Goal for the Day: Face Today with Confidence

Today was Bertie’s “Spa Day.” We call it that, anyway. It’s the day he goes to get a bath, have his hair cut, his nails trimmed and his teeth brushed. No one likes a ride in the car more than Bertie. He was thrilled to get his leash and go on an adventure this morning. When we arrived at his “spa,” he eagerly got out of the car and did the things that dogs do when they visit a place frequented by many other dogs. When it was time to go inside, however, he dug his feet into the pavement and wouldn’t budge. “No way! They’re going to touch my feet.” One of Bertie’s few distinctly dog-like characteristics is that he does not enjoy having his feet touched. The people at his “spa” often tell me of the screams he lets out when it’s time to trim his nails (this is why I don’t do it myself—I can’t stomach the melodramatics). So, he and I had one of our many one-sided chats. I reminded him that he was going to have fun and he’d feel better for being clean. After a few minutes, he reluctantly came with me. We approached the door and he paused, looking up at the handles, and he tentatively wagged his tail

Once, inside, however, he was all smiles—Mr. Roarke, “Welcome to Fantasy Island.” He immediately pushed passed the other people in line, pulling me along with him and headed right behind the reception counter. There was jumping and tail wagging and many wide-eyed greetings. I apologized, but the kind ladies behind the desk said that Bertie was always welcome back there. He looked for his friends the parrots, checked behind a filing cabinet and stuck his head in one of the ladies’ purses before being taken back for his bath. Everyone in the place seemed to be amused by Bertie’s confidence.

As I left, I began to realize something. When we were going inside, Bertie had the same reluctance that I often feel when I go somewhere—the same feeling of “I don’t want to” that many of us feel each day. But, he did it. He smiled (as dogs do) and made the best of it. He took a situation that he was dreading and had a good time with it.

There’s something to be learned there. Why can’t all of us face the day with a sense of confidence and fun? We can learn a lot from dogs.

Object of the Day: Antique Mother of Pearl Brooch

I have a particular fondness for Mother of Pearl. The shine, the colors, the subtle glow—all appeal to me. Mother of Pearl was a favorite material during the Victorian era. Used as an inlay in furniture, papier mache objects and on metals, Mother of Pearl found a place in many a Victorian home. Of course, this precious material was also used in jewelry.


This Mother of Pearl brooch set in sterling silver is an excellent example of the Victorian love of this iridescent material. Hand-painted onto the pearl, a smartly dressed woman gazes confidently at us. In her red gown, delicate necklace and elegant hairdo, she seems to tell us that she’s a woman who knows her own mind. I found this brooch in a favorite antique store in Jefferson, Texas. Unsure of how to display her, my father assisted me by building yet another custom case—lined in red velvet and neatly ebonized by my mother. She now sits proudly in my bedroom, surveying everything in her path.

Mother of Pearl is a tasteful way to add a little sheen, not only to your wardrobe, but also your home. Many modern-made objects still utilize Mother of Pearl. From picture frames to caviar spoons, this beautiful material still finds its way into our lives.

Punch's Cousin Archive

Tomorrow, you'll be able to read the second chapter of Punch's Cousin.  A new chapter will be posted Monday through Saturday each week.  If you miss a chapter, you'll find an archive available in the upper corner of the right sidebar.

I can't wait to share Chapter Two with you!

The Duchess of Fallbridge is going to be something of a problem...

Term for the Day: Ormolu

Ormolu detail on my dining table.

Ormolu—as a process—refers to the technique of applying very high-karat, finely ground gold to a bronze object. This is achieved by combining the gold with mercury which is then burned off in a kiln. Because of the dangerous side effects from the mercury, in 1830, other compounds were used to create a similar effect.


Loosely speaking, ormolu, refers to gilt bronze (or, as the French say, bronze doré). Used as decorative mounts for furniture, clocks, light fixtures, porcelain and fireplace tools, ormolu added a subtle elegance to the item to which it was affixed. Extremely popular during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, ormolu was created using a lost-wax casting technique wherein a mold was created of wax—allowing for great detail—and then melted away as the hot metals were added.

Ormolu wall sconce.

Highly regarded today as a benchmark for elegance, original furnishings with ormolu details and objects consisting entirely of this gilt bronze are still available in antique shops. Many furniture makers are again incorporating ormolu into modern reproductions as well.

Decorating Tip: Grouping Objects

Bertie approves of this grouping of items.

Whether you’re going for a minimalist or a museum look, one great way to draw attention to special objects in a room is to group them together on a table, mantle, shelf or other surface. Usually groups of three work well. However, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, vary the height of the objects so your display doesn’t look like a forest. Secondly, I like to combine different sheens and textures. For example, I like to have something sparkly, something with a shine and something matte together. The picture on the left shows a grouping of a sculpture, a silver tray, a paperweight and an antique drawing.  You can see how the textures work together and also set each other off.  Third, use color to your advantage. Grouping things of like colors always looks good. However, feel free to play colors against one another with complimentary colors and color combinations that are eye-catching. Finally, just make sure you are incorporating items that are meaningful to you. Filling your home with items that make you feel at-ease and content will give you the added comfort you need to have a successful day.

Creating a Beautiful Home: Security Systems

A security camera in use.

In creating our personal and global “Belle Époque,” each of us is taking great care to make beautiful homes and lives for ourselves. One of the most important steps in making a beautiful home is making a safe home. While I do love to talk about our glorious past, I do also appreciate the conveniences and improvements we have today. More than ever, we have a wealth of home security options. Here, we have a security system with motion detectors, door and window sensors, panic system and a means of reaching the police and fire department with just the click of a number of available panic buttons—including one on my keychain. We also use motion-sensitive lights both inside and out. My favorite features, however, are the security cameras. Many camera, both inside and out monitor and record the activities of the house. The best part is that with my cell phone I can see a live video feed of any part of the house at any time, no matter where I am. As a pet owner, I especially like that feature. This way, I can make sure Bertie is okay no matter where I am. Through the central control panel, I don’t even have to leave my desk if I hear the front gate open. I just have to look at the monitor.


While not everyone is going to go to the extreme that I have with home security, I would recommend that you have one installed if you can. Other easy steps to take are to leave a light on outside at night, always make sure your doors are locked, close curtains or blinds when you’re not at home and to communicate with friends and neighbors when you’re not going to be at home for a long period of time. Some towns, like mine, offer a “vacation home watch” wherein the police will make sure to patrol by your home to keep an eye on it when you’re out of town.

There are many easy-to-install home security cameras on the market today. Many of them can be accessed through the internet wirelessly. These can be purchased relatively inexpensively. No matter what, make sure your home is safe so that you can have the peace of mind you need to continue to create your “Beautiful Era.”

Person of the Week: Susan Lucci

We know her best as Erica Kane from Daytime TV’s All My Children. Erica is a complex character. Simultaneously self-centered and generous, fierce yet timid, loyal yet prone-to-stray, Erica has been making our afternoons much more interesting since 1970. Fans often wonder if Susan Lucci is anything like her on-screen alter-ego, however, by all accounts she is not.


Susan Lucci, “The Queen of Daytime,” is actually a very humble, gracious person. For that reason, she’s this week’s “Person of the Week.” Known for her giving spirit and her warmth, Miss Lucci has a reputation for her welcoming, mentoring attitude on the set. Her tireless efforts in many charitable endeavors including the plight in Darfur and feeding the hungry are testament to her bighearted nature.

Though known for her role on “AMC,” Miss Lucci is an accomplished singer who appeared on Broadway in lead of Annie Get Your Gun and often performs a cabaret act (sometimes with Regis Philbin). This Emmy Award winning actress has lent her talents to numerous television shows and films. A favorite of mine is her adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in which Miss Lucci plays, “Ebbie” Scrooge. Her recent appearances on Dancing With the Stars showed her as a gentle soul and hard-working, unassuming human being.

Her beauty and style are legendary, but I think it’s time that Miss Lucci is recognized for her many efforts in making this our own “Beautiful Era.”