Riding Aside

Fantasy Painting...

2012-01-26T21:00:00.005-06:00

If you were given the opportunity to have your portrait painted (a very large painting) with your horse...what would you choose?

Action riding - modern riding habit

..Romantic and riding in historic costume..

...Romantic with your horse, but not riding..

..or something a bit more artistic in nature?

..or would you choose something else? ..and before you ask..NOOOO I am not getting my portrait painted. I just had to share this with you!

Baubles..

2012-01-25T20:25:00.003-06:00

Sidesaddle Baubles...

Who does not love them..

..and want them...
ALL!

Linzay Marks

2012-01-24T19:05:00.005-06:00

Linzay Marks is a portrait artist and does commissions. Here is the piece that caught my attention...can't imagine why!
When I contacted Linzay and asked her to tell us a little bit about herself, this is what she shared:

"I am 21 years old from Kentucky and I grew up on thoroughbred farms. I went to LSU and majored in Advertising and have a minor in Fine Art. I have drawn pretty much since I can remember. I have always preferred to draw horses. In high school there were times when I wasn't allowed to draw horses, because that was all I would draw, in the long run it was a good thing, but was miserable at the time. Drawing horses are my favorite, but I have started working on the figure quite a bit to help place believable people in pictures with the horses. I also enjoy drawing dogs and cattle. Polo is my favorite subject, but I am starting to get into fox hunting. I also like drawing/painting dressage and racing. Some artists I admire are Andre Pater, Melinda Brewer, Rosa Bonheur and Sir Alfred Munnings.

I have two horses, both thoroughbreds, The Cheat and Punch. I ride dressage, or attempt to. I have sort of tried my hand a everything since I was little: just riding, barrel racing, hunter jumpers, I was a polo groom for a summer. I don't have the hand eye coordination for polo, so I'll stick with drawing it. Both of my parents grew up around horses, my Dad used to play polo and my Mom's family had running quarter horses and a bush track in Louisiana.

Besides riding and art I like to read and I love LSU and Saints football.

Here are just a few more of Linzay's works of art:

You can find Linzay on Facebook or if you would like to contact her about doing a commissioned work of your horse, you can contact her at linzay.marks@gmail.com

Now That Is a Saddle Pad!

2012-01-23T08:16:00.003-06:00

I know I said I was going to start posting at night .. but I totally forgot that this evening, after work, I am going to get my hair done.. so I won't get home until really late.. so here is a small post I have wanted to do for a while.

Look at this amazing saddle pad. I know it is just a depiction in a artists piece of work.. but I thought it deserved merit. I think it is really BEAUTIFUL!I use a saddle pad.. if for nothing else to protect my saddle. I use a longer solid black dressage pad. Do you use a saddle pad with your sidesaddle and if so, what kind works for you and your horse?

Do You Picnik?

2012-01-22T17:16:00.003-06:00

No silly... not picnic, but picnik. Picnik is a wonderful photography web site that I have been a member of for about 3 years. It is a place where I would download pictures that needed to be edited or corrected. You can easily not only do simple things like crop and adjust the exposure, but the advanced options allow you to add text, holiday borders, and so many ways to change your simple picture into a work of art. I have paid for this service as long as I have been a member.

Sadly picnik is closing.. but on the up side, they are opening up the entire site for anyone to use for free until the date of closure, April 19th. Check them out at:

www.picnik.com

Another bit of news.
For the next several weeks and maybe longer, I will be posting on this blog at night instead of during the day...so check out the new posts either later in the evening or the next morning.

Common Cartoon Theme...

2012-01-20T08:58:00.004-06:00

..for cartoons and drawings depicting Hunt Humor is...

Snicker snicker.. and it makes me smile every time I see it! I was thinking though how much a humor campaign like this could help our cause of educating the general public that riding aside IS safe!

New .. Old Ads

2012-01-19T13:10:00.010-06:00

I continue to find bits and pieces of historical sidesaddle information and save them. When I have a handful and feel like it is enough to make for a nice post, I do exactly what I am doing here.. share them with you. If you watch E-bay, you know as I do, that the same items seem to always be available. But every once in a while a unique item pops up. Enjoy the new, yet old ads using a riding aside image

Ohh - look how cute. This one is for Baking Powder.

This beauty is a cigar label. This would be a great subject for a decoupage project.

This one is for chewing tobacco...

..and here is a sidesaddle ad for .. you guessed it, a sidesaddle!

This ad is made in the form of a stamp... but not a postage stamp.

This one is for writing papers. The art is done by Henry Hutt, one of the artists I did a post on last year.

..and this one is for cigarettes. (yuck!)

Plan's For the New Year..

2012-01-18T09:12:00.007-06:00

Due to my bout with the flu.. the fantasy weekend posts were extended and a post I had planned for New Years Day was postponed and almost forgotten about.

As many of you know my husband is battling Hepatitis C and has been now for over 3 years. He is currently on the most aggressive treatment there is which includes a newly FDA approved drug called Incevic. Don is not working. He has good and bad days, but even on the good days, he lacks the stamina to do many of the activities we used to enjoy together.

Why would this have anything to do with Riding Aside, you ask? Well, because it is for that very reason that I am, for the first time showing the full Texas circuit of American Saddlebred shows...

..You see, while he is working hard to get healed.. I still need to be active. I need to keep busy. I need to stay focused on other things besides work, chores and his health. It keeps me happy.. which in turn keeps him happy.Show season starts with a bang in March.

March 2-4 ~ San Antonio American Saddle Horse Association Show
March 21-25 ~ Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
May 3-6 ~ Big D Charity Horse Show
May 19-20 ~ Texas American Saddle Horse Association Show
Oct ? ~ North Texas American Saddle Horse Assoc. UPHA Show
December 1-2 ~ Texas American Saddle Horse Association Holiday Show

These are the shows I have plans to participate in. There are other shows, 2 in Louisiana, 1 in Oklahoma and some weekend practice shows that I might go to as well, but that will be decided at a later date.

For this reason, I joined the ISSO this year. ISSO stands for International Sidesaddle Organization. I was a member of the Texas Sidesaddle Organization the first year I stared to ride, which I was told was a part of the ISSO... but there was much confusion and I never was included in any of the mail outs or organization rules of the ISSO. I felt a bit confused all year and decided to just join the main ISS organization this year. It was a good choice too.

Within a few days, I received a nicely put together packet which included the latest edition of their magazine, a membership card and other materials that were both informative and interesting. I also received forms to fill out to register my horse for the high point ISSO awards. I was VERY impressed. Thank you ladies of the ISSO! I also encourage anyone who reads this blog to become a member and participate at whatever level you can.

Check out their web site!
http://www.sidesaddle.com/index.html

More Informationa and Pictures..

2012-01-17T08:40:00.009-06:00

With the web site Marie provided for us:
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/memoire_fr?ACTION=RETROUVER&FIELD_98=AUTP&VALUE_98=Nadar%20&NUMBER=27&GRP=277&REQ=%28%28Nadar%29%20%3AAUTP%20%29&USRNAME=nobody&USRPWD=4%24%2534P&SPEC=1&SYN=1&IMLY=&MAX1=1&MAX2=1&MAX3=

I was able to find out that the photographer's name was Félix Nadar which was the pseudonym of Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1 April 1820, Paris – 23 March 1910), a French photographer, caricaturist, journalist, novelist and balloonist. Some photographs by Nadar are marked "P. Nadar" for "Photographie Nadar"

Nadar was born in April 1820 in Paris (though some sources state Lyon). He was a caricaturist for Le Charivari in 1848. In 1849 he created the Revue comique and the Petit journal pour rire. He took his first photographs in 1853 and in 1858 became the first person to take aerial photographs. He also pioneered the use of artificial lighting in photography, working in the catacombs of Paris.

Marie said that she thought the young woman's name was Selika Lazevski. I doubt that is her name only because after going through literally a thousand photographs last night, I found that name attached to a couple of different female subjects.
More pictures of the same young lady:

It was obvious that Nadar preferred to work in a studio doing portrait type settings as there are only a few outdoor photos and hundreds of studio shots with back drops and props. I only found 2 photos with animals in them. Here are a few more of his equestrian subjects and some more details about his work:

Around 1863, Nadar built a huge (6000 m³) balloon named Le Géant ("The Giant"), thereby inspiring Jules Verne's Five Weeks in a Balloon. Although the "Géant" project was initially unsuccessful Nadar was still convinced that the future belonged to heavier-than-air machines. Later, "The Society for the Encouragement of Aerial Locomotion by Means of Heavier than Air Machines" was established, with Nadar as president and Verne as secretary. Nadar was also the inspiration for the character of Michael Ardan in Verne's From the Earth to the Moon.

Circa 1865: « Revolving » selfportrait by Nadar; 2010: AnimationOn his visit to Brussels with the Géant, on 26 September 1864, Nadar erected mobile barriers to keep the crowd at a safe distance. Up to this day, crowd control barriers are known in Belgium as Nadar barriers.

In April 1874, he lent his photo studio to a group of painters, thus making the first exhibition of the Impressionists possible.

He photographed Victor Hugo on his death-bed in 1885.

He is credited with having published (in 1886) the first photo-interview (of famous chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, then a centenarian), and also took erotic photographs.

From 1895 until his return to Paris in 1909, the Nadar photo studio was in Marseilles (France).

Nadar died in 1910, aged 89. He was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Need More Information..

2012-01-16T09:30:00.003-06:00

Remember when I used to post some things that I could not find information on? Well, I have yet another. I have searched for several weeks for information on this beautiful photograph. In fact, since finding this photo, I have looked for any information in regards to any African American women who rode aside. That would make such an interesting post.. but to no avail. So, if any of you have anything you could add and share with us about that, please post a reply!

The only information I have about this photo is "1887 Bella Epoque". I first thought that was her name, but my searches revealed that it is French and translated means Beautiful Period.

My Armoire..

2012-01-15T18:10:00.005-06:00

This is a special piece of furniture. It houses and protects all of my sidesaddle riding clothes....and my Mother's wedding dress. Yes, it is THAT special to me.

I have everything in here from the most fancy silk riding skirt to the smallest detail of an antique handkerchief. I cherish getting the chance to untie this satin bow!

Just For Fun Friday!

2012-01-13T08:22:00.005-06:00

..you know.. some silly boys tried to crash our girls sidesaddle weekend...

They thought they could impress us by doing stunts like this..

..and this..

..and this..

..but I told them they needed to pack up their stuff and leave.ha ha ...

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

One Last Ride..

2012-01-12T11:44:00.010-06:00

After getting up early and grabbing a light continental breakfast..

.. we head back to the barn.

It is early.. the sun is just about to rise and the cool mist is in the air. It just looks more beautiful than words can describe.

This ride is not quite as energetic as the others have been.

I am not sure if is because everyone is a bit sleepy,..

..or if they are just trying to soak in the last minutes of our special weekend...

I keep looking around at all the riders..

Each is so different and yet courageous to take on a sport that in the name of progress, has almost been shunned.

Each has worked hard at not only learning how to do something that at times can be difficult.. but has encouraged others to do the same and worked even harder to preserve a part of our history.

..and each has the determination and drive to keep moving forward. I am proud to be a part of such a group of ladies!

When you return to pack.. I left each of you a memento .. just something individual to each person to remember the last few days.

..and when the last trailer pulls out, I am left feeling sad.

Farewell..but I am sure there will be a next time!Okay - now I need a nap! snicker snicker..

Reality returns tomorrow!

The Rest of The Afternoon..

2012-01-11T08:55:00.016-06:00

..and early evening are open for you to enjoy as you please. You can change and go back to the barn and visit with your horses or even take an evening ride if you please..

..or if you are in for something a bit more relaxing, you can stay dressed up and are welcome to roam the grounds and gardens.

This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy them..

If you are into whimsical art, you may enjoy the modern sculptures. Every time I look at them I have to smile!

You can also visit with our sheep.

..and don't mind the Peacocks. As beautiful as they are, they do make a lot of noise, but no worries as they will not bother you.

Dinner will be served at 8 again tonight. I left a little treat on your beds.I think by now, you have figured out that I have a terrible sweet tooth!

Tonight we will feast on Cornish hens baked in a wonderful lemon sauce...

..with wild rice..

..green beans that I grew in my garden..

..and a buttery chardonnay!

and for dessert, a white chocolate covered cheese cake!

It is hard to believe that the weekend is coming to a close. We have all become such good friends. I have been invited to a clinic where I actually may learn how to jump aside..and later in the Fall to a Hunt. I want to come and visit everyone and see your home towns.

I asked everyone to come out to the balcony so I can thank you so much for coming and making this such a fabulous weekend. We still have one more ride tomorrow before it all comes to a close. We shall meet at the barn at sunrise. But before we call it an evening.. look up!

...And More...

2012-01-10T08:20:00.011-06:00

As the morning activities and demonstrations come to a close and we all start to head back to the house for lunch... look what starts to happen. It is not raining hard, but a light sprinkling starts to fall.. At first I feel disappointed until I realize that as long as it does not pour down, the rain will act as a heat shield and keep things even more comfortable for the afternoon activities! We all head in to get cleaned up and changed for lunch.

Our luncheon is planned for outside today, but thankfully it is covered.

I ran upstairs and changed into this comfy sun dress and sandals.

Sometimes you can just look into someones face and know that they are truly enjoying their day...It is everything I could have hoped for!

I feel myself squirming in my seat.. you see, I have a surprise planned for this afternoon that none of you know about.. and as we all raise a glass of champagne to toast our guests...

I get to introduce you to a few more guests we have to educate us this very afternoon!

First my good friend Lillian Chaudhary! Lillian is not only an accomplished sidesaddle rider, certified sidesaddle instructor, but one of only a handful of certified sidesaddle restorers. She even builds saddles from the tree up! Don't tell her, but if I lived closer to her.. I would beg her to take me on as an understudy!

My next surprise guest is Karen Trevor. Karen is a master corset maker.. specializing in riding corsets. Trust me when I tell you that I no longer ride without my corset...nor will I ever!!! Yes - it makes that much of a difference!Karen is going to show us her designs and will be happy to take your order if you are interested!

..and the next guest is Cindy Westbroek from Wildhorse Fashion. Okay - Cindy is shy and I do not have a picture of her to share with you... but let me say she is not only a sidesaddle rider, but a wonderful costume designer. All I have done is send her a picture of what I wanted... and she has been able to create it for me! She is a dream to work with and we all LOVE fashion..

..and since it is a bit wet outside, we will continue on with the afternoon activities in the solarium. There should be more than enough room to be comfortable there..

(Are you having fun.. or do you think I have gone off of the deep end? Ha ha.. I thought this would be a great January activity for my blog since January is .. well January.. The holidays are past.. the weather is a bit unagreeable and at least for me, my next show is not until early March.. unless I can find a schooling show.. so I have created a super fantasy "happy place" for us all to enjoy. Hope you enjoy it.)

The Start of Day 2.

2012-01-09T09:07:00.014-06:00

Good Morning! I pray that you slept so well, you awoke feeling like this!

There is no big rush for you to get up right away.. take your time. Today's activities are going to start at 9AM, but they will continue throughout the day. You can participate, observe and spend time in the areas that most interest you! When you do meander out though, just stop by the kitchen and get a good hardy breakfast!

This mornings activities are centered more around others educating and entertaining us. So just wear something comfortable and casual like this. It tends to be a bit chilly and damp in the morning, so I suggest taking a jacket that you can later remove... and wear boots. You never know if one of the demonstrators might let you take a test ride on one of their horses!

I want to wear this!

At 9AM The Texas Ladies Aside group is going to do a drill in the outside arena for us and then they are going to give demonstrations of how they teach their horses to preform! You will also get a closer look at the Paso Fino breed since the group is mainly comprised of them. They are also very knowledgeable with Western style sidesaddles.

The local Historical Society has a wonderful reenactment group that will be here in full costume. They not only can answer in detail many questions about the history of sidesaddle, but also so much more about the daily lives of those living in that time period.

Rita Visman has agreed to join us - with her demonstration of hawking! I can't wait to meet her beautiful Andalusian.

..and I am so very thrilled that a small group of ladies from the rassemblement international des amazo will be with us as well. Do NOT forget your cameras ladies! Here is an exceptional treat for the ladies who either currently hunt, or hope to one day!

A later lunch is planned at 2PM back at the house. This is a special luncheon for not only us, but for all of the ladies you just met! It will give you a chance to relax and enjoy a more intimate setting to visit.

Back To the House..

2012-01-06T13:29:00.016-06:00

It is just a few minutes after 5PM. You will have ample time to relax, bathe and even take a nap before the formal dinner..

..which is not scheduled until 8PM. Take your time. Indulge in one of the many bath salts and oils that are stocked beside your tubs!

Please check your evening dresses. If they need to be pressed or you need any help with dressing, just ask Annya. She is the kindest dear, and is more than happy to help you!

Adjacent to each bathroom is a dressing room that I hope you find comfortable!

Honestly, I have been so excited about this evening that I had a difficult time choosing a dress. Here are the 3 I chose between..
Although I just adore this dress, the train will be difficult to manage tonight, so it is a no for this one..

This is the dress I plan on wearing. It is chic, comfortable and just in case I spill something on it.. well - it is WHITE, and I can be a bit of a klutz sometimes...

..this dress will be on standby for me!

Welcome to the Formal Dining Room. Here it is in the day light.

..and here is a snap shot of another get together we recently had in the evening.

I pray that you are famished. I am! I chose the courses myself. Here is a sampling:

Our Main Course is a Crown Roast of Pork:If you are a Vegetarian, please do not fret, we have several options for you that I am sure you will be pleased with!

Main Side Vegetable is Steamed Asparagus:

Bernard, the chef is preparing his famous melt in your mouth rose dinner rolls:

Wonderful Brie and Fruit Platters:

..and the wine I chose to accompany the Pork is a Beaujolais.

I hope you like my very favorite desert..red wine poached pears! Delicious!!

Although soft classical music will be playing in the background.. I expect to hardly hear it over the splashes of laughter and interesting conversations. We still have so much to learn about each other!

Following dinner, we can retreat to the library..

..for a spot of Sherry and some Belgium Chocolates.

The time is getting away from us. It is now after midnight and we have so much planned for our next day! We shall all meet in the drawing room tomorrow morning at 9AM sharp!

...And We're Off..

2012-01-05T08:56:00.008-06:00

The weather is crisp with a nice breeze. The horses are as excited as the riders.. but no worries.. If any of the horses are acting a bit silly, we can warm up in the covered riding arena before we take out to the open fields!

Our beloved family friend, Father Joseph is on hand to give thanks to the Lord for such a wonderful occasion. He will bless each of us, our horses and our adventures! My heart swells with appreciation and excitement!

Are we all ready? A shift of position here and a last minute girth adjustment there and we all make eye contact, smile and nod at one another...

We line up and walk through the barn and out into the back pastures. Each horse pricks its ears, raising their heads a bit to observe the surroundings. A whinny and nicker are heard as the horses whisper to one another...

As we get a bit further away from the barn, the world just opens up. I hear one of the girls from the middle say 'let's go'! I agree, we start to spread out enough to be comfortable and move out into a nice canter. The wind brushes around my face and I think I shall never stop smiling!

Each area is set up for an option to either jump or simply canter around so everyone is comfortable. We all stay relatively close .. and as the day goes on, friendships develop that will last a lifetime. We randomly walk as we get to know one another. I get to learn about the struggles Laura has as she is trying to persuade the American Quarter Horse Association to let her show riding aside as she learns how difficult it has been for me to compete against astride riders. Elly brought a Paso Fino and has regaled us with so many wonderful stories of her riding expositions. Laughter is as common a sound as the birds song.

We encounter wildlife .. a bunny scurries out of the thicket and a duck paddles to the opposite side of a pond as we ride by. Grace is the only one who remembered to bring her camera along. I do hope she took some good pictures for us all to enjoy!

As the afternoon comes to a close and we start to head back to the barn..I shut my eyes for a moment. I draw in a deep breath hoping to imprint it all into my memory for life... for this day has been so surreal that it almost feels more like a painting than reality.

The ladies get a bit quiet as we walk back into the barn. Although the weekend has just begun, we did not want this ride to end. The horses however, have earned some rest in warm deeply bedded stalls and a rack full of fresh green alfalfa!..not before getting bathed though. The grooms await to take each of them here.... to the wash stalls, where both hot and cold running water are available, along with an ample rub down!

Let's Go Riding!

2012-01-04T13:48:00.004-06:00

Please let me extend my most humble apology for the interruption. Nothing quite as obnoxious as a loud alarm while you are having such a wonderful dream! My 'alarm' fashioned itself in the form of Influenza! Bleck.. I would not wish that upon anyone!!

Anyway - back to the wonderful world of imagination. If I were to choose a riding habit for such an event.. knowing my fascination for all things Edwardian, Victorian and antique.. I would without a doubt choose this one (originally posted on by Leila, AKA Sidesaddle Girl) It has the fortitude to hold up to a brisk country hack.. and yet does not sacrifice feminine elegance! Yes indeed, this would be my choice!

To quote Leila, "During the late 19th century, habit makers started to experiment with making riding habits safer so that women were not caught up in full skirts which wrapped around the pommels often causing a rider to be dragged. The skirt on this habit, although it is not "apron" in style, has an early safety feature. The skirt has a long slit which extends from the off-side of the right knee and extends down to the hem....

...The this slit would enable the wearer to hook her legs around the pommel without the annoyance of excess material bunching up under her legs and seat (thereby creating a more secure seat) and if the rider fell off, there would not be anything to catch onto the pommels causing the rider to be dragged. I tried to show in this photo, how the pommels on my saddle insert neatly into the skirt's slit."

Ever since Leila posted this habit on her blog.. I was smitten by it!

What would you choose to wear?

The Dream Has Been Interrupted...

2011-12-29T16:02:00.002-06:00

..by reality. While I was at the Doctor's office with Don today, we found out that not only does he have quite the nasty head cold...but seems that I have
Influenza
Bronchitis
Double Ear Infections
..and Rattling in my left Lung...

Please someone lead me back to dream land.... It is way more fun than this!

Once You Arrive at Equus Villa..

2011-12-28T08:28:00.006-06:00

..you will be escorted up to your own suite. This home was created for entertaining and is well suited for over night guests - lots of them. You may be staying in this suite:

..or maybe this one..

..or this one. As you can tell, I have an affection for antiques made from mohogany wood.

I expect everyone to be at the manor by noon unless there are any unforeseen delays. But wait a minute - this is my dream.. so no delays or problems will arise! Take time to get settled in your rooms. Unpack, wander about and make yourself at home. Sometime after one PM, lets all gather in the drawing room to meet and get to know one another. This is my favorite room in the house for informal gatherings!

I am sure some of you must be famished, while others only want a light snack. Not wanting to burden us with a heavy meal before our afternoon ride, a light fare will be offered. I hope you enjoy it.

As soon as we are done, we will retreat back to our rooms and change into our riding suits and go on the afternoon hack!

When You Arrive..

2011-12-27T10:25:00.012-06:00

..look for the farm sign off of the main road. We are expecting you between 10 and 11 in the AM.

For those of you who are bringing their own horses, do not fret... for there will be plenty of handsome grooms to assist you!

Please don't worry about your beloved horses either. Remember, we built our barn before we built our home! Every amenity has been included for their safety and comfort!

While you are in the barn, please take just a moment to peek through the back doors. This is where our country hacks will start.

Take a deep breath. Your weekend vacation has just begun. Climb aboard. The carriage will take you..

..up to the main house.

Since many of us have never met in person, I thought I would show you what I will be wearing..

My hair will be pulled back into a fashionable bun so that I will not have to redo it before the afternoon ride.

I can't wait for you to get here!

describe or give a link and show us how you will arrive, your fantasy horse coach if you are bringing your horse, a picture of your beloved equine, what you will be wearing and even your luggage if you want! Remember this is all for dreamy fun!! Even though it is right after Christmas.. all of your (new) clothes are comfortable on your perfectly fit body!
..to be continued..

You Are Cordially Invited..

2011-12-26T09:18:00.006-06:00

..to a fantasy weekend gathering of ladies who have a passion for riding aside! Your stay will be for 3 luxurious days and 2 nights ~ the 27th through the 29th of April...(althouth we will pretend it is this week!) so as the temperatures will be favorable in both morning and evening!

You will be staying in my fantasy home ~ Equus Villa.

Your horses will be equally pampered if you choose to bring them! If that is not possible, you are more than welcome to choose one of our beautiful American Saddlebreds, but I must warn you.. their trot rivals no other breed and you may be converted!

During your stay, you will be treated and need to pack accordingly; to one Formal Dinner, one Semi-Formal outdoor luncheon, 2 sidesaddle hacks and some Sidesaddle Riding exhibitions that are sure to impress you!

If you wish to join us, please RSVP in a timely manner and share with us what you will pack, how you will arrive and any other wonderful feminine details that everyone would enjoy!

Merry Christmas and a Reminder!

2011-12-25T10:54:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to you all!!

I will return to work tomorrow. I had a terrible cold the last few days, but am better now. Anyway, I wanted to remind you about something fun I have planned!

Starting tomorrow, I will be posting a Fantasy Sidesaddle Weekend!!! You cannot even imagine the delicious visual sidesaddle and weekend get away dreams I have prepared for you!

Here is your part:
I will ask you to participate by showing me what you will wear:
1. for a leisurely cross country ride
2. a Formal dinner (go ALL out here!)
3. a semi-formal garden luncheon and garden stroll

..and you are invited to add any other wonderful details you want..like your favorite luggage - this is a weekend stay after all.. Maybe a special fragrance or piece of jewelry.. Let your imagination go and have fun with it.

I wish it was real.. but for now anyway we can shut our eyes and dream it!

Just to get you into the mood, here is the Manor House in which you will be staying!

Ethel Oliver

2011-12-21T09:08:00.004-06:00

Sadly there is very little information about Ethel Oliver.

She was an Edwardian actress with a birth year listed as 1892. This undoubtedly is incorrect though since the name Ethel Oliver was very popular at that time and..

..since Ethel is pictured on a print at the National Portrait Gallery site, in the chorus of "The Orchid" at the Gaity Theatre,in 1903! I somehow doubt that she was 11 years old at the time!

The International Movie database has an Ethel Oliver listed in two silent Movies in "The Return" (1921) and "A Soul's Awakening " ( 1922 ). She was also listed as being in the chorus of the play entitled The Orchid at the Gaity Theatre in 1903.

There is no other info or pictures regarding these films and it is unlikely that there are copies available for perusal. Since Ethel seems to have spent her working life in the UK, she either moved here to start her career and retired to the US afterwards, or was here all along.
Ethel Oliver. (1892 - 22 Sep 1946)

* DEATH: 22 Sep 1946, Spokane, Washington
* BURIAL: UNKNOWN, Pines Cemetery, Spokane, Washington ????

The Above information was gleaned from a website owned by PPC collector.