Best viewed At Sunnyside. WordPress Reader is misbehaving…again.
The Story
Sunnyside was born many years ago, the name of my fictional home for orphaned children and animals in a story for Mrs. Watson’s eighth grade writing class. A medical degree and six biologic homeschooled children later, Sunnyside became the name of my classical education website, Sunnyside Classical Christian School. (closed). Now entering a new phase of life, I plan to rest and reflect on all things true and beautiful here At Sunnyside.
Who Is This Lovely Woman?
Meet my kindred spirit, Euphemia White Van Rensselear, in my favorite portrait painted by George Healy in 1842. According to The Met, Euphemia Van Rensselaer (1816–1888) was born on the family manor, Rensselaerswyck, near Albany, New York.
Healy painted the portrait in Paris, where he executed works for visiting Americans as well as for the French king, Louis Philippe. He blends both lavish detail and texture with a sensitive portrayal of character before a setting suggestive of the Roman campagna from which the sitter had just returned. The portrait, which shows the influence of the German-born painter Franz Xavier Winterhalter, demonstrates a stunning simplicity, grace, and vivacity rarely equalled in Healy’s oeuvre.
Quote from The Met
And Why Is She My Face to the World?
I was not born in a manor, nor have I been fortunate enough to see the Roman campagna, but I might consider wearing a bright yellow bonnet …. 😉
Look at her body language, and read the expression on her face. I can almost see her raising one eyebrow (politely) at George Healy as he scrutinized her for many hours while he painted. He captured something true about her character that transcends art. This painting says,
Do not underestimate me.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
At Sunnyside we will follow the advice of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who wrote,
A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.
Oh, and here At Sunnyside, civility and common sense are respected. If Johann Wolfgang von Goethe thinks man should seek respite from worldly cares by rejoicing in music, poetry, and art, I have enough good sense to know that he means all of us.
Just don’t tell Mr. Trudeau. Or perhaps someone should? 😉
My Point: While my own worldview is unapologetically Christian, all those respecting civility and common sense, regardless of religious or other preferences, are welcome to join me here At Sunnyside, where I come to search for truth and beauty.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe understands why.
Theme Song At Sunnyside
Hear More
Thanks for Visiting 🌻
~Sunnyside
This post is also found on permanent page Who Am I?
At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet 
Amen!
We are kindred spirits!!
Thanks for finding me and I look forward to getting to know your posts more fully 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Jennifer!
Kindred spirits, indeed! (I even played the flute MANY years ago….lol)
I am thrilled to have discovered your blog — in fact, I already ordered your beautiful book which should arrive on Friday.
Thanks so much for commenting — you have made my day. 🙂
LikeLike
EVR is beautiful. Her eyes catch mine every time I open your blog. WP can be a pain sometimes & this post just reminds me why I follow you. 🤗 Ashley 🌹🙋♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your generous comment, Ashley. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. 🙂🌺
LikeLike
🤍🖤
LikeLiked by 1 person
So enjoy your posts. Bob Rubin, a fellow Christian, who, loves art, poetry and music. I am a retired physician, father of two, one of whom was home schooled, married to an artist, I started writing fiction in seventh grade. Our sweet Lord seems to have placed us on similar tracks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed! I am so happy to know what to call you, Bob. I have long enjoyed your writing but have not been sure which name you prefer. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love her smile and her body language. As for being religious, I am not. I am agnostic and claim to not know. I hope this doesn’t bother you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All are welcome here! 😎🌻
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. It is a wonderfully open way to view our incredible world. 😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that reminds me – I forgot to add a video of my blog theme song to this post. “It’s a Wonderful World”. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts, Cathy. 🙂🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful indeed, your website is such a peaceful place. It enriches and nourishes soul and mind. I love the portrait of this clever and sensitive looking lady. She looks so present. To tell you the truth, I’ve always sensed it was her “you” who I was reading, commenting, following all this time 😊🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Olga. Thank you! 🙂 🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love how you’ve made this portrait our “shortcut” introduction to you! I can’t imagine anyone daring to underestimate you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, Dora, if you only knew the battles behind that statement “Do Not Underestimate Me”, written in 2018. But even today when I look at that portrait I automatically stand up straighter…and persevere. Then I click on my current favorite post and enjoy a few moments of something beautiful. It really helps. 🙂🌻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Praise God! He provides according to our need in the way we need. 🌹🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does, indeed! ❤️🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really enjoyed learning more about the motivation and inspiration behind your site, and the photo. ✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎❤️🌺
LikeLike