* A Chic Provence Design Tour *

While wrapping up goodies to ship off,
I am thinking about EASTER 2011.
I know we are waiting for Christmas
BUT
dreaming of France is something I do well-hehe.
Can't you just imagine sitting at this "oh so French"
cafe sipping a cafe au lait?

Oh, I can!

Imagine a picture perfect setting and you
can be part of the picture.

My friend Kit from Chic Provence is
leading the most magnificent design tour
to l'Isle sur la Sorgue in
the South of France.
She is a sweetie and you would have so much FUN.

The itinerary will make your heart beat just a little faster.

If you are a lover of fine food, antiques,
photography,
and all things french, you need to visit Kit.

Oh, did I mention you'll be staying in a restored 18th century villa?

I think this would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Please, check it out. You'll be so glad you did.

O.k, back to work for me.

big hugs
xoxo

P.S. ALAS, I will not be going on this journey-big sigh.

Calling mom

O.k, you know where this is going.

As I was in the kitchen, (cooking my little heart out-hehe)

the phone rang and hubby answered it.

It was JEFF calling to wish us

a Happy Thanksgiving and just to chat.

We talked for an hour!

He sounded great! While they didn't have a traditional
(or even close to it)

Thanksgiving dinner, it sounded like they had

a good, if interesting meal.

This call will have to hold me over for a while.
I am still doing the happy dance.
YAY!


Since it officially is the "season",

I wanted to let you know that I am participating
with other Shabby Cottage Shop members
in a special sale.

Each is a little different and you can visit to check the shops out.

The French Elements is offering a 20% discount on

all purchases through Nov.30th.

Gift wrap with a French twist is available as well.

The coupon code is GIVETHANKS.

And, thanks I am giving.

Hubby, J.W, and I had a lovely Thanksgiving.
I hope yours was just as terrific.

Huge hugs.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am hoping that each of you has a

Thanksgiving that is overflowing with

Love,

Laughter,

and Thanks.

Big hugs,
Barb

A little update and a happy repeat

We know Christmas is right around the corner.

I can't believe how this year has flown by.
I say that every year but 2010
really seems to have had
super sonic wings.

In order for goodies to be received in time
for Christmas giving, The French Elements
cut off date for USPS Priority mail
is Dec. 18th.

If I had a sleigh, I could extend it (but then
I would be taking away from The Post office).

Many of you have seen the video below.
I just love it so it is making a repeat
performance on my blog.

Enjoy and happy Monday.

Giving Thanks

Lynn is hosting the first "give thanks" blog
party and I am so excited to be able to participate.
What a wonderful theme.

I know I have so much to be thankful for.

The collage above represents the 4 seasons
and it reminds me of my dad.

When I was growing up,
he always said "every season is a reason to give thanks".
To be honest with you, initially it went right over my head-hehe.
I understood summer- no school.

As I grew older, I understood completely.
With each passing season, we do have a reason to give thanks.
We have grown and changed just like the seasons. Hopefully
we have made a little difference in this world.


My dad also said to live with a thankful heart
regardless of the situation.
He said to me, "you will have difficult times and that is
when you especially need to live with a thankful heart.
It will make all the difference".

My dad was right (he is smiling down at me).

I am thankful to have good friends both
in the blogging community and close at hand.

I am blessed to have a wonderful family.

I am so thankful for the men and women
that are serving in the military.
I will continue to applaud you (especially Jeff-hehe)!

Lynn, THANK YOU for this opportunity to give thanks.
I hope this will become a yearly event.

big hugs and thanks to each of you that
have made my life richer.

XOXO,
Barb

Our sweet Tommy

Earlier this morning, our sweet Tommy
passed on.

He filled our lives with joy and laughter and love for 7 short years.
His sweet face made everyone smile.
While our hearts are very heavy,
we know he is charming the Angels.
We love you Tommy!

A Heartfelt Thank you...

to all of the Veterans

that paved the way.

You made sacrifices that are still being felt today.

Every man and every woman that have stepped

up and put your lives on hold so we can continue

to live in freedom,

May God Bless you and protect you.

We look up to you.

Future generations will call you

their heroes.

Jeff, I salute you.

You are my "special" soldier

and my hero.

You and your comrades are in our thoughts

and prayers daily.

May God continue to Bless you.

I am so proud of you and glad that

you followed your dream.

From one extreme to the other

It is a bit foggy around here.
The weather is amazing,
the health- not so good.
Both J.W. and Tommy are under the weather.

Before blogging, I would never have thought about
sharing this online.
It is kind of funny how blogging makes me feel
like I need to put it out there.
I'm sure someone has done a study on that-hehe.

I am praying that both start to feel better soon.
Christmas is right around the corner

and

it

looks

like

DOROTHY AND THE LADIES

may be headed to AZ for Christmas break.
I am beyond excited!
That would be the best present ever.

So, this mom will be busy taking care of
son and dog.
Praying both will make a very speedy recovery.

Shine on

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:105

Hoping your week is full of light
and joy.

Big hugs
XOXO

Officially...

Thank goodness this is not my full time job!