Vive La France

I don't know what it is about the European culture that has intrigued me for most of my life. It may stem from the stories of my parents who travelled as an Air Force family, or it may stem for the wonderful old movies that I watched as a girl where most everyone from "foreign lands" seemed exotic and interesting, or maybe the fact that, as with many youngsters, anything other that what we are may be, for the moment anyway, desirable.


For me England, France and Tunisia have been the countries to which I have been most drawn. Growning up as citizen of the Unites States of America, the introduction to England and all her glory begins nearly in utero. Follow that with an ongoing diet of British-Comedies from As You Like It to Monty Python to Keeping Up Appearances to Chef! and Coupling and sprinkle in the real life dramas and celebrations associated with the monarchies and anything associated with Jane Austen, Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench (is it weird that I love the decor of the "flat" inhabited by Jean and Lionel; or, that I would wear anyone of her outfits to volunteer at the children's school?), along with the fact that language is no barrier, how could I not have developed a great affection for jolly old England. Did I mention that my bachelors degree is in English?

Frame from I Love Lucy - Lucy Meets Charles Boyer

(Image courtesy of www.cbs.com)

Then, I hear french being spoken and it sounds so lovely to the ear. Having seen the I Love Lucy in France reruns and having artful experiences with french artists, and taking semesters of french in college, and learning about the lifestyle where simplicity, authenticity and balance seem suitable for my personality, well that was all it took. I dub me - francophile. I've decorated most common areas of my house in rather a French Country motif. It is mixed with the sort of early american/colonial, too. (How could it not be? I live in a suburb in Northern Virginia so the colonial influence cannot be escaped.)

Tunisia (sometimes Morocco) beckons me. My father took home movies of his visit to Morocco back in the early 1960s. The images of the souks and markets were so exotic and exciting a little girl (moi) watching and wondering if she would ever be able to visit such a place as this. As an American of African descent, I feel a draw to visit the continent of Africa. As one hears the stories of great unrest in the largely islamic countries in North Africa, I am less likely to visit there any time soon. Still I so, enjoy visiting vicariously through others. When the Real Housewives of New York visited, I couldn't wait to record and watch it. It still looks like an amazing place to visit. Oh, and did you know that - after arabic - french is an official language.

I taught my sons a few french phrases in the interest of good manners and etiquette (okay - and to amuse myself). Call me crazy; but, I would rather my son say "I would like something to eat please" or "I would like the bathroom please" in french rather than English when we are in the company of other adults.

Resources for learning and practicing French are many. I shared in a previous posts how Madames Dariaux and Guiliano have influenced my lifestyle. Here are a few more:

Earworms Rapid French - The best method of learning useful phrases in a fun way.

Professor Toto's Watch & Learn French has been a useful tool in introducing the language to my sons.

Image courtesy of Lifestyle-Vogue.com

Belle Du Jour is my all time favorite movie to hear the language spoken and see an amazing sense of style. Catherine Deneuve is magnificently dressed from top to toe. Sadly, the subject matter is a bit offensive and disturbing so I rarely recommend it IRL. Also, may I just add, although I've seen it several times, I must confess, I still don't really get it - someday someone will have to explain it to me. I just fast forward through the less than tasteful scenes to get to the next outfit.

Priceless is one of my more recent french finds. Audrey Tautou (who also played the lead in the movie Coco Before Chanel) and Gad Elmaleh are so adorable is this fresh flick with beautiful backdrops. The music and rhythm of the movie is just right. What I didn't realize until this typing is that the story lines are comparable. Hmmm.

My Life in France is a fantastic book which has brought me the most joy in fantasizing what life in France might be like for any USAmerican. Julia's story is so remarkable in so many ways. I have said that I wish I would have read this book the day it hit bookstores as it contains some truths and wisdom that I could have really used when I made my big move from the West Coast to the East Coast. I really love Julia Child's wit and joie de vivre.

It no longer surprises me that our nation's founding fathers enjoyed time in France, or that France is that official language of the United Nations in New York, NY (USA). The fact that my husband grew up in a part of the southern US where French Huegenots settled and that he has a rather french-sounding last name is a happy coincidence. Also, it turned out that of all the languages offered, he, too, took french courses during his undergraduate studies. Another coincidence, is that when we first visited Washington DC as a family, we were invited to a party at the French Embassy where the people were lovely, the food was excellent and the artwork breathtaking. While I know I'm totally not french, I promise you the french connections do not stop there.

I have ocassionally experimented with my french language skills by trying to use it with the french canadian kids who have come into my life - the mothers always end up correcting me; and, I don't mind at all. I always apologize (for brutalizing their language) and thank them (from keeping me from looking like a buffoon).

I will continue to explore bits about France for as long as it interests me and dream of the day that I will visit.

Au revoir!

 

I am a Couponer

Before a month ago, the only coupons I ever used were the occasional Lord & Taylor 25% off coupons that come in the Washington Post at the end of seasons or coupons for deals at food places that my children would get as reward through the summer reading programs at the Public Library. But, after watching several episodes of TLC's Extreme Couponing, talking with couponing moms whilst volunteering at the school IRL, talking with my sisters and reading thekrazycouponlady, I took the plunge and have been couponing for the last few weeks. And, oh what a feeling!

This book with the sassy (maybe they are just southern) title was written by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler of thekrazycouponlady. These ladies are so cute and enthusiastic about the process. Disclosure - I have not read this book so I can't say it's a "must have" for your Homemaker's Library. (Although, I must say, it does have great reviews at Amazon.) I am hopeful that we might be able to obtain a copy at our public library someday soon. 

As a homemaker (who is hunting for a part-time gig to support my list of wants), I believe that I am contributing to our family's bottom line and quality of life as I obtain regular and needed items at a fraction of the usual cost. When one saves moneyover here, she has funds for over there.

Children learn about needs vs. wants in lower elementary school in our county's public school system. As I see it, "needs" are those things that are required for survival whereas "wants" are things that are strongly desired for emotional reasons. (OK. I just made up those definitions. Still, I think that's pretty good.) My "wants" more often than not fall in to the "services" or "experiences" category more than goods. For me, my quality of life increases with a bit of pampering and doing things that are out of my ordinary. Here's a good worksheet for beginners - and newlyweds:) - Need vs. Wants Worksheet @ SmartAboutMoney.org.

Now, I am watching what store is doubling or even tripling coupons. I've learned that coupons and "rewards" are available to help me to conserve my funds for more of the needs and occasional splurges for those wants. I'm learning to organize my little envelope of coupons and to actually watch the cashiers ring to make sure I get my best and accurate price. Scanning errors happen frequently and seemingly always in the store's favor. It's crazy. While I don't expect to be one of the lady's with the big binder who's pushing two carts filled with pasta and toothpaste (because there is no way to do that elegantly), I do expect to a few more "services" and "experiences" to come my way. Meanwhile, my next goal is to have a receipt that shows that I saved more than I paid at a grocery, pharmacy or discount store.

So today, I proudly proclaim - channeling President John F. Kennedy's Boston Accent and passion during his Ich bin ein Berliner "I am a Berliner" speech from June 26, 1963 when JFK spoke in Germany but a little more quietly - I am a Couponer.

Feeling Soupy (or Fall is Here)

I. Love. Summer. I always have. I grew up in Southern then Northern California where I experienced 2.5 of the 4 seasons of the year (which explains some of my disconnect to life here in in the Mid-Atlantic/Northern South Region of the great United States). Still, summer seems to be the happiest time of the year for me. I always need a bit of a nudge to change my mindset to things autumnal.

As we transition into Fall, I am re-reading French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. She gives a wonderful perspective on that to which we have to look forward in the coming weeks. As I read yesterday, Madame Guiliano imparted wisdom on the beauty and bounty of autumn - particularly the seasonal foods that abound, the importance of continuing to partake in outdoor activities as weather allows and the use of scarves for pulling together a simple and elegant fall look. I have a few scarves which I enjoy. I'm just not very creative with them, Still, I'm looking forward to pulling them out - long with some woolen plaids, tweeds, and corduroy. Fall can be fun. Next week the boys and I will visit a local farm with friends and season will be in full swing.

I have to tell you. 1.) I am a bit of a Foodie. I enjoy eating well-prepared whole foods. I like preparing dishes (that take fewer than 8 ingredients including salt and pepper) and I collect cookbooks - the most prized of which are those with amazing pictures. Don't tell anyone but I bookmark a few cooking-related blogs just to read the recipes and look at the pretty pictures. The best blog hands down of this genre is Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman. I dare you to visit over there, click around and not be inspired to cook...or at least eat. Ree reminds me of Elsie Masterson of Blueberry Hill Cookbook fame. I picked up a terrific first edition at a book sale at our local library a couple of years ago. (I so appreciate the public library. Thank you, Benjamin Franklin.) This cookbook is wonderful to read although I must confess that I've not attempted to create any of the recipes yet. Regardless, in a literary sense, I love the way it's written as though she is simply jotting down cooking instructions for a friend.

I quite admire each of these women for their efforts and success in transitioning in the manner of dear Martha (Stewart, of course) from Big City Successful Professional Single Lady to Rural Domesticated Wife/Mother Who Has Carved Out a Successful Business in Homemaking. This season I have a goal to make something good involving squash, some kind of oatmeal-apple sweet, and a savory hearty soup for which the lads will beg me to make on the chilly days ahead. I imagine my future (aproned) self ladling snack-sized portions into bowls for them. I'm thinking of some kind of chicken soup and a vegetable chowder or cream soup of sorts. Note to self - Must acquire Soup Tureen. If I master it, I might even have friends over for soup and crusty bread. OK, getting carried away.

Meanwhile, the reality of the new season continues to come into focus. It was Back to School Night this past week at the children's school. Tuesday evening for the younger lad; Thursday evening for the elder. My husband and I continue to be pleased with the school to which we transferred them last year with hope for a smaller more academic and nurturing environment for learning. School clubs are underway and Our sons are excited about them. Our older son was feeling rather chuffed as he's been elected by his classmates (along with one other student) to represent his class in Student Council. 14 of the 27 students in his class asked to be on the ballot and applied for the "job." I'm proud of him just for trying something new and continuing to blossom and not seeing himself as "the new kid" anymore. 

I accept that it's time to pack away most of the shorts and tee shirts until next spring. (Of course, I'll leave out a few for warmer days and because my lads are just happier when they are wearing shorts for some reason.)

It's not terribly cold this morning and we have a break between rain showers, I may just take my bike out for a quick ride before the male people in my house rise. Happy Fall!

Long Live Rowenta - Promaster 2011 Rules!

"If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it:

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

- William Morris

Continuing my search for a new iron was an interesting undertaking as I tend to want to become a subject matter expert when in acquisition mode. Suffice it to say, that based on my fantastic experience with my first Rowenta, I decided to just go to the Rowenta Website or perhaps return to QVC and pick up the latest version. This is when I discovered that over the last decade and a half, Rowenta has produced loads of ironing and/or steaming products at many price points with numerous variations. Some irons, some steaming units. Some made in Germany, some made in China. Some with a larger sole plate, some with a smaller one. Some with larger water tanks, some with smaller. There were so many variations and configurations regarding the steam holes. The list goes on and on. Still, I must replace my original iron toute suite as my sons wear uniforms to school and I will not have them receiving the award for "The Most Unkempt Student." Seriously,timely removal from the dryer can do only so much for pleated khaki shorts and 100% cotton OCBDs and polos with the embroidered school logo. A really good iron is a necessity. I have finally decided to stop beating up on my old iron and let it go. Thank you for your guidance, William Morris.

My Original Rowenta Professional Powerglider

R.I.P.

After (too) much research and evaluation, I decided to go back to my original source - QVC. At QVC, I could read reviews, maybe see a demonstration video and even do some price/feature comparisons. I am fully willing to pay a little extra for some of the peace of mind I have when shopping with "The Q." So after some clicking and viewing, I ordered this lovely new lavender (not my color choice; but, c'est la vie) iron; and in a few days, she was beginning her new life in my ironing room (a.k.a., our guest room). 

Rowenta Acti-Steam 1700w Steam Iron with Variable Steam Option

The Replacement

I immediately put the new girl to work. She put out good bursts of steam (although the bursts didn't feel as powerful as that of her predecessor. The sprayer worked well (that function hasn't worked on my other iron for at least two years). She got the job done. BUT, the buttons that engage the bursts of steam and the sprayer are narrow and awkwardly placed on top with some weird controller gauge between them. The gauge was so very petit that I operated it with my thumbnail. Then I realized that I was working harder. More passes over the fabric (we are big on natural fibers and that means wrinkles). More thumbpresses and more time being spent. I compared the sole plates and found that the new iron's was considerably smaller. Then I began to question my decision. So here's what - I love seeing pretty things. I enjoy using products that are beautiful and efficient. And, I LOATHE shopping. I like to just get the best that I can, that is the most right for me, in the most efficient way possible.

What I know for sure is that 1.) I shall be using this iron in earnest for at least 10 years on a nearly daily basis; and, 2.) this Rowenta Acti-Steam isn't quite cutting it. I feel like I need to fire her. But (and this takes me back to my days as a corporate manager), is it her or is it me? Do I have unreasonable expectations? Do I just need to get used to her and the fact that her ways are not what I'm used to? Will that sickly lavender/mauve coloring become irrelevant after a while?

As I'm pondering my next step, the craziest thing happened. I flip on the telly and what item is being highlighted on QVC as the Today's Special Value - cue the music - It's The Rowenta Fall 2011 Fashion Week Promaster Steam Iron. Oh, the presentation was awe-inspiring! This iron looks AMAZING! It has everything I would want in an iron (except the printing on the side that says " Mercedes Benz Fashion Week" on the side with that MB symbol since I'm no Fashionista nor am I a Germanophile or super label-conscious). But, no matter, this iron even has a feature that I never thought of - a precision tip! I couldn't order it fast enough. A couple of days later, I unpacked this little beauty.

Rowenta Fall 2011 Fashion Week Promaster Steam Iron

The Newest Member of My Team

I packed up that lavender replacement (turns out she was just a "temp") and off she went back to the Q. She might be fine and good for some families. But, we need an iron with a little bit more, well, just more. I've used my Promaster on probably 20 items in the last day or so and can see us making beautiful music together for the next decade. Enjoying the bursts of steam sending fragrant puffs of warmth through our clothes and into the air.

This afternoon, I think I'll watch my recording of an old Martha Stewart Show with a segment called Ironing 101. Ooooo, I can't wait to tackle the bed linens. C'est Bon! 

The End.

P.S. I know I shouldn't get this excited about ironing; but, I do!

Edited to note that The Martha Stewart Shows that I have recorded the ones from YEARS ago when it was shown on Sunday mornings. Those shows were soooooo much better than the current shows with the live audience. I find all the applause and gasps and ooooo's and aaahhhhh's from the audience - not to mention the stream of "celebrity" guests - completely distracting and wrong. Call me a purist. I miss the neat and articulate Martha who embraced keeping and enhancing things at home. Those wonderfully simple shows began with a single strumming guitar followed by Martha's soothing voice and the ocassional sound of paper or board being cut and tools being lain down on a worksurface. She treated her subjects/topics with the care of a college professor and invited us to take these tasks seriously, too. And, I love that about the old Martha. I am hopeful that she will see the error of her ways and return to why we all adored her in the first place.

Beloved Rowenta circa 1994 - R.I.P.

In 1994, I had been married for about two years. We were DINKs (Dual-Income, No Kids) and I saw a product on QVC that I believed would easily bring joy to our humble dwelling. The product was an incredible steam iron from Rowenta. This Rowenta Powerglide Iron was Made in Germany, generated large bursts of steam, glided effortlessly as I ironed. It was magical. I actually came to enjoy ironing. It was somewhat therapeutic. The fragranced steam. The rhythm of the movement. The immediate feeling of accomplishment. During the time I was ironing, I felt that I had control in a world of chaos (to paraphrase Dionne from the movie - Clueless). Husband was amazed that I'd paid three of four times (if not more) the cost of our previous iron for this one. But, he totally "got it" after he used it.


So after, 17 years of excellent service, our original Rowenta has given up the proverbial ghost. The last few months were brutal with the banging and shaking to turn on and stay on. It became clear that all the internet research and troubleshooting in the world would not further extend the life of this iron which had already given so much.


I set off to find a replacement iron. Nothing would do except another Rowenta of course. Why change horses mid-stream? Why fix what isn't broken? After all, I thought, if Rowenta created awesome irons in the 1990's, they must be producing amazing ones now. I mean I would prefer to simply replace my dearly departed iron with an exact same make and model; but, if that isn't available due to some fantastic new technology, I'll take it. So I cast myself on to the internets, to see what the world of Rowenta offers in 2011. Boy, was I in for it.


To be continued...

What I learned from WETV's Downsized

I am not a huge TV fan. However, on ocassion, when I'm not super busy doing something more worthwhile, I do enjoy a few shows that offer a bit in the way of financial education - ie, 'Til Debt Do Us Part, Princess, Biz Kids, ahem-clears throat, The Real Housewives (excluding New Jersey, of course), etc. Today I spend some time catching up on the Downsized series on WE. I had the first 5 episodes of the new season recorded and I needed to get through them - in order - because that's how I am.

Downsized premiered last year. The shows premise is basically The Brady Bunch hits hard times when the economy tanked. I would probably enjoy the show more if the family were more likable/admirable. I think the dad is pretty awesome. He is a strong, affectionate, articulate hardworker; and, he seems to have a vision for his family. The mom has a generous spirit and strong caregiving energy. She is a lower elementary school teacher and really seems to enjoy teaching. The kids are not my favorite part of the show. Actually, the show might actually be better without them being allowed to speak on the show. But, that's neither here nor there.

One of my take aways from the show (and I have several) is the concept of the a couple having a Financial Advisor. It's crazy that I never thought about it before. Sure, we think about having a Spiritual Advisor (clergyman), or Fitness Advisor (coach/personal trainers), or even a Family/Couples Therapist. How many families could have avoided being so hard hit by the recent collapse had they not had some clear objective advice on whether to or options on how to fund things like buy a house, rental properties, new car, boarding school, specialty camps, college, Staying Home to Raise One's Own Children, cosmetic surgery, etc.

That's brilliant!  I love it! A Financial Advisor!

What's a Smart Woman Like you doing At Home?

In this morning's Washington Post was a confounding Q and A in Judith Martin's Miss Manners Column. In case you haven't seen it, take a look here.

Normally, Miss Manners has a good response. Today? Fail! I'm sure she is weary of the situation; but, a conservative/traditional wife and mother could never say what Miss Manners suggests. The fact of the matter is that I - an "At Home Mom" for  several years - still have issue with this reaction due to current societal expectations. When my younger child began school, the response has become even more harsh. It just seems to bug some people (particularly women) that I don't have career-related anxiety. (Believe me, the stakes in my "career" are mighty high considering the success and failure of my efforts directly impacts my family immediately and quite possible future generations.) I've had to reference one of my favorite suppobooks called What's a Smart Woman Like You Doing at Home? by Linda Burton, Janet Dittmer, Cheri Loveless. (By the way, although somewhat dated, this book should be required reading for any intelligent and/or educated female considering or making this decision to "stay at home.")

What has helped me is that I have recently been hired by our school district as "Degreed Substitute Teacher." I can now say with truth and conviction "I substitute teach." Mind you, I have no interest in teaching permanently. (God bless the teachers who have that calling in life!) My husband and I own a handful of rental properties so I used to respond that I worked at home in our Real Estate Holdings Company; however, after the collapse of the industry, let's just say, the party mood would be dampened. But, I have found that people feel less defensive and disinterested when they are talking to a "sub" as they no longer feel like you are judging them if they are (or their wives are or mothers were) mothers who had to/chose to work outside the home.

(Additionally, I get that the disbelief that I may be "wasting" my education and experience might be a compliment in that someone sees that I have such amazing talent and skills that they would love to have someone such as myself working in their office to help achieve organizational goals. And I'm flattered. Note - I never volunteer that I don't work outside the home - not because of shame, but for the sake of peacefulness and kindness.)

If they still seem interested in conversing (which is often NOT the case), I might share about my hobbies and interests. What is so super sad and boring to me is that there are so many people who have NO interests or hobbies. They are learning NOTHING on a day to day basis. They just move through the day in a herd waiting to be told by their "bosses" what to do. Do they honestly think it's fun or interesting hearing them talk about their sad grey lives in cubicle farms, or what an annoying customer or coworker said, or how inept their manager is, or what they are going to buy with their latest bonus (wait, that last one might be interesting) - well, you get my point.

Let's face it - Specific work talk is usually pretty boring (unless your work affects me - i.e., you are the P.O.T.U.S. or my husband).

I have found that the "working people" with whom I share the best conversations are those few who either are entrepreneurs, independent contractors, teachers, artists and business owners because they often speak to passions, creativity, accomplishments, goals and they are more dynamic.

It is the same kind of energy that I get from at-home moms who truly love what they are doing and are fully engaged in care, development and wellness. These at-home moms are the ones to which I so relate. (The at-home moms who basically just keep the kids fed while they all use technology or other people to entertain themselves all day? Not so much.) Listen, I have come across a handful of at-home dads and dads who are Primary Caregivers who are amazing and interesting fellows. I can imagine that in this culture, the condescension and ignorance is even greater for them.

While I recognize that this may be a defense mechanism/coping adaptation, here is my response for all those who are unable to comprehend why a mother might choose to expend her personal resources in the pursuit of parenthood and homemaking:

"I realize that being the primary caregiver for one's own children isn't for everyone. One must really appreciate her child and the complexity of a mother's relationship with said child, the sanctity of childhood and the home that you make for him. You have to really be willing to learn on the job every single day, research, develop and implement micro-programs and be willing to sacrifice salary, bonuses, prestige and pats on the back for a job well done. I know that in 2011 USA that's not always financially possible. I also know that to many people who grew up middle or lower class combined with the modern day quest for validation and 'stuff' makes my choice seem strange. I know it's hard for you to understand. So if you'll excuse me..." Turn and walk away.

I wonder how Miss Manners would like my answer.

INTJ - At Home, In Law, In Life

About 15 years ago, the company for which I worked bought a Meyers-Brigg (MBTI) program. Long story short - my responses indicated that I fall solidly in the Introversion-Intuititve-Thinking-Judging (INTJ) camp. At that time, I was very comfortable with the results and could even understand better about my approach to working effectively in that environment.


This morning I took a Jung-MeyersBrigss Assessment that is available on-line at Humanetrics.com. I was thinking that the lifechanges experiences spent since then have certainly made me more extroverted and more perceiving, as well. However, what I learned is that after 15 years, a move to a new coast, two babies that are three years apart, the transition from Corporate America management team member to Homemaker, and a bevy of other changes, I remain - INTJ. (Although, I must mention that my T is quite low and has likely moved more in the direction fo F. Not sure if that's a bad thing.)  I thought that was weird. I mean, I feel different - more mature, more grounded, more holistic, more authentic, much more open than I did at that time.


Then, I thought (at we INTJers tend to do) about my approach to raising our children and to homemaking. I know that it is rather different that the way many people I seem to view it. I was always perplexed when someone might pose the infamous "What do you do all day?" question. I would wonder if the person asking could really be that lazy (Are you kidding me? There are always matters that require attention in your domain), ignorant (How do you not know that there are hundreds of ways that you could make real improvements to your family's well-being and the time it could take to make things significantly better?), or boring (Do you really have no hobbies or interests? Is there nothing and no one that you want to  learn about?).


Now it makes sense. It's not their fault. I really am uncommon - statistically speaking - when it comes to my applying the INTJ's modus operandi to husbandkeeping, homemaking and parenting.

Another very amazing and interesting discovery at the Humetrics site is where it suggests two career fields that would suit me as an INTJ - Lawyer and Librarian. The astounding thing is that these two fields are indeed at the tip top on my list of what-I-want-to-be-when-I-grow-up, so to speak. The Librarian part comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me as a bibliophile. The surprise to some might be to know that, if I had the resources, I would be in Law School right now yesterday!

Let me clarify that the "Lawyer" that I have in mind for me is one who has studied the law, acquired expertise/certification and now advises clients as well as composing and reviewing contracts. I am NOT thinking of an "Attorney" or a litigator who now represents clients in court or in front of a judge trying to argue, persuade, defend and negotiate sentences. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't suit me.

The beauty part of earning a JD is that I would totally benefit from it personally - as would my family. I could impart some of my legal wisdom to my sons as well - particularly in the area of contracts for goods and services. Imagine rarely, if ever, having to pay for legal advice again. I'm thinking I could barter services, too. Also, it is something I could make a living at until I die. Really. I have to think of my future.

I wonder if it's common for the typology to stick for life. I wonder if people - particularly mothers - with JDs who are/were unhappily practicing law happened to be types other than INTJ. I wonder if it's really too late for me to attend Law School. I wonder if aquiring a Juris Doctorate via an on-line university is as bad an idea as it sounds. I wonder if I could carve out a few hours a day, most days for the next 3 years to acheive that goal. Of course, I could. I'd just have to re-prioritize a bit.

So, do INTJs really make good lawyers? Or do they just make good Law Students? Also, would it be impossible to do it all well?  Food for thought.

September 11th

My family visited Kings Dominion (an amusement park) today with members of one of our clubs. There were thousands upon thousands of people in the park. At exactly 12:00pm, everyone and everything in the park stopped for a moment of silence to collectively remember. The silence ended when the voice of a lone soprano sang a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner. Everyone in our group stood with hands over hearts. It was beautiful and touching. When the song ended, there were cheers and applause - an appropriate response.

I am hopeful that our country will be brought closer together as we were in those days immediately following 9/11/01. I truly believe this is the greatest nation on earth for many reasons. I also believe there are quite a few things we can do better. And I have faith that we will.

I will never forget.

God Bless America!

Image Credit to www.candleandribbon.org.

Bibliophile: Exhibit A - Elegance

One of my absolute favorite books is called Elegance.

It was published in 1965 by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. I bought a wonderful old copy second hand after being introduced to Madame Dariaux via Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro published in 2004 (granted mine is an audio version -don't judge me - read by actress Elizabeth McGovern)...

...and A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions - an updated version by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux herself published in 2004.

I have to tell you. I devoured each one. I reference the 2004 Dariaux from time to time. Madame Dariaux is an absolute sage. Her writing voice and style speak to the core of all things classically and simply right. Plus she's a bit cheeky. I like that.

I'm Humming Along to Channing's Symphony

Today is the day we begin blogging. I've been reading and lurking for YEARS at several really fantastic blogs which made my entry into this venue a little daunting. Still, here I am, enjoying lovely and interesting things whenever I can and in doing so I've often come across things I'd love to share. If you're like me, you have a grand appreciation of pretty, elegant, (high) quality, functional, interesting, delicious, conscientious, fun, funny and inspirational things - particularly things that have stood the test of time. Oh, and you enjoy reading all kinds of things and lifelong learning. Come back later and I'll show you some things that have made an impression on me.

Let's conclude with this wonderful quote from a lesser known associate of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau whose name is William Channing. I discovered it recently by one of my favorite bloggers, LPC, at Privilege. The theme of the piece is at the core of my personal journey:

To live content with small means;

To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion,

To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich;

To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly,
To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart,

To bear all cheerfully,

To all bravely await occasions,

Hurry never.

In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common.

This is to be my symphony.

Dr. William Channing (1810-1884)

Inhale, exhale, reflect.