Articulture

Yesterday at the Philadelphia Flower Show, whimsical constructions made of flowers were in abundance. I make my yearly pilgrimage, knowing that I will see fabulous displays, practical applications for the home, as well as horticultural-based gifts and tools.  

In a tribute to art, floral creations provided interpretations of Calder mobiles and paintings by Mondrian, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Monet, etc. 

The show is up through Saturday. And it smells like the perfume of Spring!

Your imaginary friend,

Patsie

Topiaries

Just Lovely

Chery blossoms with Pink Arbor

Calder in Upper Left Corner

Grant Wood

Frida Kahlo, Van Gogh and Dali

Modernist Zen Garden

Mondrian

Andy Warhol Flowers from the Bank of America Collection

Topiary Lion

Freaky Pink Hybrid Orchid

Abstraction

Philadelphia Flower Show, Part Deux:

Loved it!!! Wish you were there.
Patsie

The Phildelphia Museum of Art

One of my favorite Monet Paintings

Turkish Cradle

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, located on the sweeping Ben Franklin Parkway, is filled with such treasures.

I was swept off my feet with the extensive Impressionist collection, and the many rooms of exotic temples, French cloisters, etc., gathered from all over the world. It must be seen to be believed.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Philadelphia has been the butt of many jokes over the years.
Imaginary contest:
First prize is one week in Philly.
Second prize is two weeks in Philly.
ET--cetera!

And though the title of that sitcom, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is truly sarcastic, Philly has something big to recommend it: Wonderful art museums.

Carlo and I just spent two days in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Collection, and the Rodin Museum, which are all conveniently located on Ben Franklin Parkway.
From the huge and encyclopedic PMofA, to the tiny Rodin, there is much to take in.

And to make things gastronomically intriguing, the museums have wonderful cafes inside, and Philadelphia being a student-oriented town, has many vegetarian restaurants. Last Saturday night, we dined at the exquisitely creative Vedge, located in the former Princeton Club. Wow, the things they can do with ordinary ingredients, such as cauliflower and eggplant. It is hard to believe how many layers of flavor and how many ingredients are combined to create the most unique vegan dishes, including a mysteriously delicious cheesecake. Make your reservation way in advance, or you can sit at the bar, if you are more a last minute person and a gambler.

Indian Temple at Philadelphia Museum of Art

Iranian room at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

My Pomegranate Sangria at Vedge

All of the above destinations are in center city Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the drive via I-95 from Washington is a lengthy four hours. Hurricane Sandy got in the way. too. Part of 95 near Wilmington was closed. Two of the big rest stops were closed in Maryland. Nonetheless...

Thumbs up, Philly!

Your imaginary Traveler,
Patsie

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Dear Imaginary Gardener Friend,

Are you a big fan of horticulture, gardens, etc.? No? Well, put down that root beer and those Cheetos, regardless, and come on out to the Philadelphia Flower Show, with its extravagant array of floral displays, plants, containers, and gadgets for sale. It is a feast for the eyes, and a challenge to the mind. 
Snow outside? No worries. It will seem like May inside with flowers blooming at every turn.
Lectures are offered all day long. And, no, they are not about the significant evolution of the dung beetle. You wish!

This year, the theme is Paris, and you will marvel and scratch your head at how the floral designers transported the flavor of Paris out of a spare-looking convention center, and brought Spring to cruddy and cold Philly.
When? The second week of March. You know, you could spend big money, and fly to London's Chelsea Flower Show, but why don't you save your clams and drive to Philly?

And yes, there are cheesesteaks available for sale across the street.

Cheers,

Your Imaginary Friend

Patsie