Mastery of Design: A Sardonyx Cameo, 1660

Sardonyx and Enamel Cameo
The Royal Collection

This gorgeous French cameo of sardonyx, gold and enamel dates to the 1660’s and depicts a scene of cupid crowning Aphrodite. The setting is certainly from the 1660’s, but scholars now believe that the sardonyx carving dates to the First Century.


Described in the Royal Collection simply as a “pretty, little pendant,” the cameo has been a gift of love for centuries, given from one member of the Royal family to the next. Perhaps this would make a fitting gift from Prince William of Wales to his lovely new bride…

Person of the Week: Valerie Bertinelli

We’ve welcomed Valerie Bertinelli into our homes for many years. Since her first appearances in the fondly-remembered One Day at a Time to her current work in the much-celebrated Hot in Cleveland, Miss Bertinelli’s face has been one of the friendliest and gentlest to grace our screens for many years.


There’s a lot more to Valerie Bertinelli than her comic turns on sitcoms and her dramatic roles in made-for-television movies. This talented artist has devoted her life to making the world a kinder and gentler place for many different people. Miss Bertinelli considers herself an advocate for people’s health. Her work to raise awareness of healthy eating and weight control has benefitted hundreds of people. Similarly, she has given her time and effort to raising awareness of cancer—even walking in the Boston Marathon for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Perky and charming, Bertinelli is a true professional whose compassion is evident. For this reason, she is our person of the week.

Treat of the Week: A Beautiful English Tea

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with the people who you most care about? We have a tradition in my family—each year, my mother and father orchestrate an elaborate English tea. It’s truly magnificent and I look forward to it every year.


This year’s tea was equally gorgeous. With a host of gorgeous tea sandwiches which included rosemary ham, boiled eggs, pancetta, chicken spread, beautiful blue cheese paste, cucumber and assorted other savories, the stage was set for a beautiful day. Lovely tea and sparkling burgundy accompanied homemade scones, mocha-topped gingerbread, chocolate-dipped strawberries and apricots, hand-molded chocolates, delicate tarts of French pastry crème and glazed berries and amazingly decorated petifore of chocolate pound cake. Rich banana bread spread with lovely cream cheese added a cool sweetness to the event. Everything was artistically presented on Royal Albert china with antique crystal.

I think I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. So much work went into preparing for this special event. I was very grateful…and very full.

Antique Image of the Day: The Marriage of Edward VII and Alexandra

TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales
in their Wedding Clothes, 1863
Hand-colored Albumen Printe
The Royal Collection

This hand-colored albumen print is a beautiful souvenir of the wedding of King Edward VII to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. At the time of their wedding in 1863, Edward was still The Prince of Wales. Their wedding was the cause of much national celebration.


The princess wore a gown of imported white satin lace adorned with orange blossoms. The Prince wore the official robes of the Order of the Garter. Though Edward was reputedly and notoriously unfaithful throughout their marriage, by all accounts, it was a peaceful union which lasted until the King’s death.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 170

Robert helped Mr. Punch take a sip of cool water. Setting the glass down, he smiled gently at his friend.


“Mr. Punch,” Robert began. “I’m not quite sure I understand.”

“Naasir left a key inside us.” Mr. Punch said weakly.

Robert nodded. “What does the key open?”

“Not sure.” Mr. Punch croaked. “I think it’s gonna open the door behind what I hid all them things what I don’t want me master to remember. Not a real door, mind you, but a kind of…I don’t know…ghost door.” Mr. Punch’s eyes filled with tears. “None of it makes no sense.”

“Punch, my dear,” Robert responded softly, “I know you’ve done an excellent job of protecting Julian from the things which you feel will hurt him. But, you can’t protect him forever.”

“Can, too.” Mr. Punch said frantically.

“When you love someone,” Robert said, “sometimes the kindest thing you can do is let him find the things he needs, even if they’ll hurt him.”

“No.” Mr. Punch sniffed.

“I can appreciate that you’re concerned,” Robert smiled. “However, presently, I think it’s most important that you rest and let your body recover. You’ve contracted an awful infection, and let’s not forget, you’re recovering from a gun shot.”

Mr. Punch sighed. “I know.” He shook his head. “Meanwhile all them folk what wants to hurt us are out there—doin’ God knows what.”

“True,” Robert nodded. “And, there’s nothing we can do to stop them.”

Mr. Punch sighed again.

“All the more reason for you to get your strength up.” Robert continued.

“I ‘spose you’re right.” Punch said.

“Of course I am,” Robert joked.

Mr. Punch chuckled, wiping his eyes.

“It’s hard not to feel stronger already what with you here takin’ care of us.” He paused. “Where’s Marjani?”

“She’s downstairs,” Robert whispered. “There’s a man on his way—from a mortician’s…”

“Ah,” Mr. Punch nodded. “For Naasir?”

“Yes.” Robert answered.

“He’ll be taken care of?” Mr. Punch asked. “Treated well?”

“We’ll make sure of it.” Robert responded.

“Good.” Mr. Punch said. “I ‘spose that’s all we can do.”

Meanwhile, Barbara Allen made her way toward an imposing Garden District mansion. She paused on the front porch, adjusting her gown and her hair. She knocked.

A sour-faced man opened the door. He was young and handsome, but clearly disgruntled.

“Yes?”

“Good morning.” Barbara smiled nervously. “I’ve been sent to attend to Miss Harelda’s coiffure. My name is Barbara Allen.”

“Come in.” The man said. “But, next time, Girl, use the back door.”

“Of course.” Barbara responded quickly.

“Who’s that, Charles?”

“The girl come to fix your hair, Miss.” Charles answered.

Harelda came down the stairs and fixed her eyes on Barbara Allen.

“This is no hairdresser.” She grunted. “What do you want? Really?”



Did you miss Chapters 1-169? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Follow Your Heart

Today, don’t feel silly about telling the people you care about how you feel. There’s no need to apologize for your positive feelings. This day is really no different than any other. We should feel free to express ourselves whenever appropriate.


So, make a point of showing your appreciation today. It’s just the beginning of recognizing all of the blessings in your life.

Object of the Day: An Eternal Ring

When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, her wedding ring was a gold band in the shape of a serpent. This unusual symbol of eternal love sparked a quick trend in snake-themed jewelry and many young married couples of the period mimicked the Queen’s lovely ring.


This Victorian snake ring is a variation on the theme. Crafted of British 15 karat gold, the snake is highly detailed with finely set red enamel eyes. I was given this ring a couple of Christmas’ ago and just love it.

So, today, let’s remember the enduring love of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. Happy Valentine’s Day!