Sunday, November 27, 2011

Gracefully (as in growing old)

"Whatever a man's age, he can reduce it several years by putting a bright-colored flower in his buttonhole."
Mark Twain


Well, tomorrow I'm another year older. Looking back over the past year, there's so much to be grateful for. It hasn't been all smooth sailing, but I choose to count the blessings over the sorrows. It's sort of akin to the bright-colored flower in the buttonhole. Or maybe even better.

I need to count in Linda at Under the Gables. Unbeknowst to her, she participated in my birthday doings. Actually in my pre-birthday doings, since I'm known in my family for milking my birthday for all that it's worth. Linda talked on her blog about a Bucks County artist named Fern Coppedge.


I was so captured by the images that I Googled the painter and found out that many of her paintings are here:


Wahoooo! This museum is only an hour and a half from home, in Doylestown, PA. Happy birthday to me! And even better, they were having a special exhibit...


...featuring a collection of the works of Bucks County's finest painters. It was a treat to discover two painters who up to now were unknown to me: Fern Coppedge (1883-1951) and Daniel Garber (1880-1958). Both of these artists have styles that are completely different from one another--Coppedge rich in color; Garber rich in light. Their masterful creations left me swoony and inspired.

The program featured Garber's painting of his daughter, Tanis.


Across the street from the Michener museum is the Mercer Museum. I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the chimneys on the building. Are they cool or what?


Afterwards we took a little Saturday afternoon stroll around town. Oooh, looky here...


Black coffee, Bakery Blue Berry Butter cookie gelato. I love the letter 'B' - as in Birthday


This is the face of a happy camper. Yes, I am short.


Riding off into the sunset


Counting blessings

467 - Under the Gables blog - you should visit!
468 - Museum tickets
469 - My generous family
470 - Italian bakeries
471 - Sunsets and the gift of seeing another day
472 - La bella vita





Joining Ann today
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26 comments:

  1. Amy SmithNovember 27, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Happy Birthday! Sounds like such a neat day! xo

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  2. Come Away With MeNovember 27, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Well, Happy Birthday to you! I hope you continue milking it as long as possible. It's good to celebrate being alive!

    What a treat for you to see those paintings...I only discovered Fern Coppedge by accident when looking for images of autumn...I love her use of color and now you've got me curious to find out more. And the other artist, Garber, too, because of the amazing light, if the one you show here is any indication.

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  3. JodiNovember 27, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Sara, search away! What I love about Fern Coppedge is that she trusted her own voice. And yes, Garber's paintings are full of light. He was a very happy man who loved his wife and daughter dearly. It shows in his work.

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  4. JodiNovember 27, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    oh and Sara, I hope you get to see their paintings in person. They are amazing.

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  5. amyNovember 28, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    happy birthday my beautiful friend!!!! you are so adorable and... that's about where i come up to on my husband. so happy to be in the short club with you.

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  6. Janie FoxNovember 28, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    What a great birthday you had. I say milk it all month. It is how I roll.

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  7. Thickethouse.wordpressNovember 28, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Happy Birthday, Jodi! I've never seen work by this artist before, and thank you very much! Such warmth and life.

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  8. Kim HylandNovember 28, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Happy, happy birthday, Jodi! Looks like you had a wonderful day . . thanks for sharing it! And thank you for sharing your lovely, wise, and cozy thoughts and photos through your blog all year long.

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  9. NancyNovember 28, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    You milk it for all it's worth, girl! And, yes, those chimneys are seriously cool. That may very well be the most beautiful picture of gelato I've ever seen. Happy, Happy Jodi day! Love you.

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  10. CherylNovember 28, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Hey Happy Birthday. Nice birthday treat. Can't help catching your enthusiasm for the paintings. Happy birthday and thank you for spreading your happiness! (We celebrate birthday month, too)

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  11. LeslieNovember 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Happy happy birthday to dear dear you! I love these paintings AND the chimneys. And I'm so glad you had a happy day. May you have many happy returns of it.

    p.s. you are so adorable.

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  12. Stephanie AnnNovember 28, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Happy Birthday!

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  13. tamarahillmurphy.comNovember 28, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Happy, happy birthday! I love the way you celebrated.

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  14. JenNovember 28, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    What a wonderful birthday! Art, architecture, gelato...perfect!

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  15. Beth StoneNovember 28, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    A very happy birthday to you today... :o)

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  16. LyndsayNovember 28, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Looks like you got spoiled. The artwork is beautiful, the gelato looks scrumptious, the sunset looks magical.... What a perfect way to celebrate.
    Happy Birthday!

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  17. Abby November 28, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Happy birthday!!

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  18. MelissaNovember 28, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    It looks like a perfectly lovely day! Art museums and coffee shops? Yes! I, too, am thrilled with these new-to-me artists. The beauty! Thank you for sharing it with us, here. Many happy returns of the day, dear Jodi! xoxo

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  19. AmyNovember 29, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Happy Birthday! What a delightful way to celebrate.

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  20. Quotidian LifeNovember 29, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    Happy Birthday, Jodi. Looks like it was a lovely, beauty-filled day.

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  21. UnknownNovember 29, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Feeding your soul on your birthday.
    Perfection.

    and for letting it spill over into mine...
    gratitude.

    You are Beautiful. B. Beautiful.

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  22. AnonymousNovember 29, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Happy BBBBBBirthday, yes, Beautiful Jodi!
    And yes, again, to Deb, feeding your soul and letting it spill out onto us. Thank you!

    We were in Doylestown Sunday, and oohed as we drove right by the Mercer Museum skyline at sunset!

    The words "painterly voice" is so inspiring, and the invitation to trust one's voice is challenging and life giving.
    Thanks for your encouragement to do so!

    We love you, 'little' bird from heaven!
    Joan
    P.S. forgot to publically gasp at "finding the sky in the creek" a couple posts ago- words and image

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  23. ValNovember 29, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Can I still say Happy Birthday !!!!
    (should've read your post yesterday should'nt I)

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  24. ChelseyNovember 29, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Happy Birthday!!!

    I love that chimney picture...

    PS: I thought about you today when I saw this http://well.ca/products/plan-toys-beehives_33065.html

    How cute would that be for your grandkids?!

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  25. JodiNovember 30, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    THANK YOU EVERYONE!! for sharing in my birthday fun.xox

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  26. EmilyDecember 6, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, JODI!!!! :) It looks like you had a fun day - that little coffee shop with the old-fashioned sign and yummy-looking gelato seems so cozy. The art exhibit looks fascinating, too; I love the way Garber painted his daughter.

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