Audubon Original Watercolors at New-York Historical Society

You'll have to wait another 10 years to see the 40 original watercolors by James Audubon now on view at the New-York Historical Society until April 5th. Due to their sensitivity to light, these national treasures can only be exhibited for a short period, then are returned to storage, not to be shown again for another 10 years. 

We never gave much thought to what Audubon went through to create his monumental Birds of America until we read Audubon, Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier by Jennifer Armstrong with fabulous illustrations by Jos. A. Smith.

This was one brave, rugged, intrepid adventurer. Today he'd have an action figure and no doubt his own line of wilderness gear. On his travels he encountered wolves, bears and Daniel Boone; survived an earthquake; sought shelter in a hollow tree that turned out to be home for a thousand or so swifts; and watched amazed one noon as a solid mass of passenger pigeons filled the sky, blocking out the sun as if there'd been an eclipse, flapping wings creating a roar and leaving behind copious amounts of bird poop.

We have two copies left. It's a great gift for a budding explorer, naturalist or lover of daring-do.

The Dozen Red Roses Dilemma

Come Valentine's Day, a dozen red roses is like a default setting. You can't go too far wrong but you also miss the opportunity for something imaginative, personal, unique. It all comes down to expectations. If you know that's what she expects, by all means, go for it. If you're not sure, here's your opportunity to be a hero.

If you know her favorite flower, you're ahead of the game. If you're married, ask her mother or best friend what kind of flowers she chose for your wedding. Bonus points if you remember on your own.

Consider red roses mixed with other elements like this dramatic arrangement with peonies and sugar cane:

Know her favorite colors? Then just use red as a romantic accent:

Does she dream of the garden she'll one day tend? Choose a few exquisitely fragrant garden roses and a book to feed her imagination and she'll applaud your thoughtfulness.

Or keep the romance going. Give her a special vase and the promise of gorgeous blooms all year long.