Help Me Become #1...Please

So I see that today I'm #54 in the Blogrankings for ALL Lifestyle Blogs in the world! That's pretty darn good if I do say so myself. You can help me capture #1. Just think of it like a little friendly contest between moi and Joni of Cote de Texas. That 'charmer' is holding strong at #1 - Perhaps if you visit my blog every day and ask your friends to do the same and they ask their friends - and so on and so on and so on - I could topple her to #2 and steal her crown...It's no different than Larry King and Ashton Kutcher fighting it out on Twitter right? So if you want...pretty please - help me become #1 by visiting Liberty Post often. (shhh...3 times per day???) Let's see how it goes...I'll keep you posted. If I do become #1 it will be all due to you! (On a sidenote, did you hear they have re-opened the crown of the Statue of Liberty?) Big Hug. LPxo P.S. Joni, you know I love ya!

| Need Your Help

Yes, I have a little life dilemma. I would love your opinion, so here goes...here's the situation: I am away in the city (a few hours south of where I live) helping and supporting my cousin open her new floral boutique. I had made the decision to be with her for 10 days or so. I was going to go home next Tuesday. Today, I found out via s.o.s. phone call from my daughter that I had apparently promised my Mom that I would help her set up and run her garage sale this Saturday. I have absolutely no recollection of this date for the garage sale and it isn't written in my day planner (trust me everything is written in there) - I do remember a conversation on a few occasions about her (Mom) wanting to have a garage sale, but I honestly don't remember the date. My Mom is super disappointed and my cousin was counting on me to be with her for the next 5 days - lots to do to open a new shop - What should I do?

Who's Loving You?

Oh Canada, I love your true north, strong and free attitude. I love you as much as this performance. And that's a lot. LPxo

Oceana Whispers

That's the name of her new floral boutique; my cousin's new business in the big, big city. I've been here all week acting as marketing slash publicity slash designer slash worker slash peacekeeper slash psychiatrist slash best friend slash clown slash buyer slash personal assistant - you get the picture. How amazing to watch someone's dream coming to fruition. The walls, by the way, are painted a wonderful colour called 'Marilyn's Dress' (Benjamin Moore) with crisp white trim, black semi-gloss doors and a container of incredible furniture is on it's way for next week. Flower coolers are arriving, p.o.s. men fixing and prepping the credit card machine, plumbers, electricians - and friends popping in - nosy parkers. I am enjoying the 14 hour days. I know it's hard to believe but I am away from the internet (freak out) and did not even know that Bernie was sentenced to 150 years. What will the floral boutique look like when he gets out?

Lucky To Be Alive

Every morning you wake up, you are lucky. Your heart beats and your blood flows and the oxygen you breath fills your lungs; your brain sends messages to your eyelids to blink and leave a film of fresh tears over your eye's flesh. Your skin perspires, you think, you create, you sing, you speak and your fingers type; the legs move with ease and your toes help push you forward in the direction of your life's journey. You give life. You take life for granted. I do believe that. The magic of living is fleeting. You are lucky to be alive. It only takes a death for you to realize it.

Julie & Julia and The Soundtrack of Our Lives

Yesterday was a wonderful, wonderful day. I was up early and hit the sun-kissed county road to pick up my daughter and Miss Joyce Hannah. Joycie Girl had her 6 mos. check-up and needle. She is doing so well! She now weighs 17 lbs. I was sitting out in the waiting room and I heard the needle go in...and she let the rows of magazine flipping patients know too. After visiting Dr. Kiss (yes, that's her real name) we went to Value Village. My big find: An original 1961 edition of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking! I was so thrilled. I could tell by the way the pages waved and flopped that the book was some one's favorite and was well used. Some lucky family enjoyed these recipes often. The weather was hot and humid and we three gals did not even care. We left the air-conditioning 'off' and giggled as the moist wind twisted and twirled our hair as we drove from plaza to plaza. I must tell you. I was impressed. Joycie Girl is a true shopper. Later that night I received the new book by Julie Powel, Julie & Julia! So now I must cook and read and then go see the new movie. Isn't it amazing how a blog can become a book and then a film. (here is her new blog) We all have hope!

Sidebar: I completely disconnected from technology yesterday. No phone, no cell, no internet, no blog, no email. It was a day long sabbatical. I arrived home at 10pm with my teenage son and his friends announcing in loud unison 'Michael Jackson is dead. Farrah Fawcett is dead. Can you make us a snack?' I just stood there with a jaw-dropped look on my face. Michael gave me and you and the world 'The Soundtrack of Our Lives'. Superstar to Reclusive Billionaire. Adorable to Freakish. (I'm sorry that I must write that, but it's true) Dead at 50 - so young - with $400 million dollars in debt. I am sad. Food will help.

The New Butter Dish

Select a small slab of your favorite marble. Chill in the fridge. Add the slices of ice-cold fresh butter. Take to the table. Wait for the oohs and ahhhs. Voila! C'est chic et bon.

Masonry Vernacular Style

Sounds like a bad, bad sore leg condition doesn't it? In fact, these homes were built with the goal of leaving ornate Victorian style far, far behind. Three main types of masonry construction date to the early days of Miami-Dade County: hollow clay tile, concrete block, and oolitic limestone. Hollow clay tile, lighter than concrete block, was used up to the 1920s in large construction projects. Concrete blocks were easily manufactured from local materials. Rusticated concrete blocks, molded to resemble rough-cut stone, were popular prior to 1920 and are still seen in Little Havana. Oolitic limestone is the most typical masonry building material in South Florida and is unique. Quarried in south Miami-Dade County since the mid-nineteenth century, it consists of small rock particles and is used in rubble form. Coral-like keystone from the Florida Keys was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Masonry Vernacular style commercial buildings, generally two stories in height, feature simple rectilinear plans, parapets and arcades.

Characteristics:

1. Plan: regular, rectangular.
2. Foundation: continuous or slab (commercial), brick or concrete.
3. Height: two stories (apartments); one-two stories (commercial).
4. Primary exterior material: brick, common or running bond; stucco, rough texture.
5. Roof type: hip; flat with parapet (commercial).
6. Roof surfacing: composition shingles; built-up, commercial.
7. Ornamentation: simple; usually cast-concrete or ornamental brick such as corbelling.

Saltbox Houses

What is a saltbox house? A house with a 'catslide' (hee hee) roofline. (that's nasty) It is a Colonial style of architecture which originated in New England. This style is one you will see most often as the symbol or icon for primitive decorative items. Saltboxes are frame houses with two stories in front and one in back, having a pitched roof with unequal sides, being short and high in front and long and low in back. The front of the house is flat and the rear roof line is steeply sloped. The sturdy central chimney is a simple but effective focal point. The simplicity and strength of this design, first seen around 1650, continues to make saltbox houses popular today.

Bahamian or Conch Style

Found mostly in the Overtown area of Miami and in the Charles Avenue area of Coconut Grove, this vernacular architecture was typically the work of shipbuilders-turned-carpenters from the Bahamas and Key West. This is the style that reminds me of my hometown (sans palms silly!) These "conch" houses feature a one-and-one-half or two-story rectangular mass, with broad gabled or low, hipped roofs. They are usually of balloon frame construction, rather than the original cross-braced system of heavy timbers based on shipbuilding techniques. Buildings are raised off the ground on wood posts or masonry piers, allowing air circulation underneath the house. Exterior surfaces are of horizontal weatherboards and windows are double-hung sash type. The most prominent feature of these buildings is the balustraded front porch, sometimes wrapping around the sides on both stories. More Florida styles here. So fascinating! I learn more each day. (internet smitten) Click on the top photo. It's a wonderful painting by Peter Vey.

Mission Style

The simple Mission-style buildings were inspired by the early Spanish mission churches in California. Many can be found in Florida and Texas. Mission is the 'cleaner' Mediterranean Revival Style; less fuss. Exterior walls are usually covered with stucco, although oolitic limestone is also used. The most distinctive features of the style are tiled roofs and arches. Roofs are commonly low in pitch or flat, featuring curvilinear parapets or pent roof sections. The same parapet lines are often repeated over the front porch. Parapets may be topped with simple stucco molding, or with a single row of sloping Mission tiles. Cylindrical tiles, or scuppers, drain rainwater. Windows may be sash or casement type. Arches are typical on the facade and common on other openings. The front porch sometimes extends over the carport or garage entrance to one side of the main building mass. Applied decoration is kept to a minimum. It's a wonderful look with a Latin flavour. I personally love it!

Shockingly Sobbingly Shiveringly Perfectly

They just take my breath away. I am in awe of this photography. Mark Shaw was a genius and his subjects were pretty darn amazing too.

Gallery of Goods: Reveal Me Baby

Gallery of Goods? What's that? Well it's my world, my private room, my showcase, my gallery of all the things I think are 'good'. It's hard to define my blog. I don't really have a niche. (I don't do well in pigeon holes) I suppose Liberty Post is truly a 'Lifestyle Buffet' blog that covers many, many different subjects. I decided to do a post about my labels. I shocked myself! I find it very revealing. Take a look at your own labels. They may surprise you. I didn't realize that I had published 283 posts about design, 174 about politics, 103 about human rights and 212 about my beloved country, Canada. Rounding it off, 161 Photography, 100 Food Photography, Photofiction 5 and blogging 189 !!! They say you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookcase or pile of magazines. I believe you can tell a lot about a blogger by their label list. Here they all are. Just pick a label, click and read away. Enjoy!

ARTISTS (244)
AUSTRALIA (63)
BABY (28)
BAKING (15)
BEAUTY (38)
BEDROCK (1)
BILLION TREE CAMPAIGN (4)
BLOGEBRITY (102)
BLOGGING (189)
BOOKS (61)
BOYS (46)
BUSINESS (65)
CALIFORNIA (25)
CANADA (212)
CRAFTS (44)
CULINARY ART LESSONS (14)
DANCE (12)
DEATH BY CAKE (13)
DESIGN (283)
DIABETES (8)
Drive By Shooting (10)
ECO LIBERTY (67)
ECONOMY (52)
EGYPT (35)
ETSY (8)
FAMOUS CANADIANS (47)
FASHION (109)
FILM (96)
FLOWERS (8)
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY (100)
FOR SALE (5)
FRESH WATER (4)
GALLERY OF GOODS E-ZINE (6)
GARDEN (137)
GEORGIAN BAY (92)
GIFTS (13)
GIRLS (80)
GIVING (33)
GUESS WHO'S AD? (4)
HAMPING (5)
HEALTH (64)
HOLIDAYS (108)
HOME (43)
HOUR CULTURAL MOSAIC (5)
HUMAN RIGHTS (103)
ILLUSTRATION (4)
ILLUSTRIOUS INSPIRATION (35)
JEWELRY (32)
LEADERSHIP (4)
LIBERTY INTERVIEW (2)
LIBERTY PEOPLE (2)
LIBERTY POST INDUSTRIES (1)
LIBERTY SPEAK (21)
LIBERTY STOCKS (3)
LIBERTY ZOO (8)
LOVED ONES (170)
MAGAZINES (58)
ME (2)
MIXED MEDIA (12)
MUSIC (49)
MY LYRICS (1)
PAINTINGS (50)
PATTI FRIDAY (13)
PEACE (28)
PETS (52)
PHOTOFICTION (5)
PHOTOGRAPHY (161)
PODCAST (3)
POETRY (2)
POLITICS (174)
PORTRAIT WORK (14)
PRESS (2)
RUBBISH (23)
SABA (3)
SCENIC ROUTE (2)
SELF-PORTRAIT (23)
SNOW (25)
SPORT (22)
STRANGE BUT TRUE (123)
STUDIO (5)
STYLIST (1)
SUCCULENTS (11)
SUCKY OLMSTED (1)
SUNDAY SAUCE (8)
TAYLOR DARLING (1)
TELEVISION (30)
THE BEACH (40)
THE BEACH POST (1)
THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS (4)
THEATRE (5)
THIS IS MY LIFE (49)
TOP BLOG TOUR PHOTO (1)
TRAVEL (262)
TRENDSPOTTING (79)
WASH YOUR HANDS (15)
WEATHER (40)
WHAT IS IT? (14)
WRITING (42)
ZOOMER (2)

Mediterranean Revival Style

Mediterranean Revival Style architecture is an eclectic design style that was first introduced in the United States around the turn of the nineteenth century, and came into prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. The style evolved from "rekindled interest in Italian Renaissance palaces" and seaside villas dating from the sixteenth century, and can be found predominantly in California and Florida due to the popular association of these coastal regions with Mediterranean resorts. This style feels familiar and luxurious to me.

The Mediterranean Revival Style defined Miami during the Boom of the 1920s. The style reflects the architectural influences of the Mediterranean coast: Italian, Byzantine, Moorish themes from southern Spain, and French. Applied Spanish baroque decoration is generously used around openings, balconies, and cornices. Parapets, twisted columns, pediments, and other classical details also are frequently used. Arches are often featured. The most common materials are stucco walls, red tile roofs, wrought iron grilles and railings, wood brackets and balconies, and oolitic limestone, ceramic tile and terra cotta for ornament. Patios, courtyards, balconies, and loggias replace the front porch. Fenestration is usually the casement type. With its elaborate detailing, Mediterranean Revival architecture works best in large buildings.

This architecture, in my opinion, is steeped with the 'look' of old money, country clubs and class, yet, I find it comfortable, casual and accessible for everyone. In particular, I love the fact that the original developers of Coral Gables in Miami, Florida, designed an entire community with this style as star; a culturally rich, walking, hometown feeling - standards of designs regulated (I love this) - a town that is only 4 miles from the airport. Of course, I adore the name and the way it rolls off your tongue...'Coral Gables'. Darling.

Off My Chest

I have to write this. I need to get it off my chest. I'm 'blog restless', 'blog bored', 'blog low-esteemed'. I feel as though all of us are going around and around and around in circles; regurgitating all the same stories in different ways. I can't seem to find fresh, originality in my thoughts. We are repeating each other. Plagiarizing one another. Scratching backs, grumbling, applauding...but all the same, same, same. Is it me or do you feel it too? I am uninspired. I am definitely underpaid. Why am I doing this? Why am I 'wasting?' time blogging? Could I not be doing something else remarkably important in my life. Something significant. In the big scheme of life and the world, does all of this really matter or is it just a big blob of blah blah blah; ego-stroking yada yada yada - no breaking news - just cold and (moldy?) blog leftovers. And yes, thousands of new blogs start every single hour! How do we manage the onslaught of images and information. Overload, overflowing, overtired. I fear I'll just say 'that's it, that's all' it's over..shut 'er down..it was a good run. I worry that my blog's purpose for me is dwindling. The light is dimming. And no, I'm not doing this to get you all edgy and shifting in your chair..spilling your latte..and leaving me comments of 'please stay'. That's not the point of my little rant here. The point is: What are we all doing here? What the hell is the point?

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." -an ancient Chinese belief

Broccoli Slaw

My Mother makes the best coleslaw. It is delish! She also makes a killer coleslaw stirfry. Yummmeee. Here is another slaw I am dying to make! Via Canadian House & Home (blog) via Smitten Kitten (recipe). Oh yes...you have to see Magazine Editor, Suzanne Dimma's new Canadiana project!

Haunting Chanting Screaming

I have just listened to a few troubling things on the television. I keep my TV on in my studio. It keeps me company and it keeps me entertained and informed. (it also gives me post ideas):

1. Reportedly, the Iranian government is sending thugs to the hospitals, forcing the Doctor's to write fake death certificates and the injured are being kidnapped and taken away to be tortured/killed. The injured family members believe they actually died!

2. Neda's body was held by the Iranian government until her family agreed to have a 'family-only' private burial. I am not against the family's wishes; I am against the Iranian government taken away their 'choice'. Thousands of citizens wanted to attend, but now they do not have that opportunity.

3. When will the International Community really slam their foot down on this human rights issue?

The footage last night on CNN of the screaming in the night - reminded me of the movie The Ten Commandments - when the King said all first born boys would be killed. Haunting.

Humans only want 3 things: Peace, Freedom and Prosperity(even at the most basic level)

Image: alice in wonderland via AT

Mind Your (Blogging) Manners

This is a sample from the book from 1954:

Jewellery: A small amount of jewellery is in better taste than wearing too much and this holds good with either costume jewellery or real gems. Earrings:...never worn when participating in sports. Necklace:...A single strand of pearls may be worn when playing golf. Bracelets: Suitable for afternoon or evening wear but not on both arms at once... Rings: Rings may be worn at all times except on the beach or when taking part in active sports... Ankle Bracelet: A well-dressed person does not wear one. Wrist Watch: Correct when worn with any outfit at any time of day, with the exception of formal evening wear. Then a diamond wrist watch may be worn.

Give me your idea of 'Blogging Manners'. Now spill.

Hello Summer

I can see it in the sparkle of the babbling creek. I can feel it in the long-setting sun today. What a busy week ahead and hot weather is gracing our beach. My Son's Gr. 8 Graduation is Wednesday. He's wearing a royal purple tie! (to match his date's dress) Corsage to order. Friday evening up to the top of the mountain for a social gathering and then Saturday to the city to help my Cousin open her brand new Floral Studio/Shop. My Egypt Girl is on a Safari in Kenya...ahhh..let's see...what else....learning all about my new Nikon and ........

Neda

One sweet girl. Who cares about her political feelings. She was gunned down. What shall we do? What shall we do? Iran: What the hell are you doing to your people while we discuss wall colour and art exhibits and etsy shops and....various opinions and....???

Image source

Happy Father's Day Poop

I meant to say Pop, but it's early and my hand slipped and well...it's appropriate don't cha think? I Love You! xo

Sunday Sauce: New Orleans BBQ Sauce

• 1 (12-ounce) bottle dark brown ale/beer
  
• 4 cups ketchup
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
• 2 tablespoons spicy whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno peppers
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Saute onions and garlic. When soft add the rest. Bring to boil. Reduce. Bottle.

Statement from The President on Iran

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2009

Statement from the President on Iran

The Iranian government must understand that the world is watching. We mourn each and every innocent life that is lost. We call on the Iranian government to stop all violent and unjust actions against its own people. The universal rights to assembly and free speech must be respected, and the United States stands with all who seek to exercise those rights.

As I said in Cairo, suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. The Iranian people will ultimately judge the actions of their own government. If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion.

Martin Luther King once said – “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” I believe that. The international community believes that. And right now, we are bearing witness to the Iranian peoples’ belief in that truth, and we will continue to bear witness.

Jackie and JFK, Hyannis Port, 1959

USA 1959

Jackie and JFK

Portrait #4 by Mark Shaw.

Hyannis Port, 1959

In the late 1950's and early 1960's Mark Shaw worked extensively as the "unoffical" family photographer to Jackie and John F. Kennedy. The results of these stunning shoots graced the covers of innumerable magazines and were the subject of two lauded books. Captured here by Shaw in in 1959 is a portrait of Jackie and JFK taken in Hyannis Port. These images were created for a photo essay for LIFE magazine and led to Mark's close relationship with both JFK and Jackie.

Nine

“NINE” is a vibrant and provocative musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportion, while balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penélope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Fergie) and his mother (Sophia Loren). The film is directed by Rob Marshall (CHICAGO). The original 1982 Broadway production of “NINE,” with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, won five Tony Awards including Best Musical.