It's all about the closing!

I finally got to see my dear friend Leonora's art exhibit in Montclair, New Jersey which ended yesterday. Leonora gave me a private tour and description of her art.  As I said to Leonora, it's much more fashionable these days to attend a closing than an opening!:) Now, if I can only get them to serve champagne and hors d'oeuvres at closings!   Leonora is an artist in every sense of the word, she shoots photography, makes paper and designs jewelry.  One other thing that I discovered is that she has amassed quite an impressive collection of art from other artists.  As difficult as it was to select one of her images that I loved most, I did, and it's this one:

Our glorious afternoon included a healthy walk through her beautiful neighborhood, that oddly enough reminded me of my younger years growing up in New Jersey and biking through the streets of Montclair with friends.  We were not from Montclair, a few neighboring towns over and Orange street ran through all of them.  While sitting and having the most amazing gelato I have ever had in my life(seriously, and I have had it in Italy), I could see Eagle Rock Park and the South Mountains - where my sister and I would go on bike treks up these insane hills - she said I made her, but she's the older sister - now how could I have made her?:)

  

Let's get back to the gelato, Leonora took me to Gelato Guiliana where their award-winning chef from Italy makes the most outrageously delicious gelato that has virtually no fat!  HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE, we asked the lovely owners who happened to be there and emanating pride as they spoke very passionately about their products while suggesting that we try almost every flavor.  They use milk instead of the high butterfat creams found in most American ice creams and no cream at all in their delicious fruit flavors.  Even if you have to catch the train, which is only 25 minutes outside of Manhattan - do, you will not be disappointed!

After visiting an amazing antique store and more walking we ended our afternoon back at Leonora's fabulous "salon" which is what her beautiful home feels like, and sat in her sunroom for great food and conversation.  Oh, and let's not forget her lovely neighborhood horse - how random it was to run into this guy - he was, like my day spent in Montclair - perfect! Thanks Leonora!