Chaletmomma

Hi friends… I enjoyed an overnight visit to Philadelphia with my sister and I’m sharing the deets! Our first stop was The Barnes Foundation - where we viewed so many wonderful pieces of art.

Our first stop lunch!

We enjoyed the exhibit From Paris to Provence: French Painting at the Barnes viewing four exceptional van Gogh pieces.

The Still Life

The Smoker

The Postman

Houses and Figure

The Barnes Foundation was founded in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes and owns the largest collection of Pierre-Auguste Renoir works in the world 181.

We were fortunate most of the frames listed the artists name; because unlike traditional museums The Barnes does not have placards next to the art.

Then we checked into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. The location is amazing - across the street from Independence Hall and the Second National Bank and down the street from the Museum of the American Revolution.

We walked over to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. I love it there! It’s on the property where Franklin’s house stood and explores his life.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner with my nephew at Tuna Bar & then we indulged in yummy ice cream at The Franklin Fountain.

On day two we spent hours at the Museum of the American Revolution. So many interesting objects showcasing the history of America’s war for independence including George Washington’s Marquee Tent.

In the lobby of the Curtis Publishing Building we viewed the largest Tiffany glass mosaic in the world “The Dream Garden” we threw coins in the fountain underneath to remember our brother on what would have been his 67th birthday. Then alighted into P.J. Clarke’s for a leisurely lunch.

One last look at Independence Hall.

So wonderful -we viewed so much beauty, were surrounded by history and enjoyed family. Til next time be well and I’ll see you over on Instagram.

Je suis - I AM finding inspiration through the French way of life; their interiors, the way they entertain and through art. This week I thought I’d share some french things from around the Chalet.

Santé - Sancerre - is a crisp lovely white and perfect anytime.

The Paris Apartment is a locked room mystery, set in an apartment building in which every resident has something to hide.

I finally bought A Year In The French Style the images are stunning.

This wonderful book was found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’m planning to visit France next year and was thrilled when I came across this phrasebook and dictionary at the local library’s on the sale shelf.

This book is filled with humor and it uncovers some of the secrets of the celebrated French art of living well.

Kate and Frida’s friendship sustains and encourages them through their letters from Seattle and Paris to one another. This is on my summer reading list for Book Club and I’m excited to meet these ladies and explore their friendship.

I’ve owned Mr. Harte’s Holiday since I found it at an Encore Books Store in April 1994. I was drawn to the dust jacket, the story and the wonderful art within it’s pages. It’s the tale of a British artist sharing his travels in Normandy and Brittany, accompanied by the watercolors he painted.

Bringing France Home has been in my collection for almost 30 years and I love it as much today as I did when I purchased it.

Friends I own books about Chatsworth House in England, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, The White House and Williamsburg, VA and Design books - many many design books. I do find it quite enjoyable to dive into places and subjects.

Do you have books focused on a particular place or subject?

Til next time I hope your summer is going well and I’ll see you on Instagram.