Master Cake Baker and Decorator

Hugh and Alex surprised me with this beautiful cake this past weekend in honor of my birthday. The cake was baked and created by Niko from Niko's Cakes in Salem, Massachusetts. Previously, Niko worked for the Cake House in Brookline and Marblehead. A few years ago, he opened his own bakery on Route 114 in Salem. Niko is one of the nicest people you will meet----a very genteel and humble man with an incredible talent! His sense of color and style is simply beautiful.

A closer look at the level of detail---the flowers were magnificent. The two toned roses are divine!  They look so real.

Check out the artistry of the leaves-----the texture is remarkable.

Having a cake like this makes one almost forget about getting older!

Preston Beach Sun Circle, Swampscott

If you haven't stopped by the Sun Circle yet, put it on your "to do" list! We took a quick walk (it was really windy and cold outside today!) and were stunned by the beauty of the sun circle and ocean beyond. Scroll down to see a few photos.

The Sun Circle Sculpture has been designed as a sculpture attuned to the solar cycles that guide our planet and our lives. Based on solar geometries, the installation consists of a ring or “henge” of seven-foot columnar basalt columns from the Columbia River Basin in Moses Lake, Washington.

At two points along the circle, there are pairs of stone pillars, set four to five inches apart that demarcate the sunrise and sunset locations on the spring and fall equinox dates. At the key moments on these two days, the sun’s rays will pass between the gap in the stones, creating a spectacular sunburst.  At four points along the circle, single stone pillars will denote the locations of the sunrise and sunset on the solstice dates, acting as parens for the extreme points of the sun rise on the horizon. Single stone pillars  mark the north and south axis of the circle to complete the design and provide directional bearings. Although the effect is especially dramatic during equinox and solstice events, the locations of the stones will help to understand solar positions throughout the year. 

The rough stone monoliths maintain their natural finish in harmony with the simplicity and serenity of the seaside site.  Basalt was selected as the material for the sculpture since it forms naturally in monolithic shapes and is one of the predominant types of stone that form the geology at this site.  Eight of the stones include a simple contoured cut that will express an aspect of “capturing” the sun along its journey.  The stone pairs at the equinox locations also signify an abstraction of a conversation between two persons as they view the solar path. At the center of the installation is a circular stone dais: the geometric center that provides the key vantage point to experience all of these solar events from a single location.  This platform is etched with inscriptions that help the viewer to understand the annual cycle. 

Most people do not realize that the sun appears in a different location each day of the year.  This sculpture will help people to understand this concept in a clear and meaningful way. The creation of this astronomical construct provides a thought-provoking tool to broaden the viewer’s experience to include the sky and the solar system beyond.

Celebrating the sun's path has a long tradition in many cultures. Too often the deep essentials of our life on this planet are ignored. This sculpture speaks more about the passage of time, the changing seasons, the cycles of life, and how we experience them in relationship to our surroundings. It is a marker and reference point to understand that we are constantly moving, even when standing still.

The shape, structure and texture of basalt depend on how and where it erupted — whether into the sea, in an explosive eruption or as creeping lava flows, the classical image of Hawaiian basalt eruptions.
In columnar basalt, during the cooling of a thick lava flow, fractures form: much like the process of muddy water to wet mud, and then to dry and fractured cracked mud. The lava shrinks as it cools, and pressure cracks the young rock into shapes that offer the greatest stress relief with the fewest cracks.  Because there is not perfectly even cooling, there are three- to eight-sided columns, though six-sided columns are the most common. The size of the columns depends loosely on the rate of cooling; very rapid cooling may result in very small columns, while slow cooling is more likely to produce large columns.

I am looking forward to spending a few moments during the Winter Solstice at the Sun Circle----perhaps you would like to join me?

And all who entered the Sun Circle were inspired by the love, art science and the mystery of the universe"

A spectacular viewing spot to see the ocean beyond



The color and texture of the basalt is gorgeous!




It was very windy and the grasses were swishing away!



The Boardwalk leading to the Sun Circle



The textures and shapes of the rocks are captivating



Floral Arrangements

I have always had a passion for flowers and have been in awe of their beauty since childhood. Since then,  I have become fascinated by flower arranging and mesmerized by the variety of colors, textures, and shapes of the individual blooms. I am continually amazed by their ability to astonish, inspire and enthrall me.

These are photos of some of the work I created while interning with a European trained floral designer. Currently, I am working on my own and available for floral design consultation for your home or office. Let me provide you with beautiful, affordable arrangements for all your special occasions and events!

Pedestal "sherbert" dish with Roses and Grass



The client requested a tropical theme for an Engagement Party. Pictured above is a glass cube filled with Hydrangea, French Tulips, Hyacinth and Bamboo.



This very large arrangement consists of Cymbidum Orchids, French Tulips and Cherry Tree Blossoms. It looked magnificent in the foyer of a client's home.

This client provides her own containers---pictured above is a very unusual crystal vase, rectangular in shape, filled with French Tulips, Calla Lily, Bear Grass and Bamboo.

This is one of my favorite greens to use in arrangements.  It has wonderful texture and adds depth and movement to the hydrangea, tulips and hyacinths.

A charming handmade "artichoke" pot filled with Moss, Cymbidum Orchids and Roses.

For a very short period of time in the Spring, ruffled French tulips are in abundance! These are magnificent in person and, when used with other green filler, make a huge splash!

French Ruffled Tulips interspersed with Large Orange Tulips from Holland in a simple bouquet arrangement

Large Tropical Centerpiece filled with Lotus Pods, Cymbidium Orchids, Pin Cushion Protea and Bamboo



Redds Pond

It's November 5th and it is 61 degrees here in Marblehead. Took a quick walk around Redds Pond and shot a few photographs. The ducks were happy and so am I.

Looking toward Old Burial Hill from Redds Pond

Quintessential New England in Fall



Hollywood likes filming at Old Burial Hill! The Witches of Eastwick and Hocus Pocus had some great scenes that were shot at Old Burial Hill.



I am really trying to embrace Fall. It's no secret---Fall is not one of my favorite seasons. These leaves are actually under water at the edge of the pond and I thought they looked very interesting.

A little boy was feeding the ducks and I was able to get up close and personal with Mr. Greenhead

I just love the way the water ripples around the duck!

Brownie-----unfortunately not the star of the pond!

Snow White

Pond View

Another gorgeous day in Marblehead

The light was changing so quickly. The sun just came out after torrential morning rain.

Eerily pretty

Today was indeed a gift----61 degrees at 3pm on November 5th. Not too many more like this! Glad I was able to get out and enjoy the day.

November in New England

It was beautiful, sunny and a crispy clear kind of day when I left work at 4:15pm. Took the outdoor photos around 4:45 p.m. Not looking forward to daylight savings time next week----it is SO dark SO early.

Just love the play of light on the rocks, seaweed and water

Taken from the Causeway - The Harbor is Empty

I am intrigued by the way the seaweed looks so comfortable splayed on the rocks!

More great light at the end of the day.

Whale on the Neck

Orchids are smiling and I am too! 

Lotus pod nestled among orchid leaves