Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert Massie

I just finished reading the Pullitzer Prize winning book Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert Massie. It was interesting to see that since the book was written in 1980 it is not accurate with regards to the current state of Russia.  That aside, it is an extremely well written and documented biography.  It started out slow and spent more time than was necessary on the fact that he led a dissipated life as a youth but once we were beyond adolescence the book became riveting.  The Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden is a pivotal point in Russian history and Massie brings these events to life.  At times while reading I felt as if I were there listening to Tsar Peter and Charles XII as they fought for supremacy.  This is definitely a 4.5 out of 5 star book.   

http://amzn.to/XXfaba

Art Review Walters Museum "African Presence in Renaissance Europe"

A Spectrum From Slaves to Saints

‘African Presence in Renaissance Europe,’ at Walters Museum

The New York Times did a great piece reviewing this exhibit.  I plan to see it this weekend while everyone is out shopping I'll be cruising the hopefully not so crowded Walters Museum.  

Free 24 Hour Librarian Service

ASK US NOW is a free service offered by the Maryland Library System that allows you to chat with a librarian anytime 24 hours a day.  I was trying to research the Homestead PA mill strike that led to one of the bloodiest battles in the history of labor.  Unfortunately I did not have much success.  When I contacted the chat room (at 3:00 a.m. in the morning) at Ask Us Now I was overwhelmed by the amount of information available on this subject and with the speed in which it was delivered to me.  After the chat they sent an email transcript with all of the reference links enclosed.  If you're not from MD check your state library system to see if they offer a similar service.  This truly is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show

Most artists like this show because it is specific to jewelry.  If your in the area check out our friend Sydney Lynch.  I just love her work!  Shown above are Sydney's popular Graffiti  earrings.

31st Annual Smithsonian Craft Show April 24 - 28, 2013

If you are in the metropolitan Baltimore-DC-VA area you have to go to the 31st Annual Smithsonian Craft Show  April 24 - 28, 2013.  Shana Kroiz will be at the show with her groundbreaking one of a kind enamel jewelry and her fun and affordable mesh line.  Shana is not only a great artist but one of the best teachers I have ever worked with.  You may see her work on her site at http://shanakroiz.com/ or buy it at Art Jewelry Online.

Images: TopMesh Ring $70, Middle One of a Kind Floral Crown $7,000 and Bottom Regal Dancer an enamel necklace that is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design in New York.

New Jewelry From Lori Gottlieb on Sale

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Make-A-Dramatic-Statement-with-New-Jewelry-from-Lori-Gottlieb.html?soid=1102220973704&aid=1y2RS-qv8Pk

You Should Never Discuss Religion or Politics But Here I Go Anyway

My son and I were talking about spirituality today (not religion) since many of his friends are atheists. My point is that there are no atheists.  All people believe in/have faith in something.  What you choose to believe in becomes your religion. If you measure your success in life based on your income then you are in essence worshiping yourself and your ability to acquire money.  In my mother's family success is measured by how well we raise our children.  So I ask myself have we now come to a point where we worship our children? No answers here just food for thought.