LIBERTY POST

Prince of Wales Hotel

2009-07-13T19:04:00.005-04:00

Located in the heart of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Prince of Wales is an oasis of Victorian elegance filled with 21st century comforts. The hotel was named in honour of a royal visit in 1901, when the future George V stayed here. Today, every guest experiences the sophistication and refinement of that bygone age. Return to the refinement of the Victorian era at the Prince of Wales, where the elaborate ritual of English High Tea is revived daily from noon to 6pm. An afternoon relaxing in the Drawing Room surrounded by exquisite décor, plush antique furniture, warm sunlight and the heavenly scent of roses will transform a gathering with friends or business associates into a most special occasion. Sip exotic teas from around the world and savour our delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and opera cakes.

What Drugs Are You On?

2009-07-11T09:57:00.004-04:00

If you feel comfortable enough to answer honestly. Or leave a comment anonymously. Let's see what is going on in our blogging community. What drugs are you on and why? Do you feel addicted? Are you frightened to stop? Spill.

Heath Ledger, Pam's, Lam's and Mine's

2009-07-11T09:39:00.005-04:00

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine." It states definitively: "We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."

Soon we will hear the bizarre and frightening toxocology results for Michael Jackson. Perhaps we (global society in general) should consider a few options:

1. Throw our arms in the air and quit trying to figure out addictions. Is it just human nature?

2. Arrest Doctor's for perscribing so many drugs to one human.

3. Give scientists enough cash to discover the addiction gene so we know who is at risk.

4. Educate our children about perscription drug abuse as well as pot, cocaine and meth.

5. Take away an individual's rights entirely if they are 'on' too many drugs and commit them.

6. Slap the drug companies with 'automatic closure' if they continue to sell drugs based on greed.

7. Stay away from Pam's, Lam's and Mine's.

The top photo was taken yesterday at the Wax Museum in Niagara Falls. This was the 'most crowded' place here in the last few days. I suppose people were thinking of Heath and thinking of Michael and thinking of the whole darn seemingly uncontrollable situation of drug use. This insane figure of Heath was in a window facing the street. People just stood there in silence; contemplation - starring at Heath - his waxy life flashing in everyone's hearts and minds. So sad. So terrifying.

What Should I Do In Niagara Falls?

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Perhaps you've been there before. Maybe you've never been (yet), but you've researched all the top things to do. I'm heading there tomorrow. What should I do there?

Blogranking 43

2009-07-08T15:45:00.005-04:00

What a fun ride this is! Thank you guys. Are you dizzy yet? Your unique visits are moving me up the ranks (from 55). I salute you! Now one of us has to get off and push. I'll volunteer. LPxo

The Case for (Perfect) Health Care (Like Canada's)

2009-07-08T10:45:00.012-04:00

Your health care and how it is delivered to you and your loved ones is a human rights issue. Did you realize that? Canada's health care system is/was designed to ensure all citizens are born healthy and live healthy. How can any nation consider health care as an enterprise or commercial venture? I do not understand how the two mix. A nation is only as good as the health of its people. Why shouldn't a country take care of them? I could start a brand new blog just about Free Government Health Care and why it is the only way to care for a country. My youngest daughter has had Type 1 Diabetes since she was a toddler. Who paid for her care? My government. When she had Joyce Hannah 7 months ago and the baby required special care who paid for that? My country. When my Aunt needed 3 years of aggressive cancer treatment, Canada picked up the tab. My mother's eyes were failing. The specialist fixed them. For free. No bill. No visa or amex or loan to repay. When my father needed care, they paid for that too. I have a dear friend with MS. Canada supports her. Another friend has a daughter with a sports injury - and yes, our great Country held her up when she couldn't do it on her own. You have no idea how wonderful it is to 'never ever worry' about medical bills when you are busy praying for someone to recover. Don't you know that every breath we take of every waking hour is filled with thoughts of 'money' - how much we have or usually for 95% of people; how much we lack. Medicine does not have to be part of this ongoing conversation. Let it go. Trust Barack. I urge all Americans to fully support President Obama and his health care plans. Yes! We (Canadians) pay for our health care through taxes - but! - we are the most responsible health care nation - we pay these taxes to care for one another - we do not complain or whine about it - we would never, ever leave one citizen behind - everyone - everyone gets the care they need - we share the responsibility. Isn't that the way it should be? Don't listen to negative examples of Canada's health care system. Don't let that close your mind to the potential and opportunity for you. There will always be good and bad in every scenario. I have lived here my entire life. It is good. Real good. Let go of the old. Bring in a new way of living without this one worry. Greed has no place in this human rights discussion. Free health care for all!

Pussyland

2009-07-08T09:41:00.004-04:00

Want one? Soft, purring, mischievous perfection. Yours for the taking any time you desire. Choose Cyprian, Huffsue or Innocent. pattifriday(at)hotmail(dot)com.

A Garden That Grows Bicycles and Other Magical Tales From My 2 Week Journey (phew..that's a long title)

2009-07-07T23:27:00.006-04:00

It all started a few weeks ago when I was driven up the winding hills at sunset, up up up, to the top of Blue Mountain; and from there...south a few miles to Singhampton. Here the air is cleaner and fresher and crisper and full of bountiful oxygen. On the expansive green lawns of a mountain home you'll find a well cared plot with a bicycle patch. Yes, they are sprouting. Soon ready for picking. Excellent for anyone's hundred mile lifestyle. Between the tastings and giggling children digging in the sandbox and peeking for tadpoles on the Mad River shoreline, I watched the hen house and rooster tango with the cocky peacock. These are the images and magical tales I want to; that I promised to - share with you. Tonight my heart is heavy with another sound and image. I did not cry when I heard MJ died. I did not shed a tear watching all the coverage and interviews and flashbacks. But today, I sobbed and sobbed when I listened to Paris speak into the microphone. That just cracked open my welded-shut heart. I've been crying ever since. In the car, in the store, in the kitchen, in the bathroom...in my mind - her words were so sad, don't you think? Heart breaking. And so goes life. Given things and taken things. I want to sneak up the mountain to dig up my favorite bike. Perhaps it will take me up and away from all things sad; up to the crescent moon.

No. 45 and Counting

2009-07-06T14:19:00.006-04:00

Upwards that is. Just a quick note to let you know I'll be back in the beach tomorrow. Lots and lots of new photographs and stories to share. I've missed you and I've been reminiscing about this. Thank you for taking this blog up to No. 45 on Blogrankings. MJ RIP. LPxo

Help Me Become #1...Please

2009-07-04T14:29:00.007-04:00

So I see that today I'm #54 in the Blogrankings for ALL Lifestyle Blogs in the world! That's pretty darn good if I do say so myself. You can help me capture #1. Just think of it like a little friendly contest between moi and Joni of Cote de Texas. That 'charmer' is holding strong at #1 - Perhaps if you visit my blog every day and ask your friends to do the same and they ask their friends - and so on and so on and so on - I could topple her to #2 and steal her crown...It's no different than Larry King and Ashton Kutcher fighting it out on Twitter right? So if you want...pretty please - help me become #1 by visiting Liberty Post often. (shhh...3 times per day???) Let's see how it goes...I'll keep you posted. If I do become #1 it will be all due to you! (On a sidenote, did you hear they have re-opened the crown of the Statue of Liberty?) Big Hug. LPxo P.S. Joni, you know I love ya!

| Need Your Help

2009-07-02T22:13:00.002-04:00

Yes, I have a little life dilemma. I would love your opinion, so here goes...here's the situation: I am away in the city (a few hours south of where I live) helping and supporting my cousin open her new floral boutique. I had made the decision to be with her for 10 days or so. I was going to go home next Tuesday. Today, I found out via s.o.s. phone call from my daughter that I had apparently promised my Mom that I would help her set up and run her garage sale this Saturday. I have absolutely no recollection of this date for the garage sale and it isn't written in my day planner (trust me everything is written in there) - I do remember a conversation on a few occasions about her (Mom) wanting to have a garage sale, but I honestly don't remember the date. My Mom is super disappointed and my cousin was counting on me to be with her for the next 5 days - lots to do to open a new shop - What should I do?

Who's Loving You?

2009-07-01T21:23:00.001-04:00

Oh Canada, I love your true north, strong and free attitude. I love you as much as this performance. And that's a lot. LPxo

Oceana Whispers

2009-06-29T22:04:00.004-04:00

That's the name of her new floral boutique; my cousin's new business in the big, big city. I've been here all week acting as marketing slash publicity slash designer slash worker slash peacekeeper slash psychiatrist slash best friend slash clown slash buyer slash personal assistant - you get the picture. How amazing to watch someone's dream coming to fruition. The walls, by the way, are painted a wonderful colour called 'Marilyn's Dress' (Benjamin Moore) with crisp white trim, black semi-gloss doors and a container of incredible furniture is on it's way for next week. Flower coolers are arriving, p.o.s. men fixing and prepping the credit card machine, plumbers, electricians - and friends popping in - nosy parkers. I am enjoying the 14 hour days. I know it's hard to believe but I am away from the internet (freak out) and did not even know that Bernie was sentenced to 150 years. What will the floral boutique look like when he gets out?

Lucky To Be Alive

2009-06-27T00:54:00.003-04:00

Every morning you wake up, you are lucky. Your heart beats and your blood flows and the oxygen you breath fills your lungs; your brain sends messages to your eyelids to blink and leave a film of fresh tears over your eye's flesh. Your skin perspires, you think, you create, you sing, you speak and your fingers type; the legs move with ease and your toes help push you forward in the direction of your life's journey. You give life. You take life for granted. I do believe that. The magic of living is fleeting. You are lucky to be alive. It only takes a death for you to realize it.

Julie & Julia and The Soundtrack of Our Lives

2009-06-26T09:21:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was a wonderful, wonderful day. I was up early and hit the sun-kissed county road to pick up my daughter and Miss Joyce Hannah. Joycie Girl had her 6 mos. check-up and needle. She is doing so well! She now weighs 17 lbs. I was sitting out in the waiting room and I heard the needle go in...and she let the rows of magazine flipping patients know too. After visiting Dr. Kiss (yes, that's her real name) we went to Value Village. My big find: An original 1961 edition of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking! I was so thrilled. I could tell by the way the pages waved and flopped that the book was some one's favorite and was well used. Some lucky family enjoyed these recipes often. The weather was hot and humid and we three gals did not even care. We left the air-conditioning 'off' and giggled as the moist wind twisted and twirled our hair as we drove from plaza to plaza. I must tell you. I was impressed. Joycie Girl is a true shopper. Later that night I received the new book by Julie Powel, Julie & Julia! So now I must cook and read and then go see the new movie. Isn't it amazing how a blog can become a book and then a film. (here is her new blog) We all have hope!

Sidebar: I completely disconnected from technology yesterday. No phone, no cell, no internet, no blog, no email. It was a day long sabbatical. I arrived home at 10pm with my teenage son and his friends announcing in loud unison 'Michael Jackson is dead. Farrah Fawcett is dead. Can you make us a snack?' I just stood there with a jaw-dropped look on my face. Michael gave me and you and the world 'The Soundtrack of Our Lives'. Superstar to Reclusive Billionaire. Adorable to Freakish. (I'm sorry that I must write that, but it's true) Dead at 50 - so young - with $400 million dollars in debt. I am sad. Food will help.

The New Butter Dish

2009-06-24T14:32:00.003-04:00

Select a small slab of your favorite marble. Chill in the fridge. Add the slices of ice-cold fresh butter. Take to the table. Wait for the oohs and ahhhs. Voila! C'est chic et bon.

Masonry Vernacular Style

2009-06-24T12:19:00.003-04:00

Sounds like a bad, bad sore leg condition doesn't it? In fact, these homes were built with the goal of leaving ornate Victorian style far, far behind. Three main types of masonry construction date to the early days of Miami-Dade County: hollow clay tile, concrete block, and oolitic limestone. Hollow clay tile, lighter than concrete block, was used up to the 1920s in large construction projects. Concrete blocks were easily manufactured from local materials. Rusticated concrete blocks, molded to resemble rough-cut stone, were popular prior to 1920 and are still seen in Little Havana. Oolitic limestone is the most typical masonry building material in South Florida and is unique. Quarried in south Miami-Dade County since the mid-nineteenth century, it consists of small rock particles and is used in rubble form. Coral-like keystone from the Florida Keys was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Masonry Vernacular style commercial buildings, generally two stories in height, feature simple rectilinear plans, parapets and arcades.

Characteristics:

1. Plan: regular, rectangular.
2. Foundation: continuous or slab (commercial), brick or concrete.
3. Height: two stories (apartments); one-two stories (commercial).
4. Primary exterior material: brick, common or running bond; stucco, rough texture.
5. Roof type: hip; flat with parapet (commercial).
6. Roof surfacing: composition shingles; built-up, commercial.
7. Ornamentation: simple; usually cast-concrete or ornamental brick such as corbelling.

Saltbox Houses

2009-06-24T08:58:00.005-04:00

What is a saltbox house? A house with a 'catslide' (hee hee) roofline. (that's nasty) It is a Colonial style of architecture which originated in New England. This style is one you will see most often as the symbol or icon for primitive decorative items. Saltboxes are frame houses with two stories in front and one in back, having a pitched roof with unequal sides, being short and high in front and long and low in back. The front of the house is flat and the rear roof line is steeply sloped. The sturdy central chimney is a simple but effective focal point. The simplicity and strength of this design, first seen around 1650, continues to make saltbox houses popular today.

Bahamian or Conch Style

2009-06-23T22:01:00.006-04:00

Found mostly in the Overtown area of Miami and in the Charles Avenue area of Coconut Grove, this vernacular architecture was typically the work of shipbuilders-turned-carpenters from the Bahamas and Key West. This is the style that reminds me of my hometown (sans palms silly!) These "conch" houses feature a one-and-one-half or two-story rectangular mass, with broad gabled or low, hipped roofs. They are usually of balloon frame construction, rather than the original cross-braced system of heavy timbers based on shipbuilding techniques. Buildings are raised off the ground on wood posts or masonry piers, allowing air circulation underneath the house. Exterior surfaces are of horizontal weatherboards and windows are double-hung sash type. The most prominent feature of these buildings is the balustraded front porch, sometimes wrapping around the sides on both stories. More Florida styles here. So fascinating! I learn more each day. (internet smitten) Click on the top photo. It's a wonderful painting by Peter Vey.

Mission Style

2009-06-23T21:28:00.007-04:00

The simple Mission-style buildings were inspired by the early Spanish mission churches in California. Many can be found in Florida and Texas. Mission is the 'cleaner' Mediterranean Revival Style; less fuss. Exterior walls are usually covered with stucco, although oolitic limestone is also used. The most distinctive features of the style are tiled roofs and arches. Roofs are commonly low in pitch or flat, featuring curvilinear parapets or pent roof sections. The same parapet lines are often repeated over the front porch. Parapets may be topped with simple stucco molding, or with a single row of sloping Mission tiles. Cylindrical tiles, or scuppers, drain rainwater. Windows may be sash or casement type. Arches are typical on the facade and common on other openings. The front porch sometimes extends over the carport or garage entrance to one side of the main building mass. Applied decoration is kept to a minimum. It's a wonderful look with a Latin flavour. I personally love it!

Shockingly Sobbingly Shiveringly Perfectly

2009-06-23T17:50:00.005-04:00

They just take my breath away. I am in awe of this photography. Mark Shaw was a genius and his subjects were pretty darn amazing too.

Gallery of Goods: Reveal Me Baby

2009-06-23T12:28:00.005-04:00

Gallery of Goods? What's that? Well it's my world, my private room, my showcase, my gallery of all the things I think are 'good'. It's hard to define my blog. I don't really have a niche. (I don't do well in pigeon holes) I suppose Liberty Post is truly a 'Lifestyle Buffet' blog that covers many, many different subjects. I decided to do a post about my labels. I shocked myself! I find it very revealing. Take a look at your own labels. They may surprise you. I didn't realize that I had published 283 posts about design, 174 about politics, 103 about human rights and 212 about my beloved country, Canada. Rounding it off, 161 Photography, 100 Food Photography, Photofiction 5 and blogging 189 !!! They say you can tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookcase or pile of magazines. I believe you can tell a lot about a blogger by their label list. Here they all are. Just pick a label, click and read away. Enjoy!

ARTISTS (244)
AUSTRALIA (63)
BABY (28)
BAKING (15)
BEAUTY (38)
BEDROCK (1)
BILLION TREE CAMPAIGN (4)
BLOGEBRITY (102)
BLOGGING (189)
BOOKS (61)
BOYS (46)
BUSINESS (65)
CALIFORNIA (25)
CANADA (212)
CRAFTS (44)
CULINARY ART LESSONS (14)
DANCE (12)
DEATH BY CAKE (13)
DESIGN (283)
DIABETES (8)
Drive By Shooting (10)
ECO LIBERTY (67)
ECONOMY (52)
EGYPT (35)
ETSY (8)
FAMOUS CANADIANS (47)
FASHION (109)
FILM (96)
FLOWERS (8)
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY (100)
FOR SALE (5)
FRESH WATER (4)
GALLERY OF GOODS E-ZINE (6)
GARDEN (137)
GEORGIAN BAY (92)
GIFTS (13)
GIRLS (80)
GIVING (33)
GUESS WHO'S AD? (4)
HAMPING (5)
HEALTH (64)
HOLIDAYS (108)
HOME (43)
HOUR CULTURAL MOSAIC (5)
HUMAN RIGHTS (103)
ILLUSTRATION (4)
ILLUSTRIOUS INSPIRATION (35)
JEWELRY (32)
LEADERSHIP (4)
LIBERTY INTERVIEW (2)
LIBERTY PEOPLE (2)
LIBERTY POST INDUSTRIES (1)
LIBERTY SPEAK (21)
LIBERTY STOCKS (3)
LIBERTY ZOO (8)
LOVED ONES (170)
MAGAZINES (58)
ME (2)
MIXED MEDIA (12)
MUSIC (49)
MY LYRICS (1)
PAINTINGS (50)
PATTI FRIDAY (13)
PEACE (28)
PETS (52)
PHOTOFICTION (5)
PHOTOGRAPHY (161)
PODCAST (3)
POETRY (2)
POLITICS (174)
PORTRAIT WORK (14)
PRESS (2)
RUBBISH (23)
SABA (3)
SCENIC ROUTE (2)
SELF-PORTRAIT (23)
SNOW (25)
SPORT (22)
STRANGE BUT TRUE (123)
STUDIO (5)
STYLIST (1)
SUCCULENTS (11)
SUCKY OLMSTED (1)
SUNDAY SAUCE (8)
TAYLOR DARLING (1)
TELEVISION (30)
THE BEACH (40)
THE BEACH POST (1)
THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS (4)
THEATRE (5)
THIS IS MY LIFE (49)
TOP BLOG TOUR PHOTO (1)
TRAVEL (262)
TRENDSPOTTING (79)
WASH YOUR HANDS (15)
WEATHER (40)
WHAT IS IT? (14)
WRITING (42)
ZOOMER (2)

Mediterranean Revival Style

2009-06-23T11:30:00.005-04:00

Mediterranean Revival Style architecture is an eclectic design style that was first introduced in the United States around the turn of the nineteenth century, and came into prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. The style evolved from "rekindled interest in Italian Renaissance palaces" and seaside villas dating from the sixteenth century, and can be found predominantly in California and Florida due to the popular association of these coastal regions with Mediterranean resorts. This style feels familiar and luxurious to me.

The Mediterranean Revival Style defined Miami during the Boom of the 1920s. The style reflects the architectural influences of the Mediterranean coast: Italian, Byzantine, Moorish themes from southern Spain, and French. Applied Spanish baroque decoration is generously used around openings, balconies, and cornices. Parapets, twisted columns, pediments, and other classical details also are frequently used. Arches are often featured. The most common materials are stucco walls, red tile roofs, wrought iron grilles and railings, wood brackets and balconies, and oolitic limestone, ceramic tile and terra cotta for ornament. Patios, courtyards, balconies, and loggias replace the front porch. Fenestration is usually the casement type. With its elaborate detailing, Mediterranean Revival architecture works best in large buildings.

This architecture, in my opinion, is steeped with the 'look' of old money, country clubs and class, yet, I find it comfortable, casual and accessible for everyone. In particular, I love the fact that the original developers of Coral Gables in Miami, Florida, designed an entire community with this style as star; a culturally rich, walking, hometown feeling - standards of designs regulated (I love this) - a town that is only 4 miles from the airport. Of course, I adore the name and the way it rolls off your tongue...'Coral Gables'. Darling.

Off My Chest

2009-06-22T21:52:00.003-04:00

I have to write this. I need to get it off my chest. I'm 'blog restless', 'blog bored', 'blog low-esteemed'. I feel as though all of us are going around and around and around in circles; regurgitating all the same stories in different ways. I can't seem to find fresh, originality in my thoughts. We are repeating each other. Plagiarizing one another. Scratching backs, grumbling, applauding...but all the same, same, same. Is it me or do you feel it too? I am uninspired. I am definitely underpaid. Why am I doing this? Why am I 'wasting?' time blogging? Could I not be doing something else remarkably important in my life. Something significant. In the big scheme of life and the world, does all of this really matter or is it just a big blob of blah blah blah; ego-stroking yada yada yada - no breaking news - just cold and (moldy?) blog leftovers. And yes, thousands of new blogs start every single hour! How do we manage the onslaught of images and information. Overload, overflowing, overtired. I fear I'll just say 'that's it, that's all' it's over..shut 'er down..it was a good run. I worry that my blog's purpose for me is dwindling. The light is dimming. And no, I'm not doing this to get you all edgy and shifting in your chair..spilling your latte..and leaving me comments of 'please stay'. That's not the point of my little rant here. The point is: What are we all doing here? What the hell is the point?

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." -an ancient Chinese belief

Broccoli Slaw

2009-06-22T20:35:00.004-04:00

My Mother makes the best coleslaw. It is delish! She also makes a killer coleslaw stirfry. Yummmeee. Here is another slaw I am dying to make! Via Canadian House & Home (blog) via Smitten Kitten (recipe). Oh yes...you have to see Magazine Editor, Suzanne Dimma's new Canadiana project!