George

Eleven years ago today, George Harrison died. What a terrible day that was & he is so missed. But you can remember him by visiting the new George Harrison YouTube channel & watch the glorious Concert for George in its entirety (for 24 hours only). Remember to visit George Harrison (& UNICEF, too) for more information on how to keep up with news because there is always something to discover.

It's an under-the-weather day here so off for toast & tea & George. And a tumblr full of musicians with kittens.:) xoxo

(photograph of George at Shea Stadium via The Beatles)

Sweet Paul Winter Holiday

The Sweet Paul Winter 2012 issue is live now & is lovely as always. There's a new(ish) website, too. So scamper on over there. Especially elegant is the silver & blue Christmas section. xoxo

PS: Fun video of a Sweet Paul photo shoot (via Decor8)

(photograph via Sweet Paul)

Giving Tuesday

"On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity.

And together we’ll create ways to give more, give better and give smarter." ~ Giving Tuesday

We have our favorite organizations, obviously; but wherever you decide to give, please make sure it's a reputable charity. Check with Charity Navigator to feel better about your gift.

A special request: we're involved with Women's Centers International, a new endeavor. Please see the website for information. There will be a post next week but an extra shout-out for today is warranted.

(photograph by Angélica Vis)

Make Vintage Christmas Cards

You can use these images for something other than cards, of course, use your imagination. It is that time of year; don't yell at the messenger! Christmas & Hanukkah are popular searches on GG so we're giving the people what they want.:) xo/gg

Vintage Holiday Crafts is a huge source of clip art for nearly every holiday & occasion. You can even make your own vintage-style gift certificate--for anything. We won't waste anyone's time listing, just visit. The rules are clear & the site is generous. It's hard to believe sometimes that anyone would do something like compile an enormous collection just because...but that appears to be the case.

Sunday at the Movies

The first real cold has settled in here. Groan. If not a cure, there is a balm for the suffering. Four Audrey Hepburn movies are currently on Netflix Instant (in the States): Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Charade, & How to Steal a Million. And it's early enough to rent one of the others - there are still rental shops, correct? 

If you'd like other film suggestions, try A Better Queue for Netflix; it's not perfect, but it's a start. One sees people complain on Twitter about the choices. Unless you spend all day, every day watching series television on demand (you know who you are) , there are plenty of choices. 

 If you prefer something French, this is from last summer. That feels like a million years ago. *sob* xoxo

PS: Roger Ebert is the best person to consult about Netflix Instant. Follow him on Twitter, too, & not just for film recommendations.

(Audrey looking out over Paris by Bill Avery)

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a safe & lovely holiday. For some peace (& holiday decorating), here's a little advice from two years ago. xoxo

(photograph by Amy Merrick)

Bird-feeding Basics

 "More than 100 North American bird species supplement their natural diets with birdseed, suet, fruit, and nectar obtained from feeders. Feeding birds can benefit them and also provides great birdwatching opportunities in your own backyard." ~ Audubon website 

Spare a Thanksgiving thought for the birds in your neighborhood. Here's how to set up a simple system for everyone to enjoy. Including the resident feline - who should be kept indoors!. >^^<

ciao-cheep-meow xo

(photograph by Sam Plant via Lolita)

IKEA Soft Toy Aid 2012

The global IKEA Soft Toy Aid holiday campaign has begun. Through 29 December, for each soft toy (or children's book) purchased, the IKEA Foundation donates $1.00 (or 1 Euro equivalent) to UNICEF & Save the Children. 

We'll post updates & reminders throughout the season, but if you're shopping this weekend, please keep this campaign in mind. And to double your donation, think about dropping an IKEA soft toy off to Toys for Tots or another local toy campaign drive in your town or country. 

Here is the charming Soft Toy Aid video to brighten your day.

ciao-meow/xoxo

(photograph via IKEA)

Knit & Purl

It's not that difficult & it feels good to start (& finish) a project that has nothing to do with actual work. It can be expensive to knit a sweater, sure; but choose a scarf or mittens, a hat, to begin. Look for yarn sales. Choose something that will be easy to set down & pick up again. Advice from us to you: do not decide to knit your Hanukkah & Christmas gifts this year. Listen to the voice of experience here - don't do it. The stress is more than you can handle. 

Free (!) knitting links & these are but a very few. Google 'free' & 'knitting' - wow. (Also, 'poetry' & 'knitting' - really interesting what comes up.)

Basic Knitting via YouTube

Join the online knit & crochet community, Ravelry, for free.

Knitting Pattern Central is huge & free; it has lots of tutorial links.

Teaching children to knit.

A poem about knitting (sort of:); and knitting for poets.

xoxo

(Vanessa Redgrave & Natasha Richardson, Rome 1968 via MSNBC)

Orchid

This holiday season, along with the forced bulbs, poinsettia, & roses & lilies (a favorite combination), finally buy the potted orchid that you've thought about every single time you walk past the display. At many markets, especially Whole Foods, there are lovely simple ones at excellent prices. And easy to care for, too (so it is rumored:).

Beautiful photograph by Jessie Roth via automatism. Visit Lori's flower label for inspiration & some relief from this crazy world.

xoxo

Prince Hat

"The way we met, it all happened so fast." A favorite illustration by wonderful Swedish illustrator, Patrik Svensson. Here's the archive, here's why his site is called Prince Hat. And yes, there is a tumblr. (Many of you know Patrik's minimalist typographic movie posters project.) xo

Something Sweet - Chocolate-Peanut Butter Acorns

These are super-cute & easy to make for tonight (or tomorrow). More no-bake desserts, here.

More anon. xo/gg

(photograph via Martha Stewart)

Fractal Flowers

"Fractal art is a type of digital art that's considered new media. It's not drawn or painted by hand, rather, fractal-generating software is used that relies on mathematical calculations to visually display objects." ~ via My Modern Met

Italian-born Silvia Cordedda's flower images are gorgeous; see many more at My Modern Met & on DeviantArt.

Hello, November

This catching up business is taking longer than expected. That is the thing with plans, isn't it?

Meanwhile:

 Live longer with naps (the Greek way).

Poems for Veterans Day (or Remembrance Day for Commonwealth nations)

Pinterest introduces secret boards (finallly!).

Bring the outside inside.

"Tonight I Have to Leave It" Dance!

Have a lovely weekend. xoxo

(photograph by Liivia Sirola)

Persephone Books

Thank you for being patient while we catch up from the campaign (& other time hogs). Yesterday's mail brought the always lovely Persephone Books Biannually & a new bookmark. Very much looking forward to reading this latest re-publication. 

 There is also new website to explore which was needed but the twice-a-year mailings are wonderful, so do sign up for them.

 xo/gg

(The Reader by Henry Lamb)

Yes We Did (Again)!

Everyone knows the hardest part is next. But for today, we're taking a nap. Thank you so much for the warm wishes from around the world. xo from us to you.

President Obama's victory speech last night was wonderful. Watch it here. Dance to a Stevie Wonder, here. And consider visiting Washington, DC (& us!) for the Inauguration. Seriously.

xo/gg

(photograph via Guardian Tumblr/Getty)

Go Vote

There's just nothing else to say (although much is being said, of course:). 

If you're not in the States, the BBC's US election coverage is a good place to watch what's going on today & tomorrow.

A take on the poetry of Barack Obama's campaign. Has he rediscovered it in time?

From the Poetry Foundation, twelve Presidents & the poets who inspired them.

If you are in the States & have not done so, think seriously about calling campaign headquarters & asking how to help. People need rides to the polls & voting assistance. Thanks!

xo/gg

(illustration by Lisa Congdon for the #GoVote project via Swissmiss)

Hurricane Sandy: How to Help

The destruction, the news is overwhelming. So really, the best thing (IMNSHO) is to donate to the American Red Cross. If you are in a storm-affected area, then you most likely know where & to whom you should reach out. If you are not (or are unsure), here's a link that will be updated.

An organization close to our heart is Mitzvah Circle. While they help people across the country, they are located in the Philadelphia area & are assisting people hurt by the storm. Please help them if you can.

If you can & have not, please vote early.

xoxo/gg

(Photograph by Saul Leiter)