Autumn is in the House!

Eek! I've been seeing gloriously decorated autumn homes on blogs since September! Well, I'm almost done!

We'll take a quick look outside at this delightful birdhouse my cousin painted for me.  There used to be lettuce growing in that pot!

Usually I start with the fall things, then add Halloween to it. It's easy to take out the Halloween in November and  you're still pretty well decorated!

So, here's a look at the mantel in the family room with Joanne Huffman's sweet doll taking center stage, along with photographer Wally Parshall's gorgeous Paris photos. I know I should take them down for different seasons and maybe I will, but I usually can't bear to put them away!

They're joined by a collection of copper and brass from my mom, and some silky leaves.

On the opposite wall, I brought in my little Halloween tree.

This is one of two I have. It will go down in early November.

 And of course the back door has a Southern Exposure project on it!

In the living room things are a little simpler. Cotton and leaves...

...more leaves on the chandelier, inspired by those Southern Exposure chandeliers...

...another of mom's copper pots filled with hydrangeas, courtesy of my wonderful massage therapist...

...and one with autumn leaves. (I'm so glad she loved copper, because I do too!)

There's a bit of action going on atop the china cabinet...

...and inside the hutch, too!

I have to say I'm awfully fond of this fellow. I'll miss him when the Halloweenies come down in November!

I did mention another tree. This is just a tiny feather tree in the living room.

 Since I took the photo I added some tiny golden lights to it. I love that it shows off my mini-Radko ornaments so well. The lights next to it are grapevine balls. Maybe you saw them at Target Dollar Spot too!

Couldn't resist a new throw pillow. As you can see, I neglected to take Lizzie's seat protector off. Oh well.

Of course, in a few weeks, all the Halloween will head back to the basement and a turkey or two might emerge. The pumpkins, of course, and other gourds will remain till it's time to bring up Christmas.

But I want to enjoy this for a little while first!

Wouldn't you?

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Your Vote Counts!

We'll all be hearing about a lot of voting in months to come, but this piece about voting has nothing to do with our current political situation. Instead, it is about an opportunity to support a wonderful cause with your vote -- one near and dear to the heart of one of my dear friends, Judy Winter.

Judy was named one of L'Oreal's "Women of Worth," one of ten women who advocate for specific charities. Judy's is the Eric RicStar Winter Music Therapy Camp, which Judy and her husband Dick started, in conjunction with Michigan State University's Community Music School.

Judy and I met years ago when she volunteered to write some articles for the magazine I edited at WKAR. She later was hired as an advertising salesperson for the magazine and went on to work for the station for a number of years after, continuing to volunteer for on-air pledge hosting after she left. And during those years -- and the decades since --- we have been good friends.

Friends who have laughed together, played together, had more than a few lunches and celebrated more than a few holidays in each others' company.  When Rick had his surgery last winter, Judy was there with the lasagna. We've been through each others' serious illnesses, deaths of parents, and shed more than a few tears together. And yes, there have been good times, too; parties with our wonderful circle of friends as well as the beautiful wedding of Judy and Dick's daughter, Jenna.

These photos are some of my favorites from our friendship. Yes, L'Oreal took some lovely photos with a far better photographer or camera than any of these. You can see them on the Women of Worth website. But I like the ones here most of all. They are our story.

Judy left WKAR nineteen years ago, when Eric Winter was born with a challenging cerebral palsy diagnosis. I saw first-hand what parents who have an infant, then child, with special needs must deal with each and every day.

It's hard work. Back breaking work at times. Judy has the battle scars to show for it. She earned her stripes fighting for inclusion in the public schools, continually advocating for parents with children who have special needs. And she and Dick were wonderful parents to both Eric and his older sister Jenna, providing them with opportunities to enrich their lives.

One such opportunity for Eric was MSU's Community Music School, which offered music therapy classes. Eric loved music. I have many special memories of spending Christmas Eves with the Winters, Rick playing his guitar, Eric listening in rapt attention.

And smiling. A million dollar smile.

During Eric's life, Judy continued her role as a journalist, writing columns on special needs and eventually the book "Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs." She chose to be an advocate for special needs, through her writing and speaking at conferences and to groups. Her commitment has made those who know her (and no doubt those who have only read her work) more aware and sensitive to the challenges so many of us face. For Judy it's all about the ability, not the disability.

When Eric died at the age of twelve, Judy, Dick and MSU's Cindy Edgerton co-founded the Eric "RicStar" Winter Music Therapy Camp. It provides opportunities for immersion in musical expression for those of all ages. The camp was created to honor Eric's life and legacy and offers one-on-one support to nurture individual abilities while also focusing on inclusion. Many campers have returned year after year and funding provided by the Winters and others has made many scholarships available to ease the financial burden and give all an opportunity to participate, regardless of age.

At the end of the camp, the campers perform a concert for parents and guests. I've been to more than one of these and the smiles are like bottled sunshine.

More than 1,500 campers have attended the camp and more than $80,000 in financial aid has been given to make camp possible for the attendees. Volunteers and therapy animals abound. The camp serves as a reminder of music's lasting power to change lives.

When Judy was selected as one of L'Oreal's Women of Worth, the camp received $10,000, as did the charities of the other nine finalists. By voting (and you can vote daily for the next few weeks) one of these groups will receive an additional $25,000. I think you can guess what I'm voting for.

So, please check out the site HERE and I hope you'll vote for Judy and RicStar's Camp. (The direct link to vote for Judy is HERE!) You can vote daily throughout the voting period, which continues for the next few weeks. Voting instructions are at the site.

And, if you are interested in learning more about the camp for you, a family member or a friend, please check it out HERE. Camp takes place every June at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Help Christmas come early for RicStar's Camp! Vote early and often!'

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Road Trip: More from the Flint Institute of Arts

The Flint Institute of Arts is one of mid-Michigan's little art gems. When many think of Flint, the first thought that comes to mind is contaminated orange water. Then unemployment -- an auto town that died when G.M. pulled out. (See Michael Moore's remarkable "Roger and Me" for more about that.) But it was in its heyday a cultural center and that continues with the art institute.

Chihuly Ceiling installation, Dale Chihuly

You may recall from my posts on the Isabel de Borchgrave exhibit HERE and HERE and the Four Seasons HERE that we went there on my birthday in August. But I hadn't written about some of their other treasures.

Bad Blogger. This is either Mary Cassat or Berthe Morrisot

Here are a few that captured Rick and me. I am a sucker for Maurice Utrillo. Here we have it framed...

Maurice Utrillo

...and in close up.

And I can't resist John Singer Sargent. I would have walked out with this under my arm if I could!

"Garden Study of the Vickers Children" by John Singer Sargent

There was a small Picasso exhibit. This painting is a tribute to Picasso.

"Homage to Pablo Picasso" by Larry Rivers

This, one of his drawings.

I appreciate the Impressionists, such as this one by And this by Lucien Pisarro.

"La Rue Saint Vincent" by Lucien Pissaro

And this, by Childe Hassam.

"Newport Waterfront" by Childe Hassam

There was quite a section of Americana painting, which I rather liked.

There is a flatter quality to these, yet I find them interesting.

This painting was filled with symbolism. According to the audio tour, it was presumed that the child on the right had died, as she is seen separated from her siblings and in white.

"The Fowler Children" (unknown, 19th century)

There were many interesting masks...

...and some stunning glass (including a magnificent glass paperweight collection).

We were able to visit a demonstration of glass blowing in the hot shop.

One room was devoted to tapestries and some rather large and ornate furniture.

There was a fair amount of sculpture and larger pieces as well.

Untitled by Frank Owen

I'm not a big fan of super contemporary art, but I have to say I loved the colors on this one!

 And here is one of my favorites:

"Passage" by Bertril Vallien

This was quite enormous, and had its own little room. Artist Vallien worked with blacksmith Lars Larsson and glass artist Richard Kautto. They created a birch frame to look like a museum cabinet with no screws or nails to hold it together. The boat is made of sandcasted glass. The elements are within. It was fascinating to photograph from any angle, its black case forming a bit of a frame.

I suppose all good days come to an end. Even birthdays.

Tiffany window by Louis Comfort Tiffany

But mine was definitely a good one!

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