Rochambeau

Cecile and Marie Grace

Our local American Girls Book Club of Jefferson, Texas, had the wonderful experience of reading two books about little girls living in New Orleans during the 1800's.  This was an especially fun meeting! 

These girls are the newest members of the American Girls series, named Cecile and Mary Grace.  Each girl tells the story of how they meet and of their family life, but in their own perspective.  Their lives are quite different, but together they have an "adventure" at a Mardi Gras Ball, (actually two Mardi Gras Balls) and this is the beginning of their true friendship.  The books include the unique history and culture of one America's most beloved places, The Crescent City.  Intermingled in the text are French words and even a mini French to English dictionary in the back of the books. 

The girls had "circle time" where we discussed the story they read, then Michele surprised us by pulling out her hoop slip.

A girl from each meeting was chosen to try it on.  Don't these girls look regal? 

Next, Kay (who grew up in New Orleans) reminisced about her life there, describing the unique food, Mardi Gras parades and balls and costumes.  She spoke about what it was like taking the streetcar to and from school ( 7cents each way), about the different cultures living together, the meaning of gumbo and why it is called "The Crecent City".  Do you know?

If not, here's a clue!

 

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Kay delighted the girls by bring supplies to make their own Mardi Gras masks to wear this year and here is a sampling of the masterpieces:

 

These girls make me happy.  I hope they will bring you some joy today, too!

 

xox

Constance

 

 

Life in Puppetsville

I hope you dear reader, will be happy to hear that after a long and laborious (yet delightful) process, the most mysterious Gypsy Puppet has come to life.  She is the first of a Cast of Characters who's destined to star at The Fantasia Puppet Theater! 

 

From the get go,  Gypsy insisted upon being called Jazelle and truth be told, she is a bit bossy.  Aside from choosing her own name, she ordered a crystal ball and a miniature pack of Tarot Cards all the way from Marseille.   Now, you might assume that she was scheming her way into the Fortune Telling business and you would be right!  

* * *

Therefore, it will come as no surprise that she's wiggled her way into Showbiz too!!  Oh dear............. this puppet is a major 'Type A'!   When I caught her jumping onto The Fantasia (stage right), I shook my head and cried out, "What a drama queen, Jazelle"!

 (*The stunning quilt gracing Jazelle's fortune telling table, was a generous gift from Karen of Artsortments. )

 

Also appearing in Puppetsville, is a handsome Tiger called Toulouse, an "Artiste" by trade and a true "Originale"! He may appear shy and sweet, yes, but this same bohemian cat had no qualms about checking out the stage....... and leap he did, finding himself smack dab in the 'hot seat' having his fortune read by the mysterious Gypsy, who by the way was thrilled to find her first customer!  What an adventure!

Soon you will be privy to all the "goings on" of Toulouse and discover the details of his reading with Jazelle.    Word has it, this Tiger's destined to become quite the famous "Artiste"!

* * *

The End

 (for now)

&

Thank you for attending the first mini performance!

 

xox

Constance

Little Lovelies

 

These are a few of my favorite things!  Confessions of a person who collects little stuff.

 

I guess it stands to reason, that a person who's into into minutia, might also be attracted to miniature objects.   And so the story goes, I'm a liker of little things!

 

 

When you don't have a lot of space, maybe that's a good thing.

 

 

Some of you reading this will hopefully spy a treasure or two you have bestowed upon me, gifts which delight my heart!

 

 

A few of the things in the collection I have created, but many have been scored on my journey through life.

 

 

I like looking my collection and reliving moments in time....

 

 

And discovering inspiration too!  This golden paper bird was purchased at the most fabulous shop in San Francisco called EVERYDAY'S A HOLIDAY!  Sadly, the shop is no longer, but I still hold on to my vision of the dashing owners and the magic they created!

 

I can feel positive energy from those who shared a beautiful gift and feel grateful that part of them lives with me! 

 

  This birdie almost has a bee in her bonnet, but not quite.  My "minis" do make me smile!

 

 

The bejeweled tooth pics were a gift from Noelle.  She bought them back from India and I actually squealed with delight the moment I saw them!  It may sound funny, but it's true!

What do you choose to collect and what delights you most about your collection? 

 

Hope this week will be filled with lots of happy surprise, tucked away around the unexpected corners of your life!

 

xox

Constance

Our Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

By Marianne Williamson

Sent by way of my friend Samantha

Favorite Snaps From Nola

One of the best things about New Orleans is that it's the nearest place to where we live, where anything goes.  Meaning: people can express themselves and  be who they choose without worrying about what others think. No one looks twice or cares what you look like or what you are wearing and let me tell you, here you will see it all!  It's been my experience, that port cities collect such a fine and colorful assortment of people from many cultures, all walks of life.  I feel right at home and most myself in these places.  Needless to say,  there are characters aplenty and where else might you discover a life sized plastic virgin waving and blessing passers by from her balcony stationed above?  It just seems apropos in the French Quarter.

There were other balconies that caught my attention.  Peace Ya'll!  Wish I could have caught this one, all lit up at night!

We bumped into three bands featuring 4 string banjo players (even a girl banjo player) and THAT would have made my father very happy, yes indeed!  The instrament on the right is called a gut bucket.  We used to have one of those.  I know, I know, crazy but true! 

There was a most excellent looking super red door that jumped out at me...

and this curious mannequin representing what? Who knows?

An elegant detail from the most gorgeous Supreme Court Building on Rue Royal caught my attention.

 I must conclude by divulging a little secret about two of the most exquisite shops called 'Oh!'.  The proprietor of these fine establishments is an extremely creative and tasteful man named Sandy Thigpen.       The boutique on Royal reminds me of entering into a fantastic fairytale.  It took my breath away being surrounded by the colorful dresses, sequined headdresses, fashionable chapeaux,  the soft silk curtains dividing two rooms, not to mention the French boudoir dolls holding court upon two armories.  A magical confection of a shop, yes!  *Best yet, Mr. Thigpen owns two places in the Quarter, both specialize in Vintage Couture and fine lingerie and both called Oh!  

In his second shop you will not only find more pretties, but meet the stylish and a most friendly lady named Marina.  

Oh! Check it out!   It's ooh la WOW!  

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Oh! 829 Rue Royal / 504.524.8807  (Sandy)

Oh! 330 Chartres St. / 504.525.8880 (Marina)

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Hope you've enjoyed coming along for your stroll in the Quarter!

 

xox

Constance

Happy New Year!

May you celebrate the years end, knowing you have brought me much joy!

Happy, Happy 2012!

Love,

Constance