From Paris ~ With Love

Last week, we were spoiled.  Our friend, Sherry, returned from Paris with indulgent gifts, and the crumb will most likely never be the same after her over-dose on Ladurée teddy bear chocolates....she is begging for us to take her to "the city where chocolate is so pretty".  I have to admit, I love that my kid recognizes the beauty in food as well as the sharp taste buds to appreciate quality at its finest.  She makes her mama proud!

I never thought sour apple would rank high on my  Ladurée macaroon list of favorites, but its lime green goodness will hold steady in the top 5.  And there is an addiction growing over the Jean-Paul Hévin mendiants, we love  how the ginger and fig pair so perfectly with the smooth dark chocolate. So thank you Sherry for putting all our senses into over-drive ~ our eyes cannot stop looking at the  perfection of these works of art, and our taste buds are dancing with glee.  The only problem is that we are now suffering from a severe case of Paris wanderlust...

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Paris Atelier}

A wish is a magical little device that gives you hope. When you close your eyes and whisper your wish into the world it makes it feel as though your dream is absolutely possible.

I wish for travel. This wish is not only for myself but for everybody and especially for my Son. I believe in traveling to places unknown, favorite spots with wonderful memories, countries unimagined, and places that can soothe the soul and allow one to recharge. I grew up in a family that was always traveling to new and exciting locales and I have learned so many incredible things about our world and the people we share it with on our voyages. Travel brings cultures together and offers us an understanding of other people and places. It broadens our realm of just what is possible on this Earth and teaches us compassion and tolerance. It brings people and families closer together, connects us to our roots, and makes wishes a reality. 

I have visited places that I can never forget and daily long for. These places hold some of the most beautiful memories and special moments of my life. I am certain that I have left a piece of my heart in each of these spots. I long to one day share them with my son and hopefully, gift to him unforgettable memories, adventure, and the magic of possibility. Whether camping nearby for a family reunion, taking a road trip to other States, or voyaging across the ocean in search of foreign countries, travel is my wish. 

Whether you make your wishes when you see a shooting star, blow out your birthday candles, or toss a coin into a fountain or wishing well...I hope all of your wishes come true.

 

Paris Atelier is written by the lovely Judith who lives her life with a French flair. Judith shares inspiring posts of magnificent destinations and fabulous history of glamorous periods. She travels the globe in search of vintage and estate treasures which are offered in her etsy boutique, and she is currently in the process of opening a brick and mortar shop.  I look forward to visiting for the grand opening and sharing a glass of bubbly with this très chic lady!

[image by Paris Atelier]

halcyon

Melissa’s lucky man here. Today is Melissa’s Birthday, and I wanted to thank all personally for all the support to Melissa these last few days. Melissa, Gaia and I spent the weekend in Carmel-by-the-sea remembering some of our favorite family times with Ashton and quietly celebrating Melissa’s birthday. Ashton loved to run on Carmel beach and then dine on our laps at Casanova’s for dinner. As Melissa mentioned, she received Ashton as a gift the very morning of the day I walked into her life fourteen years ago on Valentines Day.  Ashton has always been our little cupid and I thank her for her arrow to my heart. Happy Birthday to our love Melissa, and Ashton you will always be in our hearts.

Our Beloved Ashton

You came into my life at the wee age of 5 weeks old.  The Georgia breeder handed you over prior to a proper weaning from your mother, so I did what any person would do who falls madly head-over-heels in love with a bundle of fur weighing no more than a sack of sugar, I bottle fed you, carried you in my coat pocket everywhere I went, and held you right by my side morning, noon, and night.  We were inseparable. 

I should have known you were extra special since you entered my world on Valentine's Day 1997.  The same day, I met the love of my life.  We always joke that if it were not for you, and your cupid arrow, then we may not have become happily ever after.  It didn't take long for you to snag his heart, and the moment I realized he adored you and never blinked a 'macho' eye when being pulled around by your leash, my heart became his too ~ truly a package deal. 

We were a great team.  Traveling around the world with you right by our sides.  Oh how you loved the gelato in Florence, the warm croissants in Paris, the white sands of Carmel, the warm breezes in Laguna, the Adirondack chairs in Tahoe, the stone hearth of a crackling Georgia fireplace, the golf cart rides in Florida, and your fluffy pillow spot at home in Sausalito.  Rarely were you ever left behind, and when you were, we fretted over how long we were apart despite the fact we only left you in the very best care of friends and family.  You were a very important part of our little family.

You have always been pure goodness, and you continued to prove this when the crumb made us a party of four.  I think you planned your hearing loss around her 6-week-old mark because you were always that wise and preferred a quiet, peaceful home.  We were never able to train you {remember, you were a puppy school drop-out}, but you trained us. 

These past 14 years went by too quickly.  You were never suppose to grow old, and I held onto you for as long as I possibly could.  Today, when I wrapped you up in your favorite blanket {warm from the dryer just like you always liked it}, I hope this was one of your fondest last memories of how much you were loved, how much warmth you brought to our lives, and how your memory will always be entangled in our hearts.

I already miss you so much.  My heart is shattered into a million pieces.  If only I could have your sweet head sleeping on my arm throughout the night, or hear your soft rumbling snore, watch you snatch a dangling piece of bread from the crumb's hand, or see you bask heavenly in a warm, sun-filled spot...if only I could just have you back.  

We have loved you so much, for so many years, and it breaks our hearts to let you go.  Good-bye my sweet girl, you were the best in every way.

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Kimberly Taylor}

I wish that I remembered to appreciate every moment with our boys each and every day, as they are growing up so quickly and will be gone before I am ready.

I wish I could take my teenagers and have their little heads to kiss, just one more time (or 100 more times as one is never enough).  I wish I could hold their soft little hands, bury my face in their sweet curls, and breathe in the scent of my babies.  I wish I could go back and nurture their precious little souls more than I did, take more time to listen to their stories, slow down enough to enjoy their childhood excitement and wonder.

I wish I could go back to the days when I was their world (thankfully I still have one of those) and no one knew more than I do.  Back when they turned to me for every skinned knee or lost stuffed toy or broken matchbox car.  When playing with their Thomas the train set or rubber dinosaurs for hours was their greatest joy.  I wish they still followed me around the farm, with their own little shovel, "helping me" in the gardens.  Days when the discovery of a ladybug, or a caterpillar, or a dragonfly could result in squeals of delight and excitement.

It is so fleeting- the time we have with these precious beings.  Before you know it, they leave their babyhood behind, become children, and then young adults.  Their lives become their own, and while they still need you just as much as they did, they don't know that.  

And then they are gone - gone off to explore their world, off to adventures of their own, off to make memories, while you are left with your own memories of your baby.  Because no matter how old they are, to me, my four boys will always be my babies.  They are my heart~

Kimberly Taylor is a daydreamer, who lives on Blackberry Farm, with a camera that captures incredible images of every day life, food, travels, and anything else which catches her talented fancy.  Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to meet Kimberly as she and her husband traveled through the wine country.  Her zest for life is contagious, and she is always in search of inspiration which leads to her grand ability of surrounding herself with beautiful moments and experiences.  

[image via kimberly taylor] 

Friendship

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, 

and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

~Thomas Jefferson

[reverie-daydream image]

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Fern & Feather}

When I think of wishes I think of them as fleeting, maybe a little impractical and full of light hearted love.... so please forgive me if my wish seems like all of these things... I wish to one day go back to Chateau Dumas with my best friends, who I have collected through my life and my family that we have created. Last summer, on my own, I went to France on the most magical trip of my life. I met up with 14 ladies who I have never met before and fed every little part of my creative soul. Although, the quiet alone time was a gift in itself, I missed my sweet husband, my precious son and dreamed of my dearest friends to share this with. I don't know why we would all find ourselves there. Maybe for a big birthday, maybe for an anniversary or maybe just because life is too short not to create magical moments. As our family grows and the fabric of our lives gets more and more vast I wish I could one day bottle up all of those sweet souls and show them my favorite place on earth.

If you have been around Reverie for awhile, you already know my adoration for Alexis and her soulful zest for life and those lucky enough to be a part of her beautiful circle of love and light.  She continues to amaze me with her creative skills and her eye for discovering vintage treasures.  Not only is she a very dear friend, but she is also a joy to work and collaborate with too.  And as for her wish....our bags are packed, Alexis, we are ready to visit your magical place ~ just say when!

[Fern & Feather Images]

April {My Month}

 

April is my favorite month of the entire year, and I was lucky enough to be born within its 30 days of blossoming Spring splendor {perhaps this has a lot to do with my adoration}. Everything is so fresh and alive.  A palette of pastels spreads across the landscapes, gardens are planted, nests are filled with life, parks and  outdoor cafes echo with laughter, winter skin is warmed by the sun's rays,  and our souls seem to be renewed with vibrant energy along with a healthy dose of languid repose.  

I'm going to soak up every bit of sunshine this weekend has to offer, and I hope wherever you are, you feel the warmth upon your shoulders too.  Bonne fin de semaine ~

[The Hammock, Giovanni Boldini]

 

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ à la parisienne}

Time with our young children is so fleeting, and their sweet minds are so impressionable and eager to learn. Before Amelia was born, I had this deep desire, and every day I spend with her, this desire grows. I wish to homeschool my daughter.

Aside from long division, spelling, biology, and French, I desire to teach her other skills, model values, and give her experiences that reach far beyond the so called academic world.

I wish to:

*Read to her and listen to her read; teach her about the value of holding old, 
musky pages in her hands and reading a real book.

*Place seeds in her hands above the rich soil; 
teach her about growing food and caring for the earth.

*Bring her to the post office as we send an order to a foreign land; 
teach her how to run a business from home.

*Sing the song "My Country 'Tis of Thee;" 
teach her to respect and have allegiance for her country.

*Take her on mission trips; teach her about serving others and selfless giving.

*Bring her to nursing homes and visit widows from our church; 
teach her about loving and caring for others.

*Give her measuring cups and mixing bowls; 
teach her how to prepare delightful, healthy meals .

*Visit national parks and foreign countries; 
teach her geography as we behold it.

*Hand her a paint brush, a needle and thread; 
teach her how to use her imagination.

*Sit at the piano with her, play a song together, sing; teach her music and its value for the soul-its ability to comfort, to produce joy, to awaken.

*Memorize  Bible verses  with her; teach her about the truth in God's Word 
and the everlasting promise it holds.

*When tragedies strike and when we encounter heartache, teach her not to be afraid, 
not to lose hope-that God has the "Whole World in His Hands."

As a parent, I believe that it is my privilege and my duty to positively shape the way my daughter views and interacts with the world around her. It is my wish to provide this wealth of knowledge from our home-everyday.

Mandy, the very sweet, beautiful, and talented lady of à la parisienne is one of those special connections that come along through blogging.  We have never met in real life, but I know the lucky day we do, it will be an instant bonding session.  I'm not sure there isn't anything she can't do ~ she is fluent {and teaches} French, designs and creates romantic accessories, captures stunning images through her camera lens, and most importantly is an extraordinary mother.

[images: à la parisienne]

Cuban Bread

Last week while in Florida, we discovered a hidden gem in the heart of Ybor City ~ La Segunda Bakery.  McDreamy and I will search out any establishment that boasts a history of upholding tradition, and this corner bakery has stood the test of time and discerning palates {including ours}.  They bake 7,000 loaves of bread per day, and  place a freshly cut leaf of palmetto across the top of each loaf to create the signature split down the middle ~ a true sign of authentic Cuban bread.

We paired our warm buttered Cuban toast with a café con leche, and there wasn't  a word spoken until every bite and sip was savoured.  

Do you have a favorite bread?  I'm determined to successfully bake bread this year, and the recipes are waiting to be tackled despite how much they daunt me.  Any suggestions or tried-and-true tips you wish to share in regards to yeasts, temperatures, and such...well, I'm all ears {and eyes}.

Rehearsal

Do you ever have those days that feel like a dress rehearsal for something big?  Hours spent in earnest preparing for the 'show', moments of anxiety, sleepless nights, and a bevy of creative thoughts crashing into one another waiting for that moment of sheer brilliance to shine and allow the 'curtain' to rise for the first act of what will inevitably set the tone for one of your life's greatest plays.  

Lately, there has been an inspirational 'storm' brewing within, and I'm working through all the stuff that tends to block the flow of piecing all the  'characters' together.  Multiple pirouettes of ideas dancing in my mind will hopefully unite in synchronized beauty allowing for a star to be born.  

Perhaps our thoughts are always in the midst of a rehearsal ~ continuously warming up to keep our creative juices flowing, pushing us to be our very best, driving us beyond those set limits, and inspiring us to achieve standing ovation performances.   

Either way, I tend to enjoy dress rehearsals and live performances, don't you? 

[The Rehearsal by Edgar Degas viewed on display at the Tampa Museum of Art's Degas Exhibition]

Wishful Thinking {Guest Blogger ~ PVE Design}

I painted this work of art in Central Park, it is of "Bethesda Fountain".  Fountains have always played a key role in my life long list of wishes. I have a photo of myself standing in front of the Trevi Fountains...pregnant with twins.  My wish was for healthy babies, and now those babies are 18 and soon will be off to college in the Fall.  Now, my wishes for my boys are that their life paths will be filled with higher learning, friendship, hard work and love.

Wishes help us to keep the positive energy flowing and what a better way than that of a fountain to symbolize the flow.

Patricia of PVE Design is a talented artist with a flair for finding beauty in everything.  She lives a healthy life, follows her passions and raises incredibly athletic and intelligent offspring.  There are no doubts that when she makes a wish, it certainly comes true.

[illustration by PVE Design]

Wishful Thinking {Guest Blogger ~ Souled}

I believe in possibilities, so I tend to wish a lot.

Some of my wishes are tiny and silly, like wishing someone would deliver almond and honey-drizzled toast to my bed every morning. Some are work-related, like wishing before every house showing that my clients fall in love and see their next home as soon as I unlock that door.

And some of my wishes are flat-out heartbreaking to me. Like wishing my life was bustling with two babies and one on her joyful way. Wooden blocks and scrambled eggs and finger paints and dance parties after late-afternoon naps. Their daddy coming home to us just as the sun goldens. And then it all begins again.

Until that wish comes true, I guess I'll keep dreaming.

Oh, that's the way with wishes, isn't it? When all of your wishes come true, all your dreams disappear.


Jamie is the beautiful bright soul behind the brilliantly written blog, SOULED.  She weaves words into stories that sparkle, and I swear she makes the stars twinkle brighter and the sun's rays cheerfully glisten every where she goes ~

[image via Pinterest]

Quinoa, Squash, & Black Bean Salad

Looking for a delicious and healthy salad?  This protein, high-fiber packed meal satisfies even the most voracious appetite.  As long as there are butternut squash available, you can guarantee we are eating this at least once a week.  

Remove the 'skin' from the squash, cut the body into approx. 1" rounds, brush both sides with olive oil (usually I add a few crush garlic cloves to the oil before spreading), then either roast or use a panini grill until softened.  In the meantime, rinse dry quinoa thoroughly prior to cooking.  Add cooked (or canned) black beans to the cooked quinoa, toss with olive oil and sea salt.  Place fresh arugula, then a large portion of quinoa, black bean mixture atop the butternut squash.  With a heavy hand, drizzle olive oil and generously add feta or goat cheese.  Grab a fork and enjoy.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Fragile

Constantly, I am reminded of how precious and fragile life truly is ~ some days are heavier reminders than others {our thoughts are with many who are suffering today}.  So much can change in a blink of an eye.  

This sweet little hummingbird suffered a crash landing into the glass door, and our cat, Cookie, ever-so-gently picked this tiny beauty up in his mouth and carried to Sean.  Rarely does a  hummingbird remain still long enough to leave the onlooker time to admire its stunning magnificence.  Sitting in the palm of Sean's hand, he/she breathed, blinked its eyes, and partook in the offering of sugar water.  And then, like a flash, it raised its body, fluttered its wings while hovering at eye level for a span of time {as if to say thank you} and then raced off with a fellow companion who showed up to add moral support. 

Kind words, simple gestures of a hug, a smile, a hand to hold, prayers and wishes, we are all here to help one another ~ great or small. 

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking ~

If I had one wish, it would be for everyone on this planet to have access to affordable and fresh organic food.  Around every corner, there would be communal gardens offering seasonal goodness and local farmers sharing the fruits of their labors with one and all.  

Healthy food, food which is the gift of the Earth, is so incredibly important to me.  My entire life revolves around it, for I am a firm believer in you are what you eat.  As the old adage states, "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away" is a simple truth.  What we put into our bodies equates to our overall health ~ Eat Good, Feel Good. 

Whenever I leave my 'bubble' of Northern California, I immediately begin to worry about where I will find the food which my family and I are used to eating.  This should not be a worry.  It is not fair to be considered 'high maintenance' because I expect local, seasonal food wherever I go.  What happened to the history of planting, growing, and eating food from a local garden?  Why has genetically engineered corn become the base for most everything in a typical diet?  

Perhaps I'm naive, but I truly believe if every person on this Earth had access to the edible greatness which comes from unaltered soils, then hunger, disease, healthcare, the environment and more would be impacted in a positive way.  

Wishful thinking of a healthier, happier world is something I do not plan to stop.  Anything is possible if we set our minds to it, take action towards change, and support the efforts of those who are making a difference.  One life, one body, one chance ~ we are all worth it.

**This post is the first of a new series, Wishful Thinking.  Each Wednesday, an admired blogger will share their thoughtful wishes.  There are no boundaries.  The platform is open to all things great and small, and I anticipate Wednesdays will be quite wonderful around here. 

Tea time ~

This is PERFECTION in every. single. way.  I've seriously considered enlarging it to LIFE size to feign having tea with someone who looks so spectacular in a turban, to drink tea with such civility, and to sit within architecture of such grandeur ~ one word:  bliss.

[Irving Penn 1951]

Petite Aventure {Napa Valley Balloons}

Early risers definitely get the 'birds eye view' of the valley.  It's a pretty spectacular event to behold these hot air balloons being prepped for their floating adventure.

I'm curious, would you go UP or keep your feet firmly planted?

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Lemon Scones

Lemons.  I have a love affair with them all year long, yet it seems these past few weeks, I've baked or cooked solely with the purpose of using this happy-colored citrus.  These lemon scones have been the tasty base for our weekend brunches...easy, healthy, and delicious.  

 Lemon Scones

yields 8

2 cups spelt flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

6 tbsp. unsalted butter (unsoftened)

1 egg

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other fruit of choice)

1 tsp. lemon zest

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl.

Drop tablespoon of butter (one at a time) into bowl as you mix on low setting.

Whisk egg and milk together and slowly pour into bowl while mixing.

Add fruit of choice and lemon zest ~ mix well.

Spoon dough onto non-stick surface, pat and shape into a 1/2 inch-thick wheel 

and cut into 8 triangles. Place each triangle onto a baking sheet, 

bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.

They are tasty with or without a simple glaze of lemon juice and powder sugar; 

however, I prefer to slather with fresh lemon curd.  Enjoy!

[Reverie Daydream Images]

14

This sweet little pug was my Valentine's Day present of 1997, and it is also the day my beloved McDreamy walked into my world. Little did he know, fourteen years later, he would still have the package deal! 

Happy Birthday Ashton ~ you fill our hearts with joy.

 

~ Here's to a weekend of conversations from the heart ~

~ Trois ~

Today, you are 3.

Your sweet, sunny spirit lights up our world.

~ Happy Birthday Little Crumb ~

Country Girl

Now that I'm a 'country' girl, I've been thinking this skirt is a definite must for Spring/Summer.  Ever since I saw it here, my thoughts have returned to its perfection...and since I'm dreaming, add those shoes to the mix too.  Those beauties would make aerating the garden soil enjoyable and chic, non?   Seriously, I might just have to try my hand at replicating this wrap-around of appliqué whimsy {or hope someone in my family catches the hint...it would be a perfect handmade birthday gift!}.

[Image via the fabulous Dustjacket Attic]

An Inspiring Siesta

There's a very special birthday happening this weekend, and it involves my Perfect 10.  Several nights a week, we have these great discussions about art, life, when and where we should go next, and constantly plotting our next creative adventure. 

So it was no surprise when I asked McDreamy what will set the tone for his year ahead, he simply stated "A Siesta by Sargent".  As an artist, he finds inspiration in every moment of the day, each color hue that graces the sky, and the minutest strokes of a Master's brush.  Just knowing he chose a masterpiece with such fluidity and graceful beauty as the theme for his year makes my heart light up ~ I cannot wait to see what this piece inspires him to do. 

[A Siesta by John Singer Sargent]

Today, I leave for Alt!  This trip has been planned for months, and I can hardly believe the check-in date has arrived.  My bags are packed, my pencils are sharpened, and my senses are ready to soak in all the great knowledge that will most definitely be shared during this conference.  I'm beyond excited to spend some time with my 'hotel mates' ~ Alexis and Jeanne.  And I'll definitely have a case of the jitters when I finally get to meet two of my blogger favs ~ Karey and Joslyn. 

But my heart will remain in California, right where it belongs with my little family. This is the first time I'm leaving the crumb for more than a few hours, and folks, there is going to be some separation anxiety {all on my part I'm sure}. Obviously, she is in exceptional hands with Papa McDreamy, so my worries are few.  One thing I know for sure, I'm already looking forward to my return back to both of their arms and a continuous stream of kisses.  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Last Evening ~

During our last trip to London, McDreamy and I enjoyed roaming through the galleries of the St. James's district, and one night, we accepted a spontaneous invite to an artists reception in honor of Paul Hedley.  Of all the beautiful pieces, this particular one, Last Evening, captured my heart, and there isn't a week that goes by that I don't retrieve the image and just stare.  I'm not  exactly sure what I adore most ~ the obvious sultry warmth of a Riviera evening, a romantic candlelight dinner on a secluded balcony, or her blissful contentment of an extraordinary beautiful moment.  This is the wonderful gift of art ~ its magic constantly lingers within our minds and renews our spirits. 

Oh the power of a brushstroke....

[Last Evening by Paul Hedley]

Granola Bars ~

I'm a big fan of homemade anything, and granola bars are no exception!  They are the perfect running-out-the-door breakfast necessity as well as an ideal companion to an afternoon espresso or tea.  {and they also make delicious, healthy gifts}  The bonus with granola is that you can 'personalize' the mix to satisfy your taste buds...

Homemade Granola Bars

{adapted from Ina Garten's Back to Basics}

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 8x12-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper. Toss the oats, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes (stirring occasionally) until lightly browned.  Transfer to a large bowl and stir in wheat germ. Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Place butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the oat mixture.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour mixture in prepared pan, wet fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.  Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. 

[Reverie Daydream Images]

2011 ~ A New Beginning

Life is a journey of change ~ a constant flow of beginnings and endings.

One of the greatest lessons of 2010 was the importance of embracing change and realizing no matter how difficult it can be at times, it happens and finding a peace with the circumstance is far easier than resisting the path life offers.  

There is a reason for everything, and every moment of each day are tiny impressions upon life's grand overall scheme.  Ups and downs, dreams and worries, setbacks and giant leaps all combine to create the beautiful portrait of our individual journeys on this planet.  

We truly do have the power to make our lives what we want them to be, and this takes courage, hard work, persistence, and a passionate belief system in one's self.

So 2010, thank you for making me a stronger person.  You offered up a load of changes, and now I know they were all for the good.  I'm going to bundle up this year's memories and lessons learned and use them as stepping stones into 2011.   I am ready more than ever to take chances and try out new territory.  My creative juices are ready to flow, my reveries are going to blossom into realities, and my heart is going to embrace everything that comes my way.

Here's to happy endings and new beginnings!

[Alphonse Mucha ~ Reverie]

Dear Christmas ~

 Dear Christmas,

Thank you for always bringing good cheer and magic to the end of a year.

You have a way of making the young and old believe  ~

And you bring a much needed dose of hope to those who deserve it most.

Pretty presents, sparkling decor, and sweet treats are lovely accoutrements to the season,

Yet the things which warm my heart the most are not really things at all.

It's the memories of my mom giddy as a child to decorate for her favorite holiday of the year,

The way my lil' brother takes such time and care in choosing that special gift for his beloved,

How a complete stranger will break into an off-key rendition of Jingle Bells while standing in line,

Smell of Christmas breakfast being cooked in my grandmother's kitchen,

Waking up early to my dad saying, "Mornin'! Merry Christmas!"

My sweet crumb's excitement over Rudolph's red nose,

The extra kisses stole underneath the mistletoe.

An increase in exchanged smiles and friendly chit-chat with most everyone you pass,

The true goodness of humanity.

Goodwill, magical cheer, joyful spirits, loving hearts, helping hands, family and friends ~

Traditions new and old, a wish of peace, and believing that dreams do come true.

Christmas, thank you for the visit ~ you always leave behind a blissful heart.

Love,

Mel

[Paris 2010 image by my wonderful friend Sherry]

That Moment ~

Do you ever wish you would have followed a particular dream?  

There are times I find myself thinking a lot about 'what if', and then I have to refocus and flood my mind with all the dreams I have followed and all those I plan to keep chasing. 

But still, a girl can't be denied that pleasurable wonder of what that moment must feel like right before taking center stage.

[Image by Erik Tomasson]

Great and Small ~

I'm making a daily effort to truly appreciate the greatness in every little thing, and it feels really good.  

Here are just a few bits that keep my cup of gratitude running over:

the tiniest perfect persimmon I have ever seen,

the purple and pink hues spread throughout the sunset skies,

tickle fests amongst a pile of pillows,

joining friends for an impromptu coffee,

hearing the crows caw for their morning crackers,

receiving a card from someone special just because,

adding pink sprinkles to a cupcake,

smell of cloves,

warmth of a newly knitted scarf,

pomegranate seeds,

warm cotton flannel sheets,

a helping hand from a stranger.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude for all things great and small.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

An Artist

Many of you know my beloved as the extraordinary photographer of Reverie images, but where his artistic soul truly comes alive is in his atelier. His palette of oils bring his inspirations to life.  To see his face after a day spent in his studio is one of the greatest gifts of my life, for his eyes dance with magic from beholding hours of brushstrokes, his contented smile lights up the room, and his soul resides in its sweetest peace. 

Le jardin de ma tante is his latest piece of beauty, and he finally gave me permission to share.  To view this magnificent work in all its glory, please visit here. 

The Art of Love ~

Love manifests in many forms ~ 

sculpting the heart, opening the mind, and embracing the soul.

[Pygmalion and Galatea, 1890, Jean-Léon Gérôme]

l'automne à Paris

Three Autumns ago, we rented an apartment in Paris for 2+ months {while the crumb was 7 months in utero}, and it was absolutely incredible!  We didn't have a checklist of must-do-see while there.  Instead, we settled into our cozy Right Bank apartment and allowed our peripatetic souls to just to go with the flow.  Our days consisted of numerous visits to the Louvre, long walks amongst the leaf-changing Tuilieries, hours sitting at our favorite cafes, reading by the fountains under the golden autumn sun, choosing fresh produce from the farmers market, frequenting our favorite boulangerie, and picking up a few {or more} could-not-resist French bebe items.  I didn't think it was possible to fall deeper in love with this city than I already was, but this extended stay pushed me overboard into the 'madly in love' category, and just like a junkie, I need a fix badly. Fingers-crossed, I hope we return soon.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

POP!

Pop! Pop! Pop! ~ don't you just love to hear the sound of popcorn popping?  The transformation of these little kernels filling up our bowls as we gather around for foreign film night {my vow to learn French one way or another} is definitely a fall/winter weekly ritual.

I'm old-fashioned when it comes to popcorn ~ stove-top popping is the only way {especially since I refuse to own a microwave, gasp!}.  Heat up organic coconut oil, add the golden corn, and let the magic begin!  Upon transferring to the bowl, add a  hefty sprinkle of Himalayan salt.  Voilà: a perfect snack!

Always looking for a few new tasty tricks, so what's your favorite way to add a bit of flavor to popcorn?