By ELLEN LEWIS
I studied French diligently in school with big plans. I wanted to work at the United Nations and French is one of the 6 official UN languages. So when my merchandising career began (another story for another time) I questioned the viability of my education. You don’t hear that much French in New York’s garment district. But as my retail path veered into Intimate Apparel, I realized … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
After living in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for the past 5 years, last Spring I decided that I had to stop playing Spanish Charades and learn to speak the language. So, I hired a tutor with whom I not only studied in Cabo, but also continued to work with via SKYPE all summer while in the US. I really enjoy the discovery process as well as the … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
It’s been a very difficult year for me. The disappointment and disillusionment with my government has been a great weight to bare. To counterbalance my state of mind, I embarked on a research project which involved a lot of reading about presidential politics and the personalities that have led our country ever since the American Revolution. This past summer, on the heels of Ron Chernow’s book, Alexander … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
It has been awhile since I compared a museum worthy work of art to a piece of lingerie. But when I saw the Lise Charmel Spring 2018 Fleurs de Jungle Collection at Curve last August, it was an easy make. This lush jungle print evokes Henri Rousseau’s 1910 painting, The Dream. A masterpiece emblematic of much of Rousseau’s work, the chimerical imagery is a harbinger of surrealism. … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Well folks, I arrived in Cabo late Saturday night. No water, no gas, both cars wouldn’t start. Looks like my friend TIM (This is Mexico) used my house while I was away. But on the bright side: it’s 85° and the desert is resplendent, lush and green. My garden looks wonderful (except that the gardeners trimmed all the flowers off the bougainvillea. They think all gringos like … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
Crossing the Hudson River in New York several times a week to ferry my grandson back and forth, I have watched as the new Tappan Zee Bridge has risen from its concrete foundation to dwarf the original span now destined for demolition. The existing edifice was 62 years old and never meant to support the growth in commuter traffic that has evolved with time. The new twin … Read More
By ELLEN LEWIS
I had another post planned for today, but it will have to wait. I am at our family vacation retreat on Schroon Lake in upstate NY. The house is going up for sale after 60 years of memories. There is nothing quite like October in the Adirondack Mountains. Usually at this time of year, the trees are ablaze with color, but for some reason (climate change?) they … Read More