India: Street Scenes

In the streets of India, stories abound. I attempted to provide a glimpse of the sheer variety, beauty, struggles, determination and ingenuity that is so present. Dentist and barbers can be found side by side on street corners. Monkeys, camels, elephants and sacred cows are a common site amidst the trucks and motorcycles. Markets are teaming with goods and local produce. The streets are so dynamic and call one to explore and become immersed in its rhythms.

India Street Scenes from Frances Schwabenland on Vimeo.

"Gotta Have A Sense of Humor"

Yesterday on a local television station, a photograph was shown of a small church with a sign saying, "If you are the one praying for snow, please stop!" I thought that was great...with all the foreboding news, someone still had a sense of humor!
So I continue to go out (I am trading in my mini cooper for an all wheel drive though!), have fun and look for the beauty in the muted colors within a backdrop of white and gray. Picturesque scenes with a true quiet elegance.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

Looking for an experience to get you into the Halloween mood (in between the World Series games), I highly recommend the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. History meets intrigue!

Masonic Temple, Philadelphia

I am presently working on a video focusing on the Masonic Temple located at One North Broad Street. Philadelphia is known as the mother city of Freemasonry in America and this architectural marvel is "unlike anything else in the nation or the world, according to architects and artists." The entire temple is a tribute to the Master Builders yet each only provided one mark of identification - a thumb print which when combined add to the entire aesthetic vision. The unique designs of the lodge rooms speak in the language of architecture from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Germany, France, Scotland and England. The library and museum have one of the finest collections of Masonic treasures and artifacts in the world. One can see the Masonic Sash worn by Benjamin Franklin when he was the Worshipful Master and the Masonic Apron

of George Washington. A visitor cannot help but be so struck by the beauty, intricate details, rich historical information and the commitment of this brotherhood to the four cardinal virtues- temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.

The Crepe as an Art Form

 In the heart of University City at 33rd and Market, there is one unassuming street vendor whose creativity and resilience knows no bounds. Mr. Chojnacki is a gifted artist.  His sculptures can be found in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian but unfortunately, the down turn in the economy has taken a toll on many artists.  Drawing upon his days in Europe, growing up eating delicious crepes, Chojnacki turned to creating another type of art...and his crepes are just that! I thoroughly enjoyed watching his precision in forming the crepe and being so thoughtful with each and every item placed inside.  He has quite a variety to satisfy the hunger pangs of those wishing breakfast or lunch.  For those just looking for something sweet, he has enough fruit and chocolate and whipped cream to hit the spot. If you are lucky enough to go enjoy the conversation and savor another form of art!

Philadelphia Flower Show

With 9 inches of snow here in Philadelphia, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show and be transported to Italy.  Flourishing gardens, villas, free flowing fountains and wine tasting...these sensual delights enabled me to experience the fullness of spring and know that the true fruiting of that promising time was not that long off.  Ciao!

The Largest Folk Festival in the US

If you are unable to go to Venice for the Carnival, the next best thing is Philadelphia on New Year's Day!  The stage is Broad Street and it is transformed into a sea of sequins, feathers and over 10,000 comics and musicians carrying on a tradition which began in 1901.  If you would like to see more, my video is on You Tube under francesanne24.