Bougainvillea and cactus, ocean and desert, fishing skiffs and yachts, hummingbirds and whales, warm people and extraordinary privacy: On the southern tip of Baha California in Mexico, I have discovered a way of living that reflects the perfect balance of a very casual, but classy existence. We are building a home in Cabo San Lucas, a place where escape is possible but a large and friendly expatriate community thrives. I have always sought a lifestyle … Read More
As an art student, traveling through Italy, I was introduced to the genius of Michelangelo when I first saw the legendary statue of David at the Accademia in Florence. In those days it was possible to get close to the sculpture, close enough to touch the marble. The vision of this historic icon carved in a hard polished stone brought me to tears, because the artist had managed to render every anatomical detail of … Read More
When I was 16, I bought an art book, in Paris, considered very risqué at the time for its sensual renditions of the naked female body. For me, it was visual poetry in motion, a photographic tome of femininity, each black and white vignette a metaphor of nature. Small details were magnified to evoke an alternative perception of the actual subject. The curve of a hip became a barren landscape; the bend of an elbow, … Read More
I am fascinated by the ongoing obsession of popular culture with vampires. In my parent’s generation, the classic tale of quiet evil was elegantly personified by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Later, when my generation was tuning up, Anne Rice captivated our fantasy of perpetual youth and mysterious romance in her Vampire Chronicles. And today, no author better serves the quest for the fabulous forbidden other world than Stephenie Meyer’s handsome and captivating teen hero, … Read More
Studying abroad at the age of 19, I was on an excursion to the art capitals of the world when I saw my first piece of classical sculpture in Rome. Viewing the pure white marble miracles of Michelangelo, I was emotionally transfixed. How could anyone create such a detailed execution of the human body from such a mundane material? Later, in Paris, I witnessed the evolution of this art form from the perfection of … Read More
I am a product of the 60’s; on campus during the devastating drain of the Vietnam War and all the disillusionment that that decade wrought as it was catapulted from the harmony of the Beatles and the youthful promise of JFK to the depths of alienation and dissent. I understand this generation’s fear and frustration with current events. The impact is everywhere, more poignant for me, perhaps, as I witness the particular angst of my … Read More
I love to read. Many authors are harbored in my home library; but Stephen King was never a resident until several years ago when I saw The Shawshank Redemption on television and learned that he had written the book. I had always assumed that King’s prolific output was anchored completely in the horror genre and that his popularity, certainly well earned, was due to such tomes as The Shining or Carrie. But after I … Read More