Wonder: The desert is mighty, the desert is calm.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

Several days last week I spent in Monument Valley, Utah. This area is very far south in Utah and part of the "Four Corners" region. The four corners are the touching corners of the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Monument Valley is the location of a Navajo Nation Reservation.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

The name "Monument Valley" comes from the rock formations, buttes that resemble man-made stone monuments.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

The vistas are expansive. The peace is calming. From a great distance storms can be seen approaching, heard, felt and ultimately arrive and cleanse.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

The colors change before your eyes as the sun makes its way across the sky. At times, clouds of every kind form and filter and change the light. In wee early morning---the stars, the stars, the stars! The full moon was on us during our visit and the cool glow through a shroud of thin patchy clouds betrayed the hot red daytime color of earth.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

The "Goosenecks" near Monument Valley are erosions from water and wind. It is difficult to wrap one's head around the vast depth of these river-bottomed canyons.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

A variety of geological happenings produced the beautiful creation of buttes, mesas, canyons and free standing rock formations that appear to defy gravity.

Photo by Toni Youngblood

What appears a contradiction---civilization needs the wild and natural---in order to be civilized.

Design & Wonder: Cooler breezes

Toni Youngblood

I love the magic of the wind. You can't see it, but you can see what it lifts and tosses, hear it as it rustles leaves and bumps wind chimes together. You can feel it as it flows across your skin and tangles your hair. It animates the inanimate, inspirits the lifeless. This time of year as temperatures of summer begin to cool, opening windows to the new season's clear energy stirs up the spirit for variation.

Toni Youngblood

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Wonder: Live to be a healthy 112

I believe it may be unusual to be out lived by your pediatrician, but in the case of pediatrician Dr. Leila Denmark, well there are probably many instances in which she's beaten the odds and done it. Dr. Denmark was our family pediatrician for decades and multiple generations. When I was an infant patient of hers, she was close to the age that most people would be considering their retirement. She gave me my college physical exam and continued working another twenty-eight years. Retirement for Dr. Denmark? She did eventually retire from practicing pediatric medicine when she was 103, in the year 2001. February 1 of this year (2010), Dr. Denmark turned 112. I'm copying what Wikipedia has to say about our beloved Dr. Denmark.

Leila Alice Denmark, M.D. (née Daughtry; born February 1, 1898) is, at 112 years, 228 days, an American pediatrician who became the oldest practicing pediatrician in the world, retiring at the age of 103 in May 2001.[1] She is one of very few supercentenarians known for reasons other than for longevity. She is currently one of the 15 oldest living people.

Biography

Born in Portal, Georgia, Denmark was the third of 12 children born to Elerbee and Alice Cornelia Hendricks Daughtry. She is the only one still living. She attended Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia, where she trained to be a teacher, but decided to attend medical school when her fiancé, John E. Denmark, was posted to Java, Indonesia, by the United States Department of State and no wives were allowed. She was the only woman in the 1928 graduating class of the Medical College of Georgia, and married soon after graduation. Denmark is credited as co-developer of the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in the 1920s and 1930s.
Following graduation, she accepted a residency at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to the Morningside Heights neighborhood with her husband. Denmark was the first physician on staff at Henrietta Eggleston Hospital, a pediatric hospital on the Emory University campus, when it opened. In private practice, she saw patients in a clinic at her home and devoted a substantial amount of her professional time to charity. She never refused a referral from the public health department. On March 9, 2000, the Georgia General Assembly honored her in a resolution.
Denmark outlined her views on child-rearing in her book Every Child Should Have A Chance, published in 1971. She was among the first doctors to object to cigarette smoking around children, and drug use in pregnant women. She believes that drinking cow's milk Uiis harmful, and that children (and adults) should eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices, and drink only water. On her 100th birthday in 1998, she refused cake due to the fact that there was too much sugar in it. On her 103rd birthday she refused birthday cake, telling the restaurant's server she had not had any food with sugar in it (other than natural sugar like fruit) in 70 years.
She wrote a second book, published in 2002, with Madia Bowman titled Dr. Denmark Said It!: Advice for Mothers from America's Most Experienced Pediatrician (Paperback).
Denmark lived in Alpharetta, Georgia until age 106, when she moved to Athens, Georgia to live with her daughter Mary Hutcherson. On February 1, 2008, Denmark celebrated her 110th birthday, attaining supercentenarian status. On February 1, 2010, Denmark attained the age of 112. According to her daughter, Mary Hutcherson, Denmark's health had deteriorated severely in Autumn 2008, but her condition has since improved. [3]
If you google "Dr. Leila Denmark", many other articles come up. In one such article she mentions her long and happy marriage to Mr. Denmark in regards to which she says: I listened carefully to what he had to say, then did as I pleased. Mr. Denmark listened carefully to what I had to say, than did as he pleased. :o)
Part of her personal philosophy:
Anything on earth you want to do is play. Anything on earth you have to do is work...I never worked a day in my life.--Dr. Leila Denmark


Above: Dr. Denmark in 1936

Artwork: Friday September 17th Gallery Stroll

Above: Anthony Granato, Richard III

Charley Hafen Jewelers - Gallery features the work of Anthony Granato: Dichotomy, in a reception during this month's Salt Lake City Gallery Stroll from 6:00 until 9:00 PM. The show runs through October 11th. The gallery is on the corner of 9th East and 14th South.

September Gallery Stroll - September 17th, 6-9 pm.
For a printable (PDF) version of this list, click here.
15th Street Gallery – 1519 S 1500 E; 801-468-1515Currently showing contemporary still life, abstracts, land and cityscapes by Gia Whitlock, Aaron Bushnell, Andrjez Skorut, Lloyd Platt and Aaron Lifferth.
A Gallery – 1321 S 2100 E; 801-583-2100Please join us for new works by Brian Koch.
Anthony's Fine Art and Antiques – 401 E 200 S; 801-328-2231Featuring early works by J. T. Harwood and LeConte Stewart.
Art Access – 230 S 500 W; 801-328-0703 Art Access is pleased to host husband and wife duo Blue Critchfied and Erica Houston’s exhibit entitled Pause. Access II is featuring Chad Crane’s mock Western paintings in an exhibit entitled Familiar Territory.
Art at the Main – Ground floor of the Main City Library, 210 E 400 S; 801-363-4088 Featuring veteran plein air oil painter, Candace Skrabut and a special showcase for emerging student artists, Nick Mendoza and Paris Gerrard. Gallery Stroll music by John Louvier and friends.
Artistic Framing and Sugarhouse Gallery – 2160 Highland; 801-486-4893Featuring floral paintings, abstract paintings and pencil drawings by Sonia Helfer. An Argentinian native and Salt Lake local, Sonia's work is imbued with beautiful color combinations and solid form.
Blonde Grizzly – 15 E 400 S; 801-355-9075Featuring the whimsically illustrative works of Nick and Erin Potter collaborating in a variety of mediums including screen print, installation and mix media.
Charley Hafen Jewelers – 1409 S 900 E; 801-521-7711Featuring Anthony Granato’s exhibit Dichotomy. Anthony weaves a gritty seamless tapestry with pencil, brush, camera and computer to create works that contain social messageswoven into the concept and visual structure of the images.
Evergreen Framing Co. & Gallery – 3295 S 2000 E; 801-467-8770Featuring all new landscape work by Jeffery R. Pugh with some surprising self-portraits. Also showing fabulous glass birds by Morag Totten and mixed media birds by Alison Armstrong.
Every Blooming Thing – 444 S 700 E; 801-521-4773Change of season party featuring new work from Aaron Stills, Christina Pellegrina, Steve Lawrence Peterson, Carol Evans, Bradford Overton and Renon Huletmore, as well as great food, live music and a store filled with home decor items for fall.
Finch Lane and Park Galleries / Art Barn – 1340 E 100 S (in Reservoir Park); 801-596-5000Presenting the Glass Art Guild of Utah with Fusion and Vision.
Frame Shop at 6th and "L" – 752 E 6th Avenue; 801-359-4604Presenting Jayne-Anne Mulholland's expansive abstract art, an instant journey into the far reaches of the universe. “The Brahms of art,” Jayne-Anne states, "using traditional and non-traditional painting media, I explore the alchemistic aspects of painting on canvas."
Gray Wall Gallery– 351 W Pierpont #2B; 801-635-7417Daren Young's landscapes, Jason Wells' stencil paintings, Alex Boynton's abstracts, Jacob Shirley's sprayed canvases, Guadalupe Rodriguez' photography, Matthew Hall's deconstructions of books, Tamara Fox' reconstructed animals and Sarah Cuvelier's vases and vessels.
Hope Gallery and Museum of Fine Art – 151 S Main; 801-532-1336Featuring a distinct collection of European masters from the 16th to 21st centuries, including the largest collection of original Danish works (outside the Danish national museums) by notable artists such as Bloch, Kroyer, Henningsen, Wegmann and Molsted.
HORNE Fine Art – 142 E 800 S; 801-533-4200Celebrating Phyllis. Join us on Phyllis Horne's birthday! Enjoy this noted Utah artist's latest crop of paintings including scenes along the Wasatch Front, new hollyhocks and artists at work out on the landscape.
the Hotel – 155 W 200 S (upstairs); 801-660-5857Presenting Gallery Stroll after party beginning at 9pm. Evenings Live, upstairs in the ballroom + mercury lounge, is a one-of-a kind experience integrating live art, live music and new collections from featured artists every month in a highenergy nightclub environment.
Michael Berry Gallery and Custom Framing – 163 E 300 S; 801-521-0243 Presenting works by Pilar Pobil, Willamarie Huelskamp, Donna Pence, Viktoria Stovall, David Marti and others. Music by Quintetto Noir.
Phillips Gallery – 444 E 200 S; 801-364-8284 Presenting Sightseeing, paintings by Maureen O'Hara Ure. Showing concurrently in our Dibble Gallery, watercolor landscapes and by Lindey Carter.
SLC Ink – 1150 S Main; 801-596-2061Presenting Illuminations, by David Normal. “Illuminations” are an application of a commercial signage technique to a fine art purpose that creates an alternate world of mythic satire. Like glowing stained glass windows, they invoke a sacred atmosphere.
Tanner Frames – 230 S 500 W #105; 801-483-2501Featuring new works by Namon Bills and Justin Wheatley.
UT Artist Hands – 61 W 100 S; 801-355-0206Presenting Terra Firma, the latest collection of abstract paintings from Utah artist, David Maestas.
Williams Fine Art – 200 E South Temple Ste 100; 801-534-0331Williams Fine Art will be displaying their First Annual Student Invitational Exhibition. Students were selected from the Art and Art History Department of the University of Utah.

Creativity & Wonder: Planting a million trees

Yesterday I planted a Forest Pansy Redbud tree as a first step in landscaping redesign around our "new" old back room. I'm dedicating this little tree to the memory of my parents, who were both born in the month of September---a perfect month for planting.
The exterior of the backroom is nearly complete. Building the new steps/stoop will proceed in the next couple of weeks. As the little tree grows, it will provide a bit of shade from morning sun into the breakfast area of the back room, more perching spots for the host of birds and bees who already frequent our garden and a bit more work towards making fresh air for all of us.

Trees renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. The amount of oxygen produced by one acre of trees equals the amount consumed by 18 people annually. Trees lower air temperatures by releasing water vapor through their leaves and shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler. Trees also improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water, as well as protecting aquifers. These are just a few of the benefits that healthy tree communities provide us. ~ Tree Utah


In early Spring, this particular variety of redbud tree produces bright pink blossoms right on the branch, then come the gorgeous purple heart-shaped leaves. As Summer approaches the leaves turn green. In Autumn, the leaves change color again to gold.


The east-facing breakfast area is quickly becoming a favorite of everyone in the household---so nice to face the fresh outdoors in the morning.
For those who aren't allowed to sit at the table, there are other areas in the breakfast room for greeting the new day.
Learn more in general about planting trees and the work of TreeUtah:
We need your help to maintain and increase our community forests. Your membership in TreeUtah will help us to continue to plant, care for and protect your community forests. TreeUtah and Salt Lake County's One Million Trees for One Million People Initiative is continuing to expand our partnership! Click here for more details- One Million Trees for One Million People
If you don't live in Salt Lake County or Utah, check to see what your own community is doing to insure a healthy future full of trees.

Chair Chat: Panton Chair

Above: Panton chairs for Herman Miller, 1959-1960 (reissued by Vitra)

The chairs pictured above have made a "come back", as have many items designed and built in the middle of the last century. The graceful curves and lack of ornamentation allow ease of mixing with other periods of furniture, as well as fitting in nicely with their own period. The inclusion of this chair in decor as a counterpoint to more traditional classic furnishings can be especially beautiful---as described in this post from Acanthus and Acorn about Combining Classic and Modern.

In 1955, Verner Panton designed the single-form cantilevered plywood S-chair, which was developed in co-operation with Thonet, and for several years afterwards, he attempted to translate this design into plastic. Eventually, he achieved his goal with the revolutionary Panton chair (1959-1960), and in 1962 offered the production rights to Herman Miller. (Design of the 20th Century, Charlotte & Peter Fiell, Taschen, 1999.)

Photos of some of my favorite uses of this chair follow...

Above: Kim's kitchen from Desire to Inspire

Want to buy a "Panton" chair or six? There are lots of places to find chairs like this, though the licensed Panton chair is available only through Vitra, and a bit pricey for many budgets at $1405/chair. There are many knock-offs out there that range in price from $299 to $80 per chair. You'll want to be sure and check stock to see if they carry your favorite color. There are even Junior chairs available for your style-loving kids!

My workshop runneth over...

Above: Louis XVI arm chair


Today, I'm posting a few sneak peeks into my crowded workshop---lots of "Before" pictures of projects lined up in my inventory.

Above: Duncan Phyfe drop leaf/butterfly leaf dining table

Above: Detail of Duncan Phyfe table foot

Above: Lovely Louis XVI oval dining table with two leaves

Above: Sweet Eastlake design parlor table

Above: Eastlake table finial detail

Above: Heavy Victorian oak chest (someone else's abandoned paint job for me to strip and refinish and restore details that define its original character)

Above: Drawer detail of chest

Above: Chest Middle drawer detail
Above: Chest bottom drawer detail

Above: Antique dining/sofa table with six turned legs

Above: Very heavy Trestle table

Above: Trestle table detail of wood joint detail using no hardware for the connections