A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea.

Not just a blog, a philosophy

[Women Reading in Art] Reading on the Rocks by Gisbert Combaz (1911)

Posted on July 19, 2021 by maedez

She is a mood and a half.

[Women in Art] Flora by Rembrandt

Posted on February 25, 2021 by maedez

Flora by Rembrandt (1634):

Flora by Rembrandt (1634). Modeled by the artist’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh.

I’m really feeling this color palette today, especially the flower crown.

[Women in Art] First Snow by Robert Koehler (Circa 1895)

Posted on February 10, 2021 by maedez

It is snowing here for the second time in three days; definitely not our first snow of the season, then, but this image speaks to me on multiple levels. Our house dates to the time of this painting. I love her beautiful blue dressing gown and the wistful intimacy of the setting. The colors, the composition, the mood that so readily crosses the centuries–all are things that I find very relatable.

First Snow by Robert Koehler (circa 1895)

May her serenity rub off on me.

[Women Reading in Art] Lady Reading Poetry

Posted on April 19, 2020 by maedez

Lady Reading Poetry by Ishibashi Kazunori (1906):

Lady Reading Poetry by Ishibashi Kazunori (1906).

[Tea in Art] Girl with a Tea Cup by Harold Gilman (circa 1914)

Posted on January 4, 2020 by maedez

Girl with a Tea Cup by Harold Gilman (circa 1914):

Girl With A Tea Cup by Harold Gilman (1876-1919). Oil On Canvas. Circa 1914.

[Tea in Art] Pouring Tea by William Worcester Churchill

Posted on February 12, 2019 by maedez

Pouring Tea by William Worcester Churchill:

Pouring Tea by William Worcester Churchill

Tea in Art: Tea in the Garden by Richard Edward Miller, 1915

Posted on April 11, 2017 by maedez

Tea in the Garden by Richard Edward Miller, 1915

Sorry for the Radio Silence, But I’m Sick!

Posted on April 1, 2017 by maedez

I’ve been sick since Tuesday/Wednesday. I should be back to regular blogging soon. Until then, please enjoy this painting by Michael Ancher. She looks how I feel.

The Sick Girl by Michael Ancher, 1882

Tea in Art: A Cup of Tea by Lilian Westcott Hale, 1909

Posted on February 6, 2017 by maedez

A Cup of Tea by Lilian Westcott Hale for Collier’s Magazine, 1909:

A Cup of Tea by Lilian Westcott Hale, 1909.

I wish I could spend today drinking tea and reading books about awesome women. Alas!

Story of My Life…

Posted on March 2, 2016 by maedez

Tea Leaves by William McGregor Paxton

Tea Leaves (detail) by William McGregor Paxton, 1909

R.I.P. Norman Lloyd (1914-2021)

Norman Lloyd, long a personal favorite of mine, was a fascinating man and performer. Norman Lloyd Dead [THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

R.I.P. Geoffrey Scott

Geoffrey Scott was from a younger generation than the performers I normally write about, but his handsome presence was ubiquitous during my 1980s childhood. From Dynasty to The Love Boat, Night Court, and Battle of the Network Stars, his charisma and acting ability lit up the small screen for decades. He will be missed. Geoffrey […]

Kirk Douglas: 1916-2020

[2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon] But Baby Think of Me Once in Awhile: On Andy Travis as Television’s Best (and Hunkiest) Boss

Welcome to the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon! Baby, If You’ve Ever Wondered: It still seems like yesterday that the idea for RI popped in my head. It was actually in December 2015, while in a hotel room getting ready for a holiday party, when it occurred to me that there was a gap in the classic […]

Announcing the 2019 Reel Infatuation Blogathon!

This is one of my favorite events of the year, and not just because I’m the co-hostess. It’s simply that good. And fun. Oh, so much fun! Here’s my original announcement. ANNOUNCING THE 2019 REEL INFATUATION BLOGATHON I hope you’ll join us!