common ground

Sunday, February 19, 2012

just sharing my thoughts...

If you haven't read my previous post on Remembering Whitney Houston I'd love for you to scroll down. I don't get on my soap box very often. Most of the time I try NOT to say much on this blog, but I wanted to give voice to a viewpoint of mine and many others concerning the coverage of Whitney's life, passing, and funeral. Just giving pause for reflection here. Everyone has their own opinion.

Below is a comment I left on a blog this morning. I read each comment and debated on whether to share mine or not. After thinking and praying about it this morning I shared this. Please know I'm not at odds with anyone, just thought I might give my own insight into the controversy over the media coverage issue.

"You asked for thoughts, I'd like to share mine. I think there are two distinct issues here. One the news media; with 24 hour news channels now, every story runs multiple times. I agree topics are not always chosen or run wisely. There are many many issues that could and should have attention that are worthy of our viewing. But I don't necessarily think most people get satisfaction from seeing other people's tragedies. You're so right everyone, there are thousands of people who suffer and die everyday. We ought to be bringing attention to their plight, also.

I for one, DO think that in Whitney's case of prescription medications and drinking, we all need to take a long hard look. Oftentimes we think if we are taking legal prescription drugs then everything is OK, you add alcohol in to the mix, we are asking for trouble. Dr. Drew Pinsky's coverage on HLN has been timely and graphic in this area. If all the coverage and scrutiny saves one life, then I say the coverage was justified.

As for Whitney's funeral, I watched most of it. It was touching and intimate. Those that spoke or gave tribute in song, were not seeking attention, only to share their love, memories, and grief for their loved one, friend, and colleague. As a born again Christian I found it touching and spiritually uplifting. God loves all of us, even when we fall down. We can celebrate a life, knowing that she is now in a place without pain or struggle."

Having close family members that have had physical and emotional issues, and having taught many Bible Studies on Overcoming Addictions and Depression, I think it's valuable to know and understand the causes of addiction and the fallout for loved ones. Being a celebrity causes one to naturally be in the public eye. If we can learn from the trials and lives of other's we will all be better human beings, with an attitude of empathy and caring to our fellow brothers and sisters in life.

much love, thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

February 19, 2012 12:52 PM

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Whitney remembered...

I had this afternoon to myself, and I did some puttering around the house. I have been watching a lot of the commentary on CNN and HLN on Whitney Houston the last few days. Today was her funeral; she went home to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, the church where she grew up and got her start. Whether a fan or not, the funeral was precious and endearing, as many gave tribute to her in words and song. Two stood out for their raw honesty and emotion; Tyler Perry, and Kevin Costner. If you didn't see the broadcast, I'm encouraging you to search out Costner's few minutes on his friendship with Whitney during the making of his movie, The Bodyguard. I imagine it will be on YouTube.
I'm not a big cryer, but I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. And at the end, when her pall bearers carried the casket, her recorded voice was heard singing I Will Always Love You. Amazing person and talent gone too soon. Anyone who watched this definitely had "been to church". And they said that would have been just what she would have wanted.

Friday, February 17, 2012

More on Brown Transferware...

I know that there are so many of us out here that really do have a passion for transferware. By the looks of my comments, many of us collect or at least have a few pieces. Sally from Salmagundi is one of these big time collectors, not only of transferware but of my new love, Aesthetic Movement transferware.

Sally was kind enough to drop everything and do a special post for me and all of you. Below is one of her pieces, please click over and visit Sally and see her wonderful collection. Even if the bug hasn't bitten you yet, you'll really enjoy seeing her post.

and here's a couple of Pinterest Inspiration photos,

just to "whet your whistle"...

Source: lisathompson.net via Debra on Pinterest

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest

OK, see ya at Sally's!

(next post, Nancy will give us the dish!)

and if you haven't linked up for

Vintage Inspiration Friday

just scroll down to the next post.

Vintage Inspiration # 77 Aesthetic Movement Transferware

I'm not an afficianado of transferware by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love a few mismatched pieces that I've found over the last several years. And the history buff in me enjoys how design trends are formed within cultures and how they affect art, furniture, and our everyday lives. Brown Transferware is one of my "favorite things", so it's fascinating to me to discover the different patterns and trends that we find it in.

...are ya still with me?

Last weekend we headed over to the Antique Festival of the Ozarks held here in Springfield. This is a new show in it's second year, that my husband and I really enjoy. You can find a little of everything here, definitely not categorized as garage sale items. As we like to say, "Retail at it's finest", if you get my drift. Not particularly bargain shopping, but real antiques and collectibles, very much worth the time and price of admission to the show.

A dealer friend of mine, Teresa, who always has interesting things and great prices had a space at the show, and the whole time we were "visiting" I kept glancing at this old Brown Transferware tureen.

It had been broken and "repaired" many years ago, but that kind of thing really doesn't deter me, if I find something that I want. Hey, stick it on a shelf, or turn it the other direction. Little imperfections, or even big ones, don't keep me from buying.

At the time I couldn't remember the name of this certain design of transferware, but when I checked the Internet I found the name of the pattern, Burmah, which is highly influenced by Japanese motifs. It's a piece from the Aesthetic Movement which started in the latter part of the 19th Century. As a counter reaction to the Industrial Revolution in England, artists and designers looked for opulence and imagination in art and life which translated into the Aesthetic movement, Craftsman Style, and then into Art Nouveau.

I checked out some platters that would match at This Site
but since I only paid a smidge for the tureen,
I thought I'd let the $375 platters just be a dream for now.