Remember way, way, way back....

Do you happen to remember this or this?  It was a full on dining room dilemma.  Well after much advice research, procrastination and sleepless nights (totally kidding, but doesn't it sound dramatic?).  I made a decision...I chose this photo:

I love the light and I thought it would really brighten up our dining space.  I blew up the photo to a hefty 3' by 4' size, had it mounted and wrapped on gator board and tada!  It's done and I pretty much adore it!  I have to give special thanks to Krissy, Charmaine, and Denise.  These ladies sent emails, offered up photos and specifics and were like my own little crack team of designers.  The rest of you deserve thanks too for simply commenting, graciously giving your opinions.  It is crazy how important the opinions of my blogging circle can be...Actually, not so "crazy."  I constantly look to your blogs for ideas and inspiration because you are all so talented, creative and/or just plain have great taste. Muwah!!!!  I refuse to decorate without you!  

Well here is the result....it makes me happy and that is all that really matters.

~Here's the scoop my friends:  I did nothing.  I sent my photo file via email here, I told them I wanted it to be 3 feet by 4 feet, mounted on gator board (1/2 inch), and wrapped around the edges (exactly what this gal told me to say).  Then I went and picked it up the next day (they were ridiculously quick and helpful!).  Finally I took it home and mounted it on the wall with Velcro (exactly what this gal told me to do).  Easy, easy...

Barn House masters Flea

I did it again, I said I wouldn't, but I couldn't stay away.  It was B's birthday weekend, so I didn't think I would have time to head out to one of my favorite country spots for the flea markets of all flea markets.  The decision was made on Thursday, but by Friday I had already changed my mind and knew that Mable and I would be heading out the next day.  In order to not earn the title of "bad mother" I made Mr. French and B come along.  Great decision!  B loved the animals and Mr. French loved the country.  Win, win, win!  

The Js outdid themselves and the dealers were above and beyond genius.  I purchased a couple trinkets, but mostly went for the snappage factor.  I love sharing them, so here is a sampling.  You can check out more on my flickr page.  I am glad I changed my mind....

This is one of the main reasons for the change of heart...one of dearest friends, Rebekah,(oh come on you know her...Little Byrd!)made her flea market debut.  I am so proud of her.  She was beaming all over place and her tent was a slice of sweetness.  

Wordless Holiday (a 2 parter folks): Part I

tutulu

We are off!  We are heading to Sunriver with the ladies.  Wheeeeeeeee!  We leave this morning and get back on Sunday.  I may be a bit scarce for awhile....or maybe not(I am not quite sure what type of technology we are dealing with).  Have a wonderful holiday!  

green is so much nicer than dried up and dead

The Frenches have been known to be a family of black thumbs.  We have killed lawns, trees, countless flowers and plants.  For awhile I had felt a sense of reponsiblitly to the leafy community not to plant anything.  This was all fine and dandy when we lived in Minnesota.  Then we moved to beautiful, lush, green Portland, where having pretty plants is almost a given.  I still had managed to stay away from vegetation, then we became good friends with the ladies next door.  

They adopted us.  They genuinely love B and he (actually we) love them.  I honestly don't know what we would do without them.  Since B was tiny he has referred to them as "the ladies."  Actually, more like "the yadies."  They are a huge part of our life and green thumbs as all get out.  Due to them I actually began to feel guilty for not taking care of our weed-filled nasty plot of land.  Especially since it is right next to such a pretty, pristine plot next door.  The Frenches have began to reluctantly make piece with the leafy kind.  We have ever so slowly began to plant and care for our vegetation.  For the first time ever we have not killed everything in sight and I have to admit I actually enjoy it.  

A huge factor in all of this is the beautiful nurseries in Portland.  Our favorite is Portland Nursery.  This morning one of our ladies mentioned she was heading out there, so B and I jumped at the chance.  I had no idea Mable would take to the nursery the way she did and actually am excited to go back without the B-man and take photos until I can't possibly take anymore.  

This whole post is a very, very, long and wordy way of saying "We went to the nursery with our neighbor and liked it very much.  I took a few pictures and would love to show you now."

Wordless Weekend: Saturday

I talk too much.  Therefor I am starting something new: "Wordless Weekends!"  There is no way that my blog addiction could possibly handle not posting so I am going to post in pictures.  I've said too much already.

d.sharp with a dash of nudo

Oh my!  It's Friday!  It's Friday and the sun is shining so brightly it hurts my eyes.  The type of hurt I am willing to take, I almost don't want to put sunglasses on because the squinting makes me happy today.  Yippee!  

We had such a nice morning we woke up and had a blind play date at the park with this amazingly talented artist/mom/funny gal and her curly haired, dark-eyed, gruff-voiced little one.  We talked non-stop, fed the ducks and watched our boys be...well be boys.

Here are some examples of Ms. D's work...could she be any more talented?    

and because I am all over the place with sunny joy I need to completely change the subject and show you this!

Sweet Nudo makes me want to adopt an olive tree of my very own.  My family is a big fan of the olive and all its wondrous forms, so Nudo is perfect for us.  

mmmmm....Mr. French is already getting the best Father's Day gift I know of (more about that later), so I am thinking he needs a tree of his very own for his birthday in July...we'll see.  Oh and because I am a huge sucker for anything prettily packaged Nudo is so up my alley. Just look at it!  

My Favorite Just Because

My favorite types of gifts are not for any particular occasion.  Christmas and Birthday gifts are wonderful, but expected .  This is why I love the "just-because- gifts" best of all, typically thoughtful, usually unique and always a surprise.  I am incredibly fortunate that one of my closest friends is the best just-becauser I know. Innocently enough, we were invited over to her house for pizza and there waiting for me was my new favorite just-because. She surprised me with this lovely succulent and a very special book.

The succulent is so sweet, but this book is perfect.  I haven't been able to take my eyes off of it since she gave it to me.  Every time I crack it open my heart turns to mush, I get a lump in my throat and I ever so gently trace the photos with my fingers, convinced I can feel their energy this way.  It is full of photos of children from the past, the 1800's to the mid 1970's, all different cultures, races, walks of life and ages.  Every photograph evokes some type of emotion: happiness, joy, sadness, love, nostalgia, compassion, etc.  It is touching.  Mr. French said it best:

"Children remind us of how much we have in common instead of focusing, as adults, on our differences."

I think this is particularly fitting in times such as these.

I Heart Monday.

I may heart these hearts most of all.....

I heart this purse.

I heart this twist and hide box.

I heart this necklace.

I heart this playset.

I heart this T.

I heart this flowerpot.

I heart this tape (found via TokyoBunnie).

I heart B in my sunglasses (no matter how many times I put them on him, I think it is hilarious).

I heart these s/p shakers (thanks for the link Alyson).

I heart this tunic (with jeans please).

I heart this window sticker.                            I heart these pjs. 

I heart this mat.

I heart these new additions to our family (thanks sweet friend).

I heart these shoes.

I heart this quilt.

I heart these magical closets (found via bloesem).

Gal's Night at Perfect Pix

Such a nice night: