It's Complicated

Having lived in London, I have a huge dislike for modern movie theaters. Though I venture out to one occasionally, it takes a really spectacular film to get me to enjoy the experience. Today, I saw It's Complicated, Nancy Meyers' latest triumph. Though it's impossible to forget Something's Gotta Give or The Holiday, this was pretty outstanding. The movie stars Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin.

Streep and Baldwin play a divorced couple in their late fifties/early sixties. Jane (Streep) is a bakery owner who is still getting over the shock of her divorce, which took place ten years prior. Alternatively, Jake (Baldwin) is married to a much younger woman and has a step-son. Steve Martin is well-cast as Adam, the architect overseeing the addition Jane is putting on her house.

The story follows as the two very different men compete (unbeknownst to Adam) for her affection, as is usual in Meyers' films. Also common to her films, the set decoration is positively perfect; upbeat and pleasant. The costumes of the three main characters match the settings, and everything just meshes.

My critique: two thumbs up... a riot at any age!

Five Favorite Things

Today, I am going to play Oprah, and present my five favorite things. So, my few lucky viewers, here are my top five picks for music, art, books, travel, and design.

#1: Design

Fresh flowers complete any space. They breath

life into any place that needs it, and can be made into

bouquets simple, elaborate, natural, or experimental.

They're something that one can find anywhere,

for any price

#2: Travel

In today's world, travel is a luxury that too few can

afford. Fortunately, I have the superb privilege to make

excursions to foreign places. Amongst my favorites is Paris,

and St Germain is the place to be. I happened upon this

place in November, the Esprit Saint Germain, and

fell in love with its modern cosiness.

#3: Books

The Book of Negroes is a historical fiction novel

that tells the story of a woman, kidnapped from

her African village of the age of nine, brutally

forced to walk the path of slavery and oppression.

It is by Lawrence Hill, and is available in the US

as Someone Knows My Name.

#4: Art

J.M.W Turner's masterpiece Snowstorm: Steamboat

Off a Harbor's Mouth. In his time, Turner's works faced

great skepticism, but he is now regarded as the artist

who elevated landscape painting to eminence.

#5: Music

Charles Trenet is one of my all-time

idols; his music (predominantly in French)

is moving to the point of being emotionally

attaching. His songs, particularly what I believe

to be his greatest masterpiece: La Mer, are

widely recognized for their upbeat tempo and

meaningful lyrics.

From hotels to music, now you know a bit more about me. I hope you enjoyed this post.

Welcome!

Welcome to my brand-new blog! I guess I'll just dive right in. For the purposes of this blog, my name will be Convivio, the Spanish word for 'get-together,' 'rendez-vous,' or 'meeting.' I live in Toronto, Canada and am into art, design, literature, and travel. We'll start with one of my all-time idols, Canadian designer, Sarah Richardson! Her fresh approach to modern design is one part classic-contemporary and two parts genius.

Below are some fabulous rooms by her and her team from hit HGTV show design inc.

A Gorgeous Walnut and Marble Bathroom

A Classic Eating Area in a Traditional Home

Belle Ensemble:

Industrial Meets Beachy Chic

A Fabulous Loft for Two Young Guys

A Kitchen in Marble and Crotch Mahogany

I hope you enjoyed my first blog entry!