Belated Presidents Day

Image Courtesy of Disney-Hyperion

While in Charlottesville with MT over the weekend, we visited Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Among the items procured during our stay was the delightful book for youth on some of the Founding Fathers. The subjects include John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson - despite the title. Lane Smith has created the exemplar publication for the education of youth on matters of history.

The book highlights each of the aforementioned characters with anecdotes about both their contribution to the forming of America as well as their individual personality. A true work of art this. The Modern Traditionalist, who gets full credit for actually finding the book, and I were laughing as we read. In addition to the physical volume there are online extensions of the experience, which as a marketing professional delights me. The extra elements include an online game, a video trailer and a theater script.

Suffice it to say, if more children's books were of this likeness, then I would not tremble for my country.

BTG

Saint Valentine's Day

Images Courtesy of Google

We have Pope Gelasius I to thank for this day on which we honor our beloved. Above are some lovely paintings by Jack Vettriano which to me exhibit a most charming elegance.

BTG

Not Nattering II

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

"We are lovers of beauty without extravagance, and lovers of wisdom without unmanliness. Wealth to us is not mere material for vainglory but an opportunity for achievement; and poverty we think it no disgrace to acknowledge but a real degradation to make no effort to overcome."

"But the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it."

"We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them."

Thucydides, Peloponnesian War II, 40

Wise words of motivation of assorted variety offered in the hope to cause fewer words written or said without prior profound cerebration.

BTG

Abode Requirements

Photos courtesy of Restoration Hardware

I am working from home today due to the blizzard conditions in the DC area. Working at home from the sofa, chair and dinner table really has me thinking a desk would be a practical investment. It's been making me fancy this particular desk I've been eyeing. Restoration Hardware's 1920's French Drafting Table has old world charm and modern functionality. The ability to tilt the table offers a host of convenient uses. Given this is from RH, it is likely excellently crafted as well. This is certainly on the wish list.

BTG

To Boot

Images Courtesy of Google

The greater D.C. area seems to be in a state of mass hysteria. For those of us effected (or perhaps I should say affected) by this bit of inclement winter precipitation, here are some essential boots you'll need to weather the climate.

The prototypical Bean Boot by L.L. Bean (bottom left) is for plodding through the snow banks. These boots don't discriminate; they simply dominate everything nature throws at them. Bean's construction quality leads to life-long wear. Ultimately, you'll want another - read second - pair and for that occasion they stock a profusion of styles.

Equally becoming with khaki chinos and denim, the Blundstone 500 (top left) are the most resourceful boots one can have - also my personal go-to boot. These stalwart companions require minimal care and are the labrador of the variety.

With the technical superiority of a swiss timepiece and infinitely multitalented traits of a Swiss Army knife, Raichle's hiking boots (top right), swiss-made, are as ready for climbing glaciers as they are a stroll through the park.

Once the snow begins to deliquesce, the man about town has two options at his at his disposal. For traction, the Red Wing rugged classic boot (bottom right) and for perambulating around the Alden 405 (center), or Indy Boot. Both are available at J.Crew. Each pair evinces dashing style somewhere between Steve McQueen and Harrison Ford.

Of course there are other purpose built boots for a myriad of activities these should serve as a taste of the options most germane for the conditions.

BTG

Not Nattering

Directly in the face of today's ubiquitous mindless blather and other contemptuously supercilious twaddle, let's take some time to remember the importance with which one used to address their thoughts. People paid heed to the use of their words and we should live in their likeness. When most of us are intellectually satisfied by mere newsprint and eloquent online periodicals, I will strive to provide a lagniappe of historical quotes. I have started here with the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, as his prose symbolize a brass ring of meaning, eloquence and incisiveness.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing. And that you may be always doing good, my dear, is the ardent prayer of yours affectionately." Thomas Jefferson, letter to Martha Jefferson, May 5, 1787

I will endeavor to be less idle and more frequent with my posts.

BTG

Thank You Note

Whilst we all seem to be on the topic of post holiday gratitude, I figured it was time to establish some guidelines for showing one's thanks with elegance. Firstly, there ought be no thank you emails, text messages, or the like for holiday gifts and parties. Let's agree to reserve those for the more voluminous daily socializing. The method of distinction is namely the handwritten missive. One should be composed on proper stationery and penned with a steady hand in ink from your favorite fountain pen.

But what of content, you ask. I live by four memorable rules.

1. Authenticity

Authenticity should come naturally in the note. Explain how you felt at the occasion to which you were invited or how the gift made you feel when you opened it.

2. Clarity

Clarity comes down to your grasp of flow, both of ink and thought. Do not scratch out an error! Begin again in that event. If you must, use standard paper for practice first (yes, I do this from time to time). Remember that the note is not worth much if the receiver can't read it. With regard to the language, be clear and not vague in statements you make.

3. Brevity

I have a strict rule that anecdotes must fit into a single short sentence. No one wants to read a 5 page thank you note filled with stories of how the gift reminded you of an event your childhood.

4. Eloquence

Simply write the note with the reader in mind in order to best get your point across. I presume you know enough about the individual to tailor the messaging for effectiveness.

I recommend using your personalized stationary, but in its absence use a standard Crane's card and envelope set. For information on when a note needs to be sent see Social Primer's latest post.

BTG