An award winning painter who paints in oil, en Plein aire. My purpose is to record life,on canvas, as it happens. To peacefully draw attention to changes to our beautiful world. All paintings are originals, no duplicates. Commissions welcomed.
E-mail: tilston188@yahoo.com
Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston
It is Spring time in Toronto. The lilacs, tulips and iris are in bloom, gardens are overflowing with flowers and al fresco dining is in demand
Mussels and chips
Interior Designer Annette and her sister visited. Annette and I have been friends for more than three decades. It is always a joy for me to research and find a new place to take Annette, as she no longer lives in Toronto. Lunch at the wonderful local restaurant did not disappoint. We overstayed and leave. Our delightful waitress continued to serve us sparkling water and coffee.
Two sisters, Joan and Annette visit the city
Dining room at restaurant
Minimal would describe the decor
Then to the opera to "The Tales of Hoffman". We have seen many productions of The Tales of Hoffman and this was one of the most spectacular. (This short video is of the actual performance we saw)
The architecturally pleasing Four Seasons Centre for the performing arts was designed by Architect
Jack Diamond, who attended the University of Pennsylvania where he studied with Louis Khan.
Ascending these stairs is always an exciting moment.
Hi Helen, The architecture is stunning. How nice that your friend and her sister visited. Sounds like you three had an absolutely delightful day. Love the restaurant's minimalist decor. Have a good day tomorrow! Sanda
A very happy Mother's Day to you too. Annette is one of those friends that is always surprising, always interested in life and has a joyful spirit. She is Acadian (from Prince Edward Island)As young women, we solved many of the world's problems over a bottle of wine until the morning broke) My best Helen xx
Hello Helen: We felt that we were with you all for the entire time as the whole day was exactly the kind of thing we should have so much enjoyed. First the wonderful looking, minimalist restaurant which clearly made you so welcome, and allowed you to linger, and then on to that superbly designed Four Seasons Centre for the opera. Magical.
In an ideal world we should eat out daily and attend the opera each evening so this all sounds to have been perfect.
The more we communicate, the more I feel we are connected in our love for the arts. You said it beautifully, in an ideal world you would dine out and attend the opera. That is perfection for us. The waitress was professional and friendly, the right amount of service and then left us alone.
Its not the restaurant or the place we dine that makes for a good evening!. What makes it so wonderful is the company. How wonderful to be able to spend time with a dear friend. That in itself is food for the soul. I can imagine you both having your meal and talking over old times. Helen, the little simple restaurant looks just fine,cute and shabby chic. I bet the food is delicious. Dinner and the opera. What a perfect way to end the day.
Hello Valerie, You are so right. The company is first and foremost and Annette and I would be happy with a crust of bread and a cup of coffee. (believe me in our single days, that was often the menu). She was one of my bridesmaids. The opera was spectacular, almost 3 hrs and it flew by. My best
I love the new description of "Les Hattats" it rhymes beautifully. I know if we listen to them we can glean some good advice. To a glorious week Helen xx
Mussels and chips... that sounds so lovely Belgian to me :)) I do like opera and all kind of classical music anyway. Sometimes I do assist at New York opera-events which are broadcasted live in our Kinepolis-cinema! All the best to you, have a good Sunday, Marjolijn
Hello Marjolijn Muelles and frittes is different. Belgian food sounds delicious. How great that you get to see the New York "live at the opera" at the cinema. I listen to it on radio and would love to find a cinema like yours. My first opera at the Met was "La Boheme" and how sensational it was. When they raise the chandelier at the Met, it is magical. I enjoy classical music too.
You are wearing black! What happened? I know and I agree: black is THE colour to wear for a nice evening out! Very elegant!
I see that you know how to look after your friends... they are very, very lucky, indeed! Can I come?
Now... the Opera... Helen, when I lived in Italy, young people like me snobbed the opera, as it was considered to be "borghese." I once went to see "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" "The Barber of Seville" at Teatro Petruzzelli, in Bari and... should I advertise this? My legs went very restless and I felt trapped in my seat for a very long time and suffered. It was a bit painful... and (I feel really ashamed, now) but... I... fell... asleep!
I actually love Opera, but I really, really can't sit for a very long time. What can I do? Having said this, I was brought up on Opera. My father knew them all and sang them to me, though he didn't have a Pavarotti type voice. But he knew them all, because... his family had a box, in the most beautiful theatre, in Bari (Teatro Petruzzelli) which was situated on the right of the Royal Box! Yes, they had their own little place right next to where the King of Italy and his family sat, if they happened to be in Bari! Can you imagine that? My father went to the Opera with his family from the age of 2!
Of course, as you grow up, you learn to appreciate your heritage, who you are, where you come from and "things" that really matter. And I have grown up, of course...
I am very proud of being a member of my family, I am proud, very proud to be Italian and I now love Opera, as it belongs to the culture and beautiful language of my Mother Land! In fact.. it makes me very, very emotional! And I'm almost sure that, if I went to see The Barber of Seville now, I would sing along and hopefully wouldn't fall asleep. But then, if I did, who knows, maybe Pavarotti might come back from the dead and sing in my ear: "Nessun dorma, nessun dorma.. tu pure o' pricipessa nella tua tua fredda satanza, che guardi le stelle che tremano d'amore e di speranza! Ma il mio mistero e` chiuso in me.. il nome mio nessun sapra` no... no..." BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BELLISSIMO!
You can indeed come along Anna and it would be a joy to have you with us. I am laughing as I read your introduction to opera and your lack of patience. How delightful to have a father who sang opera to you. (My father had a beautiful voice too and was a champion Irish dancer). Now speaking of Pavarotti, I might have to wrestle you here and vie for his singing in my ear. He is, in my opinion the best of the best and I miss him. Thank God for recordings of his voice. Now you have me humming Nessum dorma.. Bravo, Ciao Bella
Toronto - Canada? Oh I am mixed. What more to add to the other comments! A wonderful day, great company, lovely dining and to top it all - opera. Yes, opera, theater, ballet, I enjoy them. Like to get in the mood, dressed up. Out from the country gear - once in while. Thank you for the bits of extra!
Hello Mette Yes, Toronto Canada it is. I know how you feel. It is great to dress up and have a night of culture. I always feel privileged to look around and appreciate being part of the audience at an opera, where the seating is minimal. When one considers the entire cast of the opera and also the entire orchestra,all on stage for our benefit, it brings tears of joy. Thanks for stopping by Helen xx
Hello Helen...Sounds like you had a wonderful evening out with your long time friends. The meal looks delicious and I love opera! I always drive with it on and have it playing in my studio all the time, nothing brings me to tears faster. I learned Italian just so I could understand what they were saying. Thank you for stopping by my blog it's always a pleasure to hear from you!
Hello Debra It was a most memorable day. I can totally relate to how you feel about opera. I have been known to shed a tear more than once. That is a very good reason to have studied Italian. I continue to grasp an understanding of this beautiful language and always study furiously when a trip to Italy is imminent. It is my pleasure to visit your bautiful blog Helen xx
What a lovely and extraordinary day you had! Being able to linger at lunch with friends is wonderful and the minimal decor is stunning. And then on to the opera at such an exquisite venue. Lovely! I hope your entire weekend has been wonderful. Thank you so much for stopping by and I am your newest follower.
Beautifully captured, Helen. I love the decor of that restaurant which is not only minimalist but seems to me a bit avant garde. It reminds me of a restaurant I visited which had a MushRoom, in which guests ate on cushions around a table close to the floor.
It seems you chose a very appropriate venue for your friends -- and I have to admit, I have never heard live opera.
Hello Suze The decor at Wish is as you describe. I love the sound of the restaurant you refer to and the MushRoom. I am sure it added to the pleasure of the evening.
If you choose to attend an opera, make sure it is a spectacular venue as it will add to the pleasure Hope your week is spectacular Helen xx
I can understand how your time gets used up with all that you do and the horses take up much time. We love opera and concerts as it seems to make one forget real life for those few hours and then we see our world from another perspective. May your week be filled with joy Helen xx
I LOVE THE OPERA and all of these divine images of a time well-enjoyed!!! HELEN MY DEAR! MERCI for coming to visit me. Yes dearest, you are most welcomed to watch and visit all the Paris link bloggers on that day and enjoy. It is basically a post that they will put up for the week and visit each other with the main theme of Paris. I am the one making all the links!!!!
Hello and yes, it was a day to remember. My friend Annette just loves life, discovering and learning and it is always rewarding to plan a day with her. Helen xx
I cannot imagine a day better spent than with a couple of dear friends, eating great food and topped of by the Opera. What an amazing day and thanks for sharing it. J xxx
I adore the Opera, and I have to say that this sounds like the most perfect day - old friends, fine food, the Opera - throw in a couple of hours browsing in antique stores and I'd be in heaven! Paula x
I have to say, I've never seen a real opera. Many musicals, but never opera! I'm not sure how much I would get out of some of them because I know they're in languages I don't speak.
Welcome to my blog and thank you for becoming a follower. There is sub-titles in English above the stage in opera and one can follow along. It is good to read up on the opera and listen to the music prior to going, then you will get a great sense of the art of opera. Give it a try.
It sounds like a perfect evening Helen. I've yet to really come to opera but the French film ' Diva' from the 1980's did cast a spell. Have you ever seen it? Jane xx
i can say that the venue is beautiful... but i would rather see Michael Feinstein there. i don't love operas. it's the language thing. when i have attended operas they had sub-titles above the stage and i didn't to read. i wanted to watch and listen.
What memories you are making with these extraordinary days! I love the Opera and classical music. You lift me up with these photos and your descriptions. Enjoy your weekend!
How appreciated you make us all feel when you share events with us. I love all the arts and we don't seem to have enough time to share everything with everyone we truly "need" to spend time with. You've shared something that will not come together in space and time again. This is Special indeed!
love the photos and your blog! Would you like to visit my blog? If you want, we can follow each-other and I'm already following :) :) cheers! Follow thefashiontwice.com facebook page GIVEAWAY HERE
Great Place and Awesome FOOD! As a Filipino, I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decors of this place! We came here for our wedding anniversary & enjoyed this fine dining place in town. Lovely food with excellent service always attentive without being intrusive. Legit!
I am delighted to hear that you had a good dining experience at Wish. It is a favourite of ours and I love that they change the decor every month or so. The food is delicious too.
Hi Helen,
ReplyDeleteThe architecture is stunning. How nice that your friend and her sister visited. Sounds like you three had an absolutely delightful day. Love the restaurant's minimalist decor. Have a good day tomorrow!
Sanda
Hello Sanda
DeleteA very happy Mother's Day to you too.
Annette is one of those friends that is always surprising, always interested in life and has a joyful spirit. She is Acadian (from Prince Edward Island)As young women, we solved many of the world's problems over a bottle of wine until the morning broke)
My best
Helen xx
What a wonderful time! Fabulous photos!
ReplyDeleteHello Elizabeth
DeleteIt was indeed a memorable day and I have fond and beautiful memories.
Have a wonderful week
Helen xx
Hello Helen:
ReplyDeleteWe felt that we were with you all for the entire time as the whole day was exactly the kind of thing we should have so much enjoyed. First the wonderful looking, minimalist restaurant which clearly made you so welcome, and allowed you to linger, and then on to that superbly designed Four Seasons Centre for the opera. Magical.
In an ideal world we should eat out daily and attend the opera each evening so this all sounds to have been perfect.
Hello Jane and Lance
DeleteThe more we communicate, the more I feel we are connected in our love for the arts. You said it beautifully, in an ideal world you would dine out and attend the opera. That is perfection for us.
The waitress was professional and friendly, the right amount of service and then left us alone.
Wishing you a glorious day
Helen xx
Its not the restaurant or the place we dine that makes for a good evening!. What makes it so wonderful is the company. How wonderful to be able to spend time with a dear friend. That in itself is food for the soul. I can imagine you both having your meal and talking over old times.
ReplyDeleteHelen, the little simple restaurant looks just fine,cute and shabby chic. I bet the food is delicious.
Dinner and the opera. What a perfect way to end the day.
Hello Valerie, You are so right. The company is first and foremost and Annette and I would be happy with a crust of bread and a cup of coffee. (believe me in our single days, that was often the menu). She was one of my bridesmaids.
DeleteThe opera was spectacular, almost 3 hrs and it flew by.
My best
Helen xx
I have to agree with Les Hattats--that sounds to be a perfect day to me! It all looks absolutely wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHello Heather
DeleteI love the new description of "Les Hattats" it rhymes beautifully. I know if we listen to them we can glean some good advice.
To a glorious week
Helen xx
Mussels and chips... that sounds so lovely Belgian to me :))
ReplyDeleteI do like opera and all kind of classical music anyway. Sometimes I do assist at New York opera-events which are broadcasted live in our Kinepolis-cinema!
All the best to you, have a good Sunday,
Marjolijn
Hello Marjolijn
DeleteMuelles and frittes is different. Belgian food sounds delicious.
How great that you get to see the New York "live at the opera" at the cinema. I listen to it on radio and would love to find a cinema like yours. My first opera at the Met was "La Boheme" and how sensational it was. When they raise the chandelier at the Met, it is magical. I enjoy classical music too.
Have a glorious week.
Helenxx
Dear Helen,
ReplyDeleteYou are wearing black! What happened? I know and I agree: black is THE colour to wear for a nice evening out! Very elegant!
I see that you know how to look after your friends... they are very, very lucky, indeed! Can I come?
Now... the Opera... Helen, when I lived in Italy, young people like me snobbed the opera, as it was considered to be "borghese." I once went to see "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" "The Barber of Seville" at Teatro Petruzzelli, in Bari and... should I advertise this? My legs went very restless and I felt trapped in my seat for a very long time and suffered. It was a bit painful... and (I feel really ashamed, now) but... I... fell... asleep!
I actually love Opera, but I really, really can't sit for a very long time. What can I do? Having said this, I was brought up on Opera. My father knew them all and sang them to me, though he didn't have a Pavarotti type voice. But he knew them all, because... his family had a box, in the most beautiful theatre, in Bari (Teatro Petruzzelli) which was situated on the right of the Royal Box! Yes, they had their own little place right next to where the King of Italy and his family sat, if they happened to be in Bari! Can you imagine that? My father went to the Opera with his family from the age of 2!
Of course, as you grow up, you learn to appreciate your heritage, who you are, where you come from and "things" that really matter. And I have grown up, of course...
I am very proud of being a member of my family, I am proud, very proud to be Italian and I now love Opera, as it belongs to the culture and beautiful language of my Mother Land! In fact.. it makes me very, very emotional! And I'm almost sure that, if I went to see The Barber of Seville now, I would sing along and hopefully wouldn't fall asleep. But then, if I did, who knows, maybe Pavarotti might come back from the dead and sing in my ear: "Nessun dorma, nessun dorma.. tu pure o' pricipessa nella tua tua fredda satanza, che guardi le stelle che tremano d'amore e di speranza! Ma il mio mistero e` chiuso in me.. il nome mio nessun sapra` no... no..." BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BELLISSIMO!
CIAO!
ANNA
xxx
Hello Essie
ReplyDeleteIt was a perfect day and the weather co-operated, sunshine and that spring like warmth.
Hope your week is very special
Helen xx
Hello Anna
ReplyDeleteYou can indeed come along Anna and it would be a joy to have you with us. I am laughing as I read your introduction to opera and your lack of patience.
How delightful to have a father who sang opera to you. (My father had a beautiful voice too and was a champion Irish dancer). Now speaking of Pavarotti, I might have to wrestle you here and vie for his singing in my ear. He is, in my opinion the best of the best and I miss him. Thank God for recordings of his voice.
Now you have me humming Nessum dorma..
Bravo, Ciao Bella
Helen xx
Welcome back to Toronto....that restaurant looks charming. Toronto is the nicest in the Spring...
ReplyDeleteThank you Chania for your welcome message.
DeleteSpring is beautiful and one of my favourite seasons and yes, Toronto seems to blossom then.
Hope your week is special
Helen x
Toronto - Canada?
ReplyDeleteOh I am mixed. What more to add to the other comments!
A wonderful day, great company, lovely dining and to top it all - opera.
Yes, opera, theater, ballet, I enjoy them. Like to get in the mood, dressed up. Out from the country gear - once in while.
Thank you for the bits of extra!
Hello Mette
DeleteYes, Toronto Canada it is.
I know how you feel. It is great to dress up and have a night of culture. I always feel privileged to look around and appreciate being part of the audience at an opera, where the seating is minimal. When one considers the entire cast of the opera and also the entire orchestra,all on stage for our benefit, it brings tears of joy.
Thanks for stopping by
Helen xx
Hello Helen...Sounds like you had a wonderful evening out with your long time friends. The meal looks delicious and I love opera! I always drive with it on and have it playing in my studio all the time, nothing brings me to tears faster. I learned Italian just so I could understand what they were saying. Thank you for stopping by my blog it's always a pleasure to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your evening!
XX
Debra~
Hello Debra
DeleteIt was a most memorable day. I can totally relate to how you feel about opera. I have been known to shed a tear more than once. That is a very good reason to have studied Italian. I continue to grasp an understanding of this beautiful language and always study furiously when a trip to Italy is imminent.
It is my pleasure to visit your bautiful blog
Helen xx
What a lovely and extraordinary day you had! Being able to linger at lunch with friends is wonderful and the minimal decor is stunning. And then on to the opera at such an exquisite venue. Lovely! I hope your entire weekend has been wonderful. Thank you so much for stopping by and I am your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteHello and may I extend a big warm welcome to you. Thank you for becoming my newest follower.
DeleteWe had a wonderful day and then the opera still has me singing.
Hope you have a wonderful week
Helen xx
A delightful experience with your dear friends Helen.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting me!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hello Karena
DeleteThank you for visiting and a warm welcome.
It was a delightful day.
Wishing you a wonderful week
Helen xx
Beautifully captured, Helen. I love the decor of that restaurant which is not only minimalist but seems to me a bit avant garde. It reminds me of a restaurant I visited which had a MushRoom, in which guests ate on cushions around a table close to the floor.
ReplyDeleteIt seems you chose a very appropriate venue for your friends -- and I have to admit, I have never heard live opera.
Hello Suze
DeleteThe decor at Wish is as you describe. I love the sound of the restaurant you refer to and the MushRoom. I am sure it added to the pleasure of the evening.
If you choose to attend an opera, make sure it is a spectacular venue as it will add to the pleasure
Hope your week is spectacular
Helen xx
Oh my! What a grand time you had!!! Good for you!! Have a wonderful week! Cathy
ReplyDeleteHello Cathy
DeleteThanks for your good wishes. It was a wonderful day and evening.
Hope your week is very special
Helenxx
Love it! Took my baby Betty grandbaby to see the Nutcracker and am in love with all the pompe!
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful to introduce your grandbaby Betty to the arts. She will grow up with an appreciation.
DeleteHave a great week
Helen xx
Oh I haven't been to the opera or a concert in w-a-a-y too long. Thank you for including the little video, the soundtrack is beautiful.
ReplyDeletesharon
x
Hello Sharon
DeleteI can understand how your time gets used up with all that you do and the horses take up much time. We love opera and concerts as it seems to make one forget real life for those few hours and then we see our world from another perspective.
May your week be filled with joy
Helen xx
Thank you so very much! It all looks stunning and interesting and cheerful! The Tales of Hoffman is an opera I adore! Christa
ReplyDeleteHello Christa
DeleteThe music in the Tales of Hoffman is familiar and beautiful.
I love Olympia and to see her in different productions is always so humerous.
Helen xx
Wow...what a beautiful day that must have been!!!!
ReplyDeleteKristin xx
Hello Kristin
DeleteThanks for your comment and yes it was a memorable and beautiful day. Sometimes when we post about it, it adds to the memory
Helen xx
I LOVE THE OPERA and all of these divine images of a time well-enjoyed!!! HELEN MY DEAR! MERCI for coming to visit me. Yes dearest, you are most welcomed to watch and visit all the Paris link bloggers on that day and enjoy. It is basically a post that they will put up for the week and visit each other with the main theme of Paris. I am the one making all the links!!!!
ReplyDeleteENJOY A BEAUTIFUL DAY! Anita
Hello Anita
DeleteI somehow knew as a harpist you would love Opera too.
Your upcoming blog on Paris will be of interest to me.
Hope your week is spectacular
Helen xx
Sounds like you had a fabulous day out Helen!
ReplyDeletexx
Hello and yes, it was a day to remember.
DeleteMy friend Annette just loves life, discovering and learning and it is always rewarding to plan a day with her.
Helen xx
I cannot imagine a day better spent than with a couple of dear friends, eating great food and topped of by the Opera. What an amazing day and thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteJ xxx
Hello Janette
DeleteThanks for stopping in. It was a most memorable day indeed.
Hope you have a great weekend
Helen xx
Spectacular opera house!! Yes, I adore opera, except for the high sopranos. My mother was a contralto and I liked her range.
ReplyDeleteHello Becky
DeleteThat must have been wonderful having a mother as an opera singer. Did she wake you up each morning singing?
Helen xx
I adore the Opera, and I have to say that this sounds like the most perfect day - old friends, fine food, the Opera - throw in a couple of hours browsing in antique stores and I'd be in heaven!
ReplyDeletePaula x
Hello Paula
DeleteI knew there was something missing, we needed you along with us to add to the joy. I love antique stores and it would have added more joy to our day
Helen xx
What an outstanding way to spend a day! The restaurant looks wonderful! The Four Seasons Center is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHello Jacqueline,
DeleteYes the Four Seasons Opera House has an aura about it. Ascending the stairs is always so exciting.
Hope your weekend is very special
Helen xx
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I've never seen a real opera. Many musicals, but never opera! I'm not sure how much I would get out of some of them because I know they're in languages I don't speak.
Hello Paige
DeleteWelcome to my blog and thank you for becoming a follower.
There is sub-titles in English above the stage in opera and one can follow along. It is good to read up on the opera and listen to the music prior to going, then you will get a great sense of the art of opera.
Give it a try.
Helenxx
I am totally envious of your wonderful day. Food, good company and opera: bliss!
ReplyDeleteHello Friko
ReplyDeleteIt was a glorious day and all the ingredients worked.
Have a great weekend
Helenx
It sounds like a perfect evening Helen. I've yet to really come to opera but the French film ' Diva' from the 1980's did cast a spell. Have you ever seen it? Jane xx
ReplyDeletei can say that the venue is beautiful...
ReplyDeletebut i would rather see Michael Feinstein there.
i don't love operas.
it's the language thing.
when i have attended operas they had sub-titles above the stage
and i didn't to read.
i wanted to watch and listen.
thanks for sharing with us
;)
oh Helen what an amazing day! I've never been to the opera but this sure puts it on my short list of things to do! have a wonderful weekend! Stacy
ReplyDeleteWhat memories you are making with these extraordinary days! I love the Opera and classical music. You lift me up with these photos and your descriptions. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHelen,
ReplyDeleteHow appreciated you make us all feel when you share events with us. I love all the arts and we don't seem to have enough time to share everything with everyone we truly "need" to spend time with. You've shared something that will not come together in space and time again. This is Special indeed!
Bette
love the photos and your blog! Would you like to visit my blog? If you want, we can follow each-other and I'm already following :) :) cheers!
ReplyDeleteFollow
thefashiontwice.com
facebook page
GIVEAWAY HERE
Great Place and Awesome FOOD! As a Filipino, I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and decors of this place! We came here for our wedding anniversary & enjoyed this fine dining place in town. Lovely food with excellent service always attentive without being intrusive. Legit!
ReplyDeleteI am delighted to hear that you had a good dining experience at Wish. It is a favourite of ours and I love that they change the decor every month or so. The food is delicious too.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy anniversary and great year
Helenxx