Painting of the Day: “Scene in a Bedchamber,” 1700

Scene in a Bedchamber
English, circa 1700
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This painting by an unknown British artist dates to the early Eighteenth Century and gives us a rare look into the private rooms of a noble household of the era. Clearly, however, something less than noble has been going on in the commodious room. The furniture is in disarray, overturned and scattered. Playing cards have fallen onto the floor as if the room was exited quickly.


On closer inspection, the seemingly grand room is actually in rather poor shape. While the room is draped in rich fabrics and hung with rather important-looking canvases and mirrors, we can see that the wallpaper is peeling.

Still, the room is not unattended. A shadowy figure peers through the open door—a servant perhaps. A small black dog carries a crimson slipper as he runs toward the figure. It’s both a beautiful and mysterious scene as opulent as it is sinister. Clearly, this is the setting of some strange drama.

Person of the Week: Agnes Nixon

The Great and the Least,
The Rich and the Poor,
The Weak and the Strong,
In Sickness and in Health,
In Joy and Sorrow,
In Tragedy and Triumph,
You are All My Children.


Known as the “Queen of Modern Daytime Drama,” Agnes Nixon is responsible for shaping serialized storytelling for television. Nixon began her career working for the original “Queen of Soaps,” Irna Phillips who transitioned daytime drama from radio to television and pioneered new methods of storytelling. Nixon worked with Phillips on several Procter and Gamble soap operas in the capacity of writer and head writer. These include: As the World Turns, Search for Tomorrow, and Guiding Light. By the 1960’s Nixon dreamed of creating her own programs which would be able to not only entertain their audience, but enlighten them by exploring social issues and the real-life events that were shaping society.

In 1965, Nixon developed a new show which she entitled All My Children. With the “story bible” in her hand, she pitched the show to networks. For purely business reasons, ABC passed on All My Children, but asked Nixon to create a different cutting-edge show that would break the barriers of the traditional daytime drama. Nixon’s response to this request was to create One Life to Live. OLTL debuted in 1968 and gave Nixon the stage she needed to both entertain and educate.

One Life to Live was such a success that ABC asked Nixon for a second program. It was the perfect opportunity to dust off the “story bible” about her creations in Pine Valley. All My Children debuted on January 4, 1970 and broke ground with stories ripped from the headlines and thoughtful portrayals of people in true life situations. By combining the usual fantastical events which defined soap opera with important social issues, Nixon was able to create a world filled with interesting yet relatable characters.

One Life to Live and All My Children thrived on ABC and made the network’s daytime line-up one of the most successful in the industry. While Nixon’s involvement with One Life to Live became less hands-on, she did continue to counsel as well as write for All My Children well into this year.

2011 will be remembered by soap fans as the year that ABC (particularly Daytime President, Brian Frons) killed All My Children and One Life to Live in favor of cheaper, less-complicated talk shows. But, that doesn’t mean that Miss Nixon’s work will be forgotten. Through her decades of exceptional work, Agnes Nixon has impacted the world in a way few writers have an opportunity to do.

Last week, Miss Nixon said of the cancellations of her legendary programs:

“ABC’s decision to cancel All My Children and One Life to Live saddens me greatly. I treasure the decades that the worlds of Pine Valley and Llanview were brought to life by our talented casts and crews. I appreciate that the network allowed our teams to break new dramatic ground and always supported our commitment to the honest portrayal of social issues. We hope we have entertained our viewers and perhaps even educated them along the way. My deep gratitude goes to all the talented people who have contributed to All My Children and One Life To Live over these many years; we were always family, made up of writers, producers, directors, actors, crews. Equally important in that family are our loyal fans who shared this journey with us. Although ABC has concluded there is no longer a place for our shows on their network, I will do everything possible to keep them alive. God bless you all.”

--The Pine Valley Bulletin



Despite the tragic destruction of these two programs, Miss Nixon’s legacy will live on. At last year’s Daytime Emmy Awards, Nixon was honored for her tremendous body of work. And, for all that she’s done to shape our world, to educate and to entertain, Agnes Nixon is our “Person of the Week.”

Sculpture of the Day: The Laughing Child and The Crying Child, 1750

The Laughing Child and The Crying Child
Probably Louis François Roubiliac
Circa 1750
Bronze on Wooden Plinths with Ormolu
The Victoria & Albert Museum

The subjects of The Laughing Child and The Crying Child were quite popular in the early to mid Eighteenth Century. Several different sculptors created busts of the two children in a variety of media ranging from bronze and marble to plaster and porcelain.


This rare pair of bronze busts is surely the work of celebrated Eighteenth Century French sculptor Louis François Roubiliac (1702-1762) who was renowned for his fine bronze casts. The busts sit upon wooden plinths which have been adorned with ormolu mounts. The plinths, it is believed, are a later addition intended to give a greater sense of importance to the pair.

Roubiliac came from France to England in the mid Eighteenth Century. He quickly made a name for himself throughout Britain and was, until his death, considered the foremost sculptor of his generation in the country.

Treat of the Week: The Lemon Sunshine Pound Cake

Tall, grand and elegant, this glorious cake looks like a cross between a French cathedral and a French cruller. The Lemon Sunshine Pound Cake is the king of the pound cakes. Infused with fresh lemon juice, this moist, tender cake has a delicious citrus flavor which puts you immediately in mind of Springtime.


My mother has elevated the pound cake from its loaf-ish origins by baking it in this deep Kugelhopf Bundt Pan. With its peaks and fluted sides, this cake is a delicious sculpture that is as delicious as it is gorgeous. Adorned with a delicate lemon glaze, this cake truly is a ray of sunshine.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 224

“I’m glad to see that you’ll cooperate.” Iolanthe smiled. “And, though it pains me to say it, I’m grateful. I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m not.”


“I make no promises, Miss Evangeline.” Robert replied honestly. “I can make no promises. I don’t know what your son’s ailment is, so I cannot say with any certainty that he can be cured.”

“There’s power in our thoughts, Doctor.” Iolanthe scowled. “We must think that he can be saved, and, then, he shall be.”

“You love your son.” Mr. Punch whispered.

“Of course I do!” Iolanthe spat. “He’s the only soul that I do love.”

“Even you got some love in ya.” Mr. Punch nodded. “So you can understand that we love this baby and we want for him to have a good life.”

“I can’t concern myself with what you feel and who you love.” Iolanthe said. “All I care about is my boy. Everything I do, I do for him.”

“Both a blessing and a curse, that is. Isn’t it?” Mr. Punch shrugged.

Iolanthe frowned.

Mr. Punch looked to Ulrika. “Even ‘The Elegant Ogress’ has got love in her. What ‘bout you, Ginger?”

“I’m nothing but love, really.” Ulrika purred. “I love pleasure.”

“Ain’t the same thing.” Mr. Punch shook his head.

“You’re hardly one to judge.” Ulrika snapped.

Mr. Punch shrugged again. “Here, Iolanthe, where’s your boy?”

“Not far from here.” Iolanthe Evangeline answered. “I can fetch him.”

“Can you characterize what’s his trouble is?” Robert asked.

“He’s slow.” Iolanthe answered quietly. “Simple. Even for a child. He don’t react the way other babies do. I don’t think he hears none too well. He doesn’t make noises like other babies do. Just stares and drools. Can’t get his attention. And, his eyes…those mounds around his eyes. He…he’s just not right.”

“If I understand what you’re describing correctly,” Robert nodded, “I must confess that there’s no way to combat it.”

“You don’t know that!” Iolanthe said.

“This is tiresome,” Ulrika grumbled. “Let’s do go and get the boy. Besides, that will give His Grace a chance to gather up the funds that I require.”

“That will take some time,” Robert said. “His Grace doesn’t keep that much money at hand.”

“I’m sure you’ll find a way.” Ulrika grinned.

“Come, Ulrika.” Iolanthe said. “We’ll return in less than half an hour.”

With that, Iolanthe stormed to the door and opened it quickly—startling Marjani who was just about to knock.

“Oh!” Marjani gasped.

“Look at that,” Iolanthe smirked. “Your girl’s here.”

Marjani stepped aside so that Iolanthe and Ulrika could pass. Once they were out in the passage, Marjani hurried into the room and shut the door behind her.

“I’m terrible sorry, gentlemen. I know I’m powerful late. I got delayed.”

“Are you all right?” Robert asked.

“I think so.” Marjani sighed. “I woke up to find Marie Laveau in my room. I tried to get her out and come to you as quick as I could. I see I was too late.”

“Marie?” Mr. Punch said, his eyes wide and wild. “What’d she want?”

“Revenge,” Marjani answered, taking a deep breath. “So, nothing new.”

“She didn’t hurt you?” Mr. Punch asked.

“Not yet.” Marjani shook her head. “But, we got to hurry and get this underway. Gentlemen, Missus Adrienne and Mr. Cecil are on their way. She’s got her costume on and is ready for this to happen.”

“Iolanthe is on her way back with her son. Part of keeping her silence requires that I ‘cure’ her son.” Robert said nervously.

“Oh, I seen that boy. There ain’t no curin’ him.” Marjani frowned.

“I’m sure of that.” Robert nodded.

“It’s terrible sad.” Marjani clasped her hands together. “And, forgive me for sayin’ it, but that could work in our favor.”

“How?” Robert asked.

“Cuz when that witch sees you can’t fix her son, she’ll fly into a rage—one that all the folk in this hotel will hear, I’d guess.” Mr. Punch smiled. “That’ll make our plan all the more realistic.”

“I can only hope so, dear Punch.” Robert bit his lip. “I can only hope so.”

Meanwhile, as Iolanthe rushed through the hotel lobby, she was surprised to see—on the other side of the archway to the dining room—a woman who looked curiously like her in the company of Cecil Halifax.

Iolanthe grabbed Ulrika’s arm and ducked into a nearby vestibule.

“What are you doing?” Ulrika hissed. “Don’t handle me that way!”

“Look!” Iolanthe pointed at Adrienne and Cecil. “They’re at it again. Don’t you see, Ulrika? We’re being set up.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-223? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Appreciate the Colors Around You

Whether you’re surrounded by the bright greens and blues of the country, the manicured jewel tones of the suburbs or the stony greys and browns of the city, your environment has an exciting color palette that’s unique and wonderful.


When you’re furnishing your home, or even selecting the colors of your wardrobe, keep your environment in mind. Today, examine your usual surroundings with new eyes. Take a moment to really appreciate the colors around you. Which do you like? Which mean something to you? How do those colors make you feel?

Take the colors that most move you and make them a part of your life through the clothes you wear and the objects in your home. Few things can affect our moods and feelings as much as color. You can create the environment of your dreams simply by finding the colors that give you joy.

Object of the Day: An Antique Watercolor of the English Seaside

Though it’s unsigned and undated, this little watercolor is clearly English in origin and judging by the frame and backboard dates to the late Nineteenth Century. Rendered in soft, muted colors, it’s a darling representation of England’s rocky coast. The subtle palette is not artistic license as much as it’s an accurate view of the delicate colors of England’s cost.


I love the little details such as the pilings and the little cottage. I can picture Rose Buck and Daisy going out to change into their bathing costumes in the little bathing machines which dot the coast.

We live in a world of standard picture sizes and standard frames. One of the things I most enjoy about original antique paintings is the variety of sizes and shapes. This long, narrow picture was meant to be grouped with other canvases and pages and gives the impression that it’s just one beautiful piece of a greater image.