Ah, Paris

Too cute for words

From Angie (and no, I'm not)

I am NOT the Queen of ALLL Things Awe-Summm but Angie gave me this award a while ago and I am finally posting it (see, not awe-summm).
Thank you my friend. I appreciate your kindness and friendship.

I need to come up with a list of 7 things that make me awe-summm.
My list comes from just being a mom, wife, and friend.

Here goes.....

I am very loyal. Just think of me as a basset hound (Tommy appreciates that).

I'm not afraid to try something new. Lots of mistakes but a lot of fun too!

I have a strong belief system. You already know that.

I am a good advocate for my son. I'm a mom and you do what you need to do to make things happen.

I don't carry grudges. Life is way too short for that.

I have a decent sense of humor (at least I think I do).

I am grateful for everyday. Goes back to life being too short.

Now, I am passing this to 3 special ladies. All of you are special but I am playing by the rules.


1. Trish

2. Lorrie

3. Anita



Each one of you has been a blessing in my life and I am so grateful to have you as friends.


Now, go spread the Awe-suuumness.

Memorial day memories

While sitting on the beach in Cannes (HEHE), I thought I would post some memories of Memorial day. I just love blogger post options.

As a child, I loved Memorial Day because there was no school, we always had a picnic, would watch the local parade and visit our little town cemetery to place flowers. It never occurred to me what it was all about.

As I grew older, the true meaning became apparent.

My dad was a war veteran.
He never really spoke about his experiences.
He was a man of few words but a man with a HUGE heart.
He was an animal lover extraordinaire.
He had an interesting philosophy- to speak no ill.
He was always quick to help anyone without thinking what's in it for me.

He was an entrepreneur. He worked very hard but never complained.
In fact, I never heard him complain about anything.
He always had time for me and for that I am very grateful.

He passed away on Memorial Day 4 years ago.
I was very fortunate to be with him as he passed.

This Memorial Day weekend has a very different feel about it since my son Jeff is in boot camp.
I am so proud and in awe of the young men and women that are serving our country now.
The sacrifices my dad's generation made has given our generation freedom.
The sacrifices that our occurring now, I pray will give our grandchildren and their children continued freedom.

I am hoping to be able to attend Jeff's graduation from Ft. Jackson. FINGERS CROSSED and saying PRAYERS. I'm definitely on the bandwagon!

Have fun this weekend, be safe, but most of all remember.

I'm in Cannes...

I had on the Today Show and Anne Curry was in Cannes for the Film Festival.
With so much going on, I decided to pull a French is a state of mind and go there myself.

You have seen this photo but it still makes me smile. I call him Cannes man. When you least expect it, he starts moving. Kids (adults too) love him.

Such a beautiful spot.

Looking down on the Croisette. Not too busy but it really picks up in the evening.
Many families out for their evening stroll.

Just so serene.

Roof shot of The Noga Hilton.

Ok, I needed that little break.

Not much flower sniffing going on this week.
It has been a tough week health wise for my son.
He may be headed back to the hospital. One day at a time.

We have had record breaking heat for May. 14 days of triple temps.
Today will be a chilly 98. My oh my!

In between running around like a crazed nut, I have been able to add some items to my shop.
Several months ago I ordered some marvelous pillows that arrived this week. Yay!
I'm so excited.

Some other pretties as well.

I have also been improving my soldering technique.
No idle hands here-hehe.

I also wanted to thank you for your comments and emails. They really do mean the world.
At a low moment, they can pull me right up.
Bloggers are the best!

See you in a few

Taking a little time to smell the flowers.
See you soon.

Happy Mother's Day

Say to them, may the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor and give you His peace.

(Numbers 6:23-26)


Have a beautiful day with those you hold dear.

Learning a new skill?

I believe the key to staying "young" is to keep learning, and to remember that French is a state of mind.
I have been in love with soldered necklaces so I decided to teach myself how to make them.

These are my first results. Primitive but that's OK. I will just keep practicing.

Practice makes perfect- maybe.

I do have to tell you that I had fun so I guess it was a success.

Jayde wanted me to thank you for visiting her birthday post.
Her dad was able to call her on her birthday. Definitely the best present.

Have a happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Miss Jayde

9 years ago today, a little Angel came into our family.
Jayde, your parents couldn't wait to see you, hold you, and love you in the flesh.
Daddy looks so young doesn't he? My baby was just 21 years old when you were born.
Your daddy was proud, he just beamed.
In fact, he didn't want to put you down!

Your mommy was thrilled. Two had become three.
As we heard your first cries (girl, you had a set of lungs-hehe) we rejoiced.
I was so excited to be your grandma and that excitement will never go away.
It just keeps getting better and better.

I am so proud of you. You are a compassionate person.
Your spirit just shines.
My wish for you is that as your grow up, you keep your joy.
Keep listening to that small voice inside, it will never let you down.

You are a wonderful young lady and we are very lucky to have you in our lives.

We love you sweetpea.

Happy, happy birthday.

If you love vintage and you love French....

you will adore these books. I've been calling them my treasure books and they truly are.
Ever since these books "found me" several weeks ago, I've had difficulty putting them down.
This may sound crazy but I think the books "find you" and not the other way around.
These books knew I needed a little mini vacation and that is what they have provided.

Vintage French Interiors- Inspiration from the Antique Shops and Flea Markets of France
by Sebastien Siraudeau is filled with the most magical photo's.
It is beautifully written and just look at some of the photo's.

While reading this, I had the feeling that I was visiting the shops and markets with a good friend.
You will LOVE IT!

The other book that I am head over heels in love with is: The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price, photo's by Emily Laxer.

Notice the size- small enough to fit in a carry on bag.
When hubby saw this book, he started shaking his head and laughing.
He knows me wayyyy too well!
I figure I am just being prepared (blame it on scouting as a child).

This little treasure book is just filled with helpful tips which I plan on absorbing-hehe.
I'm telling you, this book "found" me for a reason.

Just looking at the photo's makes me want to start shopping now.

If you should be near a bookstore soon, maybe these 2 treasure books will find you.
If they do, let me know.

If the chapeau fits......

Jayde, Hailey, and Annika.
They love hats so I know that mine will be in good hands (in the future).

Can you tell that Annika loves to have her picture taken?


Have a blessed weekend!