Counting them....

On this Thanksgiving eve, I am counting my blessings.
I have so much to be thankful for
and
that includes each of you.

When I started blogging, I had no idea that so many of you
would become friends.
While we have never met, you are all in my heart.

You have enriched my life and brought much joy and for that I am thankful.

Enjoy your time spent with friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings.

XOXO

The November winner from The French Elements giveaway

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is in a few days.
I know you all can relate to this.
The year has just flown by.

I thought I would do The French Elements November giveaway
a little bit early as this is such a busy time.

My son thought the number 53 sounded lucky to him.
So Leigh from Tales from Bloggeritaville is the winner.

The giveaway for November includes a flour sack towel
with a forest green tree embroidered on it.

The embroidered pillow says JOY.
Leigh, I hope you enjoy these goodies.

December is right around the corner so there is always
another chance to win.

Big hugs to everyone,
Barb

Have a dream filled weekend

May your weekend be filled

with beautiful dreams.

Big hugs,

Barb

Thank you Miss Maggie

I received these wonderful awards from the very
generous Maggie at Normandy Life.
Thank you so much.
Both are really appreciated.

If you haven't visited Maggie, you are in for a treat.
She has a beyond French blog which I know you will love.
She has a generous spirit too.
She and her hubby live in a 16thc/18c Presbytere
that they have totally renovated.
It is amazing and can I just say I would like to move in with them!
Seriously.....

NOW
I get to share with you 7 things you might not know about me.

• I can eat like a football player and not gain weight
• I always sing in the car
• My favorite show is TOP GEAR and I am not a car girl
• I sing to Tommy (the dog) and he sings back
• I am very good at keeping secrets that friends/family share
• I am an animal freak
• I was a hippie in my younger days

I am supposed to pass this onto 7 other bloggers but the hippie in me has taken over.
I pass these awards to each and every lovely person
that comes upon this post.
Please accept these from my heart.

Viva la hippie!
Just a little older now.

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.