In a place far way

Many years ago, (1971) I had the opportunity to
be an exchange student in the Netherlands.

The family I lived with had a family member that was part of the Dutch
resistance during the war.
He shared remarkable stories of hardship, bravery beyond belief,
and what it was like when the Americans arrived.
They felt it was very important for me to see where
many of those brave men were buried.
It was a very moving experience.

My father was a veteran of WW2.
He didn't really talk about his experiences.
I think they must have been too painful.
I know the sacrifices that generation made changed the world as we see it.

And now, I have my own soldier son.
I am so grateful for the sacrifices that these young men and women
are making on our behalf.
If I were younger, I don't know if I could step up to the plate the way they have.
I am so proud of our military.
While I adore all things French, I am very proud to be an
American and an Army mom.

God Bless our military

We know it is Fall when Pierre arrives

Let me introduce you to Pierre.
Of course he has a French name.

We moved into our home in July of 2005.
A week after moving in, my dad became very ill and passed away.
A very sad time.

My dad's birthday is in September. A few days after his birthday, Pierre showed up.
I was standing outside and he flew right up on the fence.
I gave him some nibbles (sorry Tommy), he ate them and then flew away.

But, he kept coming back.
He doesn't like bird seed, he prefers other goodies.
Every Fall, he shows up.

I will be in the kitchen or living room and there he is, staring in the window at me.
He visits throughout the day during the fall and winter.

When the serious heat arrives, he leaves.
This bird is a lot smarter than we are-hehe.
I like to think he flies to northern AZ for the summer.

I look forward to his visits. May four years become five.

Have a fantastic weekend.
I know part of mine will be spent visiting Pierre.

I know it is over but.....

I have some pictures of the ladies from Halloween to share with you.

Hailey is on the left (Juliette)
Annika is in the middle (fairy)
Jayde is a vampire.

Their new neighbor and friend on base, did the hair and makeup.
Cash was left as is-hehe.

Boy, do I miss them!

A whole lot of Frenchness going on

I spend quite a bit of time sitting in waiting rooms with my son.
I'm not complaining, just stating the facts.

Recently, I was sitting there and picked up this magazine.
I was hungry and the burger on the cover had my name all over it.

When I started looking through it, I was shocked to find that one of the best new valley restaurants was in my neighborhood and it is FRENCH.
Seriously- WE COULD WALK to it.

When I told Hubby, he was just as excited as I was.
We put a visit on our "short list".
We had lunch (both of us had the Cabernet Burger that was featured on the cover)
and it was a fantastic experience.
Kiersten and Snir Mor are the chefs/owners.
They actually met in Paris at Culinary school.
So romantic.
They created a little bit of France right in our neighborhood.
YAY, double yay!
I could make this a daily walk.

When we were leaving, hubby asked Snir "why here"?
Well, it turns out that they have a little one and the grandparents live close by.
Viva la grandparents.
I am so glad they all left France-our gain.

Above, are two books I picked up recently.
I adore Mireille Guiliano and have her other books (French Women Don't get Fat- see, I really must be French-hehe and French Women for all Seasons).

While I haven't started reading it yet, I know I will love it.
I'll let you know.

Any book about Coco Chanel has to be a winner.
The Gospel According To Coco Chanel- Life Lessons From The World's
Most Elegant Woman by Karen Karbo and illustrated by Chesley McLaren,
looks tres chic.
Can't wait to start reading.



I have been adding many French, Dutch, Italian, inspired items to The French Elements.
I can't believe that Christmas is next month. Yikes!

Last but certainly not least

is this sweet award that came from Marie.
She is one talented lady and has a beautiful blog.
If you haven't visited her, you really need to.
Thank you my friend.

I am passing this along to everyone that visits my blog.
It doesn't matter whether you leave a comment or not.
You are all the icing on my cake.
You know I love my icing.

Happy Monday.

Boo to you!

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and boo-ti-ful
Halloween.

Doesn't he look French with his beret?

It's an anniversary - a very special one

A little of this and that

Wow, it has been a week since my last post.
It has been a little crazy around here.
My son was hospitalized briefly but is back home and doing much better.
Bless his heart!

I thought I would share some vintage postcards, etc. with you.
Feel free to snatch them up and use them in your projects.

The invitation above is from 1899.
A Social Hop- sounds like it was fun.

I bet Frieda was a lovely Jenny Lind.

You know I love Nice.
Enough said-hehe.

Can you see the ladies looking out of the windows?

Aren't these wonderful?
These are a few of my favorite little treasures.


This is a little preview of a new Holiday pillow.
This is my therapy. Quiet time.
I haven't had much time to work on anything but when I do, I consider it a Blessing.

I can't wait to catch up on my blog visits. You miss a day.......
you miss so much.

Hugs to everyone.

The gift winds have blown in change......

On September 12th, I did a post regarding a monthly giveaway
from The French Elements.

Well, it is not the end of the month, and a granddaughter did not pick the number but
today is the day.

My youngest son wanted to pick the number and wanted it to be posted today.
His health situation is not so good right now and I have learned over the years to listen.
The lucky number is 57.
The winner is Theresa.
He wanted to count backwards from 63 and that is what we did.

Theresa, you have won an embroidered French Holiday pillow and the most fabulous cleanser from Chanel.
Something French for your home and something French for you.

Enjoy!

November will be here before we know it so if you are interested in winning, you know what to do.

Have a wonderful rest of the week.