Monday, November 30, 2009

Murano Glass Chandelier

I talked about Venice in the previous post and I forgot to mention Murano, which is located off the shore of Venice. Murano is a well-known place for producing Murano glass, a famous product of Venice for centuries. It's home to a marvelous glass museum and several glass factories where you can watch these artists work in their own environment. Murano has its own Grand Canal, along with fascinating shops and sidewalk cafes. If Venice is too busy or overrun with tourists, go to Murano for the workshops and watch the fascinating process of making class in order to better appreciate the time, craftsmanship, and its artisanal creation. It's worth a ride to Murano island by water-taxi.
The art of making glass in Murano first made its appearance in the 8th century. The artistry and skill required to create each piece is undeniable, as is the long, elaborate and often arduous process of its making.
This chandelier was bought for our home when we were there. I love the lanterns of this light's design. It is very Asian and shows the details and hand painting. Another fun thing of this style chandelier is that you can add more lanterns into your chandelier, and we did 13 of them because 13 is our lucky number. Now, it is hung on the ceiling of our bedroom and reminds us of our sweet memory of our trip.
New F21 Sweater.
I styled it with my old Alaia skirt, Urban Outfitters body suit, Eddie Bruno necklace, Givenchy boots. Last week, the weather wasn't too cold-69 F during daytime, so I wanted to wear the sheer tights that added softness and sexiness to this outfit. Wish you all a wonderful day!!!
Thank you very much for visiting my blog and your sweet comments. I truly appreciate it as always. Kisses...Hanh ;-)

TRAIN STOP


Trains no longer stop in MacTier but it owes its existance to the railroads. Formerly known as Muskoka Station, the village once played a vital role as a switching station, due to its location halfway between Sudbury and Toronto. I like how their village mural extends low enough to the ground to include the bushes in the picture.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

HISTORY REPEATED


I was amused by the name of the boat at first and then found it ironic when I noticed the ice off its starboard bow.

CHURCH CONGREGATION


When I was photographing Christ Church at Gregory, I was attracted to their dock with its pattern of knots and colour of the weathered wood. Countless leaves were wedged between the rows of planks and resembled the congregation sitting in the pews.

END OF THE ROAD


Will this be the end of the road for this 1942 Dodge Tandem truck, or is it waiting to be discovered and lovingly restored by a collector? In the meantime it continues to rest and rust at the end of Butter & Egg Road, near Bardsville. I loved how the palette of colours from the truck matched the surrounding fall foliage.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

BOOKENDS


While exploring the area over different days I captured these two pictures and found them remarkably similar, and the reason behind their title. The top is Madill Church, near Huntsville, and the bottom the Seguin Township Museum, near Humphrey, both examples of the few remaining squared, white pine buildings with dovetailed corners.

THE WALL


One of the first attractions I found in my new home of Port Carling was what locals refer to as The Wall. From a distance the mural features the Sagamo, the flagship of the Muskoka steamships; a closer inspection reveals a mosaic composed of 9,028 individual historic photographs depicting 100 years of Muskoka history.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Breakfast at Home

Breakfast at Home
Hahaha....just playing dress-up and having some fun on a lazy afternoon at home with my hubby and kids.
Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Vera Wang necklace, Aldo ring, Alaia dress, Ysl pumps...Lol!!!


Breakfast at Tiffany's
I have seen this movie a million times. It's a classic movie, I love it so much!!!and you probably do, too. Audrey Hepburn is a beautiful, elegant, graceful and charming with her stunning face, an icon to many people. Her style is timeless and classic. Everyone knows that, so I don't need to say more.

The book "Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit" by author Sean Hepburn Ferrer who is also her son, is one of my favorite books. It features nearly three hundred photographs, documents and artwork by Audrey herself, many of which were previously unavailable. In this book, the author offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Hollywood's most celebrated actress. Sean tells us his mother's remarkable story, from her childhood in war-torn Holland to the height of her fame, to her autumn years far from the camera and the crush of the paparazzi. It's a rare look at Audrey not from the photographer's lens, but through the eyes of the son who adored her. I received this book from few years ago as a Christmas gift from my sweet husband. I hope this book gives you an idea for your Christmas shopping this year.

1939, Arnhem, Holland. Photograph by Manon van Suchtelen. Audrey Hepburn Estate Collection.Sean at home in 1960, only a few weeks old. Photograph by Mel Ferrer.
Ethiopia, 1988. Photograph by John Issac.

Wishing you all a wonderful, blessed weekend!!!!
Thank you very much for your kind comment!!!
Big hugs...Hanh;-)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

ROSSEAU REFLECTIONS


I moved to Muskoka shortly before the autumn colours peaked, and during my leisure time explored the backroads in pursuit of photo opportunities. I was rewarded one morning when I discovered this location and was captivated by the reflection of the trees and a neighbouring boathouse in the water, lending an impressionistic quality to the scene.

WELCOME

Welcome to the launch of my first blog, Muskoka Seasons. As a new resident to Muskoka I wanted to create a blog to allow everyone to share the beauty of this area and its seasons, featuring some of my photographs and experiences.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Venice, Italy: Magical City On Water

We visited Venice once, and we believe Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It attracts millions of travelers each year. The city is built on the water, just two or four feet above sea level. Unfortunetly, it is rotting away, sinking slowly into the sea. It truly makes you a believer in fairy tales. Cars are banned, so the only way to get around this 5th century city is by foot or by watertaxi. You'll be awed by the magical beauty. It is filled with extraordinary architectural masterpieces and art - The Peggy Guggenheim museum is amazing. Fine shopping and little stores are on every corner; some of the local specialties are carnival masks, Murano glass, and marble paper. Relax in the Piazza San Marco, feed hundreds of pigeons, visit the basilicas, drink a bellini at Harry's bar, wander the romantic alleyways and bridges, and ride on gondolas through canals: These are just some of the unbelievably fabulous things to do. It's really a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Gosh!!! Writing this post makes me want to visit Venice again, right away...It brought back so much sweet memories that's filling my heart.
Piazza San Marco, with Bell Tower and Basilica San Marco ahead.

Basilica San Marco from the corner.High water in Venice, when the tide rises.
In St Mark's square (Piazza San Marco) with high water, they have to build the platform walkway.
Magically, the high water is gone the next morning.
St Mark's square at night. Live music and seating outside of a cafeteria in St Mark's square at night.
Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute seen from Grand Canal.
Gondolas are an icon in Venice.
One of the narrow canals.Ponte Della Paglia bridge.
Bridge of Sighs at night.
Riatto bridge.
Bell Tower, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square seen from seaside.
Doge's Palace. Tourists.
Forever 21-Fun

Forever 21 sequin-faux fur jacket, tank, tutu skirt, new F21 leggings. Ysl pumps, Alaia clutch.
Wishing you all a HAPPY Thanksgiving day and a wonderful weekend with your family and friends!!!eat alot of pie, joyfully laugh and party hard with your loved ones!!
Kisses...Hanh ;-)