GIRLS AND GRILLS

A few days before my shopping for festive foods was complete and my guests assembled, I read an article about Thanksgiving in The New Yorker.

The story, by journalist Jane Kramer, shared the trials and tribulations of preparing Thanksgiving dinner in seven countries.

Her most-trying experience, however, was at home in New York City when her stove broke down and she served tuna sandwiches with cranberry sauce to her patient guests.

I felt a certain comradeship with Ms. Kramer last Thursday, when my Weber charcoal grill which appeared to be roasting my family's annual turkey to perfection, suddenly came off its moorings.
The kettle section came off the supports, dumping the bird. Fortunately, my son caught our main dish as we both watched the pan filled with delectable drippings hit the patio.

Dinner was only slightly delayed as the turkey finished cooking in our indoor oven. The necessity of lingering over the beet/watercress/arugula/avocado salad gave everyone time to share their favorite Thanksgiving disaster stories.(Jonathan, Karen, Chris, Ev)

Each year, our dinner features old favorites and a few new offerings on a theme-- such as France, Hawaii, Cajun country and Italy. This year Buenos Aires provided the inspiration for empanada appetizers, chorizo stuffing (we had traditional kind, too) and dulce de leche cookies.Fresh herbs --parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, par-cel, and mint -- from our garden went into several dishes and also appeared as colorful nibble-if-you-like garnishes.

(Renita's back in her seat!)

There was much to be thankful for-- good friends, good health, and good food.

(Claire, Rachel, David, Fred and grandma Ruth)

Belgium, our golden retriever, had his own party and guests.(Belgium, his brother Ike and Ike's adopted sister Belle)

Belle and Ike thank Lorna for the extra trimmings on their evening meals. Even though they missed out on the pumpkin and pecan pie...

Fruit membrillo (guava paste confection)...

Grandma Ruth's famous cookies...And dulce de leche alfajores (sandwich cookies with caramel filling).
I hope your Thanksgiving was equally sweet.
Barbara

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Mad for Mermaids

Sometimes feared, sometimes yearned for, mermaids have existed in the minds of men since ancient times. Popular in Greek mythology, these fish-tailed maidens are often confused with sirens (beautiful young women with wings). Both have been rumored to lure sailors into the sea.

(Postcard courtesy of reataroseranch.blogspot.com)

English artist John William Waterhouse painted this pensive mermaid in 1900.

(Photo courtesy of www.jwaterhouse.com)

Last June, I went to see Mami Wata, a terrific exhibit at the National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. The show featured 500 years of art from Africa, the Caribbean and America that featured water spirits.Above is a painting from the show by Moyo Ogundipe, a Nigerian artist who lives in Denver, Colorado. Below is another by Abdal 22, a Congolese artist. This water creature is also accompanied by a snake and like many depictions of mermaids holds both a comb and mirror.
Shortly after seeing the exhibit, I spent several weeks traveling Italy's Amalfi Coast.
Throughout the area, dolphins, a real sea creature that some have suggested are what sailors actually see when they report sighting mermaids, are popular as a motif in art, architecture and home decor. I photographed the door handle below on the island of Positano.

In Naples, I rode one of the city's three funiculars up to Castel St. Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino. The Certosa (monastery) was built in the 14th century for Carthusian monks but is now a treasure trove of religious and secular objects.
It houses an amazing collection of maritime items, including several royal boats with frolicking mermaids, shells and jumbo starfish.

Isn't she a beauty?

Above and below are water creatures with both wings and leg-like fish tails.

The museum also displayed a stunning gold-embellished Mermaid chair.
The views from the monasteries balconies were equally exquisite.
I also sighted mermaids in Vietri sul Mare, a town famous for its hand-painted ceramics.
Do you have a favorite Mermaid? If so, please share.

Petaluma Part Two: A to Z of Antiques

The moment I arrived at Summer Cottage Antiques a crazy idea popped into my head. I had about an hour to spare before the book signing and wanted to take some photos of the amazing things for sale. So, I started off cataloging my favorites, A to Z style...

ANGELS
BUTTONS
CLOTHING
DISHCLOTHS
EDGINGS
FLORALS
GLASS BOTTLES

HALLOWEEN GOODIES
IRONWORK
JARS
And then as I approached a fabulous table of Keepsake pins...
The first guest arrived and I had to abandon my ABC photo project! Bur bfore I packed my camera away, I snapped a

QUEEN
RABBITS
SWEET DREAMSand, TEACUPS!I hope you've enjoyed the tour. If you see something in one of the photos that you can't live without, call 707-776-2873. Michelle and the gang will be happy to help.

Please note... WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY will take place on Thursday this week! Hint: The Mermaids are slow swimmers.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: Petaluma Part One

As promised, here are photos from my book event at Summer Cottage Antiques in Petaluma, California. So grab a shopping basket and come inside.
The always fabulous Michelle McCauley set up a stunning setting for book signing.
And, all of the 30 dealers stayed open late for the event. Since it's Waterside Wednesday, I'll take you on a tour of coastal finds. Let's Shop!

Unlike some multi-dealer shops, Michelle's two-story emporium stocks a delirious selection of vintage goods that all look fabulous together. And the prices are very reasonable!
There are chippy wood chairs painted in great ocean hues,
... and wicker side tables with lots of color-coordinated vintage ceramics.
... Whimsical wall hangings with a coastal theme,
... and bracelets in a rainbow of sea glass shades.
You can find thousands of rare buttons, including these sea-themed rosewood ones.
One booth feature's treasures from the sea.
Need an instant display -- or the perfect gift? Beautiful bottles filled with mother-of-pearl buttons, assorted baubles and bijoux abound.

In case shopping made you hungry. Michelle served a buffet of delectables!
With glass and plate in hand, guests could watch a Waterside Cottages slide show on my laptop. In addition to the behind-the-scenes photos from the making of my book, it features he many ways to decorate in cottage style.

Michelle's romantic office (see below) is featured in my slide show and in Waterside Cottages. Isn't it gorgeous?
A good time was had by all and books flew out of the shop.
PLEASE NOTE: Michelle sold out of copies but will have more soon. Although the stock is always changing, if you see something in today's post that you want to purchase, visit www.summercottageantiques.com or call 707-776-2873. (I'll feature more photos from Summer Cottage Antiques in my next post, too)

ALSO NOTE: The Holidays are coming! If you are thinking of ordering autographed books as holiday presents or Thanksgiving thank you gifts, order early. My mom (who is a wrapping wonder) will joyfully gift wrap purchases in festive Chanukah or Christmas paper, sparkling silver or ocean aqua, and will send your gift directly to the recipient with an appropriate gift tag with your personal greetings. Just go to www.watersidestyles.com and we'll do the rest.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Petaluma artist/crafter/graphic designer Cathe Holden's blog is filled with great make-it-yourself ideas and inspirations. I got to met Cathe at Michelle's book party. Her October 11th post features clever Advent Calendar ideas. Today there's a great organizer. If you are at all crafty -- or wish you were-- trust me you'll love her Just Something I Made blog.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY
Post about the coast and link up. It's easy.