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The Green Room - an accompaniment to The Purple Room
The Green Room is a husband's answer to The Purple Room
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The Purple Room - annart's challenge of the mundane
A flash fiction story in answer to annart's writing challenge about a purple room.
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Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo represents the history and culture of the Tiwa people, who migrated to northern New Mexico, and have continued their traditions and culture here for centuries.
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Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a town of cultural pluralism that blends many cultures and traditions both old and new.
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San Geronimo Feast Day at Taos Pueblo
Learn about San Geronimo Feast Day, an important event at Taos Pueblo with centuries-old traditions.
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Santo Domingo Turquoise and Shell Jewelry
Jewelry from the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico, is a traditional style created centuries ago.
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Hopi Silver Jewelry - A Distinct Artistry
Hopi overlay silversmithing is a style of jewelry very different from other native American jewelry.
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Zuni Native American Silver Jewelry
Zuni Pueblo Native American jewelry has its own unique style different from that of the Navajos.
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Navajo Native American Jewelry
Navajo Native American handmade turquoise and silver jewelry is stunning to wear.
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Sugar Mountain ~ a poem
A writing challenge from Bill Holland and my response.
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Diana Gabaldon and Outlander
The back story behind, Outlander. the popular book series and Starz cable television show.
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Just Who are the Cornish? English, or not?
Some believe they are English and some believe they are only Cornish and/or British.
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Alban Arthuan: The Celtic Origin of Christmas
Many of our Christmas traditions began with the Celtic culture and traditions. Let's explore the rich tradition and lineage here.
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The Wolf - the grey and the shadow -- A Genna East poetry challenge
A poetry challenge begets my poem to my friend - the wolf.
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The Mirabal Sisters - celebrated world-wide every November 25
Four sisters defied the dictatorship of General Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic in the 50s. Three of them died for their dream of a free and democratic country.
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Halloween: Celtic Origins, Samhain, and Superstitions
Halloween is much more than just costumes and candy; the holiday has a rich and interesting history.
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What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss
Another Dr. Seuss book, overlooked while he was alive, is being published this week!
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"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Anthony Doerr, winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for his novel, All the Light We Cannot See www.theguardian.com Nice guys finish last, right? Not in this case. The literary community's reaction to Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize win is "How cool that...
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Ghosts of a Kind - poetry month contribution
Here is my contribution to April's Poetry Month. This is a castle I visited often when I lived in Germany as this was located about an hour by car from where I lived. It was built during the middle ages and sits in the Spessart woods of Germany. The...
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Anne of the Thousand Days
Anne Boleyn, once so passionately loved by Henry VIII, ended her life by losing her head
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Catherine of Aragon - always a Queen
The story of Catherine of Aragon, the true queen of Henry VIII, is a tragic one.
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Thomas Cromwell and PBS's Wolf Hall
Thomas Cromwell rose from inauspicious beginnings to become the close master adviser to Henry VIII and helped rid Henry of unwanted wives while at the same time heading the English reformation.
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An interview with suzettenaples - a Hubpages writing challenge
Well, this is a first for me; interviewing myself for a Hubpages challenge from availiavision. I hesitated at first to take on this challenge because I find it difficult to write about myself. I am from that generation that believes you are not...
- 54
The Simple Uses of Herbal Teas and Indian Spices, a book by Devika Primic
In this book is everything you have ever wanted to know about herbs, teas and spices by writer and author, Devika Primic aka. DDE
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6 Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions in America
There are certain Thanksgiving Day traditions that families hold dear throughout America. Here are six of my favorites, from cranberry sauce to football.
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A Thanksgiving Story - a fiction short story
Sometimes it takes a child to help us realize and understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
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"You can never return" - a fiction short story
Rachel Goldstein must get important documents out of Nazi Germany if anyone is to believe what is happening to the Jewish there in 1939.
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Oscar de la Renta - an award winning and renowned fashion designer
A true debonair gentleman, Oscar de la Renta, recently passed away, but he is leaving behind a legacy of beautiful, elegant and feminine designs of ready-to-wear fashion.
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Miles Across the Water - a fiction short story
Andie Miller is in for a surprise that rocks her world, and it leaves her feeling life has changed forever.
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Alfred the Great, Anglo-Saxon King
Alfred the Great was named so because he fought off the Danish invaders, saved the English language, and brought learning and study to his realm.
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How the Battle of Hastings Changed the English Language
The Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings (1066) rocked the Anglo-Saxon world and changed the culture and English language forever.
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Munich, Germany - the capital city of beautiful Bavaria
Beer gardens, Oktoberfest, Dirndls and Lederhosen are all part of the culture of Munich, Germany in the beautiful state of Bavaria.
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Berchtesgaden - a beautiful resort area in the German Bavarian Alps
Berchtesgaden, in the German Bavarian Alps, has over come its dark Nazi history to become the ultimate summer and winter getaway and resort in Germany.
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Patrick Modiano - Nobel Prize in Literature winner for 2014
It was a surprise to all, especially to the author, when the Royal Swedish Academy announced that Frenchman Patrick Moriano had won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2014.
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Quinoa - the superfood in the 21st century
Add the superfood of the 21st century, quinoa, to your diet and benefit from its nutritional value and health benefits.
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Maria Montessori and her Montessori Method of teaching
Maria Montessori and her Montessori Method of teaching is universal, timeless, and classic and just as relevant today in the 21st century as it was at the turn of the 20th century.
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Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes - not as nonsensical and innocent as you think
Some of our favorite Mother Goose nursery rhymes we learned as children were originally written as secret and subversive messages for their time.
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Russian Fairy Tales
Russian folk and fairy tales were collected by Russian writer Aleksandr Afanasyev in the 19th century, and he is known as the Brother Grimm of Russia.
- 35
The Isle of Man and the Manx Gaelic language
Check out the Isle of Man, one of the six modern Celtic nations, which has revived its Celt language, Manx Gaelic.
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French fairy tales
Some of our favorite fairy tales we listened to as children were originally written and/or collected by these three top French fairy tale writers who introduced us to the genre of fairy tales.
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Faerie Lore of the British Isles
Faerie lore has been part of the culture and customs of the British Isles for thousands of years. This article covers a wide range of info on them.
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The Bretons of Brittany, France
The Bretons are descendants of the Britons, who emigrated from southwestern Great Britain to the farthest western shores of Brittany, France, and brought the Brittonic Celtic languages with them.
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Doc Martin - a favorite British TV import
Doc Martin, series 6, begins for us here in the U.S. Catch PBS to watch this award-winning British show that is both hilarious and touching.
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Nadine Gordimer, 1991 Nobel Laureate in Literature, and anti-apartheid South African writer, recently has passed away.
Nadine Gordimer's body of work was in protest to the "color bar" and apartheid that tore apart her beloved South Africa.
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The ancient Belgae tribes
The origin of the Belgae tribes of northern Gaul were a mystery to Julius Caesar in 50's BC and they remain a mystery today.
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The Gauls - the Celtc tribes of Continental Europe
The Gauls were the strongest Celtic tribe living in continental Europe and they gave the Romans a tough time.
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The Samnites - the ancient Italic people of Italy
The Samnites, a fierce Italic people of south-cental Italy, fought with the Roman legions for the ultimate control of Italy.
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The Celts of Northern Ireland
The Ulaid of the Ulster region were the largest of the Celtic tribes in N. Ireland in pre-history times.
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Celtic Wales
Wales of Great Britain was also originally the home of the Celtic peoples.
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Queen Maeve of Irish literature - fact or myth?
The intoxicating Irish Queen Maeve , known for her sexual prowess - was she a true warrior Queen or Irish myth and lore?
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Celtic Ireland
The Irish Celts were a fierce people who called themselves Gaels and had the longest Celtic history in the British Isles.
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Book of Kells - Ireland's national treasure
One of the most extraordinary of illuminated manuscripts in Europe is the Book of Kells from Ireland.
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Ghillie Dhu - part of Scottish folklore and myth
When walking in the forest alone at night, beware of Ghillie Dhu, protector of the forest, from Scottish lore and myth.
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The Celtic Picts of Scotland
The Celtic Picts of Scotland were the original inhabitants of the area, as modern genetic research has confirmed.
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Just Who Were and Are the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish?
How are the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish inter-related through the Celts?
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Britons - the Celtic people of England
Britons, also known as Celts, where not the first to inhabit England, but they left their mark there during the Iron Age.
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Boudicca, the Celtic Warrior Queen
Hell hath no fury as a woman wronged. Celtic Queen Boudicca revolted against the Roman army in southwest England (60–61 AD) and soundly defeated them in three battles before facing defeat.
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"The Secret Scripture," a novel by Sebastian Barry, Ireland's finest living writer
Why has a one hundred year old woman spent more than half her life in an Irish mental hospital? Read about her story in this engaging novel by Irish novelist, Sebastian Barry.
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Celtic Spain
There is quite the Celtic culture alive today in the northwest corner of Spain, known as Galicia.
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"The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, Pulitzer Prize winner 2014
A thirteen year old boy and a Dutch masterpiece painting embark on a strange and unusual odyssey together in this fascinating Pulitzer Prize winning novel.
- 35
50th Anniversary of the 1964-65 New York World's Fair
Fifty years ago at this time, I was a visitor to the 1964/65 New York World's Fair. Read and see some of my fondest memories.
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Four Healthy Herbs and a Spice to add to your meals
Add these healthy herbs or spice to your meals and not only enhance the taste but boost your health as well.
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Celtic Woman - singing songs of Irish heritage
Enjoy St. Patrick's Day with the songs of Celtic Woman, beautiful Irish singers from Ireland, the Emerald Isles.
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Albrecht Durer, a master Northern Renaissance artist
The Italian Renaissance slowly moved north, first to Germany and then to the Netherlands, and German Albrecht Durer was its leader.
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Contemporary ballet
Contemporary ballet is different from classical ballet. www.google.com While I studied classical ballet as a child, and today, classical ballet is still my preference, there is a new form of ballet that began in the 20th century and is still going...
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Ballet, the beginnings of the dance
Ballet begins in Italy and then moves on to France and Russia, with each country incorporating its own technique and beauty to ballet dance.
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Grace O'Malley, a true Irish Pirate Queen
The story of pirate Queen Grace O'Malley is legendary in Ireland.
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Raphael, a Master Renaissance Painter
The third great painter of the High Renaissance period, Raphael, was as much a genius as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Learn about artist Raphael's paintings.
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Leonardo da Vinci, the ultimate Renaissance man
Leonardo da Vinci, from whom we coined the term "the Renaissance man", is because of all the various subjects of knowledge to which he lent his genius. He is best-known for his paintings.
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"Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio, an early Italian Renaissance writer
Ten young, early Renaissance Florentines quarantine themselves against the Bubonic plague in a villa outside the walls of Florence, and pass the time entertaining themselves with stories.
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"The Giver" by Lois Lowry
After 18 years, one of the best young adult novels, The Giver is now a film. Don't miss this engaging and remarkable novel and film.
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The Gray Wolf
The gray wolf - much more intelligent than man gives it credit.
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A Christmas Story - a fiction short story
Was it real or was it a dream?
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Christmas in Germany - a holiday treat
Travel to Germany at Christmas time and experience a magical German Christmas with all its lovely traditions.
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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, an Australian novelist
A young girl's relationship with words, books and stories helps to empower her to survive Nazi Germany during WWII.
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"Accidental Death of an Anarchist" by Dario Fo, Italian playwright and Nobel Laureate 1997
Dario Fo, Italian playwright, wrote plays that were banned in the U.S. in the 1980's. Yes, our country practiced censorship.
- 40
"The Signature of All Things" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert's (Eat, Pray, Love) latest novel of a 19th century woman and her career in botany is a fascinating read for today.
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English Children's Writer and Illustrator Beatrix Potter and "Peter Rabbit"
Beatrix Potter and her charming illustrations and tales of "little critters" have brought hours of joy to children since the early 20th century.
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Kate Greenaway - English children's book illustrator and writer
An English writer and illustrator, Kate Greenaway produced children's books that became runaway best-sellers in the late 19th century.
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Paris, the city of lights - a flash fiction short story
A love, forlorn, in the city of lights.
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Ian Flemming and Bond, James Bond 007
Ian Flemming's British intelligence secret spy, James Bond 007 is still on the job.
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Paul Gauguin: Brilliant French Painter of Several Art Movements
Paul Gauguin was a bold and genius French artist known for painting portraits and landscapes of Tahiti and French Polynesia.
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Mario Vargas Llosa - Nobel Laureate 2010
Peruvian-Spanish writer, Mario Vargas Llosa. www.google.com Another brilliant writer from the Latin American Boom of the 1960's and 70's is Peruvian-Spanish writer, Mario Vargas Llosa. He is originally from Peru but has been a citizen of Spain...
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"Mary Poppins" written by P.L. Travers
The delightful "Mary Poppins" books, eight in all, written by P. L. Travers have brought joy to children for many years.
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Doris Lessing - Nobel Laureate in Literature 2007
Doris Lessing, 2007 Nobel Laureate in Literature, recently passed away at the age of 94. She leaves behind a large volume of writings in her unusual writing voice.
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Gabriel Garcia Marquez - Colombia's Nobel Laureate
Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his masterpiece novel, "One Hundred Years of Solitude" combines the realistic with the fantastic to portray the people of Colombia and all of Latin America.
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Octavio Paz - Mexico's Nobel Laureate
Octavio Paz defines the Mexican people and their culture through his poetry and essays.
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Carlos Fuentes - Mexican Man of Letters
Carlos Fuentes - the Spanish - speaking worlds's greatest writer.
- 28
Ballet Dance - Which Direction? - a fiction short story
Will Anna and Max survive their ballet performance of "Swan Lake?"
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"The Nutcracker Suite" - another Christmas tradition
See a performance of "The Nutcracker Suite this Christmas season!
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The Balearic Islands of Spain
The Belearic Islands are a year round Spanish paradise.
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Chocolate and its varied history
As the holidays approach, chocolate becomes the center dessert of our celebrations. Here is the history of chocolate and how it became our favorite.
- 40
Mariachi band, music, song and dance - Mexico's exquisite culture
Once upon a time, I was an eighteen year old high school graduate and recipient of a scholarship to study Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico for the summer between high school and college. I had the experience of my dreams living with a Mexican family...
- 42
The Florida Keys * laid-back and mellow
Come as you are to the Florida Keys!
- 16
The Letter Part II - a fiction short story
And the changes continue in Michael and Matthew's lives.
- 18
Mail-Order-Bride Part III - a fiction short story
What will happen between Emma and Sam? What about Sam's son Mark?
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Mail-Order-Bride Part II - a fiction short story
Emma and Sam's story continues.
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Mail-Order-Bride - a fiction short story
Emma begins a new life as a Mail-Order-Bride after an uproar in her hometown.
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The Letter - a fiction short story
A letter changes the course of a man's life.
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Love Unrealized - a fiction short story
Sometimes love is unrealized between two people.
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Alice Munro - a Canadian writer and 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature winner
Alice Munro, 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature winner. www.google.com The Nobel Prize committee has chosen Canadian Anne Munro as winner of its ultimate prize of literature because they have found her to be the "master of the contemporary short story"...
- 20
Sandro Botticelli and his Bonfire of the Vanities
The paintings of Sandro Botticelli from the Early Renaissance period show a gracefulness, a beauty and a rediscovery of classical antiquity.
- 45
Coco Chanel - a style icon for the ages
Coco Chanel, the creator of "the little black dress," with a string of pearls, designed classic fashion that has never gone out of style.
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Anne Sullivan - the intrepid teacher of Helen Keller
The life of Anne Sullivan, the incredible teacher of Helen Keller.
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The Labyrinth - an intricate path to peace
Find inner peace by walking a labyrinth.
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Seamus Heaney - Ireland's poet who made good
A tribute to Irish poet, Seamus Heaney on his recent death.
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Margot Frank - the forgotten sister of Anne Frank
Margot Betti Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany to Jewish parents, Otto and Edith Frank in 1926. She was the eldest daughter of this couple and the elder sister to Anne Frank, famous for her diary describing a life in hiding from the Gestapo...
- 14
'The Infatuations' by Spanish novelist Javier Marias
Spanish author, Javier Marias and his bestselling novel, 'The Infatuations.' www.google.com Another very intense, complex, witty, urbane and perceptive writer is Spanish novelist, Javier Marias, a contemporary writer and author of many novels. His...
- 14
Junot Diaz - Dominican-American writer and Pulitzer Prize Winner 2007
One of America's contemporary short story writer and novelist is Junot Diaz, a Dominican-American writer and Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2007) winner. I first discovered this unusual writer when I read his short story (since turned into a novel)...
- 14
Ohio Wines - The Winery at Wolf Creek
suzettenaples One of the most beautiful places to have a picnic or a gathering for a party is at The Winery at Wolf Creek located in Norton, OH, southwest of Akron. This is a bit of Europe in northeast Ohio. I first discovered this winery when I was...
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The Gardenia - a Florida flower beauty and my favorite
Gardenia jasminoides www.google.com One of the flowers that has been adopted to and assimilated well in Florida, is the gardenia. The sub-tropical and humid weather in Florida affords perfect growing conditions to the sweet-smelling gardenia flower,...
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Boris Pasternak and his novel, 'Doctor Zhivago'
Boris Pasternak is the author of one of my favorite novels, Dr. Zhivago, which was made into a beautiful film in 1965. The hauntingly beautiful music, Lara's Theme, still resonates with me today. This novel is the epic story of a man's life and the...
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Haiku / Monoku - what's a poet to do?
A modern monoku. www.delainamiller.com Many of us here on Hub Pages write haiku - a Japanese haiku poetic form in English. Haiku can be written just on its own or can be accompanied by a photo or image. Many times then it is called a haiga. But, the...
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Maya Angelou - her life and poetry
Maya Angelou is probably our greatest living American poet and writer today. Her words resonate on the pulse of a nation and represent not just women's poetry, not just African-American poetry, but a people's poetry. Her poems resonate with us...
- 35
The Virgin Islands - pristine beaches and crystal clear waters
www.google.com Another set of beautiful islands to vacation or honeymoon on just a couple of hours by air from Miami, Florida are the Virgin Islands. Named so by Christopher Columbus when he founded them on one of his later voyages (1495), the...
- 44
A Day at the Beach - a fiction short story
suzettenaples She heard the echo of the waves lapping onto the shore in her ears and the squalk of sea gulls in the hazy blue sky. She smelled the salt air, the sand and the water. It all imbued her senses. She felt the sand squishing between her...
- 38
Lily - a fiction short story
She stood among the Queen Anne's lace covering the field looking like the flower herself. She anxiously waited in the warm breeze for Michael. What was taking so long? He had promised to meet her here. She looked across the meadow and heard the...
- 20
Jim Jarmusch - an award-winning Indie filmaker
One of my high school classmates, Jim Jarmusch has made his mark as a unique, eccentric indie filmaker.
- 28
Rita Dove - A Pulitzer Prize winning Akron poet
Rita Dove, originally from Akron, Ohio, has made her voice heard through her award winning poetry.
- 17
Lovely Lady by the Lake - a fiction short story
A mysterious, lovely woman arrives on the campus of Kenyon College, a small Ohio liberal arts college.
- 22
A Finished Portrait - a fiction short story
She sat perfectly still as he quickly brushed and stroked the canvas painting her portrait. She had worked as a model for this painter several times now. He seemed to be constantly starting over in painting her but she couldn't criticize. What did...
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Harper Lee and "To Kill a Mockingbird" - her one and only novel?
One of our greatest American novels.
- 14
Frances Scott "Scottie" Fitzgerald (1921–1986)
F. Scott Fitzgerald had only one daughter, "Scottie." Born to the most famous and celebrated couple of the 20th century, during the Jazz Age, an era that her father named himself, Frances Scott Fitzgerald was born in 1921 in St. Paul.
- 19
A Long Journey - a fiction short story
She looked out the window of the train box car at the passing wheat fields and farms along the Nebraska prairie. She blew her bangs out of her eyes in the hot and stuffy box car as the scenery flashed by her. The ocean, when she got there would be...
- 12
So Alone - a fiction short story
How had it come to this? He sat alone on the dark steps of the bar on the S. Philadelphia street corner, his head ragging from the alcohol and drugs - the H. He looked out onto the street in his alcohol and drugged haze. He saw a lone male walking...
- 20
Midnight Tango - a fiction short story
www.google.com Angelina impatiently tapped her long fingernails on the old wooden bar. "How much longer must I wait?" she asked, her dark brown eyes flashing. "Hey, you want the job or not?" asked the bartender shrugging. He was old and wizened...
- 12
Lovers - a fiction short story
She danced the samba, the rumba and the salsa on the dark, rundown, Havana nightclub stage. He waited tables and served the drinks and food. Over the heads of the patrons their eyes had locked one evening during her performance and from that night...
- 21
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald - the Jazz Age
Zelda and F.Scott Fitzgerald www.google.com F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda (Sayre) literally became the icons and celebrities of the Jazz Era during the 1920's. It was Fitzgerald himself that coined the term, the Jazz Age, in his writings...
- 30
The Great Gatsby - a film review
Leonardo DiCaprio as the great Jay Gatsby. www.google.com If you haven't heard or don't know anything about The Great Gatsby, a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, then you apparently slept through your high school or college American literature...
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Gone to Grandma's House to Play - a poem
www.google.com Remember when you were a child and had the opportunity to go to Grandma's house to play? That was always a real treat and something my sister and I never turned down. We could play at and do all the things we weren't allowed to do at...
- 40
To my Best Friend - a poem
Where have you been my winsome friend?
- 44
Robert Redford - not just an actor, but a man of integrity
He's older now and the face is lined, but he's still the handsome, iconoclastic actor I remember after all these years. I first noticed Robert Redford in 1969 in his movie, Downhill Racer, and was mesmerized by his good looks. I loved the movie...
- 12
Brass Rubbings done at Westminster Abbey
Preserve a bit of antiquity by doing a brass rubbing at Westminster Abbey.
- 6
Spanish Cavas - Spain's sparkling wines
www.google.com In the northeast corner of Spain, in and around the city of Barcelona, is the wonderful cava region. Cava is champagne, but only those made in the champagne region in France are permitted to be called champagne. The rest made...
- 12
Sherry - the fortified wine of Spain
www.google.com Deep in the south of Spain, the region of Andalucia, is where bullfighting, flamenco dancing, and beautiful, dark Spanish women have entranced the culture of Spain for thousands of years. This is the region where the matadors,...
- 27
15 Interesting facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa -- proof that man is not infallible.
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10 interesting facts about the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
See La Sagrada Familia, the beautiful 'frosting cake' basilica in Barcelona, Spain.
- 22
The Cleveland Flats - a photo essay
The Cleveland Flats is the former steel industrial area of Cleveland that is being revitalized with new loft apartments/condos, restaurants, and a concert venue.
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Spanish Wines - La Rioja region
All about Rioja wines, the best of the Spanish wines, the foods to eat them with and a fine Spanish restaurant in Cleveland, OH.
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"The Dinner" and "Defending Jacob" - Two Novels : Same themes
"The Dinner" and" Defending Jacob" are two novels, written by two different authors, with similar themes running through them that present moral dilemmas that will shock and awe you at the end.
- 14
Sarafina - Two funerals and a wedding - a short fiction story
The MacAllan children are now all grown and Sarafina returns home after a tragic accident hits the family. The last of a Maine short story series.
- 16
A Family Returns - a fiction short story
Jenny and Sam's son, Paul is now married to Mackenzie and they have a family of their own. The fifth of a Maine short story series.
- 6
The Awards Ceremony - a fiction short story
Paul accepts his sailing award and makes a heartwarming speech. The fourth of a Maine short story series.
- 22
Paul - a fiction short story
It is thirteen years later, and Sam and Jenny's son Paul definitely has a mind of his own about lobster fishing. The third of a Maine short story series.
- 2
The Lobster War - a fiction short story
A sequel to "A Maine Story". This story is about a Maine lobster war in which Sam becomes involved. The second of a Maine short story series.
- 10
EMPEROR - a film review
A true story of courage, leadership and love.
- 10
A Maine Story - a fiction short story
Some rain comes into the lives of a young Maine couple. The first of a Maine short story series.
- 16
Sandra Cisneros -- a leading American chicana writer
Sandra Cisneros, is a chicana writer that straddles both Mexican and American worlds and lives to write about it.
- 23
Ocean Point - a fiction short story
Sarah takes stock of her marriage while on vacation at Ocean Point, Maine.
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A Time of Betrayal - a fiction short story
A WWII story of the French Resistance.
- 13
Charlemagne, the Carolingian Revival and Illuminated Manuscripts
The Sacramentary of Drogo, one of the gospel illustrated manuscripts from the Carolingian Revival. wikipedia Western Europe came crawling out of the "Dark Ages" with the arrival of Frankish kings, whom, in collaboration with the papacy in Rome,...
- 10
Tiepolo and the Wurzburger Residenz
The Wurzburg Residence, palace of the Prince-bishop, and gardens. wikipedia The Wurzburger Residenz or Wurzburg Residence is the Prince-bishop palace located in downtown Wurzburg, Germany in the state of northern Bavaria. From the middle ages...
- 17
Lilacs - a fiction short story
The lovely scent of lilacs reminds a man of his first love.
- 21
Chichen Itsa -- the great Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula
El Castillo, The Castle, the great pyramid at Chichen Itza. wikipedia One of the most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere was the great ancient Maya civilization that was located in southern Mexico and northern Central America. It...
- 55
Serenity -- peace -- tranquility - quotes to live a life by
suzettenaples As life progresses in America we seem to be leading faster, more stressful, and more complicated lives each day. We are more connected today than we have ever been in history with our cell phones, iPads, e-mails, texting, smart phones,...
- 6
William Cullen Bryant and Two of His Poems: "To a Waterfowl" and "Thanatopsis"
One of America's earliest poets wore many hats as he was a poet, a journalist, and a half-century long editor of the New York Evening Post. He was a romantic poet who wrote some of the great masterpieces of American poetry. He is none other than...
- 40
Hydra -- a paradise Greek island
Hydra port - the main town on the beautiful island of Hydra. wikipedia Hear the phrase 'Greek Islands' and it brings up visions of paradise. Warm days, laying on the beaches and rocky shores of the islands, dipping in the water to cool off,...
- 20
Sojourner Truth and her 1851 speech "Ain't I a Woman?"
I would be remiss if I did not tell you about Sojourner Truth and her great and eloquent speech she gave on women's rights right here in Akron, OH. She traveled here in 1851, and in downtown Akron, OH gave one of the most important speeches on...
- 11
Wide Sargasso Sea -- Jean Rhys' prequel to the novel Jane Eyre
This novel, Wide Sargasso Sea, written by Jean Rhys, is a prequel to Charlotte Bronte's 1847 famous novel, Jane Eyre. I had read Charlotte Bronte's novel many years ago, but just recently got around to reading Jean Rhys' postcolonial parallel novel...
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The Brothers Grimm and their fairy tales
Besides Hans Christian Andersen of Denmark, the two most well-known storytellers of European folk tales are the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm of Germany, who developed an interest and curiosity in folklore and as scholarly researchers...
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The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Chaucer became the 'father of English literature' when he published his clever Canterbury Tales in vernacular English, the first English author to do so.
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Hans Christian Andersen and his fairy tales
I have always loved fairy tales. When I was a child, I especially loved them when I sat on my father's lap and he read them to me. I was safe and secure no matter how many hobgoblins, witches, ice queens, or mean step-mothers were out there. Sitting...
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Charlotte Bronte and her novel "Jane Eyre": a review
The haunting and gothic novel 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is reviewed and the themes of the novel examined.
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Anne Bronte and her novel "Agnes Grey" : a review
Anne Bronte, the youngest of the three Bronte sisters, writes a semi-autobiographical novel of life for a single woman in 1800's England.
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Hagia Sophia -- Christian basilica and Islamic mosque -- one of the greatest architectural wonders of antiquity
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey today. wikipedia One of the most modern and beautiful cities in the world is Istanbul, Turkey and the reason this city is so interesting is because it is both a western and a eastern city. It is European and it is...
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"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte : a review
One of the greatest classical novels from England and one of my favorites is Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte, published in 1847. It is the dark, intense and highly imaginary novel of passion and hate set on the English Yorksire moors. Although...
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Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his sensual paintings of women
One of the most beautiful painters of women over the centuries is Dante Gabriel Rossetti who lived during the Victorian Age in England and was an English painter and poet. His given name at birth was Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti, but when he...
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Heidelberg, Germany -- a beautiful city located in the Black Forest
Heidelberg, Germany and the River Neckar in the Black Forest. wikipedia Off the beaten Romantic Road in Germany, located in southwest Germany, and nestled deep in the Schwartzwald, or Black Forest of Germany, is the lovely university town of...
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Christina Rossetti and "In the Bleak Midwinter," a Victorian Christmas carol
One of the most poignant and melodic yet melancholy of Christmas carols I have ever sung is "In the Bleak Midwinter," words written by Christina Rossetti, one of England's finest Victorian poets. She was second only to Elizabeth Barret Browning. I...
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Sylvia Plath and "The Bell Jar"-- her semi-autobiographical novel
Surprisingly, I had never read the poetry or writings of Sylvia Plath. How I got through high school and college with an English degree and a concentration in literature, without reading any Sylvia Plath, I don't know. I certainly had heard about...
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The art of Flamenco - Spain's folk dance, song and guitar
Traditional Flamenco dancer. wikipedia Any visit or trip to Spain, must be accompanied with a night out seeing the art of Flamenco, Spain's traditional folkloric dance, song and guitar The highlight of a Spanish trip is not complete without...
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Robert Frost: 20th-Century American Poet & Two of His Poems
Robert Frost is the quintessential American poet of the 20th century. Explore his life and read two of his poems: "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "The Road Not Taken."
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Faeries, Brownies and other nymphs
Faeries have always been magical, enchanting, sprites that flutter around in imaginary worlds. They became part of our childhood culture through such stories and books as E.M Barrie's Peter Pan. We have grown to love Tinker Bell, one of the faery...
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El Cid - Spain's epic hero and poem
Every country and / or people has its epic poem that defines its culture, values, and heroism. One of the most famous epic poems in the English language is Beowulf. In the Spanish culture and language, that epic poem is Cantar del Mio Cid (The Poem...
- 23
Cuyahoga Falls, OH - A Bicentennial City
The Falls of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, OH. wikipedia I suppose it is fitting that I came back here to Cuyahoga Falls this summer as this city is celebrating a huge birthday - it's Bicentennial. Yes, two hundred years ago in...
- 24
Federico Garcia Lorca - Spain's most important 20th century poet
Feel the passion of Andalusia, Spain through Lorca's beautiful poetry.
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Shakespeare - "The Merchant of Venice" and the Ohio Shakespeare Festival
The Ohio Shakespeare Festival performs Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' at Akron's Stan Hyett Hall and Gardens. It is an annual outdoor Shakespeare production that delights all.
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"Death be not proud" - John Donne and his Holy Sonnets
John Donne was a complicated man and this definitely showed up in his writings. His metaphysical conceits are intellectual, unique, and even quite bold. His poetry is full of his genius conceits. His prose writings, his sermons and meditations, are...
- 20
Generalisimo Francisco Franco and the Valley of the Fallen - Spain
The Valley of the Fallen - Spain. wikipedia The Spanish Civil War was one of the most difficult, horrific, monstrous, and dividing of wars. It was hard fought on both sides, but the Nationalists, lead by Generalisimo Francisco Franco, were...
- 18
Elizabeth Barret Browning - Poetry and Sonnets
Elizabeth Barret Browning was one of the most prominent English poets of the Victorian Era and it is during this time that she and her husband, Robert Browning, conducted their love affair through verse and produced many tender, loving, and...
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"For Whom the Bell Tolls" - John Donne
You are probably thinking, Ernest Hemingway and his famous novel, "For Whom the Bell Tolls," right? Well Hemingway took the words from John Donne for the title of his novel as the bells were tolling for Jordan, his hero and protagonist in his novel....
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John Donne - England's Great Metaphysical Poet
By the 17th century England, along came John Donne to English literature, who broke all poetry conventions of the time. While English poets were still writing in the flowery and beautiful Elizabethan style of poetry, Donne came along and shocked...
- 14
Antonio Vivaldi and his concerti, "The Four Seasons"
One of the masters of the baroque sound in music, Antonia Vivaldi, is heralded as leading this style of music in Venice, Italy, the city where baroque music originated.
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Guernica - Picasso's most important painting
Guernica (1937) by Pablo Picasso wikipedia Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist, was a brillant genius who painted during the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century and is credited with creating and painting in the Cubism period of modern art....
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Edward Guglielmi -- Italian Master Stonecutter and Architect -- My grandfather
Edward Guglielmi, architect and stone mason Guglielmi collection To me he was just Grandpa Guglielmi. I remember the family dinners with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins and all that great Italian food and grandpa sat at the head of the large,...
- 10
Architecture of the Renaissance Period - a photo essay
Inside of the dome of the Florence Cathedral designed by Brunelleschi wikipedia In my travels throughout Europe I have found the architecture of the Renaissance Period to be the most beautiful and breathtaking of all I saw. Even greater than the...
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The Venetian School of the Italian Renaissance
Along with Florence and Rome, Venice also became an important center of the Renaissance taking place in Italy.
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Catherine de' Medici - a powerful regent queen of France
The de' Medici family of Florence, Italy continued for more than 300 years and one of its most famous and powerful women was Catherine de' Medici who eventually became the Queen Consort of France, Regent Queen of France and overseerer of the French...
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The House de' Medici - a Florentine Powerhouse during the Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance flourished in Florence, Italy and it is this city that was the heart of the Renaissance. One of the many reasons for the "rebirth" of knowledge and culture in Florentine lives was because of one dynamic family, the de'...
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To my students - a poem
This poem is dedicated to my students over a thirty year teaching career. This is about YOU whether I had you as a student in Cuyahoga Falls, overseas, or in Canton. Teaching and learning is never a one way street, but it is definitely an important...
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Petrarch and his sonnets
The one person given both the monikers, "father of Humanism" and "father of the Renaissance," by historians is none other than Franceso Petrarca (or Petrarch in English) Petrarch was an Italian writer who gave us the lyrical poem, the sonnet, as we...
- 2
The Northern European Renaissance 14th - 17th centuries
The Italian Renaissance brought a rebirth of knowledge and arts all over Europe and the Northern European countries experienced the Renaissance not far after Italy.
- 2
The Italian Renaissance 14th - 17th centuries
Florence, Italy is where the Renaissance all began in Italy and from there spread throughout all of Europe.
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Florence, Italy - my favorite city in the world
il Duomo and the famed dome built by Brunelleschi, and the Campanile to the right. wikipedia Now, I haven't been completely around the world and, therefore, I haven't seen everything there is to see, but I can tell you, from all my European, North...
- 26
Amish or Mennonites? What is the difference?
Amish horse buggy from Lancaster, PA. wikipedia Here in Ohio we have the largest Amish and Mennonite population and communities anywhere in the world. This population lives in Wayne and Hoimes counties in Ohio and when driving through the rural...
- 22
Istanbul - at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East
Arial shot of Istanbul, Turkey with the Bosphorus waterway running through the city. The left is Europe and the right is Asia. wikipedia I stood at the door of the airplane in the cold night air and cautiously looked down the stairway. There at the...
- 19
Marcel Marceau - a remarkable mime artist
As a child our family lived in southern New Jersey just less than two hours from New York City and I was fortuate to be able to see and experience the theatre in New York. One of my favorite memories is of seeing a performance of Marcel Marceau, the...
- 14
Post - Impressionism and Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh
Starry Night painted by Vincent van Gogh wikipedia Post - Impressionism, I believe, is best illustrated through the beautiful and haunting works of Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh. I am sure you know about this painter as, yes, he is the one who cut...
- 13
American Impressionism in Art and American Impressionists Mary Cassatt and William Merritt Chase
My favorite painting by Mary Cassatt. It reminds me of my sister and me at the Jersey shore when we were children. (of course, the bathing suits were different!) wikipedia American Impressionism was a style of painting related to the European...
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Impressionism and Impressionist Painters
"Impressions, Sunlight" painted by Claude Monet, one of the originals of the Impressionist painters in Paris. wikipedia The above painting by Claude Monet started the beginning of the Impressionism Movement in art in Paris, France in the 19th...