Wednesday French Inspiration

Arc de Triomphe

My first 3 hours in Paris were spent figuring out how to get across the city when the metro workers were on strike (as usual). Once I was on the train I was smashed against the morning commuters with my luggage; and my husband's hand on a cute french lady's butt. But I was loving it (I didn't hear my hubby complaining either). I just knew any moment I would be out of the metro and above ground in the city that had made my heart beat faster just thinking about it.

We had the normal getting settled into the apartment, and waiting for hubby's aunt and uncle to arrive. So we went and got our selves some pastries to pass the time. Once every one was there and accounted for we had to stock the fridge and get some dinner. I had been in Paris for half a day now and I had only seen the few blocks between the apartment and the Monoprix (excluding the view from the metro window).

Once our bellies were full of the hand made pasta and some chocolate, we bundled up to go see the Arc de Triomphe. (If any of your watched the Tour de France you got to see a lot of the Arc as they did the gazillion laps up and down the Champs-Élysées.) I think I about cried as I stood across the street from the Arc. I couldn't believe I was there. Hubby served a mission for our church in Paris and always claimed he would take me. I assumed it would be like the promise he made to me that he would dance with me whenever I wanted, and always want to cuddle, and you know those promises a guy makes to help convince you he is the one you need in your life forever. Well he came through on some of them, but others are still works in progress. But going to Paris, I really believed it would never happen. He laughs at me because I told him that.

So I stood there thinking this was the greatest moment of my life, and then I saw it. Not the Arc. No the Arc was glorious, but this was the monument of all monuments. It was the one thing that Meg Ryan's character wished she didn't hate flying so much, because she wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. It was only the top of the tower with its light circling the sky, but I was elated. One of my favorite dreams was a reality.

Have you had any of your impossible dreams come true? I sure hope so, because that is the stuff that make life worth living. I hope you will take a moment to remember and relive one of your happiest moments.

Seriously Superior Award

Truth be told- I have been jealous of all of you who have gotten this award. But now I can finally be happy for you because my friend Lazy Writer must have noticed my green eyes glowing. She tossed the award over here to me hoping to appease the beast. Well all I can say is. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! :D I am happy. I love awards as much as I love comments.



So now that I've got this lovely trophy glamming up my sidebar I can rest easy and pass it on to some of the great blogs I've been reading.

Here are the rules for those of you who don't already know them:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit This Post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Here are the 5 bloggy friends that you should go over and read right now..... well you should finish reading my post and comment first, then go read them.

1. Becca Wilhite she will make you laugh, and smile. You feel like you are sitting by a lodge fireplace telling stories and sipping hot cocoa with an old friend. (Don't know why it is a lodge fireplace, but it is in my mind.)
2. Jenn Johannson teaches me more about writing every post without sounding like a stuffy book.
3.Meagan Brooks over at Confessions of a Writer blogs about admitting to herself that she is a writer whether she wants or it not (and she does want it). She is new to blogging but I find her posts are witty and fun.
4. Blogging Mama Andrea has random Tuesday. Anything random is so up my alley. I haven't been reading her blog for long, but a lot of others have. There is a reason why, it is fun and addicting.
5. Jordan over at Mean Mommy Academy keeps me in line when it comes to being the best mean mommy I can be. :) She is funny and generous. You should see all the giveaways she does over at the Academy. ( I love generous people).

So there you have it. There is a group of bloggers who make my day. Enjoy your reward. See you tomorrow for another Wednesday French Inspiration (Maybe I should just get over France but you see France and I have been in love since watching Madeline in the "Old house in Paris all covered in vines, with twelve little girls in two straight lines, the youngest one was Madeline. They left the house at half past nine.").

Dream of Love I

Her first summer back in Fairmont after attending Brigham Young University was quite the experience. She fell back into the same comfy friendships, and she even enjoyed a few kisses from one of her favorite beaus. But home just wasn’t the same; truthfully, she wasn’t the same. While attending BYU didn’t meet all of her expectations (like guys lining up to ask her out on all kinds of fun dates), it exceeded any experience she would have had staying at home and attending West Virginia University on her full scholarship.

Her major had changed as many times as her crushes, but she had finally settled on what she wanted in both of those categories. Unfortunately, there was a little hitch—the guy she liked was dating someone else. How could that happen she pondered? She knew he liked her, he even asked her friend Rae if it was too soon to ask her out. They were living in separate states, but were both returning to the Y that fall.

A month before the semester, he told her had met someone, and he was sorry, not for himself but for her. It was a familiar conversation for the two, only last time she was the one who had found a new guy.

So now she was heading back to Provo, butterflies in her stomach, hoping that she could convince her lost love that he still loved her. I mean he only had to see her and he would remember all of those fun times. It had to work, and if it didn’t then she would do the next best thing and just swear off boyfriends. Not dating, just boyfriends. Dating was fun, but broken hearts were just too much hassle.

This is part of a series of post I'm working on. If you don't like chick flicks you may not want to read my Dream of Love Series.

Wednesday French Inspiration

The Queen's Grand Apartment Versailles

While I can not say that Marie-Antoinette and I have the same taste in fabric prints, the queen's bed chambers at Versailles as very breath taking. Yet I can not image living as the royals did. People would sit and receive the queen every morning upon her waking. Heck when I wake up I'm a grouch. And I surely do not need to have other people around grating on my nerves. And they birthed their children in this room. While I love laying in the comfort of my bed, a home birth is not for me. I needed drugs to get me through that event and I am not ashamed. And sometimes when the king felt the urge he would share the bed chambers with the queen. Ummmm..... yeah while I may not enjoy the the snoring that comes from the other side of the bed, I am sure glad to have my Hubby there. And the only way he way he is getting out of sharing our bed is if I kick him out (which has never happened) or he is traveling for work. I am glad things have changed. Of course I'm no queen so maybe they haven't changed that much for royals I dunno.

Another thing about the decor, it was picked out by Marie-Antoinette. The wall coverings and bedding were changed every season. I can not imaging having to change it out every season. Of course Marie would not have been the one doing all the work but still. I guess if I had someone do do all the work for me I wouldn't mind changing my decor for the seasons. I do put up the Christmas tree, and I love doing that. But I normally start after Thanksgiving, it take me until A couple weeks in December to finish, and maybe by February I get motivated enough to put it all away. ( I have to have fake trees I'm allergic to pine).

These were my main thoughts while visiting the Queen's Grand Apartment, I like drugs (when having babies) and I'm too lazy(especially to change my decor seasonally Christmas trees). I guess it wasn't that inspirational.

Honesty: Is it Really Best?

If you haven't been reading and getting to know about Becca Wilhite then you are missing out. She is fun and witty, and super sweet. And she awarded me with this super award below. How cool is she? Yeah I know. Definitely go over and read her blog, and once you are done with that read her book, Bright Blue Miracle. Thanks Becca you are AWESOME!

This award has 4 requirements:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award, list her blog (or his) and link.

2. List 10 honest things about yourself and post a copy of the Honest Scrap Logo on your blog.

3. Pass the award on to seven (7) other people whose blogs you find brilliant in content or design.

4. Notify the bloggers you choose for the award and hopefully they will join in.

Now for the difficult task of choosing 7 bloggers....

1. Motherboard over at Crazyland is an amazing woman who now is the Editor of the Mormon Mommy Blogs. Crazyland is her blog where you can read all about the farm she has unintentionally started.
2. Crash writing her Crash Test Dummy Diaries tells it like it is and makes you laugh while she does it.
3. Amy of The Lawsons did Dallas makes me laugh out loud on every post that I read.
4. Annette Lyon of The Lyon's Tale writes about her journey to becoming a published author and shares her knowledge with her readers.
5. Shelle of Blokthoughts shares her thoughts and more.
6. Debbie of Cranberry Fries has giveaways and funny posts.
7. Cat of 4 Nuts in a Nutshell is impossible not to fall in love with. We are friends she just doesn't know it.

If you haven't read these blogs go over and read them, it will make you smile. And if you honestly want to learn some random things about me you can keep reading.

1 I am killing the trees. I read a lot of frugality blogs. How does that kill trees you ask? I can't pass up free stuff; a while ago they had a lot posts of free magazine subscriptions. So I started signing up for all of these magazines. I even have two subscriptions to Women's Day(true but unintentional). Don't tell anyone else but I don't even read most of them. Sometimes I look at the pictures.

2. I mix up the words prescribe and subscribe very often. (Just remembered as I was typing the previous fact). So I do not subscribe to your blogs I prescribe them. They are addicting too.

3. I waste a lot of time (and sometimes money) trying to do things myself. I think this is because I have a mother who can do everything. So I often get elbow deep in a project before I realize I should have known more before I started. Things normally turn out OK, but being a perfectionist makes things take a lot longer.

4. I still have not figured out if I should be honored or insulted by the flamboyant boys that were attracted to me in high school.

5. I can't cook rice without burning it.

6. Most people who visit my house assume I am a very clean person, who is great at maintaining my clean house. (HAHA, fooled ya). This fact baffles my sister and husband who know my true messy nature.

7. Sometimes I eat cookies for breakfast... and then I wonder why I can't lose weight? :)

8. I am in love with Superman. (and I think my daughter has developed a crush as well).

9. I have been scared of my kid sister doll ever since I saw part of the Chucky movies.

10. I feel prettier when I have acrylic nails with a french manicure square tips.

Music and Choirs

In high school if there was a music related class I was in it. I LOVE music. It moves me to tears quicker than any other medium. The thing I love so much about choir music and band music is that each person has their specific part. Separated the parts are not impressive, but when combined the synergy is AMAZING. This video displays it perfectly.I haven't shared any videos in a long time, but I couldn't help but share this one. If you have already seen it you know it is amazing. I get goosebumps every time I watch it.





Go out and find your part in life, sing your heart out, and enjoy the music if the masterpieces in which you are contributing.

Wednesday French Inspiration

Shelle from Blok Thoughts commented that my hat was cute on last week's Wednesday French Inspiration. This reminded me that I have been meaning to post about the hat.

Before I went to France I had two things I wanted to buy there:
1. An Awesome Scarf (never got that one)
2. An Adorable Hat (absolutely love mine)

My husband and I had a morning to visit the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame before we were to meet his aunt and uncle at the Museé d'Orsay. We wanted to grab a bite to eat before we met them. On our way to an AWESOME pastry shop in the Latin Quartier, we passed the hat I was picturing in my head. I told Hubby that I had to have it. So he dealt over some Euros and told me I had to make the purchase solo. (My husband is rather fluent in french after serving a 2 year mission for our church in Paris; I draw from my high school and college courses.) I survived and was even able to tell him I wanted to wear it so he cut the tags off. Decked out with my new Anastatia-like hat, I felt like a princess.

The following day I'm standing in the Louve marveling at the Mona Lisa while surrounded by high school groups that are touring. I look up and no joke see about 5 high school girls wearing the same hat. It was like a game of connect the dots, the hat being the dots. (Notice it was high school girls; then me in my late 20s with the hat. I have a hard time shopping in the misses/women sections.) I felt my individuality being sucked away; I was no longer a princess but a wannabe - a girl at the prom wearing the same dress as 5 other girls. Only I was the chaperone instead of a student. LOL However, every time I wear my hat, I still feel cute. Why give up something you love just because other people love it too?

If you are writing something you love and you find out other people are working on similar projects do you give up your work? If you found out when picking out new tile that your friend had the same tile you wanted, would you chose a new tile? What about baby names? Would you change your choice if someone else named their child first?

This experience taught me if you love what you have or want then don't love it less because someone loves it too. Be yourself, even if there are some people who have similar tastes.

Three Shades of Green

I have been three shades of green seeing all of the three column layout blogs, and the extreme blog makeovers taking place. So I am trying to teach my blog how to exercise itself into the shape I want it. I hope that you will bare with me through the surgeries. I will still be posting. If I'm lucky after all the bandages are removed maybe you guys will be green with envy too......

Enter At Your Own Risk

Have you ever gotten mad at the UPS guy,who rings your door bell during nap time? What about those people who stop by for a visit announced?

Well today we were having a crazy lazy Saturday, and we had some uninvited guest. The visit was actually quite pleasant other than the fact that my family was all in pajamas, the house was a mess, and my daughter had a high fiber breakfast and was loudly spreading a toxic aroma as she ran around the room at top speed. I always wonder what people think when they leave on days like that. Please tell me you have crazy lazy days too. Once my embarrassment faded, I started thinking that guests really shouldn't just show up. Especially when they are visiting families with kids. You never know what you could be walking into.

On the other hand, I tend to be a spontaneous person. I have never been a big planner. So maybe it is quite hypocritical of me to feel this way about my unannounced guest. I actually like surprises.

What are you feelings about unexpected guests? Is your house always ready for visitors?

Wednesday French Inspiration

Winged Victory (Nike) of Samothrace at the Louvre

This awe inspiring statue of the Greek goddess Nike crowns a staircase in the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities section of the Louvre. The view of her as you ascend the stairs is breathtaking. Sarah and I desired to have our photo with sculpture. Not an easy task when you have a museum full of people. So there we are waiting our turn, when Lame-Line-Skipping-Guy (LLSG) decides to plant himself firmly in our picture. We tried to wait him out. No he wasn't having it he just stood there as if we were the problem not him. As not to end up in every photograph of the sculpture taken that day Sarah and I decided to retreat. In truth, we could have asked him to move, but we did not.

Now I have a photograph that will forever capture the memory of the fly in my ointment. I think of how easy it is to allow such a little thing spoil the whole. While LLSG is in the picture, I still have a beautiful photo. I think it is our challenge to not get caught up with the small things. Don't let one undesired thing spoil the whole.

Oh, What Do You Do In The Summertime?

Oh, what do you do in the summertime
When all the world is green?

Do you feed ducks in a stream

Or lazily dream by a friend

Watching clouds go by?

***

Do you swim in a pool,

Act too cool for school,

Or swing on a swing up high?

***

Do you play at the park,

Stay up until dark,

Or count all the stars in the sky?

***

Do you sit near the smoke,

Roasting food that you poke,

Or try to catch Fireflies?

***

Do you read books inside,

On a horse have a ride,

Or dress like a butterfly?

***

Do you go to the sea,

Get stung by a bee

Or catch bubbles that float up high?

***

Is that what you do? So do I!

* Changes in lyrics made by me to fit our summer happenings. Each line has a corresponding picture. I hope your summer is filled with a lot of fun things.

** I decided not to include some of the things we do that we could not post appropriate rhymes -- for short example "Grow gardens of grass... " I figured we has enough pictures already. :)

Excuse Me, Is Your Book Wearing a Thong

I am not sure if you noticed, but I was MIA this weekend. I had a last minute getaway to celebrate this beautiful country. I have had quite the day today catching up with everyone elses wonderful weekends. The blogging world goes on without me, but I tell you what I was really missing it. It is glad to be home.

When I was reading though I stopped by Debbie's at Cranberry Fries she is having a contest.

It really got me thinking about how all my books in my reading pile must feel. They are all just laying there unadorned* when they could have been wearing one of those fancy up the crack thongs. Now I admit when I first heard the term book thong I was kinda confused. Was this a thong which I could wear that was meant for carrying books**? Or a thong your book was supposed to wear? And if it is the second, could someone explain to me why my books need underwear? But after viewing Stupid Shiny Designs etsy shop I was somewhat disappointed. It was definitely not a thong for me to wear that would hold my book for me; it is in fact underwear for my book. I may not be 100% accurate in that statement. Anyhow if your books don't have any underwear you should definitely go over to Debbie's book thong contest and enter to win.


* That isn't completely true some have the slip from the library stuck in there as a bookmark
** I think I need to invent book carrying thong underwear and have Kristina P market them for me. They would go great under a snuggie.

Wednesday French Inspiration

Birds Perched upon the bridge of Château de Chenonceau

Okay when I looked out the window and saw all of these birds my first thought was " HOLY CRAP!" Literally, think of all the crap that would be falling. But then I had a more inspirational thought: When you are out on the edge, it is nice to know that you are not alone. (that is a much better thought isn't it).
When I am overcome with stress or grief it is easy to feel alone and to be blinded by my own emotions. So please don't be blinded by your emotions or your trials, take a look down the ledge and see there is a long line of friendly faces who are out there with you and willing to follow you through it all. Be aware that you are in fact on the ledge of something beautiful. I mean how cool would it be to be on the roof of a castle. Yeah I thought so. And for all of the people who don't get out there on the ledge to help you, we can send the pigeon bombers after them.