Positively ILLUMINATION

by Mauverneen

Christmas is right around the corner and malls, parks, zoos and individual homeowners are putting up holiday displays.  Trees, nativity sets, plastic snowmen – what have you.  And lights.  Lots and lots of lights. 

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle Illinois is putting on a very different kind of light show this holiday season. Called Illumination, it is a show of lights that celebrates trees in a very festive and totally different way. It is a one-of-a-kind lighting event and the first ever for the 91 year old arboretum.

 

Visitor Center and outdoor sitting area

POSITIVELY TIFFANY

by Mauverneen

Somehow, I just never put the two together. Tiffany Jewelers, Tiffany glass. They are Father and son.

Tiffany vase

Positively Opulent - From Mansion to Museum

by Mauverneen

It’s always a pleasure to ‘discover’ some little known gem you’ve somehow missed in your own backyard.  Chicago is extremely rich with history and lore so coming across a treasure like the Driehaus Museum is a rich pleasure indeed.

Formal dining room with original table

 Unlike the palatial Biltmore or Hearst residences, the former Nickerson Mansion is an unassuming structure in modern Chicago’s downtown landscape of glassy highrises. Located at 40 S. Erie between Michigan Ave and State Street, a look at the façade would never give away what opulence lies behind those carved front doors. But step inside and it is no less luxurious and impressive.

POSITIVELY LEAFY

by Mauverneen


A walk in the park

Walking through the woods on a recent, glorious autumn day it occurred to me that not all leaves are created equal.



Faaall....ing

They are not the same shape, not the same size, not the same color. Varying shades of green top the trees in spring and summer and in the fall – well, everybody knows what happens to leaves in the fall. Reds, yellows, oranges; all those lovely warm jewel tones! The leaves may be saying goodbye, but they are bright and colorful as if to add ‘don’t be sad. We’ll be back!’