Do you Twitter?

Giulia & her editor find this Twitter business amusing & slightly terrifying. We signed up because friends around the world kept sending us messages that they wanted to 'follow' us. Yikes. We still aren't sure how we feel but we love, love, love this logo detail & want this adorable bird on GG's site.

Scots we like...Annie Lennox

Well, we're hardly going to post "Scots we detest," are we? (You never know.) GG & her editor play Medusa often & last night we got to thinking about Petula Clark's Downtown (GG's favorite pop song) as a corollary to Downtown Lights. And no, we aren't going to deconstruct it. Just a thought. Both are heartbreaking in wildly different ways.

As Annie is so very cool & stylish & arty, we knew there'd be a ton of pix on the web from which to choose. However, we vastly overestimated the amount of time we'd have today--so this is necessarily brief. Annie was named the Glamour Woman of the Year for Inspiration 2008 (UK); we couldn't agree more. She also advocates on behalf of Darfur & children elsewhere in the world & for that we are so grateful.

Have a great evening... xoxo, GG's editor

GG Central: Walk for the Animals Reminder

Reminder! Walk for the Animals is great fun. This year, in Washington, DC, the date is Sunday, 5 October 2008. Go here to register. (The check-in line moves much faster --& you get the stuffed goody bag right away--if you pre-register on-line.) Of course, you can just up & go at the last minute, too.

You don't have to bring a dog-- there will be plenty on hand for fun. Everyone loves people to fuss over their pooch. GG is not going; neither is GG's editor due to a prior engagement on the very same day. Wouldn't you know both are on the 5th?

GG & Rodin's Dancing Figure

A pretty postcard propped up for years against a stack of books; a Rodin drawing in the National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC). GG has been leaping & prancing all day, twirling & twisting in the air like a snowboarder. She prefers to think of herself as a feline dancer. And she still wants those flamenco earrings. Sigh.

Have a lovely evening.

ciao-meow, baci, bisou
GG's editor

Flamenco chic

GG & her editor love these accessories from Flamenco World. GG Central has read the newsletter for years & still only daydreams about a flamenco class. GG likes to stomp around on her pink paw-pads, & has done so for several hours. GG covets a pair of Spanish earrings. Honestly, can you see how she would be able to wear them? No? Didn't think so. The GG vs. editor power struggle continues...

Ciao-meow,
GG Central Mgmt.

Leeks

It occurs to GGCM that we mentioned Wales today. So if the full moon awakened you, & inexplicably you are looking at a computer screen, here's a petite video from Mireille G. Did you know that there was a leek shortage in the States after French Women Don't Get Fat was published? I know! Americans are nothing if not enthusiastic.

Now go to bed!

GG Celebrates Owain Glyndwr

GG is not sure how to celebrate other than watch her editor eat some leeks. There's been a movement afoot in Wales for some time to have an official Owain Glyndwr holiday.

Anyone who is mad for romances & things medieval will love this...GG Central isn't as keen for this as some, but acknowledging one's roots now & again is fun; and St. David's Day (1 March) if a long way off.

This is from the Owain Glyndwr Society/Cymdeithas Owain Glyndwr bilingual site. So eat a leek (not only French women eat leeks!), & cheers to Owain.

"OWAIN GLYNDWR had no need to rebel. He was a wealthy landowner married into a noble family and led a comfortable existence. But something stirred him into rebellion and he is one of Wales's most romantic and famous icons nearly 600 years after the start of his campaign.

The rebel Prince was recently voted the seventh most influential figure of the millennium in a worldwide poll of politicians and academics, such is his legacy and impact on Wales today"....read more....

xoxo, cariad
GG

The Full Moon, Paris/La pleine lune, Paris

The moon is a recurring theme at GG Central. Tonight's full moon is called the Full Harvest Moon. This month, instead of Athens, our inspiration is la pleine lune, Paris. GG chose the lovely photo by Marco Zandona via Flickr. GG's editor saw more fabulous Zandona pix from Tunisia--one of our favorite countries.

Ciao, bisou, baci. xoxo, GG

Darfur Heroes in September

GG’s editor is pleased to report that the Save Darfur Coalition has named good friend Suliman Giddo, president & co-founder of Darfur Peace & Development (DPDO), a Darfur Hero.

Suliman’s story, & that of his compatriot & co-honoree Marwa Salah Eldin Abdalla, is featured on the Save Darfur Website/Blog for September.

Please read about these courageous Darfuri Diaspora leaders & their struggle to be heard in a country that is allowing itself to be distracted by pigs-in-lipsticks nonsense.

(GG Central awaits a press release from Miss Piggy. She must think this is as ridiculous as we do. We’re just saying….)

GG Garden Reminder: Order those bulbs!

Takoma Park's 31st Folk Festival & Silver Spring's 5th Annual JazzFest

GG's editor will be at the Amnesty International #297 table in the afternoon. Please stop by & say hello. [GG is staying home...she'd cause mischief & eat fried food. She is on strike -- from what? -- protesting her exclusion.]

The Takoma Park Folk Festival is always a lot of fun. We hope to see you on Sunday.

Silver Spring's great JazzFest is today (Saturday) & there's information here. More later. These festivals have snuck up on us even though we walk past the posters in the neighborhood every darn day. Sigh.

xoxo, GG Central

Jazz in Silver Spring

Come & celebrate. It's so much fun!

Meet you at the "Quandary House" for a half-pint later...or at McGinty's.

xoxo, GG

Isabel's Birthday Berry Trifle

Happy Birthday, Bella Isabel!

It is just like our dear friend, the sophisticated September-born Isabel, to have berry trifle for her birthday instead of the expected. GG Central has about 5,000 pix of Isabel & wouldn't you know it, we're in the midst of a reorganization of all photos. (Out-of-date, slapdash collage will be replaced in a break with GGCM editorial policy.)

Also, we owe an apology to the lovely Imogen, Isabel's sister pictured in the Christmas photo, as her birthday was last week. GG's editor promises to get back up to speed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, a wonderful evening & weekend to Isabel, Imogen, & their parents K&J. We'll publish K's personal berry trifle recipe soon, along with an all-about-Nigella post.

xoxo, baci, & happy birthday, darlings!

GG & her overworked editor

Cat Lovers for Obama

GG Central overwhelmed with work, the real kind. GG's editor did return home late last evening thinking about Spain, but it was really about Javier Bardem's film - not Spain. (Don't worry if you don't follow...all will become clear eventually.) GG's editor had this big Spanish/ flamenco/design/food/great earrings/stuff in mind & life intrudes. So just a little statement of support here until later. Fantastic Obama pins of all sorts were featured on A Cup of Jo a few days ago. This is but one of several we'd love to have.

Good-night, all
xoxo, GG

September 11, 2001

Our copy of the New Yorker's September 11 issue has a permanent place in the 'important pile,' in a basket. The cover by the great Art Spiegelman, when it arrived later that awful week, was perfect.

A peaceful Wednesday at the Phillips with GG

We wish we could go to the Phillips but can't tomorrow. This is last autumn's magazine cover...our membership lapsed in the spring. Still it is pretty. GG's editor has many maxims, one being..."nothing bad can happen to you in the Phillips..." Its true!

So if you are in the Washington, DC-area take yourself to the Phillips. It's great with someone, but eminently suitable for a date with yourself. (No need for membership to see the permanent collection for free/small donation)... after that, go into the shop...lovely art stickers for about $1.25...postcards (they sell stamps, too), a petit riens.

Then go to the café & write postcards, or in your journal, or people watch. It's open until 4pm.

If you should happen upon a long-legged, pink-nosed ginger & white cat wearing a chic moss-colored cotton collar, tell GG to return home pronto. She's plotting a trip, it's quite obvious. She's rifling through the art books of late--especially those from the Phillips. You will most likely run into the bohemian GG in the café; she aspires to hold a weekly salon at GG Central & GG Central Management has not made a decision yet.

Have a great Wednesday, whatever you do.

Ciao, xoxo, GG's editor

Ce soir...a quelques petits riens pour le plaisir

GG Central is very homesick for Europe.

Recently saw an old Anouk film (terrible but she looked fantastic--the men's clothes were eh). Looking out that Paris window every day is the stuff of dreams. (First seen on A Cup of Jo/from flickr.)

ciao-meow, bisou, baci
xoxo GG

Scarf Chic, la deuxième partie... inspiration in color

GG Central loves M & Co. Someone's having fun with Picasa (or similar). GG's editor has much Picasa-ing to do & no time. Until GG Central has the Scarf Chic series under control, we'll acknowledge sites that have it together. Visit!

That's right. We're punting...while GG does cat-yoga stretches to Petula's Downtown.

GG's Beleagured Editor

Tents of Hope is coming to Washington, DC

Tents of Hope is coming to Washington, DC from 7-9 November!

Here are some links about the event that are available so far. This program is a mission of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The entire weekend is part of the Save Darfur Coalition-sponsored student & adult activist training & conference weekend. This link is a great page of "who's participating?"

If you & your family or group of friends would like to purchase a tent, it's not too late. Please click here for the details.

GG is pleased to announce that Darfur Peace & Development Organization will be receiving some tents (the number is not final yet). There will be many future announcements, but please save the date. There will be the opportunity to make art (tent painting)...stay tuned.

A little Provence, a little Silver Spring

Bread, some Fourme d’Ambert, mixed with a bit of sweet butter, nuts, olives, & a slightly chilled dry rosé make for a lovely late summer’s evening. (It’s still summer as far as GG Central is concerned.) Above is a label from a bottle we enjoyed last summer…nothing fancy, just right.

GG Central’s friend Bibi came to dinner a few weeks ago. She brought a delicious rosé, a Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, ‘Sabine,’2007 (Syrah/Grenache). It’s very affordable, so run out & get some if you can. GG’s editor served rare slices of magret on wild greens, cannellini vinaigrette…The delicious wine (& grand company) kept us at the table long into the evening.

Tonight, a different sort of Provencal evening; some lavender bath gel & a smidge of L’Occitane lavender hand cream. Stress in GG Central continues. The Bach Rescue Remedy is not enough, so we’re calling in Provencal lavender reinforcements. The good work of the L’Occitane Foundation also conjures soothing thoughts.

Though GG has lots of work tomorrow, she’s looking forward to seeing two of her favorite people, Isa & her bambino, le petit P.

Two weeks ago, GG’s editor & Isa had fun watching P. bravely encounter the Silver Spring fountain. That’s him in the photo above, performing with the dancing waters…he’s adorable & already has his maman's panache…especially when he speaks Franglais. GG’s editor delights in the honorific ‘Tata’ to this petit lapin.

GG pouted as she was left behind. GG's editor has decided that as soon as appropriate accessories are in hand (halter, lead), GG can make some field trips. For that, we must borrow a camera!

Sweet dreams, nos amis.

Bisou, xoxo, GG

Literacy is the best remedy

©iStockphoto.com/Emrah Turudu

GG & her editor are happy to post about UN Literacy Day especially in connection to Darfur Peace & Development Organization's Text Book Drive (see Book It! post). The Darfur Schools of Peace benefit from direct supporters & from UNICEF. Please read these links on the world-wide celebrations of International Literacy Day.

Quick Facts

The United Nations' (UN) International Literacy Day is held on September 8 each year. In 2008 the day focuses on the relationship between literacy and health, with the slogan “Literacy is the best remedy.”

©UNESCO 1995-2007

Paris & Rome are sisters?

The world makes sense again. The top shot is from Paris Daily Photo by Eric. The Daily Photo sites held a 'sister city event' on 1 September. GG couldn't resist a peek. GG's editor took a look at Rome Daily Photo & it seems to have shut down in June. The cool window shot at bottom is from November 2007; it links to Grazia's fashion blog.

The Ruth Orkin photo, American Girl in Italy, 1951 'just because.' A framed version hangs in GG Central. It's Rome, it's melancholy, & is of the moment. Now that we have delayed, yet again, our deadlines...have a lovely Sunday evening.

Bisou, baci...
xoxo, GG

The Bay of Noon

GG Central had to scan a personal copy of Shirley Hazzard's The Bay of Noon for a half-way decent image. Grrr. It must be the third copy we've had in our library over many years. If you've not read her, you simply must. Don't forget The Transit of Venus, Greene on Capri, & The Great Fire. There isn't a living soul writing better English prose than Hazzard. Here is the epigraph for The Bay of Noon, which we've loved forever. (Naples & the Mezzogiorno--an obsession, for over 25 years. We first visited at age, um, 10 years.)

To bless this region, its vendages, and those
Who call it home: though one cannot always
Remember exactly why one has been happy,
There is no forgetting that one was.

W.H. Auden, Good-bye to the Mezzogiorno

baci, bisou, ciao-meow...see you next week.
xoxo, GG

Charles & Ray Eames Postage Stamps

GG Central's current official stamp(s). There are 16 to a sheet & are on sale now, at postal offices & on-line, too. Choose a different one to suit a mood or a recipient. They remind GG's editor of Gina & Franco of Pittsburgh...they introduced GG's editor to all things snazzy in design & had many Eames-ish furnishings (& still do--timeless stuff). They also introduced us to all things Italian. Franco is an architect & a maestro in the giardino. Gina is a maestra in all things alla cucina, literature, culture (high & pop). G&F were a tremendous influence on GG's editor as a teenager & beyond.

Ciao-meow, baci, to all!
xoxo, GG

GG Gourmet Central's Collector's Issues - Paris

GG's editor was so happy to see a new Gourmet Collector's Edition at the newsstand--it cheered her right up. (Of course, we always buy the Rome & Italian issues, if we're not subscribing that year.) The last Paris issue we can find in the apartment is the one pictured above, from 2001. Gorgeous recipes in there, as well. We'll print some of the ones we make regularly in the next few weeks.

Paris Breakfasts artist extraordinaire, macaron-obssessed Carol Gillott must be happy, about the new issue of Gourmet, as well. (We haven't seen the blog in a few days.) There are some good variations on a classic macaron recipe, if you're so inclined. GG is dreaming of slinking (she is a cat, after all) in to Ladurée (any of the shops), ah. GG is dreaming of being in Paris (or Strasbourg), Rome or Naples, period. Macaron or gelato, it doesn't really matter--how about both?!

Bon weekend, darlings!
xoxo, GG Central

Stand Up To Cancer

GG urges everyone to watch or visit the links for all three broadcast networks. Help make cancer a thing of the past. Do it for your family, for your friends, for yourself. Remember Randy Pausch's Last Lecture--he died only a few weeks ago; this was his cause, too. We need to make one big huge push to end this; more links in the coming weeks about stem cell research & other issues that are crucial to ending cancer.

GG, Petula, Julie, & Petulia...Downtown

GG heard the song Downtown for the first time this afternoon; she perked right up in our 90+ degree heat. The American version of Colour My World was the first album GG's editor bought all on her own; it took so long to save up those pennies. Her mum had The Beatles, Stones, et al, covered...plus the LP with Downtown had already been toted to the States from the UK.

GG's editor & her cousin Sabrina spent a good deal of the summer playing sweet Petula AND bad boy Mick & friends, & of course: The Beatles.

A meeting downtown tomorrow about Darfur. That's all that can be said, but it's disheartening. Hence, the sudden inspiration to download (on dial-up!) Downtown. GG Central now has four whole songs on its iTunes playlist. Yes, we're that poor! (Oh, it was only 99 cents....a petit riens is necessary.)

Just hearing Downtown reminded us that GG is named after two British Julies who were icons in the GG Central family: Christie & Andrews. A perfect combination. GG's human grandmother is a major film fan & anything with Julie Christie definitely fits the bill. Our baby sister was nearly named Petulia. Which we think would have been just fabulous.

TTFN, darlings!

xoxo, GG & her editor

Scarf Chic, la première partie

A little fashion relief for a messy world.

GG's editor is just sick at the nastiness she's hearing from the non-illustrious Rudi G. on a podium tonight. Take it from GG Central: don't listen to hate. Hate makes people into complete idiots.

The scarf at top is from Paris & was a gift to GG's editor from a friend's great aunt; she bought it herself in Paris in the late 1940s. GG's editor wore it several times a week with her jeans & one of about three sweaters when she was a student in Strasbourg. (Everyone wore jeans, mostly.) Sometimes, she wore it atop her head as she pedalled home near the Rhine--past flocks of really angry geese. Flying on her vélo, sometimes one or both ballerinas (shoes, not dancers:) also went flying. (It was Strasbourg, so she didn't blame those geese a bit for their peevishness, perhaps knowing their gruesome fate.)

Bonne nuit, bisou, baci, xoxo, GG

PS: Dreams of Hermes....pourquoi pas? Just one?!

Javier Bardem & The Invisibles

Message from GG Central. "Stars" don't take up a lot of our thinking time but...GG's editor admits to being excited about a screening (10 September 2008 in Washington, DC) of the Javier Bardem-produced film, "Invisibles." GG was furious at the lack of an invitation; she was somewhat mollified by the "ghastly oversight explanation." Phew. Now, GG's editor just needs to think about which scarf to wear with her one dress--yikes. (I know! But GG's editor also reads fashion & style magazines...don't judge, dears. Diana Vreeland reminded us that other people have to look at us, after all.)

Here is Anderson Cooper's report for 60 Minutes ("The War Against Women In Congo") & a link to the courageous work of Women for Women (WFW), as well.

Please visit the Enough Project to learn what you can do (more than you think) & to read about the film. Enough has excellent position papers & advocacy tools available for Darfur & Southern Sudan, Chad, Somalia, & northern Uganda. Do what you can--every little bit helps!

Ciao-meow, bisou, baci, darlings!
xoxo, GG's editor

Ah, the Geraniums of Strasbourg...

Many posts coming up about automne en Alsace, le vendange, la Route du Vin, the museums, the université, & food, food, food (and drink!), flowers, le vélo de GG's editor....we are homesick for France!

bisou, baci, xoxo
GG Central

Save the Date: Humane Society Walk for the Animals in Washington, DC, 5 October 2008

GG's editor attended this event last year with Maria Caterina di Perugia (Hermione the Cat's mum) & her mom from Spokane. (Giulia was not allowed to go & is still pouting.) GG Central will post more reminders as the event nears. The event takes place on a Sunday & it is really fun.

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Watch it Again

Randy Pausch died a week ago as this is written. Thinking ahead, of the months to come & all there is to do & wondering if it can be accomplished, Giulia & her editor think that it will be very useful for the video to pop up unexpectedly just before "official" fall begins. (We'll forget that this is scheduled for weeks from now). Randy generously granted free access to the video, & huge amounts of info on his web sites (check out The Alice Project here); many lovely people have translated the lecture into their languages. Here is a link to the Italian translation. Using Randy's link, it is possible to obtain the video with English & German subtitles, an Arabic translation & by the time this posts, probably in 30+ languages. Fantastic.

It's late July & this post is scheduled for 2 September 2008. That always seems like the true new year...school, fresh projects, the harvest, the whole bit. This year, it's even more important because of the upcoming election. Go Obama!

Ciao-meow,

xoxo, GG Central

Next Labor Day...in Chincoteague or LBI

Lily Grace & Lucy Hannah - Happy Birthday, Bon Anniversaire, Buon Compleanno!

Ciao-meow, bisou, baci!

GG Central