibit explored various aspects of life in and around the city in which the masters of impressionist art came of age.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />(PHOTO CREDIT: <span style="z-index: 10500;" id="caption">Peter Dubreuil, <i>Eléphantaisie,</i> 1908)<br /><br /></span></span><span class="st"><em><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I am sure I can think of some more fun categories, but the list is making me hungry and a bit homesick for San Francisco. So I am off to celebrate by trying to find a ham & cheese croissant in Boston. </span></em></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Enjoy! And... <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vive la France! </span></span><br /><span class="st"><em></em></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-14816038786814769482011-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:14:48.983-07:00Kicking It Old School in NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.nymag.com/shopping/features/analogunderground110711_5_560.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 271px;" src="http://images.nymag.com/shopping/features/analogunderground110711_5_560.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The New York Magazine published a </span><span style="font-size:85%;">great article today for analog enthusiasts everywhere </span><span style="font-size:85%;">titled, <a href="http://nymag.com/shopping/features/analog-2011-7/">The Analog Underground</a> by Ashlea Halpern. <span style="font-style: italic;">(PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Peterman/Courtesy of the Brooklyn Art Library)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />From typewriter repairmen to book binding and film photography boutiques, the article provides a list of the who's who of the underground analog community in NYC. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">As I black-and-white 35mm film photographer, I am happy to see that I am not alone in my love for the arts of analog. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I already made a "must-see" list of shops and festivals to see on my next visit to the big apple including the <a href="http://www.cameraclubny.org/">Zine and Self-Published Photo Book Fair</a>, The Center for Alternative Photography, the Poets House (which is outfitted with vintage typewrites for children to write poetry), the sketchbook wall at the Brooklyn Art Library and a pop-up bookbinders gallery truck that roams the streets called <a href="http://www.show-and-tell.net/">Show and Tell.</a><br /><br />For those of you who like to rock it old school, but are still are a techie geek @ heart, here are three great gadget crossovers on the market:<br />- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/usbtypewriter">USB Typewriters:</a> Lovers of the look, feel, and quality of old fashioned manual typewriters can now use them as keyboards for any USB-capable computer, such as a PC, Mac, or even an iPad!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mix-Tape-1GB-Memory-Stick/dp/B000ZZI9HQ">Faux Mixtapes</a>: This fake mistape unfolds to reveal a handwritten track list and 1GB USB drive.<br />- <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/">Retro Ninetendo USB Game Controller</a>: Combines nostalgia for Super Mario Brothers while giving in to your addiction to Angry Birds.</span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-8506882384873270672011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:00:04.572-07:00Walking in "O'Keeffe Country"<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;" id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body">When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body"> to see it whether they want to o</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;" id="aptureStartContent"><span class="body">r not.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">" - Georgia O'Keeffe</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/uploads/5/7/4/1/5741005/2180000.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 192px;" src="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/uploads/5/7/4/1/5741005/2180000.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">On my recent travels in the northern New Mexico desert, I unexpectedly stumbled into what has become known as "O'Keeffe Country." Taking a pit stop in Albiquiu, New Mexico admist the beauty of Hwy 84 towards Santa Fe, my parents and I accidentally found ourselves at <a href="http://www.ghostranch.org/">Ghost Ranch</a>, where Georgia O'Keeffe discovered her inspiration, and later called her home, from 1929 to her death in 1986. (IMAGE CREDIT: Georgia O'Keeffe, <span style="font-style: italic;">Evening Star No.VI</span>, 1917)<br /><br />As I watched the smoke from the Arizona forest fires dance in the rising desert sun and reflect through the primitive landscapes of Kitchen Mesa and Chimney Rock, I can see how O'Keeffe fell in love with the surrounding imagery and found peace from the harried pace of modern life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnodMLkkl8s/TiX9En9ZQsI/AAAAAAAAAhM/WJz-WP4bbh0/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 211px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnodMLkkl8s/TiX9En9ZQsI/AAAAAAAAAhM/WJz-WP4bbh0/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's home and her "country," my parents and I later visited the <a href="http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/">O'Keeffe Museum</a> in Santa Fe. Although I was initially disappointed by the small amount of her paintings on display, </span><span style="font-size:85%;">on later reflection I realized the subtle and simplistic displays of the exhibitions are a testimony to the great artist. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I was fascinated by the biographical movie and current exhibit, "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/wg&feature=player_embedded">Shared Intelligence: American Painting and the Photograph</a>." The exhibit surveys the relationship of painting and photography in 20th-Century American Modern Art. (IMAGE CREDIT: Leopoldina Photography, <span style="font-style: italic;">Shadows of Ghost Valley</span>, 2011)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tfaoi.com/am/13am/13am120.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 281px;" src="http://www.tfaoi.com/am/13am/13am120.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">As a photographer myself, I was surprised to learn how O'Keeffe (and other contemporary American artists) was so closely connected and influenced by photography. I also didn't realize the significance her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz, and his movement to consider photography as its own fine art form, affected her art and world views. O'Keeffe was photographed and friends with many of my photog heroes including Todd Webb and Ansel Adams, and yet her struggle with her public image and how it affected the public perception of her art is still a subject of debate amongst art historians today.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">(<a href="http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/1aa/1aa175.htm">IMAGE CREDIT</a>: Todd Webb, </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>Photographing the Chama Valley, New Mexico, 1961)</i></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Overall, I walked away from "O'Keeffe Country" both inspired and curious to learn more about both the artist and the surrounding landscape. </span><br /></div></div>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-41938126228182676562011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:002011-08-01T04:12:26.417-07:00Three "Must-See" Summer Art Exhibits in NYC<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) "</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gagosian.com/publications/2011_pablo-picasso_picasso-and-marie-thrse-lamour-fou/">Picasso and Marie-Thérèse: L’amour fou,</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">" at the Gagosian Gallery</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quZnZr1UC-0/Tbyikqw3GrI/AAAAAAAACKI/FeVBeTsvQTA/s1600/2011_04_08_picasso.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 414px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quZnZr1UC-0/Tbyikqw3GrI/AAAAAAAACKI/FeVBeTsvQTA/s1600/2011_04_08_picasso.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">“Picasso and Marie-Thérèse: L’amour fou” brings together the paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints inspired by Picasso’s greatest muse, as well as photographs from Marie-</span><span style="font-size:85%;">Thérèse's family archives</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. On view at the Gagosian Gallery, 522 West 21st Street, New York, through July 15, 2011, the work in</span><span style="font-size:85%;">cluded in th</span><span style="font-size:85%;">is exhibit spans the years 1927 to 1940. More than any other woman, Marie-Thérèse, with her statuesque body and strong, pure profile, fueled Picasso’s imagination with a luminous dream of youth and she became the catalyst for some of his most exceptional work, from groundbreaking paintings to an inspired retu</span><span style="font-size:85%;">rn to sculpture in the 1930s, according her an almost mythic stature and immortality as an art historical subject.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> This exhibit is unusual for a private gallery and gives you the unique perspective of experiencing a love story through the eyes of one of the 20th century's greatest artists. For more information, check out the interesting article "<a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2011/05/picasso-mistress-201105"><span style="font-style: italic;">Picasso's Erotic Code</span></a>," by curator John Richardson in May's Vanity Fair.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) "</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/">Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">," at the Metropolitan Museum of A</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/main_image.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 423px; height: 248px;" src="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/main_image.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">rt</span><br />The <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Met</strong>'s<strong style="font-weight: normal;"> Alexander McQueen</strong> show "Savage Beauty," has already made it's way into the museum's record books, with Bloomberg reporting that it has attracted over 350K+ people since opening in May, outpacing the extremely popular 2005 exhibition of <strong style="font-weight: normal;">van Gogh</strong>'s drawings. Organized by The Costume Institute, it celebrates the late Alexander McQueen’s contributions to fashion—he challenged and expanded the understanding of fashion beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity. The sho</span><span style="font-size:85%;">w features approximately 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from McQueen’s 19-year career. On view through August 7, it is the must see exhibit of the summer, if not the year. <a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/2011/jun/29/alexander-mcqueen-savage-beauty/">Listen to curator Andrew Bolton discussing the exhibit here</a>.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">ADDENDUM: There is a great review of the exhibit on the blog "<a href="http://twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.com/2011/07/historical-fashion-alexander-mcqueen.html">Two Nerdy History Girls</a>."</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) "</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/picassoguitars/">Picasso Guitars: 1912-1914,</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">" at the MoMA</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0KHkdxBb4Q/TV3ZD1UF8UI/AAAAAAAADrg/pRavoxw1Rn8/s640/Picasso+Guitars+01.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 424px; height: 315px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0KHkdxBb4Q/TV3ZD1UF8UI/AAAAAAAADrg/pRavoxw1Rn8/s640/Picasso+Guitars+01.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Dear Braque, I am using our latest papery and powdery procedures. I am in the process of imagining a guitar and I am using a bit of dust against our horrible canvas..." - Letter from Picasso to Georges Braque (Oct 9, 1912). </span><br /><br />Taking a deep dive into a short two year period of </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Picasso's long career, the "Picasso Guitars: 1912-1914" exhibition at the MoMA gives you a detailed look into a period of intense experimentation in sculpture and multi-media cubism for the artist that revolutionized the art world and has later been defined by art historians as the development of "synthetic cubism." The exhibition takes you back in time and submerses you in Picasso's studio and processes at the time. A great overview of the exhibit can be found in the Feb 10th Newsweek article "<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/20/pablo-picasso-guitar-hero.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pablo Picasso: Guitar Hero,</span></a>" by Blake Gopnik.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EXTRA CREDIT: </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thehighline.org/">The High Line</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Section Two Opening<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viu_fLd1I98/TiY0_XrINII/AAAAAAAAAhc/oJQVj8RHgro/s400/IMG_3447.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viu_fLd1I98/TiY0_XrINII/AAAAAAAAAhc/oJQVj8RHgro/s400/IMG_3447.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district. The last train ran on the High Line since 1980 and was left untouched until 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the City of New York, were able to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park. The first section, from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street, opened June 9, 2009 to much success. If you haven't had the opportunity to voyage down to Chelsea to enjoy this park, I highly recommend it. The second section, from West 20th Street to West 30th Street, opened earlier this month doubling the length of the park. The High Line website lists the year-long events that include children's play groups, dance lessons and even film screenings, in this unique park in the sky. </span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-76043311839381420922011-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:01:44.551-07:00DIY Room Redecorating<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cEQLhGJgNU/TizKqln6DKI/AAAAAAAAAkc/wZ82_YtSTDQ/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 276px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cEQLhGJgNU/TizKqln6DKI/AAAAAAAAAkc/wZ82_YtSTDQ/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633100066936458402" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sqq"><span style="font-size:85%;">“<span class="sqq">Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is...</span>" - Charles Schultz</span></span><br /></div><span class="sqq"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I recently moved into a new apartment in the Boston area. I went from a large bright Northern Californian studio</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> in-law style apartment with a w</span><span style="font-size:85%;">alk in closet to a small New England bedroom in a three-bedroom apartment. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VZYNNwpa7g/Tiy8rnoERPI/AAAAAAAAAjs/iKiQ6X1AMvA/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VZYNNwpa7g/Tiy8rnoERPI/AAAAAAAAAjs/iKiQ6X1AMvA/s200/IMG_0507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633084691491079410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">So the challenge was how to maximum the storage space a</span><span style="font-size:85%;">nd make a small space into a co</span><span style="font-size:85%;">zy cave where I could study & relax. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Photo above: finished bedroom and </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">photo left of the "book nook" before repainting.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span><br /><br />One selling point was that the room alre</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ady had an accented wall in a deep emerald blue that I adore. Luckily, my roommate saved the paint she used so I was able to repaint the rest of the room a creamy white color and keep the accent</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ed wall. My existing furniture was a dark espresso brown collar, so I used the dark wood and wood floors as accents hoping for a more traditional new england summer beach house feel. After several days of repainting and a combination of my Ikea and Crate & Barrel Furniture, I think I was ab</span><span style="font-size:85%;">le to pull together a cozy look to the space.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAOXQH6XDCE/TizGqztVEPI/AAAAAAAAAkU/K4ZJJJococU/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAOXQH6XDCE/TizGqztVEPI/AAAAAAAAAkU/K4ZJJJococU/s200/IMG_1496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633095672670785778" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">(Photo right of newly repainted and curtained bedroom.)</span> I pulled on the blue and</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> cream colors in the curtains, quilt and other accessories in the room. I used an old wooden chest (that I still need to paint to matc</span><span style="font-size:85%;">h the creamy white wall colors) as storage for my shoes and turned it into a bench with a couple of fun outdoor recliner seat covers from <a href="http://www.marlolorenz.com/">Thro</a>.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">I hung a long shelf and hooks for my many purses & book bags to complete the look.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Finally, I converted the small nook next my closet into a study/book nook with a leaning bookshelf/desk from the Sloane collection at Crate & Barrel. It's still a work-in-progress, but I am happy with the current look and am inspired to make some custom art work to post on the remaining white walls. Stay-tuned!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cEQLhGJgNU/TizKqln6DKI/AAAAAAAAAkc/wZ82_YtSTDQ/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpCGpBmOpwc/TizD4lv3WrI/AAAAAAAAAkM/aMIIZZXc20Q/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 328px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpCGpBmOpwc/TizD4lv3WrI/AAAAAAAAAkM/aMIIZZXc20Q/s400/photo%25285%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633092610906610354" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-87734060828463025132010-11-27T23:43:00.000-08:002010-12-01T01:24:50.166-08:00Nature's Creations Gallery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX9tXld9hI/AAAAAAAAAfo/WZOSS8ONl_w/s1600/napa.stone.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX9tXld9hI/AAAAAAAAAfo/WZOSS8ONl_w/s320/napa.stone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545617472043742738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Just posting a shameless plug to check out my artwork for sale at the new Colorado gallery, Nature's Creations. Located just 15 minutes away from my favorite microbrewery, New Belgium Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, CO. The grand opening is next weekend!<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Please contact Sheryl Brunmeier for more info @ 970-484-1021</span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-72720838203445066702010-11-08T23:59:00.000-08:002010-12-01T01:28:06.520-08:00Bonne Fête au musee du Louvre!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYRBw_Tq6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/M83Tnm6ixfs/s1600/L1jpg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYRBw_Tq6I/AAAAAAAAAgI/M83Tnm6ixfs/s200/L1jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545638713181318050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">It is rumored that princes used to race camels through the corridors and the modern concept of a public museum was born within its wall during the French revolution. Awesome is defined as inspiring a</span><span style="font-size:85%;">we or admiration or wonder... and walking the vast corridors of the Louvre is truly awesome. In celebration of it being the 217th birthday of the world's first public museum, I thought I share f</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ive tips about visiting </span><span style="font-size:85%;">this overwhelming hub of culture and art.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1) </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Although most people enter via the famous glass pyramid, you can also buy tic</span><span style="font-size:85%;">kets through the Carousel du Louvre (access via rue de Rivoli) underneath the museum. While you are there, you can also stop at <a href="http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/en/">La Maison du Chocolat</a> for a taste of my favorite french chocolates, the bourbon truffles!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2) To protect the capital from Viking attacks, King Philippe Auguste </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYQ1kNw-PI/AAAAAAAAAgA/H4rlWGlImLA/s1600/L2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYQ1kNw-PI/AAAAAAAAAgA/H4rlWGlImLA/s200/L2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545638503593867506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(1180–1223) decided to reinforce Paris' defenses with a fortress in 1190, which came to be known as the Louvre. The history of the Louvre is as rich as its immense art collection... and one is easily reminded of this while standing in the crypt with the remnants of the 12th century foundation or stumbling acr</span><span style="font-size:85%;">oss the sculpted murals from the time of Napoleon I in the Carousel du Louvre. The <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/llv/activite/detail_fiche.jsp?nature=activite_nature_1&rechDateId=4&famille_fiche=famille_1_1&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=9852723696500938&bmLocale=en">1.5 hour guided tour</a> is highly recommended for a broad overview of the Louvre's history and a look at some of its most famous pieces of art.<br /></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br />3) The best advice I was given was to take a look at the map and choose three specific pieces to look at during your visit. However, choosing an exhibit or just 3 pieces from the collections is difficult on its own. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">It can be argued that the three most famous pieces at the Louvre are the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," the "Venus de Milo" and the "Mona Lisa." However, these pieces are also famous for being the three stops on the five minute and 56 second world record tour of the Louvre completed by american tou</span><span style="font-size:85%;">rist, Peter Stone. To see if you could beat the record, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z74tb51YI8">check out this famous clip from the Band of Outsiders</a>.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYRkAbARBI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/QScbCc3ekpg/s1600/l3.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYRkAbARBI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/QScbCc3ekpg/s200/l3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545639301439570962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">4) </span><span style="font-size:85%;">The Cafe Richelieu overlooks the outer courtyard and Pyramid of the Louvre. It is a great place to grab a cafe au lait and rest your feet while people watching amongst the somber statues guarding the Palaces rooftops.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">5) On Wednesday evenings, the Louvre is opened until 10pm. This is the perfect time to go to avoid the large crowds and spend time with some of your favorite pieces.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Happy Birthday, Louvre!<br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-44571529748040586762010-11-03T16:33:00.000-07:002010-12-01T01:25:53.139-08:00A Giant Win in San Francisco!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX61aGKRBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/isZhhGX4Hoc/s1600/giants.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX61aGKRBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/isZhhGX4Hoc/s320/giants.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545614311621805074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Quotes of the day:<br /><br />"I couldn't get down to Montgomery Street to get into the office, so i grabbed a Giants poster off the ground... and walked down the middle of the street. Every couple of feet i would raise the sign, and the crowd would cheer and scream. I felt like a rockstar in business casual." - Overheard conversation in my office kitchen this morning</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><br /><br />"Hey Giants fans, scoot to the middle of the train and cuddle... big mama has to get to work!"</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="UIStory_Message">- BART Commuter to other passengers this morning at 8:30am after 4 full trains passed her by.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-17278743948783379542010-11-01T23:12:00.000-07:002010-12-01T01:26:33.777-08:00A Halloween Masquerade... Wedding!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX5LdPfftI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/JrAyBjvVQmQ/s1600/w2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX5LdPfftI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/JrAyBjvVQmQ/s320/w2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545612491400117970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a couple fun picks of </span><span style="font-size:85%;">my cousin's wedding in Southern Cali. It was a beautiful affair</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> in a small town off the beaten track.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> If I didn't fly into a warm sunny morning in San Diego only a few hours before, I wouldn't have believed that the wedding was in California. The wedding was classy and tasteful, followed with a beautiful sunset and the donning of our masks for the masquerade reception. Overall, not a bad way to spend Halloween!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX45zin54I/AAAAAAAAAfI/6oqMmEw4xnI/s1600/w2.jpg"><br /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Congrats Eli & Megan! Thank you for sharing this lovely evening with us!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX4mnIPiAI/AAAAAAAAAfA/CzVtHzLiAz0/s1600/w1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPX4mnIPiAI/AAAAAAAAAfA/CzVtHzLiAz0/s320/w1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545611858398906370" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-43865754546647214702010-08-01T01:37:00.000-07:002010-12-01T01:47:09.557-08:00Home Sweet Home!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYYQyr0s3I/AAAAAAAAAgY/poHYrO5N3Xc/s1600/l4.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYYQyr0s3I/AAAAAAAAAgY/poHYrO5N3Xc/s200/l4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545646667915899762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYYYnNuWqI/AAAAAAAAAgg/BXde_TWtKiE/s1600/l5.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TPYYYnNuWqI/AAAAAAAAAgg/BXde_TWtKiE/s200/l5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545646802275818146" border="0" /></a><br />... I just returned from an amazing three week trip in Europe, including visits to Berlin, Munich, Paris, Austria, Heidelberg, Ramstein, Rodenbach ob du Tauer,<br /><br />and a road trip down Germany's romantic road touring castles along the way. I hope to update the blog soon with some of my favorite journal entries!<br /><br />Stay tuned!R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-25555626405342986712010-07-01T22:12:00.000-07:002012-06-16T18:58:26.574-07:00The Traveler's Sexiest Celebrity Men of 2010<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In respons<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">e to the ridiculous list of <a href="http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/celebrity/celebrity-galleries/2010/08/50-sexiest-men-2010-results">Glamour's Sexiest Men of 2010</a> ... (Really, let's be serious ladies. Why is Justin Bieber in the top ten? I thought you had to be a man, not a little boy, to be qualified! And Russel Brand? Are you joking???) ... I bring you my top ten list of the Travelers Sexiest Celebrity Men of 2010:</span><br /><br />10. James McAvoy - Funny. Intense. With a dash of the boy next door...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">9. Ignacio Figueras - Argentinean Polo Player<br /><a href="http://www.leiweb.it/moda/modelli/gallery/img/_Nacho_Figueras_polo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.leiweb.it/moda/modelli/gallery/img/_Nacho_Figueras_polo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 441px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 359px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Iker Casillas - One of the best reasons to watch the FIFA 2010 World Cup (Goalie for Spain)<br /><br /><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l40x04F5Fz1qan2oko1_500.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l40x04F5Fz1qan2oko1_500.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 234px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 354px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Taye Diggs - If you were to believe ABC, all doctors are this dreamy... or is it steamy? Either way, he is McAwesome!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/artist_biographies/images/Taye-Diggs-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/artist_biographies/images/Taye-Diggs-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 272px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 333px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Daniel Craig - My fav</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">orite Bond..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hipsterama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/james-bond-daniel-craig-in-tom-ford-tux-cropped.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.hipsterama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/james-bond-daniel-craig-in-tom-ford-tux-cropped.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 355px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 355px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">5. Alexander Skarsgard - Heartbreaking Scandinavian Vampire</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">4. The Edge (U2) - Aka David Evans, at the age of 49 he is still changing the sound of Rock & Roll.<br /><br /><a href="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/520607/The+Edge.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/520607/The+Edge.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 451px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 353px;" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">3. James Franco - A gentleman and a scholar. I wish I was a grad student this fall at Yale...</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thebosh.com/upload/2008/08/12/us_gq_september_2008_james_franco/James%20Franco%20GQ%20Magazine%20September%202008%20Interview%20%26%20Photos.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://thebosh.com/upload/2008/08/12/us_gq_september_2008_james_franco/James%20Franco%20GQ%20Magazine%20September%202008%20Interview%20%26%20Photos.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 390px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 390px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Johnny Depp - Because he can make anything look sexy!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Gerard Butler - My favorite Scottish Import. Enough Said.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID1486/images/gerard_butler_04%283%29.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID1486/images/gerard_butler_04%283%29.jpg" style="float: left; height: 384px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 313px;" /></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-63279375820612420632010-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:002010-06-21T13:46:46.816-07:00Pirates Festival of Northern California<span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/PIrateFest_TopNavBanner01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 64px;" src="http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/PIrateFest_TopNavBanner01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">When other little girls of my age were dreaming of being ballerinas and hollywood starlettes, my ambitions laid somewhere between being on the A-Team and workin</span><span style="font-size:85%;">g with Indiana Jones. However, I was 5 years old when I went on my first trip on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World and realized that what I really wanted to be when I grew-up was a swashbuckling pirate.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-99Iqej5I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/_W8epXO41s4/s1600/IMG_5081.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 184px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-99Iqej5I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/_W8epXO41s4/s200/IMG_5081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485311729155870610" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I can 't remember the day that I realized that Santa Claus was just a myth, but I do remember the day I had the crushi</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ng realization that the days of Jack Sparrow and sailing the seas on a tall-ship are over. I've held a special place in my heart for pirates eve</span><span style="font-size:85%;">r since. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">So when I was told of a mythical Pirate Festival held this weekend in the Vallejo Marina, you </span><span style="font-size:85%;">can imagine my excitement. </span> <span style="font-size:85%;">So with chil</span><span style="font-size:85%;">dlike enthusiasm, </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-9VRaqA4I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GWfmpSYavnY/s1600/IMG_5063.b.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-9VRaqA4I/AAAAAAAAAeI/GWfmpSYavnY/s200/IMG_5063.b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485311044310664066" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I took the BayLink Ferry from the San F</span><span style="font-size:85%;">rancisco Warf to Vallejo in searc</span><span style="font-size:85%;">h of Pirates and hidden treasures.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">The Pirate Fes</span><span style="font-size:85%;">tiva</span><span style="font-size:85%;">l was like walking onto the set of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, with most of the people in attendance </span><span style="font-size:85%;">in elaborate costumes. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Designed to be like Renaissance Festival, the Pirate Festival was set up by the marina with tents full of cost</span><span style="font-size:85%;">umes, cool crafts and gifts, games, and food. There were also multiple stages </span><span style="font-size:85%;">with enterta</span><span style="font-size:85%;">inment going on at the same time including sword fights, cannon fights, craft </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-7ahUEsMI/AAAAAAAAAeA/tfIGF8rTEmU/s1600/IMG_5074.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 186px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-7ahUEsMI/AAAAAAAAAeA/tfIGF8rTEmU/s200/IMG_5074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485308935454109890" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">demonstrations, bands, and even a pirate magician by the name of Jack Spareribs. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">However the biggest draw of the festival was the people watching with so many amazing dressed pirates, period dressed naval officers and Victorian ladies walking around. Even children, pets, and strollers came decked in Pirate gear! My favorite part of the day was the cannon show when a Pirate ship sailed</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> the harbor and </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-_8AgQT6I/AAAAAAAAAeY/4EYMbprSB2I/s1600/IMG_5070.b.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 184px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TB-_8AgQT6I/AAAAAAAAAeY/4EYMbprSB2I/s200/IMG_5070.b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485313908808896418" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">fought a battle with a village of Pirates on shore.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The <a href="http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/mainpage.htm">Northern California Pirate Festival</a> was created four years ago to celebrate pirate mythology: the world of sword fights, bawdy wenches and buried doubloons. The local newspapers are estimating over 40,000 people people will attend. And the count today was that 2,643 people came out in costume to try to set the Guinness record for the world's largest gathering of pirates. All in all, it was worth the hour long ferry ride from San Francisco and I highly recommend his free festival for pirates and pirate lovers of all ages! </span><br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-50595906223467103132010-06-18T13:46:00.000-07:002010-06-21T13:48:22.950-07:00North Beach Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northbeachchamber.com/img/news/north-beach-festival-final-for-web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 618px;" src="http://www.northbeachchamber.com/img/news/north-beach-festival-final-for-web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The North Beach Festival is this weekend and I am looking forward to celebrating one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco...R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-87790103661429803462010-06-08T14:18:00.000-07:002010-06-21T13:32:25.095-07:00A Tale of Two Artist<span style="font-size:100%;">Recently, I have discovered two local west coast based oil painters that I admire and thought I should share. The first artist is <a href="http://www.amandablakeart.com/home.html">Amanda Blake</a>. Recently my friend saw a c</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sebastianfoster.com/images/products/detail/AmandaDressPrintDETAIL.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 227px;" src="http://sebastianfoster.com/images/products/detail/AmandaDressPrintDETAIL.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">ouple of her pieces at a gallery in Texas and forwarded me a link to her oil paint</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ing, "Rebecca Wore a Dress of Wildflowers." (Image to the left.) I instantly loved the piece and ordered a print to frame and hang in my flat. Doing some research, I found t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">hat Amanda lives in Portland, OR. Inspired by religious and literary symbolism, art history, </span><span style="font-size:100%;">superstition and found photography she works to create narratives that are at once familiar and mysterious. I love how each peace tells a </span><span style="font-size:100%;">story. You can check out more of her work at her blog: <a href="http://amandablakeart.blogspot.com/">http://amandablakeart.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />The second artist, <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a77629/leon-roulette-posters.htm">Leon Roulette</a>, has many of his beautiful oil paintings scattered amongst the vineyards of Napa. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I fell in love with the painting, "Poppies in Sunshine," displayed at the Rutherford Hills Tasting Room</span> a couple of years ago (image below.) and have been admiring his work ever since. His oil paintings are so realistic at times, sometimes you wonder if you are looking a photograph. Although he doesn't have a persona website, it appears that he has been teaching art in the West Coast for many years and his romantic styles are perfect for the Napa Vineyard settings.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.printsplusposters.com/ic/R575.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 294px;" src="http://www.printsplusposters.com/ic/R575.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-83074700458645420042010-06-05T14:56:00.000-07:002010-06-08T16:59:33.793-07:00Best Ports in Napa Valley<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mag.ttoasia.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/port-wine-portugal.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 217px;" src="http://mag.ttoasia.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/port-wine-portugal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">On the hunt for the best port in Napa Valley, my cousin E and I have traveled to vineyards all over the valley. He loves them sweet and syrupy, I love them to be smooth and nutty... so we tend to disagree on what quantifies a good port. However, we have found some diamonds in the rough that we can both agree on. Here is our list of the top four finds:<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.vsattui.com/">V. Sattui</a> - All the sweet wine lovers in California know of V. Sattui. A great place to stop in the valley and grab lunch, this vineyard is known for its picnic grounds and sweet wines. (It is little known fact that it is one of only two vineyards that are allowed to host weddings in the valley.) Personally, I love their dry reislings for sunny picnics. However, my cousin E loves their sweet and syrupy Port as well. Not my favorite, but it's still worth the stop to see the vineyard, try the BBQ, and sit out at the picnic area and enjoy the scene! http://www.vsattui.com/</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TA65LS3XJMI/AAAAAAAAAd4/osW-Rd3UO7o/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TA65LS3XJMI/AAAAAAAAAd4/osW-Rd3UO7o/s200/IMG_5019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480521400250213570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">3. <a href="http://rutherfordhill.com/">Rutherford Hills</a> - Tucked aw</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ay in the hills above the Auberge du Soleil hotel and napa valley, this vineyard is famous for its wine cave and picnic area with views of Napa Valley. (You may recognize it from the 2009 Top Chef Finale.) However, its hidden secret is its 2005 Zinfandel Port. Coupled with chocolate covered blue berries, this port is smooth with a hint of cherry and blueberry jamminess. (is that a wo</span><span style="font-size:85%;">rd?) This port is perfect for stand alone, or my favorite, dashed over some vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with raisins. A t</span><span style="font-size:85%;">our of the Rutherford Hills wine caves & tasting is $20, and is one of the best wine tours of the valley. Ask for Jack... he's the most entertaining tour guide on staff. My suggestion is to pack a picnic lunch (or swing by Dean & DeLuca) and have lunch on the Rutherford picnic grounds. Its less crowded than V. Sattui and since its on the Silverado Trail, its less touristy and not as crowded as V. Sattui's grounds. http://rutherfordhill.com<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAWZnVg4XOI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/nF2YFitjkPg/s1600/IMG_4658.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 172px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAWZnVg4XOI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/nF2YFitjkPg/s200/IMG_4658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477953422835080418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2. <a href="http://www.heitzcellar.com/">Heitz Cellars</a> - One of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley, they have been selling wine for nearly 48 years. Located next to V. Sattui, I have driven past this unassuming vineyard dozens of times without knowing about this hidden gem. Reco</span><span style="font-size:85%;">mmended by some other port enthusiast, my cousin and I swung by to try the free tasting and was surprised by both ports that are available. The Ink Grade port is a shinning example of the best port has to offer. Smooth, rich, yet hints of ripe berries and sweet plum... this is a port that everyone will love. Even my cousin's fiance, who hates ports, thought this was tasty. The 2004 Grignolino Port was also delicious, with hints of orange and caramel. Its deep ruby hues reminds me of the antique ruby gem stones i covet at a local SF jeweler. This unassuming vineyard is highly recommended! http://www.heitzcellar.com/<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAWbFa8pWaI/AAAAAAAAAdg/fLufRWAovAU/s1600/IMG_4675.b.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAWbFa8pWaI/AAAAAAAAAdg/fLufRWAovAU/s200/IMG_4675.b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477955039201417634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.pragerport.com/">Prager Winery & Portworks</a> - To be short and sweet, this is a must stop for any port lover. The 2005 Aria White Port is magical and takes your taste buds on a Willy Wonka-esque adventure starting off nutty, then a fruity sweet flavor... and leaves you with a hint of burnt caramel. Mmmmmmmm... pure yumminess. The 2004 Royal Escort Port is nothing to be laughed at either. Coupled with the Prager's caramelized walnuts, it is nectar from the Gods and you think that you should always have liquid desserts before dinner. Tastings are $15 for 5 ports/wines and you can keep your glass. The gardens outside the tasting room are beautiful, however the tasting room (tucked away through a barrel cellar that leaves you smelling of oak and old vineyard) has aesthetics that needs polishing and reminds me a couple dive bars i've hoped to forget. In some ways this is a good thing as you know that the vineyard pours all it's love and energy into their wines. http://www.pragerport.com</span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-19737794053235633452010-06-03T17:14:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:34:12.698-07:00Advice for Rome...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.voneurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/rome.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 196px;" src="http://www.voneurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/rome.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">In honor of my kid brothers having a Roman holiday next week, I thought I would post some travel notes. My colleague, Ginger, gives this advice for travelers going to Rome:<br /><br />1) When you visit the Coliseum, buy the tickets to the Forum. There is a separate (very short) line for the Forum. The ticket gets you into both the Forum and Coliseum, and you don't have to wait on the 4 hour line for Coliseum tickets.<br /><br />2) Try the Pizza Dolche, if you can find it.<br /><br />3) If you visit The Pantheon, eat at the restaurant with the outside tables (apparently you need to try the gnocchi and sage)<br /><br />4) If you go to the Vatican, do the guided Vatican tour... its worth it. (And the non-vatican tours are bogus.) Keep in mind, if you look at every piece of art at the Vatican for one minute each, you'd be there for 7 years...<br /><br />5) "Don't be afraid to do all the regular touristy stuff because it is UNBELIEVABLE!!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >(PLEASE NOTE: Photo posted is from another <a href="http://www.voneurope.com/">blog</a>.)</span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2507332390354785109.post-8635539112513985742010-06-02T05:55:00.000-07:002010-06-03T17:14:23.315-07:00Giants vs. Rockies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://diamondback75.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/images/att_park_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 204px;" src="http://diamondback75.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/images/att_park_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Yesterday, thanks to an unnamed director at my Firm, i was able to get my hands on two luxury box tickets to the Giants vs. Rockies game at AT&T Park. The ballpark is one of the most beautiful ball parks I've been too, with the stands facing the bay, and views of Oakland and the Bay Bridge. </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAhCor5olJI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dG_YKAgmRpY/s1600/IMG_4996.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cUxhe1rDOZM/TAhCor5olJI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dG_YKAgmRpY/s200/IMG_4996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478702213442868370" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Luckily, I brought my Colorado Rockies gear back with me so that I can support my team and give the local fans a hard time. Although there were some nail biting moments, the Rockies stayed true against Barry Zito and show-off Torres, and won in the 11th Inning 2 -1. Of course, one of my friends in the box bought some Fat Tire so we could celebrate the Colorado's win! All in all, it was an extremely fun night with some good friends from the office. To quote my friend, I prefer to sit with the proliferate. However, an evening watching two of my favorite baseballs teams from the lap of luxury is not bad either.<br /></span>R. Leopoldina Torreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16366878838639805593noreply@blogger.com0