The Story of an Hour

George Nelson Butterfly Clock
As we still adjust from turning our clocks back an hour, it seems that advertisements for clocks and watches have popped up everywhere around me. Entire sections of shopping catalogues have become dedicated to buying the perfect timepiece for that special someone, that is, of course as long as that person is still using a watch. Indeed, the constant connection to the cellphone has replaced the need for the watch in keeping up with time by any other means. I confess, I too, have stopped wearing a watch. Yes, I have the phone, but as a teacher, I have the bonus of clocks and bells everywhere I turn. In fact, nowadays when I wear my watch, more likely than not it is for decoration since the battery has probably long expired. But has this change affected us in any way? Perhaps not. If I point to my wrist, will you know I'm looking for the time? Will the watch go the way of the eight-track tape? Will we lose our appreciation of the passing of time with an anonymous digital readout?
Needless to say, I've just inspired myself to wind my grandfather clock and my antique watch before it's too late.

Illumination

One cannot overstate the importance of a light fixture. Ok that's a bit strong, but truly, the choice between one light fixture over another can make the difference between a modern tone or a traditional one. To be true to the bones of the Islip house, as well as to provide different degrees of light, these three fixtures provide three different levels of lighting. The George Nelson Bubble lamp from Modernica added a much needed 1947 space age feature to our otherwise traditional living room. In the next picture, set in the heart of the home, the art glass, geometric Tiffany fixture over the dining room table is more architectural than the usual multicolored floral pieces. I almost bought a flying monkey chandelier for the space, which would have been a mistake in the long run. Finally, the light fixture over the kitchen island had to be both a functional work space light but also walk the right design line. This Kohler fixture seemed to tap into the 1925 origin of the house without being too obvious. As for fantasy lighting, sometime in my life I would love to hang a great, decadent chandelier dripping with crystals over an enormous claw foot tub. Now that would a be a luxurious soak indeed.