Ode to Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii. A Long Farewell

Lonesome George was a Galaplagos Giant Tortoise subspecies that inhabited Pinta Island off the coast of Ecuador.  He was significant in that one year ago today- June 24, 2012 - his death resulted in the extinction of his kind on the planet earth.

The subspecies Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii was discovered by British herpetologist Albert Gunther in 1877.  The tortoises inhabited this section of the world for centuries until hunting during the latter half of the 19th C virtually eradicated them.  The introduction of goats in the mid 1950's also denuded the island's vegetation to the detriment of the species. Efforts to exterminate the goats were successful in returning the ecosystem to health.  It was believed that the tortoises were extinct until a single male was discovered in 1971.  Aptly named Lonesome George,  attempts to mate him with other subspecies failed and he lived the remainder of his 40 years... alone.

Lonesome George died from heart failure due to natural causes, at the incredible age of 100!

A sad so long and good bye George.  

                                                         Mourning our loss -  extinction is forever

O is for Oil Lamps

What is it about the oil lamp's appeal?  Beyond just providing light, these lovely vintage items are a testament to the ingenuity of a time gone by.  All standing oil lamps consist of a pedestal with stem and base,  a hollow font (oil vessel), a burner and chimney. Beyond their utilitarian purpose, they draw the eye to the beauty of ordinary objects that have been decorated and designed to be cherished.

Emerging during the 'kerosene era',  oil lamps came into being during the late 1850's when petroleum fuel was introduced as an affordable alternative to whale oil.  Glassmakers at the time produced literally thousands of beautifully detailed lamps, including artful shades with elegant wick raisers gracing unique patterned glass designs.  These lamps represent a quality and variety that has been unparalleled in glassware produced in America.  The lamps were a staple in US households through the 1940's and still serve as source of light in remote rural areas.  Amish continue to use oil lamps as do others who appreciate the lamp's distinctive glow - softly luminous and steady;  a comforting symbol of family and friendship from days gone by.  

Vintage oil lamps are easily found and range from $75 to $300, with some rare patterns topping $1000.

Happy Hunting!

Oh the difference

Oh, the difference between 

nearly right

and 

exactly right.

                                                   - H. Jackson Brown, Jr., American Author

you know it when you see it !

Nice things

Nice things come in small packages here at simplycoolstuff summer sale

Memorial Day

Memorial Day this year is especially important

as we are reminded daily

of the great sacrifices that the men and women

of the Armed Services make

to defend our way of life.

                                                                    Robin Hayes, Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party

                                                                 Parades remind us to honor the countless people who have sacrificed for our freedom.

                                                                                                                                                                       Thank you.

Nature Beautiful

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.

It will never fail you.

                                                                                -Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959, American Architect

M is for Majolica

Majolica was developed by ceramist Herbert Minton in 1849 and was first displayed at the Great Exhibition in London, 1851.  This novel art form was a culmination of centuries of experimentation in Spain, Morocco and Italy with glazing techniques on earthenware using five colors -  cobalt, yellow,  red, green and purple.  It appealed to the masses during the peak of the Industrial Revolution as prosperity enabled people to look beyond white ironstone, blue and white transferware, terra cotta and other mundane dish ware. Majolica reflected the exuberance of the times;  a direct response to formality and excessive ornamentation of the Victorian Era.

Queen Victoria (1838-1901), the longest ruling British monarch (as well as longest ruling female monarch in history) exerted her influence and taste as the hallmark of elegance.  Her style was pervasive -  from architecture, furniture and clothing design to dinner place settings and menus.  To this day Victorian items command attention as accents in the modern home and garden.  Price points have quite the range and it is best to purchase from reputable dealers to ensure authenticity.                            

*To Pat, a special thank you for the use of your lovely collection.

Happy Hunting!