I can’t believe its all over!  The holidays I mean!  

I did not go "all out" this year with Christmas decorations. Instead I just focused on the living and dining room.

Hey, even though I scaled back quite a bit this year because the whole family, including me, went to Colorado for the week that encompassed Christmas, I still put some effort into the decor of the house.

The "star" piece on the mantel this year was just a simple arrangement of white and dark pink poinsettias with light pink roses and some burgundy accents.

Big sigh … Now, it must all come down!  

I used a few poinsettia flowers that had glitter on them just to give the arrangement a conservative amount of sparkle - not too gaudy, I think!

Such a shame because its so romantic and pretty, and lends such a soft and festive air – especially to the living and dining room.  This year I really played up the PINK, burgundy and white.

With my Victorian-style ornaments that I have collected over the years, it was an aesthetic treat for me. I really enjoyed seeing it all every day.

But now it’s time to carefully pack it away.  (Secretly, I wish I could do like my Aunt Betty used to, and cover the tree with a sheet and stick it behind a decorative screen in a corner of the living room.  Unfortunately, there isn’t room here.) Hopefully, I’ll stick to my resolution to wrap and file it so its easier to find next year.  Ha!  We’ll see …

                              Sleep peacefully Christmas decorations!  See you again after Thanksgiving!

Mother collected 12 doll head ornaments designed by Marie Osmond. They continue to go on the tree in the house every Christmas …

The “White House” Christmas ornaments go perfectly with with a romantic-themed tree. This one of the first wedding in the White House is my favorite.

Another of my favorite ornaments …

At my house, Santa drives a fancy car!

And the ladies are always dressed to the nines!

On Saturday night the Deal family celebrated THREE holidays – Suzanne (Mama Deal) and Connor’s (son Deal) birthday AND Halloween!  

Our extended family celebrated two birthdays at Halloween - Suzanne Deal's and her son Connor's. You didn't have to threaten a trick in order to get a yummy treat ... plenty of yummy morsels.

Everybody dressed up – it was a great opportunity to pretend to be something you aren’t – at least not in public on a regular day.  The house looked great and the food was delicious!  Can’t wait – let’s do it again next year!  

Some strange people showed up for this party. Len Wilkinson with Connor Deal, Gracie and Renny.

Lauren and Jacob Boyett apear to be having a good time!

Ashlyn King takes no prisoners on Halloween! Argh!

The host and hostess of the party - Alice Cooper and Snow White. (Bill and Suzanne Deal) on their front porch to greet (or eat) guests,

Techno geek and Morticia just came as they were ... (Avery and Claire Gimble.)

Little Red Riding Hood (Kimberly Golden King) and the Wolf made their peace at the party!

The cake was delicious - half vanilla and half chocolate all under chocolate icing!

Deb in her everyday attire next to Len in his. Deb holds Gracie in her butterfly costume.

Michelle Prytula came as an Identity Crisis - pretty clever costume!

Everybody wants to be a comedian! Even the skull ...

The table was set eerily appropriate!

Shari Boyett came as one of Suzanne's cupcakes - how cute!

Coupon Queen rides again!

An up close look at those face tattoos!

The Fairy Princess Ballerina (Len) and Alice Cooper (Bill) take a break on the porch with the Butterfly (Gracie).

No particular holiday - It was just ghouls night out ...

If you’ve wondered “whatever happened to blonde but smart bombshell actress Kathleen Turner” let me tell you she’s alive and well.  My friend Claire Gimble and I spent

Kathleen Turner was in town and feisty as ever at her talk at the National Press Club on Sept. 6. Left to right: me, Kathleen Turner, Claire Gimble.

a few minutes with her at the reception before her luncheon talk at the National Press Club on Sept 6.  Feisty and genuinely interested in meeting and talking with folks, Turner makes you feel okay to be a woman today of a “certain age.”  That feeling that with age comes a new freedom is driven home when you meet her.  She says she’s always been opinionated and assertive – since she was 12 in fact.  But instead of this state of being working against your own opinion of HER, it just makes her all the more charming.  Now just shy of 60 – but who’s counting anyway – Turner was able to share with those of us at the Press Club because she’s in town for a while  appearing in “Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins,” a play about the legendary liberal Texas columnist, which runs through October 23 at Arena Stage.

Kathleen Turner shares some advice with me.

The focus of her talk at the National Press Club was the GOP’s stand on women’s reproductive rights and Planned Parenthood in particular. Turner criticized the Republican Party for its archaic views and noted the importance of keeping contraception available for American families.  She said she was afraid for women, families and the now eight decades-old women’s services organization if Mitt Romney is elected. Funny and unedited, Kathleen is perhaps the best person I know to battle those who would want to see American women barefoot and pregnant. Asked if she herself would consider running for office to help improve the numbers of women in Congress – currently only 17% – she replied she still thought her best contribution was as an actress and everyday citizen.

Still one very pretty woman, Kathleen Turner turned out to be warm and genuinely interested in meeting us.

Whoever wins in November – not just the presidential race, but the House and Senate as well – look out!  Today Kathleen Turner is more likely to throw verbal stones against those who would deny women’s rights, than she is to romancing a stone.

A record-setting crowd attended the Grand Opening of Loudoun County's new Gum Spring Library. Over 6,500 people passed through the doors on the first day

There’s no doubt that the big attraction in Loudoun County, Virginia, this past weekend was the Grand Opening of the new Gum Spring Library!  Over 6,500 people came through the door on the first day, Saturday, February 23, setting a new record for library openings in the area.

Lots of people were interested in learning about the non-profit support group for the new Gum Spring Library known as the FROGS - the Friends of the Gum Spring Library.

The day kicked off with a ribbon-cuting ceremony at 11:00 that included welcomes and speeches, a color guard from the local Girl Scouts, and face painting and custom balloon animals for the kids.  Everyone was excited to see the neighborhood finally realize its dream of a gorgeous new library!   

  To help the non-profit Friends of the Gum Spring Library support special and ongoing programs for the library and its community, there are many options.

To purchase a permanent tile in the library with your name on it, please visit:

http://gumspringlibrary.blogspot.com/       

To become a Member of the  non-profit Friends of the Gum Spring Library, visit:   http://gumspringlibrary.blogspot.com/p/become.html

The FROGS - Friends of the Gum Spring Library - had an information table at the Gum Spring Library's grand opening. Seated is Kimber Garland-Homes. Standing from left to right is Deborah Deal-Blackwell, Angie Drews, Nancy Watford, Shriya Awasthi, Bob Lynd, and Karen Montgomery.

   To learn more about the library, visit its web site:   http://library.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=113 

 Visit the Friends of the Gum Spring Library’s FACEBOOK page:

CLICK HERE

]]> http://aromancerenaissance.com/2013/02/gum-spring-library-is-now-open/feed/ 0 http://aromancerenaissance.com/2013/02/original-art-tribute-to-nature-revealed-at-patron-reception-at-loudoun-countys-new-gum-spring-library/ http://aromancerenaissance.com/2013/02/original-art-tribute-to-nature-revealed-at-patron-reception-at-loudoun-countys-new-gum-spring-library/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:06:35 +0000 http://aromancerenaissance.com/?p=970

The Opening Day for the new Gum Spring Library is February 23, 2013.  In celebration of this wonderful and long-awaited forthcoming event, and to thank the generous financial donors to the public art wall that was commissioned by the Friends of the Gum Spring Library (FROGS), the FROGS held a special pre-opening reception at the library.

The beautiful interior of the new Gum Springs Library

(Note: the reception was paid for by the independent non-profit Friends of the Gum Spring Library. No county funds were used.)   Art patrons were able to take a sneak preview peek at Joan Gardiner’s magnificent design she has named “Riparian Zone.”  According to Ms. Gardiner, the inspiration for her “natural” masterpiece was the peaceful wetlands she was able to see from the library site.  A cornucopia of animal life found in the Loudoun County area, “Riparian Zone” features realistic depictions of creatures in soft muted tones. “I didn’t want the art on the wall to be glaring,” said Ms. Gardiner. “I wanted it to be in concert with the peaceful tone of the library’s architectural design.”  

The "Riparian Zone" is under construction at the new Gum Spring Library.

It was not yet finished at the time of the reception on February 18.  The design and crafting of the individual intricate pieces of the art wall each take a good deal of time.  However, Ms. Gardiner hopes to have it completed in time for the Grand Public Opening at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23.  A unique and beautiful expanse of original work, “Riparian Zone” is a tribute to our area wildlife and should serve as an inspiration to future generations of library members to cherish nature’s own wonderful works of art.

A section of the public art wall under construction at the new Gum Spring Library. The individual animals will be much more visible once the entire piece has been stuccoed.

Many people helped make the installation of the public art wall possible including the architecture and construction teams. The FROGS would like to especially thank Van Metre, Aldie Veterinary Services, the Kirkpatrick Farms Home Owners Association, and the Loudoun County Library Foundation for their financial contribution.

Be sure to stop and admire this wonderful example of original art from a local artist when YOU visit the new Gum Spring Library.

 To find out how you can buy a permanent donor tile with your name on it, visit: http://gumspringlibrary.blogspot.com/

Visit, the Loudoun County Library web site at: http://library.loudoun.gov/

FROGS' Bob Michaud with Nancy Nuell.

Gum Spring Library "FROGS" members

Ross & Tiffany Fischer enjoy the new library!

    Keep Scrolling!

There’s lots of photos!

To learn more about the Friends of the Gum Spring Library or FROGS, as they are commonly known, visit:  

 http://gumspringlibrary.blogspot.com/ 

      To learn more about the new library, visit:  

  Loudoun County’s Gum Spring Library

Friends of the Gum Spring Library (FROGS) members Shriya Awasthi and Kimber Garland-Homes are happy to see the library finally opening!

Art Patron Aimee Luce from Aldie Vet and John Gardiner enjoy Joan Gardiner's work.

Gum Spring Library Branch Manager John Huddy takes a break. Enjoy it now, John. You may never get to sit down and relax again!

Artist Joan Gardiner and FROGS member Deborah Deal.

 

Nancy Nuell with Karen and David Montgomery

Linda Holtslander, Community Relations for Loudoun County Library, and artist Joan Gardiner.

The "stacks" at the new Gum Spring Library are stuffed with the latest and most popular titles.

 

There's plenty of comfortable seating at the light-filled new Gum Spring Library.

 

The new Gum Spring Library offers an entire section that's devoted exclusively to teens.

 

There's room for teens to just (quietly) hang out in their own section of the library.

 

The "library cafe" at the new Gum Spring Library.

Kids have their own special and separate section at the new Gum Spring Library. Pictured is the entry to the Children's section.

Everything is "to scale" for the littlest readers - even the adorable furniture.

 

The new library features a beautiful open floor plan.

 

In addition to the "Riparian Zone" art wall created by Joan Gardiner, the library also features a wall of paintings depicting local history.

 

The Children's section features natural scenes on the divider windows.

 

The "Check Out" desk stands at the ready for the crowd expected on Saturday morning, February. 23.

   Last year we braved a cold wind and overcast skies to hold our annual Family Fun Walk for the Gum Spring Library.  But, this year, we got a big reprieve.

There was something for everyone at the 3rd annual FROGS Family Fun Walk on April 21, 2012 for the new Gum Spring Library!

   The storm that would dump several inches just to the north of us, and plow us into 48 hours of (needed) rain, mercifully held off just long enough for the FROGS (Friends of the Gum Spring Library) to enjoy a beautiful day for our 3rd annual event.

Walkers and participants in the 3rd Annual "FROGS" Family Fun Walk enjoyed great weather.

Every year walkers get a t-shirt, a goodie bag stuffed with items from local businesses, fruit, snacks and water.  The moon bounce is always popular and the participants are happy to wait in line for  chance to get their faces expertly painted by our “face artist.”   This year, we even had LIVE entertainment provided by Bach 2 Rock!

Another successful Family Fun Walk for the Gum Spring Library.

    We can’t wait until NEXT year when the library will be open and we can all retire to the stacks after our stride through the neighborhood.

We had a looooong line of walkers! It was quite a sight!

Some of Deb’s random thoughts on creating a Successful Community Event:

• PLAN, PLAN, PLAN way in advance.  The FROGS start working on their April Family Fun Walk event in December!

• Look into what licenses may be needed as far in advance as possible so there are no last-minute surprises that could squash your event
  
  

  Everybody waited patiently for face painting!

• Break down the event into specific tasks and then assign those tasks to reliable people.  Call those people 48 hours beforehand to

make sure they can still carry out their assignments. 

• If you don’t provide specifics for completing a task in advance, don’t nag about  how that task is achieved after the fact.  Volunteers don’t appreciate micro-managing when its too late.  Instead, make a note on how that task should be achieved  for  whoever gets that task next year.    

• Have good signage.  There are always regulations on signage in any community.  Just find out what the those regulations are and do the best you can. (exploit the loopholes if necessary on the day of event, and just take down the signs immediately afterward.)  

Arcola Fire Department Volunteers.

• Take advantage of as many area newsletters, magazines,  newspaper listings and area cable TV listings as possible to get the word out about your event.  

• And make sure you create and utilize an email invitation list of everyone you know.  If you provide a way for the reader to opt out of future emails, they generally will not object and usually will not opt out.

• Don’t forget clean-up.  Leave the area the way you found it.

• Have a post-event de-brief.  Take good notes and keep those notes where they can be pulled out for the next event and read again.

• Think of as many ways as possible to THANK YOUR SPONSORS – that is, only if you want them back next time!

Everybody was in a great mood and enjoyed the event.

And, speaking of sponsors, we’d like to thank those that supported our 2012 Family Fun Walk:

•    East Gate Orthodontics - www.eastgateorthodontics.com
•    HCA Healthcare - www.hcahealthcare.com
•    Stone Ridge Orthodontics - www.smilestoneridge.com
•    Van Metre Homes - www.vanmetrehomes.com
•    Snap Fitness - www.snapfitness.com/stoneridge
•    Kravitz Orthodontics - www.kravitzorthodontics.com
•    Inova Loudoun Hospital - www.inova.org
•    Concept Marketing, Inc. - www.cptmkt.com
•    Aldie Vet - www.aldievet.com 
•    Montessori of Chantilly, Casa dei Bambini - www.montessoriofchantilly.com
•    Curry’s Auto - www.currysauto.com
•    Mathnasium - www.mathnasium.com/stoneridge
•    Family Veterinary Hospital of Stone Ridge
•    Family and Aesthetic Dentistry of South Riding

 

(Note:  This is a private blog. Of course, the comments herein are those of Deborah Deal’s and do not reflect or represent any other member of the Friends of the Gum Spring Library or the Loudoun County library system. All photos copyright 2012 Deborah A. Deal.)

A FROG board member thinks he really IS turning into a Frog now! He's practicing his frog pounce position.

Always have lots of balloons for a Family event.

 

       

Face painting is sometimes even better on something other than the face!

                       

                        

I'd rather have what you're having!

 

 

Sometimes the best Valentine’s weekends are those you spend close to home!  My weekend with my friend included escaping the cold on Saturday night to stay home and watch movies, play with the dogs and eat pizza and other goodies like these lovely bakery treats here.                               I think these cupcakes are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen … and they are certainly the most beautiful I have ever eaten!  They came from Harris Teeter … I can hold my own in a lot of “crafty” areas, but a cake decorator … I am NOT. 

Al Jarreau and the Air Force band, the "Airmen of Note" gave a great jazz performance at the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall. Here, the Air Force color guard opens the concert ...

Sunday, even though it was still cold, we went into downtown D.C. for a concert put on by the Air Force jazz band (with strings) featuring Al Jarreau.   Al was great … he plays those vocal cords like an instrument.  He has made some great music over the years — some of his recordings are on my “short” favorites list. 

Friend Len braved the cold with me to see Al Jarreau.

Not too many people out on the National Mall in downtown D.C.

Cold, but still lots of pretty sights in downtown D.C. the weekend before Valentine's Day.

Nice light and pretty skies for taking photos in downtown D.C. this weekend ...

If you are like me and don’t want to use the pre-made flimsy garland and cheesy banners in your Valentine’s Day decorations, try this  Romance Renaissance Quick Trick …

Take a pack of Rick Rack you might have around the house or in your sewing basket already … this strand is great because it already had sparkles on it. I got it from a JoAnn Fabric and Craft store ...

These cards were not only pretty, they were pretty sturdy as well — and inexpensive!

Sit them on top of the rick rack. These cards were perfect for a banner because they were all alike and opened at the bottom. This made it possible to SIT them on the rick rack without having to glue or staple them. Now, they can be re-used.

I  bought one pack of six to decorate with, and one to send out.

My Hallmark store offered me free stickers to go on the back of every envelope in the packet of Valentine's that I purchased. Make sure you get yours too ... and remember to ask about their loyalty program - earn points for goodies!

I just tied them up between the sconces over my fireplace ...

However -- if you hang them from a fireplace mantle like I did, feel of the cards occasionally to make sure they are not getting too hot. You want a "HOT" Valentine's Day, but you don't want to burn down the house! NEVER leave a burning fireplace or candles unattended ..!

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Talk about Romantic! 

Horses, dogs, a parade in a cute little historic town – add this to your book of romantic places and events to see and do!

Today’s Parade of Roses – it’s Monday, Jan 2, 2012 – made me remember to post the photos from the Annual Middleburg Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The first event of the festive day in downtown Middleburg was "The Hunt" parade at 11:00 a.m.on Saturday, December 3. What a sight in this attractive historic town!

Hounds and horses - but where's the fox?

 The parade is actually TWO parades …  

These are the photos from the horses and hounds brigade – I guess they call it The Hunt, which took place at 11:00 a.m.

Middleburg dogs have their people bring them to see the fox-hunter hounds at the annual Christmas parade.

Middleburg, Virginia is famous for its horse farms, fox hunting and celebrities. I would also add that it should be famous for the number of dogs who live there too!  I’ve included photos of some of the pets who showed up to see the fox hounds in the parade!

A pug, captivated by the number of fox-hunting hounds ...

Middleburg was established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman, Levin Powell. He purchased the land for Middleburg at $2.50 an acre from Joseph Chinn, first cousin to George Washington.

Lots of pups dressed up for the parade!

Middleburg – population about 600 –  makes a great day trip or vacation.  There are plenty of charming shops and restaurants, along with several nearby vineyards and estates that offer tours and even horseback riding.  

Some watchers didn't bother to dress up, but enjoyed the show all the same!

Don’t miss the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern. It is reported to be the “oldest operating original inn in America.”

The historic Red Fox Inn (and restaurant) all dressed up for the holidays ...

The Red Fox Tavern was a hang out spot for Confederate Colonel John Mosby and his Rangers. A century later, President Kennedy’s press secretary, Pierre Salinger, held press conferences at the Red in the Jeb Stuart Room. Some of my personal favorite shops include The Fun Shop, Lou Lou, and Creme de la  Creme. (See my other post on Middleburg shopping.)

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

Middleburg, Virginia Christmas Parade 2011

For unique jewelry priced from $2.00 to $100.00 visit our booth:

“A Romance Renaissance”

at the

THE SOUTH RIDING COMMUNITY Farmer’s MARKET special

CHRISTMAS MARKET

ONE DAY ONLY!
from 8 a.m. to Noon      Sunday, December 4th 2011

This Christmas bells pin with Swarovski crystals is one of the items that will be available at the Christmas Market on Sunday morning, Dec. 4 at Murrey Park.

 Get ready for Christmas!   Shop under the BLUE CANOPY with the white lace curtains!

LOCATION: Murrey Park, South Riding, Virginia  20152

Murrey Park is bordered by the intersection of Murrey Drive and Parish Street -AND – Land’s End Drive and Parish Street.
(behind Hyland Hills Pool near the Murrey Drive Tennis Courts). 

To find the park using GPS enter this address: 43250 Parish St South Riding, VA 20152
If you find the Hyland Hills Pool, drive East on Parish Street to the intersection of Land’s End. You will see the tents.