HAPPY 2016

I am a sucker for lists - the ones that crop up this time of year:  The 10 Best Novels, The 10 Newest Color Trends, etc.  I stop and read them all, mentally underlining - nodding agreement to some and scoffing at others. 

I can’t remember ever starting such a list but here goes:

10  AESTHETICALLY GRATIFYING EXPERIENCES OF 2015

1. THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FOUNDATION is a non-profit group whose challenge is to make the public see, understand and value landscape architecture. In May, Chip and I joined the group of mostly professional landscape people to tour the Willistown Country Estate in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, and listen to both the property owner and chief landscape designer. This was an example of grand scale artistry and environmental husbandry.  I cheer both done well.

2) WORKING WITH PATRICK DOUGHERTY ON HIS STICK SCULPTURE in Hillsboro, North Carolina. I love that this entire effort was the result of one 70 year old woman who raised the $26,000 and got the “ducks in a row” to pull this venture off. I love that the site was smack in the middle of little historic Hillsboro right off a pathway used daily by every age, and that the entire structure begins to revert to nature from the instant of construction, underscoring that art does not need to be a “forever” addition to our already chaotic environment. (The photograph is part of Doughtery's installation in the Renwick Museum.)

3) FINDING THE WORLD’S SMALLEST CHAPEL in nearby Oneida, New York.
 Nothing fancy here…just a little white building on a scum covered pond built by a father and son -  an example once again of “the triumph of individual thinking.”

4) BEEKMAN 1802 in tiny Sharon Springs, New York, is a shop that would be at home on a street in SoHo or London or Milan.  That it exists in this magically haunted off-the-beaten-path town is a miracle. Actually, it’s due to the hard work of its two owners, one who is in advertising in New York City (and commutes home to the farm) and his partner, a doctor who was once the medical advisor to Martha Stewart publications.  I’ve stopped in here three times over the past few years and each time I’ve marveled that it stays afloat and that it continues to expand and present such style! 

5) IN JANUARY, NINA GABY MADE A GUEST APPEARANCE AT MY HOUSE to introduce her new book to a few of my friends. During the 1970’s, Nina made and exhibited beautiful little handbuilt porcelain pieces; they looked like they fluttered off the pages of Adventures of Aladdin.  Then she disappeared - left art and became a nurse - left Rochester for Vermont! Through  Facebook, I was re-introduced to the older, wiser and multi-talented Nina. WHAT STYLE!  This woman has found her unique self; there is no confusing her with anybody else I know. Clearly, she doesn’t shop at Talbot’s (not that there’s anything wrong with that) or Macy’s. She is not to be pigeon holed by age or fad. She’s consistent and confident, a terrific roll model for younger - and older! - women.

This is a wonderfully restored sculpture by the folk artist Vollis Simpson (Wilson, N.C.) And this is a Christmas light display a few miles from my house. Both awesome....Ready for the follow-up list of favorite things. And of course, Clyde's house below.

O.K., I’ve listed only 5 but a pattern has emerged, don’t you think? Individual creativity and courage to “follow your bliss” as Joseph Campbell kept preaching. Know thyself……..Small delights.  Is that part of aging? I don’t need the grand gestures but want more and more surprised smiles.

Happy 2016 everybody.