Just Amazing!

My Sweet DIL sent me an email that just had me floored. The art work is that of Julian Beever.

He is an Englishman that creates his work on the pavements of Europe and around the world.

He uses chalk and as you can see, his artwork jumps out at you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.






























































O.K, a duplicate but worth a second look.















































What did you think?

If it is Friday....

it must be my husband rocks!
Again, thank you Katy Lin for starting a Friday tradition.

Since my hubby is camera shy, this picture is standing in for him today.
It was taken in Utah a couple of years ago.

The sign is appropriate because he does lift me up. He realizes from time to time I do need a little extra "support". When life gets a bit difficult, he is the first one that offers words of encouragement and support.

With the FDA Globalization act of 2008 looming over the future of small business owners, he knows that I am concerned. The words of wisdom came, "If this door is closed, one will open that will be even better than you could imagine".
How great is that? Rock on Hubby!

Food for thought- FDA Globalization Act of 2008

I wanted to share with you something that has been on my mind for a few weeks.

It will impact thousands of small businesses including mine, if it is passed.
I believe it may start with cosmetics but will eventually roll over to those that make anything and sell it whether online, at a craft fair, etc.

The committee on Energy and Commerce is looking at how to provide adequate funding for the FDA. If you would like to take a look at this
you will be able to read more about it.

I like to have a choice when purchasing products. I buy a lot of Indie products but I will also buy from larger companies. If this goes through, there will be no choice. We will be purchasing from the big guys only. Many companies will be put out of business and it will certainly impact the already shaky economy. I know in my case I deal with a quite a few companies- packaging needs, labels, web hosting, paypal, ingredients, even the United States Postal Service.
It will have a great impact.

I am posting a link to the Indie Business blog
where you can read more about The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.
I signed the petition to stop it. I like to have choices and I believe in the American dream.

If you have a chance, please visit the link. This effects all of us.

I'm so excited!

Tattingchic
made my day by giving me this award. I hadn't had the best of days and when I saw this it perked me right up. She is a sweetie and has an abundance of talent. Many thanks my friend.

I can't believe that last year at this time I didn't really know what a blog was. I have met so many extraordinary people and have learned so much.
Now I get to pass this award to 5 who make my day. Each deserve it and I just love their blogs!

But first the rules:

1. write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think or make my day.

2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.

3. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.

Please visit: Charm and grace cottage
The Great adventure
Live, Laugh, Love
Attic Clutter
French Village Life


Yay Ladies!

My husband rocks Friday!

What is missing today? A picture. My husband is kind of camera shy. I am surprised we had the previous shot from a Christmas party. I guess I could always post up a wedding picture.

Katy Lin
at The Great Adventure has a wonderful Friday theme. Since I think my husband rocks, I will try to faithfully participate every Friday.

My husband works pretty long hours like many do. He always calls on his lunch hour and of course the subject of dinner comes up. We both like to eat. A lot! Quite often he will announce he is cooking.
He is a great cook so I have no objections. He is very creative in the kitchen and on the grill. With the intense summer heat, the last thing I would want to be doing is standing outside grilling. He loves it! Wind, rain, whatever the weather, he is my grill man.

So, this post is to you my fabulous grill man.

P.S. Tattingchic

Gave me a wonderful award that just tickled me pink. Another post will be up hopefully later on today. Thank you my friend.

Tag Thursday

The other day I was tagged by Miss Vee over at A Haven for Vee.
Her blog will take your breath away. She is a truly gifted writer. Right from the heart!

Here goes.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

10 years ago was an interesting time for me. Very low points to very high points. My son spent quite a lot of time in Phoenix Children's Hospital.
A very difficult time. We had planned a trip and thought we would be canceling it. As his health improved, so did his desire to see EuroDisney. I can't remember if it was called EuroDisney at that time or Disneyland Paris. I do know we had a marvelous time even though it was sooo cold!

2. 5 things on my "to do" list

Take my laptop in for service. I locked myself out and can't "break the code". Try all the recipes that I have found through my blog friends as well as all my cookbooks. Yum! I definitely need to organize some pictures and purchase more scrapbooks. Katy Lin has inspired me to reorganize my office. Please check it out, you'll love her wall calendar. Last but not least, enjoy the summer. Heat and all!

3. 5 snacks I enjoy

M&M's, all types of puddings, Ice cream, cantaloupe, all types of pastry.

4. 5 things I would do if I were a millionaire/billionaire.

Billionaire would allow me to do more so...

When my youngest son was just a pup and spending so much time in PC Hospital they had very limited parking. At that time they were a hospital within a hospital. They had several floors within Good Samaritan Hospital. Parking was always a problem and what I considered a great waste of time.
I used to say that if I won the lottery, I would build them another parking garage.
They now are a free standing hospital and going through a major renovation. I would donate some serious cash to help them along. They are truly wonderful.

I would donate a huge sum to JDRF. A cure is within sight!
I would pay my son and DIL's house off, set up college funds for the girls, trust funds for my sons and do some traveling.
I could keep this list going forever but won't.

5. 5 places I have lived

Michigan, Switzerland, California, Washington, Arizona

Now, I am tagging 5 people to answer the same questions.
I know everyone is busy so if you can't participate, no worries.

Tag, you're next:

Anita at Vie Chaotique
Janet at Shabbyfufu
Becky at Wonders never cease
Cielo at House in roses
KarenEileen at KarenEileen

Have fun with this!

More required reading for the Francophile

As you know, I am a reader. Where ever I go, I have a book in my bag just in case
there is a chance to read a page or two.

These 3 are some of my favorites.

The Paris Apartment by Claudia Strasser is filled with wonderful ideas on how to create a romantic home on a flea market budget. I love the blog too.


We've Always Had Paris...And Provence (A scrapbook of our life in France) by Patricia and Walter Wells will take you on a wonderful journey. I collect her books and when I saw this, I knew it was going home with me. Their story is charming and the recipes.......you know they are sensational. They have also included many photo's.


French by Heart - An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France by Rebecca S. Ramsey
is really a charming story. It is also one of the funniest books I have ever read. In fact, one night after DH had fallen asleep, I woke him up with my laughter. It is that funny!
You will see what life is like when you are not French but living in a French Community. You definitely will be taken on a wonderful adventure.
Her blog is so much fun also.

Happy reading!

Happy Father's Day and a tag

Happy Father's Day to all the men out there that have been blessed with being a father.
My dad passed away 3 years ago. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him.
I don't have many pictures of the two of us together (movie camera's became popular when I was a kid). I'm not sure how old I was in the picture above. What I see is how my dad held me up then and still lifts me up now.


My dad was a barber and this is a picture of him cutting my oldest son's hair. I wanted my dad to give the first haircut. Since we lived in California and he lived in Florida, the hair was quite long for the "first cut". My son is a father now to 3 precious little girls and I'm so proud of the man he has become. Happy Father's Day honey!

This is my youngest son getting his first haircut in our garage in California. Love those curls!
I call this day "Happy Uncle's Day" as he is a mighty fine uncle. He thinks his nieces Rock!
Happy Uncle's Day sweet pea!

Of course, Happy Father's day to my hubby. You are a terrific father and grandfather. You love unconditionally and the kids love you right back.



And now for the tag..... Katy Lin
at The Great Adventure has tagged me and I need to share some things you may not know about me.

But first the rules:

1. Link back to the person that tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Share 6 unimportant things about yourself.

4. Tag 4 people at the end of your entry.





6 things you may not know about me

1. I will sing at the drop of a hat (off key and always with the radio).
Make a joyful noise even if it is horrible sounding!

2. Last year at this time, I wasn't sure what a blog was.

3. I can eat like a horse (I don't look like it but I can pack it away with the best of them).

4. I'm afraid of motorcycles but would love a scooter. Preferably a vintage Vespa.

5. I love my age. 54 and counting!

6. I do a happy dance daily.

Now, I tag Stephanie
Lorrie
Tattingchic
Amanda Jo


Have fun!

My Husband Rocks!

Katy Lin over at The great adventure
came up with a marvelous Friday theme-My husband rocks.
She is a newlywed and really is committed to honoring her marriage. When I read her post last week, I decided to participate as well.

I consider myself a newlywed also. October 10th we will celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Yay! My oldest son introduced us (yes, he was playing match maker). Ray was Jeff and Dorothy's neighbor. In fact he knew Jayde from the time she was born. My youngest son would go over and visit his brother so he knew Ray as well. Talk about fate!

My husband rocks for many reasons. He gives unconditional love not only to me but my children. He thinks of them as he would his own. He adores our granddaughters. He makes me laugh, he is there for me when I need to cry. He is supportive of whatever I would like to do. I think he brings the best out of me.
He also has the ability to bring the best out of others.

I still pinch myself sometimes- love at almost 50! I am living proof that miracles occur.

Vintage quilts

When Jayde was visiting she announced that she has learned to crochet. I told her my grandma was
very crafty and loved to crochet, embroider and quilt. I have so many amazing items that she called her "fancy work".
Jayde is working on a "top secret" project but she said she would teach me to crochet when she was finished.
How sweet is that?

I pulled out quilts that my grandma had made. The little girl is me. My initials are on the lunch pail and the year 1959 is when I started kindergarten. Almost 50 years ago.


Here is a shot of the entire quilt. Very much loved.















This quilt was made by my great-grandma. I'm not sure of its age but it is in beautiful condition.

My grandma was working on a quilt top when her eyesight started to go.
She gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first son 30 years ago. She passed away shortly after that.
Although I have never quilted, I think it is time to buy quilting 101 and finish it.

Pictures from a lovely wedding

Junior bridesmaid Jayde
The beautiful bride Carolynn with her 2 flowergirls. Hailey my 6 year old granddaughter is at the right.
How lovely are they?
Jayde with her groomsman
The 2 precious flowergirls
My girls (daughter in law Dorothy, Jayde, and Hailey)
Carolynn and Jayde
My Dancing Queens

Thank you for indulging me. Recently my 2 oldest granddaughters were in their first wedding.
Dorothy's good friend Carolynn, was planning her wedding and asked both girls to be in the wedding party. Oh were they excited. Beautiful dresses, hair "just so". What more could 2 little girls ask for? When I saw the pictures yesterday, I knew I had to share them.
I am still smiling.

Counting Blessings

We all have so many things to be thankful for in our lives. My son who has serious health problems is doing much, much better. Thank you so much for the comments and emails. We go day to day and each good day is a blessing from above.

These pictures are of my oldest granddaughter Jayde. She has been visiting grandma and grandpa since Thursday. We have had so much fun. She is every bit the "young lady" so of course she has been indulging in TFE products. She also helped make some for her other grandma.

She would like to be an artist when she grows up and has spent some time drawing while here.
She is a master at hide and seek. I thought her daddy was great but she has taken the game to a new level. I'm not sure if it's because I am older or she is Houdini Jr.

They grow up so fast. Cherish every moment.