Art Institute of Chicago's "Islamic Art"

Looking back at the Islamic Art exhibit during our visit to the Art Institute of Chicago:  

12-pointed star.  12th century. Timurid Dynasty (1370-1507).  Iran or Central Asia. Glazed fritware (Fritware, also known as Islamic stone-paste, is a type of pottery in which frit is added to clay to reduce its fusion temperature. As a result, the mixture can be fired at a lower temperature than clay alone.), cut and assembled as a mosaic.

Table by Carlo Bugatti.  

Plate/Charger, Bookbinder, and Vase

Sinan the Jew and Haireddin Barbarossa, c. 1535

Dentist Office: Indoor Waterfall

I like waiting at my Dentists' waiting room, especially if I am doing just that -- waiting for someone else who is several doors away (where I can not hear her), getting her rotten teeth filled with the help of multiple Novocaine shots to deaden the pain. 
So, I wait and wait; and sit on a nice leather chair in a tastefully decorated room. There is free coffee from a Keurig, and a playroom for young children.  I can watch cable TV from multiple screens or read the latest magazines. The indoor waterfall trickling down the floor-to-ceiling glass wall provides a soothing background sound. However, I am aware that since the Dentists' move to this - their new luxurious pad - my family has had to have more appointments than ever. Coincidence, or part of a well thought-out plan on their part?  How much of this luxury is funded, indirectly or directly, out of my own pocket??

21.8.28.18

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I spoiled myself with macarons recently. Delish!  And the hole-in-the-wall place had the most beautiful round wall-mirror. I remember it having lots of circles. Which of these was it?

"Raindrops" mirror via Horchow.com @ $595

Cooper Classic Arden by lampsplus.com @ $258

"Mirrored Circles" by Horchow.com @ $150

eBay: Shopladder @ $ 539.96 

As the days went by and many many pictures of mirrors later, I felt more confused.  So much for my legendary memory, lol. I had to go back to the store and take a picture. In reality, this is what it looks like. The search for the exact mirror was on!

I found it sale-priced on the internet. It's a lot of bling for the buck; much better priced than the other mirrors above; and a longer-lasting investment than the macarons. Here it is on our very own wall.  I am pleased! 

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, 

how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2 Corinthians 13:5

39.8.23.18

Kids -- do not try this at home or in the car

Several days ago, son cracked our car's windshield with his noggin. He hit it while unbalanced as he changed seats. Sigh. This probably would not have happened if we had been there, or if the driver had been either one of us parents.  Anyhoo, Doc said he's fine, but gave him a "No P.E. for a week" permit for school (hahaha -- very funny considering we homeschool). Thank You, Lord Jesus --- AJ's head today remains undamaged and beeeeeautiful!