HAPPY EARTH DAY 2013!
'UBUNTU' in the Xhosa culture means:
"I am because we are".
Thanks for the quote Sam!
Today Sharon and I hosted a luncheon honoring our planet~
Below are a few of the photos.
Hope you have had a great day too!
xox
Constance
The engravings of Pierre Amédée Varin are most enchanting, especially for butterfly lovers like me!
Hope you will enjoy!
xox
Constance
Lafayette Style
(Alligator wearing a fez and sporting beads at Prejean's)
New Orleans Style
(Buskers a few weeks ago on Royal Street)
Natchitoches Style
(At the Krewe of St. Denis Ball)
And Jefferson, Texas Style!
(King Cake for Mieko and Garys party and The Children's Mardi Gras Parade celebrated yesterday)
Where ever you are in the world my friend, I wish you a Happy Mardi Gras!
xox
Constance
There is a box my mother saved after my father died filled with his things, so today I was looking and having myself a good cry when I came upon this touching letter:
Dear Mr. Joe,
Have you ever noticed how things happen to you when you least expect them?
Several weeks ago there were some matters, which crept into my mind and heart troubling me, and they seemed to grow and grow. We all have these days when we can't sort things out well. The molehills began to be mountains and they were consuming me. I decided to get out and walk which always helps to put things into perspective and rest my mind so I can think.
The day was an unusually pretty one, but those thoughts were still in the back of my mind...popping in and out. I turned up Line Street and traveled my usual route. Then "out of the blue" the most wonderful sound of lively banjo music filled the air. A huge smile spread across my face and I wanted to sit on the steps and soak it all up. I slowed but continued to move on down the street. The music followed me several blocks until it was gone. Gone from my ears. But not my heart. It smiled too!
I was amazed how much lighter my step was on the way home. Things as always, took care of themselves and those mountains are now a thing of the past I don't even remember what they were today, but I do remember the music that lifted my spirits. Not only that day but even today. I smile when I think of that music floating down the street.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for something you didn't even know you had done for me when God sent me down your street that day. I hope your windows will be open again when I travel that way and you will bless me again with your "HAPPY" music.
Thank you again,
Julane Thomas
There is a magnificent power in letting others know when you like something. Even this letter has blessed me and reminds me how we are all touching one another, many times without realizing it and of the healing qualities of happy music.
xox
Constance
What makes me Happy?
Fantastic health, feeling well
Having Pete with me, loving me and helping navigate our lives, together
Connecting with friends in person, by phone or online
Loving Coco
Being Debt free
Having access to the internet
Fresh Air
The Ocean, a Lake, Water in General
Exercising
Dancing
Creating
Making the effort to look nice, feeling well dressed
Creating a new outfit with what I already own and my imagination
When the hair and or makeup Gods look down upon me
Inventing a new way to tie a scarf
Teaching, helping others unleash their creativity
Entertaining, especially Creating a magical party for those I care about
Making party favors
Thinking of and creating unique gifts
Gift wrapping
Having things to look forward to, especially parties
Reading a good book
Bathing in a hot bath
A back massage
Laughing
Having Fun
Costume parties
Making Masks
Painting
Loosing myself in the creative process
A good movie
Watching Downton Abbey
Good music, playing it or listening to it
Beholding the Sunset and Sunrise and the Moon
Beholding a clean home after cleaning it myself
Light streaming into our home
Making old things anew
Creating Puppets and Puppet Theaters and soon orchestrating Puppet Shows
Having Faith
Overcoming a fear
Becoming a new creation
Learning something new
Realizing that I CAN read directions!
Creating a beautiful environment
Saluting a stranger, who winks back
Beautiful scents.....my special candles, two perfumes, a certain bubble bath, fresh citrus and peel, the scent of the ocean, vanilla, mint, nutmeg, magnolias blossoms, tuberose, basil, mint, laundry dried out of doors, chocolate, stargazers, French soap that smells like milk
Drinking wine and coffee, taking tea
Eating a fine meal, enjoying a delicious dessert
Working hard to achieve something and then finally getting it!
Beaming in something I really need or want
Taking photographs
Flowers
Having new and unique experiences
Meeting people that feel secure in who they are
Meeting people in general
Learning new things
Teaching what I know
Inventing a new recipe
A good nights sleep
Textiles, I heart textiles..they make me happy
Miniature things
Being with creative people and listing to their ideas
Brainstorming
Becoming inspired by another person, image, nature, pinterst, etc
Feeling connected to others
Doing something unexpected and making others happy
Seeing my toes and fingernails manicured
Seeing others well, and or creatively dressed
Creating magic and wonder for others
Standing up for someone who is unable to speak for themselves
Being Free because of living in the U.S.
Nature
Caring for the indoor plants, esp the orchids
Having things to look forward to
Singing and playing my guitar
Using my time wisely
Black and brown tights
Skirts
Suzani boots
Making others happy
Giving
Embracing that Change is inevitable and realizing (like today), that change can be GOOD!
Accepting the gift of life and embracing each phase.
Accepting that my life is beautiful and perfect.
Creating inner radiance by caring for and tending to my mind, spirit and body
Using my left hand
Being alone
Being with people
Thrifting
Cotton and cashmere and silk against my skin
Praying for others, our planet, myself
Remembering the great times I had with my dear mother
Thinking about what I learned from my mother
Dusk
When I force myself to be patient
When I live up to my commitments
These are a few of the important things that make me happy! What about you?
Happy and Wonderfilled 2013!!
xox
Constance