.a quote day::2.23.09.

Let yourself be silently drawn

by the pull of what you really

love.

~Rumi

.peeking into marie antoinette's closet.

There's just something about ruffles, ribbon, and lace playing its part in the ever so fashionable world of 18th century France that you can't help but find yourself being drawn to it.  Such was the case for me when I decided to plop in a recently purchased DVD of Sofia Coppola's rendition of Marie Antoinette, a script based upon the novel by Antonia Fraser.  As with many movies that I find myself falling in love with, its first introduction onto the movie screen sparked only a mild interest with me.  Why?  I'm not sure why.  My usual movie tastes tend to lean towards historically based, periodic films.  This one was somehow overlooked.  After reading over some encouraging, and some not so enthusiastic reviews on the movie, I decided to get it.  Sure, the punk rock music woven into the film kinda threw me off just a little, and yes, Hollywood tends to create its own version of how historic events take their shape.  Regardless, I adored this movie, especially, MOST especially for the absolutely gorgeous wardrobe created by costume director, Milena Canonero.  

My eyes were glued to the tv screen as I watched Kirsten Dunst portray the young queen, adorned in the finest and most detailed of attire I have ever seen!  There is no question as to how this movie won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Costume Design.  From the exquisite gowns and up-do's, right down to the fanciest of footwear, it was all simply magnifique!  Even the array of decadently decorated cakes, of course, were truly works of art!

After watching the film, and having to wipe the drool off my chin (ha!), I recalled a book on ribbonwork that I had bought several years ago entitled Ribbonwork:  The Complete Guide, by Helen Gibb.  I was so intrigued by the detail and sheer beauty of the craft, that I had all full intentions of starting my own collection of wonderfully crafted florals.  However, a full and tiresome schedule kept me from starting the project.  The book sat, amongst a plethora of other craft books, forgotten, until now.  Perhaps I'll be able to start that well intended project this week, especially considering the fact that my ribbon stockpile has never stopped growing.  If I do, you'll be the first to know!  Meanwhile, take a look at some clips from the movie here.

{Marie Antoinette photos were provided by Costumer's Guide.}

added 3/3/11

.time flies when you don't want it to.

It just doesn't seem like it has been that long since my little girl was born, and then again, at times I feel as if it was ages ago.  This sweet, little being, cradled ever so gently in the embrace of her Daddy, so tiny, so fragile. . . 

. . . it's amazing how much she has already grown!  I hear her now, playing "house" in her bedroom, preparing a dish for her well mannered companions:  a very much loved cloth doll named Mele, to the multiple-armed friend, Olie the Octopus.  You can already see the personality, and boy does she have personality!  A lot of spunk, a lot of questions, many boxes of Cheerios, many messes on the floor, smiles to melt your heart, tantrums to drive you crazy, a million kisses, a ton of joy. . . children are the best (and most trying) part of life, my life.  This is the time I know I must savor with this wee munchakin of mine for I see her, transforming from baby to little girl right before my very eyes.  [deep sigh]  Anyone got a Kleenex?

It will be gone before you know it.

The fingerprints on the wall appear higher and higher.

Then suddenly they disappear.

~Dorothy Evslin

.patiently awaiting spring.

I hope everyone had a beautiful Valentine's Day.  As for moi, a box of chocolate truffles, a nice drive with my two sweethearts, and some Japanese takeout. . . what more could a girl ask for?  Well. . . my hubby and I had other plans, but we were left without a babysitter.  Imagine that.  And on Valentine's Day?!  That's alright.  The two of us and our wee munchikin had fun so I'm not complaining.  Okay, well maybe just a little. 

It seems that these nice, warmer days we have been having are slipping away just as quickly as they came.  At least for a few more weeks anyway.  A brief "tease" for the upcoming change in season.  You can already see the trees starting to bud.  Some have even started to bloom a little.  When I first moved here to the South, I was introduced to the fact that there are supposedly several different "winters."  I should ask my Grandfather which one we are in now . . . is it hackberry?  dogwood?  Is there even such a thing as a hackberry winter?  I don't even  know.  What I do know is that I can hear the birds singing out my window when the sun is making his way out of slumber. . . there is the slightest hint of color on the otherwise bare trees in our backyard. . . and tufts of green grass are pushing their way up through the very barren terrain known as my front lawn.  With just these few things to keep me going, perhaps I may be able to sit back a little and patiently await the arrival of spring.  

.love is in the air.

. . . is in the air . . . 

There is no doubt, Valentine's Day is close at hand, with shops all adorned in the usual mix of red, white, and pink decor.  Florists are making way to provide the gentleman his gift of a dozen red roses while the candy shop, with its special edition chocolate desire filled walls, has the perfect heart shaped caramel chew for the one you love.  Valentine cards are being carefully, or carelessly, chosen.  Somewhere, a beautiful evening of candlelight and soft melody is being meticulously choreographed while elsewhere, a night with a stack of chick flicks and a tub of rocky road ice cream is being expected.  You can't help but love, or loathe, this time of year!  Well I say we take the time to celebrate the gift of love, of friendship, with all those who have brought smiles to our hearts and who continue to enrich our lives!

"Love is, above all, the gift of oneself."

~Jean Anouilh

.out antiquing. . . well, sorta.

Hello all!  Well I have to say that I am so grateful for the warmer weather we've been getting lately.  The windows are open and it feels wonderful. . .  Yesterday, I couldn't help myself.  I needed to get out of the house and away from the city for a little while.  So, the little one and I went on a road trip to Bell Buckle, Tennessee.  It's a quaint town about 45 minutes southeast of Nashville.  The town has been pretty well known for it's annual arts and crafts fair held in early Autumn.  I love it for its antique shops all in walking distance of each other.  

As the little one and I walked from Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor (I'll have another post of this place at a later date) to the main strip, I noticed another antique shop that didn't seem to be open.  In the bottom right hand corner of the storefront window, was a rather worn piece of paper.  It had been tucked into a plastic sleeve that was taped to the glass.  I couldn't help but chuckle after reading what it said.  It reads:

HOURS:

Most days I open about 9 or 10 AM

Occasionally as early as 7, but some days

as late as 12 or 1.  I close about 5:30 or 6,

occasionally about 4 or 5, but sometimes

as late as 11 or 12.  Some days I'm not here

at all, but lately I've been here just about

all the time, except when I'm someplace else.

But I should be here then too!

I sure hope this helps.

Walking into an antique store with a toddler on your hip was, how do you say. . . WORK.  Mommy was quite enthralled with all the goodies that the Bluebird and Phillips General Store had to offer, well so was wee one.  Needless to say, I didn't get to do my usual fine-toothed comb stroll through the shops, but what little bit I was able to take home with me (like a bag full of antique buttons, two spools of thread, a tea cup and saucer, vintage packet of seeds, a glass bottle and two bowls) I was quite happy.  And we didn't break anything!!  I think on my next trip, little one may need to stay at Grandma's house.  It was such a wonderful break from all the busy-ness here at home.  I hope you all have had and are having a wonderful weekend.  Hopefully, you'll have time to soak in some warm sun before winter brings back its frigid bite!