18th-century millinery forms, Val d'Loire, France.
Today I've been having fascinating conversations about some upcoming projects and a visit soon from a lovely artist and blogger. My favourite Gypsy Girl is featured in a Nine to Five magazine piece. And please take a few quiet moments to read my fellow adventurer Gillian's enchanting essay.
As if all that isn't enough to spark your creativity, check out the inimitable Vanessa Valencia's latest whimsical creations - guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
News of note
A rather intriguing conversation took place between the United States and Iran, on the sidelines of a meeting at the Hague. Both countries were participating in the meeting about aid for Afghanistan. Dialogue is always a positive step, in my opinion.
But before the G20 Summit Thursday in London even begins, France is threatening to walk over disagreements about stricter financial regulation. Not exactly a helpful way to approach a summit designed to address the global recession.
Meanwhile the Paris-based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has warned that the UK lacks ample funds to fuel its faltering economy.
As for Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai is playing dangerous political games with womens' rights. Karzai apparently is trying to curry favour with voters by backing a law the UN Development Fund for Women claims legalises rape within marriage. Further, the law bans wives from leaving home without their husbands' permission and would grant custody of children only to fathers and grandfathers. Where is the justice in that equation??!!
More antique millinery forms.
Wow, these are quite a nice collection of antiques.
Great pictures and angles thank you!
Posted by: Collectible plates | 09 May 2009 at 11:06
I must head over to Gillian's place and visit.
You captured these just perfect.
Did I mention, I love your banner
xo
Posted by: Christina | 02 April 2009 at 20:11
Wow love those head forms now i am off to read the links.
Thanks
Posted by: Judy Wilkenfeld | 02 April 2009 at 15:42
i love your new banner, but admit these heads are a bit disturbing (imagine that what with me and all the eyeballs). :-) loved gillian's post and will have to do one of those myself, thanks for pointing it out!!
as for karzai, shouldn't we have been suspicious of him all along? after all bush-cheney adored him...but he is a sharp dresser.
Posted by: julochka | 01 April 2009 at 11:11
Lovely round up of news, thank you. I was heartened by news of Iranian/American dialogue. It's the only way ...
Posted by: Di | 01 April 2009 at 08:23
Where indeed?! Oh. It makes me...tired. SOOO much wrong in the world, and SOOO much of it aimed at women. And who really seems to care? I have not read this in anything, nor seen it reported on our news here. *sigh*
:(
Posted by: amber | 01 April 2009 at 07:38
Yours is a great blog that makes me think, learn something new everytime and I love the photos.
Posted by: Anna R | 01 April 2009 at 07:25
Hey, btw, this new banner of yours had me at hello!
The font, is that the same one used on the Metro signs in Paris? I LOVE!!!
And the colours...gorgeous. You have an eye for aesthetically pleasing palettes!!
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 01 April 2009 at 05:48
Afghanistan backing a law that allows rape within the marriage? Huh? Is this the Jurassic period, or 2009? How does that get votes? Are the men the only ones voting???
How lucky am I to be featured in the same post as Alex and Vanessa. I will have to go pay both a visit this evening...have been running around all day like a mad woman.
Keeping those Afghanistan women in my prayers for sure. xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 01 April 2009 at 02:48
Beautiful photos! I love how I can always look at something so wonderful through your blog! The power of the internet is so great now in the artwork, whether it is through blogs or virtual studios like on www.mysoiree.net! Thanks for always posting enjoyable posts! And I just can't believe President Karzai and women's rights. I cannot believe how women are treated there!
Posted by: Christine | 01 April 2009 at 00:43
These talking heads are a bit spooky, but they are great!
Posted by: jen laceda | 01 April 2009 at 00:38
Merci, ma petite gateau de noix! Yes, Gillian's essay is lyrical and lovely. And yes, I think Olive certainly needs a tour of some Parisian hot spots - with photos, bien sur! :) xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 March 2009 at 23:10
Yoli, I don't own any of the heads. But I do have a few vintage hat stands. As for Karzai, it is quite shocking. It seems he is suddenly more worried about re-election then human rights.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 31 March 2009 at 23:08
Do you own any of those heads? I am stunned with what President Hamid Karzai wants to do.
Posted by: Yoli | 31 March 2009 at 23:01
Oh my goodness gracious!! Fainting again at your photo of these incredible treasures!! Just fainting i tell ya!!
I went over and read Gillian's essay, wasn't it lovely???
Ahhh, Olive wants to get to Paris ASAP. Maybe you can photograph her visiting a few Parisian places (cafe's etc.)??? WE would love that over here ;) ;) xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 31 March 2009 at 19:55