Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year!


My dear sweet ladies I promise to get around to each and every one of you but this bug has gotten the best of me and I am down and out for the count, fever, chills, aches and pains not to mention hordes of tissues and a constant runny nose! I wish you all the very best this New Year and my hopes and prayers for all of you to get your wishes! This year has proven that friendships CAN be made despite, age, color, faith, and beliefs...when push comes to shove when we needed one another we stuck together! The world would be a much happier place if they all blogged? N'est ce pas?
Je vous aimes beaucoup!!!
Hugs French ;0 )
x0x0x0

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tablescape Tuesday

Tablescape Tuesday hosted by Susan at: http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/



So this time I decided to share a simple table scape with our everyday dishes!

Trust me most days this is NOT how it looks...not even close (lol)
You see this precious little fellow? This was a gift and he holds a bottle of wine isn't he cute?





I added a little Christmas decor to make it look pretty!




I know it's weird to see the palms with the Christmas decor but hey on Christmas eve it was 73 degrees here! I love the mosaic candle holder the reflection it gives off in the evening is incredible!




A close up of the glasses with the palm trees!



Table for four please!



I think this little doggie is so cute! You see my Tally in the background trying desperately to get into the picture!









I tried to get some pictures of the table on Christmas eve. Every year we have a drop in and this year was no different! We had a total of 27 people that dropped in! I didn't have all the food on the table yet but here's a small preview of most of it! I know bad blogger right?



Where's the shrimp? Oh yeah....had no room in my fridge had to store it at the neighbor's!
G-man go get the shrimp please!


We had a great drop in! The only thing missing of course is all of our friends and family from Canada! Maybe next year?

Hope you all have a great day and the Happiest of New Year's to ALL!!



Hugs Lisa and G-man
xoxox








Sunday, December 28, 2008

I want to share really I do but......

I was taught in kindergarten to share....but they never explained that some things shouldn't be shared..... and this I won't share with you ladies! Hubby has been sick for a week with a miserable cold that has had him down and out for almost a week... of course I refused to kiss him, wiped everything around him, made him stay out of the kitchen while I cooked..everything!!!

Trying to avoid walking around in a daze like he has for the last week.....from the couch to the bed, with a box of tissues in hand..


My attempts have been pointless, I have been rendered defenseless....against these cruel creatures.....



Instead, I find that tissues actually do multiply when sitting for too long... they are everywhere and today is only day 1...."Oh joy is me"!!!

I guess I will have to resort to this.....UGH!
Thanks honey....did ya really have to share????
Hope everyone had a wonderful safe holiday....
I'll be around just moving at a snail's pace with Kleenex in hand;0)
Hugs French xoxox



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Twas the Night Before Xmas Blogger Style;0)




Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house



Not a PC was stirring, not even a mouse.



The laptops were hung by the chimney with care,



In hopes that St Nikki would email them there.



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,



While visions of blogging danced in their heads.



And Gollum in her ‘kerchief, and ME in my cap,



Had just settled our brains for a long writer’s nap.



When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,



We sprang from the bed to hear a plate shatter.



Away to the window we flew like a flash,



Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.



The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow



But what was the lustre of the objects below?



When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,



But a miniature mouse, and eight tiny blog dears.



With a sweet lady driver, so quick and so witty,



We knew in a moment it must be St Nikki



More rapid than eagles her coursers they came,



She whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!



"Now Donna! now, Kathy! now, Shelia and Tiney! On, Bridget! On, Buffie! on, Bo and on Terrie!



To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!



Now eat away! Blog away! Stash away all!



As Raquel prefers to swim while Schmecky only to fly,



When they meet with obstacles, Mrs. Ben and Naz saying "oh my".



So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,



With the sleigh full of plates, and all that fabric too?



And then, in a twinkling, we heard on the roof



The bloggers all stealing stuff seemingly aloof!



As we drew in our heads, and were turning around,



Down the chimney Nikki came with a mighty bound.



All dressed in fur, from her head to her feet,



And her bags were all full,.... saying where do we meet?



A bundle of stuff she had flung on her back,



Deb screamed "it's a peddler", quick get her pack!



Her eyes-how they twinkled! her dimples how merry!



Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry!



Her droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,



And the white of her teeth were as white as the snow.



The remains of a tree she held tight in her teeth,



Chris slapped her hand and said "Hey that's my wreath!".



She had a beautiful face, and comments galore,



She was so pleasant, it was obviously no chore!



She was bubbly she was, a right jolly elf,



Tootsie laughed when she saw her, in spite of herself!



A wink of her eye and a twist of her head,



Soon let Jill know she had nothing to dread.



She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,



And filled all the comments, then turned with a jerk.



And laying her finger aside of her nose,



And giving a nod, up the chimney she rose!



She sprang to her sleigh, to her team gave a wish list,



And away they all flew quickly, disappearing in the mist .



But we heard her exclaim, ‘ere she drove out of sight,



"Happy Christmas to all, and to Ozzie a good-night!"






Sorry I couldn't get all the names in I tried!!!! I had to use the ones that rhymed better, so Nikki you got the starring role;)... There are just so many of you wonderful ladies!! I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart...for being kind, and patient, for your support, your thoughtfulness and for teaching me, but most of all for being my friends~~~

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

LOVE LISA, GORDON, SAMANTHA AND JACOB

XOXOXO


and Tally too;)

Tablescape Tuesday and A Partridge on a Pear Table?

My second table scape Tuesday, and literally my second table scape ever!; which is hosted by Susan over here
I am honored to be part of this fun activity considering all the experts out there but I am truly enjoying trying all the different things;)

This is my ode to the famous Christmas song "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" except my version is "A Partridge on my Pear Table" (winks;) Aren't these little birds precious!! Only $3 each on sale at the local fabric store!!(woohoo)! The glittering pears from TJ Maxx as well as the candle holders I lusted after (Lynne) it's the bling that kept calling my name ( psst French buy us!!) so after the fourth visit I broke down and bought them! The white tablecloth has little silver snowflakes!!





I only set the table for four this time, colors are silver, white, black and a hint of purple and gold...weird combination yet I think it works;)



The small plates are part of a full set I received from my mother-in-law because she said I would appreciate them (who knew) wait it gets better!



Here are the candle holders I lusted after;) I don't know why...... they just looked so different then what I would usually buy and I immediately thought of the color scheme to use it with!



It's odd seeing silver with all the gold in my room but it's a definite contrast!




Look at the back of the small plates! I actually have a full setting of 4 (minus one teacup that got broken) sigh~~~~


Here's my surprise!!! I totally forgot my mother-in-law had given these to me!!! They were well hidden up in that cabinet you know the one you never go into! And to my surprise.... See how the light makes the colors in the plate look gold? They really are silver except in different light they can look gold too they work with both colors (how great is that!)


Look at the back!!!! I immediately screamed like a sissy girl (lol Picket!) I had no idea, so of course I had to look them up online to find out if I could get more of the set because all I have is 8 dinner plates and I can get them! The pattern is Wild Oats.....(kind of suitable for me;)






So here's my second table scape and many many thanks to all you ladies that have inspired me to try this and continue playing with different ideas!!
These are all the dishes I have except for the ones we use every day which I may do a simple every day table scape with just for fun!





Have a wonderful tour during the Table scape Tuesday and keep the ideas coming;)
Hugs and Happy Holidays!!
Lisa and Gordon
Samantha and Jacob
Tally too;)
xoxoxox



Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Past 1967



While doing some much needed housework...(yuck) I came upon this picture of my sweet G-man! He was only 2 years old but the look on his face at Christmas signifies what the true meaning of Christmas is...look at the anticipation in his beautiful eyes as he gets ready to open a present.....Love you sweetheart!


Here at 42 still looking as handsome as ever!


Hugs French xoxoxox

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Proud Mama




Yesterday afternoon my son had his first mini-concert. This is his first year playing an instrument and the violin no less!! I was truly amazed at how good they were! I totally expected to hear somebody completely out of tune but they weren't!!!! They were soooo good! He was all dressed up in his black suit and white shirt.... There you see the total concentration on his face when he played....he loved it! He said it made him realize how people felt performing on stage as musicians. He wants a guitar for Christmas and I think Santa is bringing him one(winks;)! He is too darned pretty to be a boy, but hey I am totally biased!!! Below is the first video I have uploaded here to blogger I hope it works! My video taking needs practice;) Hugs French;) xoxo

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Thursday Thirteen Random Rants.....

1. I realize how much a little time and faith can heal...my daughter and I went to register her at school yesterday she had finally made a decision to go to college and she is interested in becoming a pharmacist no less....who knows where she will end up but I am so proud that she finally took the first step in the RIGHT direction.
2. I had no idea I would enjoy the table scape Tuesday so much big thanks to Susan for the introduction!
3. I survived the MRI unscathed...results negative for TOS but still continuing more testing...the vascular surgeon thinks it might be RSD Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (ugh)
4. Medical bills suck!
5. What ever happened to Mr. Bill anyway? (lol)
6. I think I need a vacation away from MYSELF! ( Is that possible?)
7. Life would be so much easier if we all had Oprah's money (or would it?)!
8. Note to self..... never go get a $40 dollar haircut when your in a pissy, ( I need a change!) mood they will always screw it up and cut it WAY too short ( evidence below)!
9. Menopause sucks! Who invented wrinkles? I hate them!
10. My short term memory is getting terrible WHY???( never mind I can't remember)
11. I need to learn how to use power tools!
12. I realized I now have a new addiction (table scapes and bling hello Lynne??) (lol)
13. You will all think I am crazy after this post ( then again maybe you already knew I was and it's just a new discovery for me, or maybe I knew...... and forgot?)

Hugs and please no laughing at the new haircut (it will grow back and not look chopped up....yes or no?)
Seriously it's a bad haircut but I do the best I can with it until it can be fixed!




Hugs and much Love from the Scrooge ( BAH HUMBUG!)

French xoxoxo

Monday, December 15, 2008

My First Tablescape Tuesday

This is my first attempt at a tablescape...and it's actually the one I did last Christmas for RMS...
Plain white dishes, on gold chargers, brown napkins with a bow tied around it;) The bows I got from the dollar store! Assorted nuts in the two smaller glass dishes....




Little name tags that are little ornaments...
The deer I got from Target with a little berry around it and two miniature Christmas trees from Michael's which I sprayed with fake snow for this year...

Gold tablecloth with three runners I made using one full table cloth just cut and sewed them;)


Nothing fancy, just a little something I did to try it! Maybe one day I will get some pretty dishes and try this again;)
Hugs French xoxox






Wednesday, December 10, 2008



I found this image on another blog months ago and decided to finally use it! I am not sure even what they had used it for, but this is my version! Thirteen random things...

1. I wish I could be that little girl ( up there ) again some days....but know what I know today...

2. I know that there are only 13 days left for Christmas shopping and I have yet to start...

3. I know that I have spent far too much time visiting doctors these days...and it will only get worse....

4. I know that my husband has finally gained the courage to set a plan in motion and stick to it! (I'm proud of you honey!)

5. I know that my daughter is slowly getting on the right path and for that I am truly grateful!

6. I know that at Christmas I really do miss my family more than any other time of year...

7. I know that when your down in the dumps people always seem to kick you harder...

8. I know that life has a way of reminding you of what is truly important.....

9. I know that I totally suck at sending my gifts and I have NOT forgotten about my 3 winners and only hope they can forgive me....

10. I know that RMS ain't what it used to be.....

11. I know that because of RMS I have met some of the most wonderful people that I am truly honored to call friends, despite our differences, despite the distance and despite the fact that most I have never met....

12. I know that I am far more insecure than I would have most people believe....

13. I know that or at least hope some will share their thirteen with me...even if only here in a comment...

Hugs and much love French;) xoxoxo

Monday, December 8, 2008

Blogger Issues!!!

I am having serious blogger issues and it's driving me crazy! Is anyone else having these issues? My blog roll list isn't updating as it should it's about 12 hours off schedule and the blogopera off by about 18 hours or so, despite the fact that there is a new post there?









If someone doesn't help me figure this out I may be doing this soon! I have scoured the help pages and come up empty handed! There is nothing concrete that discussed this issue. Is anyone else having this problem? If so can you help me? This is driving me over the edge and I can't stand it anymore!
Please help!!!
French;) xoxox

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Truth or Dare?


When you receive the prize, you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in their content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing that they were prized with 'Honest Weblog'. List [if you can and/or dare] at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!


First a big thank you to Melissa for this award and the opportunity to try this out;) You can go see her here! She is so cute and full of life and just down right loveable!

OK so here is my list of 10:

1. I have coffee on first thing in the morning and the last cup at about 10 PM I can't live without coffee!

2. I have a secret addiction to pastries not chocolate!

3. Although I enjoy work, I have loved being off despite good and bad days...( it just doesn't pay enough)!

4. I have learned so much about decorating from my dearest friend Kelly who I met via RMS and who now lives really close to me;)

5. The most romantic thing my G-man did for me was plan a surprise dinner for two in Jamaica, candles, flower petals etc...it was truly dreamy!

6. While working as a Flight Attendant our crew was invited to eat dinner with the Prime Minister of Guyana Sam Hinds, we were picked up in a bullet proof car (yikes)!

7. I was never the athletic type, nor did I ever sing or play an instrument but I do wish I would have........ I wanted to learn the play the drums but never did!

8. I have been to the Louvre in Paris

9. I spoke French before I spoke English it was my first language....now I can hardly read or write it but I still understand it!

10. I visited the site of the famous Jonestown Cult in Guyana where the massacre took place, it was eerie and I didn't like it one bit...read more here if interested.

Now I would like to share this with:

1.Heather (Rue)

2.Chris

3. Raquel

4. Robyn

5. Donna Marie

6. Jill

7. Bo

So here's my list...if you can that's great if not no biggie! Have fun with it;) French xoxox

Monday, December 1, 2008

Gollum's Story #3 per Jacob & Merci Beaucoup!

Jacob in his new room;0)

Jacob's story...I have written it exactly as he did, spelling, punctuation and all...and if I may for just a minute (brag about him)...Jacob at a very early age was a stutterer, he ended up having to take speech classes in school, at times even his teachers really gave him a hard time. Only 3 of his six teachers "got him" if you know what I mean. We have always said that we thought he had an "old soul" he's so much wiser than a child his age should be...in so many ways! Well, just last month we were told he didn't need speech classes anymore (thank goodness!) I think being in those classes toyed with his self worth and abilities. Last year at the end of the school year they done some testing, and lo' and behold we got a call last week asking if they could test him for the AGP program (gifted program). We said "yes" of course because both G-man and I have thought the child was far too bright and that's what the problems were in school.( but they wouldn't listen to us)! So last week we get a call, he is being moved into the "gifted" program not only that, he tested in the 97th pecentile for the state! Now if those who I will leave nameless ever tell me again that my child is disruptive, and needs help I say this !! "

"He was friggin' bored you dumb-asses"
Sorry I got carried away there!



So here is Jacob's story....... Before you read this please know I cheated...I gave the exercise to my 10 year old son, told him to choose a picture, showed him the words and let him pick out the ones he wanted, and said write whatever you want, and make it a short story.


Titled
Bleeding Love
"Look out" everyone said. We all kept on running, they were coming...fast. Some were caught by the Griffins and were taken as hostages. Each gleaming shine of daylight forced us into the dark by the blizzard that was crushing our hope of living....and love. I could never find my true love, if I'm going to run I said to myself each day, but it never gave me the courage though. Each day I would go hunting for food and my true love, if I found food I would take a single lick and stuff it all in mouth. If I found love she'd be lying there......dead. One day when I was trying to find food again, I was in a deep and long alley. I heard laughter in a room. It sounded like a woman and a boy, I opened the door and there was my true love....standing there laughing with her son. "hello" I said. "Hello" she said back. "Can I sit down?" I asked. "Yes" she said back. And suddenly we kissed. "Ewwww" said the boy. "What's your name" I asked. "Calina" she said. "What's yours?"......"I don't know....I never had a name" I said. She looked surprised then she had a thinking face on. "How about hmmmm Zackary" "that's my name!" said the boy. "Zackary it is" I said. We gave each other another little kiss and then I knew this was my true love....
The End










Kathy, one of the sweetest people in blog-land, and a fellow RMS'er has passed along this wonderful award to me because she thinks my blog is fabulous, if you pop over to see Kathy at Casa Dolce Casa you will see that not only does Kathy have a fabulous blog but that Kathy herself is uber fabulous too. I mean seriously.... she travels the world, and still finds time to visit us all too! I am truly flattered to receive this award from you Kathy, Merci Beaucoup mon ami.
Here are the rules:
Copy and paste the rules and instructions in your post.
When you post about receiving this award, make sure you include who gave you the award and link it back to them.

Post five of your addictions.
Add the award image.
Let your winners know you gave them an award by leaving them a comment on their blog.

OK so you all know by now I hate following rules and I have noticed so many getting this lovely award .... so if you haven't received this and realize I was having a total blonde moment please take it from me cause I love to share;) I learned to share in kindergarten (lol)!!
My 5 addictions (this is too easy!)
1. Blogging
2. Writing
3. Decorating
4. Coffee
5. Movies
Hugs to all and have a great one;) French
PS Jacob is dying to see all your replies;) He got very excited about this!!



Sheryl got your message this is the best one I have so far still needs a little tweaking and it was dark but Ihope you can see it;) French

About Me

My photo
South Carolina, United States
Never say what if... Just do. Live life without regrets...RN /Author/Interior Decorator