Rochambeau

Oh Susanna !!

Reminiscing about Susanna Gordan is a reminder of how important it is, to take the chance to meet someone new.  You never know who will change the course of your life!  

  I had enjoyed reading her blog, Susanna's Sketchbook and knew she lived in my neck of the woods, so we decided one  blustery November afternoon three years ago, to get together at a near by Starbucks.

When Susanna arrived, I instantly liked her smile and laugh and felt comfortable around her and her friends.  Susanna was the first cyber~person, I met in real life.

Several months later, it was Susanna that came to my house to set up a blog for me!!  This act of kindness has changed my life forever!  If not for her, we would not have met!

~*~

Flash forward:

One day, more than a year later, I found myself in a predicament, learning how to give my mother shots (as she was tested to see if she could tolerate a certain drug).  What a bummer! But, we both had a good attitude and got through it... together.

~*~

At the appointed hour, a special parcel arrived in the mail from Susanna.  She had sent my mother a winged messenger which read:

YOU are in someones thoughts and prayers today!

(and a chocolate bar too).

My mom and I thought it might be a fun surprise to give something back to Susanna.  To show her where her beautiful wings had landed.

We walked around town and found perfect places .

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Finally, it was my mothers idea to share her Winged Messenger at the Chemo Therapy Department of the Cancer Center.  I snuck them in, but was unable to take a photograph there.

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Thank you Susanna for all you mean, in my life.  For your selfless nature and happy spirit.   It is a miracle how we met through the computer, isn't it ??!!

Love,

Constance

To read more "Winged Tales" Visit Angie, the who kindly put this celebration together! @ Visually Oriented

Queen Susanna montage up top:

by: Shin

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.

Recipe for A Perfect Day!

 

The day was unbelievably cool & crisp and the shadows long.  My absolute favorite kind of day!  We shared the magic light with good friends who came for a visit,  Phillissia & Hank and Molly & Charles.

(Image of Ginger Cake:  Hank Rossi)

After many rainy weeks in East Texas, the tables turned and we are experiencing "Postcard Perfect" days, (my fathers term for unbelievably excellent weather).

(above, Phillissia and Hank)

 

In our neck of the woods, this particular brand of loveliness happens, but once a year and the time is NOW!  An ambiance that can make a person dizzy with happiness, after enduring a long, hot & humid summer!

We headed down to the Bayou, for a boat ride, but since it is flooded from the rain...

 

We picniced on the waterfront with Johnie, who owns the Bayou Landing, here in Jefferson.

(above photo by: Hank Rossi)

 

Le menu: Asian Salad, Beer Bread with Dill, Ginger cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Black grapes.

 It was peaceful to be out by the water with good buddies.

(photo above: Hank Rossi)

Catfish even made a cameo appearance!

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After, we wandered around our little town.

Winding our way into a music store, where Charles and Don jammed for awhile.

(above photos:  Hank Rossi)

When we got back home, I did some secret finishing touches on my surprise party favors for Molly and Phil, Cocktail Chapeaux to wear at dinner!

When our guest arrived, I brought my girlfriends back to pick out there favorite hat!

Decisions~Decisions!!

 

But, everyone picked their favorite!

The table was set and the candles lit.  We dined on Crawfish Etoufee and salad, sipped great wine, then for dessert,

drum roll please........

(photo above: Hank Rossi)

We savored Phillissia's Bread-pudding Souffle served with Whiskey Sauce!

  After we dined, Charles served up a live performance!

 Then Molly and Charles played together for awhile, making our house sound and feel happy! Nothing like family and good friends, delicious food, good wine, nice weather, and live music to make a heart happy!!

 Charles even taught me a new jazz progression on the guitar last night. 

Made me so happy, I cut off my left fingernails today and practiced!

(above photos:  Hank and Phillissa Rossi)

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!

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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!

Gold and Silver Friendships

~Golden Friends~

The Humane Society has a special rescue program for horses called HSUS.  Tonight I will have the great pleasure of joining my friends Molly and Charles at their home for a party, celebrating Keith Dane, the Director of Equine Protection and to raise awareness of this important program. 

  

~A Silver Friendship~

More than two years ago, I had I was lucky to become blogging buddies with Elsa, of Verve, Inspiration and Stories.  I do believe we met through Stephanie of Rodrigvitz Style.   Elsa lives in Germany, but is in Texas visiting family, so TODAY's the big day we meet.  She's such a beautiful soul! I can't wait.

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

New's from the Land of Poupée's

Violet~

A special order Floralina was sent yesterday to live on the East Coast.  Marsha wanted a Purple and Green gown and strawberry blond hair for her maiden.

Lastly:

You must meet Mdm. Mouche,  a puppet I'm working on!

All for now!

Have a great weekend, friends!

xox

Constance

Still Life

Looking around Noëlle's house~



While everyone was napping.



Entertaining myself ~



Looking at my friend's life now and remembering back many years.  Thinking about before we were married,  how life has changed and moved forward, yet our friendship remains stronger for all we have shared together.



Noticing the silent details
that speak of her essence~



One's that have made Noëlle's house
 truly a home for her family~



How beautiful~
Friendship!




Happy Birthday Noëlle!
Love,
Constance

A Dream About Mary

I had a good dream about Mary,
early this morning, my friend
 who died recently.

Here's how it went:




In the dream, I was inside my apartment, on the upper floor of a high-rise apartment.  It reminded me of an older building near Neiman Marcus, in downtown, Dallas ( like the photo above, on the right).  In this room there was only one window, looking down to the street below.


  I remember just one bed with a white spread and a nightstand with a telephone to the left, furnishing my apartment.

The phone rang.  It was a mutual friend of Mary and mine, Sandy. 
I said something to Sandy about Mary not being with us, that she had died.  Sandy said "Mary didn't die"!

 The next thing I knew, Mary walked into the room.  She was wearing green and was a bit bigger, a healthy weight.  She was completely healed of arthritis!   Mary said:

 " Constance, I AM alive"!!
She hugged me and then I woke up.
 
A great dream!

Remembering Mary

A loyal & caring friend,
A fabulous artist,
A smart cookie.
The bravest soul, I've ever met.



May your garden continue to grow.
Now you are free.
May you be at peace.
I miss you already!

Love,
Constance


Today a piece of my heart
 has gone missing~

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.

Good Friends

Do you have friends that understand and
love you for who you are, not for
what you do?
~
Ones that embrace your essence?
  If so, you are extremely fortunate!

Here above, are a few of mine.

Thank you Charles and Molly,
Hank and Phil
and most of all, Pete!

 

Photo above shot on
Moon Dance.