♦Vivacious♦Efflorescence♦

What is LOVE

2020-10-29T13:42:00.004-07:00

My whole life I have been on the pursuit to find love. Saturated in the idea of what it can be, I got ideas from movies, books and my current relationships. I never thought that I would question what love is. Life takes you through ups and downs and you realize that the painted pictures on Hollywood screens are far from the real thing. I wish it was not complicated, but simple, normal. But it has been made into a ritual, into selfish ambition and that its all about yourself.

On the contrary love is about sacrifice. Love is putting another ahead of yourself. Giving the best of what you have to the person you love. Or even giving up the most precious thing for the better good.

Its quite funny how this one thing, unseen, makes the whole world spin. Love is what keeps us going. Love is what changes us. Love breaks all our strongholds. The thought of knowing that someone loves you, inspires and encourages. It pushes you forward, to better achieve.

We are quite mistaken if we think that love is romance, sex or broad term: lust. We have been lied to and frankly I believed the lie. I believed that love was passion and sexual desire. Far from that, love is no such thing. I blame Hollywood for concocting these ideas and happily ever after and ruining my understanding of love. I want to bring this to light.

The perfect definition of love goes like this: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13

Mr. Darcy

2017-09-20T10:58:00.001-07:00

Every hopeless romantic can concur with me that this fictional character has captured the hearts of many ladies. We dream of young handsome bachelors with such gentleman like behavior and aura, meeting and associating with their kind is a dream. I am blunt with relationships though, but back then this was of a delicate importance and relationships were really sparse as rules of courtship were in place. As we see in many films and texts there are many instances when characters of the opposite sex spend time together but briefly, it almost makes the scene seem so awkward. They talk have a cup of tea and then out of no where they say "OH! Look at the time, I must leave." The gentleman bows smiles, leaves and the scene ends. This brings us to Mr. Darcy. He is so polite and knows the rules and will never break them unless he senses something of significance. On many occasions we see how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth meet alone but on very short encounters. Mr. Darcy knows what he wants. He goes for it and when he is faced with reality that Elizabeth would never marry him even if he was the last man on earth (from the scene when he proposes but gets refused), he is angry and surprised that anyone would ever reject him. It could even pass that he was a proud man, but what man would not? Having such wealth and receiving respect from many. As the story continues Mr. Darcy's good character starts to show through and that's when Elizabeth has a change in mind. Every Mr. Darcy has there good and bad side its just how you perceive it.

Look out for my next post on Courtship.

An afternoon excursion to the Art Museum

2017-05-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

I have long dreamed of visiting the art museum. I was there for a field trip when I was a child. Would my experience be the same when I was there such a long time ago? The awe of seeing a Monet in real life and looking over to my teacher as she said "Don't get too close or the alarms will go off!" I don't know if she was joking or in reality as soon as you would lean just a few inches from the precious paints that a wretched sound would go off and a team of highly specialized protective services would show up and attend to the problem. But that was my imagination just getting carried away.
I am not an art fanatic but I love to see European paintings. The faces of people from time past. Just the idea these people were alive and breathing! Just like you and me. Here is some of them, admire them with me.

These are from the Seattle Art Museum and Portland Art Museum.

Simple Tiramisu

2013-03-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

After reading and going over many recipes on how to make the perfect Tiramisu cake, I ran into many variations of this decadent italian sweet. Theres the italian use of raw eggs, the time consuming baking and the simple tiramisu. This recipe is ultimately good for those moments when you crave something sweet, yet easy, without pain staking labor.

Heres the recipe, (simplified for convenince)
*The recipe has no exact measurements so eyeballing and mixing to your right consistency is best.

1-2 packs of Italian lady fingers (I had trouble finding them in the regular grocery store, but I found them in the Russian store or try a European store)

1 container of Mascarpone cheese

About 1 container of thawed whipping cream

Powdered sugar

Vanilla extract

Rum imitation or Rum for bolder flavor

Brewed good quality coffee or expresso

Cocoa powder or Belgium good quality chocolate

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1. Mix cheese with a hand mixer until smooth

2. Add whipping cream, the more you add the runnier, mix so there will be no clumps

3. Add powdered sugar through a sifter to desired taste and sweetness level

4. Add about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and rum, mix

5. Pour some of the coffee in a flat container add about 1 teaspoon of vanilla and rum, mix

6. Dip lady fingers in coffee mixture, without fully soaking the cookie, line the bottom of a cake pan with dipped cookies

7. Add a layer of cream mixture on top of cookies, repeat until you have filled the cake pan

8. To top add a layer of cocoa powder through a sifter or grate some chocolate on top to finish!

9. Cover cake with plastic wrap or a cover and set in the refrigerator over night

10. Open up and enjoy!

Anna Karenina

2013-01-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

The Famous tragic novel by Russian writer Leo Tolstoy becomes a cinematic adaptation.

An addictng series

2013-01-18T19:40:00.001-08:00

If you haven't seen the first two seasons I surely suggest to, I was hooked. The story is about an Edwardian family that lives through tough and lavish times.
Here is a peek at season 3 that came out recently.

Pompadour

2012-06-10T19:17:00.002-07:00

Royal figure

Embers gleam

Damask wall

Multitude color

Wooden frame

Gold

Crystal

Mirror

Fabric:

Silk

Velvet

Adornment:

Rubies and sapphire

Embellished:

In Pearl

Diamonds

Trimmings

Fine French

Lace

Pompadour

White powder

Faces bodies

In assembly

Sweet Tooth Maybe?

2012-06-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Cappuccino Cake Square Variation

For the batter

3/4 cup milk
3 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, divided
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon plus 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 ounces (about 1/2 cup) finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

For the frosting

6 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the batter

In a microwave safe bowl, add milk and 2 teaspoon espresso powder - heat in the microwave until the milk is warm and the powder has dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder - set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, salt and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon.

In a medium bowl, whisk together cooled milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour in melted butter and fold batter together just until incorporated.

Scoop about one-half of the batter into an 8" square baking pan coated with nonstick spray and spread to an even level. Evenly scatter reserved sugar mixture and finely chopped bittersweet chocolate over the top. Place dollops of the remaining batter over the top and spread to cover.

Place into the oven and bake until a toothpick placed into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes - invert cake onto a rack, place another rack on top and invert again so the top is right side up. Let cool completely.

To prepare the frosting

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate and butter - heat in the microwave, using 50% power, stopping every 30 seconds to mix, until the chocolate can be stirred smooth. If the frosting looks too thin to spread, let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Scoop frosting on top and spread with an off-set spatula to coat the top. Or using a water bath method melt slowly on medium-low heat, until combined.

Makes about 9 to 12 servings.

Source Complements to: http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/cappuccino-squares.html, I have altered some of the recipe.

Women in History

2012-05-13T23:59:00.001-07:00

Mary Darby Robinson was born in Bristol, England on November 27, 1757. She was a poet, novelist, actress, mistress and she was also know as "the English Sappho." When Mary was a child, her father John Darby, a Naval Captain, left her mother Hester Seys with a mistress. Mary's mother and her other children were left to live on their own. So they supported themselves by setting up a school for young girls. But this did not last long, since John Darby was forced by law to close the school down.
At a young age Mary unenthusiastically Married Thomas Robinson, a clerk, who lied of having an inheritance. Later they became poor and went into debt, eventually Thomas was imprisoned. During this time Mary found a Patroness, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Who helped with publishing her first poems. Mary was keen on theater, and decided to pursue acting. During her role as Perdita (heroine of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale) in 1779, she attracted the young Prince of Wales. They formed a relationship, despite Marys reluctant attitude, she wanted to stay true to her husband. The affair lasted until 1781, when the Prince of Wales ended it. She also had other affairs, like Banastre Tarleton, a soldier who had distinguished himself fighting in the American War of Independence. Their relationship lasted for 15 years, ending when Tarleton married Susan Bertie a heiress.
At the age of 26, she suffered from a illness that partially paralyzed her. At this period of her life she wrote many poems, novels, and plays. She died at the age of 42, sadly in poverty.

Cupid Sleeping

[Inscribed to Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire.]

CLOSE in a woodbine's tangled shade,
The BLOOMING GOD asleep was laid;
His brows with mossy roses crown'd;
His golden darts lay scatter'd round;
To shade his auburn, curled head,
A purple canopy was spread,
Which gently with the breezes play'd,
And shed around a soften'd shade.
Upon his downy smiling cheek,
Adorned with many a "dimple sleek,"
Beam'd glowing health and tender blisses,
His coral lip which teem'd with kisses
Ripe, glisten'd with ambrosial dew,
That mock'd the rose's deepest hue.
His quiver on a bough was hung,
His bow lay carelessly unstrung:
His breath mild odour scatter'd round,
His eyes an azure fillet bound:
On every side did zephyrs play,
To fan the sultry beams of day;
While the soft tenants of the grove,
Attun'd their notes to plaintive Love.

Thus lay the Boywhen DEVONS feet
Unknowing reach'd the lone retreat;
Surpriz'd, to see the beauteous child
Of every dang'rous pow'r beguil'd!
Approaching near his mossy bed,
Soft whisp'ring to herself she said:
" Thou little imp, whose potent art
" Bows low with grief the FEELING HEART;
" Whose thirst insatiate, loves to sip
" The nectar from the ruby lip;
" Whose barb'rous joy is prone to seek
" The soft carnation of the cheek;
" Now, bid thy tyrant sway farewell,
" As thus I break each magic spell: "
Snatch'd from the bough, where high it hung,
O'er her white shoulder straight she flung
The burnish'd quiver, golden dart,
And each vain emblem of his art;
Borne from his pow'r they now are seen,
The attributes of BEAUTY'S QUEEN!
While LOVE in secret hides his tears;
DIAN the form of VENUS wears!

Mary Darby Robinson

Source Compliments to http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cupid-sleeping/ and Wikipedia.

Men in History

2012-05-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Arthur Atherley, born on 12 June 1772 was an English Member of Parliament, serving the Southampton constituency three times, as Whig, Liberal and Reformer. Atherley was born in Southampton, and was the son of Arthur Atherley and Susanna Carter. He was educated at Eton College where, in 1791, he had his portrait painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence. At Eton, he was captain of the Ad Montem club, an institution with roots to medieval times that survived until 1847. After finishing his education at Eton, he then went to Trinity College, in Cambridge, where he was admitted a pensioner on 6 May 1790, then entering at Michaelmas, 1791, following which he was enrolled to Lincoln's Inn. On 2 June 1793, he married Lady Louisa Kerr, the daughter of William Kerr, 5th Marquess of Lothian; they had eight children. Atherley was four times elected to represent Southampton as member of parliament and was one of the original members of the Fox Club. He was also a member of the family banking business. He retired from politics in 1835. He later moved to Sussex, where he served as a justice of the peace, and he died at Tower House, Brighton, in 1844, but his body was returned to Southampton and buried in All Saints' Church

Source Compliments to Wikipedia.

Now, What Mr. Darcy do you Dig?

2012-04-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

The First Kiss of Love

2012-04-21T21:38:00.001-07:00

George Gordon, Lord Byron

Written December 23, 1806.

Away with your fictions of flimsy romance,
     Those tissues of falsehood which Folly has wove;
Give me the mild beam of the soul-breathing glance,
     Or the rapture which dwells on the first kiss of love.

Ye rhymers, whose bosoms with fantasy glow,
     Whose pastoral passions are made for the grove;
From what blest inspiration your sonnets would flow,
     Could you ever have tasted the first kiss of love.

If Apollo should e'er his assistance refuse,
     Or the Nine be dispos'd from your service to rove,
Invoke them no more, bid adieu to the Muse,
     And try the effect, of the first kiss of love.

I hate you, ye cold compositions of art,
     Though prudes may condemn me, and bigots reprove;
I court the effusions that spring from the heart,
     Which throbs, with delight, to the first kiss of love.

Your shepherds, your flocks, those fantastical themes,
     Perhaps may amuse, yet they never can move:
Arcadia displays but a region of dreams;
     What are visions like these, to the first kiss of love?

Oh! cease to affirm that man, since his birth,
     From Adam, till now, has with wretchedness strove;
Some portion of Paradise still is on earth,
     And Eden revives, in the first kiss of love.

When age chills the blood, when our pleasures are past—
     For years fleet away with the wings of the dove—
The dearest remembrance will still be the last,
     Our sweetest memorial, the first kiss of love.

Purple Velvet

2012-04-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

Purple Velvet Drapes

From shoulders down

Walk with luxury

Across the pavement ground

Taking time to impress

The Countess walks around

Showing her flawless attire

She knows her nobility

Her Grand appeal

In confidence

Concealed in total oblivescence

Written by A{A}♦V♦E♦

2012-04-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

Downton Abbey

2012-04-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Regency House Party

2012-03-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Phantom of the Opera

2012-01-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

The Phantom of the Opera (Le Fantôme de l'Opéra) a novel by the French writer, Gaston Leroux was published in the year 1911. The Gothic novel never got far, it sold poorly and even at times was out of print. But its success came in the form of film and stage adaptations. The 1925 film depiction, Ken Hill's 1976 musical at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Andrew Lloyd Wedder's 1986 musical and finally Lloyd Webber and Joel Schumacher's 2004 film that brought the Phantom of the Opera into perspective.

Main Characters:

Christine Daaé -A young Swedish soprano.

Erik -The "Phantom" and "Opera-Ghost", a deformed man (believed by Christine to be the Angel of Music)

Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny - Christine's childhood friend and love interest.

Raoul arriving on his carriage to the Opera House

Masquerade ball after a good year of opera productions

La Carlotta performing as a Duchess for a production

Christine and Meg Giry her friend

La Carlotta performing

Raoul and Christine dance together

Together at the Masquerade ball

Erik at his lair

Ending scene

The Fanciful Fan

2011-11-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

Small or large

Fold-able or not

Colorful

Personal

Flirtatious

Trendy

The history of fans can be barely traced. Some say they originated in Ancient Egypt, some say China or Ancient Greece. But it doesn't matter, because they were an adored attribute. In the 17th century fans were introduced to Europe from Eastern Asia. The fashion craze spread like a wild fire. In the beginning the accessory was only maintained by elite or wealthy. But eventually even the middle class started using them, it became a necessity to possess your own fan. They were used to help keep cool in the heat, protect yourself from the sun light and/or receive a safe-guard from the fire in the fire place. Fans were also used to write secret messages to dear friends or admirers.

Even Fan Languages were created to communicate to lovers or acquaintances. Through gestures of the fan individuals would have the chance to flirt secretly and communicate non-verbally.

Resting the fan on the right cheek meant "yes" and left cheek "no"
Twirling a fan in the left hand meant "I wish to be rid of you" and the right hand meant "I love another"
A fan held on the left ear signified "you have changed"
Pulling a fan across the forehead meant "we are watched", across the eyes meant "I am sorry"
A wide open fan meant "wait for me"
Dropping a fan meant "we could be friends"
Fast fanning meant "I am married"
Swift pulling of a fan through the hand meant "I hate you"
Placing the handle of a fan to the lips meant "kiss me"

Here are some of Marie Antoinettes Fans!

Silhouettes

2011-11-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

Quote

2011-10-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life." -Jane Austen (1775–1817), British novelist. Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, ch. 6 (1813).

(Resource: http://quotes.dictionary.com)

Love

2011-09-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Click!

2011-08-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Victorian Living

2011-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Very grand and luxurious rooms, filled with furnishings to the brim.
Bathroom with it's necessities.
Drawing room - for little tea parties with the ladies and duchesses.
Houses built up from the ground, two level, three levels fit for a king.
Stone streets close by the beach.
The sound it makes as surf does beat, a hymn of sound throughout the streets!

Where will it take you?

2011-08-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

Fashion Statement

2011-07-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

1700's fashion statement - people from the 17th century had a unique dressing style. Usually the rich could afford such delicately sewn and put together clothes. From top to bottom, accessories such as hats and ribbon were used to add little personal touches. Women wearing long and puffy dresses, with colors from the rainbow. Men wearing coats of velvet and silk, and white stocking to show that they are rich and can afford such paraphernalia.