STYLING WITH ANNIE

MAGICAL CHANTICL EER      On a brilliant sunny day, I went to Chanticleer Garden in Wayne I was struck by the magical feeling I felt as I entered. I imagined fairies hiding in between the tulips in the Teacup Garden.     Walking the trails from garden to garden, I felt the peacefulness  that only nature's exquisite  beauty can bring.     I could picture walking the trails each morning and discovering a new treasure to view every day. I envision a picnic with friends as we open a bottle of wine, breathe in the fragrance of nature, and have delightful conversation while exploring the Asian Woods and Bell's Woodland.    Walking on through the Tennis Court,  the Ruin, the Gravel Garden, and the Pond,  I realize how art and gardening go hand in hand. The Rosengarten Family gave a true gift to all by creating the Chanticleer Garden Foundation and opening it to the public. If you have never been ther...

Remembering Pope Francis   Pope Francis's death deeply saddened me. I remember when he came to Philadelphia.   Kevin Tustin and I were covering his visit for our paper. We rode the trolley to 69 th  Street and took the El to Philadelphia. We went through the metal detectors and walked to JFK Parkway.     The crowds grew larger as the day went on. Kevin interviewed many who had come to see the Pope, and I took photos.  Even before he came to the city of Brotherly Love, people posed with cardboard images of him. Many wrote messages to him on canvas boards with the Pope's profile to be presented to him later.    As we walked around the city, people were smiling at each other. They didn't mind waiting.    Pope Francis arrived on a balmy autumn day, igniting hope and joy in the city. Passing by in his Popemobile, he waved to the crowd of believers and those curious to see this majestic man of God.    Pope Francis was a man of ...

Getting Ready for the Holidays                                         How quickly this year has passed. Here, we are on the verge of Thanksgiving.  Days turn into darkness earlier, and the cold wind reminds us that snow is on the way.,         Snow bunnies wish for snow, and sun goddesses wish for warm weather. I love those 70-degree days we have had, but the needed rain is a blessing.        It feels as though the last Thanksgiving was days ago. If you are ready, it’s time to make that Christmas or Hanukkah list.        Check out Amazon Prime and shop the sales before Thanksgiving. Sales are everywhere, and stores are stocked with holiday gifts and decorations. So, shop online or in person. Early if possible, but if you are like me, you’ll still pick up those last-minute gifts on December 24 th .   ...

Looking for light in Daylight Savings       I  don't like daylight savings. I  want light streaming through my windows. I want to walk outside and feel the sun on my face and the shadows of dusk in the evening. But it is November 6 and I am looking out at darkness before 6 p.m. I look forward to December 22. Every day is a little brighter.       Maybe, it's because as I age I don't drive as well at night which seems to shorten a productive day. With darkness comes colder weather. And sometimes I feel like a bear who wants to hibernate      But as in all things in life, you have to find positive things about darkness and cold. So here is my list. See if you agree: Hot Chocolate Fleece lined hats Pea Jackets Wool Scarfs Cashmere Sweaters Cosy slippers Homemade Chili Eagles Football ( just put in your favorite team) Cuddling up with loved ones to stay warm Decorating the Christmas Tree The Mummers (a Philadelphia Tradition) Waking...

 For me the beginning of the school year was a time for joy. New things to learn, new classmates, new books to read, white lined sheet of papers to fill with words.  Autumn was around the corner. The cool brisk air filled the mornings.   I never lost that feeling. I will admit I hate the winter months and the dark dreariness that seeps in but I always looked forward to first day of school.  As a news photographer at a local paper it was a huge event. So were fall sports, especially football. On a Friday night or Saturday morning crowds filled stands, cheerleaders performed intricate stunts and win or lose, all cheered for the players of both teams.  This Friday under the lights, a shooting took place at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill taking the life of a child and injuring others.  A drive-by shooting!  There are no words to express the sadness I feel for the parents who have lost their beautiful daughter.  No words can express the sadnes...

                                     Happy Haunted Halloween                                                                                            All Photos by Anne Neborak  As the pandemic continues, Halloween takes on quite a different tone. Running through haunted houses as goblins breathe on you is not happening this year.  So I am keeping the Halloween alive by walking through cemeteries and looking for spirits. Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill is one of my favorites.   As a child I would go with my Nana to visit her mother who was buried there with her sister.  We walked up the hill to get water from the pump and then water the ge...