Rochambeau

My Creative Mother

 

We were invited to an Octoberfest this Halloween. 

 
My mom went as Wagner's, Brunnhilde.

 

She incorporated Jello molds into her breastplate.

 

And used a shower curtain for her cape.  I made her wings, but the rest she already had in her costume box.

When we arrived at the party, the guests couldn't believe their eyes !  I loved watching how she made people laugh and how she laughed herself.

 

Such a creative person!

~*~

Hope you had a Happy Halloween too!

xox

Constance

Casting A Spell

Imagine my surprise, opening the mail and discovering.....

Susanna Gordon had turned me.............into a Witchy~poo!

Isn't this funny?  I could hardly believe my eyes!

She made me six inches taller....

even gave me an elegant pointy felt chapeau and a bodacious pair of sequin earrings, wow!

If you're turning green with envy, visit Susanna  who was inspired by Iva Wilcox in the October issue of Somerset Magazine and learn the Secret Incantation for making Paper Catrina's!

Also, Susanna and Stephanie will be hosting the Second Annual

Dia de los Bloglandia Event on:

Sunday November 1st 

This is a time to honor and celebrate the lives of the ones you love who have died, in the Tradition of El Dia de los Muertos.

~ LiLi ~

 

LiLi

8 October 2009

Meaning:

The symbol of innocence, purity and beauty.

A Birthday Salute!

For you LiLi M!!

We are celebrating You and your Life today!

A talented woman you are, with great insight.  

A Queen of Hearts!  Always an encouraging, kind or thoughtful word from LiLi M!!  You are a generous soul, who's beauty shines from within!  Those, who have met you are most richly blessed.

The day you were born, the stars shown bright!

Go ahead, keep sipping from the Cup of Life, such a delicious drink!

May you continue to find joy, in simple thing and share your dreams~

May your heart be filled to the brim! 

 

You look perfectly ravishing in your crown, because LiLi M : *You wear it well, as you are A Light of the Universe!!

Happy Birthday Bella!

xox

Constance

Things I Learned Last Week

We finally got to meet in "real life"and I now know that  Elsa for certain, is a true gem!   How fortunate that Bloglandia brought this lovely lady into my life!

To experience the gentle soul behind Elsa's writing and feel her powerful hugs,  to witness what a good mother she is and spend time with her smart and adorable son M, was a gift!  

~

It pays to make the effort, to meet a new friend!

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At the Human Society reception Thursday evening, we were made aware of what it takes to save abused and mistreated horses.  I love  the company of animal lovers ~ my people!   Molly spoke eloquently, as an advocate for these horses (one's needing help, but have no voice of their own) !  I am proud to call Molly "friend".

(above Molly, Charles and Winston)

Keith Dane, spoke of the types of abuses that horses endure in the United States and how to STOP the mistreatment!!  It takes takes a vision, actions of many people, finical aid, but also especially a political voice, which the HSUS has been diligently working towards!

For more information on ways YOU can help save abused horses, visit the Human Society Equine Protection Program.

Winston was tuckered out after working the crowd!

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"WE DO NOT INHERIT THE EARTH FROM OUR ANCESTORS, WE BORROW IT FROM OUR CHILDREN."

An ancient Indian Proverb

We live in East Texas close to the Caddo Lake and in my opinion, near one of the most mysterious and enchanted places on the planet!!  It happens to be the only natural lake in Texas.  The Caddo Lake resides half in Texas and the other half in Louisiana.

(above images, The New York Times)

On Saturday morning I had the privilege of witnessing the opening celebration of the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  The Caddo Tribe performed a ceremonial blessing during the opening. 

~*~

Did you know that the word 'Texas' is derived from the Caddo Indian word táysha  meaning "those who are friends".  The word Texas, means "friend".

Many people spoke, but none more engaging than Don Henely (from the group: The Eagles), who is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Caddo Lake Institute.   It took seventeen years to designate this special and endangered place, a National Wildlife Refuse!

While listening to Don speak, I again became aware, that it took not only the vision for this sacred lake, but the people in Washington who finally signed a bill and made it happen, legally!  The same thing the Humane Society is currently striving to do for horses! 

**Two instances where it finally sunk in, that politicians and government can create good policies and make important things happen, for the greater good of all of us here in the United States.  To including animals and lakes!

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Last (but not least) my mother had a wonderful birthday celebration!  It was magnificent to see the way other people adore and appreciate her!  In the morning, she had a blessing at church, then came home and read all of your kind comments, later in the evening, our friends Bill and Sharon of the Stillwater Inn gave my mom a surprise party!

Guests brought poems and odes. 

(My favorite is Bill Gleason's verse, above).

One more thing.  My mom was given a fishing rod for her birthday by one of the guests.  Funny huh?  Guess you're NEVER too old to get one of these!

How to Celebrate turning Four!

Be HAPPY!!



Start the morning, by opening your
presents, a candy necklace and a pretty
apron, then go ahead and wear them!!


 

Hug your other gift.  Gia the doll, with those fine eyes and fancy wardrobe, because now, she is truly yours!



Let your big brother William, check out and
play with your new Cajun House
 that Lois made!



Invite your friends to your birthday party.
One where you get to stuff and dress
 'Groovy Girls'!



Make necklaces for those 'Groovy Girls'
 and one for you too!



Look at that Strawberry Shortcake,
the cake you wanted!



then, blow out the candles and eat some too!


 

Invite your family and some of your 'Big Girl' friends, to help celebrate.



Later, be sure to jump of the diving board
 and swim!



Because,
Jacqueline, it was your day!!
~****~
Four and Terrific!

Jaunt to New Orleans

Brought to you by: 

The person who remembered her camera,
but forgot to charge her battery AND
 didn't pack the battery charger, either!
You know how that made me feel,
all of you bloggers out there, don't you?

~;-{ ......................................

Still , I did snap a few pics
and was able to work up this post.

(above photo:  Lee Circle at dusk
and Macarons from Sucré)




On the way down, 'les amis' took a
side trip off the beaten path, to check
out Breaux Bridge, Louisiana and we were
rewarded by discovering this charming
 little town for the first time.




We dined on BBQ Shrimp
at Cafe Des Amis (above).

*Barbecue Shrimp is prepared with the head and shell on, cooked in a rich butter and garlic sauce.  It is always served with New Orleans French bread, used to sop up the sauce.



Next, we sauntered down the street
and bumped into:

 Lucullus Antiques

A highly regarded culinary antiques shop
with a flagship store on Magazine Street
 in New Orleans. 



The owner of Lucullus,
 Patrick Dunne, is the author of ~
 The Epicurean Collector:
Exploring the World of Culinary Antiques.

Mr. Dunne happened to be at his shop
this day, to our friends Sharon & Bill Stewart
(owners of "Stillwater Inn Restaurant")
great delight!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



 About New Orleans:

We stayed at an apartment of of a good friend, who's place is located at the waterfront of Lake Pontchartrain. Much of this area was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We drove around the worst parts, absorbing the destruction.  Some of the roads are still war torn, there are boarded up homes, many cleared off lots for sale, but also there are houses that have been rebuilt. This community is slowly coming alive and being revived.

There WERE people out and about living and enjoying New Orleans, thankfully everywhere we went!

(photo above: detail from a wrought iron fence in the Garden District)



We drove to the French Quarter on Sunday evening.  It looked lovely as ever.  The weather was unseasonably nice (87°) as the sun set and not too humid.  

It is good for the soul to wander around and take it all in.  Absorbing the architecture, the history, the sounds, the intoxicating mix of people from all over the world, the flowers, the artists set up around Jackson Square, selling there work, and buskers play music on street corners.  A sublime mix of life.  

(Photo above: As the sun set,
in front of Jackson Square)


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~





On Monday morning, we parked on Constance Street and wandered around the corner to Magazine Street, one of the best shopping spots in New Orleans.
 We devoted most of the day to strolling along different parts of a six mile stretch of  boutiques, design stores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, boulangeries, small grocery stores, combined with interesting and old homes. It was heavenly!



The first thing I saw as I turned the corner
was this cool man wearing a construction kilt!



THIS was for sure worth one of my few
photos!!  I asked if he'd like for me
to send him a photo, he said;
 "Naw, I don't need a picture, I look
at myself in the mirror every morning".  ;-)

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~

 

The first shop we popped into was Fairy. 



Aside from a great name, this boutique has a nice selection of clothing, shoes and jewelry. Elizabeth (the owner) was charming, can't you tell? Love the  polka~dot awning too!

 





Next stop was , Pied Nu an elegant shop
filled with a gorgeous display of
home furnishings.




Upstairs,  you will find a stunning collection of finery.  One dress especially caught our attention, a breathtaking full length fitted caftan made of flowing white silk, a show stopper!








The Bead Shop is filled to the brim with every kind of beads imaginable, treasures from all over the world.  Check out this hand beaded chair from Africa!



We walked by shops~



And went in shops~



Sharon tried on a chapeau.



While the guys had a beer.



We lunched at La Boulangerie,
at 4600 Magazine, next......



We found ourselves in the enchanted
world of Sucré !



And am I GLAD we did!



My kind of Heaven!



 Sharon treated me to some excellent
 gelato. She tried Chocolate with Raspberry
and Earl Gray Tea, I had Coffee! 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


For Dinner:
we dined at:





Herbsaint was a total ten!!  The ambiance,
the food, the service, all perfection.
 A most memorable dining experience! 

(Herbsaint Restaurant)

 

Hope could be felt in the air of New Orleans,
both by the people who live here and
 those who were visiting! I wish her my
 very best and look forward to coming back
soon. Won't you meet me one day here in the
 Crescent City?



Thank you for your kind birthday wishes!!
This truly was a great one!



xox
Constance

(photos above: Birthday roses
and another gift I found on
my birthday in Nola, sweet!)

Going to New Orleans

~We All Have Sacred Places~

Special cities that live in our heart
and contribute to the essence of
the person, we become.

One of mine is New Orleans, Louisiana.

It's her spirit of "joie de vivre" and
" laissez le bone temps rouler" attitude,
that lures and delights!


Nola is a gumbo of life, people,
 food, music, and Southern charm at
it's funkiest!






 Cafe du Monde~ The French Market
Coffee Stand, stays open 24/7.
I have savored beignets, even at 3:00 a.m.

(above: Cafe Du Monde)



 New Orleans is one of a kind!

(above: Commander's Palace)



So is Kermit Ruffins!


I'll try to capture it for you!

xox
Constance

Happy Forth of July!

Peace and friendship with all mankind
is our wisest policy, and I wish we
may be permitted to pursue it!

Thomas Jefferson

~To all who will celebrate today~
Happy Fourth of July !

How will you celebrate?
This morning we helped set up for the 

celebration that will take place, later today.

There will be a concert, a cake auction to 

raise money for the Carnegie Library, 

I get to judge the 

 Decorated Wagon Contest for children.   ;-) 

And later,  there will be fireworks!

It's gonna be a HOT one!!



Have a great day! 



Post Script:

Photos from our day~


One of the winning wagons~



another winner!



The bike parade!



Uncle Sam handing out awards!



Miss Jefferson, Bobbie (on left)
helped me choose the wagon winner
We had fun hanging out!



Sandra's husband Chuck
bought the cake I baked, for her!
It's her Birthday & Coconut's her fav.
The auction raised over $4,500 for
children's books for the library!!



And the band played on!
Patriotic songs.



Our moon, the one we all share
smiled down upon us!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


 Thank you for your kind emails about my friend Mary!  Your words are a great comfort and much appreciated!

xox

Constance

A Fanciful Fashion Extravaganza!

You are invited ~
to a:
  Mad Tea ~ Fashion Salute!




Starring:

~The Most Fanciful Queen~



¡ Vanessa Valencia !
Today is the Mad Tea Party!
You want details?
 We've got them!
Here, you will find, up to the moment
 fashion trends chronicling our
hostess & her finery, throughout the day.

 

  So, without further adieu, please follow The Blog Paparazzi~ through the rabbit hole, where you will find yourself, not only "in the know",  but on the "inside track" of all of the important details surrounding this Fashionable Day!

****************************************************

 4:32 a.m.

BATHING SUIT STYLE



  It's still dark, as Vanessa sneaks off to the exquisite "Gypsy Tub" for a quick dip and discovers that today, her bath will be free!  What a cheerful way to begin the day!

***************************************************


6:03 a.m.

VINTAGE GYPSY STYLE




Her first fashion selection is a vintage Gypsy ensemble.  Doesn't VV look stylish holding a tambourine?  The is sun rising, as she walks on top of the world! 

********************************************


10:44 a.m.

TEA TIME STYLE



  Vanessa makes her way through the looking glass and finds herself in the midst of a cheering crowd of happy guests!  She wears a fine couture tea~cup designed dress, paired with an exquisite Mad~ Hatter chapeau, a perfect selection! Not to mention, the fashionable tea pot she carries upon her wrist!  Take note, she may have just started the latest trend!

 ***************************************************


12:06 p.m. - 4:23 p.m.

SUPER SANTOS STYLE


Like magic, Vanessa flies around the world to visit each and every guest at the Mad Hatter's Tea!  How does she do it? Could you tell me please?

*****************************************************

5:13 p.m.

 LADUREE STYLE




Back at the celebration, our hostess arrives famished, but just in nick of time to sample all of the tasty teatime treats.  Vanessa, has chosen a delicious pink gown and matching hat, designed by Laduree of Paris!   Her handbag, a colorful stack of macarons , also by Laduree.  Isn't she dreamy?

*************************************************

6:21 p.m.

CHAMPAGNE STYLE



For the toast, Vanessa quickly slips into her most Fabulous & Festive,  "after five" Formal gown, one created expressly for the occasion.  Salut, mon cher!

**************************************************

7:20 p.m. ~ 12:00 a.m

QUEENLY  STYLE!



The day is fading, but not Vanessa!  For the finale, our friend bids ALL goodnight, in her most amazing ensemble du jour!  She dons a Queenly Celebration Gown (with grace) and a spectacular diamond crown, with  Royal panache!

 It's been a spectacular day, one packed with STYLE, FLAIR & DRAMA!  Who could have asked for more?  What fun, celebrating this creative and beloved woman (not to mention Fashionista), here in Bloglandia !

Love you V.V.!
We all do~
Constance


Good night friend,
Continue living in your dreams!

To visit Vanessa's Mad Tea Party
and find links of the guests,
you can go here.

Bella Mimosa

These are Mimosa blossoms, gathered on
a walk so you could see. Do you
know the tree, Mimosa?



 
 Each blossom so delicate and fragile.
They arrive just in time to welcome
Summer, with their intoxicating fragrance.
Mimosas grow naturally in this part
of the world.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Last night Walter graduated from high school.  We've known eachother, since before he was born. I've always like him and his brother Mallory, ever since they were babies.



The gift from his parents ~
A Stewart tartan Kilt.
Here he is, with Laurence before
 the ceremony.



And with his family after! I haven't
been to a graduation since I graduated
from college, so it kind of made me
teary eyed so see my friends go
through this rite of passage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



We will be gone for a few days to
celebrate another important occasion.
The Birthday of our friend
Hank, for his seventieth! 



I'll catch up
with you next week.

 

A bouquet for you!
Have a wonderful weekend friends~
Thanks for dropping by!

xox
Constance