I long to travel in bygone opulence on a luxury train, where I can read murder mysteries in a private stateroom with tea and crumpets hand delivered by a man wearing white gloves. I recently found the Royal Canadian Pacific and have started to plan my escape. I’m torn between lumbering through the Rockies and watching golden sunsets or pleasing my palate on the Culinary, Wine and Music Experience. hmmm, I wonder which one Pioirot would choose. ~the daily muse

Move over recycle bins – you are so 2000.  I’m moving onward and upward to sustainable food. I will now only eat things without additives, pesticides or cloning,  where animals were not mistreated, where antibiotics are not used, where there is biodiversity and pollution is non existent! O.k., maybe that’s a little overboard for me.  In reality, I’m starting to buy more locally grown food and trying to become more of a regular in the organic aisles. A couple of  interesting sites called Sustainable Table and the Eat Well Guide provide helpful tips on how to find and eat healthier foods that sustain rather than destroy the environment.  Good eating! ~the daily muse

My 90 year old mother-in-law has built a lifetime of memories and witnessed volumes of history both personal and shared.  It was only during my last trek with her through the mountains of Virginia that I began to really appreciate her equity of life lessons and experiences.  Wall Street may be falling, but now is a good time invest in the life stock of those around us.   I’m using a company called Good Stock Press and Bindery to create my family’s story.  I think it might just be a best seller.   ~the daily muse

­ ...unless you care about education, the world, health care, global warming, terrorism, the 1st Amendment, the 19th Amendment, heck all the Amendments. If you care, register to vote before it’s too late.   To find the closest place to register to vote, go to: http://maps.google.com/vote ~the daily “voting” muse

A good friend recently made me a pillow of bright, bold flowers out of fabric from Marimekko®.   I love the modern, clean design with a touch of whimsy that makes me smile.   It inspired me to get crafty.   This lasted about three mouse clicks.  Along the way I realized that Marimekko has concept stores online that feature an entire line of fashion, housewares, furniture, you name it, all in the funky fun patterns I love.  Bags and dresses and wallpaper, oh my!   Marimekko Concept Store - New York ­Marimekko Concept Store - Washington DC ~the daily muse