crystal bridges: reaction pending...

Bentonville, Arkansas is gaining attention in the art realm with the development of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. When this immaculate structure is completed in 2010, it will house hundreds of works by famous American artists, such as John Singer Sargent, Asher B. Durand, and Marsden Hartley.

If a year seems too long to wait, visit Crystal Bridges at the Massey, also located in Bentonville, to see touring art exhibits and updates on the museum's progress. For a gallery that seems to be an interim for hyping the grand opening, the Bentonville community and avid museum visitors have turned the Massey into a successful community arts center.

Interestingly, though, the actual museum is searching for a new director. Bob Workman, who joined the Crystal Bridges team in 2004 has resigned from his position as executive director. Apparently he "could not make a commitment to stay beyond the museum's opening."

Maybe it's just me, but I'm curious about Workman's other priorities. In a wounded economy, it's true that arts and entertainment may suffer. But with Alice Walton (the only daughter of Wal-Mart mogul Sam Walton) as the founder and ceremonial figure behind the Crystal Bridges Museum, there's little doubt that this $50 million dollar endeavor will have difficulty succeeding financially. And they probably won't have trouble finding a new director. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this project? (Apart from myself and others who already boycott Wal-Mart for reasons I will not go into here...)

I've been a fan of Brian Andreas' art and imagination for quite a while now. But recently, I've enjoyed sharing his stories with friends. If you are in need of some inspiration, positive thoughts or just want to smile, Andreas' innocuous, friendly characters provide insight through memories and dreams.

His prints, sculptures and books are great for gift-giving. You can find it here, there and in numerous galleries all over the country.

So if your looking for something unique and poignant to brighten your cottage home, check out this artwork.

This is one of my favorite stories:

In those days,
we finally chose to walk like giants
& hold the world in arms grown strong with love
& there may be many things
we forget in the days to come,
but this will not be one of them.

just get moving!

Yesterday, I had a chance to speak with a woman whose actions speak louder than words. She is the founder and owner of Prime Time Fitness, an all-inclusive gym located in the heart of an island cottage neighborhood.

Entrepreneur, instructor, writer, runner and active member of the Sullivan's Island, SC community, Meredith Nelson seems to have uncovered the secret to a productive, healthy lifestyle.

Yet when I asked her if she had any specific advice for the rest of us, she admits that there's nothing more important than staying active. It doesn't matter what you do, Nelson said, "just get moving- at least 20 or 30 minutes a day."

So this morning, I took her advice, and encouraged my family to take a hike in the abundance of trails in the TVA watershed that we so fortunately have at our disposal. The weather in East Tennessee today is lovely for a hike, and my muscles are thanking me already.

Just a reminder of the wonders of exercise. For a full feature on Nelson and her cottage fitness studio, check allthingscottage later this week. And if gardening is your activity of choice, go here to learn how to make it your "workout."

while visions of Bordeaux danced in their heads...

Leave it to the Dutch to design one of the most resourceful, innovative and uniquely functional hotels to date. The rooms at the De Vrouwe van Stavoren Hotel are made from salvaged French wine casks. Can't believe it? Check out their website.


From what little Dutch I remember during my six- months spent living in Amsterdam a few years ago, "de vrouwe" means "lady." Stavoren is a small harbor town on the coast of the IJesslmeer in the province of Friesland in the Netherlands.

While Friesland doesn't likely see many foreign visitors, the Lady of Stavoren should be a desirable lure for tourists. If you ever find yourself in North Holland, this would certainly be the place to stay. Whether you're a connoisseur of French wines or you're on a mission to sleep in some of the world's most extraordinary places, this hotel is worth a mention. To view more photos, visit Inhabitat.

welcome to the table!

One of my favorite parts of the day is my morning coffee. And while I'm drinking a cup (or three), I really enjoy reading the daily news, planning out my day or simply looking out the window. While many coffee drinkers are constantly on-the-go, I relish this time with my coffee.

This blog is the offspring of a newly created website called allthingscottage.com, dedicated to providing a wealth of information relating to the cottage lifestyle.

With this blog, I hope to share some interesting finds in food, design, gardens, communities, films, books, music and travel.

Thanks for joining me.