Rochambeau

How the Colt turned into a Horse

Have you ever considered how you gained independence and learned to become a responsible adult?   Listening to a friend convey her thoughts on the topic of growing pains, I found myself pondered my past, unfolding early memories.

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What were the cornerstones which allowed you to become the person you are today?   Was it many experiences, or a just a few paramount things that happened?  Did you learn primarily from a happy situation or from from the school of hard knocks?

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For me there were two things that come to mind.  First, I had the unfortunate experience of being involved in two car wrecks during high school and consequently undergoing facial scar revision, during college years.   Because of this, I was offered the gift of learning how to feel gratitude for life and to give thanks for my physical functioning body and it also occured then, that all people are suffering.  Some suffer on the inside and others on the outside and so I began to understand what compassion means.

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 The other 'life~changer' happened when I was a freshman in college.  The blue skies turned dark one November afternoon when my boyfriend broke up with me.  This was the first day my world came to a halt, still and desolate, as if I were floating in a dream, empty and alone.

What happened next: 

A few days later, I began writing about my feelings.  This was a gift as I was privy to see more concretely, what was going on in my life and that helped me to cope.  Soon I devised a plan of action to reinvent the person I had been, sick of feeling alone and lost.  A goal without a plan is just a wish; Antoine de Saint Exupery.   At first, my energy was fueled by thinking; "I will show that guy"!  But in the end,  it wasn't about that guy at all.  It turned out that his 'dropping me' was a gift he allowed me to give to myself. 

 

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For the first time in my life, I began respecting and taking care of who I was,  both inside and out.  I became a new creation and started making new healthier choices in my life and took on the responsibility of trying to be and look my best.  I quit smoking cigarettes and started exercising.  I realize now that this "plan", was actually my personal formula for becoming an responsible adult.

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Thinking back, the hardest teenage experiences are what forced me to realize I needed to take action to help myself become a healthy and whole individual.   So much good came out of this period of my life as I made a conscious decision to become a more social and responsible person!

 

Taking charge of one own happiness is an on going project, don't you think? 

Nuff about me!  What about YOU??

xox

Constance

 

 

Perfect Imperfection

  Give me your handless ballerina~

your little boy, who's lost his head.....

and your tailless Westie~

 For their sweet eyes, kind and gentle faces, for perfect imperfection, I treasure these things.  Empathy and compassion are learned from imperfection, a common dimoniator that binds us all together.  At least that's been my experience, what do you think?

Book Club

Do you belong to a Book Club?  If so, how is your group organized and how long have you been a part?

Ours is small group of seven women with an affection for the written word.  We vary dramatically in age and background, one of our members has her PHD in Library Science, another taught English, there's a former newspaper reporter,  a restaurateur and a few artists thrown into the mix.  Each round out the group perfectly!  You could say we sit in good company and learn  from one another, each offering unique perspective.  My mother has been part of this book group for more than 20 years, I've been a part for a few years.

The Format: Once a month we meet at a member's home, who will not only give the review, but host a luncheon in her home.  After lunch, the host will give her talk, lecture or review and here's the interesting thing:  This talk can be on any book or any subject the hostess desires.  The options for topics are completely open, unlimited!

A few Examples: My mother recently read Garrison Kiellor's moving introduction about poetry in the book Good Poems for Hard Times , also printed poems for each of us to keep.  Sharon once read the short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, Michele taught us about the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. and Flo introduced me to the life and stories of Somerset Maugham..G

WewTwice a year, we go to Barnes and Nobel and as a group choose books we want to read, then divide the cost and pass around the books to one another.  Once a year we draw straws to see who will keep which book.

 We talk about the books we are reading and give recommendations, next I will share: Major Pentigrew's Last Stand. 

This is a special time we take to celebrate birthday's, eat delicious food, but most important we create an opportunity to pause, breathe and commune with each other, to learn from one another at least once a month!

If These Walls Could Talk

If these walls could talk, they could tell you stories of being seated around this dining table in San Francisco in the 1960's.  About a creative set of parents who stitched this needlepoint tapestry together at night, one night after the next for two and a half years.  I could tell you how important it was for them to teach us "good manners" and that they were on a serious mission for us to experience fine food and dining. 

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Today these walls also remind me of a foggy evening in February of 1964, when I was eight years old, of two of the most memorable nights of my life.  Around this table we sat, my mom, dad, grandma Eva, my brother, and I, just finishing up dessert, when my father announced that he wanted to ask my mom and I a question.

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He explained that recently he had seen women downtown who were wearing pierced ears.   I was curious, but not for sure what pierced ears were.  Still, I knew I was a big fan of  my mom's earring collection!!  He went on to say, that he wanted to know if my mom and I were interested in having our own ears pierced?  His selling point was, that we could wear earrings without loosing them,  also noting that he thought pierced ears looked pretty and "in". 

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  I thought to myself. " Wow!!  Me wearing earrings, YES"!!??

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Next, he explained how he had gone to speak to a doctor during his lunch hour, one that instructed him on how to pierce ears.  In these days, only doctors pierced ears.   My mom and I looked at each other smiled and said; "Yes, we do want pierced ears"!  We said it sounded fabulous!  

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"Are you kidding"? My New York grandma shouted! Not believing what she had heard and stared at my dad with disbelief.   She thought my dad had gone completely mad and out of his mind.  Even my older brother bet me I would never go though with it, because he knew how much I detested needles and shots.

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My brother had a good point, but the next night after dinner around this same table, I ended up winning the bet.  My father, pierced my mom's ears first, then mine, using a sterilized needle and a large carafe wine cork to stabilize the prick behind the ear.  As he pierced my ears I didn't cry at all, then afterword ran to gaze at my ears in the mirror with those little gold earring posts and liked what I saw!! 

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My Grandma Eva was disgusted and retired to her room in "a huff".  I won the bet with my brother, but most importantly~~~~~This turned out to be one of happiest days of my life.  I adore having pierced ears, never having regretted this decision and have worn earrings most every day since.

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Having pierced ears remind me of my father and that makes me smile~

 Do you have a memory about when you had your ears pierced, I'd like to hear!

xox

Constance

Facebook ~ No ~ More

An about face with Facebook~

 As I fight for a balance between real life, creative life and blogging,  Facebook was a habit I never had time to get into.  I think I understand the allure of FB, as it is a form of web logging, but I never fully embraced it.  I would forget to look at my FB, as I am a blogger gal.  So, I decided to close my account a few days ago and immediately feel a great sense of relief.  In case you see my name or face missing from your friend list, please don't think I "un~friended" you!

Now, I'm interested for you to tell me how you feel about FB!  Or any thing related to these thoughts above.

Instead, I'm enjoying the freshness of Spring ~

Learning new things while reading a library book about photographing people, circa 1980 ~

(One of my favorite examples, is this photo above taken in Paris probably in the late 1950's.  According to the author,  what makes the composition work especially well is the placement of the woman's finger).

 I've saved the best for last!  Here is a photo of Ricardo, Isabel's brother who was in a coma.  Look at him now, two days ago!  Thank all of you, for your good thoughts and prayers.  

They worked!

Have a great weekend!

xox

Constance

The Art of Chocolate

Beautiful illustrations of chocolate mold patterns from Confectioner's Machinery and Tools (1930) a catalogue, produced by Thomas Mills & Brother Inc, Philadelphia, PA.

Luscious memories from the movie Chocolat, the Chocolaterie.  Images  found here.

Selection of chocolates and Lavender truffles from Eat Chocolate, a Seattle based chocolate company (found through Seattle's Chocolate Salon).  Their truffles and chocolates are made with the finest ingredients including Felchlin Maracaibo chocolate, organic cream and fresh spices, herbs, fruit and nuts.

Joseph Schmidt from San Francisco, is my chocolate hero! I was saddened to learn he is no longer making his magic chocolate truffles or chocolate bowels.

Patrick Roger Chocolatier ~ Paris

Chocolate sculpture ~ impressive!

Viva Terra

 Organic bonbons ~ Pretty

A beautiful and tasty craft, the art of chocolate! 

Did you realize:

 

Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and ~ South America, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC.

~ Chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world.

~ Scientists claim that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

 Do you eat it? love it, hide it?   Are you a dark or milk chocolate fan?   Do you prefer hot chocolate or chocolate chip cookies?  Do you sit upon your chaise and eat bon~bons? Or are you a chocolate cake person?

Maybe instead, you prefer apple pie?

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Sealing this post with a:

Chocolate makes me Happy!

Make~Up, Do You?

Queen Cleopatra did~

But do you wear it, feel neutral,
 or despise cosmetics all together?

Archaeologists have found evidence of makeup
 used in Egypt dating back as far as
the fourth millennium BC.

Is makeup something one hides behind?

Or, can it enhance a persona?


Max Factor is often called the father of
 modern makeup.  He was the inventor
 of lip gloss, pancake makeup and false
eyelashes.  He coined the term "makeup,"
 based on the verb, "to make up" (one's face).

Above photo
of Max Factor



If you wear makeup, when did you start?
Do you make it a habit?



If not, when did you make the
decision not to?

Above: The tree of good looks.



Where in the world do you live?
Are your opinions influenced by what
others do around you? Or, perhaps have
you adopted the views of your
 mother or another family member?



Do you feel prettier in makeup?
 Can you be just as much yourself
 without it?




Is there a difference between expensive
cosmetics.......




and less expensive ones?


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Also, what is the difference between


Makeup brushes.....



and artists' brushes,
other than the cost?





Do you polish your nails,



 or your toenails

If so, why do you do it?

 polished toes




Is life is a stage? 



Are your clothes costumes?
Is makeup your mask?

Marie Antoinette






Do you wear red lipstick?
This lady wears it well, don't
you think?




The Madame Puff from Bell'occhio
makes me want to wear loose powder,
but I don't!



So does this box of
Coty Airspun Face Powder!



Do you have many colors in your
pallet? just a few, or none at all?


 Sephora




Do you have scars to hide on your face?
If so, makeup can offer a bit
of Trompe l'oeil.




Is applying makeup an "art",
or a hindrance?



  Do cosmetics have the power
 to enhance natural beauty or
destroy it?

photo: Tracy Kahn



Have you ever met a makeup artist or,
 had the chance to be part of magazine
 fashion photo shoot?  Do you realize
 all the time that is involved?  How
many people it takes to make one person
 look fabulous for one moment in time?

 That is another form of
 Trompe l'oeil for sure!


 Bobbie Brown



Hot tips if you do wear makeup:
Always apply in natural light, or
well lit room & don't forget to
BLEND!!


above photo: courtesy
 Graphics Fairy




One last thought:
Is it true
Less is More?

Mouches Bell'occhio




I'm fascinated and look forward
 to hearing your thoughts and
ideas. Thank you for following me
into the Salon, to join in the
 conversation!

xox
Constance

Salon Rochambeau

Hello Ladies!

It is splendid to see you on such an excellent day.   Thank you for stopping by!  Please come into the Chateau.  I have decorated the 'Salon' festively with pumpkins, pomegranates and many of my favorite masks.

How positively ravishing you all look,
fashioned in your fall wardrobes!

Please follow me into the Salon, where Bradwell is serving delicious watercress sandwiches, scones and a potent punch.  Also, there is champagne or
tea at the ready.

You happen to be just in the nick of time to discuss a very important and timely topic!

Let's gaze into the crystal ball, read the cards and then discuss what you plan to wear for Halloween!!   If you are not dressing-up, please describe what you would if you were, or even recount costume memory.  I am intrigued.  Do you feel comfortable in costumes?  Could you go to the grocery store in one?  Do you make your own? 

  Penelope knows what she's going to be!
Do you?

  On  31 October,  if you're game Please post a photo of yourself, real or imagined on your site, and we can share in a festive Halloween parade holding handing in Bloglandia.
It's just Halloween.
Be creative,
Have fun,
Be inventive,
and enjoy !
Xox
Constance

 

 31 OCTOBER , 2007!

An Invitation!

Entré
S'il Vous Plaît!

You are cordially invited to
The Debut Celebration of:

Salon' Rochambeau 
So glad you've arrived.

Welcome!

Please make yourself at home, and depending upon what time you've stopped by, join me for a virtual café au lait,  a pretty cup of tea or perhaps a glass of wine.  Petit fours and other fancies will also be served soon.   This is a excellent opportunity for us all to learn from one another. Today I present to you the topic of BALANCE.   Particularly: How do you achieve balance while creating a Blog (or being a reader of Blogs), with your non-blog creative life and production of your art?  If you don't create art then how do you balance your real life with your virtual life?  I would like some insight on this matter.  Please join in the discussion by leaving your opinion or a comment. 

Merci beaucoup,
La Madame de Rochambeau