Daubigny's Garden

Spending considerably more time fussing about in our petite pocket garden (see today's post @citrusandcedars), has me recalling one of Van Gogh's paintings. During my visit to Amsterdam, we went to the Van Gogh Museum where I was mostly enchanted by a piece titled "Daubigny's Garden" (pictured: front) painted in 1890. The piece, is characteristically Van Gogh - with oil on canvas and lush provocative brush strokes. It brings me serenity, peace and a bit of intrigue, given that this was one of the last works produced by the Dutch painter before his death.  I find it perhaps comforting that he was able to take pleasure in such a beautiful garden in the last few years of his life.

Black, White & Mario

They may be black and white, but here's some excitement to jazz up your Wednesday, courtesy of Mario Testino. I was able to see his first US exhibit in 2013 at the MFA and currently, he is about to debut his exhibit in Germany. He truly captures the real essence of any woman - her beauty, vulnerability, complexity and grace. To see Mario in action (in Sicily!) view here.

'Impossibly Beautiful'

Penélope Cruz is described as "impossibly beautiful" in the feature of Esquire Magazine's November issue. The publication has named her as their 2014 "Sexiest Woman Alive" and that, I agree with. That hair, those eyes, the BODY, the passion exuded without even a whisper...Penélope is a force.