An Anatevka Post ...

So what's an Anatevka post? Anatevka is a song from the Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof." It's opening lyrics rather describe what I am feeling coming on with this post.

A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
A pot, a pan, a broom, a hat...

I have no idea where this this photo of an (I assume) community theatre production of "Fiddler.." took place. But it's a colourful, and gets the idea across.



This morning I went out to see if my Coral Bells had started blooming yet - and as you can see from the bottom photo, they're alllllmost there! Hurray! I love them. They're such a hardy, but delicate flower.
But, then I discovered two lovely teeny tiny pink blooms that are growing in two pots left from last year. I have no idea what I had planted or what they're going to grow into being (they might be blooms from that decorative grass-like stuff). I can't wait to figure out what I planted last summer - and which actually made it through a bitterly cold winter - in a clay pot, no less!


Some of you know that I operated a restaurant/inn for almost 20 years in upstate New York, and that I had a music box shop that was attached to the dining room for many of those years. Now, I love music boxes and have seen just about every single one ever made (okay - so I'm exaggerating - but only a wee bit!). Consequently, it's a little tough for me to be astounded about a music box. Even if I haven't seen it, I've probably seen something similar.

Well, I have NEVER seen anything like these music boxes crafted by Stollwerk in Germany. They take my breath away.
What makes these early 1904 music boxes special? They play rather like an Edison phonograph, though more accurately, more like a classic Regina disc player, even though they're shaped like Edisons. Now. Notice, that these are made of foil - not heavy metal. And, if you're from Europe, of course, you recognize Stollwerck as a famous fine candy and chocolatier.

That's right. These play music box discs made of chocolate! Real chocolate! Play or eat your Debussy - your choice! I just can't imagine how magical it must have been. I would so love to have one of these to add to my collection. Most of my music boxes are contemporary (mid-20th-Century to contemporary) - but I have a few antique ones - and one of these would fit right in tune!

Read much more about them here.

Speaking of music boxes, thombeau posted this outlandish photo - and I want it as well. (Have you ever met such a greedy greedy boy as I?!) I don't know exactly what it is - obviously it has flashing coloured faery lights. But, I'm convinced it plays music as well! I'm hoping it's a Piaf tune!



Last weekend, we re-watched one of my favorite Robert Altman films - and one of my absolute favorite westerns - McCabe and Mrs. Miller. This lyrical tale, starring the very young and-oh-so-ethereally-gorgeous Julie Christie and Warren Beatty, was the first real vision I ever received about what the glamorous Old West was really like. Less romance and more filth. Less legend and more stink. Less bravery and more bullying.
For several seasons while it ran, I was a huge fan of Deadwood on Showtime. It was another tale that tried to explode the mystery and romance of what the wild west was really like. And it did a dandy job. But, when I saw McCabe again, I realized that Altman achieved something the directors and cinematographers on Deadwood never did - he made all the muck and dirt and rank fetid rot and mould actually look breathtakingly beautiful...no mean achievement that!

I like the way Altman uses Presbyterian Church (the name of the town) to explore how society and civilization required both innocence and evil to make everything come together. There are moments in this film that make my eyes well up just because of the sheer artistry and heart breaking beauty of the moment or image.
This is not an easy accomplishment in a tale of a squalid opium addicted madame (Christie) and a two-bit gambler and would be whorehouse entrepeneur (Beatty - in his best ever performance, in my opinion). Such is not the stuff that dreams are made of! The cast includes future Altman favorites, such as Shelley Duvall, René Auberjonois, and Keith Carradine.

From the first song (The Stranger Song), the entire score written and performed by Leonard Cohen is haunting, memorable, and spot on target every time it's used.
Probably this is not a film for you to watch with your younger children (sometimes the language is rough - and it is about prostitutes and their employers). But, if you want to see a poignant and elegant ode to a time in our past we tend to romanticize, it's well worth the trip to the video store!

... and another terrific blogging artist and craftsman

If you aren't familiar with Carolee Clarke of The King of Mice Studios - be sure to pay her a visit. I just love her charming creations. She calls her world 'whimsical and wicked' - and I think it's a perfect description!

That domed chest is just lovely ... my sister, as a child, would have absolutely killed for it!...maybe still would!

How fun is this clock? I love the polka dots and the checkerboard and, of course, the fab full moon! And it just so happens my kitchen is .... orange! hmmmmm
If I had an enchanted garden - which I don't - but if I did - this is the sign I would want to announce it!
My absolute favorite two pieces of hers are an incredible domed chest titled Carnivale Diabolique Chest, and a similar shaped pieced titled Carnivale de Mystique Chest. I love the shape and the delightfully whimsical diabolical images! Someday when I'm a rich famous artist, I shall commission her to make one for my very own!
I hope you'll take a visit to see her other treasures at King of Mice Studios.

...and! an announcement for another exciting upcoming blog event ... it's the Second Annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party at A Fanciful Twist! Click on the banner below to get all the inside scoop - and some fab pictures of last year's event! It sounds like it's going to be another revelry not to be missed! So go sign up and join in on the fun!
Okay. I've done it. I've really done. I've eaten my own record for the most rambling, disjoined and never-ending post in the history of blogdom. It's time for me to make some lunch and then get to the studio to finish up Ms. Starr (you don't know about Ms. Star, yet, do you! Well another post!).
OH! And welcome to my newest followers! Welcome, welcome, welcome! Sit right down and have a little nibble of something delicious!Now, go make something beautiful - or look at something beautiful - or just think some beautiful thoughts.

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

edited on Wednesday morning - don't forget to sign up on last Sunday's post to enter the mini-theatre giveaway prize!