Fine as it is

So, a friend asked if I was going to re-do my blog now that I was attempting to get back into blogging regularly. She thought I would want to remove some of the "clutter" (I love her dearly or we would have an issue-hehe), simplify it and tie it into my website. I thought about it for zero seconds. It is busy and that is fine with me. I l have loved my header from day one. Tiffany did an amazing job and it always makes me smile. My tag line has been my philosophy since I was a young teen. French is a state of mind and that is not a bad state to be in.

O.K. I finished the second Burberrys stocking. People, in 7 months it will be Christmas. Time rolls by quickly. I am kind of like a one woman Christmas stocking sweatshop. In a good way.

I think it turned out nicely. I may have difficulty parting with it. 

So, another post for May and it feels good!

Big hugs!

What happened to Blogger?!

The last time I did a post, it took quite a while as blogger had changed so much. Today...serious stress. He he. I haven't used my log in for blogger and could not remember my password. Then I thought I can just switch over to my Gmail address. I googled how to make that change. Evidently, if you try to do this, you lose all your old posts. Since I first started to blog in 2008, that was not an option. Too much history there that I don't want to lose. Now that I finally figured out how to log in again, the page looks very unfamiliar. Hoping I am in the right area. 

In case you have forgotten me... my name is Barb and I am hoping to begin blogging again.

This photo was taken overseas in November. Still the same, just a little bit grayer.

We have had some health issues...again. As I speak, hubby is cancer free as of the last 3 month checkup. He sees the dr again for the next 3 month check up next month. Lots of prayers going up for sure. J.W...good days, not so good days. At this point, he is having more "not so good" days. Staying positive and always sending up prayers. Please keep my guys in your prayers.

Keeping busy and that is a good thing. 

Busy hands keep one out of trouble. He he.

I wanted to share a hysterical link with you. This woman just makes me laugh until I cry. Plus, she is really crafty. This truly makes me want to find a piano I can work with. I hope you have a chance to read through her "piano adventure". You will not be disappointed.

Seriously, I am hoping to get back to blogging. It will not be like the good ole days because those days are gone. Life has become more hectic but that is o.k. I will post and visit when I am able. If this is my last post...I will blame it on the fact that I could not find my way back to my blogger log in.

Big hugs

Finally......it is finished!

So, I was chatting with a friend earlier and she asked me if I was finished. I really didn't know what she was talking about. She said she had visited my blog and evidently I was still doing laundry from our trip. Oh, all those good intentions flew right out the window. Hehe. One of these days it will all work out.

To bring you up to date a bit (if anyone is there), it has been busy. I have been working on some projects that I am excited about. Well, I am usually excited about something. We have had some health hiccups but hoping good news will be delivered next week.

Jayde is a teenager! Can you even believe that? When I started this blog in 2008, she was so young.

Now, a teenager.....big sigh!

If you haven't read Sonia's FABULOUS magazine

Creating Vintage Charm, you are missing out on a good thing.

It is a treat for the senses. I am so excited (happy dancing) to have an article

published in it. I know my facebook pals are very familiar with it.

It is definitely subscription worthy! Check it out!

Oh, one more thing. I have had a face lift. I needed a change. Well, not me exactly (I don't even color my hair anymore) but The French Elements.

I thought she needed a little makeover. I love how it turned out.

So, that is about it. Please say a little prayer for a good report from the Doc next week.

Big hugs,

Barb

Flown

The photo above pretty much says it all. I have been riding on an out of control carnival ride.
Well, kind of. Not a real carnival ride. Just life. I know you can relate.
Health issues come and go and then come back to stay for
way tooo long.
I'm not complaining, just saying......

The scare with soldier son added a few more gray hairs.
I am just glad he is safe and back at base. No more R&R for him- hehe.
FB people, you saw my comment.
When energy is lacking, sometimes it is easier to just put one comment
out there than do a whole post. Is that whimpy?

I wanted to show you this great French marketplace (in Glendale)
that hubby and I went to. I took so many pics. Carol, it will have to wait
but the post will eventually be here.

I have added some items to The French Elements.
Moving slowly but surely.

Big hugs to everyone and take good care of yourselves.

It is official

Last night Jeff called and also sent this picture.

I was mentally prepared for his deployment on Sept. 15th.
The Army pushed it back but now it is the real deal.

He still has a day or so before he reaches the area
where he will be working.

He sounded fantastic!
He is so excited about being with the Special Forces Unit.
I am screaming in my head (hehe) and noticing
more gray hairs.

What I find so sad is the fact that he deployed alone
(I know we are never alone but you know what I mean).

Everyone who left a comment or sent an email.
THANK YOU!
You have no idea how precious they are to me.

I am keeping busy.
J.W is a full time job but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I have been blessed.

I have been working on new items and getting things listed
when I have the chance.

Hubby finds it hysterical that the Christmas category
is up. I thought I better do it sooner than later.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

There are new items here and here.

I will be making my way around to visit all of you
sweeties.
Staying busy will help the year go by so much faster.

Big hugs and a big thank you.

Oh Happy Day

We are starting the week out on a very positive note.

Tommy is doing so much better.

While he will remain on medication, he feels good enough to

look for lizards (his thing).

He even feels good enough to to a doggy happy dance.

Yay oh yay!

As you can see on the sidebar, Andrea is growing like a weed.

I just love that 3 week old picture of her.

A few posts ago I had mentioned that J.W.

had services that were sorely needed cut.

Well, this squeaky wheel got them reinstated.

Big yay. That is a huge load off of our minds.

I was able to talk with JEFF!

He is not where I thought he would be by this time

but is headed there very soon.

I hate being vague.

His brother is calling him "Jack Bauer".

Kind of cute but not really :(

Only 1 year to go until he will be back in Hawaii.

I may have some good news coming up regarding

Dorothy and the ladies.

Lots of prayer going on about that.

With Christmas less than 3 months a way
(screaming in my head),

I have been working on some new goodies.

Below is a little preview of things to come
(that is a little piece of burlap on her skirt).

Some new items will be arriving this week.

I'm so excited!

All in all, today rocks and I am so grateful.

Have a wonderful week.

Some new things, some NEWS, and summer weather

Happy Monday!

Busy as a bee around here. I know all of you can relate to that.

Between Dr. appt's (J.W.), trying to get some work done,
and summer life, it doesn't leave
a whole lot of time.

I'll start with a shameless plug-hehe.
The collage above shows some new items in the shop.

I have been waiting FOREVER for those Crowns
to arrive.
Big Yay!

Now for the NEWS.....

Jeff leaves Texas on Friday
and has a weekend layover in San Francisco.
Dorothy and the ladies will be picking him up
at the airport and bringing him
back home to Monterey.

The girls have no idea that daddy will be
flying in.

I'm so excited for them.
They need that short time together before
he leaves for Hawaii.
Rumor has it that he may be going to
AFGHANISTAN.
I cannot wrap my head around that rumor.
Not going there!


And now, summer weather in the desert.
Summer = monsoon.
Monsoon=Haboob.

Quite often in the summer, we have haboob's (a giant wall of dust).

This YouTube video shows
one that was very spectacular.
Very scary but very spectacular.
I think it stretched for 90 miles.

I am hoping that we are haboob free
this year.

Have a Blessed day.
Big hugs!

Dancing and stitching

We are still dancing on air around here.
Thank you so much for your precious comments and emails.
Several of the emails I received were from people going through a similar situation.
From experience, I can tell you to stay as positive as you possibly can.
Think positive thoughts, speak positive words,
surround yourself with positive people.
Pray.
Keep or find your sense of humor.
Stay busy if possible.
No doom and gloom.
Don't go THERE.
O.K, enough said.

The collage above shows some goodies I have been working on
(with the exception of the middle photo).
That photo of Tommy just makes me smile.
God shows His great sense of humor via the Basset Hound.

Those of a "certain age" or fans of old movies will
recognize the song and the lovely clips in the youtube video.
I hope you take the time to watch it.
I promise it will make your day.
It made mine anyway.

I am off soon to take J.W. to some Doctor appt's.
Staying beyond positive.

Big hugs!

Castles and chandeliers

You know that castles have been in my mind (all the time)

and

in my hands (recently).

Well, now chandeliers are starting to take over too!

I thought I would show you a peek at what I'm up too.

i know this is not a chandelier but i like the photoBelow is a preview of some embroidered burlap soon-to-be

chandelier pillows.

Chandeliers in all shapes and forms appeal to me.

The castles are finished.

2 sets have gone out and I hope to have these listed in

my shop soon.

They are cute, huh?

This may be my last post before The French Elements

giveaway ends. The winner's name will be drawn

on June 10th.

Many thanks to all that have left comments and also decided to follow my blog.

I really do appreciate it!

If you have participated in one of my giveaways,

you probably know what the little "extra" is.

It is French, starts with a C and is one of my favorite things.

The beginning of this week will be a little bit busy
(routine Dr. stuff). Gotta love it-hehe.

But, I will be around for the 10th.

Au revoir till later.

Happy weekend

P.S. S, you left a lovely comment but I need your email address
in case you win.

Castles on my mind and in my hands

This has been a castle kind of week.

I'm not visiting them (well, maybe in my mind)

but i am making them.

I had a special order (Thank you God)
for pillows with castles embroidered on them.

So, I have been working away.

This is a gal after my own heart.

Who doesn't love castles?

I thought I would give a preview of some

other goodies that are in the works.

I plan to take some time to visit so

hopefully I'll see you soon.

hugs, hugs, hugs!

P.S. I am still thinking about that little giveaway.

New goodies and a commercial you'll love

A new pillow added to my shop.
Love the fabric chock full of all things French.

Right now, pillows are on their way to Belgium.
My first custom order to Europe.
I'm so excited!

Bamboo floor mat,

an adorable set of crown magnets,

glass trays to hold trinkets,

for vignettes,

or whatever you choose.

Shabby, French, vintage inspired trays.

These and more can be found here.

Every time I see this commercial it just makes me laugh.
Enjoy!
I hope you have a weekend filled with laughter, love, and sunshine.

What a year AND a winner

I don't know about you but I am happy to see the arrival of 2010.

2009 was a very interesting year for us.
If someone would have told me that my youngest son would be in the hospital for more than half of the year
AND
my oldest son would join the Army, be learning Indonesian
And
his entire family would be living in Monterey, WHEW
I would not have believed it.
O.K, I might have believed the hospital part.

Truth is stranger than fiction.
One thing I can say is, we have all
come through much stronger spiritually.
For that I am thankful.

2010 already promises to be a year of change and excitement.
I can't wait.

O.k. enough rambling.

This post brings me to the last giveaway from The French Elements
for 2009.
Whoo hoo!

This is what #91 (the Winner was chosen by grandchildren generator),
will receive.

This elegant (I think) white on cream embroidered pillow.
I love this damask flower.

The winner will also receive this Anti-Fatigue Gel Mask
by Chanel.
This is one of my favorite things.

So, #91 (aka Stephanie) come on down girl.
Your gifts will go out ASAP.

I really want to thank everyone that has followed my blog.
You are more appreciated than you know!

Now a shameless plug-hehe.
I have been busy adding items to my little shop.
I am an animal freak and have had so much fun making these pillows.

You already know how I feel about LOVE.
Second chances are amazing.

Since this is my last post of 2009,
I thought I would end with a fantastic youtube video.
Many years ago, we had the opportunity to go to Euro Disney.
The kids were in heaven.

While the name has changed, the magical feeling is still there.

Enjoy the show.

I pray that each of you has a spectacular New Year and may
God Bless us all.

Big hugs,

Barb

A big Thank you for your support

I love my little prints.
A while ago, I did a post on prints that I have collected over
the years.


These came from France and they make me smile every time I see them.
Of course, they are all Santa and Eiffel Tower related.

Too cute for words.

Hubby is still under the weather.
Better but not 100%.
Thank you for your well wishes, I think they helped.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago at Hub's work
Christmas party.
What a couple-hehe.

I (WE)

want to thank everyone that has
purchased from The French Elements this past year.
The French Elements has evolved and I have too.
Thank you for embracing the change with me.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for choosing
TFE when there are so many choices out there.

The orders have shipped (last day USPS is Dec 20th).
1 to go.
Locals, you can still send an email and your goodies will
go right out via Barb's sled-hehe.

You know we support JDRF.
JDRF thanks you and we do too.
Every little bit helps. JDRF has been an important part
of our lives for years and I love
to give back to them.


I also want to thank my dear one. He has been
a boulder for me.
If I felt discouraged, he would pull me up by
my bootstraps.
He is a wonderful shipper and a schlepper extraordinaire.
Give him a list and he is off and running.
So, big thanks to you my love.

Now, that things have quieted down, I hope to be able to visit
all those blogs I have been missing.

Don't forget (I haven't), the December drawing for Friends
of The French Elements will be here soon.
Not quite sure when but before the end of December.

Happy Saturday!

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.