Sunday, May 27, 2012

Bloggy Birthday and Giveaway!


                     

    Hello there dear friends!



 bbc.co.uk





This weekend marks my Gypsy blog's first birthday,  and I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you!







When I embarked on my journey into blog land, it felt like jumping in the ocean without a life jacket (I can't swim)...
yes, it was that scary! But I had to do something creative, something daringly wonderful,  because I was in a very dark place at that time in my life.






And with the loving encouragement of a very dear friend, I took the plunge, and never looked back....


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Anita, my treasured friend and mentor, thank you for introducing me to this most fascinating, exciting world of creativity, wisdom, talent, inspiration, fun, and FRIENDSHIP!

I feel so blessed by all of the positivity, encouragement, and loving kindness of YOU, beautiful blog friends!
You are very special to me.....




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A huge thank you to  my wonderful followers and kindred spirits on all  three of the blogs! 
I am so touched and happy that you delight in visiting and sharing my little corner of joy....



GypsyInMe




And now, for the giveaway!

Many of you are familiar with brilliant Ari Cohen and his equally brilliant blog, Advanced Style....
What a celebration of Life and The Art of Life!!
His beautiful and inspirational models have finally arrived in book form, and Ari is working on the Advanced Style documentary!
(With our help, fingers crossed...)

Please leave a comment, and I will enter you in a drawing for a copy of this wonderful book...

 
I'll announce the winner next Sunday, June 3rd...
Bonne Chance!

I am also including this LINK
to the documentary film project. I happily donated a bit, and I hope you might consider a donation as well. In no way am I connected to the film or Ari, I simply believe in this project and message with all of my heart! My contribution is a tribute to the memory of my family's beautiful and inspirational matriarchs...






Thank you all so much!
 
   
 
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xoxo, Irina


 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Summer Delights...



I am so happy to report that all is green, lush , and beautiful in our 
little corner of the world....
The fragrance of the blooming olive trees is indescribably delicious, 
and watching the trees, animals, flowers come out of their slumber, and into the glory of warm, sunny days is indeed a miracle...

I would love to share with you just a few of our family's "favorite things" 
of a Minnesota summer....









Farmer's markets! Fresh, local produce...such a treat for us...


gustgab.com






Which inevitably leads to yummy salads....
this one is a Nicoise...my favorite
GypsyInMe










Flowers...and Duluth
this photo was taken on the North Shore...such a  gorgeous place.
You can read more about Duluth here...a post from last year.
GypsyInMe











Water! Lakes, rivers, streams...all ice free...hooray!
(My joys are simple...ha)

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The wonderful "living history" museum of Murphy's Landing...


threeriversparks.org







This is from their website:
"This 88-acre living history museum depicts life in the Lower Minnesota River Valley from the 1840s–1890s with authentic 19th-century buildings, demonstrations and a scenic river trail and overlook."
 
 One of the costumed guides....
Great fun for history buffs and kids (of all ages)
 threeriversparks.org










GypsyInMe













Our fantastic Renaissance Festival...
(I think she's giving this darling dragon a dental checkup?!)


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Curiosities at the annual State Fair...one of the largest in the U.S....
(I call him Peace Bear)
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and to continue with the theme...
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sweet bunnies...
(a dear friend referred to this one as The Velveteen Rabbit)











I love the Fina Arts pavilion...here is a very creative, life-size sculpture dressed
entirely in those complementary mailing labels....
 
 GypsyInMe











I do love art in all forms...
Luckily, the Twin Cities is a cultural gem (no, really)...
My favorite museum is the Minneapolis Institute of Arts...
over 80,000 pieces in its possession.
I love it in the summertime...the light is brighter....

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A favorite still life by Severin Roesen
(this one's for Elizabeth!)


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A beautiful Childe Hassam...


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And a magical fairy sculpture made mostly of fresh flowers...she was on display
as part of their annual "Art In Bloom" event....















Our last stop today is at the iconic Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis....
are you familiar with this particular sculpture?

It is entitled "Spoonbridge and Cherry" by Claes Oldenburg...
It's a bit hard to see, but the top of the stem emits a fine mist...this is indeed a fountain.
I have to mention that Mr. Oldenburg's wife, Coosje van Bruggen collaborated on this piece.
Isn't it cool?


GypsyInMe





Thank you so much, dear friends, for joining me on a tour of some of my Minnesota summer favorites!
 
Now please tell me, what are your warm-weather, lazy-day joys?

A fabulous week to you all...
xoxo

Saturday, May 12, 2012

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