May 11th, 2012

Beneficent Benaroya

One is never really in the right frame of mind to hear sad news, but when I heard today that Jack Benaroya passed away, I felt particularly stunned and saddened.

I first met Mr. Benaroya, 5 years ago when I began working at Seattle Symphony. I remember needing to take him and a few people back stage to meet a guest artist whose performance they were sponsoring. The hall, which bares his name and he was intricately involved with building, was then to me, as a new employee, a labyrinth.  I faked along as he and a handler (he was in a wheel chair) and his stunning wife Becky, patiently followed my lead–even though I’m sure they were well aware of a faster way, they were gracious and engaging with me.  From that point forward I had many interactions with him.  He could speak, but would do so quietly and only when really necessary.  So I mostly saw him smiling, though was acutely aware that he was listening and knew exactly what was going on.

He lived a life of quiet philanthropy. He lived with his wife, a gorgeous and strong woman who was so unbelievably dedicated to him. I am very sad for her too, they were such a team.  I also got to know one of his son’s Alan, who like his father is a king of men–kind and ferociously loyal.

Not only was he a generous man, he was a loyal friend.   He formed a staunch friendship with Gerard Schwarz, the Symphony’s conductor and the two of them basically built the civic gem known as Benaroya Hall.  He was an amazing advocate and friend of the arts.  After I left the Symphony to work for an arts granting organization, I invited Jack & Becky to a fundraising auction.  They came.  I remember when we were “raising the paddle” to raise funds for arts education, Becky was about to raise the paddle and Jack whispered in her ear and went to determinedly grab the paddle (by this point his mobility was very impaired) and raise it for a higher amount. He believed  firmly in the arts and bringing the best to Seattle.

I guess I can only say thank you Jack.  Thank you for the beautiful hall that you and Jerry built.  Thank you for the many important contributions you have made in our city.  Thank you for blazing a trail of generosity for future philanthropists to follow.

Good night Jack and rest in peace.

Categories: Fun, Philanthropy

Motherhood is a Job

Motherhood is a job.  Indeed.  It is the one of the most important, toughest, all-encompassing, frustrating and gratifying jobs one can have.

Whether your children are infants or raising families of their own.  It is the job that never ends.

Of course I never really understood this until having a family of my own.  My Mom was and still is my hero.  She is a lady through and through, full of grace, humor wisdom and style.  I love you Mom.  Happy Mother’s Day (a few days early:)

Categories: Family, Fun
May 9th, 2012

DIY Flower Basket

This is the time of year I begin stalking Lowes, Home Depot, nurseries, grocery stores, you name it, anywhere that sells flowers for the perfect mix of value and taste-level as relates to flower baskets.  Basically the ugly ones are cheap, the good looking are not, unless summer is almost over.

And the thing is, you can never really find exactly what you’re looking for (think sun requirements, textural interest, cascading sweeps, color palette,  etc.,)…especially without blowing the flower budget this early in the season.

This is why one must DIY. or DWH, “Do With Helper” in my case.

Garden gloves on and we are ready.  .  We picked up the ingredients from Lowes…

Selected a basic basket for $4.99 (more attractive than the plastic ones in my opinion) or so.  The liner is an extra buck.

Selected our fillers, all fairly inexpensive annuals.   Shade lovers, like Fuchsia, and Impatiens and Coleus, and with the proper fertilization shall likely bloom well into the fall.

I just love coleus, don’t you?  The leaves are so interesting and there are so many varietals.  This particular one is called Jade.

Finalized our strategic placements, and Voila.   Total cost all in, under $25 (which includes huge bag of potting soil for other projects).  Others I spotted of similar size in stores well over $30.

I may tuck in some bright colored moss on the bottom to soften it, and soon enough the fuschia will open up and drip down with the desired effect.  And there you have it,  we ready summer, bring it!  Check out more flower basket inspiration on my Pinterest board HERE. 

 

 

Categories: Family, Fun
May 7th, 2012

Derby Days

While nowhere near Churchill Downs, it was a glorious kind of day in Seattle to take in the Kentucky Derby.

First things first.  Though the race may be only two minutes, one should take some time to carefully consider their hat.  Mine was adorned with enormous and spectactularly fragrant lilies.

I almost never get to suggest an ensemble for my husband.  But this was “his idea.”  And boy, am I a sucker for a man in searsucker.

Race day headquarters.

A mint julep is a must.

Along with traditional fare like homemade ham biscuits

Some southern fried chicken lurking in the background and a cheesy grit and shrimp dish, I was never able to photograph as they got scarfed down as soon as they were placed on the table.

Thematic decor

like red roses everywhere to signify the “Run For the Roses”

Discussing their picks

And now to the really fun stuff…the fashion; dresses and hats

even Fascinators.

Happy Hosts

A gaggle of girls sporting…of course, more hats.

A rare moment where our outfits coordinate, must be seized.

I’ll Have Another…wins it by this point.  I’m referring to the Thoroughbred here.

The money shot, posing with the winnings.

My favorite shot of the day.

Other hosts with coordinating salmon colored accents.

Debonair dudes.

And I know it’s wrong to pick favorites, but this hat, C’mon.  It was referred to as “Best in Show”  Great job K.W.!

Luxe ladies

Peacock up close (since it was DIY it deserves special attention) and another stunner in purple–I believe this hat came from France.

This is the kind of day where everyone wins.  Thank you M&G; S&L; J&M!!

 

 

Categories: Fashion, Friends, Fun
May 4th, 2012

10 Year Anniversary

I believe I’ve written about this phenomenon previously, “the days are long, but the years are short.”  While it probably applies more to parenthood than marriage (let’s face it, some days are longer than others:),  I truly cannot believe how fast ten years have whizzed by.

Ten years ago we exchanged vows in Nantucket.  Family and friends from all across the country came and came in spades.

It was a glorious weekend.  Filled with a love, lots of laughter, many nods to the sea and joy–plain and simple.

There was “duck walking” across the dance floor with my Uncle as my fun-loving Irish relatives cheered on.

Some who are not with us anymore.

“Brothers” from Ohio State.

Our niece, then infant, now tween.

And us.  Two children, two houses, two dogs, two states, different jobs and more… we have evolved, but I still love him as I did 10 years ago today.  Happy Anniversary A.

P.S. We are just getting started with this ten year celebration stuff.  We head to Nantucket in a few weeks to celebrate some more with family and friends, stay tuned….

 

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