Saturday, December 20, 2014

My Trip To Callaway Gardens - Fantasy In Lights

As a child I would go with my mom, dad, aunt, and grandmother every year to see the Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens. I started going in 1992 and must have stopped around 2006, as it got quite repetitive seeing the exact same lights (sans a few new additions). However, this year I decided that I would take my family once more to see the Christmas lights at Callaway. 

After having not seen them in almost ten years, they were quite a sight to behold. I had forgotten how gorgeous they are and how they illuminate the night quite strikingly. I had forgotten how one has to drive a few miles before lights appear, but they slowly started to appear as if they had never left. There are a few differences that I remember, which may be due to my brain misfiring. I remember some of the songs being different, such as the 12 Days of Christmas having a much different and better arrangement. Perhaps the tired old cassette tape they had was the only place that version of the song could be found. I also remember the lights being on different routes and in different order. I swear the lighted Twin Trees were on the right side, and this year they were on the left.

Anyway, I was able to snap a few pictures while riding in the car. Enjoy! If you're near the Pine Mountain, GA; Columbus, GA; or Atlanta, GA area you must go see Fantasy In Lights at least once in your life.

 Christmas Tree Lane
 Swan Lake
Snowflake Valley
Twin Trees
Magical Christmas Garden

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Christmas Wish List


Lalique Fantasia Vase

Link to Lalique Fantasia Vase


The Lalique Fantasia vase is a classic Art Nouveau design, which could be found displayed in a home in 1915 just as easily as it could in 2014. It's really a steal at $1500 and will be a timeless heirloom piece.



Man has always been fascinated by the vast world around us. The sky, the planets, and the sea form a magical, infinite universe that opens the doorway to our most extravagant dreams. In celebration of that fascination, this exquisite vase depicts four Venuses with freshwater pearl plaits, shrouded by mist, emerging from a cloud. When light hits the deep midnight blue surface just right, it showcases the varying shades, adding playfulness to the piece.

From the Midnight Blue Collection.
Lead crystal.
Hand wash.
Approximately 4.625"Dia. x 7"T.
Handcrafted in Franc
e.





Lalique Cascade Perfume Bottle 2010


Although I am not a perfume bottle collector, my mother would just die to have this. It's quite stunning and would be the focus of her perfume bottle collection. 

This Limited Edition flacon pays homage to one of Rene Laliques creations: the Poissons Fountain. A masterpiece made in 1937, the fountain was put on show at the International Exhibition of Arts and Contemporary Living in Paris.




Early Art Nouveau Loetz Vase


I do believe this vase to be an early 1900s Loetz vase. It's not Loetz Papillon, but in a very similar vein. The glass has gorgeous saturated, vibrant colors and the metal framework really adds a striking Art Nouveau appeal.



Neiman Marcus Alligator Bi-fold Wallet in Blue


I absolutely hate the fact that it's real alligator skin as I try not to purchase animal products, but it's such a gorgeous wallet. I love that it's an understated deep blue instead of being too bright.





Movado Serio Watch


I just adore mechanical watches as the intricate designs and watchworks peak my interest. However, I cannot pass up the beautiful and classic design of this Movado watch. I must have it.





Theodore Alexander Basking Lizards Box


The burl wood, the penshell inlays, the lizard handles. They are all must haves. 




SS Normandie Poster Cutaway, 1937


I've always been fascinated by ships and ocean liners, specially. Recently, I've developed a fascination with the French ocean liner, the SS Normandie. It was one of the most beautiful ships ever created, and it is a fine example of the French Art Deco period. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

A Collection of Mint Postcards Featuring Columbus, Georgia Circa 1910

In addition to the postcards I've posted previously, I also purchased this collection of postcards I've acquired featuring Columbus, Georgia that are in mint condition. I do believe they were manufactured around 1910. It's amazing they are in such great condition and even more amazing that they were still in their original Kress packaging! Sadly only the facade of the old Kress building still exists, as the building succumbed to fire in 1994. 

The Confederate Monument is still there along with the house featured at the intersection of Third Avenue and 14th Street and the St. Elmo House. However, the St. Elmo house did burn in 2011, but was mostly undamaged. The Courthouse has been torn down and replaced with a 13 floor "skyscraper" built in 1973, much to the dismay of the city folk. And to my knowledge the Green Island Ranch is no longer standing, but a luxurious country club now exists on the site.

Original packaging from Kress 
Lower Broad Street (now Broadway), Showing Confederate Monument, Columbus, GA
Court House Square and Fountain, Columbus, GA
Green Island Ranch, Columbus, GA
Historical St. Elmo, Columbus, GA
Third Avenue and 14th Street, Looking South, Columbus, GA

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Antique Columbus, GA Postcards - Correspondence Between Two Sisters From 1909

Yesterday I went to a parking lot sale at The Gypsy Cherub antique store in what used to be Bibb City, GA (now part of Columbus). I saw some old Columbus postcards being advertised on Facebook, so I went down there early to make sure they were still there. And boy did Yvonne still have them! Postcards from Columbus, Americus, Atlanta, and all over Georgia with Alabama and Florida hiding in there as well.

Well, when I was looking through the postcards, I was mostly looking for familiar landmarks and landscapes of Columbus that held sentimental value, or at least offered artistic or historical value. However, after getting home and looking through them all, I discovered the true value was actually Dovie Smith and Elizabeth Smith - two sisters that corresponded via Columbus, GA postcards in the summer and fall of 1909.

I have taken the liberty of scanning both back and front of the postcards, as well as transcribing what is written on the postcards for easier reading. In addition, I have placed the cards in chronological order of correspondence. This required me finding a calendar from 1909, as two of the postcards are postmarked on the same day. I tried to leave the grammar and punctuation as accurate as possible.

I just wonder who were Miss Dovie Smith and Miss Elizabeth Smith? What was there story? I hope to further research these two women and possibly find more of their wonderful postcards. 

Postcard #1


Beech Grove, North Highlands Park, Columbus, GA.


To: Miss Dovie Smith
From: Miss Elizabeth Smith

"Chipley, GA 8/9/09

Dear Dovie, 
I reached here alright and am still at Aunt Nannies. We went to a singing yesterday afternoon and stayed until train time and we then went up to White S Springs and came back on the night train, had a very nice time. 
                                                   E. Smith"



Postcard #2


Chattahoochee Rapids, North Highlands Park, Columbus, GA


To: Miss Dovie Smith
From: Miss Elizabeth Smith

"Chipley, GA 8/13/09

Dear Dovie, 
How are you all getting along by this time I am at Jennies Williams have been here since Wednesday morning am going back to Chipley in the morning and (Gene?) and I are going Aunt Ellen's to spend Saturday night and Sunday. Will see you all soon.
                                                                 E. Smith"



Postcard #3


Eagle and Phenix (Phoenix) Mills, Columbus, GA

To: Miss Dovie Smith
From: Miss Elizabeth Smith

"Monday Morning
Well, I came out here at Uncle Pinkes Saturday afternoon and I guess I will stay a day or two. They are running the meeting at Beech Springs this week. I expect I will be home before long but don't know exactly when so you need not look for me until you see me. 
                                                                                                   E. S.



Postcard #4


 Lower Broad St. showing Confederate Monument, Golumbus, GA
(Broad Street is now known as Broadway)


To: Miss Lizzie (Elizabeth) Smith
From: Miss Dovie Smith

"Dear Sister: -
Received your postal Saturday, and we were glad to hear from you and that you are having such a nice time. I wrote you last week, thought you were still at Jennies. Love to all,
                                                                                                           "Dovie".



Bonus - Postcard #5


Wildwood Park, Columbus, GA
(I don't believe Wildwood Park still has ponds.)


To: Miss Dovie Smith
From: C. R.

"I received your card Monday would of answered sooner but didn't have any cards. I may be over at the (Jens?) (Gens?) Thursday night if nothing happens. hope to see you.
                                                                                  your friend C. R."

Saturday, August 2, 2014

New Acquisition - Victorian Burl Walnut English Marquetry Writing Desk

English Marquetry Writing Desk, with Triple Opening, Burr Walnut, Victorian An excellent example of Victorian era, burr walnut and banded with geometric inlay. This burr walnut writing desk, slightly domed, is in wonderful condition. The inlay work shows marquetry bands across the top and front of the writing desk. 

There are two escutcheons, one on the lid, and one at the key hole. Each escutcheons (ornamental plates) are surrounded by bands of inlay wood using different pieces of burr walnut. The lock is in working order, and the key is included. The box measures 11 3/4 inches wide, 8 3/4 inches deep and 6 inches high. 

The writing box opens in three sections. The underside of the lid is lined with blue velvet. The box opens fully showing a full writing surface covered with green leather. The upper section of the writing slope opens revealing a space for storage of writing materials. The writing desk is fitted with ink bottles, and a pen tray.

I just received one of the most beautiful burl (or burr) wood boxes I've ever laid eyes upon. I started out looking just for a dresser box, but I somehow ended up with this beautiful English writing desk. It's just gorgeous. Pay close attention to the craftsmanship, and I'm just astonished of the detail in the woodwork.






Monday, July 21, 2014

New Acquisition - American Sheridan Chest of Drawers circa 1820


Isn't it just gorgeous? I found it in this wonderful store called Sweet Home Antiques in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The woodwork is just amazing, and it's even more beautiful in person.  The chest is much larger and taller than it appears, so I'm very glad I didn't end up with a larger piece.

If anyone has any idea of what the wood is, please let me know. I'm thinking it's Mahogany but I'm not an expert in identifying wood.

Friday, June 13, 2014

New Acquisition - Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile Salt Cellar in Gold





My first Tiffany glass purchase. A Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile salt cellar in beautiful gold. It's signed with the initials L.C.T. and is also numbered 8304 in a very fine hand. This is the kind of art piece that one can stare at for hours on end - being completely mesmerized by its intricate changing colors and textures.

Friday, June 6, 2014

New Acquisition - Rindskopf Grenada Decor Art Nouveau Vase (Circa 1900)






Isn't it just gorgeous? I absolutely adore Loetz, and I prefer a lot of pieces over the Tiffany Favrile glass (I still want some of that too). This particular piece has lots of reds, greens, and some blues and violets here and there. It's in perfect condition except for a small chip up at the top, but I don't care, as it knocked the price way down and I was able to get it for a steal.

Anyway, I'll update when I find out more about it. I'm especially interested in dating it.

UPDATE: I found out it's actually a Rindskopf Grenada decor vase circa 1900. Rindskopf and Loetz are both Bohemian and contemporaries of one another, so it's an honest mistake.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Art Nouveau Thorne's Toffee Tin Box with "The Age of Innocence" painting by Joshua Reynolds.

Art Nouveau Thorne's Toffee Tin Box with "The Age of Innocence" painting by Joshua Reynolds. I picked this item today at a local auction and paid about $17 for it.

 I wonder how it ended up here in the United States, as that's a long way from Leeds, England. Oh, how mesmerizing history is!




Saturday, May 31, 2014

Mrs. Slocombe's Pussy Quotes

Mrs. Slocombe’s Pussy Quotes


I noticed that one of my favorite Are You Being Served? fan websites has disappeared after many years of being on the Internet. Luckily for me and now you, I saved the quotes where Mrs. Slocombe was referring to her "pussy", Tiddles.

The quotes were originally found at gracebrothers.net. The quotes and any property of Are You Being Served? are not mine.

Our Figures are Slipping — “It’s very short notice—there’s my pussy to consider.  Who’s going to let it out?”
Cold Comfort — “You’re lucky to have me at all, Captain Peacock.  I had to thaw me pussy out before I came.  It had been out all night.”

The Think Tank — “Well, if I’m not home on the stroke of six, my pussy goes mad.”

Hoorah for the Holidays — “Oh, Mr. Rumbold, I hope this isn’t going to take long.  My pussy’s been locked up for eight hours.”

The Hand of Fate — “You know, animals are very psychic.  I mean, the least sign of danger and my pussy’s hair stands on end.”

German Week — “You know, this sort of thing just isn’t fair on my pussy.  She has a go at the furniture if I’m not there prompt.”

New Look — “It’s a wonder I’m here at all, you know.  My pussy got soakin’ wet.  I had to dry it out in front of the fire before I left.”

Christmas Crackers — “I hope we’re not going to be late tonight.  Because I’ve left Winston clinging to the curtain ring—he refuses to come down.  The mere sight of my pussy drives him mad.”

No Sale — “Having a bath at 6 o’clock in the morning played havoc with my pussy.”

Forward, Mr. Grainger — “Well, speaking personally, I never have any trouble getting up in the morning.  My pussy’s just like an alarm clock.  Every morning at 6:15 it drops its clockwork mouse on my pillow.”

Fire Practice — “Can we get on with it?  I can’t bear the sight of my pussy, standing at the door with a tin-opener in its mouth.”

Fire Practice — “Oh, I don’t need a fire alarm.  At the first sign of smoke, my pussy rushes into the garden and it sits on the concrete tortoise in the middle of the goldfish bowl.”

The Father Christmas Affair — “Well, I hope it’s not going to take long.  If I’m not home on the stroke of seven, my pussy starts clawing at my busy lizzy.”

Mrs. Slocombe Expects — “Well, the central heating broke down.  I had to light the oven and hold my pussy in front.”

A Change is as Good as a Rest — “But they’re all dogs!  Is there no demand for mechanical pussies?”

The Old Order Changes — “I hope this isn’t going to take long, Captain Peacock.  The last time I was late, a fireman had to climb out of my bedroom window and risk his life on a narrow ledge tryin’ to grab hold of my pussy.”

Goodbye, Mr. Grainger — “Oh, look!  It’s a diamante collar for my pussy.”

The Club — “Well, if I’m to spend an evening in this club, there’ll have to be accommodation for my pussy.”

Shedding the Load — “She went right up to the sergeant at the desk, and she said, ‘Have any of your constables reported having seen this lady’s pussy?’”

A Bliss Girl — “What about this fog?  My pussy’s been gasping all night.”

Happy Returns — “Well, I can’t stay too late.  The man next door is popping in every half-hour to keep an eye on my pussy.”

The Junior — “I’ve got to get home.  If my pussy isn’t attended to by 8 o’clock, I shall be strokin’ it for the rest of the evening.”

The Apartment — “Well, you know how clumsy those removal men are.  I’m not havin’ ‘em handlin’ my pussy.”

The Apartment — “Mr. Humphries!  Leave my pussy alone!”

The Hero — “Today’s the day my pussy comes of age!”

Anything You Can Do — “If there are any leftovers, my pussy gobbles them up in a flash.”

Is It Catching? — “But at 7 o’clock tonight, my pussy’s expectin’ to see a friendly face.”

Closed Circuit — “Is that Mr. Ackbar?  Mrs. Slocombe here, your next-door neighbor.  I wonder, would you do me a favour?  Would you go to my front door, bend down, and look through the letter-box?  And if you can see my pussy, would you drop a sardine on the mat?”

Roots? — “I’ve got a sculptor coming this evening.  He’s going to do my pussy in clay.”

Roots? — “It’s at a very critical stage.  All last night, I had to keep it on the table covered by a wet flannel.  And tonight at 9 o’clock, all the neighbors are comin’ in to watch him pour plaster of paris all over it…and then put it in a very hot oven.”

Sweet Smell of Success — “I inadvertently dropped some on my pussy, and there were tomcats throwin’ themselves against my cat-flap all night.”

Calling All Customers — “I ought to ring my neighbor and ask her to look in on my pussy.”

Calling All Customers — “They’re for my pussy…d’you know, it wins a prize every time I show it.”

Monkey Business — “But then they spotted my pussy and were off.”

Lost and Found — “I suddenly realized he means more to me than anything else in the world…except my pussy, of course.”

Goodbye, Mrs. Slocombe — “Twenty minutes later my pussy was in a basket on its way to Scotland.”

The Night Club — “Look, I’m trying to get my pussy on the phone!”

Friends and Neighbors — “My only problem is, will my pussy feel at home in a strange place?”

Grace & Favour (Are You Being Served? Again!) #1 — “Mr. Humphries, would you hold my pussy while I alight?”

Grace & Favour #1 — “Somebody help me, please!  That naughty goat has got hold of my pussy and won’t let go!”

Grace & Favour #2 — “He won’t be so confident when he sees my pussy.”

Grace & Favour #2 — “They’re not having my pussy!  And I am unanimous in that!”

Grace & Favour #5 — “I’ll put my pussy in front of the hole, and the next time he comes out, he’ll get a nasty shock.”

Grace & Favour #5 — “Captain Peacock, have you seen my pussy?”

Grace & Favour #7 — “My pussy was very agitated.”

Grace & Favour #9 — “He was devoted to me…and to the pussy I had at the time.”

Grace & Favour #10 — “I’ve never seen one of those before…a two hundred year-old pussy.”

Grace & Favour #10 — “I have a pussy of great antiquity, and I’d like him to take a look at it.”

Grace & Favour #11 — “He’d have raised a pussy.”

Grace & Favour #12 — “Do you know, I found my pussy trapped in my drawers.”

Quotes were obtained and posted at the original link at http://www.gracebrothers.net/mrs_slocombes_pussy_quotes.htm If anyone knows what happened to the website, please let me know!