January 29, 2010
Archive for January, 2010
C'est Inspiré is simply that - what is inspiring. Where the words end, images continue to speak. Seeing all that is around us, we seek some aspect of something that is life enhancing... something that you would like to be reminded of - to revisit. Something to capture and bring into your world, not leave behind... . That is why I take a camera everywhere; have spent countless hours organizing images in scrapbooks and pouring over them later to revisit the place, the people, the memory.
So, C'est Inspiré may be a single photo - or it may be 50, it may mean one thing to me, another to you - the meaning isn't important. Did it inspire? Did it make you smile? Did it bring back a pleasant memory? One or all of the above will do.
During a brief period of his life, the legendary art historian Bernard Berenson kept diaries where he wrote about how to see - and what he saw. These diaries were published under the title The Passionate Sightseer and edited by Raymund Mortimer.
Anyone, anywhere, anytime can be a passionate sightseer - just look.
C'est Inspiré : The Passionate Sightseer
A Time to Give : THE NEED CONTINUES…
Our country, and the world, has stood to support Haiti.
Progress is slowly being made, but the needs are vast!
IN ADDITION TO UNICEF, THERE ARE MANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE…
A $25 “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt will go on sale February 12 at retailers across the country with proceeds benefitting the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of assistance.
“The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.”
“The total devastation of Haiti is unimaginable. I am always amazed by the strength, talent and compassion of our industry and now more than ever it is essential we come together and help make a difference,” said Ralph Lauren.
“The devastation in Haiti has touched us all deeply,” said Tory Burch. “Now more than ever is the time to ban together and help them get back on the road to recovery.”
“As we watch the story unfold in Haiti, it is our obligation to act,” said Andrew Rosen, President & CEO of Theory. “We must move quickly to raise the much needed money and support for the relief efforts that are beginning now, and that will be required in the months and years to come.”
VERIZON customers have donated in excess of $7.82 million to the Red Cross, by texting their donation on their Verizon wireless devices!
Here are SOME of the organizations you can support using your Verizon phone…
Text the word “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
Text the word “Haiti” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of the Clinton Foundation Haiti Relief Fund
Text the word “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10
On behalf of the Salvation Army
Text the word “Hope10” or “UNICEF” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of UNICEF
Text the word “Save” or “Safe” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of Save the Children Federation, Inc.
Text the word “Give” or “World” to 20222 to donate $10
On behalf of World Vision Inc.
January 27, 2010
Travel Scrapbook : Postcards from Max: #2 Rome
Other notes from Max… On Rome, and what you should know -
There are three St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, St. Peter in Chains, and St. Peter in Montorio. The last holds the jewel of all jewels, my favorite church in all of Rome. Called the Tempietto it was designed by Bramante at the beginning of the 16th century. The dome inside is so very simple, yet beautiful beyond belief.
One of my tricks of Rome is the self-timer on my camera. Place your camera on the floor of a church or the back of a pew and set the self timer, step back a few feet, and you will get a crystal clear picture of those amazing ceilings.
While you are on the Monte Verde try and get yourself a dinner reservation at Il Cortile di Aldo Salvi on Cia Alberto Mario, 26. The person who recommended it to me said it’s where ‘the serious Italians go to seriously eat.’ I have not gone wrong once eating there.
Don’t forget to read ‘Venus of the Empire,’ an amazing biography by Flora Fraser that charts the life of Pauline Bonaparte. Charlotte gave this to me for Christmas and it remained on my bookshelf for two whole months before I realized the eminent impact of said person on my learning here.
Charlotte also sent me the divine book ‘Built of Books: How Reading Defined the Life of Oscar Wilde.’ Reading this gave insight into seemingly every aspect of life– my pen rarely seems to lift from the page for lack of a line to quote in the future.
When in Rome…
E. Volpetti
Via Marmorata, 47, 00153 Roma – Tel (06) 57 13 77 59
Without doubt the most amazing deli, specialty food that store I, or anyone in my family, has ever been too. From white truffles to fresh ravioli, to ricotta stuffed zucchini flowerettes, to prociutto some say is the ‘best best best EVER.’ NOT to be missed!
Fabriano Boutique
Via del Babuino, 173, 00187 Roma – Tel. (06) 32 60 03 61
Known for its amazing art supplies since 1264, the company has expanded and grown now selling spectacular leather goods, goregous invitation blanks, and pens from all over the world.
Renato e Luisa
Via dei Barbieri, 25, 00186 Roma – Tel (06) 68 69 66 0
Hidden away in an alleyway right off the Largo Argentina in the center of town, this restaurant is classic, classic Italian fare. Little to no English, on the menu or spoken by the wait staff, always leads me to the best food–and this place is no exception. Try the swordfish and asparagus stuffed ravioli–if it is one of the day’s specials. I can attest that the filet with prune sauce is out of this world!
Felice a Testaccio
Via Mastro Giorgio, 27/29, Roma Tel. (06) 57 46 80 0
Known by Romans as perhaps the best restaurant in Rome, a reservation is required and the interior leaves a little to be desired (like most Italian restaurants), but once you have tasted the food all citicisms will fall to the wayside. Spaghetti with parmesan and black pepper is tossed at your table…considered the house specialty for a reason.
We look forward to more postcards from Max’s travel to Florence, Capri and beyond…. Coming soon! Thank you, Max!
Photography by Max Sinsteden.
Graphics and Layout by Matthew Kowles.
January 5, 2010
