The art scene

We spent yesterday afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts  for the first time in a very long time. Every so often, they have a marvelous traveling exhibit that we feel we must go to (the last time was approximately 2 years ago for a 'Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese' exhibit- so really, a while ago!).

This time, it was fashion photography from the one and only, Mario Testino. Having an exhibit like this is really 'forward' for Boston, so we really wanted to make sure we did not miss it. The Testino exhibit was great and well executed, with lots of his famous prints of his favorites: Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Gwyneth, Madonna- many photos that have made it to the pages of Vogue, W, and Vanity Fair. The picture above was one of Chris' favorites.

To top it off, there were also famous British Royal portraits that were shot by Testino. Now, you know how much I adore Kate Middleton, and of course the British Royals (and Royals) in general, so this was truly a treat. 

Yesterday, the museum impressed me much more than any previous trips.

I used to feel that the MFA was a bit stuffy, stale, with more or less the same artifacts and paintings that it's had in its possession  for years and years. However, with its renovations and what seemed to be an emphasis on cutting edge curations, the MFA has really become world-class, in my opinion. 

Enjoying a afternoon meal at the newly designed indoor courtyard cafe with a stunning glass tree

An older wing with ancient Asian sculpture

Enjoying European painting

We also joined the museum as members for the first time yesterday, so we will hopefully be returning soon and visiting far more frequently.

The days ahead...

While this past holiday time has been especially hard for us for various reasons, I want to focus on some of the less heavy, small, perhaps seemingly insignificant, but happier things. First, my beautiful new antique tea cups and saucers that I received for Christmas. They are a similar pattern to the other set I purchased a while back. It's amazing how much time can be spent perusing auctions for these little treasures.

I am currently enjoying a "staycation" and since it's been just too chilly to go out, I've browsed the internet on end, and did some baking today.  We made a marvelous spiced pumpkin and walnut bread. The amazing recipe can be attributed to one and only GP, here. The spices, together with the warmth of the fresh bread were perfect for a  frozen, icy day. 

This year, with some uncertainty as to how the New Year will be, I am especially hesitant (as always) to make any resolutions. I enjoy taking each day as is and having bigger, overarching goals to generally live by so that I don't tend to disappoint myself. Some ideas (big and small) I've toyed around with though, have been:

Eating more wholesome, delicious foods. Taking/consistency in taking our vitamins and supplements. Purposeful intention to everything, even seemingly small tasks during the day- what is meant by this I think I will have to figure out slowly, but I suppose the idea can be said as: living each day for just that- the day. As an astute (to a fault) planner, this is a very new way of thinking for me, but may just be what we need for the new year ahead.