


“There’s Rosemary, that’s for remembrance…and there is pansies. that’s for thoughts”. (Ophelia, Hamlet) In school, we learn of floral symbolism through classical works from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poetry, to name a few. Yet, have you ever wondered what flowers symbolize for you on a personal note and if you’re matching the right scent with your mood?

Imagine the New York art scene of the 1990s — a fellow with a penchant for handcrafted sculptures blending the surreal with everyday. Cartoonish characters like Bob from Pest Control (fashioned of wood and oil paint) stood against a white wall like preoccupied exclamation points. Or perhaps there’s a leering urethane foam, latex and painted acrylic Ursula the Cow wearing a macaroni necklace leering from its wall mount. These were the works of sculpture Daniel Oates, a US transplant originally from Switzerland and England. Until recently, Oates presented a colorful palette, carving wood into memorable sculptures and eventually playful, award-winning marionettes with names like Dunstan the Dragon or Delilah the Unicorn. His latest venture, while still applying his incredible skills in craftsmanship and casting technique, is far more earthen. View More
Once upon a time, many moons ago, Valentine’s Day had absolutely nothing to do with romance; instead it was a time to observe religious martyrs named Saint Valentine (apparently there were quite a few of them). Luckily we have the High Middle Ages and their tradition of courtly love to thank for the shift and so, for quite a long time, February 14 has been a time to celebrate love and being smitten. View More
We’re all familiar with the image: the perfect wedding, the beautiful bride, the pretty bridesmaids, grinning groom & groomsmen, incorrigible ring bearer and the fluttering troupe of flower girls. Typically our eyes are drawn to the bride: her dress (Monique? Ines? Oscar?) and how her veil drifts perfectly over her gown. But it is the prelude to her walk down the aisle that gives us all giggles… those darling flower girls spilling fistfuls of petals behind them. View More

Let me begin by saying that this post is dedicated to our gentlemen readers.
Yes, that’s right: this post is dedicated to the man who… waits….and procrastinates. You know who you are. Yes, you with the shameless, guilty grin…I’ve seen you on the Main Floor, 4pm Christmas Eve; you’re the one with a crumpled list full of names who are, undoubtably, missing gifts. So stop lurking in the shadows and listen up, boys. I’m going to keep this easy for you. So pull out your highlighter & get ready to print.
This is what she really wants to open this week View More
Remember that December 25 early morning rush? That tingly anticipation… the unstoppable curiosity to see what just Santa left under the tree. The before sunrise quiet… barely buzzing with suspense. I recall racing downstairs, ecstatic with the revelation that brother received the Lego Pirate Ship. I was three, he was seven. It was the awesomest Lego Pirate Ship ever. There were cannon-balls and palm trees, a yellow Lego pirate with a painted-on eye-patch and hook. View More