Dear My Gorgeous Pretties,

How are you this week? I trust you’re well and doing amazing work as always. It’s been raining pretty much every day since I’ve been in Mexico. It’s the off and on kinda rain though, where it’ll downpour for about 15 minutes straight and then the clouds part and the sun is shining again like nothing happened. Isn’t that funny? I guess for the sun, nothing really did happen. It was still shining even behind the clouds. Hmm. That’s a life lesson right there. Clock iiiiiiiiiitt.

Meanwhile, back in St. Louis, Forest Park quickly became my favorite escape. Located in in the heart of the city (geographically speaking, I don’t know if that’s exactly accurate, but it certainly felt like the pulse), you’d be surprised how many people who live there have never even frequented the many sites it has to offer. Of course the Art Museum was a MUST-DO on the list.

It was serendipitous that I went over Labor Day weekend. After making my way from the train and passing the history museum—it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from there—I came around the bend and was met with a spectacular view; a grand, fountained pond & a sea of American flags.

*They were still putting up flags when I passed through but imagine all the green covered as well.*

Here’s a pan of what it looks like on a regular day.

As your Darling American SweetHaHt, I immediately thought surely they must’ve known I was coming! The jury’s still out on that, but as I got closer, after snapping a few (dozen) pics by the water, I was humbled to witness and realize up close, the dog tags attached to each flag for our fallen countrymen, whose service will never go unappreciated. Rest in peace, dear Hearts. All those flags. All those people. Those brave men & women who gave their lives in battle. What is war really for? Who is war really for? Ay, there’s the rub…

Formerly known as the Palace of Fine Arts, the museum sat at the very top of the hill, all prominent and stately, overlooking the whole scene. Truly a work of art in its own right. As we learned in last week’s love letter, this is one of only a couple original buildings from the World’s Fair, as the material most used for structures was a temporary plaster-like substance called staff, whereas constructors for this building used stone to protect the countless paintings, sculptures and furnitures from more than 20 countries. I was so excited to go in.

Won’t you join me?

The first part was actually accidental, but hey, it works?

After getting your bags checked by the lovely security lady and just past reception, you’re greeted with absolutely stunning floor to almost ceiling works of art. I tried my best to capture the scope.

Maybe this’ll give you a little better depth perception.

Not quite floor to ceiling but close. Massive nevertheless. The entrance is truly so grand. It reminds me of the palace I once lived in back in 1539. A masterpiece, do you hear me? Can you imagine the soirees we would/could have in a place like this? Oooo, and the dancing, darling. The dancing.

I descended the marble stairs to the first floor gallery. The first floor also contains the cafe & gift shop, which we’ll get to momently, and auditorium, where, on this particular day, they were having a members only guest speaker. I tried to sneak in. You know, press. But no dice. Better luck next time.

The first exhibit was on Islamic Art (how fitting) from Spain to India from the 7th-19th centuries.

It showcased gorgeous traditional works in ceramics, tiles, & metalworking from the Timurid, Saljuq, & Ilkhanid periods in Persia. (~10th-14th centuries)

Particularly worth noting is the calligraphy on these items.

Calligraphy being a revered art form in its own right.

I was drawn to this astrolabe like we recognized one another from a past life.

This quilt cover from the Ottoman period in Turkey reminded me of my once upon a dream of quilt making.

*Look at how vibrant these colors still are.*

My two favorite pieces from this exhibit were a door knocker from the Egyptian Mamluk period

Need this on the door to *my new* palace

And this Turkish sword hilt from Saljuqs of Rum period

Oh, and I can’t forget the perfume sprinkler from Damascus

*Bring back craftsmanship, amirite? Look good, smell good fa life*

Though small in size, this gallery offered an expansive glimpse into a number of trades & traditions that lie at the forefront of the Islamic world, and still influence many practices today.

I journeyed on to Ancient American Art where I saw gourds & figurines from Ancient Mesoamerica, and was almost immediately taken with the thought that these people were just living their everyday lives unaware that what they were using & doing out of necessity would one day end up in an art museum.

What of yours would make you laugh to know would end up in an art gallery 1000 years from now? For me, I’ve always known my life was legendary, so nothing would really surprise me tbfr.

Gourds were also a theme amongst the ancient Mississippians & Ancient Southwest gallery segment.

Then again, drinking water has been integral to humanity since the beginning of time. Do you think our plastic water bottles will make it into the future’s museums? Though I’m not sure I would classify plastic as a work of fine art, but I can’t tell you what they will do in the future. Well, actually I could, but what fun would that be? 😉

The gold working from Central America left me mesmerized.

I am officially one of those people that stares at pieces in the museum for a ridiculously long amount of time.

It’s fun to zone out and transport yourself to a time, place, and people you only ever read about.

I love this dish from Ancient Andes

*It’s like a little joke while you eat your meal. You get to peak inside the belly of the bird and see the little fishy it had for dinner*

Moving on through to my sea people, the Pacific Islanders, you get to see these massive instruments they used in real life to build canoes and for ceremony.

And now we interrupt this exhibit for a brief fun fact. DID YOU KNOW St. Louis Art Museum is one of few in the US that maintains and displays oceanic art as an active component of its encyclopedic program?

Yea, I didn't either. Until now.

As I took my time (and countless photos) meandering past similar, but different, works from Polynesia and Melanesia, I couldn’t help but think about the interconnectedness of it all. I mean, naturally when curating a museum gallery, there is ideally a through line that links one to another, but more than that, and perhaps it is the reason I love spending time at the museum, is that you begin to understand that in this great big circle of life, we are more alike then we are unalike (Maya Angelou). And in a world where everyone seems to be hellbent on labels and confining one into a box, at the museum, exploring all these different worlds, maybe you’re not out of place, and maybe its always the right time.

I loved this car door & rim painting by aboriginal artist. It’s kind of an optical illusion. From a distance I thought it was bead work impressed upon the door. Up close you see it’s paint.

Heading over to Africa, it’s hard not to see yourself reflected in the work.

Especially if you look like me. And when a whole continent of people look more like you than not, you understand God didn’t make no mistakes.

You ain’t said nothin’ slick to a can of oil…

I was working up quite the appetite and knew I had barely even scratched the surface of the museum. Literally. We’re still on the first floor, y’all. It’s levels to dis. But I was feeling famished and wanted to hit the cafe and gift shop before I called it a day. As with the history museum and the way I lolligag, I knew I was going to have to come back another day.

As I made my way to what seemed like the exit, I passed through a corridor of indigenous weavings

FUN FACT:

To distinguish between men & women, men’s stripes are vertical & women’s are horizontal.

Pretty clever

I was delighted to find myself in a tea room of sorts, with furniture and fine china straight out of Downton Abbey.

*Sewing Chair, Herter Brothers, New York, NY. c 1870. Hub B, will you get this for me for my sewing room?*

Check out the woodwork on this cabinet

*Cabinet, Charles Bevin, English c. 1865*

Where would you put this in your palace?

My HaHt, how do you take your tea? With a little splash of me? I will make sure to have it ready for you after a long day at work. You just kick your feet up and tell me all about your day. I want to hear everything.

I love this silver tea canister

This one’s pretty too. We’ll have an assortment of tea pots. We can pick and choose what suits our mood.

4 turn arounds and 3 flights of stairs later…

I made it out!

And now it is time for a quick lunch in the cafe.

*Fresh & housemade garbonzo bean sandwich with lettuce, tomato, on sourdough bread with housemade chips, a caramel toffee nut latte (because I need my caffeine), and water. Gotta stay hydrated.*

I’m just going to come right out and say it, this gourmet cafe stole the show. Everything fresh & house made, catering to various dietary needs. The sandwich was truly delicious and flavorful and you know I love me some homemade potato chips. A MUST-DINE‍ for those passing through, but even if you work here (or in the area), I would eat here too! Exceptional.

We’ll conclude our trip to the museum with a pop in to the gift shop.

Another beautiful shop, thoughtfully curated, with a wide array of options for guests to choose from.

And a little commotion for the jewels, if you so please.

And if you’re in need of a good read

And their clothing section here was probably my favorite of all gift shops I've seen. It wasn’t just your standard run of the mill merch section, which they had too. And some good items at that! It was a truly dedicated space for fashion as an art form, an homage, if you will, to the city’s fashion legacy.

*I love these bomber jackets. Very Japanese-esque. They remind me of cherry blossoms.*

This clutch made me so happy. Just look at that beadwork. I was overwhelmed with choice so I just settled for a simple pin like the nerd that I am.

I told myself I would come back before I left and finish the tour. There were so many rooms I didn’t see and others I just brushed over. I did come back, but once again I still didn’t get to everything and what I did get, I kept to myself.

These excursions—while fun and exhilarating and a much required aspect of the work—reinforce for me more than ever the need to just allow some things to be. If everything becomes a photo op, are you really enjoying the magic of the moment? The essence of the moment? Some things I’ll just take a photo with my mind’s eye and hold that image right there for a few minutes to impart it on my brain because, especially after having all my childhood pictures taken from me, you understand that no one can ever take away your memories. Every moment doesn’t need “proof” that it happened. You remember. The Universe remembers. That’s all that matters.

See what’s on & plan your visit to the Saint Louis Art Museum today. Be sure to tell ‘em tha Queen sent ya.

I ended my week at a place I had my eye on since I landed in the Lou, but I knew I wanted to wait until it was closer to the time that I’d be actually leaving so it would be relatively fresh in my brain. This week we get 2 foodie shoutouts but with the Delectable Dining Award, there can be only one, and the London Tea Room is taking home the trophy, baby. Bar none.

Now you have to understand when awarding a winner or simply highlighting a place, it’s not just the food, though that is the main component and can tip the scale. We’re looking at the overall atmosphere and ambiance. Is the energy right? Is the service amiable? Is the server knowledgable? Was I greeted upon entrance? How long before the server greeted the table? Was I treated thoughtfully & respectfully? All these are standard steps of service, and while easy to overlook, they go a long way. Is the place neat and tidy? Does it have character? Charm? Savoir faire? Does it evoke thought & conversation? Does it make you feel good?

Well, darling, I was transported.

I arrived as the lunch rush ended—a service industry veteran through and through—so aside from another couple, I had the place to myself.

I was waiting for this experience so we went for the gusto and had the Afternoon Tea service with the Royal Wedding Tea, if you so please. And before we eat we say Bismillah & Bonappetit!

I was met with an impeccable displace of an all vegan arrangement: Chickpea Waldorf Salad Sandwich on sourdough (did someone get the memo I LOVE sourdough bread??), Roasted Red Pepper & Watermelon Gazpacho, Carrot Tartare, Blueberry Scone, Mango Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Cookie, & assorted vegan chocolate tarts.

All items made in house from scratch, the Chickpea Waldorf salad sandwich was refreshing & savory, everything my vegan intestines had been desperately craving (outside of my delicious creations of course) from a dining experience. This and the sandwich from the art museum deserve a round of applause!

The roasted red pepper & watermelon gazpacho was peppery & zingy, tangy & sweet, spicy & delightful, a tantalizing treat!

And the carrot tartare with black sesame seeds and shallots? I only wrote 2 words after tasting: MAMA MIA!

I was on to my 2nd cup of Royal Wedding Tea at this point. The lavender, mint, lilac, & rose offered a nice balance to those savory bits I had just devoured. Here is where I would’ve had my scone, but they had to make another so I ended up taking it home for later.

Though I will say it was the perfect breakfast the next day. It was very dense. A true scone in that it was the perfect balance between a muffin and a giant cookie. Soft, but crisp on the outside, not overly sweet, and not overwhelmingly savory. The strawberry jam was a nice touch. I would have anothuhhh!

At this point I was stuffed, but I wanted to try the cheesecake. My mom made thee best so it defintely brought back that flare of nostalgia.

It was very light and tangy. The mango wasn’t as pervasive as I would’ve thought, and the consistency was so silky and smooth. A very refreshing palate cleanser after all that goodness! I wish there were two on the dish! The cookie and chocolates I took home as well to be devoured later that evening. Thank the Good Lord for chefs who know how to whip vegan delights. It was everything the kids needed. Juuuust right.

My server Nick was a gem, so shout out him, and once again compliments to the chef. 10 outta 10 *HIGH KEY* recommend.

And you know we couldn’t leave without a photo op for our friends.

Well, My Gorgeous Pretties, that’s it for me. I hope you have an impeccable rest of your week. As ever and as aways, thank you for being here with me. Whoever you are, wherever you may be, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with me. And I love that for you. I love that for me. We shall reconvene together here same time next week. In the meantime, stay blessed out there, yea? And of course, God speed.

Love Always (& Besitos!),

Sipping my tea & patiently

Eating my way around the globe

Cheers!

THE (HE)ART OF THE MATTER

The Forest Through the Trees