"Cut! Costume And The Cinema" exhibit at Arlington Museum of Art

Here in North Texas, the Summer heat as descended upon us as in triple digits.  So we leave our air conditioned houses to drive in our air conditioned and to somewhere that the air conditiong is working.  So, Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe found the current exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art to be the place where there is fun and nice air conditioning.

The exhibit is explained as follows in the museum brocheure"


Discover the glamour, luxury and artistry of cinematic courture.  This exhibit allows you to step onto the movie set with 43 costumes from 27 period films.  Covering five cinturies of histoyr, intrigue and comedy, the exhibition will revewal how the costumers set the scene and establihs authenticity.  Each piece was specifically crafted to provude cluse about the character's status, age class and weath. Some highlights hincluded Johnny Deppe's costume from "Pirates of the caribbean, pieces from the Xostume Academy Award winner, "The Cuchess" and Emmy Rossum's gown from "The Ohantom of the Opera".  

Photos were allowed so this will be a long post so Dear Readers you can take a gander at all these interesting and beautiful costumers

It all starats with the underpinning!

"Every Brilliant Thing" presented by Circle Theatre

EVERY BRILLIANT THING
play program

The current play on stage at the Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth, is "Every Brilliant Thing".   It was written by Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe.  

Duncan MacMillan
playwright

Plot is as follows from the Circle Theater website:

Jonny Donahoe
Original Cast, Playwright

1. Ice cream 

2. Water fights 

3. Staying up past your bedtime 

4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose. 

Making sense of the world is often too complicated. Sometimes making a list of Every Brilliant Thing allows us to simplify our existence. Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, this theatrical experience engages the audience with laughter as the list grows longer and longer. This story reminds us to forgive often, love always, and ponder: what is on our list? 

ZAK REYNOLDS
actor

One actor, Zak Reynolds, performs the entire play which lasts for just  over an hour.  Audience members also become part of the play, as when he shouts out a number, such as 995, the audience member who has that number then shouts out the answer which in this case was "bubble wrap". (yes Dear Readers, that was my number!)

As to the question asked above what would you add to your list?

Here are few suggestions from the ones play goers left behind!

Circle Theatre

FROM THE LANDS OF ASIA
The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection

The current exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum is titled "From the Lands of Asia".  Dear Friend drove from Dallas to join The Travelling Toe in touring this outstanding exhibit.

As you walk into the first gallery there are beautiful textiles in the form of clothing.  Some of them were beautiful colored silks and several other fabrics from the 5th or 6th century.  Different Asian countries were represented in this exhibit including Samurai armour and silk kimonos.

But the next gallery took my breath away.  If you love blue and white porcelain like The Travelling Toe does, then you will never want to leave this gallery.  Each showcase had beautiful examples of this work from various Asian countries.  It even showcased how recovery of sunken ships cargo full of porcelains are reclaimed.  One very beautiful piece was in the shape of a peach with lovely blue scrolling on the white background.  The peach is one of the most popular motifs in Chinese art.  It is a symbol of immortality.  It looked as if it were a teapot but instead it was a wine pitcher. Oh be still my beating heart!

Below is a lovely overview of the Myers, their collection and the items on display provided by the Kimbell Art Museum literature.

When Americans Samuel and Myrna Myers visited Paris in the mid-1960s, they became so enamored with the city that they decided to make their home there. This was where they built an extraordinary collection that until now has never been exhibited publicly. Over the course of more than 40 years, the Myers assembled some 5,000 works of art that, together, offer a very personal vision of the world of Asian art. This exhibition will present over 400 objects selected from this remarkable collection, with works representing key periods in the history of the art of China, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Korea and Vietnam.

 

The exhibition revolves around a passion for Asia and covers a broad historical range, from the Neolithic era to modern times. The objects are also highly varied in nature, from porcelain, ivory, and precious stones such as jade and rock crystal to Buddhist art and textiles and stunning costumes from Central Asia, Tibet, China and Japan. Each treasure is exceptional in its shape, rarity, quality, function or inherent message. The exhibition recounts fascinating historical events through themes such as the symbolism of Chinese jade, the trade in blue-and-white porcelain, Buddhism, Noh theater, the Japanese samurai, the tea ceremony, the art of writing and the place of women. The astonishing array of outstanding works of art in the Myers collection is testimony to Asia's rich cultural heritage and unique customs and offers a broad panorama of Asian history in all its beauty and diversity.

 

This exhibition is organized by the Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, Montréal, Canada.

The exhibit is on display until August 19th so if you are in the Fort Worth or Dallas area, you still have time to enjoy this lovely exhibit! 

Kimbell Art Museum

Movie Critiques The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Version

SOLO: A STARS WAR MOVIE
movie poster

It was the new Star Wars movie that the Movie Mavens selected to see one Friday at the Multiplex.  It seems that this movie was not too popular and did not earn the mega bucks expected.  However, we all thought it was a good movie.  One Movie Maven did mention that the fight scenes sometimes went on a tad too long.  But with one cutie pie, Alden Ehrenreich playing Han Solo and another cutie pie, Donald Glover, playing Lando Calrissian what more could you want????  And we get to meet the fabulous Chewie in this movie as well!!

Here is synopsis of the movie from the internet:

Young Han Solo finds adventure when he joins a gang of galactic smugglers, including a 196-year-old Wookie named Chewbacca. Indebted to the gangster Dryden Vos, the crew devises a daring plan to travel to the mining planet Kessel to steal a batch of valuable coaxium. In need of a fast ship, Solo meets Lando Calrissian, the suave owner of the perfect vessel for the dangerous mission -- the Millennium Falcon.

The Travelling Toe awards this movie two second toes up with your very own set of fuzzy dice for when you go jetting around space in your own Millennium Falcon!!

And now for the next movie!

JURASSIC WORLD:
FALLEN KINGDOM
movie poster

The second Sci-Fi movie we saw was "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" that starred another cutie pie, Chris Pratt.  Dallas Bryce Howard returned for her role from the last Jurassic movie as well.

Here is the plot for this fantasy movie:

Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.

We thought this was a good movie but the ending was a tad questionable.  Do the creatures take over the world as they once had or do the humans intervene again???  Dear Readers, you will just have to see this movie yourself to decide what happens...that is if you really care!!!

The Travelling Toe awards this movie 2 second toes up, mainly due to the fantastic special effects of creating extinct dinosaurs, along with your very own Raptor just like Blue in the movie!  You never know when you will need backup from a Raptor!

"Waitress" at Bass Hall

WAITRESS
play program

The touring show of "Waitress" recently made a one week stop at Bass Hall.  Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe attended the Sunday afternoon performance.

This musical is based on a popular movie that was released in 2007, starring Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion. The movie was then translated into a musical. It premiered on Broadway in 2016 and is still playing there. "Waitress" was nominated for numerous Tony awards in 2016 and several were awarded to cast and crew.

The musical follows the movie fairly well so here is the movie's plot:

Jenna, works in a diner in a small Southern town and is a genius at creating luscious desserts, but her marriage to an overbearing lout makes happiness impossible. When she discovers she is pregnant, she makes plans to skip town before her condition is obvious. However, she begins an affair with the new town doctor who is the only one who knows her secret.

We both enjoyed this musical and all the actors were wonderful in their parts.  So if you are looking for a fun and enjoyable outing this musical fits the bill!

Bass Hall

Movie Critiques

LIFE OF THE PARTY
movie poster

Dear Readers, am sure you have wondered if the Movie Mavens have been out seeing all the summer releases...well, the answer to that is yes indeed we have. However, The Travelling Toe has been ailing and is behind in posting.  So this post will feature a short review of two movies.

First movie up is "The Life Of The Party" starring Melissa McCarty.  Well, it wasn't too much the life of any party but here are a few laughs along the way.

Here is the synopsis of the movie from the internet:

When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime and dedicated housewife Deanna turns regret into reset by going back to college. Unfortunately, Deanna winds up at the same school as her less-than-thrilled daughter. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the outspoken new student soon begins a journey of self-discovery while fully embracing all of the fun, freedom and frat boys that she can handle.

The Travelling Toe awards this movie 1 second toe up with your very own bedazzler from Amazon so you can be just as sparkly as Melissa was in the movie!

The second movie that is on this review is, "TAG".  This movie had numerous name celebrities in the lead roles but it did not do too much to save it from becoming a part of the Kick The Can game!  The concept of the movie is based on a group of men who have played Tag for many years.  At the end of the movie we do get to see these guys going about their pranks to tag a friend.  

The plot of the movie from the internet is as follows:

One month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running for a no-holds-barred game of tag -- risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take one another down. This time, the game coincides with the wedding of the only undefeated player. What should be an easy target soon becomes an all-out war as he knows they're coming to get him.

This movie is awarded the one pinkie toe up with your very own Risk board game so you don't lose your life being chased through a hospital

And that's it for now....more to come!!

Author Event at North Richland Hills Library - Jennifer Egan

Jennifer Egan
author

Recently, Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe, attended an author event at the North Richland Hills Library.

The featured author was 2012 Pulitzer Prize Winner, Jennifer Egan.

The two of us attended the pre-lecture luncheon where we also received the latest book written by Jennifer, "Manhattan Beach".  She autographed our books for us and we were also able to have a photo taken with her.

After the yummy lunch, we then went upstairs area set up for her talk.  We were able to score 2nd row seats.  

Ms. Egan began her presentation by talking about her newest book.  She does not write about herself or the people she knows but about a time and place.  She wants to be transported out of her life and into something new.  

That is certainly true of her book "Manhattan Beach" which takes place in WWII. It deals with the events taking place at the Brooklyn Shipyards and female strength.  The storyline also details the Port of New York and the role it played during the war. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommised in the 1960's.  

As she was preparing the material for the book, she took a tour of the decaying Navy Yard and in one of the old offices there were still WWII maps on the walls. Ms. Egan said she spent many hours at the Brooklyn Historical Society going through their records and files. During the war, deep sea divers were used to go underwater to repair ships so that not all of the damaged ships would have to be placed in dry dock. As she researched more she came up with the idea of her main character being a female diver.  

Ms. Egan spoke about her writing process.  She writes the first draft by hand and doesn't want to read what she has written at this time.  She can end up with 1,400 handwritten pages.  She then types the manuscript and makes notes as she is typing.  Shen then reads the draft making changes.  She can have as many as 35-40 drafts.  She is also part of a writers group and there she is able to read her material and in turn they give her feedback on her ideas and the feel of the story.  

Ms. Egan was funny and engaging and totally enjoyable!

After a few questions from the audience, it was time for Ms. Egan to leave.

What another enjoyable lecture and by such an esteemed author at the North Richland Hills Library!

North Richland Hills Library

Fannin County Courthouse

Fannin County Courthouse
Bonham, Texas
(photo from the internet)

When we stopped in downtown Bonham to see the Fannin County Courthouse, we were so disappointed.  It was surrounded by fences as it was being refurbished.

This is how we saw the Courthouse!  And needless to say we could not go in.

The Fannin County Courthouse was built in 1889. It was designed by the artitecture firm of Dodson and Dudley and is made of limestone. It was remodeled in 1925 and again in 1965.  Hopefully they will bring back the original beauty of the building in this re-model.

Outside the fenced off area, was a statute of the town's namesake, James Butler Bonham.  He was killed defending the Alamo.

The county was named for James Walker Fanning who, along with his troops, were massacred at the Battle of Goliad in the fight for Texas independence.  

Perhaps we will make our way back to Bonham to tour the restored Courthouse and obtain better photos to share.

Fannin County map from the internet.

Day Trip to Bonham,, TX part 2

After our burger lunch we headed to the Sam Rayburn House Museum.  We arrived a little after 1:00 and missed the 1:00 tour.  As we did not want to wait for the 2:00 tour because we did not want to participate in rush hour traffic on the way home, we decided to walk around the property. Along with the historic house, there are several outbuildings, including a smokehouse, barn, vegetable garden and a chicken coop.  

the turkey was taking a nap when we walked by
and he was not at all happy at being disturbed
you can't see it but he was giving us the evil eye

One of the most interesting things in the outbuildings was Mr. Rayburn's car.  It is a pristine 1947 black Cadillac.  It was given to him as a gift by House members. When he lost his Speaker's post due to the Republican party holding the majority of the House seats, he also lost his chauffeured car. So Democrat members and some Republican members took up a collection to purchase this very beautiful Caddy for him to use.  

the caddy is often taken to local car shows

Mr. Rayburn was #8 of 11 children. He always had  a fascination with politicians and knew from a young age he wanted to be one. He was married once to his college roommate's sister.  However, the marriage was dissolved after 2 months and 25 days.  His ex-wife did remarry and have children.....but they remained friends all their lives.   

Mr. Rayburn bought property outside town and the home was built in 1916.  Being one of 11, he often hosted his large family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.  All were welcome to visit the Rayburn House.  

photo of the front of the house

screened in  porch at the back of the house

photo of the back of the house

The house was declared a National Landmark in 1976.  The Texas Historical Commission oversees the property that has a small gift shop and provides the tour guides. 

After we saw as much as we could, we decided to hit the road back home.  

What another fun day trip here in Texas!!

Day Trip to Bonham, TX

Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe took off on the super highways of the Metroplex for a day trip to Bonham, Tx.  The reason for the day trip was to tour the Sam Rayburn Museum.

Sam Rayburn, Texas State Representative, was the Speaker of the House for 49 years.  He is still the longest serving Speaker of the House and served under Presidents from Woodrow Wilson to John Kennedy.

All the Presidents

On display in the museum are personal memorabilia, such as furniture, photographs, paintings and other items.  Also housed at the library are the Congressional records from 1774 to 1980.  Congressional records are the official documents of Congress sessions.  Many scholars travel to the museum to study these important documents that chronicles the young Nation from the very beginning to the end of the 20th Century.  

records from 1780

Mr. Rayburn, was an avid reader, and his personal library is also on display at the museum.  In order to know which book he had already read, he started writing his initials on page 99 of each of his books.

Dear Friend posed with her beautiful blue nail polish to show his initials on page 99 of these two books.
















Another interesting item on display is the Speaker's rostrum that was used from
1857-1950.  

A beautiful chandelier hangs in the reproduction of Mr. Speaker's office that has an interesting story. Theodore Roosevelt, was refurbishing the White House lighting fixtures to modern gas lightning and this chandelier was placed in storage.  Sam eventually requested the chandelier for his office. Later it was presented to him so that it could be hung at the museum.

Pam, our Tour Guide, was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting tidbits of
Mr. Rayburn, the museum and his relationship to the community.

There is no entrance fee to tour the museum but donations are appreciated.  

A USS ballistic submarine was named for Sam Rayburn.  It was commissioned in 1964 and decommissioned in 1989.  

 

anchor of sub on display in front yard

After the tour, we drove back to the town square and the Travelling Toe took some pictures of the Fannin County Courthouse....it will be featured in a separate post.

We made a quick stop at an antique shop, "My Clutter" located on the town square.  The Travelling Toe found a cute little cup and saucer as a souvenir of the trip. 

From downtown Bonham, we took State Highway 121 to find some grub.  We stopped for a burger at "Muddbones".  For $7.00 you can get a hamburger, with all the usual fixings, plus a bag of chips and a drink from the cooler.  Just a tad disappointed there were no fries but sorrow was drowned in the very yummy bag of Cheetos.  

After lunch we went on our way to visit the Sam Rayburn House.

rose garden at the museum