I am loving the simple elegance of these fences...

images from AD

Garden Parties

image from House and Gardensvia this is glamorousvia die young, stay prettyvia city sagevia this is glamorousSo Romantical....

Lincoln Presentation Pitcher To Be Auctioned

For those collectors of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia with unlimited income, the item pictured above is sure to garner much interest when it is sold at auction next week in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a pitcher (more properly called a ewer) presented to President Lincoln upon his first inauguration.

This ewer is no ordinary pitcher. It's maker was Tiffany and Company in New York. Yes, *that* Tiffany. It is sterling silver with gold wash. Inscribed "To The President Of The United States From His Washington Friends March 4, 1861." Engraved on the body of the ewer is the Great Seal Of The United States complete with 33 stars, one for every state in the Union at the time it was commissioned. Since Kansas was admitted as a state on January 29, 1861, this ewer had to have been made sometime between November 1860 and January 1861.

No one knows just who gave this item to Lincoln. Research has never been able to find who Lincoln's "Washington Friends" were. Records of presidential gifts were not recorded at the time by The White House. Speculation about the presenters has fallen upon potential lobbyists, for example. Another possibility includes job seekers (in those days, the "spoils" system was still in play and every new president was besieged by job seekers). Obviously, the givers were people of means for even in those days, items from Tiffany and Company were something only the wealthiest people could afford.

The ewer has been on loan to The Smithsonian Institution since 1969 by the anonymous Midwestern family who owns it. The family purchased it from a dealer in Boston, who acquired it from a woman to whom it had been willed by a dealer in Russian antiques. It is not known how that particular dealer acquired it and there is no record of the ewer from the time it was presented to Lincoln until the early 20th Century. An interesting story to be sure.

The auction estimate? A cool $300,000 to $400,000! It is being auctioned by Cowan's Historic Americana in Cincinnati on June 6. Cowan's is one of the more prestigious auction houses in the country, especially when it comes to historic items from the nation's history. You can read more about the item on Cowan's website here. There are also better images of the ewer on that site.

It would look fantastic on my sideboard in my dining room. Alas, I believe someone else will end up with it.

A Significant Milestone on The Abraham Lincoln Blog!

I am very happy to let all my readers know that The Abraham Lincoln Blog just received it's 100,000th page view or "hit" a few minutes ago. When I started writing this blog approximately 18 months ago, I had no idea that so many people would show so much interest in it. I never ceased to be amazed at hearing from people around the world via email and comments left on various postings I've written. I have also been blessed to make new friends through the blog and that is by far the most rewarding aspect of my efforts.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge about Abraham Lincoln with my readers, and in turn learning new things about him as well. Two hundred years after his birth, he continues to influence presidents, politicians, and ordinary people around the world. There is still much we can learn from this complex and great man.

Thank you so much for your comments, your emails, and even your criticisms. Without my readers, there wouldn't be a reason to continue this blog!

Renovasi Rumah atau Bangun Rumah Baru

Tip 38 Renovasi Rumah vs Bangun Rumah Baru: Cheap harga untuk apa?23 April 2008 di Annahape, Bangun Rumah, Desain Arsitektur, Home Improvement, Rumah, Rumah Minimalis, bangunrumah, desain rumah, desainrumah, rumahminimalis | Tags: Add new tag, Anggaran Bangun Rumah, Annahape, arsitek rumah, Arsitek Rumah Tinggal, Bangun rumah, Bangun Rumah Impian, bangunrumah, Desain Arsitektur, desain rumah,

Simple Home Business

Cara Membuat Simple Home BusinessSesering merancang pakaian-hukum, akhirnya Anita membuka usaha merancang perempuan. Puteri pemain Sinetron Ida Kusumah ini memang lulusan sekolah desain Susan Budiharjo. Setelah lulus, Anita mulai merancang baju-baju untuk Ida Kusumah, dan hasilnya tergantung dari rancangan undang-undang yang banyak disukai teman-teman sesama seniman. Akhirnya, berkat dukungan

Instructions for desgn girl room

Instructions 1. Step 1 , clothes and ornaments can use or repurpose to match your new design. The measures for calculating the space you have left for new pieces. 2. Step 2 Choose a new color of the walls, it will meet the taste and personality. To co-ordinate with the existing floor (if you plan recarpet or add a large area rug), and the shadow of her that she will

Reflections - The American Funeral Tour

I'd like to share a personal experience I had today in Columbus, Ohio when I got to visit a mobile exhibit titled "Reflections - The American Funeral Tour." The purpose of the exhibit, according to the official website, is to provide the public with a greater understanding of the history of the American funeral and the associated practices and customs.

The exhibit has been traveling around the United States for many months now, housed completely in a semi-truck trailer. Special stops on the tour have included Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois (the site of Lincoln's burial) and Arlington National Cemetery during the Presidential Inaugural Weekend in January. I'd love to include a photo of the beautiful mural on the trailer, but I suspect I'd be violating copyright restrictions if I did. There are photos of it on the website link I provided in the first paragraph. Suffice to say, the montage features the Lincoln Memorial and statue; plus scenes from Ronald Reagan's state funeral.

The exhibit itself features a brief history of funerary customs in America over the centuries, including those of ancient Native Americans. Other funeral customs presented include those held for slaves, United States presidents (including FDR, JFK, and Reagan), and those for other famous and even ordinary Americans through today. Numerous photos, and a mix of authentic and reproduced artifacts highlight the exhibit.

Of course, I was most interested in the section which discusses Abraham Lincoln's funerals. Funerals were held for Lincoln in 12 different American cities, including Washington, D.C., New York, Columbus, Ohio (the image above is an original photo from the Columbus funeral); and obviously Springfield. An interpretative video about the Lincoln Funeral Train is shown, which is informative and not so long as to lose the viewer's attention. A nicely reproduced route of the Lincoln Funeral Train is presented in order to help the visitor realize the long journey Lincoln's remains took to their final resting place. Also featured is a beautiful scale model of the funeral car which carried Lincoln's casket on the trip. And a mock-up of his casket is on display here, too. I've included images below. I didn't take the pictures with flash, so my apologies for the dark photos.

I found the exhibit to be very well done and historically accurate, especially regarding the Lincoln funerals. I didn't know what to expect from an exhibit about funerals, but it was very moving and highly interesting. The website link I provided contains much more information, including photos from previous stops, a video gallery, and an upcoming schedule of events. I would HIGHLY recommend it if it comes to your area.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the field managers for this traveling exhibit. Wife and husband team Abigail and Josh Van Gelder were on hand to answer questions, provide interesting historical tidbits, and obviously knew their subject well. For example, I didn't know that the actual funeral car which carried Lincoln's body was destroyed in a catastrophic fire many years ago. Today only pieces of it remain, on display in a museum in Minnesota.

In the interest of full disclosure, Abigail and I have become friends through this blog and through our shared love of Abraham Lincoln and history in general. She contacted me originally as a source of information about the Lincoln funerals and I was happy to point her towards books and other resources for her research, plus answer some general questions for her. Abigail and Josh invited me as their guest to view the exhibit today at the Ohio Funeral Directors Convention in Columbus. Unfortunately, the exhibit is not open to the public during this event for some reason, but it will be at future venues. I want to publicly thank the Van Gelders for their hospitality and warmth with which they welcomed me. Thanks Abs and Josh!

Newly Completed Home at The Reserve, Indian Wells, California

This open plan contemporary home features a gated entry with intercom, enclosed open air courtyard with basalt stone fountain. The warm feel of ledge stone begins at the exterior entry and transitions through the full height glass window into the main living space, making a dramatic indoor/outdoor statement and transition of materials from exterior to interior. Organic elements and comfortable luxury set the tone for the interior of this jewel of the desert.

A dramatic dropped ceiling in the dining area defines the space with elegant bronze finish ceiling panels, accenting the copper leafed glass cabinet panels. A natural mesquite tree trunk serves as a base for the large glass top table, and a full-height window that overlooks the courtyard and fountain make this dining space spectacular.

Interior and exterior living areas seamlessly transition from inside to outside through full-height custom glass sliding doors that fully pocket into the walls architecturally; concealing any transition from indoor to outdoor. This flowing floor plan experience is further facilitated by the transition of travertine flooring in large scale 24” X 24” tiles from inside to the expansive outdoor areas, all the way to the edge of the outdoor living spaces and surrounding the custom fire ledges and pool and spa. The outdoor living area also features a built in TV, top of the line BBQ, dining area with seating for eight and comfy club style seating.

Artfully executed wall finishes are another outstanding feature of this home. A Italian plaster radius wall leads the eye to towards two luxurious guest suites, complete with custom bedding, Each guest suite is exquisitely detailed with custom stone countertops, backlit mirrors, under mounted oversized sinks and separate toilet rooms in each suite. Unique tile designs in the guest baths and plenty of closet space.

The Large Master suite opens onto the spacious stone patio featuring a large spa nestled into the desert landscape. Polished and waxed plaster accent walls are sprinkled with gold leafing and add accent the focal point of the large upholstered headboard wall. 16 foot ceilings clad with wood and a gallery wall that would rival the best of art galleries makes this room one of the most dramatic in the home. Metallic toned luxury fabrics, granite top custom nightstands and an elegant granite and stone fireplace complete this Master retreat.


A unique surprise is the freestanding guest house tucked inside the courtyard which is perfect for guests that want a private retreat. A custom etched glass door sets the tone as you approach the guest house. The style here is ultra contemporary, which is reflected in the modern art choices, finishes and fabrics. A dry bar with coffee maker and custom bronze glazed tile add to the contemporary look. A linear fireplace enhanced by crushed glass and is encased in a split face travertine wall. Gold mica paper adds sparkle and drama; a very chic lacquered wood and upholstered headboard treatment, custom bedding and a fur throw complete the comfortable, luxurious look that is the signature of Miller Young Design.

Book Review: "What Would Lincoln Do?"

Countless books have been written about Abraham Lincoln over the past 150 years, from children's books, to books about his jokes and stories, and of course serious biographies. A book out this year might just be one of the more unique Lincoln books ever written.

"What Would Lincoln Do?" by David Acord, is not a biography nor even a reference book about Lincoln. Instead, it's a self-help or book of advice with that advice coming to the reader from none other than Abraham Lincoln. As the back cover of the dust jacket reads: "How much easier would it be to tackle your everyday problems if you could have Lincoln advising you?" Mr. Accord is not a trained historian. He is a professional editor and journalist, who happens to also be a Lincoln buff.

Through the writings of Lincoln (from letters and speeches), Mr. Acord shows by Lincoln's example how we can deal with difficult co-workers, handle unpleasant situations, inspire people around us, and even how to say no to someone who asks us to borrow money.

The book is organized into two parts: personal interactions and the professional environment. Each part has various chapters, such as responding to rumors, giving advice to a close relative, encouraging and consoling others, and perhaps most difficult of all, admitting when we've made a mistake. The chapters each begin with an example of a speech or letter written by Lincoln. Then Mr. Acord examines the letter and points out how we can use Lincoln's example to help us in our own situation. Acord is careful to give the date of the writing being used in the example and gives context when necessary.

"What Would Lincoln Do?" makes for interesting and, at times, even intriguing reading. Unlike most books of its genre, this advice book doesn't get burdened by psycho-babble and pontificating by the author. At 166 pages, it's long enough to be of substance, yet brief enough to hold the reader's interest.

I was impressed by the writing style of the book. I checked some of the dates provided in the examples of Lincoln's writings and was happy to see that they are accurate. A minor nitpick is that Acord might have included a few words about the source(s) he used for the Lincoln writings. That would have been helpful to any reader who would like to read more about what Lincoln wrote.

After I finished "What Would Lincoln Do?", I had an even better appreciation for the wisdom and maturity that Lincoln showed in dealing with difficult situations. Acord does a very commendable job of explaining Lincoln's motives, reactions, and words. I was skeptical as to whether or not I'd enjoy this book. I typically don't like books of this type. But I found it to be so interesting (and helpful) that I read it in just one evening. I can and will recommend this book to others.

Disclaimer: I was contacted directly by the author, David Acord, who inquired of my interest in the book and willingness to blog about it. I received a copy of the book for my review, but have in no way been otherwise compensated. I am not related to the author, nor am I associated with the publisher. You may purchase a copy of the book here.

Remembering David Herbert Donald

The community of Lincoln scholars has lost a titan. The news that David Herbert Donald passed away Sunday (May 17, 2009) at the age of 88 saddens all of us Lincoln buffs, whether we are professionals or amateurs in our pursuit of all things related to Abraham Lincoln.

Dr. Donald was, of course, the author of "Lincoln" (1995), arguably the best single-volume biography on the man. The book was praised by many for its balance between the "hero worship" found in many other works about Lincoln and the blatant attacks on Lincoln found in books written by revisionist historians. Donald strove to present a balanced history of Lincoln in his biography, and succeeded brilliantly. He was also the author of other Lincoln books, including "Lincoln's Herndon" (a study of Lincoln's law partner William Herndon) and "We Are Lincoln Men: Abraham Lincoln And His Friends".

Donald was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for biography, but surprisingly not for his "Lincoln" biography. In 1960, he won for "Charles Sumner And The Coming Of The Civil War", about the senator from Massachusetts who was a noted abolitionist and Radical Republican. Donald won his second Pulitzer in 1988 for a biography on the writer Thomas Wolfe.

He was a long time professor at Harvard University, and also served in that capacity at Princeton and Johns Hopkins universities.

Rest in peace, Dr. Donald, and thank you for educating the rest of us so well.

Teras multifungsi

Teras multifungsiJumat, 15 Mei 2009 - 15:25 WIBText size:BerbagiFoto: CorbisTeras sesuai aplikasi di semua jenis rumah, fungsi yang serupa dengan ruang keluarga. Perbedaannya, di teras depan rumah.Teras juga transisi dari luar rumah dengan interior. Teras di lapangan dapat lebih rendah, sama atau lebih tinggi daripada di rumah. Masukkan teras di termudah tentunya, adalah bahwa paralel ke tanah.

Life Happens

My apologies for the lack of posting in recent weeks. I've been taking care of my mom, who was hospitalized for a week and then had a flare-up of her Multiple Sclerosis as a result of being weakened. Since I'm an only child and my dad is deceased, the only person available for her grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and outpatient treatments is me. This has been going on since March 31.

Fortunately, she's a lot better now, which is the most important thing. I can also begin to ease back into my own life, which means that I'll be able to resume fairly frequent postings here on the blog.

Thanks for your patience and continued support.

Countetops Modern Kitchen from Pedini

Round Countetops Modern Kitchen from PediniPedini kitchens throughout countetops can become new trends in kitchen design, because the super ergonomic technology, the least visible and beautiful along the countertop, giving the number of possible strike.pedini-integra-round kitchen2.jpgIs not that cool when you can reach the stove, shelves, refrigerator, cutting board and other things needed for

Semi Completion

Lock-Up StageLock-up means that your house will be full external, with all the stages, porches and stairs, as shown on the plan. All interior walls are framed, ready for plumbing and electrical work and trim. In the case of exposed ceilings, they will be aligned to the rafters pine T & G and lining board completely isolated.Semi CompletionHalf full is closed, the electricity and plumbing in the

Grand Design

A Grand DesignAugust 25, 2006When Nancy Zwiener moved to Hartford several years ago, she was unable to find the high-end fabrics, furniture and accessories she wanted locally. She and interior designer Richard Ott met to frequent trips to design showrooms in Boston and New York to complete the project.When they did the decorating, the client and the designer has decided to team up to bring luxury

High quality powder coat paint Including these features

By popular request now producing rust free, maintenance free doors are made to last a lifetime. You can also add a composite of wood, metal or backers have a laser or traditional gate made complement your Unique Home Designs door. This door to increase the beauty of your home and offer privacy and security for your family.Professional installation includedHigh quality powder coat paintIncluding