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This video combines work from one of my favorite pre-Raphaelite painters, John William Waterhouse, with one of my favorite pieces of classical music, Meditation from Thais, by Jules Massenet. Thais was a celebrated Alexandrian hetaera, a highly cultured Courtesan in Greece.  She apparently managed to beguile Alexander to the extent that he was inspired to burn Persepolis!   The following is a poem written by Robert E. Howard as a tribute to the Courtesan.  He mentions Thais:

The Woman of the ages


Despite your harlot’s guise;


Ah, glory of your bosom,


Ah, starlight of your eyes.

You lifted man from mire;


You taught the gods to love—


And you seduced young Adam


Defaming Eden’s grove.

You laughed among the planets


When Lucifer was hurled


From out the starry realms


To haunt a bestial world.

You sat enthroned by Sargon,


You reigned by Nero’s side,


You knew the couch of Ptolemy,


You were a pharaoh’s bride.

You walked unviolated


Or gave yourself for hire;


You were a vestal virgin,


A prostitute of Tyre.

Ah, Lilith, Phryne, Thais,


I hail you in my rime;

Woman of all world’s women,


The woman of all Time.

From “The Road to Babel”

To read the complete poem, see The Collected Poetry of Robert E. Howard 

 

 

 
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Although I do not expect them, tokens of affection are always appreciated and form lasting memories of our time together.  I am hopelessly sentimental!  My primary reason for listing some of the things I enjoy is to give you a better idea of my tastes and interests, which are very eclectic!  For those of you who might be curious,  I lyrically inform you that "these are a few of my few of my favorite things."

*Useful Things
 
   
 
*Gift Cards
 
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*Pampering...precious, relaxing trips to the spa for various beauty treatments.  I always wish to look my loveliest for you!
Gift Certificates to any of the following: 
http://www.beauphoria.com  (hair services)
 
*Theater tickets...I adore live theater.  In addition, I enjoy film, from classic and contemporary to art and indie.  I  also have fun exploring history and art museums.  Not sure what to choose? Look for my Event Date Packages and leave it to me.  Perfect for the visiting traveler. 
 
*Music...Smooth Jazz, Classic Soul, New and Old School R & B (crazy about Tower of Power), Standards (my boys Dean, Frank and Tony), Latin/Brazilian, Flamenco guitar, Gypsy Jazz and more.  I particularly enjoy Jazz music and local Jazz clubs.  I am keen on live music of any kind, from local to national acts, and frequently attend performances.  I have several friends who are performers and love to attend their gigs and cheer them on!
 
*Wine...Reds. In particular, Cabernet, Zinfandel, Shiraz and various blends.  I am fond of champagne (Veuve Cliquot) but have recently discovered Santa Margherita Prosecco, a tasty and less pricey option!
  
*Flowers...All types of bountiful fresh bouquets, particularly unusual, fragrant and colorful varieties in white or warm shades of yellow, peach, cinnamon and persimmon.  Tulips, Lilies and Orchids are favorites.
According to Persian tradition, it is customary for a  suitor to offer a tulip to a woman since the tulip is considered to be a gift from a “perfect” lover. 
 
*Books...European history (Edwardian era and The Jazz age are current interests) pre-raphaelite and other classical art, poetry and literature, Hollywood, film, spiritual sex, fine cuisine, wine.
 
*Classical and Contemporary Art...I realize I am way over the top on this one, but I am including a link to one of my favorite artists, who happens to be local.  I admire her work and she is a wonderful woman.  Read about her "Beautiful Project" and donate if you can.

http://www.infinitevisionart.com 

*Adventures...Perhaps it's a hot air balloon ride, skiing, sky diving, a tango lesson or a two-week Tantra Retreat in Hawaii.  I am extremely adventurous and have been fortunate in my life to have known wonderful men who have introduced me to some of their favorite activities.  Unbelievable experiences, from ordinary to exotic.  The memories I've made are priceless.  What am I up for?  Just ask!

I delight in old Hollywood...the glamour and style.  I am particularly fond of classic films.  One of my favorite lines is from the 1958 film, Auntie Mame, starring Rosalind Russell.  I leave you with her pearls of wisdom...


"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.  Live, Live, LIVE!!!"

 

Travel Idea...how much fun would this be?
(click below)

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